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Valley Falls Strikers #1
Late Tackle
When Cooper Holland, soccer star extraordinaire, needs a date for his sister’s wedding, he enlists the help of his teammates.
Set-ups aren’t his style, but he’s desperate.
He’s looking for a sweet, homey, girl next door type.
Only Mae Nelson is anything but the girl next door.
She’s loud, talkative, and asks so many questions that his head is ready to explode.
And not the good head.
Mae had no idea who Cooper was when she agreed to go out with him. He’s brooding, quiet, and scowls so much she thinks his face might be permanently stuck like that.
He’s not at all her type.
Agreeing to move on, they go their separate ways.
That is until she runs into him at a coffee shop...three days in a row. Each time, she finds him more attractive, more engaging.
And now, she can’t stop thinking about him. Wanting him.
So they strike a deal. She’ll go to the wedding with him and they’ll pretend they’re dating to make his sister happy.
Because fake dating always works.
Except, they never make it to the fake dating part before things get out of hand.
Way out of hand.
Set-ups aren’t his style, but he’s desperate.
He’s looking for a sweet, homey, girl next door type.
Only Mae Nelson is anything but the girl next door.
She’s loud, talkative, and asks so many questions that his head is ready to explode.
And not the good head.
Mae had no idea who Cooper was when she agreed to go out with him. He’s brooding, quiet, and scowls so much she thinks his face might be permanently stuck like that.
He’s not at all her type.
Agreeing to move on, they go their separate ways.
That is until she runs into him at a coffee shop...three days in a row. Each time, she finds him more attractive, more engaging.
And now, she can’t stop thinking about him. Wanting him.
So they strike a deal. She’ll go to the wedding with him and they’ll pretend they’re dating to make his sister happy.
Because fake dating always works.
Except, they never make it to the fake dating part before things get out of hand.
Way out of hand.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2021
About the author
Bree Kraemer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 21, 2022
Late Tackle...Such a cute, funny, and adorably lovable book.
What starts out as a miscommunications soon turns to friendship between Cooper and Mae.
While neither wants to admits they might have feelings that go beyond friendship, they also can't help but flirt, banter, and think about the other when they aren't together.
But being together just doesn't make sense.
Cooper is obsessive in keeping to his routines, loves a clean house, and would rather sit at home watching sports highlights and drinking a beer rather than hanging in a bar.
Mae has made it her mission to be outgoing and talkative. Living the life she lived growing up she now prefers to be out and hanging with friends and asking questions about EVERYTHING!
They shouldn't work...but some how they do work. Afterall isn't the saying "opposites attract"? These two may bring out the best in each other but are they willing to work past their hang-ups to see that they may just be perfect for each other?
This book was so hilarious. I laughed at the mix-up/miscommunication with Anders and Cooper. I laughed at the banter/flirting between Cooper and Mae. I also may have rolled my eyes and maybe felt a bit of heartbreak when these two couldn't seem to get their heads out of their butts to see that they made each other happy in a way nobody else had before.
What starts out as a miscommunications soon turns to friendship between Cooper and Mae.
While neither wants to admits they might have feelings that go beyond friendship, they also can't help but flirt, banter, and think about the other when they aren't together.
But being together just doesn't make sense.
Cooper is obsessive in keeping to his routines, loves a clean house, and would rather sit at home watching sports highlights and drinking a beer rather than hanging in a bar.
Mae has made it her mission to be outgoing and talkative. Living the life she lived growing up she now prefers to be out and hanging with friends and asking questions about EVERYTHING!
They shouldn't work...but some how they do work. Afterall isn't the saying "opposites attract"? These two may bring out the best in each other but are they willing to work past their hang-ups to see that they may just be perfect for each other?
This book was so hilarious. I laughed at the mix-up/miscommunication with Anders and Cooper. I laughed at the banter/flirting between Cooper and Mae. I also may have rolled my eyes and maybe felt a bit of heartbreak when these two couldn't seem to get their heads out of their butts to see that they made each other happy in a way nobody else had before.
August 22, 2026
3.5 ⭐️: This book had me smiling as I was reading it. Cooper and Mae are the perfect “opposites attract” pair. The premise is, soccer star Cooper Holland needs a date for his sister‘s wedding. His teammate sets him up with Mae Nelson. Cooper is more quiet, reserved, and likes to stay home, whereas Mae is loud, talkative and likes to go out. After their first date, although they are physically attracted to each other, they agree they are not compatible. However, they keep running into each other and their attraction seems to grow. After a while, Mae agrees to be Cooper’s date to his sister‘s wedding. From there their relationship flourishes. They both have their own baggage, and are set in their ways. They both find it scary to invite someone else into their current lives, but love is worth overcoming that fear. The banter and flirting in this book was so good. I would definitely recommend!
February 21, 2022
Cooper and Mae's story like love itself is complicated. I enjoyed their realistic crazy romance. Soccer star Cooper can have any girl he wants but wants a girl "next door" to bring as a date to his sister Callie's Wedding. A misunderstanding of the term has Cooper on a date with Mae who is anything but the girl next door. They agree they are not for each other-go their separate ways but can't stop thinking about each other. And that's just the beginning of this emotional story told from Mae's and Copper's povs. Steamy scenes and wonderful supporting family and friends round out this sports romance. If you love down and dirty sports romances this is for you.
February 20, 2022
Cooper needs a date for his sisters wedding.
He tells his teammates he would like to take a girl next door type you know quite and won't stand out.
He lets his teammate set him up and Mae is anything but the girl next door. Does she ever stop asking questions and talking, she's hot so hot that even though they both agreed it wouldn't work for them
Mae does agree to go to the wedding with him Wich is great if either one of them can stop imagining things they could do to each other maybe things will work out 😉
He tells his teammates he would like to take a girl next door type you know quite and won't stand out.
He lets his teammate set him up and Mae is anything but the girl next door. Does she ever stop asking questions and talking, she's hot so hot that even though they both agreed it wouldn't work for them
Mae does agree to go to the wedding with him Wich is great if either one of them can stop imagining things they could do to each other maybe things will work out 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2022
Soccer star meets literal girl next door haha. These two are the definition of opposites attract. What was supposed to be a fake relationship is proving harder as Cooper and Mae's chemistry is undeniable at least for everyone but them. There's no doubt they are physically attracted to each other but can they over come their own emotional/mental hurdles to allow them happiness before its too late. I found them and their blossoming romance to be very relatable and I just fell in love with the story.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series as I really loved Shane's character as well and we didn't quite get enough of him.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series as I really loved Shane's character as well and we didn't quite get enough of him.
May 30, 2022
Cooper and Mae
I love the sport of soccer, so I loved this book! The feelings in this book were amazing! I enjoyed this story and how quickly they developed feelings for each other!!
I love the sport of soccer, so I loved this book! The feelings in this book were amazing! I enjoyed this story and how quickly they developed feelings for each other!!
May 30, 2022
I just loved it.
May 30, 2022
It was very cute and enjoyable until the classic "he couldn't possibly love me so I'll break up with him first", which I do not love. I really liked the chemistry and banter
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2022
This was a cute, fun story. Mae and Cooper seem to want or prefer different things. They are like opposites. Which only makes sense that opposites attract. I was hoping that they ended up together.
June 2, 2022
New to me author and it won’t be the last book of hers I read. I adore sports romances so I’m excited to find this author. I liked Cooper and Mae and I really liked how they fit together. The author did a good job developing both characters, and I liked her writing style (the occasional Copper instead of Cooper was funny).
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
October 20, 2022
Oh my goodness! Mae and Cooper were absolutely everything! I loved all the banter between them! They were so funny! They were definitely worked perfectly for one another! 🥰⚽️💙
April 27, 2022
A cute steamy romance that was laugh out loud fun. I really enjoyed the characters and their fun banter throughout the book.
May 6, 2022
Seriously funny rom-com, loved the story between this two unlikely characters. Talk about opposites attracts! Lol, steam, great banter between them, in a word: Fantastic
May 10, 2022
Mae and Cooper are not compatible, or so they keep trying to perpetuate. It take each talking to their mothers that sets their heads straight, so they can follow their hearts. I loved this super sweet and fun book.
April 29, 2022
I enjoyed the story. But if you don't like reading lots of curse words or sex scenes well..... The book started kinda slow but then it started to be a good read. The banter between Mae and Cooper was great. It took them both to come to terms with themselves. Their friends really pushed them to really look at what they wanted and what they had. There was not much Soccer in this book so don't think it is a sports book - it's not.
September 26, 2022
QOTD: Do you like soccer?
My A: Nope! But two of my siblings were soccer stars in high school so I’ve watched A LOT of soccer games, so maybe that’s why!
.
This was a random free book I had downloaded forever ago. I asked my husband to pick a random number and this is the book he picked. Honestly my dislike for soccer and the squished soccer ball (sorry but it just cracks me up) would’ve kept me from reading this, but I’m glad he picked it! I was about 25% in before I remembered to look up and promptly let him know he did good.
.
I LOVE the grumpy/sunshine trope so much because I swear every relationship I’ve had I’ve either been the grump, or the sunshine. Opposites attract is always either really bad or so so good. Chemistry between these two was great and I loved their banter. I have a VERY dry sense of humor, so I could appreciate Cooper and how people perceived him. This book is STEAMY and packed full of open door scenes so if that's not your thing, this is not your book. The Misunderstanding that let to them being set up on a date was fantastic and set the pace for a lot of laughs throughout the rest of the book. When they keep running into each other, it’s impossible to deny these two have something. It was fun watching them figure out what that was.
.
BLURB:
When Cooper Holland, soccer star extraordinaire, needs a date for his sister’s wedding, he enlists the help of his teammates.
Set-ups aren’t his style, but he’s desperate.
He’s looking for a sweet, homey, girl next door type.
Only Mae Nelson is anything but the girl next door.
She’s loud, talkative, and asks so many questions that his head is ready to explode.
And not the good head.
Mae had no idea who Cooper was when she agreed to go out with him. He’s brooding, quiet, and scowls so much she thinks his face might be permanently stuck like that.
He’s not at all her type.
Agreeing to move on, they go their separate ways.
That is until she runs into him at a coffee shop...three days in a row. Each time, she finds him more attractive, more engaging.
And now, she can’t stop thinking about him. Wanting him.
So they strike a deal. She’ll go to the wedding with him and they’ll pretend they’re dating to make his sister happy.
Because fake dating always works. Except, they never make it to the fake dating part before things get out of hand.
Way out of hand.
My A: Nope! But two of my siblings were soccer stars in high school so I’ve watched A LOT of soccer games, so maybe that’s why!
.
This was a random free book I had downloaded forever ago. I asked my husband to pick a random number and this is the book he picked. Honestly my dislike for soccer and the squished soccer ball (sorry but it just cracks me up) would’ve kept me from reading this, but I’m glad he picked it! I was about 25% in before I remembered to look up and promptly let him know he did good.
.
I LOVE the grumpy/sunshine trope so much because I swear every relationship I’ve had I’ve either been the grump, or the sunshine. Opposites attract is always either really bad or so so good. Chemistry between these two was great and I loved their banter. I have a VERY dry sense of humor, so I could appreciate Cooper and how people perceived him. This book is STEAMY and packed full of open door scenes so if that's not your thing, this is not your book. The Misunderstanding that let to them being set up on a date was fantastic and set the pace for a lot of laughs throughout the rest of the book. When they keep running into each other, it’s impossible to deny these two have something. It was fun watching them figure out what that was.
.
BLURB:
When Cooper Holland, soccer star extraordinaire, needs a date for his sister’s wedding, he enlists the help of his teammates.
Set-ups aren’t his style, but he’s desperate.
He’s looking for a sweet, homey, girl next door type.
Only Mae Nelson is anything but the girl next door.
She’s loud, talkative, and asks so many questions that his head is ready to explode.
And not the good head.
Mae had no idea who Cooper was when she agreed to go out with him. He’s brooding, quiet, and scowls so much she thinks his face might be permanently stuck like that.
He’s not at all her type.
Agreeing to move on, they go their separate ways.
That is until she runs into him at a coffee shop...three days in a row. Each time, she finds him more attractive, more engaging.
