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Sometimes I feel every inch of my thirty-eight years. Maybe that’s why I allow myself a single moment of indulgence—a one night stand with a hot, young singer who is definitely not for me. Who can blame me for going for it?

I’m usually content living my life as a grumpy single dad with a teenage daughter—a handful of a kid who wants me and her mom back together, which is never going to happen. My life isn’t so bad. After all, I’m the Coach for the Arizona Rattlesnakes NHL team, and when I speak, a whole team of people listen.

I don’t expect to meet Ms. Sexy Singer again, not at my daughter's parent-teacher conference (Talk about awkward)! And I definitely don’t expect our one-night stands to happen again…and again.

And again.

This is just sex, right?

Until it starts to feel like more. There’s something about Willa Bennett that I just can’t resist, and I know her unexpected pregnancy should freak me the frick out…but it doesn’t. Unfortunately for me, my wild young lover still has her sights set on Nashville and the record deal she deserves. She might even have those sights set on her ex.

Turns out I have real feelings for my baby mama and while I might be in charge at the Rattlesnakes, I can’t make Willa do a damn thing I want, when I want. (At least, not out of the bedroom).

She’s a beautiful song bird and I know I can’t cage her in, even if I want to. So what the hell are we gonna do now?

First Match is the first book in the new Arizona Rattlesnakes series, a spin off from Pippa Green's successful Minnesota Raiders series (You'll see some of your old favorites reappear). It can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2022

207 people are currently reading
363 people want to read

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Pippa Green

23 books112 followers

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5 stars
211 (41%)
4 stars
159 (31%)
3 stars
92 (18%)
2 stars
39 (7%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
9,376 reviews140 followers
May 23, 2022
This is a well written book with strong characters and an entertaining storyline. A one night stand turns into so much more. The author does a great job building the story and kept me glued to the pages right to the end. Darren and Willa have many obstacles to overcome in order to get to their HEA. The story moves fluidly with the perfectly painted scenes and is a wonderful addition to the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,225 reviews19 followers
October 19, 2022
This book shares a time in the life of coach, Darren Thorne, the Arizona Rattlesnakes, NHL team. Thorne’s friend, Coffee is retiring, and for the first time since his divorce, a woman has caught his eye making him smile. The singer hypnotized him and makes him feel again. Although, he feels all kinds of uncomfortable because of, their age difference not, to mention she is a singer with, a free spirit.

Nevertheless, he follows her home and he is the one the next morning doing the walk of shame. But, after them giving each other multiple orgasms it is totally worth it to him. They had talked ahead of time that it would only be one night, a ‘one-off,’ so no hard feelings. Being the gentleman that he is he leaves his number.

Thorne shares custody of his daughter, Lulu, a jr. higher. Lulu has been having a hard time, at school lately. She has been acting out more than, ever before. Now, in ways that are starting, to become dangerous, to her academic standing. So, parent-teacher conferences are now, becoming a regular thing. She seems, to relish acting out in order, to bring her parents together. This makes a close friend believe, that she wants her parents back together, even after five years.

But, imagine her teacher, Willa Bennett, and, her father’s surprise when they figure out, they know, each other. Yup, you guessed it, they were the ‘one-off’ from, Coffee’s retirement party. So, when, Lulu introduces them as, Mr. and Mrs. Thorne. That's when Willa loses all her color, turns white, and will not make eye contact, with him. He figures out, with his ex’s new engagement ring, and the introduction that, Lulu gave that, Willa thinks he cheated, on his wife, with her.

See how these two, strong stubborn firecrackers, fit into each other's lives. Because, they figure out quickly that once, is not enough. Yet, the dad and coach he is, older and, established. He is used, to straight lines, and no wiggle room. Whereas, the teacher and singer, she is piles of clothes on all, surfaces and endless time, to be creative, to write songs. I loved Hazel Willa’s grandma, she is spunky. Lulu was a great character too. She kept the storyline hopping.
Profile Image for Sara.
2,374 reviews14 followers
May 26, 2022
An enjoyable read and a spin-off/new series. I was eager for this new series featuring the Arizona Rattlesnakes NHL team.

After reading Liam & Cassidy’s book, where he asks to be traded to Arizona, I assumed the new series would build from this connection and we’d get to know more of the Rattlesnake players.

Darren is the head coach and he hooks up with a young singer at the retirement party of one of his players. He is shocked to come across his hot one night stand, Willa, during a teacher’s conference for his teenage daughter, LuLu. Once the shock fades he and Willa have repeat hookups, until she unexpectedly ends up pregnant.

The dynamics of this story are a little unusual. Willa sees her hookups with Darren as just sex and she isn’t interested in more - she’s not looking for a relationship to hold her back from achieving her dream of making it as a singer in Nashville.

