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That Boy #10
That Girl: Damon + Ainsley #2
She’s carrying more than a secret—she’s carrying his future.
After one unforgettable summer, Ainsley Archibald and Damon Diamond vowed to make their relationship work, despite the miles and the pressure. Damon’s chasing his dream as a college football star. Ainsley’s back home, finishing her final semester and carrying something that will change both their lives forever.
She's pregnant.
And he doesn’t know.
Determined not to derail his future, Ainsley plans to keep the baby a secret—at least for now.
They talk every day. He sends updates from practice; she watches his games. And between long-distance phone calls and weekend visits, they’re falling harder than ever. Their love is real and strong.
But as her belly grows, so do her fears. Damon will be an amazing dad—she knows that. But is he ready to be her partner?
The longer she waits, the heavier the secret—and the harder it is for her to pretend everything is fine.
Because love means sacrifice. But it also means trust. And some secrets are just too big to keep.
When the truth finally comes out, will it tear them apart—or will Damon fight to spend forever with the girl of his dreams?
For readers who love heart-tugging romance, long-distance love, and swoon-worthy heroes who fight for their forever.
Perfect for fans of Off-Campus, After, and That Boy.
After one unforgettable summer, Ainsley Archibald and Damon Diamond vowed to make their relationship work, despite the miles and the pressure. Damon’s chasing his dream as a college football star. Ainsley’s back home, finishing her final semester and carrying something that will change both their lives forever.
She's pregnant.
And he doesn’t know.
Determined not to derail his future, Ainsley plans to keep the baby a secret—at least for now.
They talk every day. He sends updates from practice; she watches his games. And between long-distance phone calls and weekend visits, they’re falling harder than ever. Their love is real and strong.
But as her belly grows, so do her fears. Damon will be an amazing dad—she knows that. But is he ready to be her partner?
The longer she waits, the heavier the secret—and the harder it is for her to pretend everything is fine.
Because love means sacrifice. But it also means trust. And some secrets are just too big to keep.
When the truth finally comes out, will it tear them apart—or will Damon fight to spend forever with the girl of his dreams?
For readers who love heart-tugging romance, long-distance love, and swoon-worthy heroes who fight for their forever.
Perfect for fans of Off-Campus, After, and That Boy.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2025
351 people are currently reading
3264 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Dodd
256 books6,743 followersJillian Dodd is a USA Today bestselling mother-daughter duo made up of Jill and Kenzie — two writers, one pen name, and a shared love for fun, binge-worthy YA romance.
With over fifty books and millions of happy readers, their stories range from small-town love in That Boy to glamorous adventures and swoony YA boarding school dramas in The Keatyn Chronicles, London Prep, Spy Girl, and beyond.
Jill lives in sunny Florida with her husband, while Kenzie lives in Scotland with her husband and family. When they’re not writing across time zones, you’ll find them planning their next adventure or dreaming up lovable stories readers can’t put down.
With over fifty books and millions of happy readers, their stories range from small-town love in That Boy to glamorous adventures and swoony YA boarding school dramas in The Keatyn Chronicles, London Prep, Spy Girl, and beyond.
Jill lives in sunny Florida with her husband, while Kenzie lives in Scotland with her husband and family. When they’re not writing across time zones, you’ll find them planning their next adventure or dreaming up lovable stories readers can’t put down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
November 19, 2025
4 stars
That Girl was stressing me out in the best way. I was so happy by the end of the book, the only problem is, I didn’t want it to end!
Ainsley and Damon are doing long distance, and even though they are newish, they’re strong as a couple. I love them together. Damon is working through his first season of college football, and Ainsley is at a different school, in a different state, finishing up her degree.
A lot goes on in this book, and I loved how determined these two are to make it work no matter what. Damon knows Ainsley is his forever girl and he won’t let her go. I’m so excited to read the final book and see how their story concludes!
That Girl was stressing me out in the best way. I was so happy by the end of the book, the only problem is, I didn’t want it to end!
Ainsley and Damon are doing long distance, and even though they are newish, they’re strong as a couple. I love them together. Damon is working through his first season of college football, and Ainsley is at a different school, in a different state, finishing up her degree.
A lot goes on in this book, and I loved how determined these two are to make it work no matter what. Damon knows Ainsley is his forever girl and he won’t let her go. I’m so excited to read the final book and see how their story concludes!
November 8, 2025
Jillian Dodd does it again with another sweet, swoon-worthy romance! This is a lovable YA novel that you won't be able to put down. I already can't wait to read the third book in the series, That Someday, to see how Damon and Ainsely's story ends!
Advanced Reader Copy from Grey's Promotions
Advanced Reader Copy from Grey's Promotions
December 1, 2025
3.5 stars but rounded up to 4.
I so desperately wanted to love this book. I thought Damon was the funniest in all the other books but after reading the first book of his trilogy & now the second I am so let down. There’s not much happening in this book besides sex and sex jokes. One of the things I’ve enjoyed about Jillian Dodds books is that there’s no spice. It’s all story but there’s not much here. It would have been nice to see more from Damon’s point of view. How he’s handling not being a starter. His first year in college, away from home, his new life like we got with Dani & Chase. Instead we got phone sex, dirty jokes & Ainsley not even recognizing she’s pregnant until Sammie finds out. I know spice & smut are taking over the book world but it’s okay to not include that in your books, especially when it’s never been a thing in the previous ones.
I so desperately wanted to love this book. I thought Damon was the funniest in all the other books but after reading the first book of his trilogy & now the second I am so let down. There’s not much happening in this book besides sex and sex jokes. One of the things I’ve enjoyed about Jillian Dodds books is that there’s no spice. It’s all story but there’s not much here. It would have been nice to see more from Damon’s point of view. How he’s handling not being a starter. His first year in college, away from home, his new life like we got with Dani & Chase. Instead we got phone sex, dirty jokes & Ainsley not even recognizing she’s pregnant until Sammie finds out. I know spice & smut are taking over the book world but it’s okay to not include that in your books, especially when it’s never been a thing in the previous ones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
#gifted #ARC
What a fun escape from reality! We jump right back into Ainsley and Damon’s story after the last book ended on a killer cliffhanger!
