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Nashville Fury #3
Off Season
She broke me. She's also the only one who can put me back together.
When you’re at the top of professional football, the fall to the bottom is steep.
One minute I’m the face of the franchise.
The next I’m being sent back to my hometown.
Little does my team know that's the worst thing they could have done.
She’s here.
Lucy Valenti.
The one who sent me to rock bottom.
The only one who can fix me.
I've loved Lucy since the moment I met her.
Her big brown eyes and kind smile hooked me in.
Her faith in me made me want to be a better man.
She’s the only one who has ever seen me as more than a football player.
She was my end game. My final play.
But I ran out of time.
Or did I? Because I can’t ignore the sparks that fly when we are around each other.
Or the heat that still burns between us.
I always said the offseason was going to be our time.
And if I don’t throw one last Hail Mary, it might be the end.
And this is a game I’m not willing to lose.
Off Season is Book 3 of the Nashville Fury series. It can be read as a complete standalone. It features:
Second chance
Pro football player
Bad Boy - Good Girl
Return home
First love
Mental illness
Small town
Medium angst
When you’re at the top of professional football, the fall to the bottom is steep.
One minute I’m the face of the franchise.
The next I’m being sent back to my hometown.
Little does my team know that's the worst thing they could have done.
She’s here.
Lucy Valenti.
The one who sent me to rock bottom.
The only one who can fix me.
I've loved Lucy since the moment I met her.
Her big brown eyes and kind smile hooked me in.
Her faith in me made me want to be a better man.
She’s the only one who has ever seen me as more than a football player.
She was my end game. My final play.
But I ran out of time.
Or did I? Because I can’t ignore the sparks that fly when we are around each other.
Or the heat that still burns between us.
I always said the offseason was going to be our time.
And if I don’t throw one last Hail Mary, it might be the end.
And this is a game I’m not willing to lose.
Off Season is Book 3 of the Nashville Fury series. It can be read as a complete standalone. It features:
Second chance
Pro football player
Bad Boy - Good Girl
Return home
First love
Mental illness
Small town
Medium angst
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2022
244 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Chelle Sloan
24 books1,182 followersKnown for her witty sense of humor, Chelle Sloan is a former sports reporter who recently completed her master's degree in journalism, and is now putting that to good use — one happily ever after at a time.
An Ohio native, she’s fiercely loyal to Cleveland sports, is the owner of way too many — yet not enough — tumblers and will be a New Kids on the Block fan until the day she dies. She does her best writing at Panera, or any place that's not her office. Oh, and yes, you probably saw her on TikTok.
As for her own happily every after? Maybe one day...
Follow me!
Newsletter: https://geni.us/ChelleNewsletter
Facebook: https://geni.us/ChelleFacebook
Facebook Reader Group: https://geni.us/ChelleSquad
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TikTok: https://geni.us/chelleTikTok
An Ohio native, she’s fiercely loyal to Cleveland sports, is the owner of way too many — yet not enough — tumblers and will be a New Kids on the Block fan until the day she dies. She does her best writing at Panera, or any place that's not her office. Oh, and yes, you probably saw her on TikTok.
As for her own happily every after? Maybe one day...
Follow me!
Newsletter: https://geni.us/ChelleNewsletter
Facebook: https://geni.us/ChelleFacebook
Facebook Reader Group: https://geni.us/ChelleSquad
Instagram: https://geni.us/ChelleInstagram
TikTok: https://geni.us/chelleTikTok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
February 24, 2022
Chelle has given us a sweet, emotional second chance with Bryce and Lucy!
Bryce and Lucy are high school sweethearts but when Bryce's football career takes off in college Lucy is left forgotten.
Lucy moves on with a broken heart and she never forgets the lost love she had. So many times, I wanted to grab Bryce and knock some sense into him, lol . Now years later he is back, and he realizes all that he has given up. Lucy now belongs to another and is engaged to be married.
This was a sweet, funny, emotional ride with Lucy and Bryce as they tried to figure out who they are now and is it possible for them to have a second chance. It comes to the point where each one will need to give a little and see if and how they can pull their separate lives to together to find the love that they lost so many years ago, but is love enough for the long haul?? I also fell in love with the wonderful cast of characters that surrounded this couple.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Bryce and Lucy are high school sweethearts but when Bryce's football career takes off in college Lucy is left forgotten.
Lucy moves on with a broken heart and she never forgets the lost love she had. So many times, I wanted to grab Bryce and knock some sense into him, lol . Now years later he is back, and he realizes all that he has given up. Lucy now belongs to another and is engaged to be married.
This was a sweet, funny, emotional ride with Lucy and Bryce as they tried to figure out who they are now and is it possible for them to have a second chance. It comes to the point where each one will need to give a little and see if and how they can pull their separate lives to together to find the love that they lost so many years ago, but is love enough for the long haul?? I also fell in love with the wonderful cast of characters that surrounded this couple.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
September 2, 2025
This book frustrated me so much. I have loved every other Chelle Sloan book I've read, but I couldn't get behind this one. Bryce is self-centered. Lucy has low self-esteem. Why else would she wait 6 years for this guy. They barely even dated in high school, yet referred to themselves as high school sweethearts. By barely dated, I mean she tutored him senior year, they became friends and started dropping the L word after one kiss a few months in. He promised her an actual date after football season was over, but then he started college early. They never went on that date.
I was frustrated that Bryce used Lucy getting engaged as an excuse to drink to excess. I also hate when guys swear they are in love with one woman but then basically sleep with any woman who comes up to them. It's not hard to keep your dick in your pants.