Darren wants more than just sex with Willa, but realizes he can’t push Willa for more of a relationship or she’ll run. He is also trying to parent a teenage daughter who is determined her divorced parents should be together and she acts out repeatedly towards achieving this goal.

Each of the characters grow as the story progresses, and the romance comes after the pregnancy and a fake engagement. Initially I has some difficulty liking the main characters, but they became more relatable as the story continued and their emotional walls started to drop. This wasn’t a typical sports romance and was more focused on these two vastly different characters working to make a relationship work once they have a baby on the way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vee Belle.
12 reviews
May 21, 2022
4.5 out of 5 stars

So, it all started with a one-night stand that turned into an everyday-night stand (wait, does that term exists? I don't know). I admit it's actually awkward at first since Willa is his daughter's teacher, and well when they meet again, it's actually not a very good time. Then, they did it again and again. I was nervous as I read it because, hello? I don't know if someone will catch them or what. Then, there's the news of Willa being pregnant. I don't know how that happened, I mean I'm pretty sure they did use condoms but... Accidents happen, don't they? Of course, that news shocked Willa's world. She's a woman with dreams that she wants to achieve and well, being pregnant is kind of not in her plan.

They really didn't have the exact easy path towards their HEA. They have different plans, and it's not aligned with each other. Let's also add the fact that they're both stubborn and Willa's hormones just make it even harder. Additionally, there's the thing with Lulu. Her character makes sense in the story - the way she acts and well, all about her. I really love how her character developed throughout the story.

The reason I didn't give a whole 5 stars for this, even though I really loved it, is because there are some things missing, or at least there are scenes that would make the story even nicer. For example, the relationship between Lulu and Willa. I just think that was rushed. I would've loved to see them bond and how their relationship progressed through the story. But all in all, I really love it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
13 reviews
May 24, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was a first for me, a read in a genre that I don't typically delve into. Sports romance.
I've seen quite a bit of it while looking for books to read, and I haven't paid much thought into it.
The subgenre-- trope really, that's what drew me in, and I'm certain it would and will draw more readers in. Accidental Pregnancy Sports Romance.
Lots of words, and they all lay themselves right out.

Our two main characters, Darren and Willa are cute. They're akin to what I'd find in a pretty standard romance novel. I would argue that those heated scenes, the nitty gritty love scenes...those teeter far more into the erotica section, especially in the beginning of the novel, before the pregnancy.

Speaking of the pregnancy, it felt to me as if this was actually two different books: before baby, and after baby.

I think this series has a potential, but possibly alter the goal of these books. What is the story to be told? Is it erotic fiction with an accidental pregnancy, or is it a romance novel where the main characters fall in love through the arc of the novel?

Darren and Willa are sweet, but a little far fetched. I think the idea was there, it just didn't do it for me. The writing was good, perhaps not my favorite style but for someone looking for a slump buster, this would be a good fit.

If you're someone that likes a little sprinkling of sports, with some family drama and a surprise baby? This one is for you.
3,477 reviews42 followers
July 3, 2022
She is broke, artistic, younger than him and dreams of Nashville and a singing career which is on hold because she broke up with her gritty musician boyfriend recently. His life consists of ice hockey (he's the coach of a team and rather well off) and his teenage daughter Lulu.

Willa and Darren are an unexpected match at first sight but they had a passionate one-night stand and she never called back at the number he gave her. Only, later they find out that Willa works as Lulu's math teacher. Lulu is getting into a lot of trouble at school lately. Darren's marriage ended a long time ago but Lulu has not accepted it. Willa and Darren start having sex more regularly, and they think it's just casual because their lives are so different and Willa dreams of going away to further her singing career. But Willa gets pregnant and suddenly it's a matter of family.

What I liked: the development of the feelings between them and the general flow of the story.

What I wasn't a fan of: Darren had Lulu's mom programmed in his phone under a rude alias which seemed a little off, considering their daughter might see it.

