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The Rookie : The Seattle Ironbacks Football Sports Romance
Not yet published
Expected 20 Feb 26Troy
I thought I knew what I wanted—football, my family, maybe even love. But nothing prepared me for how complicated it would all become. Meeting Charlotte changed everything. Suddenly, the game wasn’t just on the field; it was about being the man she needs when her world starts to fracture. The burdens she carries, the fears she can’t let go of… I see them weighing her down every time she tries to push me away. She’s waiting for me to run, convinced I’m just another person who will disappear when things get messy. But she doesn’t realize I’m already home. I’m not looking for perfect—I’m looking for her, and I’m not going anywhere.
Charlotte
I never trusted that good things could last. Then Troy crashed into my life, and nothing felt safe or simple again. Now, with the truth about my sister’s collapse and a letter from my past finally surfacing, the walls I’ve built for protection are starting to crumble. I’ve always tried to be the strong one, but there’s a weight building inside me that I don’t know how to name—and it’s getting harder to breathe. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for someone to leave. My fear and past experiences haunt me. But maybe, just maybe, I’ll trust him to love me—maybe someone’s love can be permanent.
I thought I knew what I wanted—football, my family, maybe even love. But nothing prepared me for how complicated it would all become. Meeting Charlotte changed everything. Suddenly, the game wasn’t just on the field; it was about being the man she needs when her world starts to fracture. The burdens she carries, the fears she can’t let go of… I see them weighing her down every time she tries to push me away. She’s waiting for me to run, convinced I’m just another person who will disappear when things get messy. But she doesn’t realize I’m already home. I’m not looking for perfect—I’m looking for her, and I’m not going anywhere.
Charlotte
I never trusted that good things could last. Then Troy crashed into my life, and nothing felt safe or simple again. Now, with the truth about my sister’s collapse and a letter from my past finally surfacing, the walls I’ve built for protection are starting to crumble. I’ve always tried to be the strong one, but there’s a weight building inside me that I don’t know how to name—and it’s getting harder to breathe. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, for someone to leave. My fear and past experiences haunt me. But maybe, just maybe, I’ll trust him to love me—maybe someone’s love can be permanent.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 20, 2026
6 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
this book is hands down my favorite out of the 3! this book absolutely gutted me i was in tears! the way she wrote this made u feel every bit of the emotions with Charlie and Troy! the powerful way she made u feel the need in mental illness and how soul wrecking it can be! I felt every single emotion through out this book! it is absolutely outstanding! it was shown how no matter how much u love someone you have to remember your just as important at the other! that is ok to not be ok! this book really got to me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
~Arc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
~The Rookie~The Seattle Ironbacks Book 3~Alexandra Shaw~
♡I knew I loved Troy & Zoey from the previous two books in this series but I didn’t think thier story would take the number one spot for this series but I devoured it in one sitting! Troy falls hard & fast while Zoey is cautious & runs from commitment.
This book is heavy on mental health struggles but Alex incorporated the mental health aspect of this book with kindness & patience. I felt so many real & raw emotions while reading this story at one point I was laughing & crying at the same time.
I can't wait to see what Alex has up her sleeve next & I'm looking forward to reading more of her work in the future!♡
~As Always Happy Reading~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
~The Rookie~The Seattle Ironbacks Book 3~Alexandra Shaw~
♡I knew I loved Troy & Zoey from the previous two books in this series but I didn’t think thier story would take the number one spot for this series but I devoured it in one sitting! Troy falls hard & fast while Zoey is cautious & runs from commitment.
This book is heavy on mental health struggles but Alex incorporated the mental health aspect of this book with kindness & patience. I felt so many real & raw emotions while reading this story at one point I was laughing & crying at the same time.
I can't wait to see what Alex has up her sleeve next & I'm looking forward to reading more of her work in the future!♡
~As Always Happy Reading~
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, I received as an ARC from the Author. The emotional roller-coaster this was. I loved that it explained Troy and Charlotte's mental health and them both finding each other again for the better. This was a perfect book 3 it fit so well. I loved how they met and didnt know about the other even when everyone thought something different and they fought so hard for each other. And the spice..Just the perfect amount for this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ — 4.5 Stars
This book was so much fun. I started The Rookie thinking I’d read a chapter… and suddenly I’m halfway in, kicking my feet and giggling like I’m 19 again 😭🔥.
Troy is the ultimate soft-hearted athlete.... big, focused, protective, and lowkey obsessed with the girl from the moment he meets her. And Charlotte? My chaotic, anxious, funny queen. She overthinks everything, but she’s smart, goofy, and impossible not to love. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic?? AMAZING. The banter, the tension, the “I’m trying not to fall for you but it’s already too late” vibes had me screaming 😭💗🔥.
The romance is sweet and spicy in equal amounts, the side characters are adorable, and the found-family moments made my heart warm.
The only reason it's not a full 5 is a couple small drama moments that felt a little extra... but honestly? Didn’t even matter. I devoured this.
If you love sports romance + big feelings + big chemistry, THE ROOKIE delivers 🏈💋✨.
This book was so much fun. I started The Rookie thinking I’d read a chapter… and suddenly I’m halfway in, kicking my feet and giggling like I’m 19 again 😭🔥.
Troy is the ultimate soft-hearted athlete.... big, focused, protective, and lowkey obsessed with the girl from the moment he meets her. And Charlotte? My chaotic, anxious, funny queen. She overthinks everything, but she’s smart, goofy, and impossible not to love. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic?? AMAZING. The banter, the tension, the “I’m trying not to fall for you but it’s already too late” vibes had me screaming 😭💗🔥.
The romance is sweet and spicy in equal amounts, the side characters are adorable, and the found-family moments made my heart warm.
The only reason it's not a full 5 is a couple small drama moments that felt a little extra... but honestly? Didn’t even matter. I devoured this.
If you love sports romance + big feelings + big chemistry, THE ROOKIE delivers 🏈💋✨.
February 5, 2026
Arc read
Read/listen to The Coach then read The Quarterback before you read this book.
This one we learn more about Travis and see him in a different light that isn’t just horny for his wife.
It’s raw and so very real
Charlotte and Troy meet and have a 48hr stand, but anxiety messes things up for the both of them. This normalizes therapy and medications, and shows how communication is so important in relationships.
Usually I won’t read something that has a break up in it because of how forced that breakup feels. Their ups and downs are necessary for their growth and if you are a “Friends” fan there is a hilarious reference that everyone is thinking!
Read/listen to The Coach then read The Quarterback before you read this book.
This one we learn more about Travis and see him in a different light that isn’t just horny for his wife.
It’s raw and so very real
Charlotte and Troy meet and have a 48hr stand, but anxiety messes things up for the both of them. This normalizes therapy and medications, and shows how communication is so important in relationships.
Usually I won’t read something that has a break up in it because of how forced that breakup feels. Their ups and downs are necessary for their growth and if you are a “Friends” fan there is a hilarious reference that everyone is thinking!
Review of advance copy
in this book, Charlie deals with trust issues and anxiety. from the perspective of somebody who has dealt with trust issues and anxiety, I felt like the book was well written in the issues and the treatment of the issues. the main male character is very patient and helps deal with the anxiety in a way that the main female character needs it. definitely a tear-jerker so you're going to need your tissues and you're just going to have to read it and see how it goes. be sure to read the coach and the quarterback in the ironback series first and then this one as it's the final chapter. it's the end of the era.
February 7, 2026
I love the story; it made me cry several times. I like Tory because he's a great character, and I can relate to Charlie a little. Travis is amazing, and it can I know the story made me laugh at times. I love all the characters, especially Gary. It’s wonderful to end the series, and I will definitely reread it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alexandra Shaw, you did it again! This was an amazing read. It made me laugh and it also made me cry! I love Charlotte and Troy! There was love , mental illness, forgiveness, spice and some tears in this book! I couldn't put this book down! Thumbs up for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶🌶.5
This is a wonderful sports romance that does a great job of delicately addressing mental health. The MMC is a golden retriever and the FMC shows you realness.
He falls first and hard.
Dom/Sub kink is in the 2nd half of the book.
Spice Level: 🌶🌶.5
This is a wonderful sports romance that does a great job of delicately addressing mental health. The MMC is a golden retriever and the FMC shows you realness.
He falls first and hard.
Dom/Sub kink is in the 2nd half of the book.
February 12, 2026
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down! Just like every book I’ve read from Alexandra it is engulfing! Charlotte and Troy were both amazing characters! The emotion in this book specifically for Charlotte was written so well. The ending was absolutely perfect for this book!
Review of advance copy
this book is my favorite book of this author. so much I can relate to the fmc. this author displayed the depression trope to an amazing read!! And how much people are shunned
Review of advance copy
oh my gosh this is my favorite of this series. I love this book, the emotional depth, the talk of mental health, the struggles with managing all that and a new relationship. Alexandra does a beautiful job of showing how the two main characters Troy and Charlotte grow together and separately. I highly recommend this book, it's the best way to close out a series like this.
Review of advance copy
Okay, so firstly—thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read this. I always appreciate the opportunity to dive into a story early and share my honest thoughts.