Bryce was an alcoholic and I wish they would have come out and said it. It may not have helped him to acknowledge it (which I know from having an alcoholic parent), but I think it would have helped the others.
I read the first 2 books about a year ago, but didn't finish the series at the time. Now I think it was my brain trying to save me from this story. And while I like Brenna and Cole, I don't know if I can read the next book that I'm sure will feature Bryce pretty heavily.
I was frustrated that Bryce used Lucy getting engaged as an excuse to drink to excess. I also hate when guys swear they are in love with one woman but then basically sleep with any woman who comes up to them. It's not hard to keep your dick in your pants.
Bryce was an alcoholic and I wish they would have come out and said it. It may not have helped him to acknowledge it (which I know from having an alcoholic parent), but I think it would have helped the others.
I read the first 2 books about a year ago, but didn't finish the series at the time. Now I think it was my brain trying to save me from this story. And while I like Brenna and Cole, I don't know if I can read the next book that I'm sure will feature Bryce pretty heavily.
February 24, 2022
This book is the third book in the Nashville Fury series, but it can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Coming into this book, I had not read the previous two books in the series. As a result, I had no preconceived notions of Bryce. In some ways that was very good because this book starts very differently form other sports romances I have read. Bryce begins his story at the bottom. He is beyond a hot mess, and he doesn’t even realize how far he has fallen. Denial is a powerful thing. I really enjoyed Bryce’s journey of self-discovery. He grows a lot over the course of the story. I really appreciated the way mental health is handled in the book and that even superstars can struggle.
Lucy allows her family to push her around a bit in the beginning. Actually, she kind of lets everyone push her around, including Bryce. She also grows over the course if the book as she learns to set boundaries. Her relationship with Bryce ultimately benefits.
There is a lot of heat and some angst as Bryce and Lucy finally find the right time for both of them to build a successful relationship. This was well-written and engaging. I really wanted them to figure things out in a way that does their love justice, and they finally do. I really liked this and I look forward to reading the first two books in the series.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Coming into this book, I had not read the previous two books in the series. As a result, I had no preconceived notions of Bryce. In some ways that was very good because this book starts very differently form other sports romances I have read. Bryce begins his story at the bottom. He is beyond a hot mess, and he doesn’t even realize how far he has fallen. Denial is a powerful thing. I really enjoyed Bryce’s journey of self-discovery. He grows a lot over the course of the story. I really appreciated the way mental health is handled in the book and that even superstars can struggle.
Lucy allows her family to push her around a bit in the beginning. Actually, she kind of lets everyone push her around, including Bryce. She also grows over the course if the book as she learns to set boundaries. Her relationship with Bryce ultimately benefits.
There is a lot of heat and some angst as Bryce and Lucy finally find the right time for both of them to build a successful relationship. This was well-written and engaging. I really wanted them to figure things out in a way that does their love justice, and they finally do. I really liked this and I look forward to reading the first two books in the series.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
February 18, 2022
What can I say? Chelle has done it again in a most epic way. I wasn't totally sure how I would feel about this one. I was excited to read it because... hello... it is a Chelle Sloan book... but I was absolutely appalled at Bryce's introduction in previous books... haven't read them? Do it! Seriously.
Anyway, I devoured this book. I didn't want to sleep after I started reading it. I did sleep, but I didn't want to (I finished this in 22 hours and 50 minutes lol).
I adored Lucy. I could identify with her on many different levels. Not the math part, but so many others. My heart broke for her, and, oddly, I found myself having secret, internal conversations with her (and Chelle, in my head of course) when I would need to take a break. I could write and entire essay about Miss Lucy, but I won't. Just read this book. You'll get it.
Bryce. Omgoodness... Bryce. I really hate to admit, my heart broke for him so many times. He is so misunderstood. I won't go too far into it because then you won't have to read the book, but, I get it now. I really do.
As with all of the Fury books, I love revisiting old friends. The quips and quirks of the characters... the wit. Chelle's wittiness is always evident, but this time out, it was everywhere for me. You can totally read this as a stand alone without reading Off Track or Off the Record... but it is much more fun if you read those too. I can't wait to see what is in store for us next. I'm hoping for Cole's story or maybe a novella about a year long trip to Italy... hmmm... I guess we will just have to wait and see.
Anyway, I devoured this book. I didn't want to sleep after I started reading it. I did sleep, but I didn't want to (I finished this in 22 hours and 50 minutes lol).
I adored Lucy. I could identify with her on many different levels. Not the math part, but so many others. My heart broke for her, and, oddly, I found myself having secret, internal conversations with her (and Chelle, in my head of course) when I would need to take a break. I could write and entire essay about Miss Lucy, but I won't. Just read this book. You'll get it.
Bryce. Omgoodness... Bryce. I really hate to admit, my heart broke for him so many times. He is so misunderstood. I won't go too far into it because then you won't have to read the book, but, I get it now. I really do.
As with all of the Fury books, I love revisiting old friends. The quips and quirks of the characters... the wit. Chelle's wittiness is always evident, but this time out, it was everywhere for me. You can totally read this as a stand alone without reading Off Track or Off the Record... but it is much more fun if you read those too. I can't wait to see what is in store for us next. I'm hoping for Cole's story or maybe a novella about a year long trip to Italy... hmmm... I guess we will just have to wait and see.
May 1, 2023
Off Season is the first book that I have read of Chelle Sloan and it did not disappoint. I love sports and small-town romances so when I had the opportunity to read this one I grabbed it. Bryce and Lucy's story was full of hits and misses, heartaches and happiness with a HEA finally.
Bryce is a pro footballer that has hit rock bottom. His coaches have put in on the injury reserve list to take care of his "mental health", as they are calling it. Unfortunately, they send him back home to where the cause of his hitting rock bottom lives, Lucy. He has loved her for as long as he can remember but things never worked out. He kept telling her that their tie would happen during the off-season but life and football got in the way. Finding out that he lost his chance and she was marrying someone else, caused him to go into a spiral downward. Will seeing her make things worse? Can he survive in the same town and not go further down the hole that he is in? Can they have a friendship that is just that, a friendship? When he gets news that makes his day, what will he do? Spending time with her has him thinking that maybe he can get ger back, only to have it pulled out from under him. What will he have to do to get her back?
Lucy always wanted Bryce and she was willing to wait for the off-season but the waiting was just too much for her. She wanted to live her life and when a family friend asked her out, she decided it was time for her to live. She finds herself loving him and when he asked her to marry him she said yes, but is she in love with him? Having Bryce back has her heart and head going in circles and fighting one another. Is she still in love with Bryce? Can she be friends with him? All the promises that he made to her and never kept any of them, has her thinking that maybe they are better off as friends. Her family gets too involved with her relationship and when she tries to do something that she needs to do to be happy, they made her life very uncomfortable. Can she prove to them that what she is doing is going to make her a much happier person? Will the chance of happiness work out or will she be back to the same place she was years ago, alone and sad?
The heartache that Lucy and Bryce went through at times was just too much for both of them. They have great chemistry and they are truly made for each other but sometimes that is always enough. Chelle does a great job of grabbing your attention right from the start by having Bryce starting off at the bottom and trying to get the woman back that he lost years ago. I would highly recommend reading Off Season as it is a terrific story and thoroughly enjoyable.
Bryce is a pro footballer that has hit rock bottom. His coaches have put in on the injury reserve list to take care of his "mental health", as they are calling it. Unfortunately, they send him back home to where the cause of his hitting rock bottom lives, Lucy. He has loved her for as long as he can remember but things never worked out. He kept telling her that their tie would happen during the off-season but life and football got in the way. Finding out that he lost his chance and she was marrying someone else, caused him to go into a spiral downward. Will seeing her make things worse? Can he survive in the same town and not go further down the hole that he is in? Can they have a friendship that is just that, a friendship? When he gets news that makes his day, what will he do? Spending time with her has him thinking that maybe he can get ger back, only to have it pulled out from under him. What will he have to do to get her back?
Lucy always wanted Bryce and she was willing to wait for the off-season but the waiting was just too much for her. She wanted to live her life and when a family friend asked her out, she decided it was time for her to live. She finds herself loving him and when he asked her to marry him she said yes, but is she in love with him? Having Bryce back has her heart and head going in circles and fighting one another. Is she still in love with Bryce? Can she be friends with him? All the promises that he made to her and never kept any of them, has her thinking that maybe they are better off as friends. Her family gets too involved with her relationship and when she tries to do something that she needs to do to be happy, they made her life very uncomfortable. Can she prove to them that what she is doing is going to make her a much happier person? Will the chance of happiness work out or will she be back to the same place she was years ago, alone and sad?
The heartache that Lucy and Bryce went through at times was just too much for both of them. They have great chemistry and they are truly made for each other but sometimes that is always enough. Chelle does a great job of grabbing your attention right from the start by having Bryce starting off at the bottom and trying to get the woman back that he lost years ago. I would highly recommend reading Off Season as it is a terrific story and thoroughly enjoyable.
February 24, 2022
What do you do when ‘your person’ is no longer in your life?? Or when you feel like you are letting everyone down?? Or when the people who should always be in your corner are just out to help themselves?? These are all things that set Bryce into a self destructive spiral that is hindering his performance and his relationships. Luckily for Bryce he has a ride-or-die best friend in Cole who will do anything to help his friend…including calling the person who broke his heart.
One of Bryce’s biggest flaws is not prioritizing his personal happiness over his professional success. Once he begins working on himself he sees that he can have both.
Lucy! Lucy! Lucy! Bless her heart! She deserves all of the happiness coming to her because my girl put up with a bunch of BS from Bryce. Luckily for him she knows the man beyond his flaws and loves all of him❤️
Fave lines:
The man has had my back, and my front, for my entire life. He’s kept me alive—literally and figuratively.—-I absolutely love the tight knit friendship that Bryce & Cole share.
I memorize a lifetime of moments in a handful of minutes.—this sentiment is beautiful Chelle 💓
I’m trying to be the best brother. The best friend. The best teammate. I want to be a role model for the younger generation. More than any of those, I want to be the best forever for Lucy.—-Screaming from the rooftop!!! YESSS! Finally 😍
One of Bryce’s biggest flaws is not prioritizing his personal happiness over his professional success. Once he begins working on himself he sees that he can have both.
Lucy! Lucy! Lucy! Bless her heart! She deserves all of the happiness coming to her because my girl put up with a bunch of BS from Bryce. Luckily for him she knows the man beyond his flaws and loves all of him❤️
Fave lines:
The man has had my back, and my front, for my entire life. He’s kept me alive—literally and figuratively.—-I absolutely love the tight knit friendship that Bryce & Cole share.
I memorize a lifetime of moments in a handful of minutes.—this sentiment is beautiful Chelle 💓
I’m trying to be the best brother. The best friend. The best teammate. I want to be a role model for the younger generation. More than any of those, I want to be the best forever for Lucy.—-Screaming from the rooftop!!! YESSS! Finally 😍
February 22, 2022
Oh, this story was so worth the wait!
This next book in the Nashville Fury football team series is Bryce and Lucy's book and what a whirlwind of swoons, angst, and all the feels!
Bryce and Lucy have been through the years together, first as friends with always a promise more. I could understand and even feel the co-dependency of their relationship at the beginning and I applauded and had a go-girl moment when Lucy knew to say no more.
Bryce needs Lucy to calm his chaos, to quiet the storm. He promises the world to her if she will just wait till the off season of football. From high school, college, and the pro leagues, this is what he keeps promising her.
I fell hard for both of these characters, Lucy for finally finding her inner strength and for Bryce for finally getting his priorities straight and for gathering the courage he needed to fight his inner demons and get the help he needed.
I cannot wait for more from this author and this series, each book hooks me just a little bit more! Well done Chelle!
This next book in the Nashville Fury football team series is Bryce and Lucy's book and what a whirlwind of swoons, angst, and all the feels!
Bryce and Lucy have been through the years together, first as friends with always a promise more. I could understand and even feel the co-dependency of their relationship at the beginning and I applauded and had a go-girl moment when Lucy knew to say no more.
Bryce needs Lucy to calm his chaos, to quiet the storm. He promises the world to her if she will just wait till the off season of football. From high school, college, and the pro leagues, this is what he keeps promising her.
I fell hard for both of these characters, Lucy for finally finding her inner strength and for Bryce for finally getting his priorities straight and for gathering the courage he needed to fight his inner demons and get the help he needed.
I cannot wait for more from this author and this series, each book hooks me just a little bit more! Well done Chelle!
February 17, 2022
Bryce has the best of intentions but doesn't know how to juggle more than one priority, or handle his reactions/emotions when things don't go his way. Lucy was always his person, the one who understood and could calm the world around him. So everything comes crashing down when she's no longer waiting for him, no longer his.
I wasn't sure how I'd like Bryce from the way he was in the previous books, but wow he sure turned things around for me 😍 I really enjoyed Lucy's side of the story, she's trying to do her best with what she's given but it's understandable why that can only go so far.
Although there's a lot of emotional struggles throughout the book, there's also friendship, family, and humor. Chelle has a great way of balancing everything with her writing. I highly recommend the whole Fury series, and can't wait for the next one!
I wasn't sure how I'd like Bryce from the way he was in the previous books, but wow he sure turned things around for me 😍 I really enjoyed Lucy's side of the story, she's trying to do her best with what she's given but it's understandable why that can only go so far.
Although there's a lot of emotional struggles throughout the book, there's also friendship, family, and humor. Chelle has a great way of balancing everything with her writing. I highly recommend the whole Fury series, and can't wait for the next one!
February 23, 2022
This is an honest review for an arc received.
Bryce Donald is the quarterback of the Nashville Fury. Some personal issues have him spiraling. So when the team benches him for the season he’s forced to face his issues. Can he get back to where he once was and with the love of his life?
Lucy is having her own set of problems. Thinking she did the right thing only to have that decision plague her daily. When given a second chance, will she take it? Will she finally give them the chance that they deserve?
4 1/2 touchdown stars! Chelle Sloan killed it with this story. I love the character development and their amazing love story.
Bryce Donald is the quarterback of the Nashville Fury. Some personal issues have him spiraling. So when the team benches him for the season he’s forced to face his issues. Can he get back to where he once was and with the love of his life?
Lucy is having her own set of problems. Thinking she did the right thing only to have that decision plague her daily. When given a second chance, will she take it? Will she finally give them the chance that they deserve?
4 1/2 touchdown stars! Chelle Sloan killed it with this story. I love the character development and their amazing love story.
February 20, 2022
Talk about one heck of a touchdown from Chelle Sloan, she absolutely nailed this one! Bryce and Lucy have that once in a lifetime, epic, fairytale type of love, though their story is full of darkness, heartbreak, betrayal, addiction, and sorrow. Lucy is such an incredible woman, such a stellar human being I fell so hard for her! And Bryce, he overcame his struggles and became the man she deserved even when he didn't know if it was possible. These two just utterly stole my heart and I cannot wait for the next book in this series! Well done! See y'all on another page!
February 24, 2022
WOW what a book! This isn’t the first or the last book I’ve had the pleasure of reading and it was everything I could’ve imagined!! The star quarterback and the whitty girl that end up with a HEA was great!! Who wouldn’t love a small-town romance! It was just one of those books where when you start to read it but don’t want to finish it because it will be all that you can think of!!
If you’ve never read a book by Chelle Sloan, this would be a great one to start with!!
I’ve received an ARC for an honest spoiler review!
If you’ve never read a book by Chelle Sloan, this would be a great one to start with!!
I’ve received an ARC for an honest spoiler review!
November 6, 2022
I had to hurry up and read this one before Off Limits. I don't know how I missed this release but I'm so glad I found it! First of all, it's football season anyway so: yes please! Secondly, this was an awesome story. Bryce's struggles were real and is development was so good. I really thought in the beginning I was going to hate him and there was no way to turn it around but Chelle gave it just the write amount of time to build the story. I may have shed a few tears at the ending 🥲😉
February 24, 2022
I am such a huge Nashville Fury fan so as soon as Bryce started acting a fool, I needed his story. Lucy is a better person than me but true love makes you overlook a lot of stuff. While I never questioned his love, I’m just glad he got his shit together for their HEA! And that epilogue…best ever!!!
February 25, 2022
What another great book in this series. Although you do want to strangle a character, but such a good story. Can't wait to continue with this series!
May 14, 2022
Bryce & Lucy ❤️🔥
August 8, 2022
Alright
Maybe I have read too many romance novels, but this was just mid.
Nothing really stood out from it when it comes to a sports romance.
Maybe I have read too many romance novels, but this was just mid.
Nothing really stood out from it when it comes to a sports romance.
February 22, 2022
I absolutely love the Nashville Fury characters!
We need a romance of them all(Cole next 😉 🤞)
Bryce & Lucy's story was so sweet. I loved their start(thank you Uncle Nick).
They're HS relationship was so sweet & their adult one just added some spice.
Can't wait to read more!
Keep 'em coming Miss Sloan!
We need a romance of them all(Cole next 😉 🤞)
Bryce & Lucy's story was so sweet. I loved their start(thank you Uncle Nick).
They're HS relationship was so sweet & their adult one just added some spice.
Can't wait to read more!
Keep 'em coming Miss Sloan!
February 24, 2022
Sports romances are one of my favourite reads and this book delivered in spades.
Incorporating ALL the feels it had me in turns laughing,crying,cringing,frustrated, panting and everything in between....an absolutely awesome book....I can't wait to read more!!!!
Incorporating ALL the feels it had me in turns laughing,crying,cringing,frustrated, panting and everything in between....an absolutely awesome book....I can't wait to read more!!!!
March 3, 2022
I was hooked from the start! This book was amazing and full of ALL the feels! Chelle Solan did an amazing job with this book and the characters! Definitely a must read
February 28, 2022
Holy crap!! I could not put this book down. Chelle Sloan knocked this out of the park! So many emotions. I laughed, I cried, and even got angry. But this was just so good!! I am hoping for a Cole and Brenna book next!!!
This book definitely deserves more than 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book definitely deserves more than 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 24, 2022
Bryce and Lucy's story will rip your heart out and then carefully and put it back better than before! The broken bad boy that seeks redemption with the witty, loving woman that has always been there for him. Throw in some football, a small town, and wonderful side characters and I couldn't get enough! This story is filled with just enough angst, all the emotions, and the perfect amount of spice!
February 24, 2022
Top Notch
OMG!! Such an emotional ride, I felt all the ups and down I fell in love and in hate with Bryce so many times and I want Lucy as my best friend! I loved this story and hated putting it down to adult! Another fantastic edition to the Fury Series!
OMG!! Such an emotional ride, I felt all the ups and down I fell in love and in hate with Bryce so many times and I want Lucy as my best friend! I loved this story and hated putting it down to adult! Another fantastic edition to the Fury Series!
July 5, 2022
MMC unredeemable
Whew…. Where do I begin? The main male character basically leads the female character on for seven years from high school through college and his first two years in the NFL. The book wasn’t particularly well written because the timelines always seemed off and the nature of the relationship wasn’t well flushed out. I guess basically after you read the majority of the book you realize that it wasn’t a boyfriend girlfriend situation per se it was really kind of this football jock every so often talking to this girl from high school and promising a date in the off-season. They never actually dated and at one point even went three years without speaking but yet she keeps being referred to as the only person in his life that can keep him straight or straighten him out. In the meantime it doesn’t appear that she’s ever dated or anything but it’s been mentioned about how there were lots of pictures with him of girls in college etc. Eventually she decides to get into a platonic engagement with a childhood friend and that supposedly makes him spiral and end up sleeping with everything he sees and drinking and partying with the pics and videos of his manho drinking ways are all over the Internet. He becomes an alcoholic and his season tanks. So basically this guy has had the longest hall pass ever to be a manho but she’s never even had a boyfriend and they’re in their mid-20s? She spent her whole life waiting for a date from this guy? He has broken every promise he ever gave her. And her engagement with her family childhood friend like I said it was platonic she didn’t even kiss the guy. Like at least give her some action author???? Especially after the male got hits for SEVEN years!!! So then he comes back home after being told he’s partying too much by his team and get it together and she breaks off the engagement and they finally get together, sleep together, They make plans for her to move to him. Then the theme of him always breaking his promises comes back and they go months without seeing each other. Then all of a sudden he starts getting back into the party scene now remember this is at the end of the book so not a lot of redemption arc afterwards. So it comes to a crisis that on the day of her birthday she’s crying into wine and pizza while he is partying and drinking at the VIP club section with his teammates and cleat chasers. So the pictures go out again showing a cleat chaser sitting on his lap. And he shows up the next day hung over realizing that he had forgot which day was her birthday and celebrated his teammates birthday instead. So she finally tells him it’s over and that she’s done with him even though he tries to play it off that drinking isn’t an issue anymore and the cleat chaser just plopped into his lap without permission and he threw her off ha ha. Even if the cleat chaser did, eventually it’s going to be with his permission because obviously he is back in his old ways again. Anyway she tells him it’s over he panics and then decides to start working on himself again gives an interview returns triumphantly to his team and then just because he gave an interview about her she decides to take him back? This was such an unredeemable male character it’s not that he exactly cheated per se it’s just that he’s strung this girl along with no actual relationship for seven years promising that they would get together in the off-season that they would eventually have that date that they would eventually be together while never actually being together. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this that makes a woman so pathetic that she put her life on hold for a guy that she never even had a relationship with just the promise of a relationship with it’s the strangest thing I think I’ve ever read and I’ve read thousands of books. And to think that this entire relationship they don’t see each other guy extended periods of time when he is super rich??? And his sister is her best friend? He could literally buy a jet to come see her….. I forced myself to read the entire book just to see if there was any way there could be a redeemable arc and realized nope, he is just a jerk and she is the worst doormat ever.
