Roughing the Kicker: a friends to lovers sports romance with a happily ever after

Roughing the Kicker is the first book in the Denver Mountain Lions series by Emily Silver. Tenley Rhodes has been in love with Jackson Fields since the ninth grade. However, he was her best friend and she was the girl next door. Ten years later, he is the star kicker for the Denver Mountain Lions. When an injury places him on the sideline, he calls her for help. She moves in with him in order to help him. With Jackson depending on her for everything, she is determined to keep her feelings a secret. However, with every touch sends butterflies to her stomach and fires through her veins. Little does she know, Jackson is beginning to see her differently, will he reveal it has been her all along? Will they be willing to risk their friendship to find a love they are both looking for? 

I’m a sucker for a good sports romance. Roughing the Kicker is a sweet, steamy friends to lovers sports romance. There are lots of heart, sweet moments, laughter, banter and steamy moments. The interactions between Jackson and Tenley are great. The build up to them confessing their feelings was wonderful and sigh-worthy. I loved both characters and read eagerly to see them get their happily ever after. There is a third act break up; but the grand gesture is cute and heartwarming. I closed the book with lots of smiles. The secondary characters were great and I hope they get their own stories in the series. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. If you enjoy a friends to lovers sports romance, I recommend Roughing the Kicker. 

Roughing the Kicker is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook