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The Backup
What’s a girl to do when she finds out she’s played an unintentional mistress to a professional football player?
Hitch the fate of my reputation to one of his teammates, of course.
The jilted wife wants revenge, and I don’t blame her. Unfortunately, my family counts on me to be a steady source of income. As devastated as I am about being an accidental homewrecker, I’m not the only one with something to lose if she sinks her claws into me and ruins my pet grooming business as payback.
Enter Kyle Jessop—backup quarterback and heroic knight in rusty armor.
His proposed plan is simple. I scratch his back, and he scratches mine. If he keeps his teammate out of hot water with the wife, then my business stays afloat. All we have to do is pretend that my stint as an adulteress was a cover to keep our fledgling relationship out of the press while Kyle takes over as QB1 for his team.
Listen, I know it sounds like making a bad situation worse. Honestly, my life can’t get much worse, so this hare-brained scheme is par for the course.
Yes, I know more about golf analogies than I do about actual football.
Yes, I’m well aware that I’m out of my league.
Yes, I have to figure out how to fake it ‘til I make it for the rest of the season.
The only rule I really need to know? Do not trust any more men. Especially not of the football-playing variety.
Not even grumpy ones who show their inner gooey center from time to time.
Not even committed ones who give more than they take.
Not even exceptionally talented ones who… never mind. That's not part of the plan.
Kyle Jessop can’t be my Prince Charming. I’ve learned my lesson. Happily-ever-afters don’t exist.
Right?
Hitch the fate of my reputation to one of his teammates, of course.
The jilted wife wants revenge, and I don’t blame her. Unfortunately, my family counts on me to be a steady source of income. As devastated as I am about being an accidental homewrecker, I’m not the only one with something to lose if she sinks her claws into me and ruins my pet grooming business as payback.
Enter Kyle Jessop—backup quarterback and heroic knight in rusty armor.
His proposed plan is simple. I scratch his back, and he scratches mine. If he keeps his teammate out of hot water with the wife, then my business stays afloat. All we have to do is pretend that my stint as an adulteress was a cover to keep our fledgling relationship out of the press while Kyle takes over as QB1 for his team.
Listen, I know it sounds like making a bad situation worse. Honestly, my life can’t get much worse, so this hare-brained scheme is par for the course.
Yes, I know more about golf analogies than I do about actual football.
Yes, I’m well aware that I’m out of my league.
Yes, I have to figure out how to fake it ‘til I make it for the rest of the season.
The only rule I really need to know? Do not trust any more men. Especially not of the football-playing variety.
Not even grumpy ones who show their inner gooey center from time to time.
Not even committed ones who give more than they take.
Not even exceptionally talented ones who… never mind. That's not part of the plan.
Kyle Jessop can’t be my Prince Charming. I’ve learned my lesson. Happily-ever-afters don’t exist.
Right?
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2022
162 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Kata Čuić
21 books471 followersKata Čuić lives in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and writes romance stories with a dash of humor, a dollop of spice, and a heaping helping of heart. With a background in Linguistics and a minor in Religious Studies, her writing style marries lit fic with delicious tropes. He falls first and harder, anyone?
From angst-filled new adult series to standalone rom-coms, and even a touch of paranormal, Kata's diverse storytelling offers something for every romance reader palate. Because she gets bored writing the same things all the time, okay?
When she's not writing, Kata emotionally eats to cope with the endless news cycle, binge reads series because sleep is for the weak, and probably drinks too much whiskey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
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September 9, 2022Sadly, I couldn’t connect with the characters, especially Kyle. He seemed out of place and was struggling to fit in with his teammates.
The logistics of the story was slightly amiss and not that coherent at some points.
The flow just didn’t work for me.
Dnf @ 24%
The logistics of the story was slightly amiss and not that coherent at some points.
The flow just didn’t work for me.
Dnf @ 24%
May 2, 2023
4.5 star review of The Backup by Kata Cuic
From the first chapter I was hooked on the story that Kata Cuic wove and had a hard time putting it down when real life got in the way. Imagine the horror when you find out that you are “the other woman”. That’s the position that Brooke suddenly finds herself in when her relationship is shattered.
Kyle Jessop is her ex’s teammate and when he proposes an offer to help her, Brooke has no choice but to accept, after all her family depends on her. Can Brooke and Kyle pull off a fake relationship?
This was an intriguing storyline and one that ticked the boxes for me. The characters were engaging, their chemistry sizzled and I found myself cheering them on. Their journey was not without issues but it was heart warming to watch as it developed.
From the first chapter I was hooked on the story that Kata Cuic wove and had a hard time putting it down when real life got in the way. Imagine the horror when you find out that you are “the other woman”. That’s the position that Brooke suddenly finds herself in when her relationship is shattered.
Kyle Jessop is her ex’s teammate and when he proposes an offer to help her, Brooke has no choice but to accept, after all her family depends on her. Can Brooke and Kyle pull off a fake relationship?
This was an intriguing storyline and one that ticked the boxes for me. The characters were engaging, their chemistry sizzled and I found myself cheering them on. Their journey was not without issues but it was heart warming to watch as it developed.
May 15, 2023
I First read this one Last year but im really happy i re read it this time around before picking up book 2 because it made me realise just how special this series is .
This is one emotional roller coaster and Brooke and Kyle Jessop’s journey not only captivated me it kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. What do you do when you’re heart gets shattered, when you think you have found the love of your life only to find you are “the other woman”……
When Kyle her ex’s teammate offers to help Brooke knows she has no choice because her family are depending on her. So can Brooke and Kyle make everyone believe their fake relationship is real and more importantly what happens when feelings come into play ……..
The Backup has all the feels, it’s emotional yet entertaining, the characters are easy to relate with and the chemistry is sizzling but what took this book to another level was the bond this couple found as they go from fake to real. Great read that I urge you all to one click.
This is one emotional roller coaster and Brooke and Kyle Jessop’s journey not only captivated me it kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. What do you do when you’re heart gets shattered, when you think you have found the love of your life only to find you are “the other woman”……
When Kyle her ex’s teammate offers to help Brooke knows she has no choice because her family are depending on her. So can Brooke and Kyle make everyone believe their fake relationship is real and more importantly what happens when feelings come into play ……..
The Backup has all the feels, it’s emotional yet entertaining, the characters are easy to relate with and the chemistry is sizzling but what took this book to another level was the bond this couple found as they go from fake to real. Great read that I urge you all to one click.
September 13, 2022
Nice sweet fake fiancé trope
This is a storyline I choose no matter what
Jessie and Brooke story has growing pains but is kind of cute
1.5 star less for too many side character from previous series ( asswipe cheater alert in these books ) 3.5 stars
This is a storyline I choose no matter what
Jessie and Brooke story has growing pains but is kind of cute
1.5 star less for too many side character from previous series ( asswipe cheater alert in these books ) 3.5 stars
March 10, 2023
Brooke and Kyle's story was all-consuming! I thoroughly enjoyed this second generation American football romance.
It was great revisiting with the Falls and Fossoway characters from the Moving the Chains series. I'll updated my review after the book has been released as I don't want to post spoilers.
It was great revisiting with the Falls and Fossoway characters from the Moving the Chains series. I'll updated my review after the book has been released as I don't want to post spoilers.
September 5, 2022
This is the 1st in a new series, and what an amazing beginning this story is. Brooke’s relationship is shattered when she finds out that she has become the unintentional “other woman” and homewrecker due to a professional football player. A vengeful wife will ruin Brooke’s grooming business in return. Kyle is one of her ex’s teammates, and he comes up with a proposal which will be mutually beneficial for them both. Can Kyle and Brooke convince everyone that their fake relationship is real? This is a well written story which has undeniable chemistry, vengeance, family, trust, intrigue, emotions, challenges, family, and with engaging characters, which leads to an entertaining and riveting page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Give Me Books and the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Give Me Books and the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2022
Did I cry when I read the name Rob Falls? Maybe (yes). Is this book amazing regardless of my nostalgia for some of the characters? Absolutely! I adored the meet cute and banter between Kyle and Brooke, their chemistry was amazing. It was so great to see how hard Kyle was willing to work for Brooke and how at ease Brooke was when she was around him. Kyle definitely proved himself, which is so swoon worthy. I love a good football reference, but the Ice Planet Barbarians pun had me cackling. Loved this so much! *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 18, 2023
Brooke is struggling to get to her version of successful. She has a job she likes - albeit it isn't the one she originally thought she'd be in - but it's not exactly thriving. She's also unlucky in love. A series of events leads her to attending a party for the Rush, where she realises that her previous online love interest was married all along, and his wife is hellbent on crushing her.
Kyle Jessop is suffering from low self esteem. He's unsure of his place in life, as well as on his team as the 2nd string quarterback. Although his teammates see his talents, he's stuck in the past, dwelling on the mistakes he made. But seeing an opportunity for his teammates to take him seriously, he offers Brooke a fake relationship deal. He'll keep her safe from the wrath of his teammate's wife, help her business and she'll fake a relationship to help him deal with the stress of his new position as starting quarterback.
As the trope goes, they fall for each other without expecting to. Yet, there's a sweetness to the story, alongside good entertaining banter. There's not a lot of unnecessary secrets and miscommunications, which was a huge plus for me.
The book doesn't have the HEA sort of ending; it's sort of "wait-until-you-meet-this-couple-again". This is my first Kata Čuić read, and I look forward to book 2.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Kyle Jessop is suffering from low self esteem. He's unsure of his place in life, as well as on his team as the 2nd string quarterback. Although his teammates see his talents, he's stuck in the past, dwelling on the mistakes he made. But seeing an opportunity for his teammates to take him seriously, he offers Brooke a fake relationship deal. He'll keep her safe from the wrath of his teammate's wife, help her business and she'll fake a relationship to help him deal with the stress of his new position as starting quarterback.
As the trope goes, they fall for each other without expecting to. Yet, there's a sweetness to the story, alongside good entertaining banter. There's not a lot of unnecessary secrets and miscommunications, which was a huge plus for me.
The book doesn't have the HEA sort of ending; it's sort of "wait-until-you-meet-this-couple-again". This is my first Kata Čuić read, and I look forward to book 2.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 7, 2022
What a wonderfully written story. I read this in one day. I just couldn’t stop reading. There’s a lot of angst. It’s a really fun book!
August 30, 2022
Very blessed to be an ARC reader on this book. LOVED seeing some of my favorite characters from the Moving the Chains series at an older age and learning about new characters. Alex and Rob driving people crazy while Evie scares the crap out of new characters had me cracking up! Enter this book knowing Kata doesn’t write your typical short, non feeling, and surface level only books. Jump in and join the journey if you dare. LOVED IT!
September 4, 2022
Oh... I love love love and enjoy reading this book!
Brooke is too good to be true and she is also too good for Kyle, at least at the beginning of the book, LOL. Let just say she brings the good in Kyle and turns him to be one of swoon-worthy book boyfriends.
Their love isn't easy and Kyle has a personality that I find it's hard to love. He is not a playboy athlete but he only focuses on his duty and so he has no socialization with his teammates. Until he meets Brooke and it changes everything. The story has a big issue about cheating which causes Brooke and Kyle to fake their relationship so I expect the angst and tension in the story. What I didn't prepare for is it's very entertaining and funny too. Kata Cuic has created this book with everything I like. She makes me laugh while reading through it then she twists the plot and makes me cry so hard for Brooke. And she makes me love Kyle at the end because he doesn't afraid to fight for her.
I know that this book is the first book in a spinoff series and with Kyle's teammates involved, it makes me want to read their stories as well. I feel the same with Jezebel and Merrick's story which is the next book. I think Kata Cuic successful hooks me in to be one of her fans!
Brooke is too good to be true and she is also too good for Kyle, at least at the beginning of the book, LOL. Let just say she brings the good in Kyle and turns him to be one of swoon-worthy book boyfriends.
Their love isn't easy and Kyle has a personality that I find it's hard to love. He is not a playboy athlete but he only focuses on his duty and so he has no socialization with his teammates. Until he meets Brooke and it changes everything. The story has a big issue about cheating which causes Brooke and Kyle to fake their relationship so I expect the angst and tension in the story. What I didn't prepare for is it's very entertaining and funny too. Kata Cuic has created this book with everything I like. She makes me laugh while reading through it then she twists the plot and makes me cry so hard for Brooke. And she makes me love Kyle at the end because he doesn't afraid to fight for her.
I know that this book is the first book in a spinoff series and with Kyle's teammates involved, it makes me want to read their stories as well. I feel the same with Jezebel and Merrick's story which is the next book. I think Kata Cuic successful hooks me in to be one of her fans!
May 17, 2023
The Backup is the first book in the Underdogs series by Kata Čuić, featuring a fun fake-dating football romance with Brooke and Kyle. Brooke was shocked to find out that the “Prince Charming” that she met online was actually a married football player, with a vindictive wife. Luckily, Kyle, the backup quarterback, jumped to her aid and posed as her secret boyfriend who was finally ready to go public with her. Needing to protect her budding pet grooming business from sabotage, Brooke agrees to the charade. What happens when real feelings come into play? Can a relationship built on a lie blossom into real love, or will insecurities and outside influences torpedo them before they get a decent chance?
This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and I really enjoyed it. The world building was good, with compelling characters, tons of witty banter, emotion, some drama, and sizzling chemistry. I had a little trouble connecting with Kyle at first, as something about his behavior was just off-putting to me, but after a little time, he finally dropped some of the chip on his shoulder and gained some maturity. Parts of the book felt a little slow, but the storyline was pretty unique and entertaining. Both Jezebel and the other football players and the WAGS brought the entertainment in a big way. I’m not really a fan of cliffhanger endings, but it did set up for the next book very well. I am excited to read The Trade to get the full story on Merrick and Jezebel, and hopefully see more of Brooke and Kyle!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#katacuic #thebackup #theunderdogsseries #FakeRelationship #sportsromance #footballromance #arcreader #ARCreview #bookreview
This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and I really enjoyed it. The world building was good, with compelling characters, tons of witty banter, emotion, some drama, and sizzling chemistry. I had a little trouble connecting with Kyle at first, as something about his behavior was just off-putting to me, but after a little time, he finally dropped some of the chip on his shoulder and gained some maturity. Parts of the book felt a little slow, but the storyline was pretty unique and entertaining. Both Jezebel and the other football players and the WAGS brought the entertainment in a big way. I’m not really a fan of cliffhanger endings, but it did set up for the next book very well. I am excited to read The Trade to get the full story on Merrick and Jezebel, and hopefully see more of Brooke and Kyle!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#katacuic #thebackup #theunderdogsseries #FakeRelationship #sportsromance #footballromance #arcreader #ARCreview #bookreview
September 5, 2022
Kata Čuić has done it again! In The Backup, readers are immersed in the football season, bringing back readers' favorites such as Falls, Fossoway, and Evie, but letting us follow new favorites, Brooke and Kyle. Kyle decides to play Brooke, initially thinking she is more like Jezebel/Jazz (met in prior books). He wants Brooke to help his reputation as well as to finally get the football team to respect him as QB, not just QB2.
"This...this is just business for me. It can be mutually beneficial or it can be a one-sided loss. Your call."
The characters that Kata creates are amazing. She puts so much into her detail as well as her story. I highly recommend ALL of Kata Čuić's books. It is not fully necessary to have read the prior football series, but it would definitely be best since Falls and the other characters are important and to follow the back story, would only help enjoy the series.
"You know what's worse than fear of failure, Jessup? Fear of success. I think you are fucking terrified if having it all, so you self sabotage and wear that giant chip on your shoulder like some pathetic version of armor to protect yourself."
Definitely grab this 5 star read to find out what happens when a business type proposition turns into more. Will the bad blood between Jazz and Kyle interfere with something stronger? Can Brooke ever trust a football player after what she had just gone through? and of course, just seeing what is going on in the life of Falls, Followay, and the other characters is worth the read !
"This...this is just business for me. It can be mutually beneficial or it can be a one-sided loss. Your call."
The characters that Kata creates are amazing. She puts so much into her detail as well as her story. I highly recommend ALL of Kata Čuić's books. It is not fully necessary to have read the prior football series, but it would definitely be best since Falls and the other characters are important and to follow the back story, would only help enjoy the series.
"You know what's worse than fear of failure, Jessup? Fear of success. I think you are fucking terrified if having it all, so you self sabotage and wear that giant chip on your shoulder like some pathetic version of armor to protect yourself."
Definitely grab this 5 star read to find out what happens when a business type proposition turns into more. Will the bad blood between Jazz and Kyle interfere with something stronger? Can Brooke ever trust a football player after what she had just gone through? and of course, just seeing what is going on in the life of Falls, Followay, and the other characters is worth the read !
May 15, 2023
The words out of Kyle Jessop's mouth sound too good to be true, his little plan would fix everything...but can she honestly trust his intentions, he is football player after all! At this point though Brooke can't exactly say no, being known in the publics' eye as a homewrecker would completely derail her life and probably cost her everything. She needs to keep her business afloat to keep her family afloat, so saying yes to him is really the only thing that makes sense...
The pages of The Backup will keep you thoroughly entertained from start to finish, this unlikely duo has quite the story to tell. Brooke never wanted to be the other woman, would have never willingly signed up for it, but her crappy ex made her one. Now she is doing damage control, the livelihood of her business and happy life depend on her making things right... which is where Mr. Jessop comes in. Kyle has this brilliant plan that is supposed to fix everything, but fully trusting him and his plan is where things get complicated for her, he is after all a football player, and those guys can't be trusted... or can they?
This perfectly concocted faux romance checked all the boxes for me, it was the perfect escape, one I didn't know I needed until the last page came! I loved these two, the moment I met them I didn't want to let them go!! What a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon... Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The pages of The Backup will keep you thoroughly entertained from start to finish, this unlikely duo has quite the story to tell. Brooke never wanted to be the other woman, would have never willingly signed up for it, but her crappy ex made her one. Now she is doing damage control, the livelihood of her business and happy life depend on her making things right... which is where Mr. Jessop comes in. Kyle has this brilliant plan that is supposed to fix everything, but fully trusting him and his plan is where things get complicated for her, he is after all a football player, and those guys can't be trusted... or can they?
This perfectly concocted faux romance checked all the boxes for me, it was the perfect escape, one I didn't know I needed until the last page came! I loved these two, the moment I met them I didn't want to let them go!! What a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon... Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 26, 2022
I went back and forth about if this one should be 5 stars…I ended up with 4 but really maybe 4.5 would have been a better choice. I didn’t love every single thing about this one…but it was pretty close. If you’ve read her Moving the Chains series you’ll recognize some of the supporting cast. Rob Falls (aka QB1) and Evie along with Alex and Amira make return appearances and it’s good to see them again. I really love reading books that have a whole cast of characters whose lives intertwine and I get to see my old favorites at new times of their lives. In this one, Kyle is struggling to break out of the shadows and take charge of his own life. Brooke has abandonment issues that stem from childhood. They become accidental friends and then some.😉 There’s just the right amount of backstory and turmoil throughout the plot with glimpses of future characters who also have flaws and foibles and hopefully triumphs to come. This is the beginning of a new series and I can’t wait to read the next one starring Merrick and Jazz.
November 5, 2022
I adored the hot backup QB, Kyle, from the first time we meet him. He can be my backup book boyfriend any time. He really turned out to be a fantastic MC. Brooke was a fun character, too. Together they were a great couple with wonderful chemistry. They kept me entertained from start to finish.
Then there are the other characters! They were great, as well. I loved the group interactions between the players. The clever use of football terms and sêx talk in conversations. It was so much fun. I laughed out loud numerous times. You just never knew what they were going to say or do next.
I loved this book, my first from this author. I will.definitely be reading more of their books. The writing was fresh, smooth, and engaging. I think I managed to feel every emotion while reading this and I didn't want to put it down. I haven't enjoyed a book this much in months. There is no cheating, no obvious OM/OW drama, and a fantastic HFN/HEA. I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read Jezebel's story next. Give this a read. I think you will like it.
Then there are the other characters! They were great, as well. I loved the group interactions between the players. The clever use of football terms and sêx talk in conversations. It was so much fun. I laughed out loud numerous times. You just never knew what they were going to say or do next.
I loved this book, my first from this author. I will.definitely be reading more of their books. The writing was fresh, smooth, and engaging. I think I managed to feel every emotion while reading this and I didn't want to put it down. I haven't enjoyed a book this much in months. There is no cheating, no obvious OM/OW drama, and a fantastic HFN/HEA. I definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read Jezebel's story next. Give this a read. I think you will like it.
June 22, 2023
Spoilers included
I really wanted to love this book but found it utterly confusing. The story line doesn’t make a whole lot of sense and it often times felt like I was being lectured on things like consent. I am pro consent but her book reads like an after school special where the camera pans to the main character who sidebars the audience and defines what (fill in the blank for whatever she is preaching about in the story). It’s almost as if the author believes her readers are stupid and therefore needs a lecture. It’s off putting. There were some cute moments but overall I was left confused turning back a few pages to see if I missed something. I didn’t realize until I had finished the book that this author has a series where some of the other characters were featured and that is why it was confusing. It felt like I was missing out on an inside joke the entire read and now it makes sense. The breakup scene towards the end was ridiculous. Is she a grown woman incapable of communicating? Overall I didn’t enjoy it. I won’t be continuing the series.
I really wanted to love this book but found it utterly confusing. The story line doesn’t make a whole lot of sense and it often times felt like I was being lectured on things like consent. I am pro consent but her book reads like an after school special where the camera pans to the main character who sidebars the audience and defines what (fill in the blank for whatever she is preaching about in the story). It’s almost as if the author believes her readers are stupid and therefore needs a lecture. It’s off putting. There were some cute moments but overall I was left confused turning back a few pages to see if I missed something. I didn’t realize until I had finished the book that this author has a series where some of the other characters were featured and that is why it was confusing. It felt like I was missing out on an inside joke the entire read and now it makes sense. The breakup scene towards the end was ridiculous. Is she a grown woman incapable of communicating? Overall I didn’t enjoy it. I won’t be continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2023
What A Story!!
Brooke and Kyle are so good together! This story was so fun to see him let go of things and grow into a fully functional human on and off the field.
Brooke found a guy who she figured out she really liked and then had to figure out how to be with him as she has not had the best role model in the way of relationships and love. Together they healed some broken parts of each other while truly finding solace in each other also.
Her mom though? WHAT A !$&@! Left her kids high and dry with Kyle and Brooke. Ugh but at least they have true affection now.
I love that they ended up at the house next to the Fossway family lol very fitting
Merrick and Jazz are going to be VERY INTERESTING as they have A LOT of baggage to work through. Can’t wait to get to their story!
Brooke and Kyle are so good together! This story was so fun to see him let go of things and grow into a fully functional human on and off the field.
Brooke found a guy who she figured out she really liked and then had to figure out how to be with him as she has not had the best role model in the way of relationships and love. Together they healed some broken parts of each other while truly finding solace in each other also.
Her mom though? WHAT A !$&@! Left her kids high and dry with Kyle and Brooke. Ugh but at least they have true affection now.
I love that they ended up at the house next to the Fossway family lol very fitting
Merrick and Jazz are going to be VERY INTERESTING as they have A LOT of baggage to work through. Can’t wait to get to their story!
August 30, 2022
Wow, The Backup is one intense rollercoaster of emotions story that will have you devouring this book. I couldn’t put it down. Brooke and Kyle will have you hooked from that start and on the edge of your seat waiting to see if their deal starts to become more or will their past and promises to themselves get in the way? Broke is determined to stay away for her ex’s wife and keep her business afloat, meanwhile Kyle is trying to do his best on the field. These two give you all the banter, intense moments, and moments that make you melt. I especially loved getting to see some of my favorite characters from the Move the Chain series. I l absolutely loved this sports romance, I honestly want more of these two and can’t wait for the next book!
September 6, 2022
All I can seriously say is wow just wow , Kyle and Brooke’s journey is truly a emotional rollercoaster In every sense of the word . From the moment I sat down and started I was pretty much hooked granted this was actually the first time I had read one of Katas books so I was definitely not sure what to expect . But before I knew it I was falling completely in love with both characters , not to mention all the unexpected feelings this awesome book stirred in me . Sports romance, second chances , humor , witty banter , family , friendships, off the charts chemistry, heartbreaking, heartwarming, twists and turns, meet cute , fake relationships, unforgettable and unpredictable. I have definitely found myself a new favorite author.
November 15, 2022
Couldn’t put it down!!
This a book of two people unsure of their own self worth that find assurance and confidence in each other. Brooke is a dog groomer trying to get over being a secret mistress. Kyle is a backup NFL Quarterback trying to fulfill a position he’s not ready for. They concoct a fake dating scheme to help solve both of their problems. The scheme begins to feels a little less fake and a little more real leading to a great love story. The steamy scenes are well written and imaginative. The plot has enough drama and humor to keep you reading and not want to put it down. The side characters and mention of other characters make you want to read Kata’s previous books and anxiously await the next book in this series.
This a book of two people unsure of their own self worth that find assurance and confidence in each other. Brooke is a dog groomer trying to get over being a secret mistress. Kyle is a backup NFL Quarterback trying to fulfill a position he’s not ready for. They concoct a fake dating scheme to help solve both of their problems. The scheme begins to feels a little less fake and a little more real leading to a great love story. The steamy scenes are well written and imaginative. The plot has enough drama and humor to keep you reading and not want to put it down. The side characters and mention of other characters make you want to read Kata’s previous books and anxiously await the next book in this series.
July 6, 2023
The Backup by Kata Cuic is the first in her new series The Underdogs. This story is a classic fake relationship story between a hot football player who has lucked into the QB1 spot (not really, he works really hard) and a sweet, funny, beautiful animal groomer. Both Kyle and Brooke realize pretty quickly that the other is IT for them, but Brooke has a really hard time believing that she is going to be any kind of good for Kyle.
A philandering spouse, a quarterback struggling to believe he is worthy of the position, a Bubbly Brooke, one crazy mom, and a secretive roommate make for a great story about finding love in the strangest of places! I loved this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series!
A philandering spouse, a quarterback struggling to believe he is worthy of the position, a Bubbly Brooke, one crazy mom, and a secretive roommate make for a great story about finding love in the strangest of places! I loved this book and can't wait to read the rest of the series!
September 8, 2022
A good read. Kyle is the backup quarterback for a NFL team. When his chance comes to be QB1 he goes in with a big chip on his shoulder. He wants to fit in and be accepted. He is grumpy, awkward and cute in his clueless way.
Brooke is the opposite. Very trusting with a sunny outlook. Maybe a little too trusting which is how she find herself unknown in the position of the side chick. Kyle comes to her rescue but he needs help.
She is always trying to help people. Kyle needs help.
Fake dating, grumpy hero, sweet heroine and sexy times. Adored Kyle and his insecurities and his quick all in with Brooke. Her past caused a few insecurities for her so she is a little wary.
Brooke is the opposite. Very trusting with a sunny outlook. Maybe a little too trusting which is how she find herself unknown in the position of the side chick. Kyle comes to her rescue but he needs help.
She is always trying to help people. Kyle needs help.
Fake dating, grumpy hero, sweet heroine and sexy times. Adored Kyle and his insecurities and his quick all in with Brooke. Her past caused a few insecurities for her so she is a little wary.
September 6, 2022
I loved this slow burn, 'fake' relationship book. Brooke is an absolute darling , while Kyle, for a long time, seems clueless. They are surrounded by fabulous, funny, clever characters who I loved. I loved how Kyle began to grow into his skin and shed the anxieties that are holding him back. Both are deeply loyal and yhe presence, and past, of Jazz, just adds further to the ongoing story
Overall, this has been an engrossing and highly enjoyable read which carried me along to its intriguing conclave the promise of so much more! Yes!! 💖💖💖💖💖
Overall, this has been an engrossing and highly enjoyable read which carried me along to its intriguing conclave the promise of so much more! Yes!! 💖💖💖💖💖
May 9, 2023
This was a really good read and kept me engaged throughout the book. My emotions were all over the place. To think you’ve found your one true love and then discover that you’re the other woman! Arghhh. If you like this vibe then you’ll adore this book.
Brooke has to accept Kyle (Ed’s teammate) offer to fake date her she has no choice but to accept as her family rely on her. Their romance is full of drama and steamy times and plenty of push pull and it’s fab to see them get their happy ending albeit with many bumps along the way
Brooke has to accept Kyle (Ed’s teammate) offer to fake date her she has no choice but to accept as her family rely on her. Their romance is full of drama and steamy times and plenty of push pull and it’s fab to see them get their happy ending albeit with many bumps along the way
May 18, 2023
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
✔️Sports Romance
✔️Fake-relationship
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
This book is enjoyable in terms of the fake-dating trope, I liked their interactions and how their relationship developed from helping each other to wanting each other. I liked the build up to the story. These characters are extremely well balanced. I liked that Brooke is a hard worker and with Kyle she soothes his tension. They go so well together , I liked how they always came up with solutions together not just on their own. They are both protective of each other
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔
✔️Sports Romance
✔️Fake-relationship
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
This book is enjoyable in terms of the fake-dating trope, I liked their interactions and how their relationship developed from helping each other to wanting each other. I liked the build up to the story. These characters are extremely well balanced. I liked that Brooke is a hard worker and with Kyle she soothes his tension. They go so well together , I liked how they always came up with solutions together not just on their own. They are both protective of each other
dnf
September 4, 2022dnf @22%
Really tried... The trope is just right at my ally but the execution wasn't the best.
The writing is very confusing, the dialogue starts out of nowhere after extensive inners monologues that let you asking WTH is going on!
The story itself is soap opera worthy, with all the cheesy extra drama!
The h has sparks of life, but 90% of the time is just steam rolled by everyone around her
The H is bland, the best friend a total self absorbed b*tch!
Really tried... The trope is just right at my ally but the execution wasn't the best.
The writing is very confusing, the dialogue starts out of nowhere after extensive inners monologues that let you asking WTH is going on!
The story itself is soap opera worthy, with all the cheesy extra drama!
The h has sparks of life, but 90% of the time is just steam rolled by everyone around her
The H is bland, the best friend a total self absorbed b*tch!
October 19, 2022
Loved this book
Where can I get a Jockstrap Jessop? #bookboyfriendgoals. Seriously I love how well these 2 fit. They just compliment each other so well and it was so awesome to watch them grow in love together. Loved his brutal honesty and all the hilarious learning moments. This book was great. I need Jazz and Merrick’s story, like yesterday! I actually hope we get an Adam book after The Trade.
Where can I get a Jockstrap Jessop? #bookboyfriendgoals. Seriously I love how well these 2 fit. They just compliment each other so well and it was so awesome to watch them grow in love together. Loved his brutal honesty and all the hilarious learning moments. This book was great. I need Jazz and Merrick’s story, like yesterday! I actually hope we get an Adam book after The Trade.
March 10, 2023
This one book I read twice. I loved Kyle and Brooke. Kyle was struggling to fit in with his team and honestly made him seem more real. He was “the backup”. Plus this book brought back Rob and Evie whom I still love.
Brooke has a past, while not terrible it isn’t amazing either and we get to see her navigate that and Kyle trying to help, when things become real that is an entirely different issue.
Brooke has a past, while not terrible it isn’t amazing either and we get to see her navigate that and Kyle trying to help, when things become real that is an entirely different issue.
December 5, 2024
This was quite the unusual plot. Kyle is not the QB, but rather, he is the backup, hence the title being backup. I find him interesting, he’s not the usual playboy, he can be bold at times, but also innocently cute at times. He is very caring and a softie deep down with Brooke.
The story flow was a bit weird. I couldn’t really feel connected to Kyle or Brooke…though they did have chemistry.
All in all, an alright read but sometimes I’d forget very fast.
The story flow was a bit weird. I couldn’t really feel connected to Kyle or Brooke…though they did have chemistry.
All in all, an alright read but sometimes I’d forget very fast.
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