Whew…. Where do I begin? The main male character basically leads the female character on for seven years from high school through college and his first two years in the NFL. The book wasn’t particularly well written because the timelines always seemed off and the nature of the relationship wasn’t well flushed out. I guess basically after you read the majority of the book you realize that it wasn’t a boyfriend girlfriend situation per se it was really kind of this football jock every so often talking to this girl from high school and promising a date in the off-season. They never actually dated and at one point even went three years without speaking but yet she keeps being referred to as the only person in his life that can keep him straight or straighten him out. In the meantime it doesn’t appear that she’s ever dated or anything but it’s been mentioned about how there were lots of pictures with him of girls in college etc. Eventually she decides to get into a platonic engagement with a childhood friend and that supposedly makes him spiral and end up sleeping with everything he sees and drinking and partying with the pics and videos of his manho drinking ways are all over the Internet. He becomes an alcoholic and his season tanks. So basically this guy has had the longest hall pass ever to be a manho but she’s never even had a boyfriend and they’re in their mid-20s? She spent her whole life waiting for a date from this guy? He has broken every promise he ever gave her. And her engagement with her family childhood friend like I said it was platonic she didn’t even kiss the guy. Like at least give her some action author???? Especially after the male got hits for SEVEN years!!! So then he comes back home after being told he’s partying too much by his team and get it together and she breaks off the engagement and they finally get together, sleep together, They make plans for her to move to him. Then the theme of him always breaking his promises comes back and they go months without seeing each other. Then all of a sudden he starts getting back into the party scene now remember this is at the end of the book so not a lot of redemption arc afterwards. So it comes to a crisis that on the day of her birthday she’s crying into wine and pizza while he is partying and drinking at the VIP club section with his teammates and cleat chasers. So the pictures go out again showing a cleat chaser sitting on his lap. And he shows up the next day hung over realizing that he had forgot which day was her birthday and celebrated his teammates birthday instead. So she finally tells him it’s over and that she’s done with him even though he tries to play it off that drinking isn’t an issue anymore and the cleat chaser just plopped into his lap without permission and he threw her off ha ha. Even if the cleat chaser did, eventually it’s going to be with his permission because obviously he is back in his old ways again. Anyway she tells him it’s over he panics and then decides to start working on himself again gives an interview returns triumphantly to his team and then just because he gave an interview about her she decides to take him back? This was such an unredeemable male character it’s not that he exactly cheated per se it’s just that he’s strung this girl along with no actual relationship for seven years promising that they would get together in the off-season that they would eventually have that date that they would eventually be together while never actually being together. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like this that makes a woman so pathetic that she put her life on hold for a guy that she never even had a relationship with just the promise of a relationship with it’s the strangest thing I think I’ve ever read and I’ve read thousands of books. And to think that this entire relationship they don’t see each other guy extended periods of time when he is super rich??? And his sister is her best friend? He could literally buy a jet to come see her….. I forced myself to read the entire book just to see if there was any way there could be a redeemable arc and realized nope, he is just a jerk and she is the worst doormat ever.
February 26, 2022
Off Season is the 3rd book in the Nashville Fury Series but can be read as a complete standalone. Bryce is a troubled football player and we find him hitting his rock bottom right from the beginning. I was quickly absorbed.
The book is told in first-person dual POV, which I am a fan of. It includes multiple timelines as you begin to understand Bryce and his relationship with Lucy. Bryce is a likable guy and it is easy to see how Lucy, the mathlete, fell for him their senior year of high school. We learn about the many broken promises along the way that led to Lucy breaking his heart. Lucy was sweet, caring, innocent, and a little nerdy. I have yet to meet anyone who uses and loves pro-con lists as much as her. Bryce deeply loves Lucy, but had a terrible way of showing it at times. I was not happy with the choice Lucy made when she was tired of waiting, as the story unfolds I was able to forgive her. My irritation moved to Bryce. At the beginning I felt I understood why Bryce was so heartbroken, the one person he felt safe and connected with broke his trust. But he also broke Lucy's trust.
In the past, the timing was never right for these two. Now that Bryce is in town, he is determined to do what it takes and declares this to be the right time. In my opinion, he has a lot to prove. Bryce is ready to mend fences and move forward, with not only Lucy, but his family, friends, and teammates and finding your HEA.
Off Season is a story about mending relationships, compromise, and finding balance. It was an enjoyable story with interesting characters. There was a great blend of angst, romance, and humor to keep me turning the pages. I can't wait until the next installment….I may or may not have a secret crush on Cole.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
▪️Sports Romance
▪️Second Chance
▪️First Love
▪️Small-town
▪️Charismatic Hero
▪️Nerdy Heroine
▪️HEA
▪️Dual POV
The book is told in first-person dual POV, which I am a fan of. It includes multiple timelines as you begin to understand Bryce and his relationship with Lucy. Bryce is a likable guy and it is easy to see how Lucy, the mathlete, fell for him their senior year of high school. We learn about the many broken promises along the way that led to Lucy breaking his heart. Lucy was sweet, caring, innocent, and a little nerdy. I have yet to meet anyone who uses and loves pro-con lists as much as her. Bryce deeply loves Lucy, but had a terrible way of showing it at times. I was not happy with the choice Lucy made when she was tired of waiting, as the story unfolds I was able to forgive her. My irritation moved to Bryce. At the beginning I felt I understood why Bryce was so heartbroken, the one person he felt safe and connected with broke his trust. But he also broke Lucy's trust.
