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Wild Card #1
A Rookie Mistake
From PR stunt to playing for keeps, she's falling for the cowboy football star 🏈 🥅 💕🐎
Brand new from Laura Carter, bestselling author of Fake It 'Til You Make It.
Tropes:
🏈 Sports romance
🏈 Fake dating
🏈 Cowboy with a heart
🏈 Love triangle
🏈 Reputation redemption
🏈 He falls first and harder
🏈 Spicy
It was all part of the game plan - so why are their hearts offside?
Kansas Harris - Sas for short - has the potential to be the best agent at her father’s sports agency, and she’s figured out exactly how she’s going to prove by giving disgraced football star Colton Quinn an image overhaul.
Colton may have got himself in hot water during the off-season, but only he knows the real story behind what happened. Regardless, he needs to pick up his game or risk getting left off the active roster - or worse.
Leaving behind all she knows in New York, Sas arrives in Texas with a surefire plan to reach her end goal as quickly as possible. But when she gets to know the real Colton, that may be easier said than done.
She says she’s staying in the south strictly as his agent but Colton knows how to read a play and he’s about to call her bluff.
A heart-racing spicy sports romance, perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Elle Kennedy and Stephanie Archer!
Praise for Laura
'Such a fun read - I loved it!' Sarah Bennett
A juicy second-chance romance with an added hurricane! I couldn't put it down!' Leonie Mack
'What a breath of fresh air this book is! A perfect, playful escape. A fun, fast read that will have you rooting for main characters.' Samantha Tonge
‘A brilliant rom-com you’ll fall in love with’ Mandy Baggot
'This has been one of my favorite reads of 2024. So much that I devoured it in less than 24 hours.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'This book has everything you’d want in a romance. I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry & banter between the characters is perfect! Highly recommend.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
Tropes:
🏈 Sports romance
🏈 Fake dating
🏈 Cowboy with a heart
🏈 Love triangle
🏈 Reputation redemption
🏈 He falls first and harder
🏈 Spicy
It was all part of the game plan - so why are their hearts offside?
Kansas Harris - Sas for short - has the potential to be the best agent at her father’s sports agency, and she’s figured out exactly how she’s going to prove by giving disgraced football star Colton Quinn an image overhaul.
Colton may have got himself in hot water during the off-season, but only he knows the real story behind what happened. Regardless, he needs to pick up his game or risk getting left off the active roster - or worse.
Leaving behind all she knows in New York, Sas arrives in Texas with a surefire plan to reach her end goal as quickly as possible. But when she gets to know the real Colton, that may be easier said than done.
She says she’s staying in the south strictly as his agent but Colton knows how to read a play and he’s about to call her bluff.
A heart-racing spicy sports romance, perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Elle Kennedy and Stephanie Archer!
Praise for Laura
'Such a fun read - I loved it!' Sarah Bennett
A juicy second-chance romance with an added hurricane! I couldn't put it down!' Leonie Mack
'What a breath of fresh air this book is! A perfect, playful escape. A fun, fast read that will have you rooting for main characters.' Samantha Tonge
‘A brilliant rom-com you’ll fall in love with’ Mandy Baggot
'This has been one of my favorite reads of 2024. So much that I devoured it in less than 24 hours.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'This book has everything you’d want in a romance. I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry & banter between the characters is perfect! Highly recommend.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
60 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Laura Carter
22 books425 followersAmazon top 10 and internationally bestselling author of romcoms and sports romance, translated into multiple languages. Exploring relationships and getting under the skin of her characters is Laura’s passion. She takes inspiration from everything she loves from sports to law, from music and books to on screen romances, and from her own friends and family (shhhhhh, don't tell them!). Laura lives in Jersey, Channel Islands and loves nothing more than being active outdoors.
Rep'd by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary Agency.
Connect with Laura through Facebook (@lauracarterauthor), Instagram (@lauracarterauthor) and TikTok (@laura.carter.author).
Learn more about Laura and her books here: www.lauracarterauthor.com.
Rep'd by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary Agency.
Connect with Laura through Facebook (@lauracarterauthor), Instagram (@lauracarterauthor) and TikTok (@laura.carter.author).
Learn more about Laura and her books here: www.lauracarterauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
October 6, 2025
I loved this, it was fun and easy to read and it had more depth than I was expecting it to have!
I love a sports, as well as a cowboy, romance and this being both made me so happy, and the fact it was also forbidden, what more can I ask for..
Kansas, or Sas for short, is working with her dad in his sports agency. She's desperate to prove herself, so she makes a deal with her dad, a deal that lands her in Texas, helping a footballer with a bad reputation. Colton is a rising star, but his end of the season was less than stellar and two scandals in the off season landed him in hot water with the team. Only he knows what truly happened, but he isn't saying anything. Sas is determined to find out and help him get a new contract. But the more time they spend together, more their chemistry grows and when his walls start crumbling down, it's going to be even harder for them to stay away from each other.. They can't be together, but it's impossible to ignore the pull between them..
I have to say, when I saw there was a fake dating trope, that was not what I was expecting, but it worked with the story perfectly.
I absolutely loved Sas, she was determined and confident and I loved how she always said what was on her mind. She loved her job and was determined to prove she was a professional and I really enjoyed how hard she tried to resist Colton because of it. But, the chemistry they had, she could never resist for long. I loved how she got along with the guys and the way she was with Colton's family. Her relationship with her dad had its ups and downs, but I'm so glad they figured it out.
Colton, I adored him. He was quiet and stoic, he kept so much inside him. Seeing him open up, not only to Sas, but to his teammates too, was amazing. Seeing him feel lighter and happier around Sas and the way he fought for her, was everything and so was the love towards his family, everything he did was for them. I loved them so much!
His mom was truly a warrior and so was Annie, she deserved so much better and I honestly can't wait for her book.
Also, the team was the best, I loved how close they got and how they were there for Colton. Pace was my favourite, his and Sas's friendship was a great addition.
Megan was such a surprise.
And Jax is such an idiot, but I do hope he gets a book.
The romance was so good. It was very insta-lust, which I don't always love, but at least there was tension, so I didn't mind that much, only a little. The banter was bantering and the forbidden aspect of their relationship and the moments where their vulnerability was shown, as well as the yearning, made up for it. I really liked how their relationship progressed, even though there were a few bumps..
I also loved the setting, we got the ranch and the city life and the games, there was a little bit of everything. I don't really know a lot about football, but I liked that aspect here. It was fun!
There were some heavier themes, regarding a terminal illness, that made me very emotional..
This is my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. I'm so excited for the next book, I hope it comes soon!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC.*
I love a sports, as well as a cowboy, romance and this being both made me so happy, and the fact it was also forbidden, what more can I ask for..
Kansas, or Sas for short, is working with her dad in his sports agency. She's desperate to prove herself, so she makes a deal with her dad, a deal that lands her in Texas, helping a footballer with a bad reputation. Colton is a rising star, but his end of the season was less than stellar and two scandals in the off season landed him in hot water with the team. Only he knows what truly happened, but he isn't saying anything. Sas is determined to find out and help him get a new contract. But the more time they spend together, more their chemistry grows and when his walls start crumbling down, it's going to be even harder for them to stay away from each other.. They can't be together, but it's impossible to ignore the pull between them..
I have to say, when I saw there was a fake dating trope, that was not what I was expecting, but it worked with the story perfectly.
I absolutely loved Sas, she was determined and confident and I loved how she always said what was on her mind. She loved her job and was determined to prove she was a professional and I really enjoyed how hard she tried to resist Colton because of it. But, the chemistry they had, she could never resist for long. I loved how she got along with the guys and the way she was with Colton's family. Her relationship with her dad had its ups and downs, but I'm so glad they figured it out.
Colton, I adored him. He was quiet and stoic, he kept so much inside him. Seeing him open up, not only to Sas, but to his teammates too, was amazing. Seeing him feel lighter and happier around Sas and the way he fought for her, was everything and so was the love towards his family, everything he did was for them. I loved them so much!
His mom was truly a warrior and so was Annie, she deserved so much better and I honestly can't wait for her book.
Also, the team was the best, I loved how close they got and how they were there for Colton. Pace was my favourite, his and Sas's friendship was a great addition.
Megan was such a surprise.
And Jax is such an idiot, but I do hope he gets a book.
The romance was so good. It was very insta-lust, which I don't always love, but at least there was tension, so I didn't mind that much, only a little. The banter was bantering and the forbidden aspect of their relationship and the moments where their vulnerability was shown, as well as the yearning, made up for it. I really liked how their relationship progressed, even though there were a few bumps..
