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Princes of Chicago North #1
Halftime Heartbreaker
Connor Morgan is all grown up.
Like father, like son - Connor's reputation as the Heartbreaker of Chicago North High follows him to Chicago North University, but there's one line he swore he'd never cross...
Dana Kirby. The girl next door. His father's best friend's daughter. His best friends' sister.
Completely off-limits in every way.
Dana begins her freshman year determined to live new experiences. New style, new friends. A whole new Dana.
There's one piece of herself she wants to leave behind for good, and there's only one man in the world she trusts to give it to.
Dear Heartbreaker, I want you to be my first.
Like the Kings of Chicago North series? Then you’ll love reading about the second generation in Princes of Chicago North!
Halftime Heartbreaker is the first book in the Princes of Chicago North series. Grab this hilarious romance about a handsome college quarterback and his best friends’ sister and find out why readers can’t get enough of Tabatha Kiss!
Like father, like son - Connor's reputation as the Heartbreaker of Chicago North High follows him to Chicago North University, but there's one line he swore he'd never cross...
Dana Kirby. The girl next door. His father's best friend's daughter. His best friends' sister.
Completely off-limits in every way.
Dana begins her freshman year determined to live new experiences. New style, new friends. A whole new Dana.
There's one piece of herself she wants to leave behind for good, and there's only one man in the world she trusts to give it to.
Dear Heartbreaker, I want you to be my first.
Like the Kings of Chicago North series? Then you’ll love reading about the second generation in Princes of Chicago North!
Halftime Heartbreaker is the first book in the Princes of Chicago North series. Grab this hilarious romance about a handsome college quarterback and his best friends’ sister and find out why readers can’t get enough of Tabatha Kiss!
333 pages, ebook
Published January 17, 2023
183 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Tabatha Kiss
94 books1,079 followersUSA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tabatha Kiss is from Chicago, Illinois.
You can probably catch her huddled up in a hoodie, reading a good romance beneath a tree with her trusty husky by her side. She enjoys roller derby, sushi, and is always searching for her forever bad boy.
In the meantime, she writes.
This profile uses Amazon affiliate links.
You can probably catch her huddled up in a hoodie, reading a good romance beneath a tree with her trusty husky by her side. She enjoys roller derby, sushi, and is always searching for her forever bad boy.
In the meantime, she writes.
This profile uses Amazon affiliate links.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 17, 2023
I had so much fun coming back to this world and seeing my favorite Kings of Chicago North. But this time we’re viewing them through the eyes of their children. First up: Connor and Dana. I thought these two were stinking adorable together. Everyone except themselves could see how they really felt. Even though it was frustrating to have to wait while they figured it out, there’s some comedy gold in those moments. I think I love best that our leading couple really never lose faith in one another. Their story is more about family legacies and other people’s expectations. And what it is that really makes a family, because these characters prove that blood is only the smallest part of what bonds them together.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
January 10, 2023
Half Time Heartbreaker is the perfect book for a cozy day in. It was a great blend of sweet and sexy. Easy, quick read.
I had a slight disappointment with the delivery of Conner confessing his love to Dana. With previous books of the authors, the stories have always been completely rounded. No detail left untouched from start to beginning.
His sister had her view on the couple and was convinced of his feelings and Connor was not so convinced.
We saw Connor and Dana’s feelings develop, but we never actually saw Conner unravel his feelings and realise he had actually always been in love with her. For me, the I love you came out of nowhere. I was a bit like oh.. that was sudden. I Feel like there could have been more in the book of them getting to know each other.
So yeah, I would have liked to have read Connor's inner dialogue of him realising how far back these feelings went which would have rounded the book more.
Overall, it was good and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC for an honest review
I had a slight disappointment with the delivery of Conner confessing his love to Dana. With previous books of the authors, the stories have always been completely rounded. No detail left untouched from start to beginning.
His sister had her view on the couple and was convinced of his feelings and Connor was not so convinced.
We saw Connor and Dana’s feelings develop, but we never actually saw Conner unravel his feelings and realise he had actually always been in love with her. For me, the I love you came out of nowhere. I was a bit like oh.. that was sudden. I Feel like there could have been more in the book of them getting to know each other.
So yeah, I would have liked to have read Connor's inner dialogue of him realising how far back these feelings went which would have rounded the book more.
Overall, it was good and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC for an honest review
January 10, 2023
Halftime Heartbreaker ARC (Thank you to Tabatha for allowing me to read the book)
4/5 Stars
This book was a great introduction to the new generation of Chicago North. The two main characters Conner (son of Junior and Alyssa from Touchdown Baby) and Dana (daughter of John and Rose from First down darling) have the perfect form of communication and love to turn a new romance into a perfect story.
Although the book was great, the mention of the Greek life felt like a bit too much. I felt like the book could have done without it but overall the book was amazing. My favorite part was the full circle moment from the epilogue.
I am hoping there is more to come from this series and if there is, I can’t wait to read about the other kids from the new generation. If you are looking for a book to get you out of a slump this is definitely the one for you!
4/5 Stars
This book was a great introduction to the new generation of Chicago North. The two main characters Conner (son of Junior and Alyssa from Touchdown Baby) and Dana (daughter of John and Rose from First down darling) have the perfect form of communication and love to turn a new romance into a perfect story.
Although the book was great, the mention of the Greek life felt like a bit too much. I felt like the book could have done without it but overall the book was amazing. My favorite part was the full circle moment from the epilogue.
I am hoping there is more to come from this series and if there is, I can’t wait to read about the other kids from the new generation. If you are looking for a book to get you out of a slump this is definitely the one for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 9, 2025reading books like these is like eating a peanut butter sandwich. It's not exactly exciting, but you end up doing it anyway.
oh and it's always fun to read about children of characters you've read about earlier. more authors need to be doing that. Especially after the humongous success of the legacy of gods series
oh and it's always fun to read about children of characters you've read about earlier. more authors need to be doing that. Especially after the humongous success of the legacy of gods series
January 17, 2023
This offering by rom-com queen Tabatha Kiss starts off a new college sports romance series that centers on the children of the protagonists in her classic trilogy, which was recently rewritten, expanded, and republished under these titles: Touchdown Baby, First Down Darling, and Home Run Baby. I believe Touchdown Baby was previously published under the titles Bump and Run and Whiplash. I can't fathom why such a great book got stuck in the reissue cycle, but Touchdown Baby and its sequels are absolute classics.
Halftime Heartbreaker, starring the son of the protagonists in Touchdown Baby and the daughter of the protagonists in First Down Darling, more than lives up to its predecessors.
Note that this is also a good standalone book even if you haven't read Touchdown Baby etc. You won't feel lost or bogged down by info dumps. But please read Touchdown Baby and its sequels, too, because they are such amazing books.
This is a sweet, somewhat friends-to-lovers story about two people who have grown up together and been in love since childhood, but have both been afraid to admit it to themselves. This is partly because each of them fears the other doesn't feel the same, and partly because of the brothers'-best-friend dynamic.
In this book, Tabatha Kiss manages to take the friends-to-lovers trope, the unrequited-love trope, the love-tutor trope, and the brother's-best-friend trope, and put a new twist on all of these tropes at once.
This rom-com has just enough seriousness, with a dash of bittersweet, to make it touch your heart and stick in your mind long afterward, but not so much that it detracts from the comedic nature of the book. Kiss somehow irreverently but touchingly balances rom-com with real life.
I will get on my editor's soapbox for a bit and rail against this modern tendency to say "the Morgan's house" instead of "the Morgans' house." You, in fact, CAN put an "s" at the end of a last name to make it plural, and you CAN use the plural possessive that we all learned in second grade. "The Morgan's house" makes it sound like one of the Morgans is a Scottish laird (cue "the Morgan lives here" in a Scottish accent). The house belongs to all of the Morgan's, or at least to the two parents, so the apostrophe goes after the "s": "the Morgans' house." And it's "the Kirbys are downstairs," not "the Kirby's are downstairs." You don't use an apostrophe to make a plural unless, MAYBE, you have no other choice, as in "dotting your i's and crossing your t's." I suspect these issues are the fault of the editor rather than the author.
Also, fairy tale and back seat are each two words, not one. End rant.
As I said, this book completely lives up to the unbelievably good predecessor series. The summary for the follow-up to this book sounds just as good. I believe it's available for pre-order.
The editing is very high-quality for an online-published work (I find errors even in mass-published books because I'm just that good at spotting grammar errors and typos. My grammar rant aside, I was fairly impressed with the editing).
Please buy this now, and then go buy the predecessor trilogy -- Touchdown Baby, First Down Darling, and Home Run Baby. I really wish these books would reach even more readers.
Halftime Heartbreaker, starring the son of the protagonists in Touchdown Baby and the daughter of the protagonists in First Down Darling, more than lives up to its predecessors.
Note that this is also a good standalone book even if you haven't read Touchdown Baby etc. You won't feel lost or bogged down by info dumps. But please read Touchdown Baby and its sequels, too, because they are such amazing books.
This is a sweet, somewhat friends-to-lovers story about two people who have grown up together and been in love since childhood, but have both been afraid to admit it to themselves. This is partly because each of them fears the other doesn't feel the same, and partly because of the brothers'-best-friend dynamic.
In this book, Tabatha Kiss manages to take the friends-to-lovers trope, the unrequited-love trope, the love-tutor trope, and the brother's-best-friend trope, and put a new twist on all of these tropes at once.
This rom-com has just enough seriousness, with a dash of bittersweet, to make it touch your heart and stick in your mind long afterward, but not so much that it detracts from the comedic nature of the book. Kiss somehow irreverently but touchingly balances rom-com with real life.
I will get on my editor's soapbox for a bit and rail against this modern tendency to say "the Morgan's house" instead of "the Morgans' house." You, in fact, CAN put an "s" at the end of a last name to make it plural, and you CAN use the plural possessive that we all learned in second grade. "The Morgan's house" makes it sound like one of the Morgans is a Scottish laird (cue "the Morgan lives here" in a Scottish accent). The house belongs to all of the Morgan's, or at least to the two parents, so the apostrophe goes after the "s": "the Morgans' house." And it's "the Kirbys are downstairs," not "the Kirby's are downstairs." You don't use an apostrophe to make a plural unless, MAYBE, you have no other choice, as in "dotting your i's and crossing your t's." I suspect these issues are the fault of the editor rather than the author.
Also, fairy tale and back seat are each two words, not one. End rant.
As I said, this book completely lives up to the unbelievably good predecessor series. The summary for the follow-up to this book sounds just as good. I believe it's available for pre-order.
The editing is very high-quality for an online-published work (I find errors even in mass-published books because I'm just that good at spotting grammar errors and typos. My grammar rant aside, I was fairly impressed with the editing).
Please buy this now, and then go buy the predecessor trilogy -- Touchdown Baby, First Down Darling, and Home Run Baby. I really wish these books would reach even more readers.
January 17, 2023
Halftime Heartbreaker is the first book in the Princes of Chicago series featuring the offspring of the Kings of Chicago North couples. Even though you can likely jump right into this book, it's highly recommended you start with the awesome Kings of Chicago North to truly appreciate the character and their connections and history.
This first installment stars Connor Morgan (son of Junior & Alyssa Morgan from Touchdown Baby) and Dana Kirby (daughter of John & Rose Kirby from First Down Darling) as they start their freshman year at Chicago North University. Connor is following in his father's footsteps. He's trying out for the Bearhawk's QB spot and is also pledging to Delta Xi while Dana is on a self-discovery quest and exploring sorority life her first year at the same university.
I loved Connor and Dana - separately and together. They've known each other their entire lives and the author has penned their relationship with her usual ease and banter that makes their connection both fluid and believable. I loved how protective Connor was of Dana and enjoyed reading each scene where she doesn't let her fears limit her decisions.
There's a huge supporting cast of characters. Huge. Some new, but most are familiar characters or offspring from Chicago North (I still love Grant just as much). The book is frontloaded with character recaps and introductions. The refresher helps but if you aren't familiar with the series, you may find it a bit much to start. However, once the story kicked off, I couldn't put it down. I loved the banter, the antics, the family ties, and so much more. The couples from the first series reappear after two decades of time together, and that bonding time shows. Their ties run deep and are so interwoven, the reactions to Connor and Dana's love-relationship aren't surprising - but still fun to read. There's a little bit of drama and angst, but never enough to feel heavy. There's enough football in this story to appeal to a sports fan and far more about Greek life, but it never enough to lose sight of the romance and the transition from friendship to love. Ultimately, this is a romance, but it's a story with a very strong message of family bonds and friendship.
This is a wonderful start to another great Chicago North series. Definitely a recommended read.
/I received an early edition of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the story or content of my review./
This first installment stars Connor Morgan (son of Junior & Alyssa Morgan from Touchdown Baby) and Dana Kirby (daughter of John & Rose Kirby from First Down Darling) as they start their freshman year at Chicago North University. Connor is following in his father's footsteps. He's trying out for the Bearhawk's QB spot and is also pledging to Delta Xi while Dana is on a self-discovery quest and exploring sorority life her first year at the same university.
I loved Connor and Dana - separately and together. They've known each other their entire lives and the author has penned their relationship with her usual ease and banter that makes their connection both fluid and believable. I loved how protective Connor was of Dana and enjoyed reading each scene where she doesn't let her fears limit her decisions.
There's a huge supporting cast of characters. Huge. Some new, but most are familiar characters or offspring from Chicago North (I still love Grant just as much). The book is frontloaded with character recaps and introductions. The refresher helps but if you aren't familiar with the series, you may find it a bit much to start. However, once the story kicked off, I couldn't put it down. I loved the banter, the antics, the family ties, and so much more. The couples from the first series reappear after two decades of time together, and that bonding time shows. Their ties run deep and are so interwoven, the reactions to Connor and Dana's love-relationship aren't surprising - but still fun to read. There's a little bit of drama and angst, but never enough to feel heavy. There's enough football in this story to appeal to a sports fan and far more about Greek life, but it never enough to lose sight of the romance and the transition from friendship to love. Ultimately, this is a romance, but it's a story with a very strong message of family bonds and friendship.
This is a wonderful start to another great Chicago North series. Definitely a recommended read.
/I received an early edition of this book. This did not affect my opinion of the story or content of my review./
January 8, 2023
Halftime Heartbreaker by Tabatha Kiss is a new adult and college sports romance. This takes story takes place about 20 years after the Kings of Chicago North series. For those of you familiar with Touchdown Baby and First Down Darling this is a spinoff of the teammates children, however this can be read as a stand-alone. There are no spoilers in this review.
The story is narrated in dual POV. This story is about Connor Morgan and Dana Darling-Kirby who are freshman at Chicago North University. Connor is the QB on the football Scout Team and known as the Heartbreaker from high school. Dana asks Connor to be her “first” prior to pledge week before guys are placing bets to see who will be her first, as she is the daughter of the legendary “John Kirby”. Connor hesitates when asked as he and Dana have known one another since birth. He is also best friends with her brothers. I felt the character development was fairly multi-dimensional, more so than other books of this genre that I’ve read. Conflict in the plot did not overpower this couples relationship.
I found myself more interested as the chapters progressed and their relationship grew. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Connor went to Dana to confide in her how upset he was that he felt betrayed by his dad, this was a turning point for them. I felt one of the funniest parts of the book was when her brothers and Connor had to get “The panties of a Beta Kappa Beauty,” during rush week. Her brothers and Connor had to sneak to the Beta Kappa sorority house and ask Dana, “You’re officially a Beta Kappy Beauty right”? Her brother stiffens, very serious, “We need your panties…This is important. It’s about family. Now, be a good sister and hand ‘em over.” I was laughing throughout this entire dialogue, I had tears forming. There were minor grammatical errors, however it didn’t distract from the reading.
In summary, I would recommend this book and any others to come in this series. It was a quick, easy read. I would give it an overall score of 4/5. Heat rating of 3.5/5. No cliff-hanger. I have enjoyed reading this author’s books and if you haven’t read the Kings of North Chicago series, I encourage you to. You’ll appreciate the characters in this book even more. I received this copy as an ARC for an honest review.
The story is narrated in dual POV. This story is about Connor Morgan and Dana Darling-Kirby who are freshman at Chicago North University. Connor is the QB on the football Scout Team and known as the Heartbreaker from high school. Dana asks Connor to be her “first” prior to pledge week before guys are placing bets to see who will be her first, as she is the daughter of the legendary “John Kirby”. Connor hesitates when asked as he and Dana have known one another since birth. He is also best friends with her brothers. I felt the character development was fairly multi-dimensional, more so than other books of this genre that I’ve read. Conflict in the plot did not overpower this couples relationship.
I found myself more interested as the chapters progressed and their relationship grew. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Connor went to Dana to confide in her how upset he was that he felt betrayed by his dad, this was a turning point for them. I felt one of the funniest parts of the book was when her brothers and Connor had to get “The panties of a Beta Kappa Beauty,” during rush week. Her brothers and Connor had to sneak to the Beta Kappa sorority house and ask Dana, “You’re officially a Beta Kappy Beauty right”? Her brother stiffens, very serious, “We need your panties…This is important. It’s about family. Now, be a good sister and hand ‘em over.” I was laughing throughout this entire dialogue, I had tears forming. There were minor grammatical errors, however it didn’t distract from the reading.
In summary, I would recommend this book and any others to come in this series. It was a quick, easy read. I would give it an overall score of 4/5. Heat rating of 3.5/5. No cliff-hanger. I have enjoyed reading this author’s books and if you haven’t read the Kings of North Chicago series, I encourage you to. You’ll appreciate the characters in this book even more. I received this copy as an ARC for an honest review.
January 12, 2023
It's time to go back to Chicago North with a whole new generation of kids!
Halftime Heartbreaker is the first book in the Princes of Chicago North series which is a spin-off featuring the children of the Kings of Chicago North books. So while it is not *necessary* to have read the Kings series- I will say that it would be beneficial in ways for this book- especially with some of the returning characters that are filtering through the story (hello Ms. Jaxx 😉).
First up for the Princes is Connor Morgan- son of Junior and Alyssa Morgan- and Dana Kirby- 1/3 of the triplets and only daughter of John and Rose Kirby. Connor and Dana have known each other and been friends all their lives, along with Dana's brothers Alex and Ben. The boys are all football players while Dana has always been sheltered and in the shadows of her medical condition and all the overprotective men in her life. The 4 of them are about to start their freshman year at their parents alma mater- complete with frat/sorority rushing- when Dana asks Connor to help punch her v-card and let's just say that he has some feelings toward that.
Overall, Connor and Dana's story is pretty cute- it's a little funny, it's sweet and it's pretty low on drama. I do feel like more of this book wasn't necessarily so much about them but the introduction of the new generation, reacquainting the readers with the original crew and kind of setting the scene for the new series but I'm ok with that. Sure, a little more interaction or whatnot between these two would have made the declarations of love a little less abrupt feeling but I like that the feelings were always kind of simmering just below the surface to the point where all the parents had bets placed on when the two of them would finally act on it.
I'm excited to see what else Tabby has in store for the rest of the series!
Halftime Heartbreaker is the first book in the Princes of Chicago North series which is a spin-off featuring the children of the Kings of Chicago North books. So while it is not *necessary* to have read the Kings series- I will say that it would be beneficial in ways for this book- especially with some of the returning characters that are filtering through the story (hello Ms. Jaxx 😉).
First up for the Princes is Connor Morgan- son of Junior and Alyssa Morgan- and Dana Kirby- 1/3 of the triplets and only daughter of John and Rose Kirby. Connor and Dana have known each other and been friends all their lives, along with Dana's brothers Alex and Ben. The boys are all football players while Dana has always been sheltered and in the shadows of her medical condition and all the overprotective men in her life. The 4 of them are about to start their freshman year at their parents alma mater- complete with frat/sorority rushing- when Dana asks Connor to help punch her v-card and let's just say that he has some feelings toward that.
Overall, Connor and Dana's story is pretty cute- it's a little funny, it's sweet and it's pretty low on drama. I do feel like more of this book wasn't necessarily so much about them but the introduction of the new generation, reacquainting the readers with the original crew and kind of setting the scene for the new series but I'm ok with that. Sure, a little more interaction or whatnot between these two would have made the declarations of love a little less abrupt feeling but I like that the feelings were always kind of simmering just below the surface to the point where all the parents had bets placed on when the two of them would finally act on it.
I'm excited to see what else Tabby has in store for the rest of the series!
January 17, 2023
The Princes of Chicago, part 1 is a great new series that has its history starting with the Kings of Chicago North Series, Touchdown Baby and First Down Darling that will take you on another great journey of love and all it’s ups and downs with their children, the new generation. Connor and Alyssa have known each other since they were babies and grew up together as their families are best friends. Alyssa is a triplet and her brothers are Alex and Ben who are best friends with Connor. The boys are from fathers who were successful as football players and royalty at their local college. They would do anything for one another and have promised to never date a girl from the sorority house their frat is part of. Alyssa was born with a medical issue and has difficulty breathing at times but has done better over the years. Connor has always been there to protect Alyssa and others have noticed but they never said anything. One night before college starts Alyssa gets the courage to ask Connor to be her 1st and he is unsure what to do until his older sister gives him some advice. These two start a secret relationship and find they genuinely care and love each other only to be discovered when Connor’s parents come home early and Alex and Ben find them in Connor’s bedroom. Football has been a major part of their lives going back to Connors grandfather and when football starts there is some staffing changes and an enemy of Alyssa’s, Emerson is attending the same college and looking to be the quarterback, same position as Connor. Life has given all these amazing characters challenges to overcome and the way Connor and Alyssa find their love is just BEAUTIFUL!
January 17, 2023
Connor and Dana, the lead characters, are children of famous people who are friends and relations (and characters in an earlier series by the author that I haven’t read - yes, I’m late to the party). They’re about to enter college, having grown up as friends. Dana’s friend, Connor’s older sister, highly recommends she dispose of her virginity with a friend before college kicks off and the only friend she can think of is Connor…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a cute contemporary college romance. I enjoyed Dana’s determination to get past the roadblocks that youthful ill health had left her family placing in her way. I enjoyed Connor’s frantic attempts to sort himself out mentally. I empathised with the concerns of friends and family and appreciated the integration of secondary characters. I chuckled at the banter the comic interactions between lead and secondary characters, and there are stories to go back for and stories I’m looking forward to. I’m not a US reader and I struggled to understand the fraternity/sorority stuff, other than as an initiation/hazing thing. I don’t understand it’s importance and really didn’t feel like it had much relevance to the building relationship, except as convenient plot device on a couple of occasions. I was amused at Connor’s stand with Dana’s brothers, though a little uncomfortable with just how involved in each other’s lives these families are.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
This story is dual POV, well written, and a cute contemporary college romance. I enjoyed Dana’s determination to get past the roadblocks that youthful ill health had left her family placing in her way. I enjoyed Connor’s frantic attempts to sort himself out mentally. I empathised with the concerns of friends and family and appreciated the integration of secondary characters. I chuckled at the banter the comic interactions between lead and secondary characters, and there are stories to go back for and stories I’m looking forward to. I’m not a US reader and I struggled to understand the fraternity/sorority stuff, other than as an initiation/hazing thing. I don’t understand it’s importance and really didn’t feel like it had much relevance to the building relationship, except as convenient plot device on a couple of occasions. I was amused at Connor’s stand with Dana’s brothers, though a little uncomfortable with just how involved in each other’s lives these families are.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
January 18, 2023
This story is like a visit back home. Visiting old friends and making new ones who live in the same universe is always welcome and perfect for this time of year when all I want to do is snuggle up and read a book (ok, this is always, but even more so right now when the air hurts your face outside!). This book is the start of what I assume will be a new series featuring the children of the characters that we met and loved through the Kings of Chicago North series. This features Connor, who is the son of Junior and Alyssa Morgan (who we met in Touchdown Baby) and Dana who is the daughter of John and Rose Kirby (from First Down Darling). They've known each other since birth, really. Connor has always been protective on Dana, much like her triplet brothers. Since she was the smallest of all the babies and she struggled with asthma as a child, everyone has always protected her and looked at her as fragile. Dana is getting ready to start college at Chicago North, just like Connor and her brothers, but she's still a virgin. Because she trusts Connor, she asks him to help her with that. At first, he's reluctant, but then he thinks about her being with someone else and he can't turn her down. But when their parents and her brothers find out about their relationship, are they going to be able to stay together. There is minimal angst with the relationship between the two, but their families are tougher.
January 18, 2023
Halftime Heartbreaker is a funny, sweet, heart-melting romance centering on the offspring of Junior Morgan and John Kirby. Yep, this is a next generation story and I loved it. Connor Morgan and Dana Kirby have been friends all of their lives and their freshman year at Chicago North University is about to begin. Their parents are close, her twin brothers are his best friends, and Connor has never dared to hope that he and Dana could ever be more until Dana makes a surprising request of him. Crossing that line will change everything.
There is a little bit different feel to Connor and Dana's story and they are entirely believable as young eighteen-year-olds transitioning from high school students to college students, from childhood to adulthood. They still live at home and their families play a larger, more important part in this book than is usual for most of the author's previous books. After all, you can't have a story about Junior and John's kids without them having a significant presence! I'm feeling quite nostalgic for John and Rose's (First Down Darling) and Junior and Alyssa's (Touchdown Baby) stories and it was really wonderful and touching to see them again.
Tabatha Kiss is an awesome storyteller. Her romances are well-written, emotional, funny, sexy, warm and sweet and this book is all that. I loved Connor and Dana's beautiful, unforgettable story. ❤️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is a little bit different feel to Connor and Dana's story and they are entirely believable as young eighteen-year-olds transitioning from high school students to college students, from childhood to adulthood. They still live at home and their families play a larger, more important part in this book than is usual for most of the author's previous books. After all, you can't have a story about Junior and John's kids without them having a significant presence! I'm feeling quite nostalgic for John and Rose's (First Down Darling) and Junior and Alyssa's (Touchdown Baby) stories and it was really wonderful and touching to see them again.
Tabatha Kiss is an awesome storyteller. Her romances are well-written, emotional, funny, sexy, warm and sweet and this book is all that. I loved Connor and Dana's beautiful, unforgettable story. ❤️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2023
“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐨𝐛𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞?!”
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏.”
This is the series I was desperately wishing for and now my dreams have come true. Not only do I get to revisit my beloveds but seeing them as parents. Seeing their kids all grown up! O.M.G., talk about a book I could not put down.
Half Time Heartbreaker is Connor and Dana. The offspring of The Junior Morgan and The John Kirby: epiiiic and I am guaranteed to devour it (and I did just that). Dubbed the heartbreaker, Connor was really anything but. His heart was just waiting for the girl he’s loved all his life to love him back. Dana is ready to live her life on her own terms. Be her own woman. She was also living in sweet oblivion of the guy who was crazy about her.
These two were such a joy to read.
Best friend’s sister, so there was both that sweet palpable longing and smothering tension. There was also the “everyone knows and is just waiting for them to realize it” vibes. I swear that adorable denial both tickled me and drove me crazy. Phew, and oh my thee steam: 𝘴𝘪𝘻-𝘻𝘭-𝘪𝘯𝘨! One thing Tabatha is going to do is bring that heat! In the next breath, she made laugh til I cried. And a few emotional scenes that unexpectedly put me in my feelings. This book hit just the right spot in every single way and I dreaded coming to the last page. But, my heart is happy knowing this only just the beginning!
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰’𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏.”
This is the series I was desperately wishing for and now my dreams have come true. Not only do I get to revisit my beloveds but seeing them as parents. Seeing their kids all grown up! O.M.G., talk about a book I could not put down.
Half Time Heartbreaker is Connor and Dana. The offspring of The Junior Morgan and The John Kirby: epiiiic and I am guaranteed to devour it (and I did just that). Dubbed the heartbreaker, Connor was really anything but. His heart was just waiting for the girl he’s loved all his life to love him back. Dana is ready to live her life on her own terms. Be her own woman. She was also living in sweet oblivion of the guy who was crazy about her.
These two were such a joy to read.
Best friend’s sister, so there was both that sweet palpable longing and smothering tension. There was also the “everyone knows and is just waiting for them to realize it” vibes. I swear that adorable denial both tickled me and drove me crazy. Phew, and oh my thee steam: 𝘴𝘪𝘻-𝘻𝘭-𝘪𝘯𝘨! One thing Tabatha is going to do is bring that heat! In the next breath, she made laugh til I cried. And a few emotional scenes that unexpectedly put me in my feelings. This book hit just the right spot in every single way and I dreaded coming to the last page. But, my heart is happy knowing this only just the beginning!
January 14, 2023
Title: Halftime Heartbreaker
Author: Tabatha Kiss
Format: Ebook
Format: Romance, sports (football), Brother's Best Friend, NA, Virgin, Friends to Lovers
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: Book 1 of Princes of Chicago North (a spinoff/the kids from Kings of Chicago North)
POV: Connor: Dana
Steam Level: Slow burn to steamy
5/5
Halftime Heartbreaker is the first book in the Princes of Chicago North series which is a spinoff from the Kings of Chicago North series featuring Junior's son and John's daughter. There are plenty of familiar faces throughout and passing references to the initial series but this is also a complete standalone. The references and secondary characters are a wink and a nod from Tabatha Kiss to her fans (and I am one of them). Connor and Dana are about to start college and Dana asks Connor to take her virginity since she trusts him. As the story progresses you realize how close they actually, despite Connor being best friends with Dana's brothers. Tabatha Kiss knows how to build the tension and lighten the tone with humor. I can't wait to see who falls next.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Author: Tabatha Kiss
Format: Ebook
Format: Romance, sports (football), Brother's Best Friend, NA, Virgin, Friends to Lovers
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: Book 1 of Princes of Chicago North (a spinoff/the kids from Kings of Chicago North)
POV: Connor: Dana
Steam Level: Slow burn to steamy
5/5
Halftime Heartbreaker is the first book in the Princes of Chicago North series which is a spinoff from the Kings of Chicago North series featuring Junior's son and John's daughter. There are plenty of familiar faces throughout and passing references to the initial series but this is also a complete standalone. The references and secondary characters are a wink and a nod from Tabatha Kiss to her fans (and I am one of them). Connor and Dana are about to start college and Dana asks Connor to take her virginity since she trusts him. As the story progresses you realize how close they actually, despite Connor being best friends with Dana's brothers. Tabatha Kiss knows how to build the tension and lighten the tone with humor. I can't wait to see who falls next.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free from the author. This is my honest and voluntary review.
January 17, 2023
Connor is getting ready to start freshman year at Chicago North University the home of the Bearhawks. Connor is a quarterback and he believes he will be starting for the Bearhawks. Connor grew up with best friends Alex and Ben and they also have a sister named Dana. Connor has always looked out for Dana. Dana is a part of a triplet, Alex, Ben and her. She has been frail growing up because her lungs didn’t develop properly. Dana has been teased a lot in junior high and some in high school. The Morgan’s and the Kirby’s have been close for many years. Connor’s dad Junior Morgan was the hottest quarterback at Chicago North. The Kirby’s and the Morgan’s went to college together and have been friends for years. Dana is starting at Chicago North also but she hasn’t decided what she wants to major in. Dana just wants to be free from her parents and try to live her life. Courtney is
Connor’s sister who is older. She is sponsoring Dana into Beta Kappa. Courtney tells Dana she should lose her virginity before rug week. Courtney says to do it with a guy friend. Dana asks Connor to teach her about sex.
Connor’s sister who is older. She is sponsoring Dana into Beta Kappa. Courtney tells Dana she should lose her virginity before rug week. Courtney says to do it with a guy friend. Dana asks Connor to teach her about sex.
January 19, 2023
This is the first book in a second-generation series that follows the children from the Kings of Chicago North series. You can read this as a standalone but I recommend reading their parents books because they are so good. We meet Connor Morgan (son of Junior/Alyssa Morgan from Touchdown Baby) and Dana Kirby (daughter of John/Rose Kirby from First Down Darling). Connor is best friends with Dana’s brother’s and they basically grew up together since their parents are all good friends. Dana being the girl of the group and suffering from asthma has always been treated as fragile by her overprotective family. As they get ready to start college Dana asks Connor to help her lose her v-card. At first, he says no but then has a change of heart. What was suppose to be a friend only arrangement soon becomes complicated when feelings get involved. Like all Penelope Bloom books this has the right amount of romance, steam, family, sports and some laughter that kept me flipping pages. I love this new series and I look forward to the next book and this cast of characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 13, 2023
WHOA ...
What a series kick-off! I'm fascinated and excited about Connor and Dana's story. And thrilled to meet old acquaintances in their parents again - yesssss, the Kings of Chicago North's kids are now grown up themselves, squeal ...
Connor and Dana's story is touching and hilarious at the same time, and so emotional that I was constantly vacillating between crying and laughing out loud. A true emotional roller coaster ride ...
We meet the next generation of once-famous football stars, witness their close bond, friendship that rivals blood relations, the forging of new bonds of friendship ... and plenty of drama ...
Once again, Ms. Kiss has managed to create lifelike and lovable characters, to seamlessly tie in with previous stories without requiring you to have read them to be able to follow this storyline, and to wrap it all up in an exciting plot that engages from the first page and doesn't let you go until you've read the last page. A real page-turner that is already hard to beat. Looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series!
What a series kick-off! I'm fascinated and excited about Connor and Dana's story. And thrilled to meet old acquaintances in their parents again - yesssss, the Kings of Chicago North's kids are now grown up themselves, squeal ...
Connor and Dana's story is touching and hilarious at the same time, and so emotional that I was constantly vacillating between crying and laughing out loud. A true emotional roller coaster ride ...
We meet the next generation of once-famous football stars, witness their close bond, friendship that rivals blood relations, the forging of new bonds of friendship ... and plenty of drama ...
Once again, Ms. Kiss has managed to create lifelike and lovable characters, to seamlessly tie in with previous stories without requiring you to have read them to be able to follow this storyline, and to wrap it all up in an exciting plot that engages from the first page and doesn't let you go until you've read the last page. A real page-turner that is already hard to beat. Looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series!
March 14, 2024
I want that impressed with this book. Really more of a 1.5 stars rounded up. The FMC was too naive and innocent. I hate the “princess” persona. Her brothers weren’t very nice to her-kind of a mixture of indifferent and patronizing condescension. And yet there possessive policing of who she could be with was so sexist and annoying. Her dad treated her like a child and again the policing of her sexuality was gross. The fact that she’s feels like she needs her brothers’ blessing to be with the guy she likes is ridiculous. Her body belongs to her. She’s an adult and can choose to have sex with whomever she chooses. Her vagina doesn’t belong to the men in her family. This plot made me so angry!
Next issue, FMC seemed like a follower. FMC is the typical virginal, overly sheltered and innocent, naive ingenue that I hate—the opposite of everything that I actually loved about Daisy in Home Run, Baby. In many ways, this book felt like it was more about the first generation (parents) and a continuation of their stories than it did about this younger generation.
Next issue, FMC seemed like a follower. FMC is the typical virginal, overly sheltered and innocent, naive ingenue that I hate—the opposite of everything that I actually loved about Daisy in Home Run, Baby. In many ways, this book felt like it was more about the first generation (parents) and a continuation of their stories than it did about this younger generation.
August 12, 2024
I’m okay with this, it was nice seeing the parents of the kings of Chicago north series appear in this series as well. I was a little confused who was who, as I couldn’t remember all of the children’s names.
Dana was shy and a virgin girl. What better to know more about the sexual world than to ask her childhood best friend Connor?
Connor has been in love with Dana his whole life but Dana has never noticed because he never said anything to her.
I think this was a cute read, but I guess I wanted more romantic development for Connor because he was in love with Dana since the start of the book so no romantic development for him. It’s more for Dana. She developed feelings for him over time.
I felt maybe the emotional bonding was lacking as well. Needed more of it. As they were childhood friends, I guess the author thought it was enough to forego scenes of their bonding but to me, I felt I needed to see it in the book.
Nevertheless, a fun and simple read. I have enjoyed seeing the previous series’ characters again.
Dana was shy and a virgin girl. What better to know more about the sexual world than to ask her childhood best friend Connor?
Connor has been in love with Dana his whole life but Dana has never noticed because he never said anything to her.
I think this was a cute read, but I guess I wanted more romantic development for Connor because he was in love with Dana since the start of the book so no romantic development for him. It’s more for Dana. She developed feelings for him over time.
I felt maybe the emotional bonding was lacking as well. Needed more of it. As they were childhood friends, I guess the author thought it was enough to forego scenes of their bonding but to me, I felt I needed to see it in the book.
Nevertheless, a fun and simple read. I have enjoyed seeing the previous series’ characters again.
January 10, 2023
The second generation from Kings of Chicago North have arrived and they are everything! Junior Morgan is now a proud father to Connor Morgan who is hoping to start as quarterback for the Bearhawks and join the same fraternity Alpha Delta Xi. Conner has also grown up with triplets Ben, Alex and Dana who were the children of Junior's teammate and best friend John Kirby. Connor has always harboured feelings for Dana, yet never acted upon them as she was always off limits being her best friend's sister. However, when she propositions him to be her first, all bets are off.
This was a fantastic second gen sports romance that had all the same wonderful vibes from the original series, I loved meeting this new generation and seeing them go through their college experience years later where some things change and yet other traditions still remain the same. A fantastic beginning to the new series and I can't wait to see what's next.
This was a fantastic second gen sports romance that had all the same wonderful vibes from the original series, I loved meeting this new generation and seeing them go through their college experience years later where some things change and yet other traditions still remain the same. A fantastic beginning to the new series and I can't wait to see what's next.
January 11, 2023
Loved this College Coming of Age Romance!!
This story follows the children of the main characters of a previous story. As those “children” are about to enter college at Chicago North University, they are impacted by following in the footsteps, and sometimes the shadow of those who came before.
Twins Alex and Ben – actually triplets with sister Dana; and best friend Connor. The males are football players, Dana until recently has been very quiet and studious, mostly due to a problem with asthma. Now is a time to reinvent herself. All are pledging fraternities/sororities.
Family and friends, growing up, college life, important firsts, loyalties and romance. Totally enjoyed this story, I think it was greatly enhanced by having read the prior story. Go Bearhawks!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
This story follows the children of the main characters of a previous story. As those “children” are about to enter college at Chicago North University, they are impacted by following in the footsteps, and sometimes the shadow of those who came before.
Twins Alex and Ben – actually triplets with sister Dana; and best friend Connor. The males are football players, Dana until recently has been very quiet and studious, mostly due to a problem with asthma. Now is a time to reinvent herself. All are pledging fraternities/sororities.
Family and friends, growing up, college life, important firsts, loyalties and romance. Totally enjoyed this story, I think it was greatly enhanced by having read the prior story. Go Bearhawks!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
January 20, 2023
Connor and Dana have grown up together she's a triplet and her brothers are his bestfriends not to mention there parents all went to Chicago North now the kids are grown up and headed to college and Dana has just one thing left before pledging a sorority loose her V-Card her pick Connor he's not so sure and tells her knoway.. Dana decides to find another canadate she's had enough of the over protective family. Once Connor realizes that someone else may get Dana he decides he'll break the bro code so they hook up keep it quit until well nothing ever stays secret for long and then everybody knows so will there families approve of there being together. This was a light low drama romance with plenty of laughs and steam.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 7, 2023
This is a fun contemporary romance that falls along the lines of Best Friends Sister. Connor has been crushing on his best friends – Alex & Ben – sister Dana for years. What happens when she asks him to “help her out” by being her first?
That is what this story explores. Things I really liked were that the male lead knew from the beginning that the female lead was “it” for him. This is a bit of a twist on what we are used to with this trope. I liked that the female characters don’t have shame-based feelings towards sex.
These characters are next generation characters, and as someone who hadn’t read the first generation books, I did not feel I was missing things. I am most certainly going to go back and read those books before the next book in the series.
That is what this story explores. Things I really liked were that the male lead knew from the beginning that the female lead was “it” for him. This is a bit of a twist on what we are used to with this trope. I liked that the female characters don’t have shame-based feelings towards sex.
These characters are next generation characters, and as someone who hadn’t read the first generation books, I did not feel I was missing things. I am most certainly going to go back and read those books before the next book in the series.
January 9, 2023
Connor, Alex and Ben - the three amigos/musketeers /stooges - take your pick, they’re always together, best friends, teammates, virtually family.
Then there’s Dana, she’s Alex and Ben’s triplet, not as strong as the boys at birth, fragile. Connor has always, always taken care of her, more so even than her brothers.
So when she has a very important favour, to lose her virginity before the start of college, who else would she ask but Connor.
But you don’t mess with your brothers’ sister - that frat law, but she asked and he can’t deny her anything.
But decisions have consequences, now they have to work through them.
Sweet, steamy, heartfelt, with wonderful characters, a storyline that enfolds you and a very cute HEA.
Really looking forward to more in this new series.
Then there’s Dana, she’s Alex and Ben’s triplet, not as strong as the boys at birth, fragile. Connor has always, always taken care of her, more so even than her brothers.
So when she has a very important favour, to lose her virginity before the start of college, who else would she ask but Connor.
But you don’t mess with your brothers’ sister - that frat law, but she asked and he can’t deny her anything.
But decisions have consequences, now they have to work through them.
Sweet, steamy, heartfelt, with wonderful characters, a storyline that enfolds you and a very cute HEA.
Really looking forward to more in this new series.
January 17, 2023
"Lesson One," he says. "Don't kiss and tell."
Oh, holy freaking moly. Tabatha Kiss has the gift. She always has and always will. This book was just fandamntastic! I binged it so hard and so will you.
I absolutely loved the Kings of Chicago North series and now we get the Princes. Who knew that I needed this. Tabatha did, that's who.
Connor Morgan has always been in love with Dana Kirby for as long as he can remember. Everyone saw it but Dana. And, when Dana gets a bug in her ear about losing her virginity before joining the legacy sorority, she can't fathom anyone else taking it but Connor.
What will happen when everyone finds out? Especially Dana's big twin brothers?
This book, that series, and all of Tabatha's books, are a total must read.
Oh, holy freaking moly. Tabatha Kiss has the gift. She always has and always will. This book was just fandamntastic! I binged it so hard and so will you.
I absolutely loved the Kings of Chicago North series and now we get the Princes. Who knew that I needed this. Tabatha did, that's who.
Connor Morgan has always been in love with Dana Kirby for as long as he can remember. Everyone saw it but Dana. And, when Dana gets a bug in her ear about losing her virginity before joining the legacy sorority, she can't fathom anyone else taking it but Connor.
What will happen when everyone finds out? Especially Dana's big twin brothers?
This book, that series, and all of Tabatha's books, are a total must read.
January 17, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...
This series is a spin-off from the Kings of Chicago North series and it features the next generation, the children of our favorite characters. This story focus on Conner who is Junior and Alyssa's son (Touchdown Baby) and Dana, John and Rose's daughter (First Down Darling). I highly recommend reading the Kings of Chicago North series first, but you don't have to, to enjoy this book.
The was a very sweet romance and I just adored the connection between Dana and Connor. Dana decides, after some friendly advice, it's time to ditch her v-card and she thinks Connor is the perfect person to help. Now Connor has some thoughts about that and this leads to some interesting situations.
More review to come.
This series is a spin-off from the Kings of Chicago North series and it features the next generation, the children of our favorite characters. This story focus on Conner who is Junior and Alyssa's son (Touchdown Baby) and Dana, John and Rose's daughter (First Down Darling). I highly recommend reading the Kings of Chicago North series first, but you don't have to, to enjoy this book.
The was a very sweet romance and I just adored the connection between Dana and Connor. Dana decides, after some friendly advice, it's time to ditch her v-card and she thinks Connor is the perfect person to help. Now Connor has some thoughts about that and this leads to some interesting situations.
More review to come.
January 18, 2023
This was sooo good! I loved the story and I love that this is a spinoff/new series from the Kings of Chicago North. We get the next generation which I adore! I love getting to see those couples again all grown up and as parents so we get tidbits of their lives but you don't have to have read that series to start with this one! I loved Conner and Dana. They will pull you in from beginning to end and hold your attention the entire time. I loved the way that their relationship developed and they had to overcome quite a few obstacles both from within themselves and close family relationships and without. I love the best friends sibling trope and this one was well done! I loved watching these come together and I can't wait for more!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 7, 2023
I want to start by saying I did not read the parents books first so I went into this 2nd generation series blind. HOWEVER I still loved it. I stayed up until 3am and read it in one sitting. It had some cute coming of age elements, some good spice and while there were a few small details I'm sure I didn't fully understand from not reading the connecting series that came first I still really enjoyed this book. It was hilarious, and now I need to go back and read the parents series and will definitely read the rest of this series. I'm not sure who's book I want more but Courtney, Violet, Alex and Ben will hopefully all get their own books.
January 12, 2023
I love the fact Tabatha Kiss is continuing with the family tree of Chicago North families, it's the children. I really enjoyed catching up with the parents. If this is your first time reading Tabatha Kiss you don't necessarily need to have read previous books. I liked Connor and Dana as a couple, they are sweet, fun and similar in their struggles with family and loyalty. I could feel Connor's struggle between loyalty and love. I could feel Dana's struggle to break free and grow up. Her brothers and father think of her as a weak little girl, not a grown woman. Tabatha Kiss gave me family, humor, sweet and fun. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
January 15, 2023
I have always been a huge fan of Tabitha Kiss. This book, has made me a stalker…in the best way! It was so amazing to see all these characters again. It’s like coming home. I think Connor is my new book boyfriend. He does has that golden retriever quality, but he makes up for that later in the book. I loved the heroine, bc she was stronger than she knew. This book was much more than a romance. It was about family and it’s legacy; life long friendships, and new friendships. Such an amazing book. Thank you Tabitha for another amazing read! This book is a must read for all romance readers out there.
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