THOUGHTS 💭
🏈 Damon is such a sweet, attentive, caring MMC who fell in love with Ainsley when he was young and never stopped loving her. He’s a charming golden retriever MMC that I can’t get enough of.
🏈 This book had YA vibes (our MCs are younger), but with some fade-to-black spice, innuendo, and mature themes.
🏈 “Ainsley, girl, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” ⬅️ My thoughts throughout this entire book.
🏈 There are great side characters in this book; Sammy was such a funny, great best friend for Ainsley!
🏈 I loved that we got insights into being a collegiate athlete (and the work that goes into being one) and Lincoln, Nebraska (where Damon is studying).
Thanks so much to Jillian Dodd and Greys Promo for the ARC of this book!
What a fun escape from reality! We jump right back into Ainsley and Damon’s story after the last book ended on a killer cliffhanger!
THOUGHTS 💭
🏈 Damon is such a sweet, attentive, caring MMC who fell in love with Ainsley when he was young and never stopped loving her. He’s a charming golden retriever MMC that I can’t get enough of.
🏈 This book had YA vibes (our MCs are younger), but with some fade-to-black spice, innuendo, and mature themes.
🏈 “Ainsley, girl, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” ⬅️ My thoughts throughout this entire book.
🏈 There are great side characters in this book; Sammy was such a funny, great best friend for Ainsley!
🏈 I loved that we got insights into being a collegiate athlete (and the work that goes into being one) and Lincoln, Nebraska (where Damon is studying).
Thanks so much to Jillian Dodd and Greys Promo for the ARC of this book!
November 7, 2025
If I could rate this higher than 5 stars I would! I could not put this book down! I could not believe how the first book ended so getting to read the second one to find out what was happening next with Damon and Ainsley and finding out how their love was going to grow with them juggling long distance, a football career starting, graduation prep, and one big secret… a baby! I couldn’t imagine how hard it was for them, but even more so with Ainsley and trying so hard to do what was right while also handling everything with the pregnancy on her own. I love these two together and I was so worried when I was getting farther into the story and Ainsley still hadn’t told Damon that he was going to be a father! I loved how this story ended though and I’m so excited for their next book to see how much more their love (and family) grows!!
November 7, 2025
I need the next book fast! Holy cow!
First off, I love how Jillian wrote a small recap of the last book but in a remembrance style! It wasn’t just a blurb at the front of the book. It went with the plot of the book.
I love the relationship the two main characters have, and I love that they got to know each other more in this book. Our male lead is so mature and sweet and funny and all the things!
I can’t wait for the next book though. It doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger but more of a suspenseful, what next?! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT NEXT!!!!
Fast, fun, cute read that you will definitely love!
First off, I love how Jillian wrote a small recap of the last book but in a remembrance style! It wasn’t just a blurb at the front of the book. It went with the plot of the book.
I love the relationship the two main characters have, and I love that they got to know each other more in this book. Our male lead is so mature and sweet and funny and all the things!
I can’t wait for the next book though. It doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger but more of a suspenseful, what next?! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT NEXT!!!!
Fast, fun, cute read that you will definitely love!
November 27, 2025
ADORED THIS!
I have been obsessed with this series since the very first book! I was so stressed throughout this entire book with the secret Ainsley was keeping from Damon. She is such a strong character and independent for a young woman her age. I love the relationship her and Damon have. Their long distant commitment to one another is admirable.
Jillian writes the most captivating stories that take me away to my teen and college years, and always are my go to comfort reads. I recommend this series to everyone and I will be so sad when it’s over!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been obsessed with this series since the very first book! I was so stressed throughout this entire book with the secret Ainsley was keeping from Damon. She is such a strong character and independent for a young woman her age. I love the relationship her and Damon have. Their long distant commitment to one another is admirable.
Jillian writes the most captivating stories that take me away to my teen and college years, and always are my go to comfort reads. I recommend this series to everyone and I will be so sad when it’s over!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 8, 2025
Absolutely loved where and how this picked up from how the first one ended! I finished this book in one day I could not put it down ( it has been the same way with all the other books of That Boy series) Jillian has a way of writing her books that just absolutely sucks you in and does not let you put them down, that makes you just want to keep reading and the book never ends. I have fell in love with each couple as these books have been done. But after Jadyn's and Philip's story Damon and Ainsley's has became my next favorite couple and I can't wait to see what the next book brings!
December 12, 2025
3.5 Stars
This will be a fairly short review only because not much happens in this one.
That Girl was right down the middle ok for me. I enjoyed the book because of the characters themselves. I like who Ainsley & Damon but they really aren't together for most of this book.
This book doesn't exactly end in a cliffhanger but does leaves readers going - what happens next..so, I'm excited to see where their story goes in the third book..
This will be a fairly short review only because not much happens in this one.
That Girl was right down the middle ok for me. I enjoyed the book because of the characters themselves. I like who Ainsley & Damon but they really aren't together for most of this book.
This book doesn't exactly end in a cliffhanger but does leaves readers going - what happens next..so, I'm excited to see where their story goes in the third book..
November 9, 2025
I liked this story more than their first book. I was so anxious the whole time waiting for Ainsley to tell Damon about her pregnancy, my heart was racing!
Damon is such a great MMC, so understanding and completely in love with FMC Ainsley. You can really feel how much he cares about her, and it made me love him even more. ❤️
I can’t wait for their last book to come out!
