It's a cute and light story that I enjoyed.

Instalove might not be common in real life but this book has you hoping it did.

I love a good best friend's.... kind of story and this one delivered! It's a book worth re-reading and I will go back to read the older books since this one had me intrigued!

Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Kristen Callihan for the eARC!! This was a 3.5 star read for me.

Fiona and Dex have known each other for a while but Fiona has just come to realize she is into Dex. Dex has been in love with Fiona for a looong time. This was a bit too much “insta-love” for me once Fiona realized her attraction to Dex and not enough about their true attraction to each other beyond the physical.
I did really love the football theme of this book. I’m a big football fan so I appreciated the look at the MMCs life in the NFL. Fiona being into woodworking and designing was also fun to read about.

Overall, I enjoyed this book but needed more substance personally.

Thank you netgalley for this book. wow this was a very delicious,cute ,sexy read. Ethan and Fiona's story was too good to miss.

As a longtime Kristen Callihan fan, I was excited to dive into Game Plan—a sports romance with heat, heart, and one of my favorite romance setups: the sweet, quiet guy who knows exactly what (and who) he wants.

Dex is everything you want in a romance hero. He’s honest, direct, and refreshingly serious about his feelings for Fi from the start. There are no mind games or manufactured drama—he wants a relationship and makes that clear early on. I loved how open he was, and how his steadiness allowed Fi space to grow into herself.

Fi, for her part, is layered and relatable—flighty at times, but it comes from a place of self-doubt and emotional uncertainty. Watching her gain confidence, both in herself and in the relationship, gave the romance satisfying depth beyond just the physical connection (though yes, the spice level is definitely there!).

That said, there’s one moment late in the book that didn’t work for me. Dex has a scene where he yells, breaks things, and loses control in a way that felt jarring compared to the rest of his character. It wasn’t fully explored or resolved afterward, and I wish it had been treated with more weight, especially since Dex is otherwise so grounded and emotionally mature.

Overall, Game Plan is a compelling, spicy, emotionally satisfying romance that fans of new adult and sports romance will likely enjoy—just be aware of one scene that veers off tone. If you’re new to Kristen Callihan’s work, this one shows her talent for writing complex characters and genuinely sexy, heartfelt romance. If you’re a fan like me, it’s a solid (re)read—just know this isn’t a brand-new release!

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Attention sports romance fans: Kristen Callihan’s entire Game On series is a must read. The Game Plan features an opposites attract story, with plenty of heat, banter, and some football too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bearded football player Ethan Dexter and Fiona MacKenzie have known each other for years, since Fi’s sister Ivy is Dex’s agent and his teammate Gray’s wife. But Fi and Dex haven’t spent much time together until they both end up in San Francisco to help Gray and Ivy with baby Leo. Suddenly they are always together, and watching hottie Dex care for her nephew makes Fi *really* notice him. For his part, Dex has been obsessed with Fi for years, and finally decides to make his move. But they both have busy lives are live in different cities…and Dex has absolutely no previous experience, if you know what I mean. Can they still make it all work out?

Dex is absolutely gone for Fiona from the outset, and it’s a treat to watch him decide to tell her how he feels after pining for so long. This book features a virgin hero, and somehow makes it seem completely plausible in a contemporary romance. While Fiona is a more lighthearted character than serious Dex, it’s great to watch her figure out her own career path too. I also adore any romance with plenty of banter and quotes from my favorite movies.

I read this entire series when it was originally released, and it’s a favorite to reread again and again. While the series begins with college students, now they’ve grown into pro football players with grownup issues, and the stakes are higher than simply a college romance.

The Game Plan is a fantastic sports romance. If you are a fan of a virgin hero, football, and banter too, you can’t go wrong with Kristen Callihan’s latest rerelease.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed The Game Plan! It’s a sweet and steamy sports romance with heart. Ethan “Dex” Dexter is not your typical football player, he’s quiet, serious, and surprisingly a virgin, which made his story even more unique. Fiona “Fi” Mackenzie is fun, confident, and totally his opposite, but their chemistry is off the charts.

I loved watching their relationship grow from friends to something more. Dex was so respectful and devoted, and Fi’s struggle with commitment felt real and relatable. Their banter was playful, the emotional moments hit hard, and the romance was swoony in the best way.

This was a fast paced read with just the right mix of humor, heat, and heart. Even though it’s part of a series, you can read it on its own without getting lost. If you like opposites-attract stories, lovable athletes, and some emotional depth, this one’s worth picking up!

