What do you think?
Rate this book
Breaking Barriers
From the Sidelines
Friends don’t look at each other like that—right?
Blair Miller is used to pressure. Former college soccer star, gym owner, relentless competitor—she thrives on challenge. But nothing could have prepared her for life as the NFL’s first female player. Overnight, she’s gone from coaching classes at Embers & Ashes to breaking barriers and kicking extra points for the Upstate Cosmos.
Crowds? Cameras? Press? Blair can handle it. A whole different kind of challenge is Tyson Bishop–her best friend, biggest what-if, and now her teammate.
Tyson’s loved Blair for as long as he can remember—quietly, patiently, from the sidelines. Now between every look, every practice, and every moment they shouldn’t want more… it’s getting harder to hold back.
They’ve spent years playing it safe. Maybe it’s time to rewrite the playbook?
Blair Miller is used to pressure. Former college soccer star, gym owner, relentless competitor—she thrives on challenge. But nothing could have prepared her for life as the NFL’s first female player. Overnight, she’s gone from coaching classes at Embers & Ashes to breaking barriers and kicking extra points for the Upstate Cosmos.
Crowds? Cameras? Press? Blair can handle it. A whole different kind of challenge is Tyson Bishop–her best friend, biggest what-if, and now her teammate.
Tyson’s loved Blair for as long as he can remember—quietly, patiently, from the sidelines. Now between every look, every practice, and every moment they shouldn’t want more… it’s getting harder to hold back.
They’ve spent years playing it safe. Maybe it’s time to rewrite the playbook?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
16 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
January 30, 2026
This was such a cute and empowering read. Blair is a total BA FMC, and I loved how she was authentically herself. Although Blair’s story seemed a bit far fetched in this day and age, we all that it comes true sooner rather than later. We need more woman everywhere!!
The slow-burn romance between Blair and Tyson was sweet with just the right amount of spice. They had a great support system, so many found family vibes, and acceptance radiated from their network. That said, the story did feel a bit rushed at times. There was a lot going on, and I wished each plotline had more room to fully develop.
Cannot wait to check out the rest of the series!
The slow-burn romance between Blair and Tyson was sweet with just the right amount of spice. They had a great support system, so many found family vibes, and acceptance radiated from their network. That said, the story did feel a bit rushed at times. There was a lot going on, and I wished each plotline had more room to fully develop.
Cannot wait to check out the rest of the series!
January 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️¾
From the Sidelines is all about women stepping out, taking up space, and making waves when the world would rather they stay quiet. Blair is such a badass FMC. I loved the premise of her gym being a place where women feel seen, strong, and confident. What really worked for me was how, the more you read, you start to see that beneath her confidence, Blair still carries insecurities. That layer made her feel very real and relatable.
The romance between Blair and Tyson has that slow burn, we have been in love forever but never said it out loud energy, and watching them finally work through that was really well done. I also loved how involved Tyson’s family was in the story and how close knit they were. It added so much warmth and depth.
Overall, this was an empowering, heartfelt read with strong themes of confidence, growth, and love. A solid 3.75 stars for me. 💪📚
From the Sidelines is all about women stepping out, taking up space, and making waves when the world would rather they stay quiet. Blair is such a badass FMC. I loved the premise of her gym being a place where women feel seen, strong, and confident. What really worked for me was how, the more you read, you start to see that beneath her confidence, Blair still carries insecurities. That layer made her feel very real and relatable.
The romance between Blair and Tyson has that slow burn, we have been in love forever but never said it out loud energy, and watching them finally work through that was really well done. I also loved how involved Tyson’s family was in the story and how close knit they were. It added so much warmth and depth.
Overall, this was an empowering, heartfelt read with strong themes of confidence, growth, and love. A solid 3.75 stars for me. 💪📚
January 15, 2026
Did I read this in a day? Yes.
Did I love this? Also yes.
A rekindle relationship? LOVE
Sports (FOOTBALL) romance? Enough. Sign me the heck up.
Parts of this book was more than just a sports romance and I LOVED it. I overall loved this book. It was the perfect length and it flowed so so well. The plot, the character development, everything. Also the relationship? GOSH. I enjoyed reading the spice because it wasn’t too much and didn’t take away from anything imo. I can’t wait to see how this continues.
Did I love this? Also yes.
A rekindle relationship? LOVE
Sports (FOOTBALL) romance? Enough. Sign me the heck up.
Parts of this book was more than just a sports romance and I LOVED it. I overall loved this book. It was the perfect length and it flowed so so well. The plot, the character development, everything. Also the relationship? GOSH. I enjoyed reading the spice because it wasn’t too much and didn’t take away from anything imo. I can’t wait to see how this continues.
Read
February 18, 20264.5⭐️! i had the privilege to both beta read & arc read this book & i literally loved it! these two had the perfect chemistry & i loved that they got a second chance to rekindle something! i also think the storyline of her being brought into the nfl team was something so empowering & something i wish we could truly see in today’s day & age. honestly, rachel could write a to-do list & i would probably be obsessed with it🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to Rachel LaBerge for providing the eARC. This is my honest opinion.
Wanting More Than You Dare to Take
´From the Sidelines´ is a recognizable romance that takes its time to unfold, choosing emotional buildup over dramatic spectacle. What begins as a familiar sports romance setup gradually develops into a character-driven story about hesitation, unspoken feelings, and the tension of wanting something while remaining on the edge of action.
The dual first-person perspective plays a key role in shaping the narrative. By following both main characters closely, the story exposes how easily miscommunication takes hold and how often their internal struggles mirror one another. While this structure adds emotional clarity and depth, it also occasionally slows the momentum, as similar doubts are revisited from both sides.
Rachel LaBerge’s writing style is accessible and fluid, with a strong emphasis on emotional reflection. The sports setting functions more as a thematic framework than a driving force, reinforcing ideas of restraint, observation, and delayed action. At times, the story leans heavily on familiar genre conventions, which can make certain developments feel predictable rather than surprising.
Where the novel truly succeeds is in the chemistry between its characters and the gradual nature of their emotional growth. Their connection feels genuine and grounded, built through subtle interactions rather than heightened drama. Still, the narrative often chooses safety over risk, leaving the impression that more emotional complexity or narrative tension could have elevated the story further.
Overall, ´From the Sidelines´ is a solid and emotionally engaging read for fans of character-focused romance. It delivers warmth, relatability, and a clear emotional throughline, even if it rarely steps beyond the boundaries of what the genre already promises.
Friends to lovers | Sports romance | Dual POV | Slow burn | Emotional tension | Character-driven romance | Miscommunication | Mutual pining | Contemporary romance
Wanting More Than You Dare to Take
´From the Sidelines´ is a recognizable romance that takes its time to unfold, choosing emotional buildup over dramatic spectacle. What begins as a familiar sports romance setup gradually develops into a character-driven story about hesitation, unspoken feelings, and the tension of wanting something while remaining on the edge of action.
The dual first-person perspective plays a key role in shaping the narrative. By following both main characters closely, the story exposes how easily miscommunication takes hold and how often their internal struggles mirror one another. While this structure adds emotional clarity and depth, it also occasionally slows the momentum, as similar doubts are revisited from both sides.
Rachel LaBerge’s writing style is accessible and fluid, with a strong emphasis on emotional reflection. The sports setting functions more as a thematic framework than a driving force, reinforcing ideas of restraint, observation, and delayed action. At times, the story leans heavily on familiar genre conventions, which can make certain developments feel predictable rather than surprising.
Where the novel truly succeeds is in the chemistry between its characters and the gradual nature of their emotional growth. Their connection feels genuine and grounded, built through subtle interactions rather than heightened drama. Still, the narrative often chooses safety over risk, leaving the impression that more emotional complexity or narrative tension could have elevated the story further.
Overall, ´From the Sidelines´ is a solid and emotionally engaging read for fans of character-focused romance. It delivers warmth, relatability, and a clear emotional throughline, even if it rarely steps beyond the boundaries of what the genre already promises.
Friends to lovers | Sports romance | Dual POV | Slow burn | Emotional tension | Character-driven romance | Miscommunication | Mutual pining | Contemporary romance
February 27, 2026
This was such a fun read. I love the pace and the side characters. They are the cutest friends to lovers I've read in a while. I love the moment when they realize that everyone else saw it except them. Also like 10/10 for the inclusivity of having a woman play on the team
Here you follow a gym owner and a professional football player. They are finally in the same town again and it couldn't get better.. And then they have a few bumps in the road
🌶️🌶️/5
Here you follow a gym owner and a professional football player. They are finally in the same town again and it couldn't get better.. And then they have a few bumps in the road
🌶️🌶️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the author.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, with fun characters and plenty of tension. There were a couple small sections that just felt like everything was a little too good to be true, which kind of took me out of the story. But other than that, I enjoyed the premise, the characters (including all the side characters, except for the ones I was supposed to hate, of course), and the long awaited love story of the two main characters.
I would recommend this book and I can't wait to read more in this eventual series.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, with fun characters and plenty of tension. There were a couple small sections that just felt like everything was a little too good to be true, which kind of took me out of the story. But other than that, I enjoyed the premise, the characters (including all the side characters, except for the ones I was supposed to hate, of course), and the long awaited love story of the two main characters.
I would recommend this book and I can't wait to read more in this eventual series.
February 2, 2026
I was lucky enough to be chosen for an ARC copy so I got to read early 😍
Firstly I want to say I don’t think I have ever related to a character the way I related to Blair. Literally down to the abandonment issues that affect how she let people love her and how she viewed herself as “worth it”. It was almost healing to read about a character healing herself in that way.
