Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Game Plan is the third in a series about a group of football players and their romantic adventures. I have not read any of the previous books and I didn’t feel lost because of it. I do plan on reading the previous books as those characters are still involved.

Dex and Fiona are acquaintances since her sister is married to his best friend and they quickly fall in love over a week vacation. Well Dex, a 24 year old virgin has always been in love, Fiona is the one who truly falls. Dex’s virginity and Fi’s unfulfilling work life are the main issues. I really enjoyed how open the two were with each other and how openly they both communicated. There is some miscommunication thrown in there at the end but ultimately this was a sweet and spicy story about finding love and acceptance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kristen Callihan for the ARC!

This was my first time reading something from Callihan, and now I want to read the rest of the series! Fiona and Ethan were perfect together. I loved how they communicated about everything. Personally, I dislike the miscommunication trope, so their constant transparency made my soul sing. And for that reason, and many others, Ethan Dexter is a man amongst boys! This is totally going to be a re-read!

4.5 ✨ Ethan Dexter is in a league of his own. The pining — dear lord. This wasn’t a slow burn, but getting the girl and keeping her? Those are two very different things. Dex is a man obsessed, and I’m such a sucker for a guy so gone for a girl that he’s willing to wait years for his chance. I absolutely ate it up.
Sure, there were a few cringey moments — but I simply didn’t care. This is definitely a re-read for me, and if my TBR wasn’t so long, I’d start it again right now.

✨ Thanks NetGalley and Kristen Callihan for the E-ARC. Revised version out July 29th 2025✨

Callahan has created a dynamic college sports series and The Game Plan’s success is due to the familiarity of the cast of characters. There is spice and a little bit of sports. If you have read this previously, the new bonus material is not worth a repurchase. The two epilogues are short and don’t offer anymore insight than the original publication.

On one hand, I think it's very cool that this series is getting new life in print, with updated marketing a fresh look. But ... for readers expecting to get a new Tessa Bailey or Fallon Ballard -- because that's what it looks like and how it's being sold! -- there's going to be some real disappointment, as there was for me. While the spice (hell, the SMUT) level is high, I didn't find this book to be particularly emotionally connective or funny. It's an erotic paperback, nothing more.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes: opposites attract, football romance, slow burn
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥

This story follows Ethan “Dex” Dexter, a quiet, tattooed, virgin NFL center, and Fiona “Fi” Mackenzie, his best friend’s sister and a total firecracker. They’ve always had chemistry simmering under the surface, but neither thought the time was right—until now.

Dex is the slow-burn type of hero: rugged and emotionally reserved, with that unexpected tenderness that sneaks up on you. Fi? She’s bubbly, bold, and totally unfiltered. Watching him court her was sweet and even made me root for every touch and look. The football backdrop is well done—not too heavy, just enough to show Dex’s world without overshadowing their romance

But—and it's a “but”—the insta-love was super quick and didn't feel plausible. Fi never looked twice at Dex before, and now she is head over heels in the blink of an eye? Also, the plot twist near the end felt a bit over the top and messy.

Still, Dex’s journey was compelling: the way he cared for Fi, how he respected her despite his own scars, and how he made simple love feel like a quiet, powerful victory. And seeing their dynamic play out with the rest of the crew from the series gave it that cozy, found‑family vibe I love .

If you’re in the mood for a warm, emotional sports romance with a patient hero and a sweet, if not occasionally predictable, love story, this one won't disappoint.

I didn’t expect to fall for a quiet, tattooed, bearded NFL virgin, but here we are. Ethan Dexter is lowkey the sweetest man alive, and I loved how patient and respectful he was. Fiona was funny, real, and didn’t put up with nonsense, which made their chemistry even better. The “beard dare” moment was hilarious and kicked off their relationship in the most chaotic (but hot) way. This was such a comforting sports romance with a little angst and a lot of heart. Not lifechanging, but definitely one I’d recommend when you want to smile and swoon a little. Game on. 🖤🏈

This is a spicy romance about a best friend’s sister-in-law and her brother-in-law’s best friend. The MMC is a NFL player. The FMC has always sworn she would never date a professional athlete.

These sparks between these two just fly off the pages. Decks and the way he calmed the baby. Swoon worthy.
I throughly enjoyed the whole cast of characters, besides Fiona’s coworkers.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the electronic copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Game Plan brings the heat and angst and will be just what you were looking for if you wanted an emotional, steamy sports romance that has you glued to its pages. I really liked Fiona and Ethan’s story which explored topics that I personally haven’t seen covered in romance novels as yet. The stressors on their relationship are a lot more serious than the oft hated miscommunication tropes (although there is a bit of that at one point but it’s pretty quick). And there is plenty of pining which hooks me every damn time. I had a lot of fun rooting for this couple and I think fans of sporty rom coms (with plenty of on page action) will too.

Let me start by saying, this book was HOT. This is the third book in a series, but the first I've read, and I'm enthralled by this football romance! Plus the extra content at the end was such a treat, a look into early moments with the two that are mentioned briefly in the book. I adored Dex and Fiona; I found their relationship to be very believable throughout. The pair grow closer but remain long-distance, so it was interesting to explore how they navigated their budding relationship. And there's a backdrop of increasing media attention, which is a theme I'm always intrigued by when a romance involves a celebrity of some sort.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book! I can’t wait to read more from the author! The fmc and mmc was so amazing, and there romance was so cute!!!

I received The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan for free in exchange for my honest review. I have to say that I really really enjoyed this book. The characters were great. I liked that the male character was inexperienced and shy, but was still a great boyfriend. He was also quite funny. This is not my first book by Kristen Callihan, and it definitely won't be my last!

NFL center Ethan “Dex” Dexter reconnects with Fiona “Fi” Mackenzie—his best friend’s sister-in-law—over a lavish week at Gray and Ivy’s home. Sparks ignite as Dex finally makes his bold move in this steamy, emotionally rich friends-to-lovers romance .The Game Plan is a smart, steamy, emotionally satisfying sports romance with rounded characters, playful banter, and authentic love development. If you enjoy friends-to-lovers, slow-burn heat, and a hero who’s more than just a pretty face, this hit might be your next favorite.

Review | The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan
Pub Date: July 29, 2025
Thank you to the author and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for the ARC.

Some romances are swoony. Some are steamy. Some are sweet. The Game Plan is all three—with heart to spare and a hero who quietly ruins you for every man after.

Ethan “Dex” Dexter is a professional football player, but don’t expect the usual loud, cocky jock. Dex is soft-spoken, thoughtful, and loyal to a fault. He’s also a 6’6” tattooed, bearded wall of muscle with piercing eyes, a quiet confidence, and—plot twist—a virgin. It’s not played for laughs. It’s not exaggerated. It’s just one part of who he is: a man who’s waited because he didn’t want just anyone. He’s been waiting for her. Fiona Mackenzie.

Fi is figuring life out. She’s an interior designer in New York, newly heart-bruised by a workplace betrayal, and used to being underestimated. Her track record says she’s flighty. Her heart says she’s scared of letting anyone in. She’s also hilarious, sharp, and stubborn. She doesn’t fall easily. Dex doesn’t give her a choice.

They’ve known each other for years, circling one another as extended family. But when they both visit Fi’s sister and Dex’s best friend during the same weekend, one dare leads to one kiss—and suddenly, everything changes. What starts as flirtation quickly turns into full-blown, can’t-think-straight, wake-up-thinking-about-you obsession.

The way Dex sees Fiona is what makes this book sing. From the first page, he knows. He’s all in. And while Fi tries to hold herself back, Dex isn’t deterred. He doesn’t play games. He doesn’t waver. He just quietly, confidently shows up—and keeps showing up, no matter how messy or complicated life gets. He makes space for her dreams, her doubts, her fears—and still wants her exactly as she is.

This isn’t just a sexy story with some football thrown in. It’s a romance about distance—not just the miles between cities, but the emotional space we create when we’re afraid to be seen. And it’s about the bravery it takes to close that space.

Callihan writes with sharp emotional insight and stunning control. She gives us the highs—yes, there’s steam and tension and dirty talk that works—but she also writes the quiet, tender moments that sneak up and knock the wind out of you. Dex isn’t loud, but his love is. It’s the kind that fills the room and wraps around your chest.

The conflict in the book is realistic and earned—fueled by trust, timing, and the brutal pressure of being in the public eye. There are missteps and moments that sting, but they feel true. Because this isn’t about perfect people getting a perfect love. It’s about two imperfect people choosing to fight for something real.

Fiona and Dex grow, separately and together. And that bonus epilogue? Heart-melting. Dex is the kind of hero who makes you believe in steady love—the kind that doesn’t shout but stays.