The book is a captivating addition to the Game On series, blending humor, romance, and emotional depth. The story revolves around Dex and his journey of self-discovery, showcasing Callihan's talent for creating intimate moments that resonate with readers. With a perfect mix of drama and heartfelt connections.

The narrative centers on Ethan "Dex" Dexter, a talented NFL center, and Fiona "Fi" Mackenzie, who initially views Dex as just a friend. Their relationship evolves during a vacation where Dex decides to express his long-held feelings for Fi. The story explores themes of friendship, love, and the challenges of long-distance relationships. Dex is portrayed as mature and grounded, he is determined to win Fi's heart, showcasing his vulnerability and depth. Fi is initially hesitant about relationships, she grapples with her feelings for Dex, leading to significant character growth as she confronts her fears about commitment. Callihan's writing is engaging, filled with witty dialogue and humor that lightens the emotional weight of the story. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for a gradual build-up of romance and tension, making the reader invested in the characters' journey. The chemistry between Dex and Fi is off the charts, with steamy moments that are both tender and passionate.
Their relationship is depicted with authenticity, highlighting the complexities of love and the importance of communication. The cast of friends adds depth to the story, providing comic relief and support for the main characters. Familiar faces from previous books enrich the narrative, creating a sense of continuity within the series.

In conclusion a delightful read that combines humor, romance, and emotional resonance. Callihan successfully delivers a heartfelt story that appeals to fans of contemporary romance, making it a worthy addition to the Game On series.

This book was okay but not what I wanted it to be. The romance felt rushed, and I felt like I never got to know the characters well. Their relationship didn’t feel like it had an organic foundation. This was also just a personal problem and not a criticism of the author or the writing, but I didn’t like a big plot point that happened to Fiona.

This book was pure fluff in the best way possible! If you're looking for a fun sports romance that leaves you smiling like a fool, this one absolutely delivers! The MMC was sweet, respectful (outside of the bedroom) and (plot twist) a virgin! Which added such an interesting angle from other books.

Their chemistry was instant and so swoony, and I enjoyed the fast pace of their relationship. There was plenty of playful banter, yet enough twists in the story to keep things interesting.

This was a quick read for me, and would be perfect for reading by the pool or on the beach!

I loved The Game Plan! Dex had me swooning and kicking my feet the whole time. This book was entertaining, spicy, and well-written. Both characters grow and evolve through the book, which was nice to see.

I did not read the other books in the series first, so maybe some character relationships would've been more clear. I didn't feel like I was missing too much though - it was still easy to follow. I would recommend this book and Kristen Callihan!

First things first.....full disclosure, I have NOT read books one and two in the Game On series yet. I know, I know.....what is wrong with me? But NetGalley was kind enough to grant me a copy of The Game Plan so I jumped in to the series starting with this book and I'm so glad that I did! The Game Plan is funny, emotional, sexy, and swoony. With great characters, multiple settings, and great storyline, this is a must-read story.

I loved the characters in this book. Ethan "Dex" Dexter is a gentle giant. An NFL center, Dex is quiet, reserved, loveable, and a complete teddy bear. He exudes power and strength while being a man of few words. This sexy man is heavily bearded, heavily muscled, and has long flowing locks of hair. Oh, and did I mention he's a virgin? <gasp!> Total swoon! Fiona "Fi" Mackenzie is the younger sister of Dex's best friend's wife. The first time he saw her he fell head over heels for her but he stood in the shadows for years before he was able to make his move. Fi is the light to his darkness. She's bright and shiny, outgoing, flighty, and a ball of fun. In other words, the complete opposite of Dex. But you know what they say about opposites! These two have chemistry in spades! I loved watching their relationship develop and strengthen. It wasn't easy and there were many bumps and roadblocks they needed to get past, but they do find their happily ever after.

The Game Plan is full of emotional angst and sexy times. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll fall in love with these complex, multifaceted characters. Don't sleep on this one! 4.5 stars

This was a quick read for me, but I wouldn’t say it was the best. It was just okay. The author is a very good writer, that much is obvious. She writes in a way that feels conversational and easy.

With that said it felt a little forced. Perhaps because I didn’t read the first two books in the series that I didn’t feel all that invested in the characters. The FMC despite her claims that she never felt attraction to the MMC fell super fast, and at the end despite being super levelheaded the entire time has a meltdown. A major one, and the FMC is like, no biggie, let me get you some gumbo.

