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Harris Brothers World
Blindsided
What happens when an almost thirty-year-old virgin agrees to let her Scottish footballer best friend give her some lessons in seduction?
Lots of banter, awkwardness, jealousy, and heat.
Midfielder Maclay “Mac” Logan is a loud-mouthed, tattooed ginger content with focusing on football. But when an adorably-freckled seamstress comes barreling into his life, he finds Netflix-And-Bickering with her to be his new favorite pastime.
Freya Cook is used to being the invisible woman with a needle and thread, offering cheeky punchlines as she helps dress London’s finest. She’s plus-sized in body and spirit, and other than her friendship with Mac, talking to the opposite sex is one skill she never mastered.
However, after one innocent game of Never Have I Ever, Mac offers to play Love Coach for Freya.
What neither of them see coming are the feelings that develop when the clothes come off.
Now they’re both about to learn the biggest lesson of all: Don't fall in love with your best friend.
Blindsided is a full length (97,000 words) contemporary rom-com standalone with a sports theme.
Lots of banter, awkwardness, jealousy, and heat.
Midfielder Maclay “Mac” Logan is a loud-mouthed, tattooed ginger content with focusing on football. But when an adorably-freckled seamstress comes barreling into his life, he finds Netflix-And-Bickering with her to be his new favorite pastime.
Freya Cook is used to being the invisible woman with a needle and thread, offering cheeky punchlines as she helps dress London’s finest. She’s plus-sized in body and spirit, and other than her friendship with Mac, talking to the opposite sex is one skill she never mastered.
However, after one innocent game of Never Have I Ever, Mac offers to play Love Coach for Freya.
What neither of them see coming are the feelings that develop when the clothes come off.
Now they’re both about to learn the biggest lesson of all: Don't fall in love with your best friend.
Blindsided is a full length (97,000 words) contemporary rom-com standalone with a sports theme.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2019
About the author
Amy Daws
40 books9,261 followersNumber 1 Amazon Bestselling author Amy Daws writes spicy love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond. She's most known for her footy-playing Harris Brothers and writing in a tire shop waiting room. When Amy is not writing, she’s likely making charcuterie boards from her home in South Dakota where she lives with her daughter and husband.
For more of Amy's work, visit: http://www.amydawsauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,128 reviews
April 2, 2020
I had to DNF this book because it is one of the cringiest books ever with a highly unlikable heroine!
The heroine, Freya, is a 30-year old virgin. Normally, I do not like to read "virgin heroine vs man-wh*re hero" books so it was the reason I was reluctant to read this book for so long but then I had the book already on my Kindle so I said, “What the hell, let me at least try...” However, she is not only a 30-year old virgin, but she knows nothing about sex. Never masturbated, never read articles on it etc. She doesn’t even know some basic knowledge or certain vocabulary related to sex.
For example, they were playing, “Never have I …” with friends and when asked if she ever “gave head” or tried “reverse cowgirl”, she had no idea what they all meant so she just acted as if she did all of those things. I thought I could try to put up with a 30-year old virgin but I never thought she would be so dumb. She literally thought a reverse cowgirl would mean “the girl dresses up like a cowboy and the boy dresses up like a cowgirl.” See how dumb she is?
And the writer makes it look like that her dumbness is in fact her innocence! Ha ha, innocence my as*! She was the definition of an idiot, that’s what she was. An irritating idiot! She even asks the hero whether it hurts for men when they do it the first time! How could anyone at the age of 30 be so clueless? She wasn’t living her life with monkeys and deers in a jungle!
This cringy woman refers to sex as “The Sex”. She says that she has never had The Sex. She says she wants to experience The Sex… How repulsive is that? She also calls her virginity her “Maiden Tag”... Ughhh…
The more I read, the more I wondered how much more ridiculous and irritating it would get and I cannot tell you how unbearable it gets. There are no words!
Freya is also a self deprecating person. She always talks about her body in an insulting way. She constantly emphasizes that she is not attractive due to her over-weight body. She keeps saying how she is not a good match for the athletic handsome hero.
Her non-stop body-shaming is not only annoying to me as a reader of a romance book but it is also insulting for all women out there in real life who don’t look like a super model.
Thus, I said "enough is enough" and DNF'ed it after their first sex scene.
The heroine, Freya, is a 30-year old virgin. Normally, I do not like to read "virgin heroine vs man-wh*re hero" books so it was the reason I was reluctant to read this book for so long but then I had the book already on my Kindle so I said, “What the hell, let me at least try...” However, she is not only a 30-year old virgin, but she knows nothing about sex. Never masturbated, never read articles on it etc. She doesn’t even know some basic knowledge or certain vocabulary related to sex.
For example, they were playing, “Never have I …” with friends and when asked if she ever “gave head” or tried “reverse cowgirl”, she had no idea what they all meant so she just acted as if she did all of those things. I thought I could try to put up with a 30-year old virgin but I never thought she would be so dumb. She literally thought a reverse cowgirl would mean “the girl dresses up like a cowboy and the boy dresses up like a cowgirl.” See how dumb she is?
And the writer makes it look like that her dumbness is in fact her innocence! Ha ha, innocence my as*! She was the definition of an idiot, that’s what she was. An irritating idiot! She even asks the hero whether it hurts for men when they do it the first time! How could anyone at the age of 30 be so clueless? She wasn’t living her life with monkeys and deers in a jungle!
This cringy woman refers to sex as “The Sex”. She says that she has never had The Sex. She says she wants to experience The Sex… How repulsive is that? She also calls her virginity her “Maiden Tag”... Ughhh…
The more I read, the more I wondered how much more ridiculous and irritating it would get and I cannot tell you how unbearable it gets. There are no words!
Freya is also a self deprecating person. She always talks about her body in an insulting way. She constantly emphasizes that she is not attractive due to her over-weight body. She keeps saying how she is not a good match for the athletic handsome hero.
Her non-stop body-shaming is not only annoying to me as a reader of a romance book but it is also insulting for all women out there in real life who don’t look like a super model.
Thus, I said "enough is enough" and DNF'ed it after their first sex scene.
February 12, 2020
4.25 stars
Blindsided is only my second Amy Daws book, and I really want to read all the Harris Brother's books! The first I read was Payback, which was nice because even though this is a stand-alone, Mac's friend and roommate is Roan and Freya's bestie is Allie Harris.
Freya and Mac have been the best of friends for over a year. They spend all their free time together watching Netflix, and just hanging out, but there has never been anything more than friendship. Freya wouldn't dream of it. Freya is a beautiful plus sized woman, but she believes Mac is completely out of her league. Mac is a tall, tatted, and built Scotsman who plays football for a living, there's no way he would be interested.
When they go to a party together, things start to change. Freya gets sucked into playing a 'never have I ever' sort of game that shows her true inexperience to Mac. At first, Mac decides to help her date. Be her love coach. Then, things start to heat up between them. It's only supposed to be a one-time thing. Mac will help her get over her inexperiences, it's part of his coaching duties... but it becomes so much more.
What I loved most about this book was the friends to lovers aspect. I always love watching friends fall for one another and this is unique in the sense that Mac has had feelings for Freya for some time, but Freya, due to her insecurities has put him in the friend zone. They were really sweet together as friends, and spicy as lovers. Another thing I really loved was Mac's family. Especially his grandpa.
This book had so many great laugh out loud moments. Listening to the audio book was such a blast. It's narrated by Will Watt and Charlotte Cole. The narration was spot on and I loved the accents, especially Will Watt's. I definitely recommend listening to this book in audio format and I'm sure that's how I'll continue the rest of the series.
Amy Daws writes fabulous romantic comedies. They have heart, heat, and tons of humor. If you're looking for a fun friends to lovers/sports romance/rom-com, pick up Blindsided!
Blindsided is only my second Amy Daws book, and I really want to read all the Harris Brother's books! The first I read was Payback, which was nice because even though this is a stand-alone, Mac's friend and roommate is Roan and Freya's bestie is Allie Harris.
Freya and Mac have been the best of friends for over a year. They spend all their free time together watching Netflix, and just hanging out, but there has never been anything more than friendship. Freya wouldn't dream of it. Freya is a beautiful plus sized woman, but she believes Mac is completely out of her league. Mac is a tall, tatted, and built Scotsman who plays football for a living, there's no way he would be interested.
When they go to a party together, things start to change. Freya gets sucked into playing a 'never have I ever' sort of game that shows her true inexperience to Mac. At first, Mac decides to help her date. Be her love coach. Then, things start to heat up between them. It's only supposed to be a one-time thing. Mac will help her get over her inexperiences, it's part of his coaching duties... but it becomes so much more.
What I loved most about this book was the friends to lovers aspect. I always love watching friends fall for one another and this is unique in the sense that Mac has had feelings for Freya for some time, but Freya, due to her insecurities has put him in the friend zone. They were really sweet together as friends, and spicy as lovers. Another thing I really loved was Mac's family. Especially his grandpa.
This book had so many great laugh out loud moments. Listening to the audio book was such a blast. It's narrated by Will Watt and Charlotte Cole. The narration was spot on and I loved the accents, especially Will Watt's. I definitely recommend listening to this book in audio format and I'm sure that's how I'll continue the rest of the series.
Amy Daws writes fabulous romantic comedies. They have heart, heat, and tons of humor. If you're looking for a fun friends to lovers/sports romance/rom-com, pick up Blindsided!
April 29, 2021
4.5 Scratch That Itch Stars ⭐
What a charming best friends to lovers romance filled with humour, witty characters and plenty of endearing and steamy moments. If that's not enough, Blindsided featured a brawny Scotsman who knows how to wear a kilt and his gorgeous girl full of sass.
You know what they say, ‘A beard that rocks the red is a beard that rocks in bed’.
Freya is a plus sized redhead surrounded my professional athletes and their gorgeous spouses. With many insecurities around her appearance, being a 30 year old virgin is the icing on the cake.
“Your size and your shape are bonnie, and you don’t need to trip over your words in front of a guy you fancy because you should never doubt how beautiful you are.”
Mac plays football for the English Premier League. He knows firsthand how fake people can be when they want something from you. But meeting a girl like Freya and being able to be yourself without pretense is priceless.
So Freya and Mac have been best friends for over a year. All is well in their lives until Mac finds out that Freya is a dating reject. The girl can barely get past her nervousness and struggles significantly with the opposite sex. And with a grand idea, Mac appoints himself her love coach.
I slick my tongue around his tip and then suck him hard between my lips like a lollypop. I glance up, and the look he’s shooting down on me isn’t one of a student and a teacher. It’s pure, unbridled lust.
Now I bet you know where all this leads but the magic was in the lessons. The more these two became intimately involved, the more I grinned like a loon. Honestly I adore nothing more then a foul mouthed heroine and a hero who's a glutton for punishment.
“You’re going to have to stop being mean to me, Freya, or I’m going to fall in love with you.
Freya’s anger disappears. “What?”
I shoot her a wink. “I get a stiffy for the mean ones.”
Normally this kind of story would be a 5 star read. I also feel that you're guaranteed an enjoyable, low drama read when you pick up a book by this author. She nails humour and dialogue everytime. I had a couple of criticisms in this instance. Blindsided was a little slow going initially, so I had to preservere in the beginning. And lastly there were a couple of terms Freya would use in her naivity and overall innocence that wrecked me. (The Sex and Maiden Tag) I can't even...
What a charming best friends to lovers romance filled with humour, witty characters and plenty of endearing and steamy moments. If that's not enough, Blindsided featured a brawny Scotsman who knows how to wear a kilt and his gorgeous girl full of sass.
You know what they say, ‘A beard that rocks the red is a beard that rocks in bed’.
Freya is a plus sized redhead surrounded my professional athletes and their gorgeous spouses. With many insecurities around her appearance, being a 30 year old virgin is the icing on the cake.
“Your size and your shape are bonnie, and you don’t need to trip over your words in front of a guy you fancy because you should never doubt how beautiful you are.”
Mac plays football for the English Premier League. He knows firsthand how fake people can be when they want something from you. But meeting a girl like Freya and being able to be yourself without pretense is priceless.
So Freya and Mac have been best friends for over a year. All is well in their lives until Mac finds out that Freya is a dating reject. The girl can barely get past her nervousness and struggles significantly with the opposite sex. And with a grand idea, Mac appoints himself her love coach.
I slick my tongue around his tip and then suck him hard between my lips like a lollypop. I glance up, and the look he’s shooting down on me isn’t one of a student and a teacher. It’s pure, unbridled lust.
Now I bet you know where all this leads but the magic was in the lessons. The more these two became intimately involved, the more I grinned like a loon. Honestly I adore nothing more then a foul mouthed heroine and a hero who's a glutton for punishment.
“You’re going to have to stop being mean to me, Freya, or I’m going to fall in love with you.
Freya’s anger disappears. “What?”
I shoot her a wink. “I get a stiffy for the mean ones.”
Normally this kind of story would be a 5 star read. I also feel that you're guaranteed an enjoyable, low drama read when you pick up a book by this author. She nails humour and dialogue everytime. I had a couple of criticisms in this instance. Blindsided was a little slow going initially, so I had to preservere in the beginning. And lastly there were a couple of terms Freya would use in her naivity and overall innocence that wrecked me. (The Sex and Maiden Tag) I can't even...
December 21, 2024
3.5 stars
this has the exact same tropes as Before Jamaica Lane (one of my all-time faves), where an "experienced" H teaches his "inexperienced" best friend, aka the h, anything that revolves around that dating, then that turns into sex lessons, then they fall in love, etc.
although this was really cute and enjoyable, i found the h's insecurity and self-deprecation a little too much?? like, i know that's the whole point but damn. she's too mean to herself. but honestly, i prefer characters who have insecurities because i prefer imperfect heroines over Mary Sue's any day.
aaand the h can be quite annoying sometimes and her humor can be kinda cringey and not in a good way like The Office. i really don't like how she says "The Sex" all the time. that was just a turnoff and that's why i couldn't fully enjoy this one.
even though this is similar to BJL, the H here is NOT a man ho and he was actually celibate since he's met her and maybe even before that and i was like,
mind-fucking-blown.
there is also GROVELLING at the end and can i just say, the drama in the third act was so good, i found myself not putting the book down and i definitely love how the h didn't forgive the H so easily.
anyways, this was a really fun and easy read and if you don't mind some pet peeves that i know a lot of readers have (ex: virgin, inexperienced, and insecure h), then i definitely recommend this.
this has the exact same tropes as Before Jamaica Lane (one of my all-time faves), where an "experienced" H teaches his "inexperienced" best friend, aka the h, anything that revolves around that dating, then that turns into sex lessons, then they fall in love, etc.
although this was really cute and enjoyable, i found the h's insecurity and self-deprecation a little too much?? like, i know that's the whole point but damn. she's too mean to herself. but honestly, i prefer characters who have insecurities because i prefer imperfect heroines over Mary Sue's any day.
aaand the h can be quite annoying sometimes and her humor can be kinda cringey and not in a good way like The Office. i really don't like how she says "The Sex" all the time. that was just a turnoff and that's why i couldn't fully enjoy this one.
even though this is similar to BJL, the H here is NOT a man ho and he was actually celibate since he's met her and maybe even before that and i was like,
mind-fucking-blown.
there is also GROVELLING at the end and can i just say, the drama in the third act was so good, i found myself not putting the book down and i definitely love how the h didn't forgive the H so easily.
anyways, this was a really fun and easy read and if you don't mind some pet peeves that i know a lot of readers have (ex: virgin, inexperienced, and insecure h), then i definitely recommend this.
December 8, 2021
I don't trust booktok anymore
August 19, 2021
When I was 16 a girl in our Sex Ed class asked the teacher "can you get pregnant from giving a blow job?" we all laughed and looking back now it's kind of cute. Do you know what isn't cute though? A 30 year old woman not knowing one fucking thing about sex. Referring to sex as "The Sex" and calling her virginity her "maiden head" *vomit*.
December 28, 2023
4.5 Never-Have-I-Ever stars
Those of you that’ve read this book know exactly what I’m talking about. This is a delicious friends-to-lovers sports romance… with an H that’s willing to teach his virginal best friend all the ropes when it comes to smexx.
*side note* the audiobook is FANTASTIC! It’s duet narration and the narrators’ accents are phenomenal.
Freya’s (29/30) a virgin, has had awkward dates and even more awkward kissing encounters. So she basically just gives up on trying. She’s been so focused on her business as a seamstress/clothing store owner that she just doesn’t care to date or try to lose her v to anyone. One thing she does care about? Her best friend Mac.
Mac’s (30) been keeping his close friendship with Freya a secret, mostly because Cookie (Freya) doesn’t want anyone to know. If it was up to him, everyone would know about their connection as best friends, but she doesn’t want people to pity her. Why? Well, she’s a thick girl, curves for days, and Mac is… well, he’s a handsome, big, muscular soccer (football) player who’s very experienced, unlike her.