Secondly, this was a decent book. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, moments that pulled me in, and scenes that reminded me why I love this author’s storytelling style. But there were also sections that didn’t land as strongly for me. I understand that the journey the characters go through is important, and it serves the overall growth and emotional arc of the story—but at times, it felt like certain parts dragged a bit or could have been tightened without losing their impact. A few sections felt longer than necessary, which made the pacing uneven in places.
That being said, I truly do love Alexandra’s books. She has a way of crafting emotional connections and layered characters that always stick with me. Even though this one wasn’t a top favorite, it still had her signature heart and depth woven throughout. It was an okay read for me personally—not bad by any means, just not the one that hit as hard as some of her others.
Overall, I’m still grateful I got to experience it early, and I’ll always look forward to whatever Alexandra writes next. Her storytelling continues to shine, even when certain books resonate differently.
Secondly, this was a decent book. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, moments that pulled me in, and scenes that reminded me why I love this author’s storytelling style. But there were also sections that didn’t land as strongly for me. I understand that the journey the characters go through is important, and it serves the overall growth and emotional arc of the story—but at times, it felt like certain parts dragged a bit or could have been tightened without losing their impact. A few sections felt longer than necessary, which made the pacing uneven in places.
That being said, I truly do love Alexandra’s books. She has a way of crafting emotional connections and layered characters that always stick with me. Even though this one wasn’t a top favorite, it still had her signature heart and depth woven throughout. It was an okay read for me personally—not bad by any means, just not the one that hit as hard as some of her others.
Overall, I’m still grateful I got to experience it early, and I’ll always look forward to whatever Alexandra writes next. Her storytelling continues to shine, even when certain books resonate differently.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I cld give a book a million stars it wld be this one! It’s a spicy love story that will leave you swooning and teary eyed!
A beautifully emotional ending to the series! This book gives you everything you want and then some. If you had questions from reading The Coach and The Quarterback, you get your answers in this book!
In true Alexandra Shaw fashion is mixes messy and real with humor and spice that leave you with characters you will keep in your heart for life.
In this final book of the series we get Charlie and Troy’s epic love story with grit and how they work through their traumas and emotions! It’s a beautiful story that isn’t always easy, but if you truly love someone, nothing will stop you from being with them and loving them with everything your heart will allow!
So, grab the tissues, a snack and buckle down for The Rookie! I absolutely love this book and it’s honestly my favorite one of this series.
A beautifully emotional ending to the series! This book gives you everything you want and then some. If you had questions from reading The Coach and The Quarterback, you get your answers in this book!
In true Alexandra Shaw fashion is mixes messy and real with humor and spice that leave you with characters you will keep in your heart for life.
In this final book of the series we get Charlie and Troy’s epic love story with grit and how they work through their traumas and emotions! It’s a beautiful story that isn’t always easy, but if you truly love someone, nothing will stop you from being with them and loving them with everything your heart will allow!
So, grab the tissues, a snack and buckle down for The Rookie! I absolutely love this book and it’s honestly my favorite one of this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a 4.5 stars. Alexandra Shaw never disappoints. Her writing is amazing and she keeps her audience engaged.
This is book three in the Ironback series. I love when a series keeps all the characters and continues to build on the new stories. This story is about Troy, the new rookie on
the team and one of the coach’s twin daughters, Charlotte.
Troy and Charlotte met one night in a club, right after he was drafted into the NFL. After hitting it off and not revealing last names, they start seeing each other. But as soon as it started, it ends on an assumption and heartbreaks ensues. Time passes and their lives go on, but the yearning and love never die.
This story will take you on that journey with these characters, their families and teammates. It will show you a lot of love, support and real life issues. It will lead you down some mental illness issues, some drama and will reveal some secrets of the past.
I highly recommend this series.
This is book three in the Ironback series. I love when a series keeps all the characters and continues to build on the new stories. This story is about Troy, the new rookie on
the team and one of the coach’s twin daughters, Charlotte.
Troy and Charlotte met one night in a club, right after he was drafted into the NFL. After hitting it off and not revealing last names, they start seeing each other. But as soon as it started, it ends on an assumption and heartbreaks ensues. Time passes and their lives go on, but the yearning and love never die.
This story will take you on that journey with these characters, their families and teammates. It will show you a lot of love, support and real life issues. It will lead you down some mental illness issues, some drama and will reveal some secrets of the past.
I highly recommend this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive The Rookie as an ARC!
The Rookie is the third book in the Seattle Ironbacks series. While it could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Coach and The Quarterback first. You will understand the characters so much more! I absolutely love these characters and their real life, relatable struggles with trust,love and believing in yourself! There are some amazing women in these stories and some fabulous men who are dedicated and obsessed with their women! There is SPICE and HEA’s in every book.
