BLURB:

Paige Larson came to Australia from New York for a job that ends in disaster when a shock jock broadcasts to the world what he really thinks of her curves. Helped by a friend, she ends up in footy mad Bayview Cove, home of the Bayview Monarchs Aussie Rules team. Paige knows what she doesn’t want, kids or life on a farm, but is not sure what direction her life should take.

If someone told Willo Lovemore the toughest thing he’d face in life was a teenage pregnancy, he’d tell them to hold his beer. He’s buried his wife and is trying to raise three kids, all whilst remaining on top of his game as an elite Aussie Rules footballer. He’s had his chance with love, and no one can convince him his wife would want him to move on.

A chance meeting between the two sees The Yank and The Tank podcast born. Paige learns that a sausage roll is a goal, and holding the ball is not as dirty as it sounds. Willo finds someone who makes him smile again and learns more about taking chances. Both learn about letting go of the past. And what better way for Willo to practice his off-field moves than with someone who’s only here for a year before heading back to the States.

Will Paige hold the man? Will Willo execute an incorrect disposal? What exactly are the rules of the game?

This first person, dual POV, romance between an elite Aussie Rules footballer and an American PR guru is a slow burn, but it sizzles once guards are let down. Please check out content warnings at the start of the book, but also note there is no cheating, and there is a guaranteed happily ever after.

MY THOUGHTS:

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! I’m a sucker for a single dad romance, so I was stoked to read Tackling Love Once More by Jezabel Nightingale. The concept was great, but I just didn’t vibe with the characters, especially the FMC. Paige wasn’t my favorite, she was really hard to connect with and understand. She seemed distant throughout the book, and I couldn’t figure out if she really liked our guy. I needed more from her. Despite it being a slow burn, I wanted more sexual tension between the FMC and MMC. I’m glad she started therapy, but still felt disconnected. While I appreciate the plus size representation, I didn’t enjoy the constant mention of her weight. We get it early on, it didn’t need to be brought up throughout the book. Can curvy women get some love without constantly coming back to their size? Despite all this, I’ll give the book three stars because I really liked the concept and it was cute.