If you like your romances character-driven, full of chemistry and emotional payoff, this one is a must. I’ve already ordered the other books in the Game On series because Kristen Callihan just made my auto-buy list.

Perfect for fans of:
✔️ Slow-burns with fast chemistry
✔️ Beard + tattoo combos
✔️ Virgin heroes done right
✔️ Long-distance stakes with emotional depth
✔️ Protective, sweet, slightly filthy-minded MMCs
✔️ Women finding their footing and choosing love without losing themselves

Drink pairing: A hot, rich hazelnut latte—comforting, a little sweet, with an undercurrent of bold. Just like Dex.

Kristen Callihan is one of the few authors who can make insta-love work for me. The Game Plan flirts with that trope—Dex fell for Fi at first sight, and she quickly returned the favor. But the incredible writing, sizzling chemistry, and unforgettable characters—especially Dex—made me love every second.

Dex, a swoon-worthy NFL player with a sweet, grounded personality, totally stole the show. His virgin status and his struggle with fame added depth to his story. Meanwhile, Fi, caught in office drama, heads to San Francisco for a break, only to reunite with Dex in an unforgettable way.

Callihan perfectly captures their journey: the long-distance challenges, the media spotlight, and the magnetic pull between them. It’s a heartfelt, steamy, and fun romance that’s hard to put down.

This is the year of all sports romances for me. While this is the third in this series it is the first I’ve read and now I need to go back and read the rest. Fiona is the sister of one of the previous FMC’s and the MMC of this one is the best friend of her sister’s husband and also a NFL player. Unlike a lot of other books in this one of MMC has never had relations of the physical type. Now what I liked about this. It actually plays a part of the book like a plot point later on in the book specifically then him never finding someone to wanting to share the experience with, which in itself is valid. I really like how it all played out.
Do you need to read the others before this. I don’t think anything is ruined for me by reading this before the other two. Will I be going back to read them asap…yes because I really enjoyed this and want to read the entire series now.
I really liked the character development and how the MMC has been pining for her for the whole time since they originally met. I loved also the added content in the back as a bonus epilogue showing that meeting.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publications for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’ve never read a book by Kristen Callihan before and not usually one for books involving football but I would totally read another of her books and I really enjoyed this one. Ethan Dexter in instalove was pretty great. Fiona had some great development. There were a few obstacles in their way but they made it work. A few instances of not communicating and Ethan’s tantrum at the end are my only criticisms. The steam was a mid level and well written, the romance was also excellent. The conflict is where I took issue. I would recommend this book to a friend.

Thanks for the ARC. This book worked as a standalone despite being part of a series. I didn’t realize I was starting with Book #3 but I’m now a Kristen Callihan fan and will be going back to read #1 and #2. Loved the FMC and definitely loved the MMC - strong, sexy, silent emotional footballer…yes please. The 🌶️ scenes is this book really did something for me. They sizzled with passion and emotional connection. The story was good although somewhat predictable. A famous footballer having to deal with life in the public eye seems overdone
I would still recommend though - worth the read.

This football romance will definitely hit at the right time- with the sport becoming ever more popular, I think there will be a wide audience for this one. Ethan Dexter is by all accounts a great guy-good teammate, good friend- but he's not great when it comes to relationships...mostly because he's been carrying a torch for Fiona Mackenzie, the younger sister of his best friend's wife. Fi is still struggling to find herself after graduating from college, and a relationship with a famous football player is not on her current bingo card- but Ethan seems like the too-good-to-be-true whole package, and so she decides why not? What's the worst that could happen?

Great story, I loved Ethan and Fi together. The characters were relatable and the story was more than credible. Definitely on the spicier side, so I'd probably only recommend this one to friends and not in a professional capacity. Thoroughly enjoyable, I'll probably go back and read the beginning of the series now!

Fiona Mackenzie is figuring life out slowly. She's working in NYC as an interior designer. She has a hobby making furniture. She has a sister and brand new nephew she adores. And there's Ethan Dexter.

Ethan Dexter, Dex to most people, is her brother-in-law's friend, a professional football player in the NFL. And he's had the hots for Fi since the first time he saw her. But the timing has never been right. When they both visit Ivy and Gray on the same week, they spend time together and sparks start flying. But he lives in New Orleans, she's in NYC. A long distance relationship isn't possible, is it? Dex is determined to make it work somehow.