Damon is such a great MMC, so understanding and completely in love with FMC Ainsley. You can really feel how much he cares about her, and it made me love him even more. ❤️
I can’t wait for their last book to come out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
First of all, Jillian Dodd is my favorite author. I discovered her books while going through some health issues, and even though I was sidelined from a lot of life at the time, her stories brought me so much joy and escape.
That Girl is another perfect example of why I love her writing. The characters feel so real, the emotions run deep, and, as always, there’s such a strong sense of family woven throughout. Jillian just has this way of creating worlds that feel like home an are full of love, laughter, and growth.
I’ve been rooting for Damon and Ainsley since they first met earlier in the series, and it’s been so fun to finally see their story unfold through That Crush and now That Girl. Their connection feels genuine, and watching them navigate all the ups and downs made this book impossible to put down.
There’s romance, friendship, family, and the kind of heartfelt storytelling that keeps me coming back to Jillian’s books again and again. I finished this one smiling and already wishing I could dive right into the next.
That Girl is another perfect example of why I love her writing. The characters feel so real, the emotions run deep, and, as always, there’s such a strong sense of family woven throughout. Jillian just has this way of creating worlds that feel like home an are full of love, laughter, and growth.
I’ve been rooting for Damon and Ainsley since they first met earlier in the series, and it’s been so fun to finally see their story unfold through That Crush and now That Girl. Their connection feels genuine, and watching them navigate all the ups and downs made this book impossible to put down.
There’s romance, friendship, family, and the kind of heartfelt storytelling that keeps me coming back to Jillian’s books again and again. I finished this one smiling and already wishing I could dive right into the next.
November 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Heart-Heavy, Hope-Filled Football Romance
This story completely wrecked me in the best way.
Ainsley & Damon is everything I love about secret pregnancy and long-distance romance done right — raw, emotional, and impossible to put down. Ainsley’s quiet strength and unshakable love for Damon made her such a powerful heroine, while Damon’s golden retriever energy mixed with his dedication to football and his future made him impossible not to adore.
What stood out most was the emotional weight. You feel everything: the love they built over summer, the ache of the distance, the fear of the secret, and the way every phone call and game feels like a heartbeat counting down to the truth. The tension wasn’t just about when he’d find out — it was about how it would change them.
And when that moment comes?
Absolutely gutting.
Absolutely beautiful.
Absolutely worth it.
This isn’t just a football romance — it’s a story about sacrifice, fear, timing, and learning that love isn’t about carrying everything alone. Damon’s reaction was exactly what Ainsley feared… and exactly what she needed.
If you love:
• Secret pregnancy
• Long-distance love
• Golden retriever heroes
• Soul-deep connection
• Emotional, slightly angsty romance
…this one will live in your heart long after the last page.
I already want to reread it. 💙
This story completely wrecked me in the best way.
Ainsley & Damon is everything I love about secret pregnancy and long-distance romance done right — raw, emotional, and impossible to put down. Ainsley’s quiet strength and unshakable love for Damon made her such a powerful heroine, while Damon’s golden retriever energy mixed with his dedication to football and his future made him impossible not to adore.
What stood out most was the emotional weight. You feel everything: the love they built over summer, the ache of the distance, the fear of the secret, and the way every phone call and game feels like a heartbeat counting down to the truth. The tension wasn’t just about when he’d find out — it was about how it would change them.
And when that moment comes?
Absolutely gutting.
Absolutely beautiful.
Absolutely worth it.
This isn’t just a football romance — it’s a story about sacrifice, fear, timing, and learning that love isn’t about carrying everything alone. Damon’s reaction was exactly what Ainsley feared… and exactly what she needed.
If you love:
• Secret pregnancy
• Long-distance love
• Golden retriever heroes
• Soul-deep connection
• Emotional, slightly angsty romance
…this one will live in your heart long after the last page.
I already want to reread it. 💙
November 9, 2025
Book 2 of Damon + Ainsley did not disappoint. In the first installment Jillian left us with Ainsley finding out she was pregnant. Book 2 explores her pregnancy and sees how she navigates being at school. All while Damon begins his freshman year and football in Nebraska.
The book goes back and forth between Damon and Ainsley perspective. Really enjoyed how their love continued to grow as they struggle to find time together between schools hours apart. Of course left with another cliffhanger making you wish for book 3!
The book goes back and forth between Damon and Ainsley perspective. Really enjoyed how their love continued to grow as they struggle to find time together between schools hours apart. Of course left with another cliffhanger making you wish for book 3!
November 23, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
I really love the That Boy universe, so I keep in coming back. In fact, my rating of this book might have more to do with my love of the characters than the book itself. Not much actually happened in That Girl, and while we saw several instances of Ainsley and Damon hanging out, the time jumps and the overall story writing weren’t the most conducive to truly perceiving their relation deepening and growing. Having said that, I did love Damon’s golden retriever vibes and how certain he seems to be of their relationship.
Going in, I thought it was a 2x story book, so imagine my surprise towards the end of the book when I realized I had another book to go (lol). I’ll be back to this universe in 7 months to finally see where their journey ends…
I really love the That Boy universe, so I keep in coming back. In fact, my rating of this book might have more to do with my love of the characters than the book itself. Not much actually happened in That Girl, and while we saw several instances of Ainsley and Damon hanging out, the time jumps and the overall story writing weren’t the most conducive to truly perceiving their relation deepening and growing. Having said that, I did love Damon’s golden retriever vibes and how certain he seems to be of their relationship.
