A nice little sports romance. Ella and Jake have known each other for years but nothing ever happened between them. They were both subject to small town gossip due to the actions of their parents. Jake hit the big time as a football star while Ella became the opposite of her mother, a good girl and teacher.

The 2 of them are thrust together for one steamy night after Ella’s mum passes away and then it’s another 2 years until they are reunited.

Jake and Ella are back in each other’s lives with her trying to save the high school she is principal of and Jake becomes the coach of the new football team.

Their attraction to each other hasn’t dwindled but their path to happily ever after is filled with a lot of bumps.

I enjoyed this small town sports romance and the medley of different characters that are part of Ella and Jake’s story.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.

This was abgreat short read and I enjoy a good sport romance so this was that. Thanks for letting me read this book I was grateful to get to

Look What You Made Me Do by @amyandrewsbooks

Thank you to Amy, @netgalley and @theboldbookclub for the opportunity to read this book!

FMC Ella is from a small town and whose mom had a reputation. MMC Jake was the football star of that small town and got out to play pro football. They run into each other years later and the attraction is still there and hotter than ever. When Ella needs Jake’s help to save her school for troubled kids, Jake jumps in to start and coach the high school football team.

This was a cute and spicy second chance sports romance. It was a quick read and the audiobook was really great! I loved the narration and it had me laughing one minute and squealing the next 🥰

If you like:
🏈Grumpy Football Player
👗FMC with a past
🏚️Complicated history
💞Second chance
🐶Underdogs
🔥SPICEEEE

Give this one a try!

#netgalley #amyandrews #lookwhatyoumademedo #boldbookpublishing #bookreview #secondchance #smalltown #underdog #booklover #bookaddict #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookish #advancedreaderscopy #sportsromance #footballromance

Ella and Jake grew up together in the same small town in Kansas. Like all small towns, everyone knows everyone else’s business. Both of them have lived in the shadows of their relatives and their own pasts. Ella is principal of the high school, but it’s being threatened with being shut down and consolidated. She’s also raising her teenage brother and he’s surly and uncooperative (with some reason and well, he’s a teen). Jake is retired from the NFL and has bought a bar and made it his own. Turns out it used to be Ella’s favorite Friday night hangout, but that was before Jake changed all the music on the jukebox. To save the school, Ella convinces Jake to come to the school and coach a football team, hoping if they can win, it will show that the school is necessary.

I liked the friendship between Ella and Jake but their relationship went from 0 to 60 in just a couple of pages. I don’t mind instalove but they haven’t seen each other in years and bam, they’re kissing. The writing is okay and it is easy to read quickly. I learned this is a rewrite and compared to Taylor/Travis; I didn’t really get that, but it is a fun read.

Dual POV, Spicy, Workplace Romance, Football Coach x Principal, Small Town, Care Taking

Jake and Ella grew up in the same closed minded small town and have had rough childhoods in which they were constantly the source of town gossip. Years later they bump into each other again as Ella is desperately trying to save her school from being closed she convinces Jake to agree to create and coach the schools football team to try and rally support for the school. Ella and Jake balance on the razor edge of remaining professional or giving into the tension that's always been between them. Care taking, found family, and hilarious banter this novel is fast paced and full of emotional revelations about self love, grief, and loss.

The cover of this book is a little misleading in my opinion. While Jake is a football player we don't see him during his football playing days rather post football career while he's a bar owner and eventual football coach.

We love a spicy Sports romance! Good book for everyday. I liked both characters and the plot but it wasn’t anything special.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an e-ARC of Look What You Made Me Do.

The title and the cover - with an American football player with number 87 - drew my attention because LWYMMD is a song from Taylor Swift and 87 is Travis Kelce's football number. There were some Taylor Swift references and I wonder if the author edited these in since this book originally published in 2013 (Holding Out For A Hero). The easter eggs are fun but less than I thought when I requested the ARC on Netgalley.

LWYMMD is a spicy sports romance with a math teacher turned principal and a retired American football player. In order to keep the school from closing Ella sets up a football team in the hope this will keep her school open. Ella is able to get her old friend/one night stand/retired professional American football player Jake to coach the new team.

I liked the tension between the two. However, I did not really swoon for Jake unfortunately. I did like Ella and the backstory with her mother and her brother.

This book was so wonderful! I loved all the characters. I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 days! It literally is a feel good romance that will have you rooting so hard for the underdogs! This is the first book I read by Amy Andrews and I will now look into reading more of her books!!

Thank you for the arc, like many people I wanted to read this because i thought it would give Taylor and travis vibes but it was way more than that. I wasn’t too keen on the opening chapter it just screamed instalust to me which isn’t my favourite but that’s just personal preference. What I did love was the underdog story and the whole deluca night American football storyline 🙈. The characters were enjoyable and I loved the whole speech about Ella still being able to love her mum despite everything. The relationship between Cam and Ella had me tearing up. I’m so glad I read this it was such an enjoyable read 🥰

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a bit darker than expected but the issues were well delt with.