Secondly. I adored the way Tyson loved her even as a friend. I’m so glad they worked it all out and ended up together because they deserved that love.
Overall a really sweet friends to lovers, secret love story. The spice was perfect too, not too much but just enough to keep my smutty little heart happy.
Firstly I want to say I don’t think I have ever related to a character the way I related to Blair. Literally down to the abandonment issues that affect how she let people love her and how she viewed herself as “worth it”. It was almost healing to read about a character healing herself in that way.
Secondly. I adored the way Tyson loved her even as a friend. I’m so glad they worked it all out and ended up together because they deserved that love.
Overall a really sweet friends to lovers, secret love story. The spice was perfect too, not too much but just enough to keep my smutty little heart happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐!
I'll never get sick of Rachel's writing; I'm gonna be 90 in a nursing home and I'll still be reading her stories🤭 with every book of hers that I read, it gets even harder to pick a favorite. They're all so good, and From The Sidelines is no different!
Blair and Tyson are the cutest😍 you could tell he was so gone for her, even from the beginning. The way he supported her no matter what happened? Love that🥹 I love how Blair never let anything get in the way of her dreams too. There might've been things that slowed her down or made her reroute, but she never gave up on herself and that's really admirable.
This one is for those who need a reminder that your worth isn't defined by other people, for those who have a dream they want to pursue, and for us girls who like sports too🤭 a huge thank you to Rachel for giving me the opportunity to read this before release! It meant the world to me🥹
You'll love this if you love:
📖 sports romance (football)
📖 women in sports
📖 dual POV
📖 friends to lovers
✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of depression, anxiety, poor self image, eating disorder (mentions of), absent father, and sexual content.
🎬 Sexual Content: NC-17: graphic, detailed, and frequent on-page scenes (chp 21-22, 27-28, 32, and 40). Not for under age 18.
🩸 Violence: G: no real violence or injury
💬 Language: frequent strong language (including f***); frequent sexual innuendos
I'll never get sick of Rachel's writing; I'm gonna be 90 in a nursing home and I'll still be reading her stories🤭 with every book of hers that I read, it gets even harder to pick a favorite. They're all so good, and From The Sidelines is no different!
Blair and Tyson are the cutest😍 you could tell he was so gone for her, even from the beginning. The way he supported her no matter what happened? Love that🥹 I love how Blair never let anything get in the way of her dreams too. There might've been things that slowed her down or made her reroute, but she never gave up on herself and that's really admirable.
This one is for those who need a reminder that your worth isn't defined by other people, for those who have a dream they want to pursue, and for us girls who like sports too🤭 a huge thank you to Rachel for giving me the opportunity to read this before release! It meant the world to me🥹
You'll love this if you love:
📖 sports romance (football)
📖 women in sports
📖 dual POV
📖 friends to lovers
✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of depression, anxiety, poor self image, eating disorder (mentions of), absent father, and sexual content.
🎬 Sexual Content: NC-17: graphic, detailed, and frequent on-page scenes (chp 21-22, 27-28, 32, and 40). Not for under age 18.
🩸 Violence: G: no real violence or injury
💬 Language: frequent strong language (including f***); frequent sexual innuendos
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this story, first off, giving us a playlist of music, genius. Blair reminded me sooo much of myself, I'm not a professional athlete but I'm taller than your average girl & I look like a professional swimmer, I have seriously wide shoulders. I loved the writing style too.
Blair Miller has her life on point, her best friend Tyson is going to play for a NYC NFL team after years away, now the pair are in the same town, then in a twist of fate Blair is a kicker for the same team. Tyson struggles to hold back his feelings, only after a drunken sentence from Blair does Tyson take a chance.
Blair Miller has her life on point, her best friend Tyson is going to play for a NYC NFL team after years away, now the pair are in the same town, then in a twist of fate Blair is a kicker for the same team. Tyson struggles to hold back his feelings, only after a drunken sentence from Blair does Tyson take a chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2026
3.75 stars ARC Review
So the premise of this book is spectacular. Imagine being a retired soccer player thrown into a football team mid-season as a kicker. Wild! Loved th FMC, she was tenacious and imperfect but working on herself. Ya therapy! The MMC was a smitten golden retriever, and I’m here for it.
I hate the miscommunication trope and characters that get in their own way. However! I really enjoyed this book and felt like it was more of a necessary part of the story rather than a lazy way to keep things moving. I can’t wait for what comes next for these characters
Thanks to the publisher and Rachel Laberge for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
So the premise of this book is spectacular. Imagine being a retired soccer player thrown into a football team mid-season as a kicker. Wild! Loved th FMC, she was tenacious and imperfect but working on herself. Ya therapy! The MMC was a smitten golden retriever, and I’m here for it.
I hate the miscommunication trope and characters that get in their own way. However! I really enjoyed this book and felt like it was more of a necessary part of the story rather than a lazy way to keep things moving. I can’t wait for what comes next for these characters
Thanks to the publisher and Rachel Laberge for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
February 9, 2026
She thought she was always one of the guys but little did she know that her best friend has had feelings for her for quite some time.
Such a wholesome sports romance. Full of emotions and working through obstacles as they come into scene. We love a good, strong, independent, girl boss FMC. Blair is over here paving the way for girls and women all around. Anything is possible if you believe and stand up for yourself.
Tyson is such a green flag! Caring, supportive, loving… *waves around huge green flag* top tier book boyfriend over here.
Read if you enjoy:
🏈 friends to lovers
💚 sports romance
🏈 mental health rep
💚 lots of yearning
Such a wholesome sports romance. Full of emotions and working through obstacles as they come into scene. We love a good, strong, independent, girl boss FMC. Blair is over here paving the way for girls and women all around. Anything is possible if you believe and stand up for yourself.
Tyson is such a green flag! Caring, supportive, loving… *waves around huge green flag* top tier book boyfriend over here.
Read if you enjoy:
🏈 friends to lovers
💚 sports romance
🏈 mental health rep
💚 lots of yearning
February 14, 2026
This was such a fun read! I loved the two main characters (Blair and Tyson) so much! The premise was very cool. Blair getting to be the first female to ever play in the NFL after a series of unfortunate events for her best friend Tysons football team. All of their kickers are down for the count this season. The team does something pretty unorthodox in holding a contest to see who the best kicker in their stadium is. Of course Blair wins and is thrust into the spotlight. I thought some of the side plots weren't fully fleshed out to my preference, but overall a great book, empowering woman! 3.5/5
February 14, 2026
I love a good friends to lovers romance and From the Sidelines is one of the best! I loved that there is pining and yearning for years for both Blair and Tyson and how they are both athletic and end up on the same team. I also love how much Tyson admired Blair and how he encouraged and supported her. I also liked how the other football players on the team especially Zack welcomed and supported Blair. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series! Thank you to author Rachel LaBerge for the opportunity to read this early!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Rachel for the ARC!
Tyson and Blair have been friends since college. Tyson plays professional football, and gets traded to the new york team. Blair owns a gym, and ends up becoming the first woman to play on a NFL team as their kicker.
The yearning, mental health rep, and how strong Blair and Tyson make each other was so well-done!
Tropes:
friends to lovers
sports romance
mental health rep
always been her
Tyson and Blair have been friends since college. Tyson plays professional football, and gets traded to the new york team. Blair owns a gym, and ends up becoming the first woman to play on a NFL team as their kicker.
The yearning, mental health rep, and how strong Blair and Tyson make each other was so well-done!
Tropes:
friends to lovers
sports romance
mental health rep
always been her
January 17, 2026
I love a good sports romance and this did not disappoint! This is a heartfelt sports romance featuring strong women-in-sports, friends-to-lovers, “always been her” energy, and thoughtful mental health themes. The open-door romance is steamy without overshadowing the emotional growth. A solid read for sports romance fans.
Thank you to Rachel LaBerge for the opportunity to read this arc!
Thank you to Rachel LaBerge for the opportunity to read this arc!
January 30, 2026
Five ⭐️ ARC Read!!! I flew through this this book!! I was hooked from the beginning!!! Absolutely loved this sports romance! Has an HEA! Love seeing strong women thriving in real life and stories! This is an automatic buy author for me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
this was seriously so cute & fun! overall a lighthearted, empowering read, but had a few angsty tender moments that I definitely felt on a personal level (we all struggle with self-worth sometimes, don't we?) absolutely devoured!
February 14, 2026
Such a cute, quick, and cozy read! I loved the strong sense of women’s empowerment, and the way the male characters supported the female lead without overshadowing her strength or capability. It was such a fun and enjoyable story!
February 24, 2026
Tyson and Blair will steal your heart. Rachel LaBerge has an amazing flowing writing style.
Definitely a page turner.!
Definitely a page turner.!
January 27, 2026
ARC reader here 💚🏈🔥😍 THANK YOU, RACHEL!
Slowburn ✅
Friends to lovers ✅
Hidden Love ✅
Sports Romance ✅
Female empowerment ✅
Female independence ✅
Female CEO ✅
Men supporting women ✅
Spice ✅
Rachel, You had me at the dedication, “For anyone who was told “that’s not for you,” and did it anyway. This one’s for you.”Tidbits I loved: Their mutual, immediate recognition that their hidden feelings still exist. Blair’s love of his beard. I’m a beard girl, too! I enjoyed Blair’s tenacity, goals and ability to push herself through whatever means to achieve her dreams. The vulnerability of Tyson’s harbored feelings before confessing to his brother, to Blair. Like he’s not sure. But he is. His inner monologue one liners were perfect: “Fuck. I’m in trouble.” “Fuck. She’s going to kiss me.” And my favorite Ty realization, “Fuck. I’m a mess.”The tension before the *almost* first kiss. Yes, please! Had me on the edge of my seat, will they?! won’t they?! The first spice scene, two chapters, dual POV! Yes! I am here for reading both of their experiences! The term, “sex drunk?!” I laughed out loud. I’ll just say two words of praise, “The shower!” In a man’s world, to see the men rally around this badass female that’s good at sports and in business without trepidation or intimidation was magical to read. “She’s been a symbol of progress,” Isn’t that what we need in today’s world?! On pointe, Rachel.
