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Changing The Play
Derek Hollins. Safety for the Vegas Storm.
My reputation precedes me. I was the dirtiest of dirty players in the league. I thrived on it.
Until my son came along.
I gave up everything for him. Turned over a new leaf. Put my past behind me.
I wasn’t looking for love—until a chance encounter with a sexy nurse changed everything.
Sutton is sunshine personified. Like me, she’s putting her daughter first. But I want more of her. Any little piece she’ll give me. Sutton awakens feelings in me that I thought were long gone.
Until my past rears its ugly head. Can she see me for the man I’ve become?
If only I can change the play...
My reputation precedes me. I was the dirtiest of dirty players in the league. I thrived on it.
Until my son came along.
I gave up everything for him. Turned over a new leaf. Put my past behind me.
I wasn’t looking for love—until a chance encounter with a sexy nurse changed everything.
Sutton is sunshine personified. Like me, she’s putting her daughter first. But I want more of her. Any little piece she’ll give me. Sutton awakens feelings in me that I thought were long gone.
Until my past rears its ugly head. Can she see me for the man I’ve become?
If only I can change the play...
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
48 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Emily Silver
50 books585 followersAfter winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.
A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.
When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!
Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!
A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.
When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!
Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 26, 2025
If you read the Denver Mountain Lions series (which is how I was introduced to Emily Silver), then you know the name Derek Hollins. He was the villain: the a-hole who caused people to be injured & who threw out hateful words about members of the queer community. And his team was full of guys just like him... they were easily painted as the bad guys of the series.
“That rivalry you had going with the Mountain Lions? I miss it. I loved watching you destroy them.” I wince. Those were some of my worst games. Vegas wanted anger. They wanted us to be bulldozers on the field. They didn’t care who we took out, as long as it was someone. Now? Now, I hate it. I think about Troy and what kind of example that would set for him. I hate that I fed into it. I said and did some terrible things. Things I don’t think I’ll ever be able to take back.Then, when Emily gave us a 2nd generation spin-off series, we started with Best Kept Secret where the FMC is the daughter of a gay Denver player & she fell in love with Derek's son (very "Romeo & Juliet" vibes). In that story, we got a glimpse of a mature, remorseful Derek who had fallen in love & apologized for his past behavior. And now, Emily has given us his & Sutton's love story. It worked... he's officially redeemed in my eyes.
“You know I like you, Derek, right?” ...Not gonna lie, I was super curious about this book because the difference in the MMC from when he was a football player to when we met him while his son was in college, is huge. Going from Major A-hole to Dude Madly in Love, is not a small personality journey. And right from the beginning, I started to open my heart to Derek & his ability to be a better man. When one of the high school players he coaches used a derogatory word, he made them run laps. This totally proved that, not only is Derek trying to be better, but he’s also making sure the next generation doesn’t follow in his footsteps. As the book progressed, Derek continued to prove the work he’s put in.
“I do, but it’s nice to hear you say it.” ...
“I do, Derek. You’re making me feel… alive, for the first time in a long time. And I like it.” It’s true. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt like this... It’s hard to have my own life sometimes. Being with Derek makes it feel possible. Like I can have it all.
“I know you’ve told me I don’t have to say thank you, but thank you.”Throw in a whirlwind, fast-falling romance with Sutton (FMC) & this story is such a cute read. The side characters are equally lovable & the children are absolutely adorable. For Sutton, this is a second chance at love & for Derek, this is a first chance at something real. To build a life together is one thing, but to build a blended family is something completely different. This romance feels like a warm hug & I officially consider Derek “redeemed” in my eyes.
“You never have to thank me for loving you.”
“Well, forgive me if I want to show you as much as I can.”
“If you get us in trouble…”
“You’ll what?” ...
“I don’t know. Not kiss you.” There’s not a chance in hell I could hold myself to that. Not with the way Derek is staring at me right now...
Derek leans over, tugging my earlobe between his teeth. “You’re not playing fair.”
“Nah, just changing the play on you... Not until I get a kiss from you.”
“Are you really holding me to that right now?”
“Yes. Because there’s no way I can breathe knowing I won’t have another kiss from you, Sutton.”
March 24, 2025
As a huge fan of the Denver Mountain Lions series, I’m so excited that Derek is getting his own story so we can learn about his past. “Changing the Play” is a swoony, steamy and emotional single parent romance that I loved so much.
Derek Hollis was known in the NFL as one of the dirtiest players and wasn’t afraid to show off. But when he finds out he has a son, he left the game and devotes his time to raising his son, Troy. Now he’s a high school football coach and determined to shape kinder players. Sutton is a nurse and a single mom to her daughter, Lydia. The two end up meeting when Troy breaks his arm and there is a spark between them. Both are cautious of starting something new but want to give the relationship a chance.
Once this book hit my kindle, I was so excited to start it. Derek was a great football player who made a wrong choice when he would play up being a dirty player because that’s what his team wanted. But he redeems himself in the best possible way by leaving, raising Troy and being a compassionate coach to his high school team. Sutton is an amazing nurse and mom. I loved how she was so caring with Troy from the start and made sure he wasn’t scared in the hospital. I loved the instant connection that they had and how they approached being in a relationship. Sutton and Derek connected on so many levels and I loved how they were with each other.
They took things slow but made sure that their kids were okay with each other and them dating. They made such an adorable family. And having young Troy in the story made my heart so happy. I loved the ending and it wrapped up their love story perfectly.
Derek Hollis was known in the NFL as one of the dirtiest players and wasn’t afraid to show off. But when he finds out he has a son, he left the game and devotes his time to raising his son, Troy. Now he’s a high school football coach and determined to shape kinder players. Sutton is a nurse and a single mom to her daughter, Lydia. The two end up meeting when Troy breaks his arm and there is a spark between them. Both are cautious of starting something new but want to give the relationship a chance.
Once this book hit my kindle, I was so excited to start it. Derek was a great football player who made a wrong choice when he would play up being a dirty player because that’s what his team wanted. But he redeems himself in the best possible way by leaving, raising Troy and being a compassionate coach to his high school team. Sutton is an amazing nurse and mom. I loved how she was so caring with Troy from the start and made sure he wasn’t scared in the hospital. I loved the instant connection that they had and how they approached being in a relationship. Sutton and Derek connected on so many levels and I loved how they were with each other.
They took things slow but made sure that their kids were okay with each other and them dating. They made such an adorable family. And having young Troy in the story made my heart so happy. I loved the ending and it wrapped up their love story perfectly.
April 11, 2025
I was so excited to see that Emily Silver gave Derek Hollins his very own standalone story in Changing The Play. If you’re like me, and remember Derek from the Denver Mountain Lions series, you probably never thought you’d ever want to be in the same room as that guy. But fast forward to Emily’s brand-new series Best Kept Secret (Colorado Black Diamonds, Book 1), where we get the emotional story of Derek’s son, Troy, finding his HEA—and suddenly, Derek’s story becomes something truly special.
Changing The Play is beautifully poignant in every way. From the moment Derek became a single dad, his life shifted completely—for the better. He left professional football behind to coach at the college level, dedicating his world to raising his son. And then, one trip to the ER with his four-year-old boy changes everything.
Enter Sutton—single mom, nurse, and the spark Derek never saw coming. Their connection is instant: attraction, sizzle, and so much heat. Watching their two families blend together? Absolutely priceless. Watching someone try to pull them apart? Heart-wrenching. But the ending? Pure perfection.
This book is all about redemption, healing, and the unexpected beauty of second chances. Emily Silver doesn’t just tell Derek’s story—she redeems him in the most satisfying way.
Changing The Play is beautifully poignant in every way. From the moment Derek became a single dad, his life shifted completely—for the better. He left professional football behind to coach at the college level, dedicating his world to raising his son. And then, one trip to the ER with his four-year-old boy changes everything.
Enter Sutton—single mom, nurse, and the spark Derek never saw coming. Their connection is instant: attraction, sizzle, and so much heat. Watching their two families blend together? Absolutely priceless. Watching someone try to pull them apart? Heart-wrenching. But the ending? Pure perfection.
This book is all about redemption, healing, and the unexpected beauty of second chances. Emily Silver doesn’t just tell Derek’s story—she redeems him in the most satisfying way.
April 11, 2025
Derek is a very familiar character for me and I was so excited to be getting his story. We met him first in the Denver Mountain Lions series and he was not a good guy and he caused problems for Alex & Carter. Then we met him in the Colorado Black DIamonds series because he is Troy’s father. We see some of that change that has occurred within him but now we get his full redemption story.
I loved Derek and Sutton and getting to see younger Troy and his sister Lydia. I also love how all these characters all have their own stories in her world. Derek and Sutton meet in the ER when Troy gets injured and Sutton is the nurse. Sparks are flying immediately between them and Derek asks Sutton on a date. Things go from casual to serious between them and their dynamic is so perfect. They fit together like a perfect family so easily. You get to see where Troy’s love of hockey started. But of course it’s not all sunshine and roses, we have someone from the past threatening their HEA.
I really think Emily was able to redeem Derek and make him an amazing book boyfriend. This story was full of spice and sweet moments and it was everything they deserved!
I loved Derek and Sutton and getting to see younger Troy and his sister Lydia. I also love how all these characters all have their own stories in her world. Derek and Sutton meet in the ER when Troy gets injured and Sutton is the nurse. Sparks are flying immediately between them and Derek asks Sutton on a date. Things go from casual to serious between them and their dynamic is so perfect. They fit together like a perfect family so easily. You get to see where Troy’s love of hockey started. But of course it’s not all sunshine and roses, we have someone from the past threatening their HEA.
I really think Emily was able to redeem Derek and make him an amazing book boyfriend. This story was full of spice and sweet moments and it was everything they deserved!
April 15, 2025
Doing my happy dance because we finally got Derek Hollins, from the Denver Mountain Lions series. I was smiling from ear to ear as I turned the pages of Derek's story. Ms. Silver delivers a captivating, heartwarming and addictive love story of two people who deserve to find love and be loved again.
After reading the teasers, I knew this book was going to be one where I would lose track of time, and that is exactly what happened. Before I knew it, I was at the end of the book; however, I wanted more. Derek and Sutton are two single parents who are living their lives, but deep down inside, something is missing. A chance meeting sees Derek making the first move. One date, and love blossoms. Derek and Sutton had an instant connection and that led to steaming up the pages.
Troy, Derek's four-year-old son, and Lydia, Sutton's six-year-old daughter were the sweetest. The two of them stole the show and you couldn't help but love the openness and childhood honesty of the two of them.
I loved this story, from the sweet interaction between the two MCs and their children to the support they gave one another's children. Talk about the perfect couple.
After reading the teasers, I knew this book was going to be one where I would lose track of time, and that is exactly what happened. Before I knew it, I was at the end of the book; however, I wanted more. Derek and Sutton are two single parents who are living their lives, but deep down inside, something is missing. A chance meeting sees Derek making the first move. One date, and love blossoms. Derek and Sutton had an instant connection and that led to steaming up the pages.
Troy, Derek's four-year-old son, and Lydia, Sutton's six-year-old daughter were the sweetest. The two of them stole the show and you couldn't help but love the openness and childhood honesty of the two of them.
I loved this story, from the sweet interaction between the two MCs and their children to the support they gave one another's children. Talk about the perfect couple.
April 1, 2025
#SingleDad #SingleMom #ARC
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this ends with a HEA. Though it can be read as a standalone, readers may find the most enjoyment reading this between the Denver Mountain Lions and the Black Diamonds series.
Derek wasn’t the best guy when he played in the NFL. Having his son changed everything. When he meets Sutton, he is a very different guy than he used to be. He is devoted to his son and is trying to make a positive difference coaching high school football.
Sutton is an ER nurse and a single mom. She is a good person, and she is pleasantly surprised when the hottie with the cute little boy pursues her.
These two fall fast for each other. Then their story takes place over several months as they learn to blend their two small families into a larger happy one. I loved the steam, the humor, and the low angst of their story. Now I feel like I need to go back and reread some of the other books again.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this ends with a HEA. Though it can be read as a standalone, readers may find the most enjoyment reading this between the Denver Mountain Lions and the Black Diamonds series.
Derek wasn’t the best guy when he played in the NFL. Having his son changed everything. When he meets Sutton, he is a very different guy than he used to be. He is devoted to his son and is trying to make a positive difference coaching high school football.
Sutton is an ER nurse and a single mom. She is a good person, and she is pleasantly surprised when the hottie with the cute little boy pursues her.
These two fall fast for each other. Then their story takes place over several months as they learn to blend their two small families into a larger happy one. I loved the steam, the humor, and the low angst of their story. Now I feel like I need to go back and reread some of the other books again.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
April 11, 2025
Story: 8/10
Spice: 3/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door
ARC Review-Releases 4/11
Derek Hollins has worked hard to change how the world views him from the former bad-boy of the NFL to being a loving single dad and high school football coach. He has longed for an opportunity with the right woman to build a family and a future with. Enter Sutton. As a single mom and nurse she is at a point of being open to a second chance of falling in love.
We’ve met Derek Hollins before. He was the villain in the Denver Mountain Lions series. And then we’ve met him again in the Colorado Black Diamonds series, but he’s not the villain. I knew there had to be an amazing redemption story for Derek. This was exactly the story he needed. I loved getting to see what happened to Derek after he left the NFL but before his kids were old enough for college. This was like pulling back the curtain in the best way. Emily knows how to write stories that hook you in and are such comforts to read. The characters were loveable, the love was there, and the angst was low. This story delivers.
Spice: 3/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door
ARC Review-Releases 4/11
Derek Hollins has worked hard to change how the world views him from the former bad-boy of the NFL to being a loving single dad and high school football coach. He has longed for an opportunity with the right woman to build a family and a future with. Enter Sutton. As a single mom and nurse she is at a point of being open to a second chance of falling in love.
We’ve met Derek Hollins before. He was the villain in the Denver Mountain Lions series. And then we’ve met him again in the Colorado Black Diamonds series, but he’s not the villain. I knew there had to be an amazing redemption story for Derek. This was exactly the story he needed. I loved getting to see what happened to Derek after he left the NFL but before his kids were old enough for college. This was like pulling back the curtain in the best way. Emily knows how to write stories that hook you in and are such comforts to read. The characters were loveable, the love was there, and the angst was low. This story delivers.
May 17, 2025
Derek and Sutton
FMC: Sutton Bishop, Lydia (6)
MMC: Derek Hollins, Troy (4)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Pages: 258
Tropes: Single dad, Single mom,
Setting: San Diego, California
Thoughts: I thought this was a good, lighthearted read that took a villain and made him a hero. Emily Silver did a great job taking a character that had been a villain for an entire series and making him relatable and repentant at the onset of his own book. I liked seeing the change in Derek and the reason behind the changes he made to his life. He saw the issues with his behavior when he was a professional football player and took action to redeem himself. I thought Sutton was a great match for him and I loved the instant brother/sister relationship between their kids. Since I’ve already read Troy’s book, it was fun to see him as a small child and really get to see his relationship with his dad, Derek. My only complaint is that it kind of dragged towards the middle. There was very little conflict and even the major conflict wrapped up quickly and relatively painlessly.
FMC: Sutton Bishop, Lydia (6)
MMC: Derek Hollins, Troy (4)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Pages: 258
Tropes: Single dad, Single mom,
Setting: San Diego, California
Thoughts: I thought this was a good, lighthearted read that took a villain and made him a hero. Emily Silver did a great job taking a character that had been a villain for an entire series and making him relatable and repentant at the onset of his own book. I liked seeing the change in Derek and the reason behind the changes he made to his life. He saw the issues with his behavior when he was a professional football player and took action to redeem himself. I thought Sutton was a great match for him and I loved the instant brother/sister relationship between their kids. Since I’ve already read Troy’s book, it was fun to see him as a small child and really get to see his relationship with his dad, Derek. My only complaint is that it kind of dragged towards the middle. There was very little conflict and even the major conflict wrapped up quickly and relatively painlessly.
March 17, 2025
If you have read Emily Silver in the past, you may have met Derek in Alex/Carter's book or Troy/Angie's book. And now we are getting his redemption story.
🩵Single dad
🩵Single mom
🩵Ex professional football player
🩵Redemption story
🩵He falls first
When Derek's son ends up in the ER, he is instantly enamored by the nurse taking care of his son. Sutton feels the same way and these two share an instant connection. So when Derek shows up and asks her on a date, it is game over for these two and they end up falling for one another quick!!
Being that I have read other books with Derek has a side character, I know that this man had a lot to make up for from things that he did and said in the past. Emily definitely transforms him and makes him a likeable and redeemable character.
I loved seeing little Troy and Lydia. It was so fun reading Troy's story first and then reading about his parents after.
🩵Single dad
🩵Single mom
🩵Ex professional football player
🩵Redemption story
🩵He falls first
When Derek's son ends up in the ER, he is instantly enamored by the nurse taking care of his son. Sutton feels the same way and these two share an instant connection. So when Derek shows up and asks her on a date, it is game over for these two and they end up falling for one another quick!!
Being that I have read other books with Derek has a side character, I know that this man had a lot to make up for from things that he did and said in the past. Emily definitely transforms him and makes him a likeable and redeemable character.
I loved seeing little Troy and Lydia. It was so fun reading Troy's story first and then reading about his parents after.
April 6, 2025
This was such a hard to put down cute read. Derek and Sutton meet when Derek takes his son to the ER because he broke his arm at school. There’s an instant attraction between them. As they begin to fall and build something together, we’re reminded a little of Derek’s past and how he changed his life to be a better person for his son to be proud of. For Sutton, this is a second chance for love and she’s a bit wary to start something. But as they reach their HEA, they begin to build a blended family full of love and care for each other. Troy and Lydia are adorable together and become instant friends. Their story can be read as a standalone but for more of Derek’s past, he comes out in Best Kept Secret and in his son’s college story in Sideline Infraction. Such a beautiful redemption story you won’t want to put down.
April 6, 2025
ARC Book Review
Changing The Play
A Novel Written By Emily Silver
Fiction -Romance
Published April 2025
216 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cute romantic story about two single parents finding love in an unusual place. Sutton is an emergency room nurse with a six year old daughter. Derek is a former NFL player who is now a high school football coach. He is the father of a six year old son. Derek had the reputation as a dirty football player. He is trying to redeem himself by setting a better example for his son and his players.
Both Sutton and Derek have devoted themselves to their children and their careers. I liked how they both put their children first. Jameson was an awesome side character. He is Sutton’s coworker and best friend. He is a great friend to her and has her back.
“You are everything to me….. My reason for being a better man.”
Changing The Play
A Novel Written By Emily Silver
Fiction -Romance
Published April 2025
216 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a cute romantic story about two single parents finding love in an unusual place. Sutton is an emergency room nurse with a six year old daughter. Derek is a former NFL player who is now a high school football coach. He is the father of a six year old son. Derek had the reputation as a dirty football player. He is trying to redeem himself by setting a better example for his son and his players.
Both Sutton and Derek have devoted themselves to their children and their careers. I liked how they both put their children first. Jameson was an awesome side character. He is Sutton’s coworker and best friend. He is a great friend to her and has her back.
“You are everything to me….. My reason for being a better man.”
March 31, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
| 𝒟𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓀 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒮𝓊𝓉𝓉𝑜𝓃 |
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
💗 Single dad
💗 Single mom
💗 He falls first
💗 Ex football player
💗 Redemption story
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
We have met Derek Hollins in Sideline Infraction where he was the bad guy. Then we read his son Troy's story in Best kept secret, and the man seemed nice enough but we didn't know his story.
Now it's time for him to tell his story and after this, I the man has redeemed himself in my eyes.
That was such a sweet story, and I'm so glad the bad guy turned out to be such a good guy, all thanks to his son, and even though sometimes he doesn't believe it himself.
He makes such a perfect pair with Sutton and their kids are so cute!
I need more redemption stories, they're so good 😍
| 𝒟𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓀 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒮𝓊𝓉𝓉𝑜𝓃 |
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
💗 Single dad
💗 Single mom
💗 He falls first
💗 Ex football player
💗 Redemption story
𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
We have met Derek Hollins in Sideline Infraction where he was the bad guy. Then we read his son Troy's story in Best kept secret, and the man seemed nice enough but we didn't know his story.
Now it's time for him to tell his story and after this, I the man has redeemed himself in my eyes.
That was such a sweet story, and I'm so glad the bad guy turned out to be such a good guy, all thanks to his son, and even though sometimes he doesn't believe it himself.
He makes such a perfect pair with Sutton and their kids are so cute!
I need more redemption stories, they're so good 😍
April 2, 2025
CHANGING THE PLAY (eARC)
My very first Emily Silver book was Best Kept Secret. The *moment* I realized this was a story about the MMC from that book parents, all bets were off. I *loved* Troy as an adult hockey player, but seeing him as a 3/4 year old? So sweet.
This was definitely a redemption story for Derek. Too put it nicely, he was a jerk during his career in football. But then his son came along and he’s now a new man!
I thought Sutton was a perfect choice for Derek. She’s also a single mom. I loved watching them grow together and make their family one.
2.5🌶️
Redemption stories with the once bad guy are becoming a favorite of mine!
Thank you to Emily for the early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My very first Emily Silver book was Best Kept Secret. The *moment* I realized this was a story about the MMC from that book parents, all bets were off. I *loved* Troy as an adult hockey player, but seeing him as a 3/4 year old? So sweet.
This was definitely a redemption story for Derek. Too put it nicely, he was a jerk during his career in football. But then his son came along and he’s now a new man!
I thought Sutton was a perfect choice for Derek. She’s also a single mom. I loved watching them grow together and make their family one.
2.5🌶️
Redemption stories with the once bad guy are becoming a favorite of mine!
Thank you to Emily for the early copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 11, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
I dove into this book 100% completely blind. I had no background info on characters and no expectations for this and wow! let me tell you, it steal my heart! The characters felt like instant family, which was amazing. The kids were absolutely adorable. Little Lydia and Troy brought so much charm and warmth to the story, I couldn’t stop smiling and loved even their instant friendship.
Sutton is a strong and independent ER nurse. She isn’t looking for love. She’s focused on being the best mom to her daughter. Then we have Derek who is a former NFL player turned high school football coach. He is trying to redeem himself and be the dad his son deserves.
The connection between Sutton and Derek is truly heart-melting. However, it’s their love for each other’s kids that completely won me over. I loved it so much.
This standalone is a quick feel-good read with a perfect happily ever after. You don’t need to read the Denver Mountain Lions series to enjoy it (I haven’t, but Derek is from that world).
Thank you Emily Silver for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
I dove into this book 100% completely blind. I had no background info on characters and no expectations for this and wow! let me tell you, it steal my heart! The characters felt like instant family, which was amazing. The kids were absolutely adorable. Little Lydia and Troy brought so much charm and warmth to the story, I couldn’t stop smiling and loved even their instant friendship.
Sutton is a strong and independent ER nurse. She isn’t looking for love. She’s focused on being the best mom to her daughter. Then we have Derek who is a former NFL player turned high school football coach. He is trying to redeem himself and be the dad his son deserves.
The connection between Sutton and Derek is truly heart-melting. However, it’s their love for each other’s kids that completely won me over. I loved it so much.
This standalone is a quick feel-good read with a perfect happily ever after. You don’t need to read the Denver Mountain Lions series to enjoy it (I haven’t, but Derek is from that world).
Thank you Emily Silver for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 18, 2025
I loved every minute of this. It was perfection.
We first met Derek when he was younger and a professional in the NFL, he didn't leave the best impression!
Fast forward 20 years and we see Derek as a Dad, husband & stepdad and has lots of regrets of how he behaved in his younger years.
Now we meet Derek in those inbetween years which means we get to see the cutest 4-year-old ever!
I loved every minute of getting to know the real Derek and I loved his and Sutton's story. There was just an instant connection with them both.
I also loved seeing a little Troy and Lydia, they were just so cute. I am now off to read Troy's story again!
We first met Derek when he was younger and a professional in the NFL, he didn't leave the best impression!
Fast forward 20 years and we see Derek as a Dad, husband & stepdad and has lots of regrets of how he behaved in his younger years.
Now we meet Derek in those inbetween years which means we get to see the cutest 4-year-old ever!
I loved every minute of getting to know the real Derek and I loved his and Sutton's story. There was just an instant connection with them both.
I also loved seeing a little Troy and Lydia, they were just so cute. I am now off to read Troy's story again!
April 1, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Ex professional football player
🖤 Single parents
💜 Blended family
This was an amazing love story. I just love how Emily gave Derek his transformation and I love who Derek is now. Derek and Sutton fit with each other so well and Troy and Lydia are just too cute, and this happy family is amazing. Great book and is very well written.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Ex professional football player
🖤 Single parents
💜 Blended family
This was an amazing love story. I just love how Emily gave Derek his transformation and I love who Derek is now. Derek and Sutton fit with each other so well and Troy and Lydia are just too cute, and this happy family is amazing. Great book and is very well written.
April 24, 2025
I dnf'd this book. First, the conversation between the two main characters seemed disjointed. Second, the fmc has her best friend confront the mmc about his past when they've only had one date. So not cool
May 18, 2025
Great Read
My first read by this author but it won't be my last. Really good book. I loved the storyline with 2 single parents coming together to navigate a new relationship, work and most importantly their children.
My first read by this author but it won't be my last. Really good book. I loved the storyline with 2 single parents coming together to navigate a new relationship, work and most importantly their children.
May 15, 2025
This book was good-ish. It’s very insta-love and everything felt like it was happening at 2x speed. Still, it kept me entertained.
April 20, 2025
Eeekkkk! This is a redemption story if I had ever read one! I absolutely LOVED reading Daddy Derek’s story! His love for Sutton, Lydia and Troy made me swoon! Incredible book and I couldn’t put it down; once I started I had to finish all in one sitting!
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