Steam level: Sexual attraction is what started it all so they're gonna have sex.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
200 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2022
Darren is the coach for the NHL Rattlesnakes. He and his ex-wife share custody of their teenage daughter Lulu.
At his daughter’s parent-teacher conference, he meets his one night stand from months earlier. Lulu wants her parents to get back together. Her mother has gotten engaged. Lulu is acting out in school and getting in trouble.
Willa returned from Nashville after not getting anywhere with her singing career. She is staying in her grandmother’s garage apartment, doing singing gigs and working at the middle school as a math teacher. Now she sees her one night stand with his daughter and ex-wife. Their daughter’s grades are dropping in math class.
The attraction between Darren and Willa is strong. Even the age difference is not a problem. They continue a sexual relationship that results in a pregnancy. They begin a fake engagement to help Lulu except the situation. But now her ex-boyfriend has arrived with a deal that could make her singing career. Darren reacted badly to the ex-boyfriend’s return.
Willa has lots of choices to make.
Has a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,504 reviews7 followers
May 22, 2022
The story begins with the end of the novella introducing the Rattlesnakes and the same characters emerge - Darren met Willa and their one night stand has led to more. Their relationship is not without its merits but there are a lot misunderstandings, disagreements and uncertainties.
Darren is a genuinely nice man, caring and considerate. Willa is wilful, selfish, self indulgent at times and determined to avoid any kind of sensitive relationship. The accidental pregnancy is a turning point and despite Darren's effort, Willa continues to tread the paths she has chosen -some of which are to her detriment and she is the instigator of her own misery and that is bourn by others.
Dreams can and do come true eventually, but she must first open her eyes to what actually is the best for her, with some soul searching on her part.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,442 reviews25 followers
May 24, 2022
Darren meets Willa at Coffee's retirement bash, she's the singer. He's a bit older than her but they have a one night stand.
Then he goes to his daughter, Lulu's school for the parents meeting. His ex is there too, and Lulu's maths teacher is Ms Bennett, Willa! She immediately thinks he's married.
He's the coach of the Rattlesnakes and she's only teaching as an interim measure, before she goes back to Nashville to make it as a singer. She's not interested in commitment or a real relationship, but Darren is really smitten with her.
Can they make a go of it? What about her singing career? What happens when a spanner gets into the works?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A great first in the series from Pippa. Looking forward to the second one.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,314 reviews14 followers
June 7, 2022
This is Book 1 in the Arizona Rattlesnakes Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is a steamy, age gap romance between single dad Darren and aspiring singer Willa. These likeable characters, the strong connection, the combustible chemistry, and the unique plot make for an interesting read. What starts out as a one night stand turns into something more. It is a romantic journey with drama and steam, humor and charm, sexual tension and chemistry, and appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. An engaging page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Courtney.
273 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2023
2 stars. This wasn't a bad book, I just really didn't care about the characters and it's a very forgettable book.

Things I Liked:
-single parent trope
-accidental pregnancy trope
-hockey(ish) romance (Darren was a coach)

Things I Didn't Like:
-I couldn't get into the book because of the lack of chemistry between Willa and Darren, I didn't feel there was any emotional connection, and the authour had the tendency to tell us what happened instead of showing us

Things I Would've Liked To See:
-basically everything I mentioned not liking (more chemistry, an emotional connection, seeing instead of hearing about things that happened)
-more about their careers, pasts, friends and families (mostly their parents)
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,763 reviews36 followers
May 23, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Darren and Willa met at a retirement party and really hit it off. The one night stand becomes more when they run into each other again. It becomes very realistic as they deal with pregnancy, a rebellious teenager and a chance for a dream. Willa learns to step back and think before acting and to rely on others. Darren is very supportive and wants takes care of his loved ones maybe a bit too much at times. A runaway daughter leads to healing and a family getting together. Darren encourages Willa to go for her dream and she gets it.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
May 25, 2022
Darren and Willa . . .

A one-night-stand for Darren, the Arizona Rattlesnakes NHL coach, turns into something totally unexpected. He is stunned to meet Willa Bennett – who turned out to be his daughter Lulu’s math teacher -- at a parent-teacher conference he attends for his wild-child teenage daughter. Seeing Willa again, they get some extra mileage out of that one-night-stand.

Willa is a young singer who has big plans for Nashville. In the meantime, Darren is feeling some deeper feelings for Willa that won’t seem to go away. Then she turns up unexpectedly pregnant. Will she give up her dreams of Nashville and a record contract? If she won’t, what other options do they have?
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
June 30, 2022
This is the first book in the Arizona Rattlesnakes series and is Darren and Willa's story.

Darren is the head coach of the Rattlesnakes; he meets Willa at a retirement party for one of his players and enjoy a hot night. Darren is surprised when he sees Willa again, but this time it is during his daughter's teacher/ parent conference.

Their story is hot and steamy with layers of twist and turns as Willa has her dreams, but it hits a speed bump when she realizes their nights turned into more.

Great start to the series, can't wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,286 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2022
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed the story about Willa and Darren and Lulu. Darren is a hockey coach, a single dad and raising Lulu with his ex Margret, is bit an easy task. Willa is a young woman who is passionate about singing, but came home to get a grasp on life as a math teacher, before trying Nashville again. They meet at a friend's retirement party where Willa is signing. They have a spark between them that can't be denied. But the two have trust issues. When Willa's ex shows up it throws the game off. Great HEA in the works for this family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
35 reviews
May 29, 2022
Loved the story,,,

I really fell in love with Darren and Willa’s story. Like all of the other Pippa Green books I’ve read, the story flowed well and the characters were well thought out. I would have given it 5 stars but I felt like the book should have been proofread before publishing. There were too many times that an incorrect word was used, whoever instead of however etc. These mistakes made the book difficult to read at times as I had to go back and figure out what the authors meant to use.
Profile Image for Fantasy Book Review Kim.
583 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2022
Instant chemistry.

This is the first in this series about the Arizona Rattlesnakes hockey team.

A one night stand leads to more and this book had so much spicy it was on fire. The chemistry between Darren and Willa was undeniable. He never reacted to anything how she expected and she was stubborn to a fault. But when they were together it was hot and all their feeling oozed off the page.

The author has always been able to create a world you want to know more about. This book is a great start to a series I am excited to devour.
1,027 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2022
This was the first book by Pippa Green that I have read and I really enjoyed it. I will be sure to check out their other series. I love a sports romance that doesn't overwhelm you with details of the sport. I liked all of the characters and I like that it was not over the top dramatic. It was steamy, sporty, with a few bumps in the road for our couple. I love the single parent trope as well as the accidental pregnancy.
1,378 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2022
This novel was a mixture of age gap, sports romance, fake relationship and accidental pregnancy all in one. The sports theme was very high level and provides a tie to other books in the series. Willa and Darren have a tumultuous relationship with miscommunications and their fair share of actions based on insecurities and fear. It was a good book with a HEA and I look forward to the rest of the series.
4,022 reviews
June 1, 2022
First Match: A Single Dad Accidental Pregnancy Sports Romance : An Arizona Rattlesnakes Novel
Book 1 of Arizona Rattlesnakes
Pippa Green

I really loved the self made family in this book. Darren and Willa are beautifully written, then you add in troubled Lulu and this book is dramatic and exciting. Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Harriet.
332 reviews7 followers
July 8, 2022
Darren and Willa are a cute couple with alot of obstacles to get over before they reach a HEA.

Willa wants to continue having fun with Darren, but is focused on her singing career, Darren wants more but knows he can't press her.

Willa finds her self pregnant and the romance grows. Drama added with Loulou Darren's teenage daughter and his ex wife.

A good read and solid start to a new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
39 reviews
May 29, 2023
I read the novella for this series and am excited to read more into this. This book is a single dad, age gap romance. I love how the story progressed, it felt like they worked through their problems including the teenager of the single dad who wanted her parents to get back together. Spice was pretty good, would give it a 2.5 out of 5. My only qualm is that the writing felt different than the novella, it wasn't bad, just different.
1,738 reviews10 followers
May 24, 2022
I liked that this series, linked from the previous, starts with the coach and not a player. There is uncertainty, panic, hotness and a sulky teenager to contend with. This is a hard fought, and thanks to the epilogues, ongoing process of building trust. I loved that it wasn't an instalove HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,886 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2022
This was such a wonderful start to create a series Arizona Rattlesnakes #1. It has a strong storyline with characters that interact with great chemistry. I loved Darren and Willa, they meet on a one night stand, but end up with so much more. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
189 reviews
May 25, 2022
This book was not what I expected. I thought it was more of a one night stand accidental pregnancy. These two just couldn't stay away from each other and introduced outside factors into their situation. It was a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
755 reviews9 followers
May 26, 2022
The first book in the new Arizona Rattlesnakes series is a sure hit! Pippa Green once again delivers a captivating story of true love with steamy scenes, and hot hockey players. Or in this case, a hot NHL coach and a much younger woman with dreams of her own.
You’re going to LOVE this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Melinda Swaine.
2,425 reviews12 followers
May 27, 2022
First Match is another example of why Pippa Green is one of my top favourite sports romance authors!!

First Match is another example of why Pippa Green is one of my top favourite sports romance authors. First Match captures everything that makes this read so addictive and charming. The fun antics, the magnetic romantic chemistry, and the delicious heat paired with real emotions, swoony moments, and unforgettably lovable characters. Loved it. Happy reading everyone
3,553 reviews52 followers
May 28, 2022
I thought this was such a cute romance. I really liked Darren and thought he was so totally swoon worthy. I also liked Willa as she is strong and knows what she wants. These two have such a great chemistry together, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Beth.
1,176 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2024
I liked this so much better than I thought I would. I think it was the parenting of the teenager that really got me.
Willa and Darren have a one night stand. And of course, Willa is Darren's daughter math teacher come to find out. And the story goes from there.
Willa fell for Darren but also fell in love with Lulu. And that made my heart soar
4,012 reviews34 followers
May 25, 2022
First Match by Pippa Green is a good, and enjoyable age gap single dad accidental pregnancy sports romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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