This was a quick, sweet romance. It takes place in the months leading up to Christmas. The story is about Maddie and Tanner. Each of them is taking care of a parent. One is dealing with a health emergency, and the other is dealing with addiction. I like that this is almost a friends-to-lovers story. It was nice that characters got the life they wanted with a happy ending.

The Christmas Playbook by Lisa Carter is a heartwarming holiday romance full of faith, family, and second chances. Maddie and Tanner’s rekindled connection in their small town of Truelove, paired with the backdrop of football and Christmas magic, makes for an uplifting read that’s equal parts cozy and inspiring. Perfect for fans of Love Inspired holiday stories.

I really enjoyed this story! I found the plot of this story to be very interesting and it kept my attention. I enjoyed watching tanner really grow up and learn a lot about himself throughout the story and figure out where he belonged. The romance was cute and fulfilling!

I wasn't sure if I'd like this one but it turns out I did.
I don't care much for sports but this book was OK.
The author did ok with the tough subjects and how the characters dealt with really felt realistic.
I also enjoyed in getting to know the characters.
The town they lived in was described so well that I felt like I was there.
Carter has done a fantastic job with keeping me invested in this sweet story to see what happened next. I finished this story in an hour it was so very good.
5 stars from me for a job well done!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I enjoyed this book by Lisa Carter. Dealing with real life issues helps engage and encourage the readers as faith comes into play to see how they work to overcome them. Such a sweet clean romance that makes you fall in love with the characters. This book is from the Harlequin Love Inspired Series and is scheduled to be released November 25, 2025.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.

An amazing book with sports romance. This book deals with addiction, learning disabilities, and faith. I love Tanner.

I love this sweet, cozy romance novel. Truelove, nestled in the Blueridge mountains is the backdrop for Maggie and Tanner and their sweet, romance novel. Readers will enjoy getting comfy cozy under the blanket with the perfect fall candle. What better themes than faith, family, fellowship, football, and Christmas? Lisa Carter does not disappoint and readers will fall in love with the delightful cast of characters, and a sweet love story that blossoms at just the right time.

This was an ARC I received off of NetGalley for an honest review.

I love sports romance. Going in I thought that was all this would be. Another spicy Sports Romance. I was totally wrong. This is much deeper. It deals with much deeper topics of addiction and faith.
The faith concept comes in a good bit so if that isn’t up your alley, you should maybe skip this read. Although, if you skip it you’ll miss some pretty nice lessons.

Overall I’d give this a 3.5-4 star rating. I enjoyed the book and was rooting for Tanner and Mads through out the whole book.