In the past, the timing was never right for these two. Now that Bryce is in town, he is determined to do what it takes and declares this to be the right time. In my opinion, he has a lot to prove. Bryce is ready to mend fences and move forward, with not only Lucy, but his family, friends, and teammates and finding your HEA.
Off Season is a story about mending relationships, compromise, and finding balance. It was an enjoyable story with interesting characters. There was a great blend of angst, romance, and humor to keep me turning the pages. I can't wait until the next installment….I may or may not have a secret crush on Cole.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
▪️Sports Romance
▪️Second Chance
▪️First Love
▪️Small-town
▪️Charismatic Hero
▪️Nerdy Heroine
▪️HEA
▪️Dual POV
February 21, 2022
Another Touchdown by Chelle Sloan!
Off season is Book 3 in the Nashville Series and I have been waiting for Bryce's story since book 1. We were getting hints through out the first two books that something was going on with Bryce now we finally get to see what. The book starts with Bryce in a series downward spiral. He is the star quarterback of the Nashville Fury and has been having a terrible season. After a game the should have won the coaches finally call him and tell him he needs help. Bryce gets defensive and lets say it does NOT help his case, he is serious denial he even has a problem. Bryce is sent back home to face his demons and get himself under control.
Through flashbacks we learn his story with Lucy. Lucy and Bryce have a very unique relationship. Bryce trusts Lucy with his secrets, values her advice and opinions. He also has very deep feelings with her which I don't think he truly understands until later on in life when Lucy finally decides she can not do this back and forth with him because she always ends up crushed.
Throughout the story they both go on a self discovery, where each of them figure out who they without each other and how their path will always lead back to each other. This is such an amazing story with angst, steam and great banter. Bring on Book 4 :)
* Note this book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the first two because this series is THAT good.
Off season is Book 3 in the Nashville Series and I have been waiting for Bryce's story since book 1. We were getting hints through out the first two books that something was going on with Bryce now we finally get to see what. The book starts with Bryce in a series downward spiral. He is the star quarterback of the Nashville Fury and has been having a terrible season. After a game the should have won the coaches finally call him and tell him he needs help. Bryce gets defensive and lets say it does NOT help his case, he is serious denial he even has a problem. Bryce is sent back home to face his demons and get himself under control.
Through flashbacks we learn his story with Lucy. Lucy and Bryce have a very unique relationship. Bryce trusts Lucy with his secrets, values her advice and opinions. He also has very deep feelings with her which I don't think he truly understands until later on in life when Lucy finally decides she can not do this back and forth with him because she always ends up crushed.
Throughout the story they both go on a self discovery, where each of them figure out who they without each other and how their path will always lead back to each other. This is such an amazing story with angst, steam and great banter. Bring on Book 4 :)
* Note this book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the first two because this series is THAT good.
November 27, 2022
This story hit me with a lot more emotions then I was expecting, definitely more angst than the first two books in the series. A second chance sports romance with lots of secondary character characters that play a vital role in how the story moves forward. This book kind of sets the scene for the final book in the series, which I hear is really angsty. This is a great book and fits into the series really well, without the focus being solely on the football season in comparison to the previous books.
Bryce and Lucy have known each other since senior year of high school and the story jumps between past and present, which provides vital character development. Both Bryce and Lucy are dealing with their own issues. It almost the entire book for me to like Bryce. You definitely see growth in Bryce, but I would have like to have seen him prove himself to Lucy. When it all clicks into place and Bryce really understands his errors, it's fantastic. However, Lucy is one of my favorite heroines; she gives Bryce more chances than he deserves, but every time she calls him out on his crap, she let's him have it (and I'm cheering her on the whole time). Lucy is far from perfect, but it just proves no matter how strong we are, sometimes our family has more power over us than we would like to admit.
Bryce and Lucy have known each other since senior year of high school and the story jumps between past and present, which provides vital character development. Both Bryce and Lucy are dealing with their own issues. It almost the entire book for me to like Bryce. You definitely see growth in Bryce, but I would have like to have seen him prove himself to Lucy. When it all clicks into place and Bryce really understands his errors, it's fantastic. However, Lucy is one of my favorite heroines; she gives Bryce more chances than he deserves, but every time she calls him out on his crap, she let's him have it (and I'm cheering her on the whole time). Lucy is far from perfect, but it just proves no matter how strong we are, sometimes our family has more power over us than we would like to admit.
February 23, 2022
This is a Sport Romance that I have never read before. As a lifelong athlete, and living around professional athletes, this story was a refreshing take on a genre that not always hits the mark. This story was a bullseye.
The main character, Bryce, and his evolution was a beautiful mess filled with angst, soul crushing emotions, and just enough a-holery (yes, that is a word) to portray an athlete in a true form. From the beginning, we find Bryce in a dire situation that pits a young, misunderstood man between his profession and the need for him to be perfect at a young age as he is trying to sort through life.
The heroine, Lucy, is a beautiful soul and is also trying to find her own way. She struggles with setting boundaries that not only align with the needs of others, but her own.
This book is ADDICTIVE! I couldn't put it down once I started. Bryce was in my top 5 book boyfriends by the end of Chapter 1. Chelle has an amazing way of telling a story. Very unique to many in this genre. I, at times, find fault in stories, from an analytical perspective when it comes to sports, however, Chelle's writing is very believable and relatable. Another brilliant story and journey!