And now, she can’t stop thinking about him. Wanting him.
So they strike a deal. She’ll go to the wedding with him and they’ll pretend they’re dating to make his sister happy.
Because fake dating always works. Except, they never make it to the fake dating part before things get out of hand.
Way out of hand.
February 23, 2023
3.5 stars
I struggled between 3 and 4 stars. Settled on 3.5 stars. I’ll start with what I liked about Cooper and Mae first. They had chemistry and despite the fact that they were both opposites, they fit very well as a couple. It is true that opposites attract, which is shown in this book.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between them blossom, how Cooper enjoyed Mae’s talking and Mae liking Cooper’s dry humor and whatnots. It was heartwarming to see cooper and Mae being so comfortable with each other. I loved cooper’s dirty talks and that they couldn’t keep their hands off of one another—always having sex. Loved the sex scenes.
Towards the end of the book, I decided that while this book was enjoyable, it lacked an amazing climax / conflict. The only issue they had between them was Mae’s insecurities and the lack of communication. Which seems to be a normal thing, nothing special to me. Hence the 3.5 stars, not 4 stars.
I struggled between 3 and 4 stars. Settled on 3.5 stars. I’ll start with what I liked about Cooper and Mae first. They had chemistry and despite the fact that they were both opposites, they fit very well as a couple. It is true that opposites attract, which is shown in this book.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between them blossom, how Cooper enjoyed Mae’s talking and Mae liking Cooper’s dry humor and whatnots. It was heartwarming to see cooper and Mae being so comfortable with each other. I loved cooper’s dirty talks and that they couldn’t keep their hands off of one another—always having sex. Loved the sex scenes.
Towards the end of the book, I decided that while this book was enjoyable, it lacked an amazing climax / conflict. The only issue they had between them was Mae’s insecurities and the lack of communication. Which seems to be a normal thing, nothing special to me. Hence the 3.5 stars, not 4 stars.
April 21, 2022
“Usually, I’m not so into sport romances because I can’t deal with lots of explanations about them lol. They are a little boring to me, please don’t hate me BUT the plot sounded really interesting and why not? Here I am after the end, not so sure how will I continue after this. If was PHENOMENAL!!! God I can’t begin to express how hot, romanic and over the top fantastic story this was. Copper and Mae couldn’t have been more different yet both complemented each other perfectly. Everything was chaotic and crazy but in between their love started to blossom and it was amazing! One of the things I loved the most was having their POVs, their emotions and feelings from different sides. It was an incredible story, highly recommend and once again I applause my decision for not judging a book for the cover. 10 out of 5!”
January 1, 2024
Good Read
Loved Mae and Cooper. Both had there insecurities. Cooper being a pro soccer player and Mae being a speech therapist to elementary children. When Cooper needed a date to his sister's wedding his teammate arranged blind date with Mae, she was a talker he very quiet. They decided they weren't compatible. Both walked away from the date. When they kept running into each other in the Coffee shop flirting some than both on blind dates with others, he didn't like it one bit and wasn't crazy about his date went to speak to Mae who also had a dud blind date. They left together and this started a great HEA romance. Was a fun and emotional read.
Loved Mae and Cooper. Both had there insecurities. Cooper being a pro soccer player and Mae being a speech therapist to elementary children. When Cooper needed a date to his sister's wedding his teammate arranged blind date with Mae, she was a talker he very quiet. They decided they weren't compatible. Both walked away from the date. When they kept running into each other in the Coffee shop flirting some than both on blind dates with others, he didn't like it one bit and wasn't crazy about his date went to speak to Mae who also had a dud blind date. They left together and this started a great HEA romance. Was a fun and emotional read.
June 28, 2026
This was such a cute read! Since it’s World Cup season, I decided I needed to pick up a soccer/football romance, and this one delivered exactly what I was looking for.
It was a fun, predictable romcom about a professional soccer player and his fake girlfriend who just happens to be the girl next door. And honestly? Sometimes predictable is exactly what you need. It was sweet, low stress, and gave me all the cozy, feel good vibes.
A perfect little escape read while watching football and getting into the World Cup spirit! ⚽️📚
It was a fun, predictable romcom about a professional soccer player and his fake girlfriend who just happens to be the girl next door. And honestly? Sometimes predictable is exactly what you need. It was sweet, low stress, and gave me all the cozy, feel good vibes.
A perfect little escape read while watching football and getting into the World Cup spirit! ⚽️📚
October 24, 2022
Awesome book!!
This was a very good book. You have a handsome popular athlete who needs a date for his sister’s wedding and one of his friends sits him up with his neighbor. They go on a date and decide that they are not a match but both think the other is sexy. They keep meeting each other the following week but accidentally and start talking. He finally gets her to be his date and they fall in love with each other. Great book!!
This was a very good book. You have a handsome popular athlete who needs a date for his sister’s wedding and one of his friends sits him up with his neighbor. They go on a date and decide that they are not a match but both think the other is sexy. They keep meeting each other the following week but accidentally and start talking. He finally gets her to be his date and they fall in love with each other. Great book!!
July 22, 2023
The spice is good but the insta love was a little too much for me especially considering they do come from two drastically different worlds. I wish there had been more on her teaching speech therapy and his soccer. I also didn't love the third act break up especially considering the hurdle she over come was that pepe change... Seemed a little immature for someone in her 30s. I'm not sure what it was but something in the tense it was written felt a little off. Other than that a decent story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2026
F-bomb warning: there are a lot of them! Usually I find that annoying, but in this case it seemed to be a normal flow of thought/dialogue. Weird. The story would have been just as fun without so many of them, though. OK, review…Late Tackle is a solid 3-star story. There is nothing out of the ordinary. Cooper and Mae are interesting characters. Their interactions are sweet, hilarious, and a little steamy. This is a good opposites-attract story!
April 26, 2022
Such a great book. I love the dynamic between Mae and Cooper. I enjoyed the interaction with Shane and Cooper's family. Even though the book is about a soccer player, there isn't much soccer in it which I really liked because I would be lost trying to follow it. Definitely a great book that I cannot wait to read the next one.
June 4, 2022
Opposites Attract ❤️⚽️☕️💙
Mae and Cooper have a cute first meeting. When he tells his teammate he wants a “girl next door” for his date, he takes it literally and asks his next door neighbor to go out with Cooper.
What starts out as two people who have nothing in common ends with an HEA. It’s a cute book.
Mae and Cooper have a cute first meeting. When he tells his teammate he wants a “girl next door” for his date, he takes it literally and asks his next door neighbor to go out with Cooper.
What starts out as two people who have nothing in common ends with an HEA. It’s a cute book.
November 16, 2022
This was such a fun story. I loved Cooper and Mae. Their relationship was awesome and made me wish for something like it. Cooper was a dream guy that I don't believe truly exists in real life, and Mae seemed like the most fun and down to earth girl you could ever meet. I found the book to be full of lighthearted fun and it left me wanting more of the same.
June 6, 2023
So Sweet and Funny
Mae and Cooper were so funny together. Their banter was truly what made the book extremely enjoyable. Shane, Carrie, Allana, and all the main characters did a great job adding to the story. This is one book I could read over and over. It was really worth my time.
Mae and Cooper were so funny together. Their banter was truly what made the book extremely enjoyable. Shane, Carrie, Allana, and all the main characters did a great job adding to the story. This is one book I could read over and over. It was really worth my time.
September 16, 2025
This was a genuinely cute read. It’s definitely a good palate cleanser between some of my other reads. Typically I prefer chapters to be in the character’s POV; however, it didn’t detract from the story for me which was nice. There is some insta-love and as a trope I’m on the fence with that one. All in all, it was a solid 3 stars for me.
August 18, 2026
Such a fun love story. Cooper needed a date for his sisters wedding and let a teammate set him up with “the girl next door”. On that date they knew they were not right for each other but why? Different people in so many ways who did not know they needed each other. With support from their friends and family will Cooper and Mae find themselves together?
February 23, 2022
Soccer player, Cooper, needs a date for his sister's wedding. He needs help so his teammates try to. In walks Mae a woman who's the opposite of what he wants. Mae doesn't know who Cooper is. It can't work, but opposites attract. There are examples of this everywhere. Will they?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews