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Professional Players #1
Love & Other Mushy Stuff: Would you take one for the team?
THE MUST READ ROMCOM OF 2021!
When it comes to love, sassy psychotherapist Abby Queenan has a hard time accepting her own advice. Jilted at the alter by her childhood sweetheart, she prefers to invest in other people's happy ever afters than strive for her own. When the radio station she works for announces a once in a lifetime competition, she searches for a swoon-worthy famous male guest to feature on her show and up her ratings.
Irish rugby legend, Callum Connolly is the classic example of male perfection. He's not looking for 'the one', merely 'the next one'. That is until his teammates bet he can't keep the same woman long enough to attend his best friend's wedding.
The two strike an unlikely, but alluring deal.
Can Abby finally learn to take her own advice?
Or will Callum nail his most elusive touchdown yet?
Steamy, hilarious and completely unputdownable. Reviewers are loving the first book in The Professional Players Series.
When it comes to love, sassy psychotherapist Abby Queenan has a hard time accepting her own advice. Jilted at the alter by her childhood sweetheart, she prefers to invest in other people's happy ever afters than strive for her own. When the radio station she works for announces a once in a lifetime competition, she searches for a swoon-worthy famous male guest to feature on her show and up her ratings.
Irish rugby legend, Callum Connolly is the classic example of male perfection. He's not looking for 'the one', merely 'the next one'. That is until his teammates bet he can't keep the same woman long enough to attend his best friend's wedding.
The two strike an unlikely, but alluring deal.
Can Abby finally learn to take her own advice?
Or will Callum nail his most elusive touchdown yet?
Steamy, hilarious and completely unputdownable. Reviewers are loving the first book in The Professional Players Series.
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Published February 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 14, 2022
As an Irish person I usually hate reading books set in Ireland but this one was cute
February 28, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Abby Queenan gives advice on love to those who listen to her radio show. When it comes to her own love life, its different. After the devastation of being left at the alter by her childhood sweetheart, Abby has sworn off dating.
When a competition that's too good to pass up is announced at the radio station she works for, Abby needs to find something that will give her an edge on her competitors. She needs someone famous, who will be able to provide a mans perspective on dating, to appear on her show.
Callum Connolly, hot shot Irish rugby legend, is happy with the single life and is not looking to be tied down. But this changes when his team mate bet that he cant keep the same girlfriend for 3 months.
After a chance meeting, Abby and Callum make a deal that will be mutually beneficial. Will Abby take a chance and break her own rules? Will Callum be able to stick it out or will he return to his old ways?
What I liked about this book
Fake dating is undeniably one of my favourite romance tropes so I was immediately sucked in.
The book is set in Ireland.
There are some funny moments, but Love & Other Mushy Stuff also covers some difficult topics including suicide and degenerative illness.
The book is told from the perspective of both Abby and Callum. Callum's chapters were my favourite. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between him and his team mates.
What I didn't like
The timeline is too short. Many big, life changing experiences happen within 6 months and it just takes away from the believability a bit.
I would recommend this book to anyone who liked The Ex-talk or The Hating Game.
4 stars
✮✮✮✮
Abby Queenan gives advice on love to those who listen to her radio show. When it comes to her own love life, its different. After the devastation of being left at the alter by her childhood sweetheart, Abby has sworn off dating.
When a competition that's too good to pass up is announced at the radio station she works for, Abby needs to find something that will give her an edge on her competitors. She needs someone famous, who will be able to provide a mans perspective on dating, to appear on her show.
Callum Connolly, hot shot Irish rugby legend, is happy with the single life and is not looking to be tied down. But this changes when his team mate bet that he cant keep the same girlfriend for 3 months.
After a chance meeting, Abby and Callum make a deal that will be mutually beneficial. Will Abby take a chance and break her own rules? Will Callum be able to stick it out or will he return to his old ways?
What I liked about this book
Fake dating is undeniably one of my favourite romance tropes so I was immediately sucked in.
The book is set in Ireland.
There are some funny moments, but Love & Other Mushy Stuff also covers some difficult topics including suicide and degenerative illness.
The book is told from the perspective of both Abby and Callum. Callum's chapters were my favourite. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between him and his team mates.
What I didn't like
The timeline is too short. Many big, life changing experiences happen within 6 months and it just takes away from the believability a bit.
I would recommend this book to anyone who liked The Ex-talk or The Hating Game.
4 stars
✮✮✮✮
January 29, 2021
Fake dating trope? I'm here for it! I really enjoyed Love & Other Mushy stuff. I thought Abby was a strong, relatable heroine. And as for Callum... he ticks all the boxes I want to see in a flirty, contemporary romance. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a reformation arc. My favourite part of the book though, was the banter between Callum and his teammates. It had me grinning from ear to ear.
September 13, 2021
Abby doesn't want to date EVER again. To quote her: ''There's more chance of Donald Trump having a sex change and moving to Mexico than me taking a new lover.''
Callum is what Abby likes to call a ''man-whore''. Callum says: ''I'm not a relationship type of guy. Have never been, will never be, and I certainly don't pretend to be.''
In a fun turn of events, Abby and Callum are fake dating - Callum for a bet and Abby to advance at her job as a radio show host. They are both ridiculously successful and hot, the chemistry is palpable. Callum is kind of a douche in the beginning, while Abby is the untouchable ice queen.
Can you guess what happens next?
We follow the story both from Abby's and Callums POV, and it's a 1st person narrative, but it doesn't feel limiting, as we get to hear from both of the characters and you pretty much care only about what the two of them think and do anyways!
You can read this sweet, light-hearted, fun, slightly steamy book in one sitting. The pacing isn't fast, it's literally lightning speed!
Although we touch on some serious topics, it's mostly just a fun, romantic and funny read!
Who would like it? If you're ever in the mood for a fun, straight-forward rom-com, if you enjoy loves stories starting off with fake dating, if you are a fan of the movie How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days!
Callum is what Abby likes to call a ''man-whore''. Callum says: ''I'm not a relationship type of guy. Have never been, will never be, and I certainly don't pretend to be.''
In a fun turn of events, Abby and Callum are fake dating - Callum for a bet and Abby to advance at her job as a radio show host. They are both ridiculously successful and hot, the chemistry is palpable. Callum is kind of a douche in the beginning, while Abby is the untouchable ice queen.
Can you guess what happens next?
We follow the story both from Abby's and Callums POV, and it's a 1st person narrative, but it doesn't feel limiting, as we get to hear from both of the characters and you pretty much care only about what the two of them think and do anyways!
You can read this sweet, light-hearted, fun, slightly steamy book in one sitting. The pacing isn't fast, it's literally lightning speed!
Although we touch on some serious topics, it's mostly just a fun, romantic and funny read!
Who would like it? If you're ever in the mood for a fun, straight-forward rom-com, if you enjoy loves stories starting off with fake dating, if you are a fan of the movie How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days!
February 19, 2021
"𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆𝒏. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒎𝒆."
I finished Love & Other Mushy Stuff on Valentine's Day and let me tell you that was the perfect day to read a book like this one.
Lydsey came up with a full of love book that got me hooked the whole reading, with the characters development, their history and situations.
We find Abby, who has a radio show ‘Ask Abby’ which is dedicated to giving love advice, and Callum, an Irish rugby legend and the perfect guy who every girl is in love with. One chapter will be from Abby's perspective and the next one from Callum's point of view, going on through the book.
As you can read by the title, this is a love story but more than love you will find two people afraid of it because of different situations in their live that will not let them fully love until they met the right person to do it.
I received a free copy of this book via @aquintillionreads and I'm voluntary leaving an honest opinion review
I finished Love & Other Mushy Stuff on Valentine's Day and let me tell you that was the perfect day to read a book like this one.
Lydsey came up with a full of love book that got me hooked the whole reading, with the characters development, their history and situations.
We find Abby, who has a radio show ‘Ask Abby’ which is dedicated to giving love advice, and Callum, an Irish rugby legend and the perfect guy who every girl is in love with. One chapter will be from Abby's perspective and the next one from Callum's point of view, going on through the book.
As you can read by the title, this is a love story but more than love you will find two people afraid of it because of different situations in their live that will not let them fully love until they met the right person to do it.
I received a free copy of this book via @aquintillionreads and I'm voluntary leaving an honest opinion review
April 14, 2023
Sweetly Inventive!
This first book in the Professional Players Series by author Lyndsey Gallagher is also her first book. It’s a quick and fun read.
Abby, an ‘agony aunt’ who gives relationship advice on one of Ireland’s premiere radio stations, is still recovering from being dumped the night before her wedding and vows she’s never doing that again! Of course, she’ll never tell her fans that!
Callum Connolly is a premiere rugby player with a bad knee who knows his time on the field is coming to an end. He’s never had a relationship and prides himself in NOT looking for the ‘right one’, only the ‘next one’.
But then she meets Callum and all those plans go out the window, when she needs a guest co-host to appear on her show and give advice in order to win a contest at work, and Callum can’t resist a bet with his mates that requires him to be with the same woman for three months.
What could go wrong, am I right?! Plenty… but also plenty of sweetness, laughs, mayhem, and tenderness ensue. Callum falls hard and fast, while Abby fights her attraction, and finally lets down her guard.
There’s also an interesting twist that makes this book fun to read. A good start in this series!
This first book in the Professional Players Series by author Lyndsey Gallagher is also her first book. It’s a quick and fun read.
Abby, an ‘agony aunt’ who gives relationship advice on one of Ireland’s premiere radio stations, is still recovering from being dumped the night before her wedding and vows she’s never doing that again! Of course, she’ll never tell her fans that!
Callum Connolly is a premiere rugby player with a bad knee who knows his time on the field is coming to an end. He’s never had a relationship and prides himself in NOT looking for the ‘right one’, only the ‘next one’.
But then she meets Callum and all those plans go out the window, when she needs a guest co-host to appear on her show and give advice in order to win a contest at work, and Callum can’t resist a bet with his mates that requires him to be with the same woman for three months.
What could go wrong, am I right?! Plenty… but also plenty of sweetness, laughs, mayhem, and tenderness ensue. Callum falls hard and fast, while Abby fights her attraction, and finally lets down her guard.
There’s also an interesting twist that makes this book fun to read. A good start in this series!
Read
March 14, 2022 A lady in her late sixties stands expectantly before us. She's frail, both hands crippled cruelly with arthritis, and she relies on a wooden stick for support. Her thinning hair is fastened at the back of her head in a tight grey knot. She wears a mustard coloured jumper and brown slacks cover her bowed legs.
'Don't just stand there, dear, come in." Her patronising tone is one that only a woman of her age can get away with.
Esmerelda takes my hand in her cold decrepit fingers. She scrutinises and squeezes without uttering a single word.
Bowed legs, cold decrepit fingers, grey thinning hair?? Wow! Ageist or what!!!
I stopped reading shortly afterwards. I don't care for authors who show such contempt for older people. Esmerelda might be a really unpleasant person (I didn't read far enough to be able to judge that aspect of her character) but to mock her appearance and the fact that she is elderly is beyond the pale. And believe me - late sixties might be old to the author but getting older doesn't mean you lose compassion or intelligence or the ability to be a nice person. Not all of us can be beautiful or perfect, and mocking someone's physical appearance only demeans the writer.
I'm done.
'Don't just stand there, dear, come in." Her patronising tone is one that only a woman of her age can get away with.
Esmerelda takes my hand in her cold decrepit fingers. She scrutinises and squeezes without uttering a single word.
Bowed legs, cold decrepit fingers, grey thinning hair?? Wow! Ageist or what!!!
I stopped reading shortly afterwards. I don't care for authors who show such contempt for older people. Esmerelda might be a really unpleasant person (I didn't read far enough to be able to judge that aspect of her character) but to mock her appearance and the fact that she is elderly is beyond the pale. And believe me - late sixties might be old to the author but getting older doesn't mean you lose compassion or intelligence or the ability to be a nice person. Not all of us can be beautiful or perfect, and mocking someone's physical appearance only demeans the writer.
I'm done.
October 6, 2022
While it doesn't do anything revoloutionary with the genre, its still a sweet, corny and enjoyable read. I hope there's a sequel one day.
Want to read
April 21, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/21/2023)! 🎁
March 20, 2022
I binged this series but this one was my favorite thus far. I really liked Abby and Callum. Rugby love stories are my jam and an Ireland setting made for a refreshing change. I did have to Google a few things. I did not know why the players would stay at Carlton House as I didn’t know what that was. Thanks Wikipedia. I still don’t know what the vest fashion apparel is. In the first two books, the author is a little too fond of the color cerise. I had to look that up too.
April 5, 2021
Another great love story!
Loved this from start to finish, and I’m delighted to see there is more to come in this series! Another great story from Lyndsey. I can’t wait to see what lies in store for some of the other characters.
I love Lyndsey’s books and really recommend this along with the others
Loved this from start to finish, and I’m delighted to see there is more to come in this series! Another great story from Lyndsey. I can’t wait to see what lies in store for some of the other characters.
I love Lyndsey’s books and really recommend this along with the others
August 20, 2022
While I knew going into it that it wouldn't be Book of The Year for me, I had higher expectations for this book.
The concept is sweet - Abby is ironically an love guru without a lover herself before she meets rugby hunk Callum. I can think of lots of cute ways the story plays out, and perhaps it did, if I actually finished the damn thing.
I don't like Abby. I find her character mean-spirited and two-faced to anyone that doesn't fit into her perceived normality. Being stuck in her head as we read was one of the reasons I had to stop the book. She gives horrible backhanded compliments to her best friend, her boss, her colleagues and yet we are prompted to think of her as fiery and witty! Characters are meant to have flaws but it seems Abby didn't have anything to offset hers.
Callum was a bit of a 'meh' character for me too, although if I continued the book I'd be more inclined to like him, I think. So far he's horny and he's....horny. There is so little personality here that I couldn't speak on it if I tried. Wet paper towel of a love interest.
The writing of the book is lacking as well. There's a lot of telling instead of showing, and heavy exposition through awkward and stilted conversation. Similarly, I found that how the author wrote the 'male' POV and characters within those chapters a bit silly. Apes, the lot of them, with nothing to say and nothing to add. The dialogue hurt to read at times.
I also had to put the book down for a couple minutes to fume about some frankly transphobic comments about a background character during the bar scene where the team pick out a girl for Callum, "She's All That" style.
I had to eventually cut my losses and stop before it even really got going. No book is worth getting this upset over.
This book had great potential and as an Irish person I'm very disappointed that I came away with such a negative opinion of it. Perhaps this book would be better enjoyed on a beach or on a plane - somewhere that didn't require you to concentrate very hard. The concept sounds really great on paper, it just wasn't executed well for me.
The concept is sweet - Abby is ironically an love guru without a lover herself before she meets rugby hunk Callum. I can think of lots of cute ways the story plays out, and perhaps it did, if I actually finished the damn thing.
I don't like Abby. I find her character mean-spirited and two-faced to anyone that doesn't fit into her perceived normality. Being stuck in her head as we read was one of the reasons I had to stop the book. She gives horrible backhanded compliments to her best friend, her boss, her colleagues and yet we are prompted to think of her as fiery and witty! Characters are meant to have flaws but it seems Abby didn't have anything to offset hers.
Callum was a bit of a 'meh' character for me too, although if I continued the book I'd be more inclined to like him, I think. So far he's horny and he's....horny. There is so little personality here that I couldn't speak on it if I tried. Wet paper towel of a love interest.
The writing of the book is lacking as well. There's a lot of telling instead of showing, and heavy exposition through awkward and stilted conversation. Similarly, I found that how the author wrote the 'male' POV and characters within those chapters a bit silly. Apes, the lot of them, with nothing to say and nothing to add. The dialogue hurt to read at times.
I also had to put the book down for a couple minutes to fume about some frankly transphobic comments about a background character during the bar scene where the team pick out a girl for Callum, "She's All That" style.
I had to eventually cut my losses and stop before it even really got going. No book is worth getting this upset over.
This book had great potential and as an Irish person I'm very disappointed that I came away with such a negative opinion of it. Perhaps this book would be better enjoyed on a beach or on a plane - somewhere that didn't require you to concentrate very hard. The concept sounds really great on paper, it just wasn't executed well for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2021
Wow oh Wow! Where do I begin with this absolutely stunning masterpiece? I am loving the latest instalment from the lovely Lyndsey and this is a magnificent start to a new series. I cannot praise this book high enough- I only hope my review does this book justice.
I adore the cover of this book, it's cute and makes me feel drawn to the book! The cover alone is enough to make me want to devour page after page of this one. This is a novel filled with wonderful characters, each are relatable and likeable. I adored Abby from the very beginning, she is strong and ambitious which makes a wonderful main female character.
We also have Callum, I LOVE Callum. He is a charming gorgeous Irish rugby player who is unable to maintain a long relationship. We meet his teammates who provide Callum with the ultimate challenge- keep a date long enough to attend a teammate's wedding. This has really made me intrigued and desperate to know if charming playboy Callum would manage it.
This book has made me so excited for the rest of the series. I have been completely pulled in and unable to put this one down. This is a novel which has made me laugh on occasions and want to shout at Lyndsey for almost breaking my heart in others.
I think one thing is clear from this book- Lyndsey is an exceptionally talented author and this is the start of what is going to be a wonderful series. I absolutely need more and cannot wait to read the next instalment. I really hope we get more Callum in the series because he is a wonderful main character and the latest fictional crush! This is absolutely worthy of all the stars! This has been impossible to put down, entertaining and should be on everyone's TBR.
I adore the cover of this book, it's cute and makes me feel drawn to the book! The cover alone is enough to make me want to devour page after page of this one. This is a novel filled with wonderful characters, each are relatable and likeable. I adored Abby from the very beginning, she is strong and ambitious which makes a wonderful main female character.
We also have Callum, I LOVE Callum. He is a charming gorgeous Irish rugby player who is unable to maintain a long relationship. We meet his teammates who provide Callum with the ultimate challenge- keep a date long enough to attend a teammate's wedding. This has really made me intrigued and desperate to know if charming playboy Callum would manage it.
This book has made me so excited for the rest of the series. I have been completely pulled in and unable to put this one down. This is a novel which has made me laugh on occasions and want to shout at Lyndsey for almost breaking my heart in others.
I think one thing is clear from this book- Lyndsey is an exceptionally talented author and this is the start of what is going to be a wonderful series. I absolutely need more and cannot wait to read the next instalment. I really hope we get more Callum in the series because he is a wonderful main character and the latest fictional crush! This is absolutely worthy of all the stars! This has been impossible to put down, entertaining and should be on everyone's TBR.
March 27, 2021
Wow! Where to start with this one? I adore Lyndsey's books so I was very excited to see another release from her, during these challenging times!
For me, Love and Other Mushy Stuff is undoubtedly a five star read. It is a wonderful piece of romantic fiction, filled with romantic and sexual tension.
The characters are wonderfully likeable, complex and empathetic. Abby is independent, strong and charming. Callum specifically caught my attention, as he is gorgeous but guarded and I needed to find out why.
I love the way Lyndsey writes her books. It's difficult to explain, but it's much more sophisticated than a "will they/won't they" or "happy ever after?". There is a depth and realness to her characters and their lives. There is a rollercoaster of emotions and events that sometimes has little or nothing to do with the main romantic plot line, but you are so invested in the characters and their lives by this point, it still feels integral to the story.
There is a perfect balance of humour, drama and romance in this book. Lyndsey says that this provided a wonderful escape for her as she wrote it during the first lockdown. Well I can certainly say that it provided a wonderful escape for me during the second lockdown (or third or 4th? I've lost count!)
Overall, this has been a beautifully dramatic and romantic read that I would recommend to fans of Mary Jayne Baker, Portia Macintosh and Paige Toon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For me, Love and Other Mushy Stuff is undoubtedly a five star read. It is a wonderful piece of romantic fiction, filled with romantic and sexual tension.
The characters are wonderfully likeable, complex and empathetic. Abby is independent, strong and charming. Callum specifically caught my attention, as he is gorgeous but guarded and I needed to find out why.
I love the way Lyndsey writes her books. It's difficult to explain, but it's much more sophisticated than a "will they/won't they" or "happy ever after?". There is a depth and realness to her characters and their lives. There is a rollercoaster of emotions and events that sometimes has little or nothing to do with the main romantic plot line, but you are so invested in the characters and their lives by this point, it still feels integral to the story.
There is a perfect balance of humour, drama and romance in this book. Lyndsey says that this provided a wonderful escape for her as she wrote it during the first lockdown. Well I can certainly say that it provided a wonderful escape for me during the second lockdown (or third or 4th? I've lost count!)
Overall, this has been a beautifully dramatic and romantic read that I would recommend to fans of Mary Jayne Baker, Portia Macintosh and Paige Toon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 31, 2021
Love & Other Mushy Stuff was a cute romance. It's fast-paced and kept me entertained the whole time. The characters were multi-dimensional and well written.
The only issue I had while reading isn't even an issue with the story or writing. It was an issue of I am from Oklahoma, USA and occasionally some phrases were lost in translation.
For the most part, I was able to infer the meaning of words or phrases based on context. So it was not a biggie!
I will definitely be looking out for more books written by Lyndsey Gallagher!
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The only issue I had while reading isn't even an issue with the story or writing. It was an issue of I am from Oklahoma, USA and occasionally some phrases were lost in translation.
For the most part, I was able to infer the meaning of words or phrases based on context. So it was not a biggie!
I will definitely be looking out for more books written by Lyndsey Gallagher!
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2021
What an awesome read! I love a story that starts off with fake dating and becomes so much more! The author Lindsey really knows how to grab your emotions I cried n laughed through this whole book! It’s a fast paced read about a woman who was devastated and a man who has never had deep feelings for a woman and they find that they have more in common than they thought which leads to real feelings but it takes a life altering event to see they were meant to be!!
***I received this book as an ARC for a fair and honest review***
***I received this book as an ARC for a fair and honest review***
January 31, 2021
Absolutely loved this book! It makes you keep wanting more. . . A brilliant twist on a modern day love story that anyone could relate to. Lyndsey really knows how to capture romance and help you picture the characters and their lives. When you finish reading this book you'll be begging the author to write another one! It's a close call between the 7 Year Itch and this book as my favourite one by Lyndsey. The perfect book just in time for Valentines Day!
March 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. Both characters were very loveable and relatable. Both suffering experiences in their past that had left them deeply scarred and refusing to risk love.
The humour throughout the book was well placed to balance out the tension, secure or otherwise.
I had to look up a few of the Irish slang words but I enjoyed reading a story taking place somewhere other than the States!
The humour throughout the book was well placed to balance out the tension, secure or otherwise.
I had to look up a few of the Irish slang words but I enjoyed reading a story taking place somewhere other than the States!
February 12, 2021
Lyndsey has written another fab novel doing what she does best which is of course romance, laugh out loud moments and some good old 'will they, wont they' tension between Abby and Callum. A great book to curl up on the sofa with and escape the daily grind. Bravo!
April 6, 2021
This was such a fabulous rom com and I really look forward to reading more by this author.
June 5, 2025
Abby is an agony aunt on the radio and Callum is a rugby player
He and Abby run into each other at a spa where he is training and she is there with friends. He likes her but only wants one night. She needs a guy to interview on her show
His friends bet him he can not keep a woman until there friends wedding and they pick Abby out of the crowd. They agree to help each other.
Honestly not much happens at the beginning.
Her ex left her the night before there wedding so she vowed to never be with another man but she starts to get feelings for Callum. His mum took her own life so he is reluctant to be in a relationship as well because he doesn’t want to fall in love then they leave
While he is on her radio show her ex calls in and asks why there is a picture of him kissing his fiancé. She explains what happened with him and when the ex shows up at the radio station and kisses her Callum wants her to get a restraining order.
So at the beginning of the book she see a psychic who tells her 3 things. Because two of the things happens she gets a little fixated on the 3rd and when Callum finds out she didn’t get the restraining order he thinks she wants her ex back. When she doesn’t immediately disagree he leaves
Then just as she realises she loves him he ends up in hospital. Anyway they get back together and everything works out
The epilogue wasn’t about them
The writing in this was weird. I always felt like I was missing something. It was just odd.
She called him a manwhore constantly but then when they had sex she never mentioned a condom and I have a problem with the Patrick thing. I know a few Irish people and they are either called Patrick or its their middle name and they never told her why her ex left which I think they should have
It was ok but not a lot happened
He and Abby run into each other at a spa where he is training and she is there with friends. He likes her but only wants one night. She needs a guy to interview on her show
His friends bet him he can not keep a woman until there friends wedding and they pick Abby out of the crowd. They agree to help each other.
Honestly not much happens at the beginning.
Her ex left her the night before there wedding so she vowed to never be with another man but she starts to get feelings for Callum. His mum took her own life so he is reluctant to be in a relationship as well because he doesn’t want to fall in love then they leave
While he is on her radio show her ex calls in and asks why there is a picture of him kissing his fiancé. She explains what happened with him and when the ex shows up at the radio station and kisses her Callum wants her to get a restraining order.
So at the beginning of the book she see a psychic who tells her 3 things. Because two of the things happens she gets a little fixated on the 3rd and when Callum finds out she didn’t get the restraining order he thinks she wants her ex back. When she doesn’t immediately disagree he leaves
Then just as she realises she loves him he ends up in hospital. Anyway they get back together and everything works out
The epilogue wasn’t about them
The writing in this was weird. I always felt like I was missing something. It was just odd.
She called him a manwhore constantly but then when they had sex she never mentioned a condom and I have a problem with the Patrick thing. I know a few Irish people and they are either called Patrick or its their middle name and they never told her why her ex left which I think they should have
It was ok but not a lot happened
February 17, 2021
LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Abby thinks it's ironic that she as a radio show ASK ABBY since she is the last person who should be giving love advice. Her best friend talks her into going to see a psychic with her. And since she can't come up with an excuse her we are. The old woman tells her that 1) she'll get an opportunity at work 2) someone she knows will die and 3) she will be engaged by the end of the year to a man named Patrick. Like that would ever happen, whatever.
Callum is a professional rugby player and his teammates think that because they are married that he couldn't keep a woman's interest not that he was just not interested in a relationship. So he agrees to their bet that the next woman he dates he'll take to his buddies wedding in 3 months. Her is trying to think who he knows that will play along with this when they drop the bomb --- they get to pick the girl.
I absolutely love this book! The of the characters are wonderful including all the secondary ones. Abby has been hurt bad and wasn't interested in ever having another relationship. You can feel distrust of not only Callum, but relationships in general. Callum is a bit arrogant and full of himself and has his own reasons for not having meaningful relationships. This books draws you in immediately with it's storyline. The chemistry is off the scales. Highly recommend! Looking forward of more by Lyndsay Gallagher.
Abby thinks it's ironic that she as a radio show ASK ABBY since she is the last person who should be giving love advice. Her best friend talks her into going to see a psychic with her. And since she can't come up with an excuse her we are. The old woman tells her that 1) she'll get an opportunity at work 2) someone she knows will die and 3) she will be engaged by the end of the year to a man named Patrick. Like that would ever happen, whatever.
Callum is a professional rugby player and his teammates think that because they are married that he couldn't keep a woman's interest not that he was just not interested in a relationship. So he agrees to their bet that the next woman he dates he'll take to his buddies wedding in 3 months. Her is trying to think who he knows that will play along with this when they drop the bomb --- they get to pick the girl.
I absolutely love this book! The of the characters are wonderful including all the secondary ones. Abby has been hurt bad and wasn't interested in ever having another relationship. You can feel distrust of not only Callum, but relationships in general. Callum is a bit arrogant and full of himself and has his own reasons for not having meaningful relationships. This books draws you in immediately with it's storyline. The chemistry is off the scales. Highly recommend! Looking forward of more by Lyndsay Gallagher.
February 8, 2022
The story
Abby is a Dublin-based radio show host doing an agony aunt type programme. She is resolutely single, after being stood up, basically at the altar, four years ago. At a spa weekend away with her girl friends, she accidentally meets ladies man Callum. He’s a rugby player for Ireland with a reputation for one night stands and never dating someone for longer than a week. But when his teammates challenge him to date Abby for three months, he goes all out to convince her to play along.
My thoughts
This is the first book of Lyndsey Gallagher’s that I have read, and I enjoyed her voice so much. While Callum is very clearly on the prowl 🙈 when he gets to know Abby, he is able to let his insecurities and giving nature shine through. I liked how this story didn’t shy away from mental health issues as well as Abby’s superstition, even if she was sceptical. So pleased to have discovered a fun new author’s stories!
I read an eARC copy courtesy of Booksirens and the author.
Abby is a Dublin-based radio show host doing an agony aunt type programme. She is resolutely single, after being stood up, basically at the altar, four years ago. At a spa weekend away with her girl friends, she accidentally meets ladies man Callum. He’s a rugby player for Ireland with a reputation for one night stands and never dating someone for longer than a week. But when his teammates challenge him to date Abby for three months, he goes all out to convince her to play along.
My thoughts
This is the first book of Lyndsey Gallagher’s that I have read, and I enjoyed her voice so much. While Callum is very clearly on the prowl 🙈 when he gets to know Abby, he is able to let his insecurities and giving nature shine through. I liked how this story didn’t shy away from mental health issues as well as Abby’s superstition, even if she was sceptical. So pleased to have discovered a fun new author’s stories!
I read an eARC copy courtesy of Booksirens and the author.
March 30, 2022
I wasn’t even thinking - when I chose this as the next book to read - that Love & Other Mushy Stuff takes place in Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day is this week. While St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t play a part in this book the name Patrick does.
Love & Other Mushy Stuff, is a cute and easy read that features Abby and Callum. Abby, a radio show host/presenter, doesn’t date and Callum, a member of Ireland’s national rugby team, is a serial dater. They’re opposites who fake date because they each need something from the other. For Abby, she needs to win a work contest and Callum a bet with his friends.
The whole book is a touch too vague, rushed, if you will and some dialog transitions don’t make sense. There is also a lot going on aside from the main story: sick relative, mental health, aggressive ex, none of which are explored in any depth and the overall story suffers for it. And lets not forget the fortune teller’s predictions that Abby discounts yet allows to muck up her burgeoning relationship with Callum.
This is probably the best line in the book and definitely my favorite: “I brandish the plastic part for her sink. The modern-day equivalent of ‘I carried a watermelon’.”
Love & Other Mushy Stuff, is a cute and easy read that features Abby and Callum. Abby, a radio show host/presenter, doesn’t date and Callum, a member of Ireland’s national rugby team, is a serial dater. They’re opposites who fake date because they each need something from the other. For Abby, she needs to win a work contest and Callum a bet with his friends.
The whole book is a touch too vague, rushed, if you will and some dialog transitions don’t make sense. There is also a lot going on aside from the main story: sick relative, mental health, aggressive ex, none of which are explored in any depth and the overall story suffers for it. And lets not forget the fortune teller’s predictions that Abby discounts yet allows to muck up her burgeoning relationship with Callum.
This is probably the best line in the book and definitely my favorite: “I brandish the plastic part for her sink. The modern-day equivalent of ‘I carried a watermelon’.”
February 17, 2022
Disclaimer : I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was nice and kept me interested. This book dealt with some serious topics (TW: suicide, Alzheimer’s) which brought dimension to it but it stays a light read.
The characters had their own qualities and flaws which gives them a real personality. The dual POV made it really easy to see both and understand both point of views.
Also, I LIVED for the relationship between Callum and his teammates!
I was a bit bothered at times by the pace of the book and the timeline. It felt like some things were happening really quickly and I feel like it took away a bit of its authenticity.
If you want to read a nice romcom with a touch of spice and/or the fake dating trop I definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was nice and kept me interested. This book dealt with some serious topics (TW: suicide, Alzheimer’s) which brought dimension to it but it stays a light read.
The characters had their own qualities and flaws which gives them a real personality. The dual POV made it really easy to see both and understand both point of views.
Also, I LIVED for the relationship between Callum and his teammates!
I was a bit bothered at times by the pace of the book and the timeline. It felt like some things were happening really quickly and I feel like it took away a bit of its authenticity.
If you want to read a nice romcom with a touch of spice and/or the fake dating trop I definitely recommend this book.
March 6, 2022
4,5 stars
Meet Callum and Abby, professional Rugby player and radio host, neither of them are interested in relationships but that, right now, they need each other.
They have a good meet cute, but their second and third meet are even better.
I liked both characters, each have a reason to have sworn off relationships, I got to know and understand them better, and see how they were finally able to let the past go, and with it, the fears.
I got frustrated with some of Abby's decisions, although I saw the reasons behind them. On the other hand I enjoyed inmensely when she finally decided to listen to her gut .
This has been a good read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next books in The Professional Players Series.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Meet Callum and Abby, professional Rugby player and radio host, neither of them are interested in relationships but that, right now, they need each other.
They have a good meet cute, but their second and third meet are even better.
I liked both characters, each have a reason to have sworn off relationships, I got to know and understand them better, and see how they were finally able to let the past go, and with it, the fears.
I got frustrated with some of Abby's decisions, although I saw the reasons behind them. On the other hand I enjoyed inmensely when she finally decided to listen to her gut .
This has been a good read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next books in The Professional Players Series.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Want to read
March 14, 2022When it comes to love, sassy psychotherapist Abby Queenan has a hard time accepting her own advice. Jilted at the alter by her childhood sweetheart, she prefers to invest in other people's happy ever afters than strive for her own. When the radio station she works for announces a once in a lifetime competition, she begins to search for a famous, swoon-worthy male to feature on her show and up her ratings.
Irish rugby legend, Callum Connolly is the classic example of male perfection. He's not looking for The One, merely The Next One. That is until his teammates bet he can't keep the same woman long enough to attend his best friend's wedding.
Abby and Callum strike an unlikely, but alluring deal.
Will Abby finally learn to take her own advice?
Or will Callum manage to nail his most elusive touchdown yet?
Irish rugby legend, Callum Connolly is the classic example of male perfection. He's not looking for The One, merely The Next One. That is until his teammates bet he can't keep the same woman long enough to attend his best friend's wedding.
Abby and Callum strike an unlikely, but alluring deal.
Will Abby finally learn to take her own advice?
Or will Callum manage to nail his most elusive touchdown yet?
May 11, 2023
I wasn’t sure how far I’d get through this book after the first couple of chapters but talk about a character redemption ark. Loved Abby from the beginning, didn’t so much like Callum but throughout the book I grew to love him as a character along with Abby. I actually think he ended up being my favourite character of the two in the end.
Loved the use of the fake dating trope and it but I did feel like things happened rather fast and could have gone for a bit more tension before the dating became real. In general I think I just needed more from the tension, more drama, more of the romance, more of the story!
In dating that I did enjoy the story and devoured it in less than a day. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. (I’d rate this 3.5 if I could!)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Loved the use of the fake dating trope and it but I did feel like things happened rather fast and could have gone for a bit more tension before the dating became real. In general I think I just needed more from the tension, more drama, more of the romance, more of the story!
In dating that I did enjoy the story and devoured it in less than a day. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series. (I’d rate this 3.5 if I could!)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2023
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and I really liked this book. I do think both main characters could have benefited from some therapy but I guess that wouldn’t have helped the plot. At least they both recognize that they have issues and try to get past them rather than thinking they are perfect. I like that Callum actually does seem to be a genuinely good person underneath his “manwhore” exterior.
I do think the parts with the ex were a little unnecessary or at least not fully developed. There’s hints about all the things he’s done but nobody ever tells her. And hints about him being dangerous but nothing ever comes of it. And he seems to be obsessed and stalking her but then just goes away. All that could have either been left out or developed further.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I do think the parts with the ex were a little unnecessary or at least not fully developed. There’s hints about all the things he’s done but nobody ever tells her. And hints about him being dangerous but nothing ever comes of it. And he seems to be obsessed and stalking her but then just goes away. All that could have either been left out or developed further.
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2024
This was a great book. Abby is not looking for anyone after being jilted at the alter and won’t give Callum the time of day. Callum is dared by his teammates that he can’t keep dating the same girl longer than overnight. But the catch is they get to pick the girl. In walks Abby. Little do they know Callum’s already met Abby and she intrigues him. Turns out she needs him to come on her radio show so they make a bargain. He’ll do the show if she’ll pose as his girlfriend until his teammates wedding. But Callum finds he’s captured more and more by her as the weeks pass and Abby decides maybe she should give love another chance. Their story is very entertaining and definitely swoon worthy. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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