I have read several of Alexandra Shaw’s books and she does an amazing job of bringing these characters to life and making you feel like you are living in their world! There are moments that will make you laugh, cry and kick your feet while giggling!! I will always recommend her books!
The Rookie is the third book in the Seattle Ironbacks series. While it could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Coach and The Quarterback first. You will understand the characters so much more! I absolutely love these characters and their real life, relatable struggles with trust,love and believing in yourself! There are some amazing women in these stories and some fabulous men who are dedicated and obsessed with their women! There is SPICE and HEA’s in every book.
I have read several of Alexandra Shaw’s books and she does an amazing job of bringing these characters to life and making you feel like you are living in their world! There are moments that will make you laugh, cry and kick your feet while giggling!! I will always recommend her books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2026
This book was hit and miss for me. I really enjoyed the first act. We meet Troy and get to know him before we get Charlie and Troy’s adorable start to their romance. And I was really happy with the last act, which has a very satisfying conclusion not just to this book but the trilogy. I had some issues, however, with the middle portion of the book - mostly because of the miscommunication. It is resolved and the reasoning makes absolute sense. This is not a case of miscommunication as a lazy plot device. It has to do with the mental health struggles of Charlotte. There is a lot of mental health rep in this series dealing with eating disorders, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Thank you to author Alexandra Shaw for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to author Alexandra Shaw for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy
I was really looking forward to this as I love a coaches daughter moment but this one was toxic.
Charlotte really needed to get her emotions together sooner. She fought everything, constantly and I really don’t think she loved Troy.
Troy had a rough childhood just like Charlotte in the aspect of not having a mom BUT Troy learned how to grow and appreciate and love without running.
It’s an okay book. I’d read another one of the authors books. This one just wasn’t one of my faves.
Tropes:
Coaches daughter
Mental health rep
College to NFL player
Charlotte really needed to get her emotions together sooner. She fought everything, constantly and I really don’t think she loved Troy.
Troy had a rough childhood just like Charlotte in the aspect of not having a mom BUT Troy learned how to grow and appreciate and love without running.
It’s an okay book. I’d read another one of the authors books. This one just wasn’t one of my faves.
Tropes:
Coaches daughter
Mental health rep
College to NFL player
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, this was definitely my favorite book of The Ironback series 💯 I loved every moment!!! All of Alexandra Shaw's books are real, raw and powerful. But this one hit home hard for me and made me feel very very seen! Dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues is extremely hard and taxing on a daily basis, but having people that love and except you no matter what absolutely helps....it took me a long time to find those people. Being able to read a book and to relate to a character about this stuggle was absolutely AMAZING. Thank you Alex! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG!!!! When I say I loved this book, that doesn’t even come close to how much I actually loved this book!!! The characters are so relatable. They could be you, a family member, or a close friend. Troy’s and Charlotte’s journeys were so real and hit home. I went through so many emotions reading this story. This is my favorite book so far this year and easily in my top 10 of all time. If you haven’t read it yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!?!?!?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely one hundred percent feel SEEN now because of how Alexandra Shaw wrote the mental health struggles of her characters in this book. Being a survivor and mental health warrior, this work resonated with me on a soul deep level. The heart this work has is just a piece of what makes it so good. The love story is beautiful and painful and real. The spice definitely spices in the best way. Bravo Alexandra, bravo!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of this book. This story follows troy and Charlotte ( Charlie). A "one-night stand" turns into a few day and then jealousy from someone close to her causes some issues. There is drama, love, support and a hea. This book is amamzing, it hits all the feels in the right place, the suspense of their relationship and their families' support is all their. I loved this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
Troy and Charlie will tear you apart and put you back together. The mental health representation is perfection. Their love story is hard fought but well worth the tears and heartache. This is the perfect wrap up to the Ironbacks series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Troy and Charlotte! Ah! Loved them together. Got this as an advanced copy - what a treat it was. Loved the mental health awareness aspect of the book as well. But the spice was delicious. Loved how Troy used the spice to help Charlotte. It was wonderful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This had me hooked from chapter 5. it was a beautiful blend of spice and mental health awareness. This book made me feel seen. Sad to see this series come to an end but this was a great way to end the series
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what an emotional roller-coaster! I was sobbing. Troy and Charlie's story, I think was my favorite of the three! I can't wait for the physical copy to come out so I can add it to my other two. Alexandra Shaw is one of my favorite authors!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book def has some up and downs emotionally but I believe Troy is my fav of all the male characters def deserves all the hype
February 10, 2026
The rookie was everything I didn’t know I needed from this series. Alexandra Shaw writes about mental illness and does it in a way that so many people experience - it’s real and not sugar coated. The conversations about Cynthia brought so much to this story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews