She came to Tennessee for a clean start.
Falling for the referee of a church flag football league was never part of the plan.
A fierce competitor. A steady referee. One injury that changes everything.
When a devastating Achilles injury sidelines Sara during a church flag football season, the fiercely independent athlete is suddenly forced to rely on Carlos-the calm, rule-following referee she's spent weeks clashing with on the field. As months of recovery strip away the strength she's always depended on, Sara must decide whether protecting her independence is worth pushing away the one man who refuses to let her face the hardest season of her life alone.
A clean, faith-based sports romance about healing, community, and the unexpected love waiting on the sidelines.
Review :
"Sara: "She came here to outrun something. Now she can't run at all." "She still thinks asking is equal to weakness." She discovers "... community isn't earned ... We build it by showing up". One best friend, one team, one community, and one ref, "Captain Compliance", are most of the characters. My favorite: the silver thread of God's goodness running though the story. Illustrates how a team supports each other on and off the field.
I'm ready for more flag football."
"This was my first book by this author, and I loved it! I'm a sports romance fan, and this was the first time I've read about flag football. The sport is growing fast in the U. S., and it was really fun to read about a women's team.
It's a fast read, but has a lot of depth. Sara has just moved to Tennessee for a fresh start and gets talked into playing flag football for her new church. She clashes with Carlos, the ref who always follows the rules (and who is adorable, on the outside and inside). When the fiercely independent Sara is badly injured, Carlos, a paramedic, is there for her, along with her new friends and teammates.
The romance is a slow-burn, but well worth the wait. Carlos is gentle and sweet, but he also doesn't take no for an answer, and Sara learns to accept his help when she needs it. She has an ex-fiance to deal with, who isn't a good person, and while Carlos is there when she deals with him, he doesn't step in. Instead, he's there for support, and he lets it be known he will step in if needed.
I love this book. It's spice-free, clean, with just a few sweet kisses."
"This is my first book by Jenny Beth Hall, and it's definitely not my last.
This story was so cute, quick, and easy to read. Sara and Carlos were so good together, and I love how they set rules to keep their relationship pure, even though everyone teased them lol
I love how Carlos ALWAYS supported her from the moment she went down on that field. I also loved their post-game, sunset watch on the tailgate. Such a good and wholesome read. This book is more than a romance. It's faith, found family, and some sweet, playful banter.
Favorite quote:
"You're still biased," she murmurs. "Probably, but you're mine." Her arms around my neck gently pull me back down for another kiss, and I follow her in for it. "Definitely."
Thank you so much to Jenny Beth Hall and Team! I received an ARC copy of this book from the author."