I also loved the setting, we got the ranch and the city life and the games, there was a little bit of everything. I don't really know a lot about football, but I liked that aspect here. It was fun!
There were some heavier themes, regarding a terminal illness, that made me very emotional..
This is my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. I'm so excited for the next book, I hope it comes soon!
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC.*
October 6, 2025
3.5 stars for me.
Kansas Harris ,Sas for friends working now as an agent at her father’s sports agency.One of the clients and players for the Bears ,Colton Quinn needs help with his image. During the off-season, he made some mistakes and don't want to explain what really happened. Sas trying to get to know Colton better,but it may not be easy, as he's a man of few words. Add a attraction between them that is strictly off limits, soon they both need ask a question is this is something worth to loose their goal for?
Will Sas save Colton place in the team?
Will Colton open up and explain what is going on with him?
Full of drama and some hard and painful secrets this sport romance was a enjoyable read. I liked the chemistry between Sas and Colton, and their relationship with families and friends. Hope to read this author further work.
Would recommend this book for sport romance with spice fans.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc, my review is honest and my own.
Kansas Harris ,Sas for friends working now as an agent at her father’s sports agency.One of the clients and players for the Bears ,Colton Quinn needs help with his image. During the off-season, he made some mistakes and don't want to explain what really happened. Sas trying to get to know Colton better,but it may not be easy, as he's a man of few words. Add a attraction between them that is strictly off limits, soon they both need ask a question is this is something worth to loose their goal for?
Will Sas save Colton place in the team?
Will Colton open up and explain what is going on with him?
Full of drama and some hard and painful secrets this sport romance was a enjoyable read. I liked the chemistry between Sas and Colton, and their relationship with families and friends. Hope to read this author further work.
Would recommend this book for sport romance with spice fans.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc, my review is honest and my own.
October 6, 2025
A sweet sports romance, with a forbidden romance, some fake dating, and lots of conflicted feelings. This was a cosy and easy read, Sas was fun, witty and bold, and Colton was a secret sweetheart. I loved how he was protecting his family and trying to keep everything private, and how he's hopelessly drawn to the loud city girl that's totally odd limits.
Their chemistry was fun and flirty, and I liked the mutual pining.
Their chemistry was fun and flirty, and I liked the mutual pining.
September 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I loved this, it was exactly what I needed as a book right now. This was my first book by Laura Carter and I’m now adding her backlist to my TBR. The writing was fast, funny and sharp, with an incredible amount of care taken when writing about difficult topics such as terminal illness and all the grief and guilt that comes along with that. The relationship between Sas and Colton felt like a natural progression from forbidden love to something real, with their chemistry, mutual pining, and also fear of letting someone else in. It was also great to read a football romance where it’s obvious the author learned about the sport, which made the scenes during games feel so real. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I loved this, it was exactly what I needed as a book right now. This was my first book by Laura Carter and I’m now adding her backlist to my TBR. The writing was fast, funny and sharp, with an incredible amount of care taken when writing about difficult topics such as terminal illness and all the grief and guilt that comes along with that. The relationship between Sas and Colton felt like a natural progression from forbidden love to something real, with their chemistry, mutual pining, and also fear of letting someone else in. It was also great to read a football romance where it’s obvious the author learned about the sport, which made the scenes during games feel so real. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
September 17, 2025
Thank you to netgalley and boldwood books for the ARC!
Firstly, this was such a fun and easy read! Although it seems like there are a lot of chapters they are short and so quick I flew through this book in two sittings!
Sas is a bright and fun FMC with drive and is determined to prove her father’s doubts wrong and I love that. Her and her dad’s dynamic was such a good element to the story, how they worked together and yet she stood on her own two feet even when they didn’t agree or he tried to overpower her!
Colton the MMC was what I expected and I loved that he was so close with his family and his willingness to provide and work through his rough patch to make sure everyone is taken care of was a really nice touch.
I really love a fake dating trope and LOVED the twist on this story to not have it be the main characters, it made for a more interesting and fun read.
There were some harder topics within this book such as terminal illness, but I found the author really did this aspect of the story justice. As well as learning about the sport they wrote about, I honestly couldn’t believe how much sports theory was explained! It was overwhelming and great to see so much research gone into the story.
The ending was definitely what I would expect from a sports romance and the spicy scenes were an extra cherry on top for us spice lovers out there! Just enough to raise a brow but not overkill.
It did take me a chapter or two to get used to the writing style in this book, it’s not something I am typically used too and found it almost like the characters were talking to me instead of describing what was happening at times. It is a dual POV also which was great but took me some time to get into the groove.
Overall a great and easy read and I will definitely pick up the sequel to these two lovebirds story!
Firstly, this was such a fun and easy read! Although it seems like there are a lot of chapters they are short and so quick I flew through this book in two sittings!
Sas is a bright and fun FMC with drive and is determined to prove her father’s doubts wrong and I love that. Her and her dad’s dynamic was such a good element to the story, how they worked together and yet she stood on her own two feet even when they didn’t agree or he tried to overpower her!
Colton the MMC was what I expected and I loved that he was so close with his family and his willingness to provide and work through his rough patch to make sure everyone is taken care of was a really nice touch.
I really love a fake dating trope and LOVED the twist on this story to not have it be the main characters, it made for a more interesting and fun read.
There were some harder topics within this book such as terminal illness, but I found the author really did this aspect of the story justice. As well as learning about the sport they wrote about, I honestly couldn’t believe how much sports theory was explained! It was overwhelming and great to see so much research gone into the story.
The ending was definitely what I would expect from a sports romance and the spicy scenes were an extra cherry on top for us spice lovers out there! Just enough to raise a brow but not overkill.
It did take me a chapter or two to get used to the writing style in this book, it’s not something I am typically used too and found it almost like the characters were talking to me instead of describing what was happening at times. It is a dual POV also which was great but took me some time to get into the groove.
Overall a great and easy read and I will definitely pick up the sequel to these two lovebirds story!
September 17, 2025
This was such a fun read! I loved the mixing of the cowboy trope with sports (football).
I was worried it was going to be I’m not like other girls vibes but I really liked Sas and Megan!
It also has secret relationship vibes + a fun twist on a fake relationship ( the FMC sets the MMC up with someone else)
The city girl x country boy is also such a fun trope!
My only issue with the book which is most likely a me thing was the incessant use of brand names, movie titles, and song names in the book.
The weird thing is tho they’re only really in the first 100 pages?
We get call outs to
- Rocky
- Mean girls
- Waterboy
- Ironman
- Gilmore girls
- Dallas
- Reacher
- Cribs
- Victorious
- High school musical
- The notebook
- American psycho
Brand names, like Maserati Gucci Range Rover Tom fords, GQ, Chevy, etc. I also read Grand Theft Auto more times than I cared to.
I’d have preferred if the author had described what she meant rather than throwing in these references which took me out of the story especially since if you don’t understand them they mean nothing to the reader.
OTHER THAN THAT this book is the perfect combo of tropes, yearning, an intriguing storyline, and good writing. Lots of fun parts too like how sas got her name which made me laugh.
I can’t wait to read Annie and Paces book next!
Thank you to Laura Carter, and Boldwood books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2025
I enjoyed this book
Blurb
Tropes:
🏈 Sports romance
🏈 Fake dating
🏈 Cowboy with a heart
🏈 Love triangle
🏈 Reputation redemption
🏈 He falls first and harder
🏈 Spicy
It was all part of the game plan - so why are their hearts offside?
Kansas Harris - Sas for short - has the potential to be the best agent at her father’s sports agency, and she’s figured out exactly how she’s going to prove that: by giving disgraced football star Colton Quinn an image overhaul.
Colton may have got himself in hot water during the off-season, but only he knows the real story behind what happened. Regardless, he needs to pick up his game or risk getting left off the active roster - or worse.
Leaving behind all she knows in New York, Sas arrives in Texas with a surefire plan to save Colton's career as quickly as possible. But when she gets to know the real Colton, that may be easier said than done.
She says she’s staying in the south strictly as his agent but Colton knows how to read a play and he’s about to call her bluff.
A heart-racing spicy sports romance, perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Elle Kennedy and Stephanie Archer!
Blurb
Tropes:
🏈 Sports romance
🏈 Fake dating
🏈 Cowboy with a heart
🏈 Love triangle
🏈 Reputation redemption
🏈 He falls first and harder
🏈 Spicy
It was all part of the game plan - so why are their hearts offside?
Kansas Harris - Sas for short - has the potential to be the best agent at her father’s sports agency, and she’s figured out exactly how she’s going to prove that: by giving disgraced football star Colton Quinn an image overhaul.
Colton may have got himself in hot water during the off-season, but only he knows the real story behind what happened. Regardless, he needs to pick up his game or risk getting left off the active roster - or worse.
Leaving behind all she knows in New York, Sas arrives in Texas with a surefire plan to save Colton's career as quickly as possible. But when she gets to know the real Colton, that may be easier said than done.
She says she’s staying in the south strictly as his agent but Colton knows how to read a play and he’s about to call her bluff.
A heart-racing spicy sports romance, perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Elle Kennedy and Stephanie Archer!
August 28, 2025
A Rookie Mistake by Laura Carter is a forbidden love, fake dating, football romance. Kansas "Sas" is one of the newest sports agents at her firm, trying to follow in her father (Harris') footsteps with a highly successful career. Colton was a rising star in the league, however a dropped pass in the big game and several off field scandals, have caused his team to be cautious about renewing his contract. Sas and Harris have differing opinions on the best way to save his career and get him a larger contract. While I really love sports romance, this book was a little bit of a challenge for me to get into. The story was fine however quite predictable. I found the characters likeable for the most part, but I did struggle with misogyny and treatment from Harris towards Sas. This was an easy read overall, it just seemed to be missing something to make it special.
Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this sweet football workplace romance with some spice! I love that Colton is the one that falls first and harder and knows he wants a life with Sas before she will admit the same thing. I liked Colton’s teammates and their family members that we got to know and I came to appreciate Megan. I look forward to reading Annie and Pace’s love story too! Thank you to Boldwood Books for reaching out to me to read this book early!
October 15, 2025
✅Thank you @theboldbookclub for the arc of A Rookie Mistake. All opinions expressed are my own.
My thoughts:
What a fun read!
Fake dating trope at its best!
The main characters are Sas and Colton. Sas works for her father’s sports agency and Colton is their rookie client that needs a personality upgrade. When they meet, they feel an attraction but realize it’s not something they can take further.
Love triangle
Fake dating
Ranch setting
Intense chemistry
Illness
Grief
Sports romance
Duel POV
Witty banter
Spicy
Fun side characters
I found The Rookie Mistake to be a fun, easy sports romance read.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
My thoughts:
What a fun read!
Fake dating trope at its best!
The main characters are Sas and Colton. Sas works for her father’s sports agency and Colton is their rookie client that needs a personality upgrade. When they meet, they feel an attraction but realize it’s not something they can take further.
Love triangle
Fake dating
Ranch setting
Intense chemistry
Illness
Grief
Sports romance
Duel POV
Witty banter
Spicy
Fun side characters
I found The Rookie Mistake to be a fun, easy sports romance read.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 25, 2025
Besties, I absolutely loved this book! I flew through it in two days and am already counting down the days until I can read more from Laura Carter.
My thoughts:
💕This is such a fun and flirty sports romance packed with charm, banter and loads of chemistry
🥰Colton is the kind of MMC I adore-he falls first and falls HARD, completely smitten with Sas. What I really appreciated was how close he is with his family and his determination to work through his rough patch to take care of everyone he loves.
🧅Both Sas and Colton have lots of layers that slowly peel back as they learn to trust each other, which gives the story so much more heart
🤠The Texas setting and football world felt so authentic and created the perfect backdrop for Colton and Sas’s story.
What to expect:
🏈Sports romance
📸PR crisis
🥸Fake dating
💗He falls first
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Laura Carter for this eARC!!
My thoughts:
💕This is such a fun and flirty sports romance packed with charm, banter and loads of chemistry
🥰Colton is the kind of MMC I adore-he falls first and falls HARD, completely smitten with Sas. What I really appreciated was how close he is with his family and his determination to work through his rough patch to take care of everyone he loves.
🧅Both Sas and Colton have lots of layers that slowly peel back as they learn to trust each other, which gives the story so much more heart
🤠The Texas setting and football world felt so authentic and created the perfect backdrop for Colton and Sas’s story.
What to expect:
🏈Sports romance
📸PR crisis
🥸Fake dating
💗He falls first
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Laura Carter for this eARC!!
September 23, 2025
I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book. I really appreciate it.
This is my second Laura Carter book and I have to say, this is my absolute favourite!! This was everything and it was perfect! This book is an absolutely true sports romance football is actually featured in this book, and not as oh he's a football star and he has a game. No this has actual football all throughout it! It's been a very long time since I've had to breakout my football knowledge but from what I can remember Laura Carter did incredible research and knocked it right over the post with the facts and with its balance. It's not too heavy on the football that it becomes the main focus of the story and it's not too heavy on the romance that you forget you're reading a sports romance. It's also not too heavy on either that you feel like you're reading about fake people. Each and every character and situation felt so real despite their positions in the story it was amazing!
I couldn't put this book down I binge read it in less than a day! It's been a decent while since I've been able to do that! This book pulls you in and doesn't want to let you go! Colton and Sas are incredible! What that poor man is going through is heartbreaking and getting to watch him grow, and watching Sas show the world she's fantastic at her job and seeing them both fall along with each other was so beautiful! They are everything together! Newest favourite book couple! Annie, Pace and Meghan were so amazing too. Meghan is an incredible friend, and Pace is the big brother you wish you had (or are lucky enough to have), and Annie she's an absolute rockstar! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, I can't wait for the story that will happen there. Then it would be incredible to see if Sas's brothers will get their own stories too, give them a little comeuppance about how love can feel.
Honestly this could be the next greatest romance story, and the next greatest romance movie. It has ever quality to be exactly that! This knocks Nicholas Sparks right out of the water for me completely. Laura Carter has created an incredible book that you will want to binge read over and over again and if it ever becomes a movie like I really need it to be I'll be binge watching that over and over too!
Thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to read this book! I truly appreciate it and I absolutely loved it! I can't wait to be able to bring it home!
This is my second Laura Carter book and I have to say, this is my absolute favourite!! This was everything and it was perfect! This book is an absolutely true sports romance football is actually featured in this book, and not as oh he's a football star and he has a game. No this has actual football all throughout it! It's been a very long time since I've had to breakout my football knowledge but from what I can remember Laura Carter did incredible research and knocked it right over the post with the facts and with its balance. It's not too heavy on the football that it becomes the main focus of the story and it's not too heavy on the romance that you forget you're reading a sports romance. It's also not too heavy on either that you feel like you're reading about fake people. Each and every character and situation felt so real despite their positions in the story it was amazing!
I couldn't put this book down I binge read it in less than a day! It's been a decent while since I've been able to do that! This book pulls you in and doesn't want to let you go! Colton and Sas are incredible! What that poor man is going through is heartbreaking and getting to watch him grow, and watching Sas show the world she's fantastic at her job and seeing them both fall along with each other was so beautiful! They are everything together! Newest favourite book couple! Annie, Pace and Meghan were so amazing too. Meghan is an incredible friend, and Pace is the big brother you wish you had (or are lucky enough to have), and Annie she's an absolute rockstar! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, I can't wait for the story that will happen there. Then it would be incredible to see if Sas's brothers will get their own stories too, give them a little comeuppance about how love can feel.
Honestly this could be the next greatest romance story, and the next greatest romance movie. It has ever quality to be exactly that! This knocks Nicholas Sparks right out of the water for me completely. Laura Carter has created an incredible book that you will want to binge read over and over again and if it ever becomes a movie like I really need it to be I'll be binge watching that over and over too!
Thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to read this book! I truly appreciate it and I absolutely loved it! I can't wait to be able to bring it home!
September 9, 2025
Nothing has annoyed me lately as much as the people in this book have. I was mad for most of it. The fake dating is not between the MCs, and there's not really a love triangle, and that alone should’ve been a warning to me.
It starts out good, but right after it does, everything goes to hell as soon as the FMC sees the MMC for the second time and develops such a hunger for him that she absolutely can’t shut up about it for even five seconds and - although she tries oh tries so much - she’s ready to throw her entire professional life away for one night with him. Or that’s how it reads, at least.
It’s so full of stupid lust that it annoyed the hell out of me. Add to that the fact that no one believed in Sas - I do mean no one - and they were right not to, so I was mad both at them and at her.
Colton was doing fine in my head until he started being lustful too, and then he unnerved me with how much he wanted it to be a one-time thing, to hell with consequences, even though he was in a - fake - relationship and would potentially ruin everything for everyone with it. In his case, it wasn't really how hot he was for her that bothered me - it was his lack of care about anything.
Sometimes people who can’t keep their hands to themselves are great to read about, sometimes they’re infuriating dumbasses who should consider that not only they will be forced to suffer the consequences, but everyone around them too. Colton and Sas are the latter. Especially since I love cheering for a career woman, and Sas was being a full-on idiot, potentially ruining her reputation - and her dad's company's, and Meg's, and the Bears' reputation - for a fling (she did not do it for love or anything meaningful).
As mad as I am at the choices the characters made, I probably wouldn't have been that wound up if it was written differently, less focused on lust, so I'm choosing to see it as the book's fault, not me simply not vibing with the MCs.
I'll probably read the next in the series, though, because the MCs in it have more potential in my head for a good love story, being less focused on mindless forking.
And despite my ranting, it's not a bad book - people who live, laugh, love this type and amount of lust will probably like it. It's just very much not for me, sadly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for letting me read the ARC!
It starts out good, but right after it does, everything goes to hell as soon as the FMC sees the MMC for the second time and develops such a hunger for him that she absolutely can’t shut up about it for even five seconds and - although she tries oh tries so much - she’s ready to throw her entire professional life away for one night with him. Or that’s how it reads, at least.
It’s so full of stupid lust that it annoyed the hell out of me. Add to that the fact that no one believed in Sas - I do mean no one - and they were right not to, so I was mad both at them and at her.
Colton was doing fine in my head until he started being lustful too, and then he unnerved me with how much he wanted it to be a one-time thing, to hell with consequences, even though he was in a - fake - relationship and would potentially ruin everything for everyone with it. In his case, it wasn't really how hot he was for her that bothered me - it was his lack of care about anything.
Sometimes people who can’t keep their hands to themselves are great to read about, sometimes they’re infuriating dumbasses who should consider that not only they will be forced to suffer the consequences, but everyone around them too. Colton and Sas are the latter. Especially since I love cheering for a career woman, and Sas was being a full-on idiot, potentially ruining her reputation - and her dad's company's, and Meg's, and the Bears' reputation - for a fling (she did not do it for love or anything meaningful).
As mad as I am at the choices the characters made, I probably wouldn't have been that wound up if it was written differently, less focused on lust, so I'm choosing to see it as the book's fault, not me simply not vibing with the MCs.
I'll probably read the next in the series, though, because the MCs in it have more potential in my head for a good love story, being less focused on mindless forking.
And despite my ranting, it's not a bad book - people who live, laugh, love this type and amount of lust will probably like it. It's just very much not for me, sadly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for letting me read the ARC!
September 13, 2025
"I’ll get in your car but only because it’s so hot in this garage, I’d be laying hard boiled eggs if I were a hen." 🥚
I am definitely in my cutesy romance era just now and this book was exactly the kind of story I wanted to curl up with. A Rookie Mistake was such a fun and heartwarming read with a really clever twist on the fake dating trope. What I loved most is that it wasn’t the main couple doing the fake dating, but the situation still threw them together in the best possible way.
Sas absolutely lived up to her name – sassy by nature and full of spark. She started off sharp and determined, but what made me fall for her character was the growth she went through. Watching her find her strength, her independence and learning to stand up for herself and her future was so satisfying. On the other hand there’s Colton, who carries so much silently. He’s strong, dependable and committed, yet he keeps his struggles hidden until he finally lets someone in. The moment he begins to open up and accept support is where his character really shines and I adored how their bond deepened because of it.
And I have to mention Mama Quinn because she stole every scene she was in. She’s the kind of warm, grounding presence that makes a romance like this feel so real. Colton’s fierce love and protectiveness over his mum added such a beautiful layer to the story and made me melt more than once.
This book gave me all the things I crave in a romance: witty banter, chemistry that feels natural, emotional depth, found family vibes and the perfect mix of humour and heart. The football setting added an extra charm without ever taking away from the romance itself. By the time I reached the end I was completely invested not just in Sas and Colton but also in the wider Quinn family dynamic that ties everything together.
If you’re a fan of fake dating with a twist, sports romance, sassy heroines, protective heroes and plenty of family feels, then you need to pick this one up. It’s smart, funny, emotional and left me with the biggest smile on my face.
✨ Tropes & Themes ✨
❤️ #FakeDating
⚽ #FootballRomance
💃 #SassyHeroine
🛡️ #ProtectiveHero
🏡 #FoundFamily
🔥 #SlowBurnRomance
🌱 #CharacterGrowth
🌸 #SmallTownVibes
💔 #EmotionalHealing
😂 #WittyBanter
💞 #RomanticTension
👨👩👧 #FamilyBonds
💖 #OppositesAttract
😊 #HeartwarmingRomance
I am definitely in my cutesy romance era just now and this book was exactly the kind of story I wanted to curl up with. A Rookie Mistake was such a fun and heartwarming read with a really clever twist on the fake dating trope. What I loved most is that it wasn’t the main couple doing the fake dating, but the situation still threw them together in the best possible way.
Sas absolutely lived up to her name – sassy by nature and full of spark. She started off sharp and determined, but what made me fall for her character was the growth she went through. Watching her find her strength, her independence and learning to stand up for herself and her future was so satisfying. On the other hand there’s Colton, who carries so much silently. He’s strong, dependable and committed, yet he keeps his struggles hidden until he finally lets someone in. The moment he begins to open up and accept support is where his character really shines and I adored how their bond deepened because of it.
And I have to mention Mama Quinn because she stole every scene she was in. She’s the kind of warm, grounding presence that makes a romance like this feel so real. Colton’s fierce love and protectiveness over his mum added such a beautiful layer to the story and made me melt more than once.
This book gave me all the things I crave in a romance: witty banter, chemistry that feels natural, emotional depth, found family vibes and the perfect mix of humour and heart. The football setting added an extra charm without ever taking away from the romance itself. By the time I reached the end I was completely invested not just in Sas and Colton but also in the wider Quinn family dynamic that ties everything together.
If you’re a fan of fake dating with a twist, sports romance, sassy heroines, protective heroes and plenty of family feels, then you need to pick this one up. It’s smart, funny, emotional and left me with the biggest smile on my face.
✨ Tropes & Themes ✨
❤️ #FakeDating
⚽ #FootballRomance
💃 #SassyHeroine
🛡️ #ProtectiveHero
🏡 #FoundFamily
🔥 #SlowBurnRomance
🌱 #CharacterGrowth
🌸 #SmallTownVibes
💔 #EmotionalHealing
😂 #WittyBanter
💞 #RomanticTension
👨👩👧 #FamilyBonds
💖 #OppositesAttract
😊 #HeartwarmingRomance
September 28, 2025
Kansas works for her father’s sports agency and Colton is their rookie client.
Colton needs an image overhaul after an incident in the off season left him in hot water, and Kansas knows just the thing that’ll help. She moves from New York to his hometown of Texas with good intentions and a solid plan - everyone knows fake dating is the best way to fix a reputation, right? So she sets him up with someone who needs the publicity - a friend’s client who wants to shed her ‘Disney channel’ image. What could go wrong? Unless she falls for him and turns her own fake dating scheme into a mixed up love triangle.
When real feelings start to emerge how will their PR stunt end - can she keep herself from falling for the Cowboy footballer and prove herself worthy of a real role in her dad’s agency? Or will the flames burn too hot and cause everything to collapse around them?
“Having grown up around sports and over-achievers, there’s nothing I find more attractive in a man than being great at something. Also helpful when said man is six foot four and looks absolutely smoking in his uniform. Totally unhelpful is when said man is your client and you’re here in your professional capacity, with your boss sitting on your blindside and your client’s girlfriend – for all intents and purposes – flanking your right.”
Colton was such a loveable MMC, he was facing such a difficult time in his life. With familial health issues and the subsequent struggles impacting his game and his life in general. Prior to meeting Sas he was juggling too much, and the weight of it all was getting him down. I loved how much he was obsessed with Sas and how he fought for what he wanted!
Sas was a great FMC. She’s fighting for her dad’s approval, needing to prove to him she’s worthy of her place in his company and deserves her own clients. What she didn’t anticipate was having to battle between not wanting to disappoint him and her growing feelings for Colton, and feeling like she has to choose her heart or her job.
I adored the side characters! Special mentions for Pace - I NEED his book, and Annie - she deserves a happy ending so much! I cannot wait for book two!!
Tropes: sports romance, fake dating, he falls first and harder, love triangle, spicy, agent’s daughter, dual POV
ARC copy provided by Boldwood Books & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Colton needs an image overhaul after an incident in the off season left him in hot water, and Kansas knows just the thing that’ll help. She moves from New York to his hometown of Texas with good intentions and a solid plan - everyone knows fake dating is the best way to fix a reputation, right? So she sets him up with someone who needs the publicity - a friend’s client who wants to shed her ‘Disney channel’ image. What could go wrong? Unless she falls for him and turns her own fake dating scheme into a mixed up love triangle.
When real feelings start to emerge how will their PR stunt end - can she keep herself from falling for the Cowboy footballer and prove herself worthy of a real role in her dad’s agency? Or will the flames burn too hot and cause everything to collapse around them?
“Having grown up around sports and over-achievers, there’s nothing I find more attractive in a man than being great at something. Also helpful when said man is six foot four and looks absolutely smoking in his uniform. Totally unhelpful is when said man is your client and you’re here in your professional capacity, with your boss sitting on your blindside and your client’s girlfriend – for all intents and purposes – flanking your right.”
Colton was such a loveable MMC, he was facing such a difficult time in his life. With familial health issues and the subsequent struggles impacting his game and his life in general. Prior to meeting Sas he was juggling too much, and the weight of it all was getting him down. I loved how much he was obsessed with Sas and how he fought for what he wanted!
Sas was a great FMC. She’s fighting for her dad’s approval, needing to prove to him she’s worthy of her place in his company and deserves her own clients. What she didn’t anticipate was having to battle between not wanting to disappoint him and her growing feelings for Colton, and feeling like she has to choose her heart or her job.
I adored the side characters! Special mentions for Pace - I NEED his book, and Annie - she deserves a happy ending so much! I cannot wait for book two!!
Tropes: sports romance, fake dating, he falls first and harder, love triangle, spicy, agent’s daughter, dual POV
ARC copy provided by Boldwood Books & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐
ARC Provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
This is my second Laura Carter read in a couple of months, and whilst totally different from the last one, I loved it more! Sas is an absolutely badass FMC, she's smart, driven, wants nothing more than to please her father and prove her worth at his sports agency firm... and knows that dating a pro baller is off limits. Especially one of her dad's clients. And then Colton arrives on the scene. Brooding, seemingly badly behaved and lacking a decent contract offer for the Bears. Sas and her dad cut a deal - if she can turn around Colton's season and secure him a decent contract, she can represent her own client. Sas and her friend cook up a fake dating scenario with a pop star in order to clean up his reputation, but there are more pressing issues in Colton's life, and once he starts to confide in Sas, both of them find themselves falling. Once he learns how to open up, Colton is low key ADORABLE. He's a family man through and through, super loyal, and willing to throw everything down to convince Sas she's the one. Their chemistry is sizzling, the spice is intense, and the love story is beautiful. There is a current of sadness underpinning this novel (TW - terminal illness), but it is handled beautifully and with tact, bringing some true lump in the throat moments (the final two chapters especially!).
As a sports fan, I also appreciated the football content that went into this one, as I've read a few sports romances where the sport has all been off the page, and for me, if it's a sports romance, it needs some actual sports action!
Overall this was super enjoyable, heartwarming and laid good foundations for the second book in the series, which will feature Annie and Pace - two characters I really liked in this one - and I can't wait to read it!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
ARC Provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
This is my second Laura Carter read in a couple of months, and whilst totally different from the last one, I loved it more! Sas is an absolutely badass FMC, she's smart, driven, wants nothing more than to please her father and prove her worth at his sports agency firm... and knows that dating a pro baller is off limits. Especially one of her dad's clients. And then Colton arrives on the scene. Brooding, seemingly badly behaved and lacking a decent contract offer for the Bears. Sas and her dad cut a deal - if she can turn around Colton's season and secure him a decent contract, she can represent her own client. Sas and her friend cook up a fake dating scenario with a pop star in order to clean up his reputation, but there are more pressing issues in Colton's life, and once he starts to confide in Sas, both of them find themselves falling. Once he learns how to open up, Colton is low key ADORABLE. He's a family man through and through, super loyal, and willing to throw everything down to convince Sas she's the one. Their chemistry is sizzling, the spice is intense, and the love story is beautiful. There is a current of sadness underpinning this novel (TW - terminal illness), but it is handled beautifully and with tact, bringing some true lump in the throat moments (the final two chapters especially!).
As a sports fan, I also appreciated the football content that went into this one, as I've read a few sports romances where the sport has all been off the page, and for me, if it's a sports romance, it needs some actual sports action!
Overall this was super enjoyable, heartwarming and laid good foundations for the second book in the series, which will feature Annie and Pace - two characters I really liked in this one - and I can't wait to read it!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
September 8, 2025
🏈A Rookie Mistake🏈
Thank you Laura Carter, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC!
The book starts as a love triangle created by Sas to help Colton’s image but quickly Colton begins to fall for Sas. Along the road they hit a few bumps, especially where Sas is concerned as he understandably does not want to put her career in jeopardy.
I liked the fact that there was a mix of football and emotional depth to this story. We see Colton, the MMC, face the pressures of trying to have a successful football career while dealing with the fact that his mother has cancer. Simultaneously Colton is trying to be there for his pregnant sister who is trying to come to terms with being a single parent. I really loved Colton’s character and found him to be incredibly passionate, thoughtful, and loving. It was interesting to see how Colton navigated his career and everything going on in his personal life. This book definitely made me emotional such as when he says his mom was not able to come to his games anymore due to her struggles with cancer.
Similarly, to Colton the readers get to see the pressures that the FMC, “Sas” (Kansas) deals with as a sports agent working with her father. Sas is trying her hardest to prove herself to her father while simultaneously being overlooked constantly despite her efforts. Sas is professional , smart, and extremely caring. Her support of those she is helping and of Colton’s family when they are struggling is admirable.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves cowboys and sports romance books.
Spicy: 🌶️ .5
Tropes:
-sports romance
-cowboy MMC x city girl FMC
-love triangle
-he falls first
-fake dating
-workplace romance- shes an agent and he’s her client
Thank you Laura Carter, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC!
The book starts as a love triangle created by Sas to help Colton’s image but quickly Colton begins to fall for Sas. Along the road they hit a few bumps, especially where Sas is concerned as he understandably does not want to put her career in jeopardy.
I liked the fact that there was a mix of football and emotional depth to this story. We see Colton, the MMC, face the pressures of trying to have a successful football career while dealing with the fact that his mother has cancer. Simultaneously Colton is trying to be there for his pregnant sister who is trying to come to terms with being a single parent. I really loved Colton’s character and found him to be incredibly passionate, thoughtful, and loving. It was interesting to see how Colton navigated his career and everything going on in his personal life. This book definitely made me emotional such as when he says his mom was not able to come to his games anymore due to her struggles with cancer.
Similarly, to Colton the readers get to see the pressures that the FMC, “Sas” (Kansas) deals with as a sports agent working with her father. Sas is trying her hardest to prove herself to her father while simultaneously being overlooked constantly despite her efforts. Sas is professional , smart, and extremely caring. Her support of those she is helping and of Colton’s family when they are struggling is admirable.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves cowboys and sports romance books.
Spicy: 🌶️ .5
Tropes:
-sports romance
-cowboy MMC x city girl FMC
-love triangle
-he falls first
-fake dating
-workplace romance- shes an agent and he’s her client
Read
August 28, 2025Sas Harris ha crecido rodeada de deporte profesional: su padre es un reconocido agente y sus hermanos son jugadores de hockey. Tras años de preparación, al fin logra su sueño de convertirse en abogada y asociada en la agencia familiar. Su primer gran reto llega con Colton Quinn, la joven estrella de los San Antonio Bears, cuyo talento en el campo contrasta con su vida personal llena de rumores, conflictos y decisiones cuestionables.
Sas está decidida a demostrar que no es solo la hija del jefe, sino una profesional capaz de negociar contratos millonarios y limpiar la imagen de un jugador problemático. Lo que no esperaba era que Colton, bajo su fachada de atleta arrogante y callado, escondiera secretos y vulnerabilidades que pondrán a prueba tanto su carrera como su corazón.
___
Spoilers
Cuando Sas y Colton se conocen hay chispas entre ellos, pero no pasa nada porque ella no quiere arriesgar su reputación. Entonces, él inicia una relación publicitaria con Megan, una actriz, con quien aparece en citas, se toman de la mano, se abrazan y hasta se besan, aunque todo es completamente falso. Hasta ese momento no hay avances entre los protagonistas, aunque Sas siente celos, aun sabiendo que no puede hacer nada al respecto. Cuando por fin pasa algo con Colton; Sas se lo confiesa a Megan y esta lo toma con naturalidad, ya que desde el inicio sabía que ambos se gustaban. A partir de ahí, ya no se vuelve a mencionar que Megan y Colton continúen con sus fotos o apariciones públicas como pareja.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Sas está decidida a demostrar que no es solo la hija del jefe, sino una profesional capaz de negociar contratos millonarios y limpiar la imagen de un jugador problemático. Lo que no esperaba era que Colton, bajo su fachada de atleta arrogante y callado, escondiera secretos y vulnerabilidades que pondrán a prueba tanto su carrera como su corazón.
___
Spoilers
Cuando Sas y Colton se conocen hay chispas entre ellos, pero no pasa nada porque ella no quiere arriesgar su reputación. Entonces, él inicia una relación publicitaria con Megan, una actriz, con quien aparece en citas, se toman de la mano, se abrazan y hasta se besan, aunque todo es completamente falso. Hasta ese momento no hay avances entre los protagonistas, aunque Sas siente celos, aun sabiendo que no puede hacer nada al respecto. Cuando por fin pasa algo con Colton; Sas se lo confiesa a Megan y esta lo toma con naturalidad, ya que desde el inicio sabía que ambos se gustaban. A partir de ahí, ya no se vuelve a mencionar que Megan y Colton continúen con sus fotos o apariciones públicas como pareja.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 1, 2025
Sas has just started working at her dad’s sports agency when she meets Colton, one of his clients. Colton’s coming off a rough season and some bad press, and Sas is determined to secure him the contract extension he deserves—even if it means staging a fake romance with an aspiring actress.
I didn’t dislike this book, but it wasn’t my favorite from Laura Carter either.
My biggest struggle was the chemistry between Sas and Colton. For the first half of the story, it felt more like constant lusting than genuine connection, and it wasn’t until later on that their spark finally clicked for me. Once it did, though, I enjoyed the story much more and found myself invested in their relationship as well as in the side characters. In fact, I’m especially excited to read Pace and Annie’s story.
Both main characters were well written and likable, which is always refreshing, and I loved how Colton turned out to be completely different from Sas’s first impression of him. That “unexpected depth” angle is one of my favorite things in romance.
One small gripe, though: the repeated description of characters “biting their gums.” Is that actually a thing? I couldn’t picture it at all, and every time it came up, I found myself imagining something out of a gurning contest. I suspect the author meant “biting their lips,” but as written, it completely threw me out of the story.
Overall, this was a decent read. Not a standout, but enjoyable enough that I’ll definitely continue with the series.
Tropes you’ll find here:
Football player MMC
Women in male-dominated fields
He falls first
I didn’t dislike this book, but it wasn’t my favorite from Laura Carter either.
My biggest struggle was the chemistry between Sas and Colton. For the first half of the story, it felt more like constant lusting than genuine connection, and it wasn’t until later on that their spark finally clicked for me. Once it did, though, I enjoyed the story much more and found myself invested in their relationship as well as in the side characters. In fact, I’m especially excited to read Pace and Annie’s story.
Both main characters were well written and likable, which is always refreshing, and I loved how Colton turned out to be completely different from Sas’s first impression of him. That “unexpected depth” angle is one of my favorite things in romance.
One small gripe, though: the repeated description of characters “biting their gums.” Is that actually a thing? I couldn’t picture it at all, and every time it came up, I found myself imagining something out of a gurning contest. I suspect the author meant “biting their lips,” but as written, it completely threw me out of the story.
Overall, this was a decent read. Not a standout, but enjoyable enough that I’ll definitely continue with the series.
Tropes you’ll find here:
Football player MMC
Women in male-dominated fields
He falls first
September 29, 2025
ARC Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨The book: A Rookie Mistake follows Kansas, a sharp attorney working as a sports agent in her father’s agency, as she navigates the high-stakes world of professional football. Her newest client, Colton Quinn, is a rookie football player from humble beginnings who’s starting to struggle just as his contract enters renegotiations. Behind his on-field challenges lies a heavy burden, his family’s Sunshine Ranch, a daily two-hour drive away, and the heartache of his mother battling terminal cancer. When Kansas’s friend Blake ropes her into arranging a fake relationship between Colton and one of his actor clients, what starts as a business deal soon stirs something deeper, pulling both Colton and Kansas into unexpected territory.
Tropes
-Fake relationship
-Sports romance
-Family struggles
-Small-town roots vs. big-city career
-Strong heroine in a male-dominated field
-Emotional depth alongside romcom charm
💭 Review: I absolutely loved this book. The writing is engaging and fast-paced, never dragging yet layered with meaning. The relationship between Kansas and Colton is beautifully developed, and I appreciated how both characters grew throughout the story. The family dynamics, especially Colton’s devotion to his parents and the realistic struggles around his mom’s illness, added a raw authenticity that elevated the book beyond a typical romcom. It had me tearing up more than once, which hasn’t happened in a long time. This story gave me all the feels, and I don’t hand out that praise lightly. I’m already eager for the next installment.
Thank you to @netgalley and @lauracarter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨The book: A Rookie Mistake follows Kansas, a sharp attorney working as a sports agent in her father’s agency, as she navigates the high-stakes world of professional football. Her newest client, Colton Quinn, is a rookie football player from humble beginnings who’s starting to struggle just as his contract enters renegotiations. Behind his on-field challenges lies a heavy burden, his family’s Sunshine Ranch, a daily two-hour drive away, and the heartache of his mother battling terminal cancer. When Kansas’s friend Blake ropes her into arranging a fake relationship between Colton and one of his actor clients, what starts as a business deal soon stirs something deeper, pulling both Colton and Kansas into unexpected territory.
Tropes
-Fake relationship
-Sports romance
-Family struggles
-Small-town roots vs. big-city career
-Strong heroine in a male-dominated field
-Emotional depth alongside romcom charm
💭 Review: I absolutely loved this book. The writing is engaging and fast-paced, never dragging yet layered with meaning. The relationship between Kansas and Colton is beautifully developed, and I appreciated how both characters grew throughout the story. The family dynamics, especially Colton’s devotion to his parents and the realistic struggles around his mom’s illness, added a raw authenticity that elevated the book beyond a typical romcom. It had me tearing up more than once, which hasn’t happened in a long time. This story gave me all the feels, and I don’t hand out that praise lightly. I’m already eager for the next installment.
Thank you to @netgalley and @lauracarter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2025
Title~ A Rookie Mistake
Author ~Laura Carter
Pages ~365 pages
Publisher ~ Boldwood Books
Genre ~ Booktok Romance| Sports Romance| American Football
Firstly a huge thankyou to @lovebookstours @lauracarterauthor @boldwoodeverafter for having me as a member of this book tour.
I had a feeling just from seeing the synopsis of the book that it would be right up my street. Sports romance that involves cowboys too it was always going to be a winner from me before even turning a page. When I did start reading from the very first few pages I was absolutely hooked in by the main FMC Kansas ( Sas for short). She’s fiesty, stubborn, loveable and someone I just wanted to be best mates with throughout the book. Then mixing in our MMC Colton Quinn of the San Antonio Bears we were cooking with fire. I’ve never fallen for a character in a book so much. He was sensitive, witty, soulful and just damn hot book boyfriend material. Everyone needs Colton having their back!!
Not only were the main characters fantastic but also the supporting characters too. From Fellow team mates from the San Antonio Bears, Sas’s dad as her boss and all Colton’s family. Laura has written a wonderful mix of people and you just want to stay with them all forever.
The book touches on hard themes as well including cancer. I thought that this was handled really sensitively and beautifully woven into the story showing how it can affect everyone around the person who is ill.
I honestly can’t wait for book two to be released to spend time with Annie. Where hopefully Sas and Colton will make an appearance again!!
Author ~Laura Carter
Pages ~365 pages
Publisher ~ Boldwood Books
Genre ~ Booktok Romance| Sports Romance| American Football
Firstly a huge thankyou to @lovebookstours @lauracarterauthor @boldwoodeverafter for having me as a member of this book tour.
I had a feeling just from seeing the synopsis of the book that it would be right up my street. Sports romance that involves cowboys too it was always going to be a winner from me before even turning a page. When I did start reading from the very first few pages I was absolutely hooked in by the main FMC Kansas ( Sas for short). She’s fiesty, stubborn, loveable and someone I just wanted to be best mates with throughout the book. Then mixing in our MMC Colton Quinn of the San Antonio Bears we were cooking with fire. I’ve never fallen for a character in a book so much. He was sensitive, witty, soulful and just damn hot book boyfriend material. Everyone needs Colton having their back!!
Not only were the main characters fantastic but also the supporting characters too. From Fellow team mates from the San Antonio Bears, Sas’s dad as her boss and all Colton’s family. Laura has written a wonderful mix of people and you just want to stay with them all forever.
The book touches on hard themes as well including cancer. I thought that this was handled really sensitively and beautifully woven into the story showing how it can affect everyone around the person who is ill.
I honestly can’t wait for book two to be released to spend time with Annie. Where hopefully Sas and Colton will make an appearance again!!
September 28, 2025
A Rookie Mistake is a smart, steamy sports romance that manages to balance heat, heart, and tension in satisfying measure. Kansas “Sas” Harris is a driven, capable agent working in her father’s shadow, determined to prove she deserves her place. When she takes on football star Colton Quinn’s tarnished reputation as a client, what starts as a business arrangement morphs into something far messier—because once you know someone’s secrets, it’s hard to stay detached.
What works best is the emotional undercurrent. Colton is more than a trophy athlete—he’s tugged by family burdens, expectations, and his own guilt. Sas’s strengths lie in her refusal to shrink, even when she’s overshadowed by her father’s legacy or underestimated by men in the industry. Their banter is sharp and playful, and the chemistry simmers before it boils, which makes real emotional beats hit harder.
There are a few moments where the pacing stumbles (especially mid-book), and the “fake dating / image makeover” trope is well worn in romance, so readers familiar with the genre might anticipate some plot turns. But Carter gives enough fresh characterization and emotional complexity that it still feels personal.
In short: this is a romance that leans spicy but doesn’t neglect vulnerability. If you like your sports romances with a side of family drama, redemption arcs, and characters who push each other to grow, A Rookie Mistake is a win.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
What works best is the emotional undercurrent. Colton is more than a trophy athlete—he’s tugged by family burdens, expectations, and his own guilt. Sas’s strengths lie in her refusal to shrink, even when she’s overshadowed by her father’s legacy or underestimated by men in the industry. Their banter is sharp and playful, and the chemistry simmers before it boils, which makes real emotional beats hit harder.
There are a few moments where the pacing stumbles (especially mid-book), and the “fake dating / image makeover” trope is well worn in romance, so readers familiar with the genre might anticipate some plot turns. But Carter gives enough fresh characterization and emotional complexity that it still feels personal.
In short: this is a romance that leans spicy but doesn’t neglect vulnerability. If you like your sports romances with a side of family drama, redemption arcs, and characters who push each other to grow, A Rookie Mistake is a win.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Release date - 9th October 2025
This was my first book by Laura Carter and I can assure you it won’t be my last! A Rookie Mistake is the kind of spicy, swoony sports romance that makes you want to cancel plans, grab snacks, and read straight through the night. It’s got heart, heat, and a hero who’s 100% book boyfriend material. I could not put this book down.
Kansas “Sas” Harris is a whip-smart sports agent with a plan to fix Colton Quinn’s image. But when she trades New York skyscrapers for Texas sunsets, she finds herself tangled in more than just PR. Colton isn’t just a scandalous football star—he’s sweet, sincere, and totally off-limits. Or is he?
Their banter is Electric. Their chemistry is Off the charts. Their emotional growth is absolutely amazing. Reading about them both growing and learning about each other was truly heart warming, I even had a few tears at certain points.
The tropes included within this story are:
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Fake Dating
🏈 Cowboy with a Heart
🏈 He Falls First—and Harder
🏈 Reputation Redemption
🏈 Love Triangle
🏈 Spicy Scenes
If you’re a fan of Tessa Bailey, Elle Kennedy, or Stephanie Archer, this book will feel like a warm hug and a spicy wink. A Rookie Mistake is flirty, fast-paced, and full of heart. Laura Carter knows how to write characters you root for and romances you feel. Can’t wait to for the next book in this series!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Release date - 9th October 2025
This was my first book by Laura Carter and I can assure you it won’t be my last! A Rookie Mistake is the kind of spicy, swoony sports romance that makes you want to cancel plans, grab snacks, and read straight through the night. It’s got heart, heat, and a hero who’s 100% book boyfriend material. I could not put this book down.
Kansas “Sas” Harris is a whip-smart sports agent with a plan to fix Colton Quinn’s image. But when she trades New York skyscrapers for Texas sunsets, she finds herself tangled in more than just PR. Colton isn’t just a scandalous football star—he’s sweet, sincere, and totally off-limits. Or is he?
Their banter is Electric. Their chemistry is Off the charts. Their emotional growth is absolutely amazing. Reading about them both growing and learning about each other was truly heart warming, I even had a few tears at certain points.
The tropes included within this story are:
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Fake Dating
🏈 Cowboy with a Heart
🏈 He Falls First—and Harder
🏈 Reputation Redemption
🏈 Love Triangle
🏈 Spicy Scenes
If you’re a fan of Tessa Bailey, Elle Kennedy, or Stephanie Archer, this book will feel like a warm hug and a spicy wink. A Rookie Mistake is flirty, fast-paced, and full of heart. Laura Carter knows how to write characters you root for and romances you feel. Can’t wait to for the next book in this series!
September 9, 2025
A Rookie Mistake by Laura Carter is an easy read, especially for those who like sports romances or love a cowboy.
Kansas is out to prove herself to her father. As a junior agent at his sports agency, she has one goal-get her own client. Before she can get there, she has to help Colton repair his recently damaged career.
Colton is dealing with a lot. And he can't tell anyone. He's trying to keep his game in check when this fiery agent comes into his life.
Falling for each other isn't part of the plan for either of them.
I enjoyed the "forbidden" element of this romance and felt like Carter provided great tension between the two characters. Sas and Colton both are interesting, fun characters you want to spend time with. Their chemistry is natural, never forced, and I was rooting for them! And beyond the two main characters, readers will love the quirky and loving cast of characters around them.
There were moments for me I wanted a dial more conflict or a smidge more tension, especially after the couple kissed for the first time, and I felt like the author had the space to do it. I wanted the feelings to be a little less obvious to them, and I wanted to be devastated by the realizations and the realities of the conflict. I don't feel like we got there, which factored into my rating.
An overall good read especially for football season!
Kansas is out to prove herself to her father. As a junior agent at his sports agency, she has one goal-get her own client. Before she can get there, she has to help Colton repair his recently damaged career.
Colton is dealing with a lot. And he can't tell anyone. He's trying to keep his game in check when this fiery agent comes into his life.
Falling for each other isn't part of the plan for either of them.
I enjoyed the "forbidden" element of this romance and felt like Carter provided great tension between the two characters. Sas and Colton both are interesting, fun characters you want to spend time with. Their chemistry is natural, never forced, and I was rooting for them! And beyond the two main characters, readers will love the quirky and loving cast of characters around them.
There were moments for me I wanted a dial more conflict or a smidge more tension, especially after the couple kissed for the first time, and I felt like the author had the space to do it. I wanted the feelings to be a little less obvious to them, and I wanted to be devastated by the realizations and the realities of the conflict. I don't feel like we got there, which factored into my rating.
An overall good read especially for football season!
September 28, 2025
Kansas Harris - Sas for short - has the potential to be the best agent at her father’s sports agency, and she’s figured out exactly how she’s going to prove by giving disgraced football star Colton Quinn an image overhaul.
Colton may have got himself in hot water during the off-season, but only he knows the real story behind what happened. Regardless, he needs to pick up his game or risk getting left off the active roster - or worse.
Leaving behind all she knows in New York, Sas arrives in Texas with a surefire plan to reach her end goal as quickly as possible. But when she gets to know the real Colton, that may be easier said than done.
She says she’s staying in the south strictly as his agent but Colton knows how to read a play and he’s about to call her bluff.
This was such a fun read. This is my first book by Laura Carter, and I absolutely loved it - once I started just couldn’t put it down. Colton was a brooding hero, but once he starts opening up to Sas we see the truth behind his silence, and also how perfect Sas and Colton are for each other. This book was a complete entertainer, there was chemistry, laugh out loud situations, moments that has me getting teary eyed and a depth that took me by surprise.
I look forward to reading more by this author and it would be perfect if it’s part of this series.
Colton may have got himself in hot water during the off-season, but only he knows the real story behind what happened. Regardless, he needs to pick up his game or risk getting left off the active roster - or worse.
Leaving behind all she knows in New York, Sas arrives in Texas with a surefire plan to reach her end goal as quickly as possible. But when she gets to know the real Colton, that may be easier said than done.
She says she’s staying in the south strictly as his agent but Colton knows how to read a play and he’s about to call her bluff.
This was such a fun read. This is my first book by Laura Carter, and I absolutely loved it - once I started just couldn’t put it down. Colton was a brooding hero, but once he starts opening up to Sas we see the truth behind his silence, and also how perfect Sas and Colton are for each other. This book was a complete entertainer, there was chemistry, laugh out loud situations, moments that has me getting teary eyed and a depth that took me by surprise.
I look forward to reading more by this author and it would be perfect if it’s part of this series.
December 6, 2025
This was a fun, charming, and surprisingly heartfelt sports romance with a cowboy twist. Kansas “Sas” Harris heads to Texas with one goal: clean up football star Colton Quinn’s reputation and prove she has what it takes to rise in her father’s sports agency. What she doesn’t expect is a man who’s nothing like the headlines—or how quickly he gets under her skin.
Colton starts out as the classic troublemaker, but the more the story unfolds, the more it’s clear he’s been misunderstood. He falls hard and fast for Sas, and their fake-dating setup quickly turns into something real. Their chemistry is strong, the banter is cute, and the spicy moments add a fun kick without overshadowing the emotional growth happening on both sides.
The Texas setting gives the book a warm, cozy vibe, and the mix of sports pressure, family expectations, and a hint of a love triangle keeps the tension high. Watching Sas try to stay professional while Colton keeps proving he’s more than his reputation is the highlight of the story.
Overall, it’s an easy, entertaining read with plenty of heart, heat, and humor—a great pick if you enjoy sports romances with cowboys, fake dating, and a hero who falls first and doesn’t hide it.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Colton starts out as the classic troublemaker, but the more the story unfolds, the more it’s clear he’s been misunderstood. He falls hard and fast for Sas, and their fake-dating setup quickly turns into something real. Their chemistry is strong, the banter is cute, and the spicy moments add a fun kick without overshadowing the emotional growth happening on both sides.
The Texas setting gives the book a warm, cozy vibe, and the mix of sports pressure, family expectations, and a hint of a love triangle keeps the tension high. Watching Sas try to stay professional while Colton keeps proving he’s more than his reputation is the highlight of the story.
Overall, it’s an easy, entertaining read with plenty of heart, heat, and humor—a great pick if you enjoy sports romances with cowboys, fake dating, and a hero who falls first and doesn’t hide it.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
January 16, 2026
In this fun new sports romance novel from Laura Carter, readers follow Kansas Harris, AKA Sas, as she tries to prove herself at her father’s sports agency by taking disgraced football star Colton Quinn on as a client and completely changing his image. Colton might have made some mistakes in the off season, but only he knows why this happened and is all too aware that he needs to shape up before he gets left off the roster -- or worse. As they get to know each other and keep butting heads, Sas and Colton have undeniable chemistry that goes beyond a working relationship that might ruin everything they’re trying to build. The chemistry is absolutely fantastic, and the tropes add the right amount of drama and emotional intensity in ways which readers will love. The characters are well-written and detailed, and their complicated relationships with their families and authority figures add individualized complexity to their personalities and relationship. The sports setting adds a nice competitive edge that works brilliantly with their personalities, and readers will love the tension and emotionality of this novel. Fun, steamy, and entertaining, romance readers will love Laura Carter’s latest sports romance novel and the characters that bring it to life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
September 30, 2025
╰┈➤ˎˊ˗ ⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
“No matter what that scoreboard says, I won tonight, Sas. I love you, city girl.”
I was really excited for this book! Who doesn’t love a good sport romance with some spice and all!
While I was a bit wary at first about the love triangle, it really wasn’t that (luckily). The fake dating was part of it but also in an unexpected way.
It was very character oriented and not much plot happened.
Most of the characters we did meet were pretty lovely though.
Characters:
Sas: I did like her but sometimes she felt a bit young instead of a grown woman. Like yes I get that it was insta lust but somehow I wished for a bit more tension between them.
Colton: I liked him! He wasn’t an ass or anything even when he had reasons to hide what he was hiding.
I liked the way he was kind of yearning for Sas and the way he cared for her and his family.
His family: they were all so sweet! I’m excited for Annie’s book tbh. She deserves some love.
I am not ready to say goodbye to Caroline💔
-
All in all it was a really sweet romance! You could feel that they really wanted to be with each other, despite all the obstacles they had to face!
—
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Laura Carter for providing me with this ARC! I very much appreciated it.
“No matter what that scoreboard says, I won tonight, Sas. I love you, city girl.”
I was really excited for this book! Who doesn’t love a good sport romance with some spice and all!
While I was a bit wary at first about the love triangle, it really wasn’t that (luckily). The fake dating was part of it but also in an unexpected way.
It was very character oriented and not much plot happened.
Most of the characters we did meet were pretty lovely though.
Characters:
Sas: I did like her but sometimes she felt a bit young instead of a grown woman. Like yes I get that it was insta lust but somehow I wished for a bit more tension between them.
Colton: I liked him! He wasn’t an ass or anything even when he had reasons to hide what he was hiding.
I liked the way he was kind of yearning for Sas and the way he cared for her and his family.
His family: they were all so sweet! I’m excited for Annie’s book tbh. She deserves some love.
I am not ready to say goodbye to Caroline💔
-
All in all it was a really sweet romance! You could feel that they really wanted to be with each other, despite all the obstacles they had to face!
—
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Laura Carter for providing me with this ARC! I very much appreciated it.
November 21, 2025
A Rookie Mistake by Laura Carter
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
It was all part of the game plan - so why are their hearts offside?
Kansas Harris - Sas for short - has the potential to be the best agent at her father’s sports agency, and she’s figured out exactly how she’s going to prove by giving disgraced football star Colton Quinn an image overhaul.
Colton may have got himself in hot water during the off-season, but only he knows the real story behind what happened. Regardless, he needs to pick up his game or risk getting left off the active roster - or worse.
Leaving behind all she knows in New York, Sas arrives in Texas with a surefire plan to reach her end goal as quickly as possible. But when she gets to know the real Colton, that may be easier said than done.
She says she’s staying in the south strictly as his agent but Colton knows how to read a play and he’s about to call her bluff.
My Opinion
A Rookie Mistake was a fun and easy novel to read. Laura Carter has written another delightful book with some lovely characters. A great sports romance.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
It was all part of the game plan - so why are their hearts offside?
Kansas Harris - Sas for short - has the potential to be the best agent at her father’s sports agency, and she’s figured out exactly how she’s going to prove by giving disgraced football star Colton Quinn an image overhaul.
Colton may have got himself in hot water during the off-season, but only he knows the real story behind what happened. Regardless, he needs to pick up his game or risk getting left off the active roster - or worse.
Leaving behind all she knows in New York, Sas arrives in Texas with a surefire plan to reach her end goal as quickly as possible. But when she gets to know the real Colton, that may be easier said than done.
She says she’s staying in the south strictly as his agent but Colton knows how to read a play and he’s about to call her bluff.
My Opinion
A Rookie Mistake was a fun and easy novel to read. Laura Carter has written another delightful book with some lovely characters. A great sports romance.
Rating 4/5
December 8, 2025
This was something different from the usual sports romance, where the hero is a cowboy first, then a guy who plays sports.
I must say the pacing for the first half threw me off a little as it was quite a slow burn. But I do admire Colton for him being a gentleman and taking no for an answer from Sas. Taking care of his family, his ranch, and these things weighing him down because he doesn’t know how to talk about it with others. He’s a secret sweetheart. Sas, was sassy, and not afraid to speak her mind but she refuses to cross the line with Colton due to her job, and good on her for that. I like that she’s very supportive of Colton and his family, eventually becoming his safe space.
This book had good depth in the characters, and there was definitely emotional connection and character development in this book.
However, I did hope to see more of Colton and sas interact, they had chemistry and banter, yes, but it felt insufficient? There was so many things going on, and I wanted to see them banter more, to make me really enjoy their characters and interactions. When I finished this book, I felt lukewarm, because I never felt I truly loved the “love” the hero and heroine had, neither did I love love the hero and heroine.
I must say the pacing for the first half threw me off a little as it was quite a slow burn. But I do admire Colton for him being a gentleman and taking no for an answer from Sas. Taking care of his family, his ranch, and these things weighing him down because he doesn’t know how to talk about it with others. He’s a secret sweetheart. Sas, was sassy, and not afraid to speak her mind but she refuses to cross the line with Colton due to her job, and good on her for that. I like that she’s very supportive of Colton and his family, eventually becoming his safe space.
This book had good depth in the characters, and there was definitely emotional connection and character development in this book.
However, I did hope to see more of Colton and sas interact, they had chemistry and banter, yes, but it felt insufficient? There was so many things going on, and I wanted to see them banter more, to make me really enjoy their characters and interactions. When I finished this book, I felt lukewarm, because I never felt I truly loved the “love” the hero and heroine had, neither did I love love the hero and heroine.
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