The main character, Bryce, and his evolution was a beautiful mess filled with angst, soul crushing emotions, and just enough a-holery (yes, that is a word) to portray an athlete in a true form. From the beginning, we find Bryce in a dire situation that pits a young, misunderstood man between his profession and the need for him to be perfect at a young age as he is trying to sort through life.
The heroine, Lucy, is a beautiful soul and is also trying to find her own way. She struggles with setting boundaries that not only align with the needs of others, but her own.
This book is ADDICTIVE! I couldn't put it down once I started. Bryce was in my top 5 book boyfriends by the end of Chapter 1. Chelle has an amazing way of telling a story. Very unique to many in this genre. I, at times, find fault in stories, from an analytical perspective when it comes to sports, however, Chelle's writing is very believable and relatable. Another brilliant story and journey!
February 23, 2022
I've been looking forward to this book since I read Chelle Sloan's first in the series, Off the Record, and I was not disappointed!
Bryce Donald is the Fury's star quarterback, except he's slipped and no longer performing like he should and blaming everyone else for his blunders.
Lucy Valenti has been Bryce's rock for so long. When he needs reassurance, she's there. When he has a problem, she's there to help him solve it. But when will it be Lucy's turn?
This story started out as what I thought would be a feel good, lightish read, and then Chelle Sloan sucker punched me with all of the emotions!
This story had me forgiving Bryce for the past two books and falling for him, then not liking him all over again, then finally liking him again. (Yeah, I get Lucy's dilemma!)
I loved Lucy throughout the whole story and I felt for her! She knew her heart and knew when she had to put herself first.
If you are a sports romance lover, I HIGHLY, HIGHLY suggest reading this series by Chelle Sloan. She has given us an amazing series and I can't wait to see what happens when someone realizes bro-code has been broken!
Bryce Donald is the Fury's star quarterback, except he's slipped and no longer performing like he should and blaming everyone else for his blunders.
Lucy Valenti has been Bryce's rock for so long. When he needs reassurance, she's there. When he has a problem, she's there to help him solve it. But when will it be Lucy's turn?
This story started out as what I thought would be a feel good, lightish read, and then Chelle Sloan sucker punched me with all of the emotions!
This story had me forgiving Bryce for the past two books and falling for him, then not liking him all over again, then finally liking him again. (Yeah, I get Lucy's dilemma!)
I loved Lucy throughout the whole story and I felt for her! She knew her heart and knew when she had to put herself first.
If you are a sports romance lover, I HIGHLY, HIGHLY suggest reading this series by Chelle Sloan. She has given us an amazing series and I can't wait to see what happens when someone realizes bro-code has been broken!
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February 20, 2022
Bryce oh Bryce. How I wanted to knock some sense into the man for pretty much everything. Lucy…. I don’t know how she put up with him as long as she did, well I do, but still. At times these two frustrated me beyond belief, to the point I was yelling out loud at my kindle.
I loved getting little flashbacks of how Bryce and Lucy met and how their friends and relationship(?) progressed over the years and to see where they are now in the present. They were opposites when they first met. The star football player, the popular jock in high school versus Lucy, the mathlete. However, despite their differences, they clicked. The two of them worked so well together. Their chemistry was on point.
I know I already said it but Lucy is a saint. That woman deserves an award for how much she dealt with and everything that Bryce had put her through. Yet, I know she also understood somewhat where Bryce was coming from. I was 100% on #TeamLucy from the start.
If you’re looking for a second chance, friends to lovers, sports romance this is one to check out.
I loved getting little flashbacks of how Bryce and Lucy met and how their friends and relationship(?) progressed over the years and to see where they are now in the present. They were opposites when they first met. The star football player, the popular jock in high school versus Lucy, the mathlete. However, despite their differences, they clicked. The two of them worked so well together. Their chemistry was on point.
I know I already said it but Lucy is a saint. That woman deserves an award for how much she dealt with and everything that Bryce had put her through. Yet, I know she also understood somewhat where Bryce was coming from. I was 100% on #TeamLucy from the start.
If you’re looking for a second chance, friends to lovers, sports romance this is one to check out.
March 13, 2022
Lucy and Bryce meet after he has trouble with math in high school, and they eventually fall in love. Lucy has never doubted Bryce's love, but she's been always unsure of his commitment. Football has always been his first love and because of it, he's broken so many promises to her that she begins to believe that their love is just not meant to be.
Bryce is head over heels in love with Lucy, but he seems to always miss the mark. He's always waiting for the right time for them to be together, not realising that he could truly have a bit - and probably the best - of both worlds.
Bryce & Lucy's story is a sweet, emotional one, highlighting how important other things, besides love - like trust & dependability - are in a relationship. Chelle Sloan takes us back to their origin, and builds up the story so we see why these two are so intertwined and connected.
I loved the pockets of humor, as well as the cast of characters. I definitely recommend this read.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Bryce is head over heels in love with Lucy, but he seems to always miss the mark. He's always waiting for the right time for them to be together, not realising that he could truly have a bit - and probably the best - of both worlds.
Bryce & Lucy's story is a sweet, emotional one, highlighting how important other things, besides love - like trust & dependability - are in a relationship. Chelle Sloan takes us back to their origin, and builds up the story so we see why these two are so intertwined and connected.
I loved the pockets of humor, as well as the cast of characters. I definitely recommend this read.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
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