I find a lot of romance books to be character driven or plot driven. I think it’s difficult to do both, and it felt like the author was trying to accomplish just that. The FMC needed to feel confident about herself, and not view herself as flighty. The MMC needed to show emotion, but the plot to get them there felt off to me. Things felt thrown in haphazardly.

I would probably recommend this to anyone seeking a light summer read. It’s easy enough to follow. It was good; it just wasn’t my favorite.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kristen Bailey, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’ll be honest and say that this book is not one I would have ordinarily picked up. While I appreciate a good contemporary romance, I tend not to be overly invested in sports romances or anything that revolves around characters in the public eye (actors, rock stars, pro athletes, etc.). There are exceptions to every rule, though, and I found myself intrigued by both the cover and the blurb for this one.

Kristen Callihan is an entirely new-to-me author and I knew nothing about this series before requesting this book on Netgalley ahead of its trad publishing rerelease. Having no knowledge of the first two books in the series, there were definitely moments where I felt like I was missing something. Even so, this book was extremely readable and usually did a good job at filling in the blanks enough to avoid prolonged confusion. I’m sure that reading the series in order would enhance it in some ways, but it certainly wasn’t necessary to understand or appreciate this work on its own.

While I can honestly say that I appreciated the novel as a whole, I have to be honest and say that many elements just didn’t land for me. Both of the MCs feel like they’re leaning mostly on cliches, especially in the early chapters of the book. The rampant preoccupation with sex felt unrealistic, even a little campy at times (and I say this as a reader who is in no way averse to “spice”—I’m all for people embracing their sexuality as long as they’re not hurting anybody else, but seriously, the notion that these characters are just walking around preoccupied by thoughts of sex for multiple consecutive chapters just felt silly to me).

I’m thrilled to say that both Dex and Fi get more well-rounded as the book evolves. I do think that the characters read a bit older than they’re actually intended to be. Dex is 24 and new to the NFL. Fi is 21 and already competing for a pretty significant promotion. She’s also apparently had time to establish a long history of flightiness and failed relationships despite being fresh out of college. Before their ages were explicitly stated, I thought they were both closer to the 27-30 range, as well as thinking they were the same age (didn’t actually realize that Dex is 3 years older than Fi until just before the end of the book).

I don’t want to spoil any big moments of the plot, so I’ll be deliberately vague and say that for me, there was too much drama on too many different fronts. A lot of it was either overblown or underdeveloped, and too much of it resolved in ways that felt dismissive, inadequate, etc. In some ways, this book felt like an attempt to weave several different plots into one cohesive novel, and while there were definitely some high points, they definitely did not all succeed—some because they weren’t given the time and attention they needed to really play out and others because they just weren’t necessary in the first place.

Some aspects of the story did resonate more with me. Dex’s trauma around sex and relationships, Fi’s internal dilemma between wanting a partner and wanting to be content on her own, the emotional maturity of many of the characters, and the way that Dex genuinely sees, understands, and appreciates Fiona just as she is all struck me as real and relatable. I think the conflict between the two MCs is, for most of the novel, one of the more grounding and realistic elements. Their relationship isn’t perfect (I personally found some of the third act events particularly frustrating), but I do think it’s successful overall, and that does feel like the most important thing for a romance novel.

I’m not sure that I’ll return to this series or to this book in particular, but I’d be interested to read some of this author’s other works. Dex and Fi as characters were both very enjoyable and effective in my opinion, so I’d be curious to see if a narrative from this author more in line with my usual tastes hit different.

4.25 ⭐️

The Game Plan is the third installment in Kristen Callihan’s Game On series, and it delivers a satisfying mix of steam, sincerity, and slow-burn romance. This time, the spotlight is on the quiet, bearded, and unexpectedly swoony NFL player, Ethan “Dex” Dexter, and the strong-willed Ivy Mackenzie—two characters who don’t just spark, they smolder.

Callihan’s greatest strength lies in her characters. Ethan is a refreshing male lead: introverted, emotionally intelligent, and respectful without losing his edge. Ivy, with her boldness and vulnerability, makes a perfect match. Their chemistry is electric, but the real charm is in how gently their relationship unfolds. The emotional beats feel earned, not rushed.

The story explores themes of identity, long-distance challenges, and choosing vulnerability in a world that demands masks—especially for public figures like Ethan. The conflict is grounded and relatable, though a few plot moments lean into melodrama and could have used more nuance.

Callihan’s dialogue is sharp, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, and always authentic. While the pacing drags slightly in the middle, the payoff is worth the wait.

Overall, The Game Plan is more than just a sports romance—it’s a tender exploration of love, trust, and learning to let someone in. A great choice for readers who enjoy character-rich contemporary romance with a healthy dose of heat.

The first book I’ve read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters. The perfect amount of spice. I love sports romances and this was nice to have one centered around football.

4 ⭐️
Tropes: football / sports romance, best friends sister-in-law, opposites attract, coaching romance

This is the third book in the Game On series by Kristen Callihan and now I fear I need to backtrack and read the first two - it did read great as a standalone though but if you start with the first you’ll have cameos of the couple from the previous books. This was my first football romance and first book by the author and I really enjoyed it!

Ethan Dexter is a professional football player who always plays it save, keeps to himself whenever possible and just moves through the motions. Fiona or Fi Mackenzie is a free spirit that hasn’t quite found her footing and purpose in life - moving from one job to the next and searching for her true passion. They met at Fi’s sister Ivy’s Christmas party which happened to be Ethan’s best friend’s girlfriend. Ethan was enamored with Fi and from the moment they met she was his “the one that got away” because he played it safe not wanting to rock any boats…but he promised himself that one day he will make his play and that was all part of his game plan to get Fiona Mackenzie to be his.

Years later her got another chance and he ran with it.

“I’d taken one look at her in that club and wanted her to touch me, to fucking see me, more than my next breath. I’ve wanted that from the moment I laid eyes on her two years ago”

Once the flood gates opened he wasn’t going to let her go again. Just like he always imagined she was intoxicating but she was better than all of his made up fantasies.

“I shouldn’t have touched, much less kissed, Fi. Because I can’t stop replaying it in my mind. I know what she tastes like now. She tastes like addiction.”

Except now that they let each other in, they were faced with having to make a long distance relationship work with stolen moments whenever they could fit them in but when they did, it was explosive and perfect… Their relationship was hard but they made it work because it was worth the time apart. The chemistry between them was off the charts, and they were perfect for each other in and out of the bedroom. I adored them together and how they were each other’s safe harbor.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Canary Press for the E-ARC of this title!!!!

I love this series! Read this one if you like
-Football romance
- Brothers BFF
- Insta-love
- Virgin MMC
- Sweet and sexy
- Baby whisperer
- Opposites attract

Dex and Fiona are opposites in every way. Dex is a broody, burly tree trunk of a man. Fiona is petite and Tinker Bell like. She's also extremely flighty and unfiltered.
One kiss, a beard, and they are done for. I had a hard time believing it was possible that Dex was the replica of a nun. Everything about him oozes sex appeal and come hither and break my back.

While I adore this author and this series, this one was missing something for me. I would still recommend it as a standalone and more enthusiastically as a series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Canary Street Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Have been a massive fan of Kristen Callihan since I read "Make It Sweet". I adored this book. I love Ethan Dexter as the MMC, as he's just a giant teddy bear. Dexter is an NFL player who harbors a secret crush on Fiona Mackenzie (FMC).  There have been moments throughout this entire book where I found myself melting or swooning, kicking my feet. Calilhans' writing his both entertaining, sexy, and sweet, and she puts so much love into these characters. 


Read if you like: 
- He falls first 
- Long distance
- Dual POV

Thanks to harlequin trade publishing / canary street press & NetGalley for this arc!

I have read all of Kristen Callihans books and loved them, so I was absolutely thrilled to receive the arc for The Game Plan. I was not disappointed!

I loved following the story of Dexter and Fiona’s relationship. Such instalove. Highly recommend and can’t wait for the physical copy to come out!

I’ve read Kristen Callihan’s The Game Plan several times and even listened to it on audiobook, but that was years ago. With a new cover releasing soon and some updates—“FaceTime instead of Skype”, and more of Dex’s perspective—I thought it would be an excellent time to re-read. And since it had been a while, it was as if I was reading it for the first time. I love that feeling! Though Dex is a 24-year-old virginia. He’s a football player with tattoos and gives off vibes that contradict. But he focuses on his best friend’s little sister, Fiona.

Fiona is a force to be reckoned with. Though others see a flighty person who can’t stick to one thing or make a decision, Dex doesn’t. He’s drawn to her energy and ability to bring joy to every situation. The predicament is that they live apart, and rumors begin to spread about Dex’s virginity.

Reading The Game Plan brought all the feels right back. I loved it even more! Don’t be fooled by the adorable cover; it has several steamy scenes. There’s a size difference in more ways than one. Dex has piercings in multiple places and likes a bit of pain—this is good stuff.