When Freya goes on a disastrous OM1 date with the Spanish coffeehouse worker she’s been crushing on for a while, she realizes she needs help (Omg the cheese kiss 😅😬). Mac asks to see how bad it could actually be. And then they kiss. And it’s not bad at all. Not at all 👀 and now Mac sees her as more than just his best friend…
What I liked/loved
—how close of a friendship they have
—Um… the damn chemistry🔥. Good LAWD. Even when they were still pretty much in the friend zone, their connection’s organic and seamless. No need to force anything. When Mac helps her pick out outfits, I could feeeeeel the tension rising. Gahh. I love how we got to see the transition from their friendship phase to more-than-just-friends 👀
—the BODY POSITIVITY 👏🏻. Freya’s a thick girl. She’s curvy, and Mac makes her feel beautiful the 👏🏻whole👏🏻time. He even loves her freckles, but he desires her curves, her dimples, her smexxiness 🥵
—the OM scenes 😈 sigh. I love when the H becomes a caveman and oh boy… does Mac ever 😅. He almost drags Freya kicking and screaming when she goes on another OM2 date lol, but he asks her to trust him, and she does. So no kicking and screaming (but there was almost a fist fight 💅)
—the smexxy times 🔥. Well, duh lol. The fact that Mac convinces Freya to lose her v to him and he proceeds to take it in such a sweet, smexy, yet alpha way gave me goosebumps (the good kind lol). I love when the Hs want to consume the h, and Mac makes sure to taste her as many times as possible 🥵💦😅. Also, I’m tempted to see if it’s REALLY possible to do what they did during the car wash scene 👀😉 #skills
—the “Never Have I Ever” scene 😂😂😂 omg bahahaha I was feeling so awkward 🫣lol but at least I learned something new (thank you Urban Dictionary lol), which brings me to
—the laughter/smiling I did. This is a romcom, and I definitely giggled throughout
—his JP side
—MINEMINEMINE
—the side characters. I need to read all the books lol
—the angst. Believe it or not, there’s some angst in here (especially when it comes to Mac’s gpa)
—the title is the book- yup, it means something
—the bonus epilogue🥰. I love that we get to see Mac go crazy lol
What I didn’t like
—Freya’s reaction to Mac needing to leave😒. Man, I wanted to slap her a few times! I was totally in Mac’s corner here 🤷🏻♀️. Freya really p’d me off
Overall, I loved it ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing
-virgin h/not a manwhore H (but experienced)
-OM- h goes on a disaster date with OM1. It’s awkward and horrible. OM2 asks her on a date and it pisses H off. He bulldozes his way to the date and takes her home 💅. OM3- h goes on a horrible date (he hates cats and makes her pay for dinner)
-OW- H had a previous FWB whom he still talks to and hangs out with when he’s in town. She’s married and they’re just friends. He tells her they can’t continue once he begins his FWB relationship with the h
-condoms/then none (she’s on the pill)
-death of a loved one (cancer)
-HEA/epilogues/years later/bonus epilogue
Those of you that’ve read this book know exactly what I’m talking about. This is a delicious friends-to-lovers sports romance… with an H that’s willing to teach his virginal best friend all the ropes when it comes to smexx.
*side note* the audiobook is FANTASTIC! It’s duet narration and the narrators’ accents are phenomenal.
Freya’s (29/30) a virgin, has had awkward dates and even more awkward kissing encounters. So she basically just gives up on trying. She’s been so focused on her business as a seamstress/clothing store owner that she just doesn’t care to date or try to lose her v to anyone. One thing she does care about? Her best friend Mac.
Mac’s (30) been keeping his close friendship with Freya a secret, mostly because Cookie (Freya) doesn’t want anyone to know. If it was up to him, everyone would know about their connection as best friends, but she doesn’t want people to pity her. Why? Well, she’s a thick girl, curves for days, and Mac is… well, he’s a handsome, big, muscular soccer (football) player who’s very experienced, unlike her.
When Freya goes on a disastrous OM1 date with the Spanish coffeehouse worker she’s been crushing on for a while, she realizes she needs help (Omg the cheese kiss 😅😬). Mac asks to see how bad it could actually be. And then they kiss. And it’s not bad at all. Not at all 👀 and now Mac sees her as more than just his best friend…
What I liked/loved
—how close of a friendship they have
”Did you say ‘best mate’?” He shrugs. “Aye, you have been nearly since the second we met, which is why I want my teammates to know you. You’re my wee treasure, and I’m right proud of you.”
—Um… the damn chemistry🔥. Good LAWD. Even when they were still pretty much in the friend zone, their connection’s organic and seamless. No need to force anything. When Mac helps her pick out outfits, I could feeeeeel the tension rising. Gahh. I love how we got to see the transition from their friendship phase to more-than-just-friends 👀
”You are a proper pain in my arse, Mac. Do you know that?” He beams happily. “It’s a good thing you have a great arse then.”
—the BODY POSITIVITY 👏🏻. Freya’s a thick girl. She’s curvy, and Mac makes her feel beautiful the 👏🏻whole👏🏻time. He even loves her freckles, but he desires her curves, her dimples, her smexxiness 🥵
”Your size and your shape are bonnie, and you don’t need to trip over your words in front of a guy you fancy because you should never doubt how beautiful you are.” He swallows a seemingly uncomfortable lump in his throat, and adds, “But even if I can’t cure you of this warped view you have about your body, you need to remember you’re funny, and smart, and talented, with loads of other qualities that make the fact that you’re drop-dead gorgeous a really nice perk. Any man would be lucky to talk to you.”
—the OM scenes 😈 sigh. I love when the H becomes a caveman and oh boy… does Mac ever 😅. He almost drags Freya kicking and screaming when she goes on another OM2 date lol, but he asks her to trust him, and she does. So no kicking and screaming (but there was almost a fist fight 💅)
—the smexxy times 🔥. Well, duh lol. The fact that Mac convinces Freya to lose her v to him and he proceeds to take it in such a sweet, smexy, yet alpha way gave me goosebumps (the good kind lol). I love when the Hs want to consume the h, and Mac makes sure to taste her as many times as possible 🥵💦😅. Also, I’m tempted to see if it’s REALLY possible to do what they did during the car wash scene 👀😉 #skills
”Your body is everything I fucking want.” He leans down and presses a soft kiss to my lips. “Your curves.” Kiss to my shoulder. “Your dimples.” Kiss to my neck. “Your softness.” Kiss to my breasts, and my belly, and my…oh my fucking God, he’s on his knees. “Your heat,” he murmurs against my legs before hooking his fingers into the waistband of my knickers. He drags them down slowly, and I’m suddenly hugely grateful that I splurged on a full Brazilian wax yesterday. He presses me down onto the bed and slowly spreads my legs and hitches them up onto his shoulders.
—the “Never Have I Ever” scene 😂😂😂 omg bahahaha I was feeling so awkward 🫣lol but at least I learned something new (thank you Urban Dictionary lol), which brings me to
—the laughter/smiling I did. This is a romcom, and I definitely giggled throughout
—his JP side
”Leslie bought me this vibrator, but that thing never sees the light of day.” “And it won’t, if I have anything to say about it,” I growl, nuzzling into her neck and inhaling her womanly fragrance as if it’s my last breath.
—MINEMINEMINE
I quickly grab the bottom of this ridiculous nurse’s outfit that she actually thought she could wear in public and rip it off of her. It tears in the movement, and a satisfied smile spreads across my face. “No more naughty nurse, I guess,” I murmur against her skin, sucking hard wee spots all over her breasts as they bounce with every thrust she makes. “You’re just Freya, and you’re mine. All fucking mine.”
—the side characters. I need to read all the books lol
—the angst. Believe it or not, there’s some angst in here (especially when it comes to Mac’s gpa)
—the title is the book- yup, it means something
—the bonus epilogue🥰. I love that we get to see Mac go crazy lol
What I didn’t like
—Freya’s reaction to Mac needing to leave😒. Man, I wanted to slap her a few times! I was totally in Mac’s corner here 🤷🏻♀️. Freya really p’d me off
Overall, I loved it ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing
-virgin h/not a manwhore H (but experienced)
-OM- h goes on a disaster date with OM1. It’s awkward and horrible. OM2 asks her on a date and it pisses H off. He bulldozes his way to the date and takes her home 💅. OM3- h goes on a horrible date (he hates cats and makes her pay for dinner)
-OW- H had a previous FWB whom he still talks to and hangs out with when he’s in town. She’s married and they’re just friends. He tells her they can’t continue once he begins his FWB relationship with the h
-condoms/then none (she’s on the pill)
-death of a loved one (cancer)
-HEA/epilogues/years later/bonus epilogue
February 13, 2021
BOOK: Blindsided
AUTHOR: Amy Daws
GENRE: Romantic Comedy
POV: First Person - Dual
TYPE: Standalone
RATING: 4 Hearts!
NAME/AGE: Freya Cook - 29/30 ┃ Maclay Logan - 34
SETTING: London, England.
PUBLISHED: November 21, 2019
This is love. This is us. This is happiness.
BLINDSIDED was a hilarious sports-themed romantic comedy. It was quirky, sweet, and steamy af. It was also my first ever book from Amy Daws. I picked it up for a group challenge and I never expected to love it as much as I did. Amy Daws is a gifted author and her work is so easy to get sucked into. From the precis alone I was hooked and it was so hard to put the book down. It flows well and is very engaging. It was also FUNNY AS HELL. I had a huge smile on my face most of the time and I can't count the times I laughed out loud.
You’re it for me, Cookie. Partly because I don’t think anyone else could stand me but mostly because I don’t want to sit and watch telly on the sofa with anybody else. I want to be old, grey, fat, and happy with you.
The back and forth banter between Mac and Cookie was adorable. Cookie/Freya was such a fun character and I loved how much she talked without even thinking, especially in situations where she was nervous. Her word-vomit was hilarious. The romance that develops between Mac and Cookie was full of ups and downs. I loved seeing them get the ending that they both deserved in the end. They were polar opposites of each other (excluding the fact that they were both ginger - imagine their children!), however, they really balanced each other out and boy the sex is HOT yet silly and fun at times too.
How does he make me love him and hate him every minute of the day?
As entertaining as this was, there were some minor letdowns that dampened my enjoyment:
1. Body-shaming: Freya was sooo insecure about her body shape, I swear every couple chapter there was a remark about how her stomach wasn't flat. She even had to seek reassurance from Mac and her friends to understand that she was beautiful in her own right. Her constant doubts got tiring real quick.
2. Drama: We have a big HUGE scenario that happens at the end....because its a romance and something has to happen right? It's a standard romance equation. There HAS to be drama at the end. You know what I call it? UNNECESSARY. The whole thing with Mac's grandad being diagnosed with cancer was honestly felt like a device to further the plot. It was like things weren't angsty enough, so the author decided to kill someone for a little tragedy. His death had no impact on me at all, no tears, nada. In about 20% of the book, we're informed about this diagnosis, Mac leaves London and Freya, his game suffers, his grandad dies and Mac reconciles with Freya again and HEA.
As much as these two things bugged me, I still didn't reduce a star because the first half was too good and hilarious. Kudos to the author for actually making me choke with laughter too many times too count.
“My love for you is as real as your love for that daft horse show, Freya. I even love how you sound like Hagrid from Harry Potter when you’re feeling poorly. I love that you hate drinking out of anything other than a coffee cup. I love that most designers would sketch beautiful women’s dresses or shoes but you sketch cat pyjamas and paw slippers.”
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July 6, 2022
TW for illness and death of a loved one
I was nervous going into this one because I don't read a lot of rom coms and sometimes Amy's books just aren't my vibe. But I trusted some friends' recommendations and I'm so happy I did! I really loved Freya's character and how sweet her friendship with Mac, who is a big Scottish soccer player. When he learns that Freya is a virgin, I was swooning that he wanted to teach her and take care of her before she found someone she wanted to be with. Of course, they start to actually grow feelings. This book is so fun and definitely has a charm to it, but it does turn really serious when someone close to Mac is sick and he gives up everything to be there for that person. But I really loved how protective Mac was of Freya and just how well they clicked. I loved that Freya was plus sized and was trying to put herself out there now that she is almost 30 and wanting to find her forever person like all of her friends are. It was so fun seeing the side characters from Amy's other series because I love a big cast of fun characters. I'm just so happy I enjoyed this one and I'm excited to read more in the series!
I was nervous going into this one because I don't read a lot of rom coms and sometimes Amy's books just aren't my vibe. But I trusted some friends' recommendations and I'm so happy I did! I really loved Freya's character and how sweet her friendship with Mac, who is a big Scottish soccer player. When he learns that Freya is a virgin, I was swooning that he wanted to teach her and take care of her before she found someone she wanted to be with. Of course, they start to actually grow feelings. This book is so fun and definitely has a charm to it, but it does turn really serious when someone close to Mac is sick and he gives up everything to be there for that person. But I really loved how protective Mac was of Freya and just how well they clicked. I loved that Freya was plus sized and was trying to put herself out there now that she is almost 30 and wanting to find her forever person like all of her friends are. It was so fun seeing the side characters from Amy's other series because I love a big cast of fun characters. I'm just so happy I enjoyed this one and I'm excited to read more in the series!
Read
March 3, 2020I’m gonna let this one be for now. Maybe I’ll pick it up at a later date but I doubt it. The whole 30 year old virgin, insecure about her body and her super hot athlete friend who is gonna lend a helping hand with the virginity issue is not something I can suffer through right now.
Which young person is so closed off and so clueless in today’s world? And I’m not talking about her virginity here! I mean yeah, you can be inexperienced, but considering the circle she hangs with in London of all places, it’s just not believable that she is just so innocent. And please for the love of all that’s right in the world, if she refers to sex as “The sex” one more time..
I’ve read Romances that dealt with similar situations such as Before Jamaica Lane, and while it’s not my favourite book ever, it did a good job with this exact type of situation/trope.
Here, from the start of the book there are so many cringey situations and lines of dialog... I just can’t.
Also, one of my biggest pet peeves is when a character says “We don’t match, what will people think, I mean look how hot you are and how pudgy and plain I am. We can’t be seen together, not even as FRIENDS because of it”
Seriously, I’m tired of that stuff in books. Even if you think someone is out of your league doesn’t mean you start saying you can’t be seen in their presence because of what others might think. They were FRIENDS for Pete’s sake. Just don’t make the character say that out loud, make it an interior monologue or something.
Looks like I got a little fired up. Whoops 😬
Which young person is so closed off and so clueless in today’s world? And I’m not talking about her virginity here! I mean yeah, you can be inexperienced, but considering the circle she hangs with in London of all places, it’s just not believable that she is just so innocent. And please for the love of all that’s right in the world, if she refers to sex as “The sex” one more time..
I’ve read Romances that dealt with similar situations such as Before Jamaica Lane, and while it’s not my favourite book ever, it did a good job with this exact type of situation/trope.
Here, from the start of the book there are so many cringey situations and lines of dialog... I just can’t.
Also, one of my biggest pet peeves is when a character says “We don’t match, what will people think, I mean look how hot you are and how pudgy and plain I am. We can’t be seen together, not even as FRIENDS because of it”
Seriously, I’m tired of that stuff in books. Even if you think someone is out of your league doesn’t mean you start saying you can’t be seen in their presence because of what others might think. They were FRIENDS for Pete’s sake. Just don’t make the character say that out loud, make it an interior monologue or something.
Looks like I got a little fired up. Whoops 😬
July 19, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ this was really cute but i just didn’t care about the couple at all 😭 the plot was fun and something i’d usually love but i’m a ✨character✨ person so it didn’t hit for me. freya was fun but she was a bit too quirky, and mac was quite literally whatever.
their friendship was adorable & the ending + groveling was A1 🫶🏻
their friendship was adorable & the ending + groveling was A1 🫶🏻
November 23, 2019
BLINDSIDED IS NOW LIVE--> https://geni.us/Blindsided
Best friends to lovers trope is always tricky for me because I often want to shake my characters and say, "ARE YOU CRAZY? CAN'T YOU SEE YOU'RE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER?!" But it can't be that easy or we wouldn't believe it. And that split second when things shift from just friends to much, much more is so deliciously sexy, it makes the pain of their struggle 100% worth it. And there's such a beauty to friends finally connecting not only as friends but as lovers. Gah...it's lovely!
And I seriously can't wait for you all to meet my loud-mouthed, Scottish hero, and my quirky British heroine. They are a couple I will truly never forget.
Best friends to lovers trope is always tricky for me because I often want to shake my characters and say, "ARE YOU CRAZY? CAN'T YOU SEE YOU'RE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER?!" But it can't be that easy or we wouldn't believe it. And that split second when things shift from just friends to much, much more is so deliciously sexy, it makes the pain of their struggle 100% worth it. And there's such a beauty to friends finally connecting not only as friends but as lovers. Gah...it's lovely!
And I seriously can't wait for you all to meet my loud-mouthed, Scottish hero, and my quirky British heroine. They are a couple I will truly never forget.
August 5, 2020
4.5 Best Mates And More Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
I have become a solid fan of Amy Daws. I love the way her mind works as she presents situations that happen in everyday life and then allows her characters to be themselves. This can make it very easy to dive right in and read these books to the very end in one sitting if your life allows.
In Blindsided, we are given characters that have been introduced in the other parts of this series. Mac and Freya are the focus and if you haven't read any of the other books, no worries because this can be read as a stand-alone.
The Bethnal Green Footy Club is the main hub of where all these men come from. Mac is a player and Freya is a friend and works with one of the soon to be wives of another player. Freya is a seamstress and met all of these players when they came to the shop for their clothing.
It seems Mac had a bit of interest in Freya from the start but because he had been burned so badly from a long term relationship, he decided Best Mates was the way to go with Freya. This happened over time and now they are like an old married couple, bickering and laughing as they watch Netflix on the couch.
No romance...Just Best Mates...
Freya is very comfortable with Mac as her pal. She likes sharing her guilty pleasure telly show and has no embarrassment when she cries...after all, they are mates. She knows Mac would never think of her as girlfriend material...she knows her place with all of her wobbly bits. No model is she...although she has figured out the 1950's flair and works it. Hourglass is her figure to the extreme.
But with all of the lousy dating experiences she has had and the way she was raised with horror stories about The Sex, she is about to turn thirty and anxious.
Freya and Mac attend a gathering of their friends and with a little game of Never Have I Ever, a lot of drinking and a streak of jealousy, Mac discovers a couple of things about his Best Mate.
Mac decides the only person who should teach Freya the ways of love is him. Both agree to stay friends no matter what after all the coaching is said and done.
Only problem is neither of them thought love would work its way into the mix.
This story had so many fantastic moments. Mac could be the sweetest fella ever. He also could be the daftest. Most of the time I wanted to hug him and tell him how amazing he was...but then he would revert to what he thought he should do and I wanted to throw my kindle at him.
Freya was a woman who had been taught at a young age not to appreciate her body. This is the story we as women have had to deal with for ages. Daws exposes the "the lying voice" we hear all of the time in our heads and it was a strong moment when Freya finally realizes she has been a prisoner of it all these years. She understands she deserves more and is entitled to her dreams just like anyone else.
The chemistry between these two is terrific and I loved how Mac took Freya along.
As I said, this is a book to fall for in a hurry. All of the secondary characters are there playing an important part. We even get a hint of what may be brewing with Mac's Sister Tilly and the attorney Santiago. I would stay tuned for that as there is a history there between them.
Challenge (Harris Brothers #1)
Endurance (Harris Brothers #2)
Keeper (Harris Brothers #3)
End Goal (Harris Brothers #3.5)
Surrender (Harris Brothers, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dominate (Harris Brothers, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Payback (Harris Brothers #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Blindsided (Logan Family)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
What do you think Happens...
When a Scottish, Loud-Mouth, Tattooed Footballer...
Crosses Paths with a Seamstress...
Who has a Wicked, Cheeky Sense of Humor...
A Ripe Figure and Beautiful Soul...
Why they become Besties, of course...
And like the Pals they are...
The Favorite Pastime becomes...
Netflix-And-Bickering...
Which then Innocently leads to...
A Revealing Game of
Never Have I Ever...
Now with Secrets let out of the bag...
Our Footballer Offers to Love Coach our Seamstress...
Little did They Realize...
By doing so, They would be...
Blindsided- November 21st 2019
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
I have become a solid fan of Amy Daws. I love the way her mind works as she presents situations that happen in everyday life and then allows her characters to be themselves. This can make it very easy to dive right in and read these books to the very end in one sitting if your life allows.
In Blindsided, we are given characters that have been introduced in the other parts of this series. Mac and Freya are the focus and if you haven't read any of the other books, no worries because this can be read as a stand-alone.
The Bethnal Green Footy Club is the main hub of where all these men come from. Mac is a player and Freya is a friend and works with one of the soon to be wives of another player. Freya is a seamstress and met all of these players when they came to the shop for their clothing.
It seems Mac had a bit of interest in Freya from the start but because he had been burned so badly from a long term relationship, he decided Best Mates was the way to go with Freya. This happened over time and now they are like an old married couple, bickering and laughing as they watch Netflix on the couch.
No romance...Just Best Mates...
Freya is very comfortable with Mac as her pal. She likes sharing her guilty pleasure telly show and has no embarrassment when she cries...after all, they are mates. She knows Mac would never think of her as girlfriend material...she knows her place with all of her wobbly bits. No model is she...although she has figured out the 1950's flair and works it. Hourglass is her figure to the extreme.
But with all of the lousy dating experiences she has had and the way she was raised with horror stories about The Sex, she is about to turn thirty and anxious.
Freya and Mac attend a gathering of their friends and with a little game of Never Have I Ever, a lot of drinking and a streak of jealousy, Mac discovers a couple of things about his Best Mate.
Mac decides the only person who should teach Freya the ways of love is him. Both agree to stay friends no matter what after all the coaching is said and done.
Only problem is neither of them thought love would work its way into the mix.
This story had so many fantastic moments. Mac could be the sweetest fella ever. He also could be the daftest. Most of the time I wanted to hug him and tell him how amazing he was...but then he would revert to what he thought he should do and I wanted to throw my kindle at him.
Freya was a woman who had been taught at a young age not to appreciate her body. This is the story we as women have had to deal with for ages. Daws exposes the "the lying voice" we hear all of the time in our heads and it was a strong moment when Freya finally realizes she has been a prisoner of it all these years. She understands she deserves more and is entitled to her dreams just like anyone else.
The chemistry between these two is terrific and I loved how Mac took Freya along.
As I said, this is a book to fall for in a hurry. All of the secondary characters are there playing an important part. We even get a hint of what may be brewing with Mac's Sister Tilly and the attorney Santiago. I would stay tuned for that as there is a history there between them.
Challenge (Harris Brothers #1) Endurance (Harris Brothers #2) Keeper (Harris Brothers #3) End Goal (Harris Brothers #3.5) Surrender (Harris Brothers, #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dominate (Harris Brothers, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Payback (Harris Brothers #6) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Blindsided (Logan Family)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
What do you think Happens...
When a Scottish, Loud-Mouth, Tattooed Footballer...
Crosses Paths with a Seamstress...
Who has a Wicked, Cheeky Sense of Humor...
A Ripe Figure and Beautiful Soul...
Why they become Besties, of course...
And like the Pals they are...
The Favorite Pastime becomes...
Netflix-And-Bickering...
Which then Innocently leads to...
A Revealing Game of
Never Have I Ever...
Now with Secrets let out of the bag...
Our Footballer Offers to Love Coach our Seamstress...
Little did They Realize...
By doing so, They would be...
Blindsided- November 21st 2019
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 7, 2019
Dnf @ 37%. If you are going to write a book based in the UK then you need to make sure it isn't full of American words that are never used in the UK. It was really odd she kept calling him a cow as that's something only a woman would say to another woman. I've never heard the term 'bleddy' and him calling his dick a cocker was weird. Then there's bangs for a fringe, kill shelter, the formal, whatever that is, and more. Why would you not just get somebody British to read the book before you published.
February 1, 2022
*** Audio re-listen Jan 31 2022- just what I needed. Ms Amy is all over TikTok, tempting me with this. No use resisting. It was time for a relisten. I almost forgot how cute Freya/Charlotte Cole is. "We're still in a fight!" She says this with such a cutie pie voice. Her cat outfits <3
This is still 5 STARS.
***Audio listen Feb 2020. Oye. I read this in November 2019- was this too soon for the audio? I.think.NOT.
Will Watt and Charlotte Cole did a fabulous job. Will is British and did a great Scottish accent for Mac. He also did a great job with Roan's So African accent (great supporting role).
Charlotte had a LOT of dialogue, since Freya is REALLY chatty. She'll go on a rant & then Amy describes Mac as shaking with laughter. They bicker/argue a lot. She'd say: "I think we're in a fight".
She said this a lot. The dual narration is so well done -seamless. I took a long time listening to this.
I had to really focus on Mac's thick Scottish accent. Towards the end, Mac's granddad Fergus has a small part. I loved him so much.
I was listening to this when I was on my way to a book signing. Instead of using Google Maps. I got lost. Oops. A worthy cause.
I have to say Mac & Freya & Roan & Allie are tied as my favorite Amy couple. I also say I'm bumping up my stars to FIVE.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
4.5 stars
I got this from Kindle Unlimited (yay). The audio will be out in a few weeks (yay)
I've been waiting for Mac and Freya's book since they met in the Harris Brothers' book.
They have friends in common. Freya is maid of honor and Mac is best man in their friends'
wedding. Frey is 29 and discouraged of ever finding the ONE. She and Mac become friends.
Their budding friendship is so sweet and funny. She really feels comfortable with Mac. They each don't see them ever getting involved... Until... Oh so sweet --when they realize their attraction to the other. (Does he know, does she know?).
Freya is (not too much) down on figure and her appeal to men. The wrong guys have put her down when they point out her voluptuous figure. The "wrong guys" are very blunt and crude to her.
Mac enjoys Freya's company & they spend a LOT of time together, including watching "Heartland" on Netflix (I need to check it out).
Mac is a footballer (soccer player) with the Harris brothers and his friend Roan. Freya is a seamstress and budding designer.
"The Sex" was really hot, but Freya made it her own kind of cuteness.
I had a busy week, so I was able to take my time with this book.
I loved Mac's grandpa Fergus, his sister Tilly. I also loved Freya's friend Allie as well as Roan (swoon).
There are so many great, fun, bittersweet moments. Mac seemed a little wacky in the previous books, but he has a college degree and is quite smart. He does some lug head things, that I wanted to sock him for. I ended up forgiving him. The ending was great & there's going to be a book with Mac's sister Tilly and Santino (!!) Does someone else need to grovel?
Well done Amy ! I can hardly wait for the audio in early 2020
This is still 5 STARS.
***Audio listen Feb 2020. Oye. I read this in November 2019- was this too soon for the audio? I.think.NOT.
Will Watt and Charlotte Cole did a fabulous job. Will is British and did a great Scottish accent for Mac. He also did a great job with Roan's So African accent (great supporting role).
Charlotte had a LOT of dialogue, since Freya is REALLY chatty. She'll go on a rant & then Amy describes Mac as shaking with laughter. They bicker/argue a lot. She'd say: "I think we're in a fight".
She said this a lot. The dual narration is so well done -seamless. I took a long time listening to this.
I had to really focus on Mac's thick Scottish accent. Towards the end, Mac's granddad Fergus has a small part. I loved him so much.
I was listening to this when I was on my way to a book signing. Instead of using Google Maps. I got lost. Oops. A worthy cause.
I have to say Mac & Freya & Roan & Allie are tied as my favorite Amy couple. I also say I'm bumping up my stars to FIVE.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
4.5 stars
I got this from Kindle Unlimited (yay). The audio will be out in a few weeks (yay)
I've been waiting for Mac and Freya's book since they met in the Harris Brothers' book.
They have friends in common. Freya is maid of honor and Mac is best man in their friends'
wedding. Frey is 29 and discouraged of ever finding the ONE. She and Mac become friends.
Their budding friendship is so sweet and funny. She really feels comfortable with Mac. They each don't see them ever getting involved... Until... Oh so sweet --when they realize their attraction to the other. (Does he know, does she know?).
Freya is (not too much) down on figure and her appeal to men. The wrong guys have put her down when they point out her voluptuous figure. The "wrong guys" are very blunt and crude to her.
Mac enjoys Freya's company & they spend a LOT of time together, including watching "Heartland" on Netflix (I need to check it out).
Mac is a footballer (soccer player) with the Harris brothers and his friend Roan. Freya is a seamstress and budding designer.
"The Sex" was really hot, but Freya made it her own kind of cuteness.
I had a busy week, so I was able to take my time with this book.
I loved Mac's grandpa Fergus, his sister Tilly. I also loved Freya's friend Allie as well as Roan (swoon).
There are so many great, fun, bittersweet moments. Mac seemed a little wacky in the previous books, but he has a college degree and is quite smart. He does some lug head things, that I wanted to sock him for. I ended up forgiving him. The ending was great & there's going to be a book with Mac's sister Tilly and Santino (!!) Does someone else need to grovel?
Well done Amy ! I can hardly wait for the audio in early 2020
July 22, 2022
This was torture to get through.
~~~~~~~~WARNING: a bit of a rant~~~~~~~~
This is also the perfect example of why, sometimes, I hate reading romance by Western authors: where sex and intimacy and virginity is all what their characters think about. Friends with benefits, hookup culture, sex deals, etc are all the bane of my existence. Get them out of my face.
Now I crave slow-burn, more meaningful character relationships.
Think Mariana Zapata, Ali Hazelwood (and no, sorry I haven't read Elena Armas, don't come for me, i promise i will 😭)
These authors just do it for me. There is emotional connection and feelings long before any romantic or sexual attraction happens, and that's just who I am as a person. And that's how I like to see myself represented in romance stories.
Not this bullshit where you can tell the characters are MeAnT tO bE but “ugh oh noooooes sex keeps getting in the waaay so hooow will we ever know if our feelings are TrrrruuuuuE.” Kill me.
~~~~~~~~
But I also think this book just sucked to begin with 😂
Which is ironic and a shame since I thought this would be a good friends-to-lovers story. But no, this is literally everything I hate in a romance.
The main characters here were horrible, especially the heroine. As an almost 30-year-old living in LONDON OF ALL PLACES, you'd think she'd have more knowledge about sex and intimacy although she's a virgin. She was too fucking cringey. Calling it 'The Sex', how much she just wants to have The Sex to lose her 'Maiden Tag' aka her virginity... 🤦🏻♀️ Girl, these terms are not making you quirky. They're making you look stupid as hell. And there's this thing called the Internet??
I read more than half of this monstrosity, and though the male narrator's accent was sexy af, I'd rather drink acid than continue this excuse of a 'romance'.
~~~~
My experience being a demiromantic (I'll call it 'demi' for short) have truly shaped my experiences in reading romance and how I now tend to struggle with connection to characters in a romance story. This blog post really spoke to me; have a read if you aren't familiar with demisexuality or the ace-spectrum.
~~~~~~~~WARNING: a bit of a rant~~~~~~~~
This is also the perfect example of why, sometimes, I hate reading romance by Western authors: where sex and intimacy and virginity is all what their characters think about. Friends with benefits, hookup culture, sex deals, etc are all the bane of my existence. Get them out of my face.
Now I crave slow-burn, more meaningful character relationships.
Think Mariana Zapata, Ali Hazelwood (and no, sorry I haven't read Elena Armas, don't come for me, i promise i will 😭)
These authors just do it for me. There is emotional connection and feelings long before any romantic or sexual attraction happens, and that's just who I am as a person. And that's how I like to see myself represented in romance stories.
Not this bullshit where you can tell the characters are MeAnT tO bE but “ugh oh noooooes sex keeps getting in the waaay so hooow will we ever know if our feelings are TrrrruuuuuE.” Kill me.
~~~~~~~~
But I also think this book just sucked to begin with 😂
Which is ironic and a shame since I thought this would be a good friends-to-lovers story. But no, this is literally everything I hate in a romance.
The main characters here were horrible, especially the heroine. As an almost 30-year-old living in LONDON OF ALL PLACES, you'd think she'd have more knowledge about sex and intimacy although she's a virgin. She was too fucking cringey. Calling it 'The Sex', how much she just wants to have The Sex to lose her 'Maiden Tag' aka her virginity... 🤦🏻♀️ Girl, these terms are not making you quirky. They're making you look stupid as hell. And there's this thing called the Internet??
I read more than half of this monstrosity, and though the male narrator's accent was sexy af, I'd rather drink acid than continue this excuse of a 'romance'.
~~~~
My experience being a demiromantic (I'll call it 'demi' for short) have truly shaped my experiences in reading romance and how I now tend to struggle with connection to characters in a romance story. This blog post really spoke to me; have a read if you aren't familiar with demisexuality or the ace-spectrum.
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 30, 2020DNF at 1 hour and 3 minutes
Boy oh boy! The heroine has me climbing up a wall with all her body shaming and denseness. Being "untouched" does not correlate to not knowing anything about her own damn body. Someone give this woman a 7th-grade sex-ed textbook because she clearly needs it. She was the worst part of this book. The hero is sweet, caring, and charming. He does nothing but build her up. I would give this book another try but after that Never-Have-I-Ever game scene, I'm done. *Face Palm*
P.S. The audio book narration was amazing! I loved both narrators accents. It was also dual narrated. Had the heroine been a better sport I would have probably loved this book.
Boy oh boy! The heroine has me climbing up a wall with all her body shaming and denseness. Being "untouched" does not correlate to not knowing anything about her own damn body. Someone give this woman a 7th-grade sex-ed textbook because she clearly needs it. She was the worst part of this book. The hero is sweet, caring, and charming. He does nothing but build her up. I would give this book another try but after that Never-Have-I-Ever game scene, I'm done. *Face Palm*
P.S. The audio book narration was amazing! I loved both narrators accents. It was also dual narrated. Had the heroine been a better sport I would have probably loved this book.
July 19, 2021
I don’t know what’s happening. I really liked almost an entire series this author wrote. I’ve really struggled with every book of her’s since.
For one, I am not a snob about national verbiage being perfect, but this book was really off the mark in trying to make the mcs sound like they were from the UK. It’s so weird because I never felt that way in any of this author’s other books, but for some reason all of the slang and expressions were clunky and kind of misused.
The main issue for me was that this is another book that thinks it’s body positive but 1000% isn’t. Saying the mc is cool with being heavier and then having her absolutely eviscerate her appearance on long soliloquies for paragraph after paragraph. It was sad. Those “hehe, well MEN don’t have to worry if their ankles are fat, lucky them hehe.” Hello, women don’t have to either. Free yourself. Read some books on misogyny and beauty standards. You deserve to be free. I just am 100% not a fan of this unchallenged internalized patriarchal bullshit in a mc. It’s especially aggravating when the book is simultaneously attempting body positivity. Body positivity isn’t a woman constantly putting herself down over her own size relentlessly to make her “self aware”, who then finds a guy who finds her hot so yay, now she’s allowed to be slightly less mean to herself because some rando finds her hot and validates her body as worthy. That just totally misses the entire point.
Also acting like a woman who hasn’t had sex at 29 would have no idea that it is extremely cringey and weird to refer to sex as “the sex” is just ultra unbelievable and kind of insulting. Or that that woman would have an understanding of sex that is less than the average middle schooler’s is also extremely insulting. Women don’t need to have had a penis in them to magically unlock basic sex knowledge, or comfort with the topic of sex, what the fuck? Such a weird take. Like hello, google exists, media exists, other informed people exist? Lol, where does this author think straight women learn about sex because I guarantee you they don’t learn shit from the 16 year old boy the average straight woman lost her virginity to. That we are just these lost souls doomed to embarrass ourselves with our naïveté until a man activates our sexuality with their dicks! Uh, no..
For one, I am not a snob about national verbiage being perfect, but this book was really off the mark in trying to make the mcs sound like they were from the UK. It’s so weird because I never felt that way in any of this author’s other books, but for some reason all of the slang and expressions were clunky and kind of misused.
The main issue for me was that this is another book that thinks it’s body positive but 1000% isn’t. Saying the mc is cool with being heavier and then having her absolutely eviscerate her appearance on long soliloquies for paragraph after paragraph. It was sad. Those “hehe, well MEN don’t have to worry if their ankles are fat, lucky them hehe.” Hello, women don’t have to either. Free yourself. Read some books on misogyny and beauty standards. You deserve to be free. I just am 100% not a fan of this unchallenged internalized patriarchal bullshit in a mc. It’s especially aggravating when the book is simultaneously attempting body positivity. Body positivity isn’t a woman constantly putting herself down over her own size relentlessly to make her “self aware”, who then finds a guy who finds her hot so yay, now she’s allowed to be slightly less mean to herself because some rando finds her hot and validates her body as worthy. That just totally misses the entire point.
Also acting like a woman who hasn’t had sex at 29 would have no idea that it is extremely cringey and weird to refer to sex as “the sex” is just ultra unbelievable and kind of insulting. Or that that woman would have an understanding of sex that is less than the average middle schooler’s is also extremely insulting. Women don’t need to have had a penis in them to magically unlock basic sex knowledge, or comfort with the topic of sex, what the fuck? Such a weird take. Like hello, google exists, media exists, other informed people exist? Lol, where does this author think straight women learn about sex because I guarantee you they don’t learn shit from the 16 year old boy the average straight woman lost her virginity to. That we are just these lost souls doomed to embarrass ourselves with our naïveté until a man activates our sexuality with their dicks! Uh, no..
November 29, 2019
Soooo good , sooo funny, sooo sweet, sooo romantic ... Perfect for me!!!
get this book and read it! I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
get this book and read it! I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
April 7, 2022
Friends to lovers/with benefits✔️
Teacher/Student✔️
Curvy Heroine✔️
Spicy🔥🔥🔥✔️
👆Esto no me gusta… ME ENCANTA✨.🤩
Si me conocen saben que vivo y respiro por un buen Friends to lovers y esto amigos es lo que yo estaba esperando desde hace mucho.
I LOVED IT.. tiene una combinación perfecta de clichés, un gran desarrollo de historia, unos protagonistas fantásticos, todo me gustó, qué más puedo pedir. 🥰🥰
HISTORIA👀
Freya es una mujer que esta próxima a cumplir los 30 años, sin novio, sin citas, con una inseguridad por su cuerpo curvy y todavía es virgen, ella quiere cambiar esa situación por lo que recibe ayuda de su mejor amigo un futbolista escocés, pelirrojo, tatuado y bastante sexy.
Él la va a instruir en citas y los placeres del amor para que ya no sea una inexperta y dan paso a ser amigos con beneficios y donde es sólo sexo con fecha de caducidad. pero todos sabemos cómo termina esto.
PERSONAJES👩❤️👨
Freya es una mujer llena de inseguridades sobre todo por su cuerpo, pero también es divertida, inteligente, cariñosa, una amiga excepcional, llena de virtudes de las que ella no se da cuenta pero que gracias a Mac empieza a explorar y a hacer consciente de ello.
Mac, es increíble, adorable. Divertido, coqueto, sexy, con harto dirty talk, él tiene como prioridad su carrera futbolística por lo que una relación no está en sus planes hasta que su mejor amiga se cuela en su corazón.
Me encantó el desarrollo de su relación porque pudimos apreciar por todas las etapas que pasaron su amistad que era genial y divertida, la tensión sexual que ufff, la negación y luego su relación en pareja y todas ellas fueron estupendas, sin perder esa esencia que los caracterizaba.
También tuvo angst, drama que me encanta porque es lo que le pone salseo y que decir de las escenas spicy HOT HOT HOT. 🔥🔥
Por eso y más le daré las 5 estrellas.
Teacher/Student✔️
Curvy Heroine✔️
Spicy🔥🔥🔥✔️
👆Esto no me gusta… ME ENCANTA✨.🤩
Si me conocen saben que vivo y respiro por un buen Friends to lovers y esto amigos es lo que yo estaba esperando desde hace mucho.
I LOVED IT.. tiene una combinación perfecta de clichés, un gran desarrollo de historia, unos protagonistas fantásticos, todo me gustó, qué más puedo pedir. 🥰🥰
HISTORIA👀
Freya es una mujer que esta próxima a cumplir los 30 años, sin novio, sin citas, con una inseguridad por su cuerpo curvy y todavía es virgen, ella quiere cambiar esa situación por lo que recibe ayuda de su mejor amigo un futbolista escocés, pelirrojo, tatuado y bastante sexy.
Él la va a instruir en citas y los placeres del amor para que ya no sea una inexperta y dan paso a ser amigos con beneficios y donde es sólo sexo con fecha de caducidad. pero todos sabemos cómo termina esto.
PERSONAJES👩❤️👨
Freya es una mujer llena de inseguridades sobre todo por su cuerpo, pero también es divertida, inteligente, cariñosa, una amiga excepcional, llena de virtudes de las que ella no se da cuenta pero que gracias a Mac empieza a explorar y a hacer consciente de ello.
Mac, es increíble, adorable. Divertido, coqueto, sexy, con harto dirty talk, él tiene como prioridad su carrera futbolística por lo que una relación no está en sus planes hasta que su mejor amiga se cuela en su corazón.
Me encantó el desarrollo de su relación porque pudimos apreciar por todas las etapas que pasaron su amistad que era genial y divertida, la tensión sexual que ufff, la negación y luego su relación en pareja y todas ellas fueron estupendas, sin perder esa esencia que los caracterizaba.
También tuvo angst, drama que me encanta porque es lo que le pone salseo y que decir de las escenas spicy HOT HOT HOT. 🔥🔥
Por eso y más le daré las 5 estrellas.
January 11, 2022
I have no idea what pushed me to read this book because it’s been on my kindle for some time but I’m so happy I did.
I can’t remember the last time a book made me laugh so much.
I’m usually so harsh with my reviews but this time I didn’t want to analyze everything I disliked about it because I really enjoyed the book. It was a breath of fresh air compared to the things I usually read.
It was such a fun read I totally fell in love with it. Mac an Cookie are solid characters and they just fit so well together.
I obviously have to mention the self deprecation when it comes to Cookie because halfway through the book I was like enough already!!!!! At some point the author should of stopped and let her grow as a character instead of constantly mentioning her negative thoughts on how she views herself.
Other than that I definitely recommend this book if you want a sweet and funny romance.
No cheating, definitely HEA and some groveling including lol.
I can’t remember the last time a book made me laugh so much.
I’m usually so harsh with my reviews but this time I didn’t want to analyze everything I disliked about it because I really enjoyed the book. It was a breath of fresh air compared to the things I usually read.
It was such a fun read I totally fell in love with it. Mac an Cookie are solid characters and they just fit so well together.
I obviously have to mention the self deprecation when it comes to Cookie because halfway through the book I was like enough already!!!!! At some point the author should of stopped and let her grow as a character instead of constantly mentioning her negative thoughts on how she views herself.
Other than that I definitely recommend this book if you want a sweet and funny romance.
No cheating, definitely HEA and some groveling including lol.
March 1, 2023
⭐️⭐️.5-⭐️⭐️⭐️
''Your unique brilliance deserves to be seen''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama (barely)
- Terminal illness
- Loss of loved one
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I honestly struggled with this one for almost half of the book, I think my main issue was Freya. She was too out of touch for someone her age and especially in this day in age. Her reasons for it were a bit too simple for me. It also was off putting how inexperienced she was in so many things and not just sex.
Mac and Freya have been best friends for a year, spending almost all their free time together. They hang out at her place and eat while watching her favorite show - which btw was mentioned so many times it got annoying after a while.
Freya confesses to Mac that she is an almost 30-year-old virgin and has never experienced anything. The few moments she had bfs when she was younger and after a while she just gave up and was content with her life as it was.
Mac proposes to have a month of sex to get her out of her comfort zone and be her love coach. It's obvious these two love each other and want each other so it was no surprise the chemistry was there, and they were extremely comfortable together.
Obviously, these two starts developing feelings for each other, and Freya falls in love with him while he is also in love but in major denial. He has never had a gf at 34 and never loved anyone.
OW drama: The whole Cami situation was off putting as well, his former 2-year sex fling who ended things with him stuck to him too much and they had lunch once a week? for what? It made no sense, and it honestly did not go the route I thought it would0. She was just mentioned throughout but never made an appearance, not even in POV for us to see how they acted around each other during those lunches. However, once him and Freya started sleeping together, he told Cami he couldn't see her anymore.... again, this whole storyline made me feel incomplete and just used for the purpose to give Mac some more commitment issues and insecurities.
Another thing I didn't enjoy was the constant bashing of Freya did on herself, mostly about her weight and how she wasn't good enough. At a certain point it got tedious.
One of the things that saved this book from being DNF'd was when Mac decides to leave to go to Glasgow to be with his dying grandfather and the two of them end things on a terrible note and the constant angst between them not having a friendship anymore. The pining was great, and his groveling helped the situation. He made it up in the end, but I feel like there was too much of a push from him when he clearly needed her in ways, he couldn't admit to himself while the whole world saw it.
Mac had been celibate from the moment he met Freya a year ago and remained celibate during their separation. Freya was celibate during their separation as well but had gone on a few dates since their breakup and had a tinder profile to get herself back on the horse lol
OM drama: Freya had gone on a few dates throughout the book and every time Mac would interrupt them and take her away.
I was just sad that as an overall book and story it felt flat.
I also never read any other book from this author to really care for the other characters that were constantly mentioned.
''Your unique brilliance deserves to be seen''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- OW/OM drama (barely)
- Terminal illness
- Loss of loved one
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I honestly struggled with this one for almost half of the book, I think my main issue was Freya. She was too out of touch for someone her age and especially in this day in age. Her reasons for it were a bit too simple for me. It also was off putting how inexperienced she was in so many things and not just sex.
Mac and Freya have been best friends for a year, spending almost all their free time together. They hang out at her place and eat while watching her favorite show - which btw was mentioned so many times it got annoying after a while.
Freya confesses to Mac that she is an almost 30-year-old virgin and has never experienced anything. The few moments she had bfs when she was younger and after a while she just gave up and was content with her life as it was.
Mac proposes to have a month of sex to get her out of her comfort zone and be her love coach. It's obvious these two love each other and want each other so it was no surprise the chemistry was there, and they were extremely comfortable together.
Obviously, these two starts developing feelings for each other, and Freya falls in love with him while he is also in love but in major denial. He has never had a gf at 34 and never loved anyone.
OW drama: The whole Cami situation was off putting as well, his former 2-year sex fling who ended things with him stuck to him too much and they had lunch once a week? for what? It made no sense, and it honestly did not go the route I thought it would0. She was just mentioned throughout but never made an appearance, not even in POV for us to see how they acted around each other during those lunches. However, once him and Freya started sleeping together, he told Cami he couldn't see her anymore.... again, this whole storyline made me feel incomplete and just used for the purpose to give Mac some more commitment issues and insecurities.
Another thing I didn't enjoy was the constant bashing of Freya did on herself, mostly about her weight and how she wasn't good enough. At a certain point it got tedious.
One of the things that saved this book from being DNF'd was when Mac decides to leave to go to Glasgow to be with his dying grandfather and the two of them end things on a terrible note and the constant angst between them not having a friendship anymore. The pining was great, and his groveling helped the situation. He made it up in the end, but I feel like there was too much of a push from him when he clearly needed her in ways, he couldn't admit to himself while the whole world saw it.
Mac had been celibate from the moment he met Freya a year ago and remained celibate during their separation. Freya was celibate during their separation as well but had gone on a few dates since their breakup and had a tinder profile to get herself back on the horse lol
OM drama: Freya had gone on a few dates throughout the book and every time Mac would interrupt them and take her away.
I was just sad that as an overall book and story it felt flat.
I also never read any other book from this author to really care for the other characters that were constantly mentioned.
December 29, 2022
internalized fatphobia isn't just a cunt lying, is it now?
November 25, 2019
Five stars for Freya and Mac ❤!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is everything.
I've enjoyed in every page of this book and I literally couldn't put it down.
Amy did again a great job!
Her books are pure enjoyment for reading.
"Blindsided" is a romance book with best friends to lovers tropes which I love to read.
Freya and Mac's relationship is a slow burn.
Their relationship gave me all the feels.
Happiness, saddens, sweetness and much more...
If you're looking for a fun sports romance that you won't be able to get out of hand, then this is a book for you!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is everything.
I've enjoyed in every page of this book and I literally couldn't put it down.
Amy did again a great job!
Her books are pure enjoyment for reading.
"Blindsided" is a romance book with best friends to lovers tropes which I love to read.
Freya and Mac's relationship is a slow burn.
Their relationship gave me all the feels.
Happiness, saddens, sweetness and much more...
If you're looking for a fun sports romance that you won't be able to get out of hand, then this is a book for you!!!
November 22, 2019
3,5 ❤️❤️❤️⭐️s
Mac and Freya’s friends-to-lovers journey was very sweet and easy to read. They shared a strong bond of friendship which supported the development of their relationship without awkward moments.
I enjoyed this story and some of the lines were epic!!
Mac and Freya’s friends-to-lovers journey was very sweet and easy to read. They shared a strong bond of friendship which supported the development of their relationship without awkward moments.
I enjoyed this story and some of the lines were epic!!
April 15, 2024
this is why i don't trust booktok recs 😔
December 7, 2019
3.75 – 4 Stars
Blindsides is a spin-off from the Harris series, but honestly it’s part of the Harris series, because all of the characters are in there! I hate it when authors do this. I truly wanted to start a new series with no background, but it was annoying getting introduced to other characters and see who they married and who had kids and how they are all friends.
Anyhow, that aside.
There were aspects of the book I liked and some I didn’t.
I liked the troupe. You had the cubby girl and the star football player (soccer for you Americans). I like the best-friends to lovers romance and I liked that it didn’t take long to get to the steam! Yay.
I did think the book was a touch too long and about 10-30% probably could have been edited out. Too many conversations with side characters and asking for opinions. Those is what I called filler chapters.
I did enjoy the banter between Mac and Freya and I liked that they fought like an old married couple.
I didn’t enjoy the last moment of angst because the characters always have to have a fall out in the end and oh how annoying that part is. Really? Do we really need this?
Overall, I think I would have enjoyed this book more in audio format because I tend to like light-hearted long books in audio.
Blindsides is a spin-off from the Harris series, but honestly it’s part of the Harris series, because all of the characters are in there! I hate it when authors do this. I truly wanted to start a new series with no background, but it was annoying getting introduced to other characters and see who they married and who had kids and how they are all friends.
Anyhow, that aside.
There were aspects of the book I liked and some I didn’t.
I liked the troupe. You had the cubby girl and the star football player (soccer for you Americans). I like the best-friends to lovers romance and I liked that it didn’t take long to get to the steam! Yay.
I did think the book was a touch too long and about 10-30% probably could have been edited out. Too many conversations with side characters and asking for opinions. Those is what I called filler chapters.
I did enjoy the banter between Mac and Freya and I liked that they fought like an old married couple.
I didn’t enjoy the last moment of angst because the characters always have to have a fall out in the end and oh how annoying that part is. Really? Do we really need this?
Overall, I think I would have enjoyed this book more in audio format because I tend to like light-hearted long books in audio.
February 14, 2020
I like this book very very much. As the blurb promises, a whole lot of banters. And not just heart breaking banters, but sweet, fun and cute banters too. I love the chemistry between Mac and Freya. Thanks to this book now I have appetite for red head Scootish. Mac is suppose to be brooding, but the fact is he is a just a cuddle bear. Giant bear with a big heart.
I also love Freya. I like the author took a chance portraying her as a plus size woman. Not a super model body type. The chemistry between them is just explosive. So cute that I want to hug them both. Just like the title, I am Blindsided by this book. I picked it up not expecting anything and I got my reward.
4 stars
I also love Freya. I like the author took a chance portraying her as a plus size woman. Not a super model body type. The chemistry between them is just explosive. So cute that I want to hug them both. Just like the title, I am Blindsided by this book. I picked it up not expecting anything and I got my reward.
4 stars
Shelved as 'dnf'
October 15, 2021DNF - the h is a 30-year old virgin who is absolutely clueless about everything related to anything at all sexual. So she acts like a sheltered virginal tweenager but is T H I R T Y. 👀 And the H is still hung up on his ex… it felt like he just decides to be with the h because she���s convenient and comfortable and is so unattractive that she’ll never stray and break his heart. 😬 He’s even still friends with this ex and spends time with her. 😑This was just cringe all the way around, IMO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2022
i liked when he got her a new cat and then the cats played together but thats it
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