Slowburn ✅
Friends to lovers ✅
Hidden Love ✅
Sports Romance ✅
Female empowerment ✅
Female independence ✅
Female CEO ✅
Men supporting women ✅
Spice ✅
Rachel, You had me at the dedication, “For anyone who was told “that’s not for you,” and did it anyway. This one’s for you.”Tidbits I loved: Their mutual, immediate recognition that their hidden feelings still exist. Blair’s love of his beard. I’m a beard girl, too! I enjoyed Blair’s tenacity, goals and ability to push herself through whatever means to achieve her dreams. The vulnerability of Tyson’s harbored feelings before confessing to his brother, to Blair. Like he’s not sure. But he is. His inner monologue one liners were perfect: “Fuck. I’m in trouble.” “Fuck. She’s going to kiss me.” And my favorite Ty realization, “Fuck. I’m a mess.”The tension before the *almost* first kiss. Yes, please! Had me on the edge of my seat, will they?! won’t they?! The first spice scene, two chapters, dual POV! Yes! I am here for reading both of their experiences! The term, “sex drunk?!” I laughed out loud. I’ll just say two words of praise, “The shower!” In a man’s world, to see the men rally around this badass female that’s good at sports and in business without trepidation or intimidation was magical to read. “She’s been a symbol of progress,” Isn’t that what we need in today’s world?! On pointe, Rachel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2026
This was such a cute and cozy read for winter, especially right before the Super Bowl. I love how empowering Blair is, not just with her gym specifically being a place women can feel safe and confident, but also going out on that field playing a sport watched by thousands, if not millions of people. I love how all of her 'real' teammates were so supportive of her rather than feeling threatened by a girl. Can never have too many men that lift women up and encourage them. The slow burn romance between Blair and Tyson had me wanting to finish this book in a day. I truly felt the warmth and welcome from Tyson's family for Blair and that made me so happy for her as she dealt with her own family struggles. Also, who doesn't love a good Michigan winter cabin scene?! This was my first read by Rachel LaBerge even though I own several of her books and I can say she is such a fluid writer, providing amazing imagery.
February 27, 2026
This is a sweet spicy emotional sports romance with a strong independent FMC Blair who is not afraid to meet a challenge and becomes a kicker in the NFL on the same team her best friend and the MMC Tyson plays for. Tyson not only supports Blair, but unbeknownst to Blair he is madly in love with her. Things are not easy in Blair personal life but between a fantastic team and a supportive best friend Blair over comes and shows the world she is not going to back down. I love that Tyson didn't back down either and the moment he could he opened up about his feelings. Sometimes we don't know what could happen if we don't take a chance. Rachel LaBerge did a fantastic job showing the strength and determination of the Blair and breaking the barrier is not easy but it's possible. I can't forget the romance and spice that was fantastic I definitely recommend reading this book.
January 22, 2026
Thank you Rachel LaBerge for providing the opportunity to read and review this ARC!!
I loved The Play Caller series, so was super excited to read another football romance - Twist! She’s the first female NFL player - collegiate soccer player to NFL kicker 💪
Blair and Tyson were sweet. It was clear from the beginning how much they cared and supported each other. Obvious Tyson was smitten from the get go. I appreciate how much Blair stood up for herself and pursued her dreams - all with the full support of Tyson.
Rachel LaBerge does a fantastic job avoiding third act breakups and illustrating how important communication supports healthy relationships in working through and overcoming challenges together. 🥰
February 12, 2026
I read in this in less than 4 hours because I was obsessed and couldn’t put it down. I love how woman focused it is. But also has the perfect book boyfriend. I love how caring and loyal and understanding Tyson is, he’s loved her for ten years and would do anything for her. Then there is Blair who is a strong independent woman and Ty is the perfect fit for her. They go through their struggles but it’s a perfect love story and a strong woman are powerfully story
January 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book by Rachel LaBerge! The mutual pining between the two characters is so clear. They’ve been in love with each other for ten years but each one thinks the other doesn’t like them like that. When they reach the climax and discover they feel the same way about one another…it’s just incredible. Blair and Tyson are such a dynamic duo, both such well thought out characters, I’m so privileged to have been able to read this ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 27, 2025BETA read this.
If you love sports romance, especially women in sports, absolutely add this to your must reads. You’re gonna love it.
If you love sports romance, especially women in sports, absolutely add this to your must reads. You’re gonna love it.
January 19, 2026
Rachel LaBerge From the Sidelines wrecked my composure, stole my sleep, and had me emotionally yelling at fictional people like it was my job.
THANK YOU to the author for my gifted ARC.
I went in thinking I was ready. Sports romance? Friends to lovers? Woman breaking barriers in the NFL? Please, I’m built for this. What I was not prepared for was how deeply this story would crawl under my skin and settle there. This book doesn’t flirt with feelings, it commits. It grabs you by the jersey and drags you straight into years of longing, quiet sacrifices, and the kind of love that’s been patient for so long it almost forgot how to ask for more.
Blair Miller is everything I want in a heroine. She’s strong without being untouchable, confident without being immune to doubt, and ambitious in a way that feels earned, not performative. Watching her step into a male-dominated space and own it, while still dealing with anxiety, financial stress, and the very real fear of not being enough, felt painfully honest. Her journey isn’t polished. It’s messy and vulnerable and brave in that everyday way that hits hardest. I loved that she didn’t suddenly become fearless. She just kept going anyway.
And Tyson Bishop. Let’s talk about the man who has been in love so quietly and so consistently that it almost hurts to witness. This is elite “always been her” energy. Tyson isn’t loud about his feelings. He doesn’t demand space in Blair’s life. He supports her dreams without ego, without expectation, and without trying to be the hero of her story. The way he shows up emotionally, physically, and unapologetically is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go.
Their friends-to-lovers arc is a masterclass in tension. The lingering looks. The almost moments. The interruptions that made me groan out loud. It’s slow burn done right, where the payoff feels earned because you’ve lived inside their hesitation. When they finally cross that line, the chemistry is undeniable. The spice is open-door, intentional, and perfectly placed. It enhances the story instead of hijacking it, which I appreciated so much.
What truly elevates From the Sidelines is how much heart it has. This isn’t just a football romance. It’s a story about worth, timing, mental health, and learning to stop standing on the sidelines of your own life. The side characters bring warmth and humor, the found family element adds depth, and the overall pacing keeps everything flowing without ever feeling rushed.
One quote that absolutely stuck with me was: “From the sidelines, I know I’m looking at my future.” That line perfectly captures the soul of this book. It’s about recognizing what you want, even when it scares you, and deciding that wanting it is reason enough to try.
By the time I finished, I didn’t want to let these characters go. I wanted more moments, more banter, more quiet support, more everything. This book is cozy, witty, emotional, empowering, and quietly devastating in the best way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
#FromTheSidelines #RachelLaBerge #BookReview #ARCReview #SportsRomance #FootballRomance #FriendsToLovers #WomenInSports #SlowBurnRomance #RomanceBooks #RomanceReads #KindleRomance #Bookstagram #BookTokRomance
THANK YOU to the author for my gifted ARC.
I went in thinking I was ready. Sports romance? Friends to lovers? Woman breaking barriers in the NFL? Please, I’m built for this. What I was not prepared for was how deeply this story would crawl under my skin and settle there. This book doesn’t flirt with feelings, it commits. It grabs you by the jersey and drags you straight into years of longing, quiet sacrifices, and the kind of love that’s been patient for so long it almost forgot how to ask for more.
Blair Miller is everything I want in a heroine. She’s strong without being untouchable, confident without being immune to doubt, and ambitious in a way that feels earned, not performative. Watching her step into a male-dominated space and own it, while still dealing with anxiety, financial stress, and the very real fear of not being enough, felt painfully honest. Her journey isn’t polished. It’s messy and vulnerable and brave in that everyday way that hits hardest. I loved that she didn’t suddenly become fearless. She just kept going anyway.
And Tyson Bishop. Let’s talk about the man who has been in love so quietly and so consistently that it almost hurts to witness. This is elite “always been her” energy. Tyson isn’t loud about his feelings. He doesn’t demand space in Blair’s life. He supports her dreams without ego, without expectation, and without trying to be the hero of her story. The way he shows up emotionally, physically, and unapologetically is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go.
Their friends-to-lovers arc is a masterclass in tension. The lingering looks. The almost moments. The interruptions that made me groan out loud. It’s slow burn done right, where the payoff feels earned because you’ve lived inside their hesitation. When they finally cross that line, the chemistry is undeniable. The spice is open-door, intentional, and perfectly placed. It enhances the story instead of hijacking it, which I appreciated so much.
What truly elevates From the Sidelines is how much heart it has. This isn’t just a football romance. It’s a story about worth, timing, mental health, and learning to stop standing on the sidelines of your own life. The side characters bring warmth and humor, the found family element adds depth, and the overall pacing keeps everything flowing without ever feeling rushed.
One quote that absolutely stuck with me was: “From the sidelines, I know I’m looking at my future.” That line perfectly captures the soul of this book. It’s about recognizing what you want, even when it scares you, and deciding that wanting it is reason enough to try.
By the time I finished, I didn’t want to let these characters go. I wanted more moments, more banter, more quiet support, more everything. This book is cozy, witty, emotional, empowering, and quietly devastating in the best way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
#FromTheSidelines #RachelLaBerge #BookReview #ARCReview #SportsRomance #FootballRomance #FriendsToLovers #WomenInSports #SlowBurnRomance #RomanceBooks #RomanceReads #KindleRomance #Bookstagram #BookTokRomance
February 25, 2026
I immediately loved the vibes of this book. By page two, there had already been mention of a Nickleback themed spin class, which is hilarious, and a football team whose namesake is specifically out of upstate NY. As someone who’s lived in upstate NY her whole life, I do always love when we get some representation. I did find the news articles that just said “Upstate, NY” funny though. Like no city, just the area 🤣🫶
“She looks at me with eyes that shine like if sunlight were to hit a jar of honey. They’re so gorgeous it’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t witnessed them in person.”
Blair and Tyson are also immediately adorable together. Their friendship is so sweet and it’s made obvious that they have feelings for one another. Like come on, with the adorableness that these quotes contain!
“We have this way of getting wrapped up in each other, no matter if we’re talking sports, the gym, family drama, or some meme on the internet.”
Blair herself is both super admirable and very relatable.
“Sometimes, she still needs to trip and figure it out before leaning on anyone else. She's tough as fuck even when she doesn’t have to be.”
Also the following extremely relatable snippets:
-“Why is coughing in public one of the most embarrassing things a person can do?”
-“I know this is one of those things that will race through my mind for the next twenty years when I try to fall asleep.” 😂
-“It’s like I don’t have enough time or mental energy to think through these things. So, I get a third of the way in, trying to sort it out, and then we’re on to the next.”
I absolutely loved that when the team needed a kicker and Tyson asked if it had to be a guy, the coach so quickly said no. Like it was kind of casual the way she became the first woman on the NFL roster and it’s great. Making it casual and showing her be accepted so quickly, while maybe not totally realistic, I think goes a long way towards actually encouraging women and girls to go after what they want, even in a male-dominated field. I loved that through the entire story, mostly everyone was really accepting, supportive, and gracious about Blair’s role on an NFL team.
This was a very sweet love story. Blair and Tyson were so cute together, even as friends. This book was just adorable and heart-warming altogether. There was relatively low angst, but still enough drama and fun moments to keep me reading steadily.
“The thing about people leaving, not choosing you, is that it gets you ready for what’s coming. The people who stay. The ones who choose you, day after day, with blind confidence.”
There are so many deeper messages throughout the story—about family, love, internal struggles, determination, and breaking through barriers that are set before you.
“Maybe this is what healing actually looks like—not a big, dramatic moment, just a quiet one where you realize you’re not alone anymore.”
Tropes
Sports romance (football)
Friends to lovers
It’s always been you
Slow burn
Strong FMC
Open door spice
Forced proximity
“She looks at me with eyes that shine like if sunlight were to hit a jar of honey. They’re so gorgeous it’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t witnessed them in person.”
Blair and Tyson are also immediately adorable together. Their friendship is so sweet and it’s made obvious that they have feelings for one another. Like come on, with the adorableness that these quotes contain!
“We have this way of getting wrapped up in each other, no matter if we’re talking sports, the gym, family drama, or some meme on the internet.”
Blair herself is both super admirable and very relatable.
“Sometimes, she still needs to trip and figure it out before leaning on anyone else. She's tough as fuck even when she doesn’t have to be.”
Also the following extremely relatable snippets:
-“Why is coughing in public one of the most embarrassing things a person can do?”
-“I know this is one of those things that will race through my mind for the next twenty years when I try to fall asleep.” 😂
-“It’s like I don’t have enough time or mental energy to think through these things. So, I get a third of the way in, trying to sort it out, and then we’re on to the next.”
I absolutely loved that when the team needed a kicker and Tyson asked if it had to be a guy, the coach so quickly said no. Like it was kind of casual the way she became the first woman on the NFL roster and it’s great. Making it casual and showing her be accepted so quickly, while maybe not totally realistic, I think goes a long way towards actually encouraging women and girls to go after what they want, even in a male-dominated field. I loved that through the entire story, mostly everyone was really accepting, supportive, and gracious about Blair’s role on an NFL team.
This was a very sweet love story. Blair and Tyson were so cute together, even as friends. This book was just adorable and heart-warming altogether. There was relatively low angst, but still enough drama and fun moments to keep me reading steadily.
“The thing about people leaving, not choosing you, is that it gets you ready for what’s coming. The people who stay. The ones who choose you, day after day, with blind confidence.”
There are so many deeper messages throughout the story—about family, love, internal struggles, determination, and breaking through barriers that are set before you.
“Maybe this is what healing actually looks like—not a big, dramatic moment, just a quiet one where you realize you’re not alone anymore.”
Tropes
Sports romance (football)
Friends to lovers
It’s always been you
Slow burn
Strong FMC
Open door spice
Forced proximity
February 19, 2026
3.5⭐️ 2🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 FROM THE SIDELINES📖 by Rachel LaBerge✨This is book 1 in the A Breaking Barriers series. The FMC is a total bada** - real and flawed but authentically herself. Blair & Tyson’s friends-to-lovers story was cute, sweet, empowering, had good slow-burn spice, and I liked the found family vibes. Overall an enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next in the series. I loved the emphasis on emotional reflection. Certain parts seemed rushed at times, though. I wish some of the plot lines had gotten a bit more development/depth. The emotional/narrative tension was present but could have been more complex.
Tyson is Blair’s best friend and was just traded to the new NY Cosmos football 🏈 team. He’s had feelings for Blair for years but thinks he’s firmly in the friend zone. Blair Miller owns Embers & Ashes gym - woman-forward but everyone is welcome. She played D-1 soccer in college, and Tyson’s team has injured kickers before their first home game, so the team offers her a rookie roster spot after she makes the game-winning kick. For all her confidence, though, she still has anxiety and insecurities, which made her relatable. Blair is working on herself and the therapy representation was great. I loved how close Tyson was to his family, and that they welcomed Blair with open arms since she doesn’t have the same relationship with hers.
❤️ Her laugh makes his stomach flip
❤️ He’s loved her for 10 years
❤️ He’s so thoughtful - remembers her favorite takeout
❤️ He puts everyone else before him - he doesn’t think he’s worthy
❤️ She doesn’t ask for help or lean on anyone - she doesn’t want to look weak
❤️ He has a way of making everyone feel special but he doubts himself - that he’s enough
❤️ Sit 🐱
❤️ Show me/swallow🤫
❤️ Good girl
Favorite quotes:
"When they called me about the trade, do you know the first thing I thought of? You. It wasn't the money. It was how I was going to finally be closer to you."
"The woman of my dreams? It's you."
The ultimate fear. The trauma that's followed me around no matter how many therapists I've been to. People leaving me behind.
"I will never leave you, Blair. I promise. I'm staying right here, or wherever you end up."
Here, from the sidelines, I know I'm looking at my future.
Because maybe I was never too much. Maybe I was just waiting for someone, the right person, who could hold it all.
"I love you, Blair. Today. Now. Before. Every day."
"I know, Ty. I love you too."
Read this if you like:
*Football romance
*Golden retriever MMC
*Body-positive gym owner FMC
*Friends to lovers
*Strong theme of confidence
*Therapy rep
*Found family
*Slow burn 🔥
*Dual POV
*Praise
Content warning: body dysmorphia, parental abandonment, depression, anxiety
Thank you to Rachel LaBerge for the gifted ARC!
Tyson is Blair’s best friend and was just traded to the new NY Cosmos football 🏈 team. He’s had feelings for Blair for years but thinks he’s firmly in the friend zone. Blair Miller owns Embers & Ashes gym - woman-forward but everyone is welcome. She played D-1 soccer in college, and Tyson’s team has injured kickers before their first home game, so the team offers her a rookie roster spot after she makes the game-winning kick. For all her confidence, though, she still has anxiety and insecurities, which made her relatable. Blair is working on herself and the therapy representation was great. I loved how close Tyson was to his family, and that they welcomed Blair with open arms since she doesn’t have the same relationship with hers.
❤️ Her laugh makes his stomach flip
❤️ He’s loved her for 10 years
❤️ He’s so thoughtful - remembers her favorite takeout
❤️ He puts everyone else before him - he doesn’t think he’s worthy
❤️ She doesn’t ask for help or lean on anyone - she doesn’t want to look weak
❤️ He has a way of making everyone feel special but he doubts himself - that he’s enough
❤️ Sit 🐱
❤️ Show me/swallow🤫
❤️ Good girl
Favorite quotes:
"When they called me about the trade, do you know the first thing I thought of? You. It wasn't the money. It was how I was going to finally be closer to you."
"The woman of my dreams? It's you."
The ultimate fear. The trauma that's followed me around no matter how many therapists I've been to. People leaving me behind.
"I will never leave you, Blair. I promise. I'm staying right here, or wherever you end up."
Here, from the sidelines, I know I'm looking at my future.
Because maybe I was never too much. Maybe I was just waiting for someone, the right person, who could hold it all.
"I love you, Blair. Today. Now. Before. Every day."
"I know, Ty. I love you too."
Read this if you like:
*Football romance
*Golden retriever MMC
*Body-positive gym owner FMC
*Friends to lovers
*Strong theme of confidence
*Therapy rep
*Found family
*Slow burn 🔥
*Dual POV
*Praise
Content warning: body dysmorphia, parental abandonment, depression, anxiety
Thank you to Rachel LaBerge for the gifted ARC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews