Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK + One More Chapter for this copy to enjoy!

I devoured this in a single sitting. Cassie Connor did not disappoint as this was my second book of hers and it was again, an enjoyable time.

Loved the plot, the action, the romance, the banter, the tension and the spice.

It was paced appropriately and I felt that the yearning and second chance romance aspect was well done. I loved reading about these characters falling in love again and rebuilding their connection - the climax of the story really had my heart pounding and aching for these two. I also especially adored the FMC and how competent she was. Though I did wish there was more grovelling lol but that's just a personal preference.

Cassie Connors truly delivered on the Miss Congeniality premise of the book. It was definitely a page turner and kept me hooked on the plot. And so many cute and sweet moments that made me swoon.

Highly recommend if you wanted a quick and easy read full of action and romance - low stakes but high stakes in some aspects; but just overall a great read.

Would definitely read again, as well as anything else Cassie Connor writes!

Overall rating: 4.5/5

When I saw cover of this book I immediately thought this was going to be about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce but after reading the synopsis it's more of a "Miss Congeniality" vibe. (I totally would have read it either way.) This was a fun, flirty, steamy read but there are several threats and attempts to take Tate's life and it's not all fun and games (pun intended). This is a great palate cleanser book and I had a great time reading it but if you are looking for something deep and emotional, this one may not be what you are looking for. The spicy scenes were delicious and Tate sure does like thinking about pizza. Don't take this one too seriously an you will likely have a good time reading it.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

✨ The Big Game by Cassie Connor ✨

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

If you're looking for a light, spicy, sports rom com that feels like Miss Congeniality meets the Super Bowl, this one delivers exactly that! With a fun mix of forced proximity, fake dating, and a second chance romance, it’s a touchdown for trope lovers. The premise is super cute! NFL security guard and a star quarterback forced together under high-stakes pressure? Sign me up! The spice is undeniably there, and if you’re into swoony athletes and sassy heroines, you’ll find some fun banter and chemistry to enjoy. However, the connection between Lily and Tate felt shallow, leaning heavily on physical attraction rather than emotional depth. Their back and forth dynamic was more immature squabble than tension filled banter, which made them a little annoying at times. I wanted more heart in their second chance story. The emotional stakes felt low when they could’ve been so much higher. Overall, The Big Game is a spicy and entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously. While it won’t top my sports romance list, it’s a fun pick for a quick, tropey escape with a side of NFL drama. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Tessa Bailey who don’t mind characters that fumble a bit before finding their footing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cassie Connor, and One More Chapter for the eARC of this book.

THE BIG GAME caught my eye because I love second chance romances like this that involve a long, misunderstood separation that neither of the characters really wanted.

The story is entertaining from the first page with brief dips into the Tate and Lily’s past, and suspense, danger and intrigue surrounding the Super Bowl and threats to Tate’s life. The pacing is swift. The romance takes the usual stumbles until they finally get out of their own way.

I find this to be an entertaining sports and suspense romance and thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy.

"The Big Game" is a fun and spicy sports romance, at times a bit chaotic and dramatic, but overall, a great palate cleanser! I love that it's the fmc who is the bodyguard, rather than the mmc, as is common in so many other books. This book features many popular tropes such as forced proximity, second chance, opposites attract, and enemies to lovers. I had a great time reading it! If you're looking for a sports romance with spice and Miss Congeniality vibes, read this book! Even if you don't know anything about american football or the super bowl (like me), you'll still be able to follow the plot perfectly.

Thank you netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.