Look What You Made Me Do by Amy Andrews

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Headteacher Ella Lucas and football star Jake Prince have a very complicated history! Their mind-blowing encounter two years ago is proving impossible to forget now Jake is back, in her small town after being kicked out of the NFL.

She knew he was trouble then, but Ella has enough on her plate without having to worry about Jake Prince. Her school’s on the brink of closure, and she needs help. Then it dawns on her that maybe they can benefit each other - in more ways than one! Ella will help Jake to restore his disgraced reputation, if he can coach the football team to a winning streak. With nothing to lose, Jake reluctantly agrees....

As the school season heats up so does the inevitable chemistry between them. Far from being stuck in the past, the sparks between them are still there. And although he may look like her next mistake, Ella is determined that she will keep her hands off Mr Anti-hero even though she has an itch longing to be scratched. Because Ella's has one golden rule: this is strictly business, they are never ever getting back together....

My Opinion

Sports romance is definitely a trope that I haven't read enough of so I am always happy when I stumble across one. Look What You Made Me Do was my first book by Amy Andrews so I had no idea what to expect, but I found that this was a relatively quick read and a pleasant escape.

Ella needs a miracle when she is warned that her school is in danger of closing. A delightful, small town romance.

Rating 4/5

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

High school headteacher Ella Lucas is having a bad year. Her school is at risk of being closed by the district, she's raising her 15 year old brother, Cameron, who blames her for his crappy childhood, and she needs help. Living in the shadow of her mother's past, she faces scorn from every turn, especially in a town where everyone is in everyone else's business. So when NFL star Jake Prince returns home with a reputation just as bad, Ella decides he could be the hero she needs, and if they can form a winning football team for the school, then it can't be closed. But they forgot to factor in their feelings, especially after the night they spent together two years ago.

Well, this book was phenomenal! I read it on my last day on holiday this summer, in one sitting - I just couldn't put it down. Ella and Jake had a hot and steamy night two years ago, but never discussed it since. Ella is now trying to reclaim her reputation, and is doing everything she can for her brother, and her school, but it's hard. Jake might be her only hope, and though he's against the coaching to begin with, he recognises himself in a lot of the boys, and wants to help them achieve their best, like the help he had from his own coach.

The chemistry between the pair was some of the most intense I've ever read. They were perfect for each other, but had their individual flaws, which were explored in the plot. There was a fight between them that I hated - miscommunication which could've been solved by a simple conversation - but the way they made up and became stronger for it was definitely worth it. I also loved that Jake fell first, and he fell hard! Such a great book, I'll definitely be on the lookout for more from Amy in the future!

Spicy contemporary male female friends to lovers small town romance. Previously published in 2013 as "Holding Out For a Hero." A quick read with good chemistry and a happily ever after.

Look What You Made Me Do by Amy Andrews is a light and enjoyable sports romance. The story centers on Ella, a high school principal, and Jake, a disgraced NFL star, as they reconnect to save her struggling school through a football program. The characters have detailed backstories, and their development is well done. While the book is marketed as spicy, the romance felt more like insta-love and lacked depth. However, it’s a fun and easy read with some heartwarming moments. If you're looking for a quick romance with a sports theme, this could be for you.

"It felt un-fucking unbelievable" the reporter laughed again "can i quote you?"
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3.2/⭐
3/🌶️
#arc netgalley
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A cute romantic story about 2 people who came from the same town and didn't feel at home their and now try to save the school ella works at by starting a football programme
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What i loved:
- character background
The characters have very detailed and coherent backstories it is wonderful to see a story starting around 2 characters that are truly taught through

-character development
I love how ella learnt how to live with her situation but also got help from jake with excepting it really well done

-Writing style:
I put it in what i loved because it was an easy read story made sense not to difficult exactly what i needed
Sometimes i was a bit like do you really need to describe it this way ? But it was not really bothering

-What i didn't love:

-After funeral sex
So why do we have this first chapter i don't get it it feels like I needed sex that to me doesn't give much to the story

-the card reading
For a math teacher this feels to me a bit out of character
Also it's fortune telling i do not want them to tell me what happens next i want to read it

Overal good book if you like sport romances

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a guy who’s trouble—and Jake Prince is exactly that! Ella Lucas, a headteacher of a school on the brink of closure, finds that the one thing that may save it is the man she has a complicated past with.

I love a good sports romance, and I love complex characters—this book delivers both. With heart, passion, and depth, Look What You Made Me Do is definitely worth your time and a spot on your bookshelf.

The story reads almost like a film, with classic, uplifting sports underdog vibes. The school and sports aspect is brilliant; you find yourself rooting not just for the love interests but also for the school and the kids who deserve a win!

As for the side characters, I love a good mix of family and friends, and this book delivers. There are characters I definitely want to learn more about—possibly a series in the works? I sure hope so! If you’re looking for a light romance filled with heart and triumph, this one’s for you!

I picked up this book because I love me some football. A caveat: I love Kelce and the KC Chiefs but really dislike Swift so I didn't know if I'd like this book. That being said, luckily this wasn't too akin to the actual celebrities' story. BUT, even though I dodged that aspect, the story still wasn't great IMO. The beginning of the book just didn't start out great. The writing wasn't my favorite and I found the FMC's actions confusing and desperate. So, even though I like a good sports romance, I didn't enjoy this read.

If you keep track of your reads for long enough, you can see how much your reading changes over a period of time. For example, around 12 years ago I went through a phase of reading sports romances. More precisely, I went through a phase of reading sports romances written by Jaci Burton mostly. I did read some other authors as well, but I really don't recall when I last read one. I do know that sports romances are kind of a big deal at the moment but still, it's not my first choice. So what made me agree to read this one for this blog tour? It was the fact that the author, Amy Andrews, is an Aussie!

Ella Lucas is the principal of a struggling high school. She has come along way from her small home town, where everyone assumed that she would turn out just like her mum (or should I say mom!). She left town as early as she could with some scandalous rumours swirling in her aftermath. Another person who has left that same home town behind is Jake Prince, He made it all the way to the NFL until he was forced to retire in mysterious circumstances.

The book opens with an encounter between Ella and Lucas when they both happen to be back in town. Ella is there for her mother's funeral and Jake for his father. They both have long term parent issues and both can't wait to get back out of town as soon as possible. That is a little bit complicated for Ella as it turns out that she has a brother that she didn't even know about who is now her responsibility.

Fast forward two years, Ella's school is in danger of being closed down completely. After running into Jake at his newly opened sports bar, one of her friends suggests that one way she could help the school is to set up a football program. If they were successful it could raise the profile of the school enough to save it. Who better to coach the team than a retired superstar? Jake reluctantly agrees, but he has some conditions. The main one is there must be no media involvement. He wants no media. She needs a high profile success story. What could go wrong?

If having work issues is not enough, she also has to raise Cameron, her brother. He too has grown up with all the fallout from being his mother's son and he blames Ella for not saving him earlier. Luckily, Ella has some support in the form of her best friend Rosa, and her eccentric aunties. They are Ella's found family and biggest supporter. They know that Jake and Ella will be good for each other way before Jake and Ella know that for themselves.

I don't know much about high school football in America. I do know that it is unlikely that you would be able to set up a new football program and achieve the success required in such a short time. However it does make for a good story as you see the way that the team comes together, about the difference having pride in themselves and their school has on them.

I read quite a few romances from this publisher, Boldwood. Mostly they are second chance romances or escape lit, where the main characters move to locations like France or Italy. This book surprised me a bit as it is spicier than normal. Maybe there are other spicier books on the publisher's list, but I don't normally read them!

As I was writing this review, I happened to see the copyright information and found out that this is actually a rework of an early book called Holding Out for a Hero. Guess what? I read this book 11 years during the phase I was talking about in my opening paragraph! It has been revised and it definitely feels fresh, fun and contemporary! This version is the first time that the book has been released in the UK, so I am going to count this for the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews.

My read on a theme book club chose the theme of Sports at their last meeting, so this will be my choice for that as well.

Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
🧂(no pepper spice because this barely had any salt)

A fast-paced, easy read you can finish in one sitting. Like when it’s football Sunday and your S/O is watching the games on TV, this is your version of football Sunday.

This story was just…fine. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love. It kept my interest enough but it wasn’t really memorable. Would I recommend this book? Maybe to Swiftie fans. Maybe to someone who’s trying to reach their book goal for the year. Other than that…meh.

The build-up of their relationship was…underwhelming. This was definitely more insta-love, and I get it..they grew up in a small town and went to school together so they knew each other prior. But where’s the tension and build-up and dates?? Take her on a couple dates!

And I don’t know what games this author is playing but what a TEASE. I literally have blue balls after reading this and I don’t even have balls. When I saw it was marketed as spicy, I was expecting a little more.

I just loved the cover of this book! I'm going to be honest, until I read the reviews I didn't see any likeness to Taylor/Travis while reading the book but obviously the title made me think of her 👑

I really enjoyed this book. I found it fun and easy to read, you could really snuggle up with this and just read to your hearts content.

There was definitely more to the plot than just spice. Despite how it starts I didn't think there was too much going on in the plot. Jake was a likeable character and I was really hoping he would sort out his issues by the end of it.

Ella was more complex but I just wanted her to build some of that confidence she was trying to get others to have. I thought the sub plot really helped tie everything together and I look forward to read more by this author.