Going in, I thought it was a 2x story book, so imagine my surprise towards the end of the book when I realized I had another book to go (lol). I’ll be back to this universe in 7 months to finally see where their journey ends…
November 27, 2025
It’s like a train wreck I can’t stop looking at. This book feels rushed I don’t understand how these characters literally just got together and are all ready saying “love of my life” in the first series it made sense because they had known each other since kids. This does not because they met once years ago and are technically related. It’s so weird to me that Ainsley keeps the baby and does not ever consider adoption or anything despite her and Chase being young. I wish we got a book of just them instead of throwing a baby into the mix. I feel like we know so little about Ainsley and now her whole identity is in this pregnancy. I hate how the characters act like they are soulmates when literally one of them is still a teenager and both of their frontal lobes are underdeveloped. We did not even get to see any romantic relationship growth most of it was sexual or a phone call because they are on long distance. Out of all the couples this the most unrealistic two young teens get pregnant and are supposed to work? They have not even been together for 6 months in person. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IT IS AWFUL!
November 17, 2025
Once again, Jillian gave me a book that I couldn’t put down and finished in a day! That Girl makes me eager for her next book release already! Such a great continuation of Ainsley and Damon’s story filled with love and of course football! If you haven’t read through the whole series ‘That Boy’ yet, you need to get them today! You won’t regret it!
November 9, 2025
It was incredible as always with Jillian’s books! The ending had me tearing up, I can’t wait for “That Someday” to come out! It gave me all the emotions I expected with this series and I couldn’t love them more!
November 8, 2025
4.5⭐️! Damon and Ainsley are just goals! I love them! And this series is just like being home! They all feel like family! This one though was a SLOW BURN in the best of ways! Every page turn had me on my toes (IYKYK 😉)! I love it and can’t wait for the next one! 💖
November 20, 2025
This hurts. It really does, because I LOVE Jillian Dodd. I've been incredibly lucky to receive Damon and Ainsley's books via Book Funnel as Advanced Review Copies- but as a result of that, I feel obligated to provide my honest review.
The most accurate description I have is- She phoned this one in. 75% of this book was about when the next time Ainsley and Damon would be together to have and then descriptors (a step beyond closed door) of said sex. Very limited plot development outside of this. Any drama that could've lead to more engagement was easily resolved. Even the big plot line was relatively easily resolved. No major conflict, no real details a bout Ainsley's schoolwork, things she does with other friends, Damon's activity outside of the time they were together (limited exposure to his football feats).
This was really a book I could've skipped entirely and picked up like in the last chapter to start book 3. That said, I do genuinely like these characters, I'm interested to see where they go. But this book, not ideal.
The most accurate description I have is- She phoned this one in. 75% of this book was about when the next time Ainsley and Damon would be together to have and then descriptors (a step beyond closed door) of said sex. Very limited plot development outside of this. Any drama that could've lead to more engagement was easily resolved. Even the big plot line was relatively easily resolved. No major conflict, no real details a bout Ainsley's schoolwork, things she does with other friends, Damon's activity outside of the time they were together (limited exposure to his football feats).
This was really a book I could've skipped entirely and picked up like in the last chapter to start book 3. That said, I do genuinely like these characters, I'm interested to see where they go. But this book, not ideal.
January 4, 2026
Damon Diamond and Ainsley Archibald are in love but are living apart because they attend different colleges. Not to mention, Ainsley is 22 years old and Damon is 18, so either way they are on different educational journeys. Damon is always checking in to make sure she is not feeling insecure because of their age difference, their distance apart, or their inability to see each other regularly. She lives with her gay best friend, Sammy. Damon lives in the same brownstone with Chase his best friend and brother-in-law and his wife and Damon’s sister, Dani.
They haven’t lost the closeness they had when they lived at home with the family. And they all bring the down home charm and clarity their parents taught them. That’s what Damon is trying to bring to Ainsley. Unfortunately, she came from a very dysfunctional background but had no clue about it until that very summer she met Damon at Chase and Dani’s wedding. Her world exploded. She had dated Brad in high school. They had made long-term plans. Ainsley got a scholarship to Notre Dame.
He didn’t, but he followed her there. Three weeks before finals, she found out he had been cheating on her. She was devastated. Table that. Now she goes to pick up her mom the RN the glue of her 3-person family, and she’s drinking alcohol. Her mom doesn't drink to get drunk or at least she hadn’t. She asked where her dad was her mom basically said she didn't know and didn't care. And she was selling the house and filing for divorce. Ainsley’s like, “Whoa!” What is going on here? She tried calling her dad, and he didn't call back.
That never happened. When they get to the resort she tells her Uncle Tripp, and he and his wife take her mom under their wing. Tripp is her dad’s brother along with a second brother, and none of the brothers talk. She finds out why. Ainsley soon finds out why she badmouthed the family she loves so much. Her dad tries to bum-rush the resort to get to her to scam her out of money. Because it turns out he’s an alcoholic and a gambler, and he owes a big gambling debt. So he brought that to their doorstep endangering them all.
When he tries to kidnap her Damon steps in. Her dad takes a swing at him. Luckily the cops and her uncles stepped in. Ainsley’s world as she knew it had been turned upside down. So meeting Damon was interesting. But guess who popped up again because that first year he was barely 18. She knew he was a keeper. He was already showing what a stand-up guy he was. The hard part of their relationship was yet to come. Not the girls that would be throwing themselves at him, distance it wasn’t what was wrong, no it was not being able to stand on her own and provide for herself.
Not allowing another man to take something from her. Like she felt Brad did to her in her knee-jerk reaction, her father did for sure to her mother, and she felt it when Damon said not knowing it. It was when he said, When you graduate please just come here, until you find your perfect job, and allow me to take care of you. Here’s the thing this threw her into a panic she was withholding a very important secret from him that she felt was protecting his career. She had planned on telling him, but the day she was going to the coach had warned the guys within an inch of their lives about bad publicity.
So she has been withholding it until after the season, and she graduates. She had a plan for the holidays, but then the bad weather threw a wrench in that. See if their love is strong enough to keep them together once this secret is revealed and will we finally see the happy-go-lucky Damon finally lose his cool. This may be a dealbreaker. For all the love he has for Ainsley which is a lot this could break him. This is only the second book in the trilogy of this couple.
Must read these books in order to get the full effect of their relationship and sequence of events. Seriously if you're like me wait until all 3 are out this waiting, I hate it. All for one couple is for the birds. BS!
They haven’t lost the closeness they had when they lived at home with the family. And they all bring the down home charm and clarity their parents taught them. That’s what Damon is trying to bring to Ainsley. Unfortunately, she came from a very dysfunctional background but had no clue about it until that very summer she met Damon at Chase and Dani’s wedding. Her world exploded. She had dated Brad in high school. They had made long-term plans. Ainsley got a scholarship to Notre Dame.
He didn’t, but he followed her there. Three weeks before finals, she found out he had been cheating on her. She was devastated. Table that. Now she goes to pick up her mom the RN the glue of her 3-person family, and she’s drinking alcohol. Her mom doesn't drink to get drunk or at least she hadn’t. She asked where her dad was her mom basically said she didn't know and didn't care. And she was selling the house and filing for divorce. Ainsley’s like, “Whoa!” What is going on here? She tried calling her dad, and he didn't call back.
That never happened. When they get to the resort she tells her Uncle Tripp, and he and his wife take her mom under their wing. Tripp is her dad’s brother along with a second brother, and none of the brothers talk. She finds out why. Ainsley soon finds out why she badmouthed the family she loves so much. Her dad tries to bum-rush the resort to get to her to scam her out of money. Because it turns out he’s an alcoholic and a gambler, and he owes a big gambling debt. So he brought that to their doorstep endangering them all.
When he tries to kidnap her Damon steps in. Her dad takes a swing at him. Luckily the cops and her uncles stepped in. Ainsley’s world as she knew it had been turned upside down. So meeting Damon was interesting. But guess who popped up again because that first year he was barely 18. She knew he was a keeper. He was already showing what a stand-up guy he was. The hard part of their relationship was yet to come. Not the girls that would be throwing themselves at him, distance it wasn’t what was wrong, no it was not being able to stand on her own and provide for herself.
Not allowing another man to take something from her. Like she felt Brad did to her in her knee-jerk reaction, her father did for sure to her mother, and she felt it when Damon said not knowing it. It was when he said, When you graduate please just come here, until you find your perfect job, and allow me to take care of you. Here’s the thing this threw her into a panic she was withholding a very important secret from him that she felt was protecting his career. She had planned on telling him, but the day she was going to the coach had warned the guys within an inch of their lives about bad publicity.
So she has been withholding it until after the season, and she graduates. She had a plan for the holidays, but then the bad weather threw a wrench in that. See if their love is strong enough to keep them together once this secret is revealed and will we finally see the happy-go-lucky Damon finally lose his cool. This may be a dealbreaker. For all the love he has for Ainsley which is a lot this could break him. This is only the second book in the trilogy of this couple.
Must read these books in order to get the full effect of their relationship and sequence of events. Seriously if you're like me wait until all 3 are out this waiting, I hate it. All for one couple is for the birds. BS!
November 27, 2025
I’ve read every book in Jillian Dodd’s That Boy world, so That Girl was one of my most highly anticipated releases — and it was worth the wait. I went in excited to see where Damon and Ainsley’s story would go, especially after the ending of That Crush. Jillian gave them the perfect balance of sweetness, tension, and emotional depth.
What stood out most to me was how beautifully their relationship grows in this book. Damon has always been a fan favorite for a reason — he’s charming, steady, and has this quietly protective nature — but in That Girl, we get to see even more of what makes him such a grounding force. His moments of vulnerability, the way he supports Ainsley without overpowering her, and his willingness to show up again and again made me fall for him all over.
Ainsley, on the other hand, is such a fun and relatable character. I loved watching her navigate her feelings, her personal goals, and the fears she doesn’t always want to say out loud. Her mix of independence and soft-heartedness makes her so compelling, and this book really lets her shine. Her chemistry with Damon feels natural, earned, and full of those little moments that make you smile while reading. However, while I appreciate her reasons for doing what she did, I do think she could have handled their situation differently.
That being said, together, they have this undeniable spark — the kind that makes you root for them with your whole heart. Their banter, their challenges, their growth… it all hits perfectly. Jillian Dodd truly knows how to build couples that feel real and worth investing in.
As a longtime reader of the series, That Girl felt like stepping right back into a world I already love, but with fresh emotional layers and new stakes that kept me hooked. And now I’m already counting down the days until the next book. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Damon and Ainsley.
What stood out most to me was how beautifully their relationship grows in this book. Damon has always been a fan favorite for a reason — he’s charming, steady, and has this quietly protective nature — but in That Girl, we get to see even more of what makes him such a grounding force. His moments of vulnerability, the way he supports Ainsley without overpowering her, and his willingness to show up again and again made me fall for him all over.
Ainsley, on the other hand, is such a fun and relatable character. I loved watching her navigate her feelings, her personal goals, and the fears she doesn’t always want to say out loud. Her mix of independence and soft-heartedness makes her so compelling, and this book really lets her shine. Her chemistry with Damon feels natural, earned, and full of those little moments that make you smile while reading. However, while I appreciate her reasons for doing what she did, I do think she could have handled their situation differently.
That being said, together, they have this undeniable spark — the kind that makes you root for them with your whole heart. Their banter, their challenges, their growth… it all hits perfectly. Jillian Dodd truly knows how to build couples that feel real and worth investing in.
As a longtime reader of the series, That Girl felt like stepping right back into a world I already love, but with fresh emotional layers and new stakes that kept me hooked. And now I’m already counting down the days until the next book. I can’t wait to see what comes next for Damon and Ainsley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
That Girl* is everything I love about Jillian Dodd’s storytelling — captivating us with characters who are very relatable.
Damon has always been the steady center of the group — charming and quietly protective — but this book we see so much more of how protective and forgiving Damon is considering his age. His vulnerability is beautifully written, giving a deeper look at the man behind the confidence. His love for Ainsley is another level, always choosing to show up in the moments that matter most, made me fall in love with him even more now.
Ainsley, meanwhile, is as delightful and extremely relatable but she frustrated me at times. Reading how she worked through her emotions, chase her dreams, and confront the fears she usually keeps to herself tucked away. She strikes this lovely balance between independence and softness. Her chemistry with Damon is effortless — filled with a ton of warmth, banter, and tension couples face. While I understood her choices (even the harder ones), I do think she could have handled parts of their situation differently. But that flaw only makes her more human and extremely relatable to many girls today.
Together, Damon and Ainsley have the kind of love that makes you root for them no matter what. The challenges they face (being long distance), their growth, and their undeniable connection all weave together into a story that feels satisfying and deeply engaging. Dodd excels at writing couples who feel layered and worth investing in, and this book is no exception.
As someone who will read everything that Jillian Dodd writes, *That Girl* is like returning to a beloved world — but with new emotion that made it impossible for me to put down. I cannot wait until we get the next chapter and see how much these two loveable and relatable characters continue to grow.
Damon has always been the steady center of the group — charming and quietly protective — but this book we see so much more of how protective and forgiving Damon is considering his age. His vulnerability is beautifully written, giving a deeper look at the man behind the confidence. His love for Ainsley is another level, always choosing to show up in the moments that matter most, made me fall in love with him even more now.
Ainsley, meanwhile, is as delightful and extremely relatable but she frustrated me at times. Reading how she worked through her emotions, chase her dreams, and confront the fears she usually keeps to herself tucked away. She strikes this lovely balance between independence and softness. Her chemistry with Damon is effortless — filled with a ton of warmth, banter, and tension couples face. While I understood her choices (even the harder ones), I do think she could have handled parts of their situation differently. But that flaw only makes her more human and extremely relatable to many girls today.
Together, Damon and Ainsley have the kind of love that makes you root for them no matter what. The challenges they face (being long distance), their growth, and their undeniable connection all weave together into a story that feels satisfying and deeply engaging. Dodd excels at writing couples who feel layered and worth investing in, and this book is no exception.
As someone who will read everything that Jillian Dodd writes, *That Girl* is like returning to a beloved world — but with new emotion that made it impossible for me to put down. I cannot wait until we get the next chapter and see how much these two loveable and relatable characters continue to grow.
December 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
That Girl delivers everything I love about the That Boy universe — sweetness, emotion, family, and that signature Jillian Dodd ability to make you feel like you’ve slipped right back into a world that feels familiar and warm. Damon and Ainsley’s story picks up right where That Crush left us hanging, and from the first chapter I was hooked all over again.
This installment leans deeply into the heart of their relationship: long-distance calls that feel like lifelines, the push–pull of finding your footing in college, and one enormous secret that reshapes everything. Ainsley’s internal battle is written with so much tenderness. Even when I wanted to shake her, I also wanted to wrap her in a hug. Damon, meanwhile, is the definition of a golden retriever hero — sweet, loyal, earnest, and impossible not to adore. Watching him chase his football dreams while still choosing her, over and over, made their connection feel almost soulmate-level.
The book is lighter on big plot swings and heavier on emotion, small moments, and the quiet ways a relationship grows when life keeps pulling you in different directions. And honestly? It works. The butterfly feelings, the swoony gestures, the late-night confessions, the family warmth — all of it adds up to a romance that feels sweet and sincere.
And while this isn’t the end of their journey, the way this book wraps up is satisfying enough to breathe again yet still full of the “what next?” energy that has me counting down to That Someday.
A heartfelt, feel-good continuation that left me smiling — and absolutely ready for more Damon and Ainsley.
That Girl delivers everything I love about the That Boy universe — sweetness, emotion, family, and that signature Jillian Dodd ability to make you feel like you’ve slipped right back into a world that feels familiar and warm. Damon and Ainsley’s story picks up right where That Crush left us hanging, and from the first chapter I was hooked all over again.
This installment leans deeply into the heart of their relationship: long-distance calls that feel like lifelines, the push–pull of finding your footing in college, and one enormous secret that reshapes everything. Ainsley’s internal battle is written with so much tenderness. Even when I wanted to shake her, I also wanted to wrap her in a hug. Damon, meanwhile, is the definition of a golden retriever hero — sweet, loyal, earnest, and impossible not to adore. Watching him chase his football dreams while still choosing her, over and over, made their connection feel almost soulmate-level.
The book is lighter on big plot swings and heavier on emotion, small moments, and the quiet ways a relationship grows when life keeps pulling you in different directions. And honestly? It works. The butterfly feelings, the swoony gestures, the late-night confessions, the family warmth — all of it adds up to a romance that feels sweet and sincere.
And while this isn’t the end of their journey, the way this book wraps up is satisfying enough to breathe again yet still full of the “what next?” energy that has me counting down to That Someday.
A heartfelt, feel-good continuation that left me smiling — and absolutely ready for more Damon and Ainsley.
December 2, 2025
Loved, loved, loved this book! 💕
Jillian Dodd has done it again with Damon and Ainsley’s story in That Girl.
I absolutely adored watching Damon and Ainsley’s love story grow over the series. I’ve been rooting for their “someday” 😉 from the very beginning, and this book delivered everything I hoped for—and more.
Their relationship is new, tender, and complicated in all the best ways. Damon is juggling his first semester of college and college football, while Ainsley is finishing her last semester with a huge secret weighing on her heart. The distance, the longing, the growth—their relationship feels heartfelt, real, and impossible not to root for.
🏈🤰🏼📚🎓🚙
The McKenzie’s and Diamond’s continue to be my favorite fictional family universe. Watching their families continue to grow and expand through the series has been such a joy to read. And Sammie - I just adore his character and all he brings to the story! 🥂
This book has all the Fs—forever loves, flings, fireworks, football, friends, and family—and I couldn’t put it down for a single second.
I’m crossing my fingers that the That Boy world gets a TV series. It deserves it!📺
#ThatGirl 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
#ThatBoy #ThatCrush #4thOfJulyLove 🎆 #FallFootball #ForeverLove #ARC #KindleUnlimited #BookObsession #JillianDodd #DiamondArchibald
#FamilyFriendsFootball #SportsRomance @Greyspromo
Jillian Dodd has done it again with Damon and Ainsley’s story in That Girl.
I absolutely adored watching Damon and Ainsley’s love story grow over the series. I’ve been rooting for their “someday” 😉 from the very beginning, and this book delivered everything I hoped for—and more.
Their relationship is new, tender, and complicated in all the best ways. Damon is juggling his first semester of college and college football, while Ainsley is finishing her last semester with a huge secret weighing on her heart. The distance, the longing, the growth—their relationship feels heartfelt, real, and impossible not to root for.
🏈🤰🏼📚🎓🚙
The McKenzie’s and Diamond’s continue to be my favorite fictional family universe. Watching their families continue to grow and expand through the series has been such a joy to read. And Sammie - I just adore his character and all he brings to the story! 🥂
This book has all the Fs—forever loves, flings, fireworks, football, friends, and family—and I couldn’t put it down for a single second.
I’m crossing my fingers that the That Boy world gets a TV series. It deserves it!📺
#ThatGirl 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
#ThatBoy #ThatCrush #4thOfJulyLove 🎆 #FallFootball #ForeverLove #ARC #KindleUnlimited #BookObsession #JillianDodd #DiamondArchibald
#FamilyFriendsFootball #SportsRomance @Greyspromo
December 4, 2025
🏈⛳️ NEW RELEASE⛳️🏈
📖 That Girl by Jillian Dodd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
What to expect?
🏈COLLEGE FOOTBALL
⛳️SECRET PREGNANCY
🏈SUMMER FLING, FOREVER LOVE
⛳️SOULMATE LEVEL
🏈GOLDEN RETRIEVER HERO
I thought we were getting the happily ever after ending for Damon and Ainsley, but Jillian’s giving us one more book of them. Which I’m ecstatic for by the way. But in the mean time go ready That Crush and That Girl so you can fall in love with these two.
We’re in book 2, where Ainsley and Damon try some distance and a long awaited secret. When’s the perfect time to shed our secrets? Apparently on an impromptu visit to surprise Ainsley at graduation!
Damon is the sweetest golden retriever hero and you will fall in love with all the sweet things he does for Ainsley.
I love reading second generation books and that still remains true for these two and their imperfect love story. What will happen in their ending? I think they’ll get their picture perfect family and that Damon is going to be the sweetest dad ever…boy or girl, what shall it be? Go find out in That Girl!
#thatgirl #jilliandoddbooks #damonandainsley #collegefootballromance #goldenretrieverhero #secretpregnancy #summerflingforeverlove #soulmatelevel #romancebooks #romancereaders #arcreader #arcreviewer #greyspromotions #smuttok #booktok #bookstagram
📖 That Girl by Jillian Dodd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
What to expect?
🏈COLLEGE FOOTBALL
⛳️SECRET PREGNANCY
🏈SUMMER FLING, FOREVER LOVE
⛳️SOULMATE LEVEL
🏈GOLDEN RETRIEVER HERO
I thought we were getting the happily ever after ending for Damon and Ainsley, but Jillian’s giving us one more book of them. Which I’m ecstatic for by the way. But in the mean time go ready That Crush and That Girl so you can fall in love with these two.
We’re in book 2, where Ainsley and Damon try some distance and a long awaited secret. When’s the perfect time to shed our secrets? Apparently on an impromptu visit to surprise Ainsley at graduation!
Damon is the sweetest golden retriever hero and you will fall in love with all the sweet things he does for Ainsley.
I love reading second generation books and that still remains true for these two and their imperfect love story. What will happen in their ending? I think they’ll get their picture perfect family and that Damon is going to be the sweetest dad ever…boy or girl, what shall it be? Go find out in That Girl!
#thatgirl #jilliandoddbooks #damonandainsley #collegefootballromance #goldenretrieverhero #secretpregnancy #summerflingforeverlove #soulmatelevel #romancebooks #romancereaders #arcreader #arcreviewer #greyspromotions #smuttok #booktok #bookstagram
December 11, 2025
I absolutely loved this book I love Damon diamond and Ainsley’s love story since that summer book when he first laid eyes on her but I’ve loved Damon alone since even before he met her, his personality reminds me so much of his father and that’s what pulls me to his character and plus the group dynamic between him chase his hay hay girl (Hailey) and his sister Dani. This book was so beautiful so heartwarming and left me in tears too there were so many moments when I was just like tell him already Ainsley he deserves to know. And omg I loved Sammy and her relationship but even more his with Damon they are just so adorable Sammy is so adorable. I loved the way Ainsley grew in this book and how she started taking Damon serious and realizing how much grown and mature he is compared to her ex, I can’t wait to read the third book to see where this story continues on to and to read about the new generation of diamond children oh boy is Danny diamond going to love being a grandpa and spoil this baby I do think he might be upset with Damon for starting a family so young and before making the NFL. Jillian did such a beautiful job with this book as she does every book she writes I just love the way she does it I mean she captures every feeling you can think of!! 🥰🫶🏼💕💕 this is a 6⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book for me I love it and I’m so excited for the next book!!!
January 6, 2026
she planned her future with her best friend.
I’m so disappointed in this book, and I skipped after the first chapter. Though 90% and then I skipped everyother chapter after that, I hate this book, from her every choice, this is a filng-to love, to NOTHING. He comes to see her and she sees him. But they really just fuck, try to “date” and miss their never see each other-Weather was a BIG reason for that-
. But who cares because they can have phone sex!!!!
I liked the end-but it had no emotional value to me, except that he was rightfully hurt by her. And to me it felt like a passive, friendly,”I’m saying I love you but only because I knocked up my fling…”
which (to me) it was , she made all of the decisions, from jobs, to the pregnancy, to moving away from him, and then told him not to change THEIR PLANS of HIS future.
and that shit! about long distance partnering RIGHT AFTER HE MISSED EVERYTHING AND HAD A HARD TIME WITH THAT!???? She made all of the decisions, and included her best friend. And that hurt me for him.
I haven’t given this low of a number in months. But it was deserved.
I’m so disappointed in this book, and I skipped after the first chapter. Though 90% and then I skipped everyother chapter after that, I hate this book, from her every choice, this is a filng-to love, to NOTHING. He comes to see her and she sees him. But they really just fuck, try to “date” and miss their never see each other-Weather was a BIG reason for that-
. But who cares because they can have phone sex!!!!
I liked the end-but it had no emotional value to me, except that he was rightfully hurt by her. And to me it felt like a passive, friendly,”I’m saying I love you but only because I knocked up my fling…”
which (to me) it was , she made all of the decisions, from jobs, to the pregnancy, to moving away from him, and then told him not to change THEIR PLANS of HIS future.
and that shit! about long distance partnering RIGHT AFTER HE MISSED EVERYTHING AND HAD A HARD TIME WITH THAT!???? She made all of the decisions, and included her best friend. And that hurt me for him.
I haven’t given this low of a number in months. But it was deserved.
November 13, 2025
This was such a great story! Jillian left me wanting more of these two soulmates! Ainsley and Damon will have you swooning from start to finish! 5 stars for this one!
Ainsley and Damon spent an amazing summer together. They're inseparable, but he is off to college and she's finishing her senior year of college. Yea, age difference, but once you meet Damon, you'll understand their connection and fall just as hard for them!
When Ainsley finds out she's pregnant, of course she wants to run and tell him, she tells him everything, but with him starting football, and the coach letting the team know he doesn't want any bad things surrounding them, she decides it's best for him if she doesn't tell him, so she keeps it a secret from him until she can't anymore.
Their love is so sweet. Damon knows what he wants and it's her, but he's got to convince her he's for real, he won't change his mind, and he will do everything he can to make her feel the love and commitment he has for her!
You will swoon, and fall in utter and complete love with these two! Grab this asap!
Ainsley and Damon spent an amazing summer together. They're inseparable, but he is off to college and she's finishing her senior year of college. Yea, age difference, but once you meet Damon, you'll understand their connection and fall just as hard for them!
When Ainsley finds out she's pregnant, of course she wants to run and tell him, she tells him everything, but with him starting football, and the coach letting the team know he doesn't want any bad things surrounding them, she decides it's best for him if she doesn't tell him, so she keeps it a secret from him until she can't anymore.
Their love is so sweet. Damon knows what he wants and it's her, but he's got to convince her he's for real, he won't change his mind, and he will do everything he can to make her feel the love and commitment he has for her!
You will swoon, and fall in utter and complete love with these two! Grab this asap!
November 15, 2025
I’ve been eager to read this book since I finished That Crush, and I’m so happy to say it did not disappoint! I soaked up every word, feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside, and with a smile on my face the whole way through!
Seriously, there’s something so special and addicting about this series, and this book was just as enjoyable as all the ones before! It’s impossible to pick a favourite couple or story within the series, but I absolutely adore Ainsley and Damon’s books so far!
To be completely honest, I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to feel about this book in the beginning. Even though I understood the reason behind Ainsley’s decision to not tell Damon, I didn’t agree with it. I was kind of dreading the outcome her decision would have, waiting for the heartbreak a choice like this could create. Other than the slight stress of that constantly nagging in the back of my mind (lol), I really loved everything about this book!
I’m beyond excited for That Someday to release! I can’t wait to find out how Damon and Ainsley’s story is all gonna end!
Seriously, there’s something so special and addicting about this series, and this book was just as enjoyable as all the ones before! It’s impossible to pick a favourite couple or story within the series, but I absolutely adore Ainsley and Damon’s books so far!
To be completely honest, I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to feel about this book in the beginning. Even though I understood the reason behind Ainsley’s decision to not tell Damon, I didn’t agree with it. I was kind of dreading the outcome her decision would have, waiting for the heartbreak a choice like this could create. Other than the slight stress of that constantly nagging in the back of my mind (lol), I really loved everything about this book!
I’m beyond excited for That Someday to release! I can’t wait to find out how Damon and Ainsley’s story is all gonna end!
November 10, 2025
First of all, her previous book, That Crush left in such a cliff hanger that when I found out I received in ARC copy of That Girl, I was so ecstatic. The story is a continuation of Damon and Ainsley’s love for each other and watching their love grow throughout the book is absolutely beautiful. They are both navigating college and Damon’s football🏈 from 2 separate schools and figuring out how they can still see each other. This book keeps you on your toes wondering when Ainsley will tell Damon about the baby. For me, it did seem like the ending was cut short but then I realized there’s a book that follow, something to look forward to next year. This book was overall great. I love Ainsley’s roommate Sammy and his forever love triangles, he seems like he would be such a great friend. Of course Chase and Dani are also in this book too and they seem so happy. This whole series from Jillian Dodd has been one of my favorites. Looking forward to the next 💕
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