The Varsity Dad Dilemma

I think I would have liked it more if we actually got more of Poppy and Rider. There was barely any one on one with the two of them. There's only mentions of Rider being a good Dad but we never actually see it. We never got to see him build a connection with her, everything always became about Gabby. For instance it was mentioned Poppy is sick in a scene, but it literally becomes about Gabby instead of how a new Dad handles his sick baby for the first time. It seemed as though there were more Gabby and Poppy scenes than scenes of father and daughter. Even the epilogue, we get a small mention if Poppy, but would have been nice to see her play more of part. Like I get it's a love story but if you're adding other stories to the main storyline it would be nice to see those play out as well. I would say the same with the Ben and Gabby storyline. You would think that since it played such a big roll in Gabby's abandonment issues that we'd see more conflict, more scenes, and a light resolution of moving forward, but there was barely anything.

This book is heavy on the swoon 😍😍 factor.New to me author and well worth the purchase. I love this troupe, nerdy girl gets the quarterback, but there is nothing predictable about this book. With an added twist of an unexpected baby, not belonging to the heroine, this book could have gone so wrong or been over the top and unrealistic but Lex Martin did such an amazing job with the characters and the story that I am completely in love with Rider and Gabby and their world.Rider and Gabby's story was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Growing up their home lives were no picnics. Neither received the love they desperately wanted and needed so they both came with their share of baggage which puts some obsticals in their way. But they both were strong and hardworking, facing what ever was thrown at them and pining for something they didn't think they could have. Despite their pasts and sometimes because of them, Rider and Gabby had to work together to be there for Rider's unexpected yet adorable baby girl and give her a life better than what they had growing up. And mind you, they had to accomplish this while being college students.The secondary characters were phenomenal. Our family isn't always made up of those we share blood with, sometimes we get to choose our family members. To see the members of the football team rally around their captain to help care for Poppy, volunteer to babysit and adjust their lives to include a baby was beautifully written and felt natural. Gabby's friends group is much smaller and thanks to Poppy's appearance she gains some besties along the way that are exactly what she needs.I also must commend Lex Martin for the way she tackled the foster care system, substance abuse, anxiety and a lot of other serious topics in this book with respect for each. I'm very much in love with the book and look forward to reading more from Lex Martin. This was just the right mix of drama, heart melting moments, smexy steamy times and twists to make it a favorite 2021 read. I didn't want the book to end and that's a good sign! Grab it now, you won't be disappointed!!

I loved this story! It flowed well and held my interest from beginning to end. Both the main and supporting characters were very well developed. I especially enjoyed the growth that both the H and h had throughout the story. Yes their relationship had hurdles, but you need some angst to keep a story interesting. I especially appreciated the author allowing the h to have a back bone. Too often an author makes their heroines passive and weak, which personally I find unappealing. Yes, Gabriella was the first to jump in and help, but she also stood up for herself and held her ground. I also appreciated that though Rider made some mistakes he learned from them and apologized. It did drag out a bit in areas but overall this was a very satisfying read to me.

“He’s sex on a stick. And I’m ready for a serving.”This enemies to lovers college romance had me salivating for more with every flip of the page! A slow burn romance with tension and banter between Rider and Gabby that had me laughing and fanning myself. Rider definitely exudes that hot jock persona but when an unexpected surprise is left on his door step, a beautiful baby girl, all his plans are up in air and he needs all the help he can get. I loved that this surprise baby romance didn’t have any drama from the momma and was all about Rider and how he handled the unexpected turn in his life. It definitely gave him an in to start talking to his neighbor Gabby again and having her see him as more than her enemy. Gabby had so much sass and her smart mouthed wit had me laughing but she was also vulnerable and in need of someone to show her real, unconditional love. Rider and little Poppy were definitely up for the job, their love for Gabby had me smiling.“This is what was missing in my other relationship. This unquenchable fire that feels like Rider and I could burn down the whole house with what’s sparking between our bodies.”Gabby and Rider have great chemistry and their banter is HOT. While she had loathed everything about Rider since freshman year, there was definitely no denying the physical attraction they had towards each other. And holy cow does Rider have some dirty fantasies and he definitely knows how to turn them into reality. There were a lot of obstacles to overcome and miscommunications that threw a few twists into Rider and Gabby getting their happily ever after, but their love persevered in the end. If you are looking for a college romance that brings the laughter, with loads of sexual tension and plenty of heart melting moments, check this book out!

What is it about seeing manly men get all gooey over a baby and stepping up to support their friend, thus becoming sweet cinnamon rolls, that really amps up the swoon factor for me?I'm not always big on angsty romances but this had the right amount of angst that had me speeding through the book to get to that sweet HEA. It's a second-chance, sports, single-dad romance that did have a fair bit of drama (other-woman, other-man, surprise baby, past hurts) but I really enjoyed every minute of this and read it in one sitting!I loved both H/H. They have sad upbringings that allow them to develop a deeper connection but beyond that their chemistry was absolutely undeniable—the smoking hot looks that passed between them were *fire*! It's a bit of a slow burn until they get together, but you know that means that when they finally do, the passion between them steamed up the Kindle just a lottle! Gabby exuded such strong boss queen energy and I was so here for it! She's a smart go-getter and I really connected with her character. Rider had a reputation for being a player, and I mean, there's a surprise baby in the picture so that's true, but that reputation never came across so strongly (imo). He even came off as a little shy and insecure because of his pretty sad upbringing, but he worked hard for everything he had. He was basically a hero that was easy to root for and he and Gabby so deserved their HEA! Sweet little Poppy was also a great addition to the story and I really enjoyed how she turned these hulking men into sweet overprotective uncles but also created space for Gabby and Rider to bond ❤️ The footballers who were Rider's housemates and Sienna, who was Gabby's housemate were such entertaining side characters that helped to lift the story and make it even more enjoyable. I'm really hoping that they all get stories—especially Sienna, Olly, and Tank—because I would most definitely read them. Can't wait for more!

Having been in a bit of a book funk and not being able to read something that kept or sparked my interest for more than a few pages it was wonderful to be able to start reading this book and to genuinely be hooked from the start. I couldn’t put it down and I was annoyed when I finished the book as I could have happily lived in that world much longer.It honestly felt like I was reading about friends with how invested I was in the outcome of Rider and Gabby's relationship. The balance between the characters and getting to know them and there friends all added to the experience.With many obstacles to overcome and many things that could go wrong for Rider and Gabby, both being in their final year of university and finding that hard enough without the added pressure of throwing a baby into the mix as well as work, money, football and family this turned out to be an enjoyable heart-warming and fun journey. I would definitely recommend this book.

This was cute and fluffy and just made my heart melt!Rider is the star quarterback of the college football team. When one night during a party at their football house a baby gets left in a basket with a note saying this is your baby. The only problem is a lot of men live in that house and they’re not so sure who the father actually is… Enter Gabby, she hates Rider, after their freshman year when he ghosted her, she’s sworn she’ll never forgive him. When she’s the one to find the baby, she feels the need to help out in anyway she can due to her troubling past. However this means spending more time with Rider…I adored this relationship, Gabby and Rider have my heart, and then add in adorable baby Poppy it just had me melting! I also adored the side characters like the other football players and Sienna and Bre! There were moments that had me laughing out loud and smiling so wide! And it had a perfect sprinkling of spice mixed in throughout! It was such an easy read that I will 100% be coming back to! I’m excited to read the next book!

When I started this and saw the sheer number of chapters in the book, I got very excited and thought “This is going to be good” and Lex Martin did not disappoint. I simply couldn’t get enough of Gabby and Rider together.At the beginning when there was some animosity between them but we were seeing some longing from Rider? I LOVED IT, the angst built up then became intense with the sexual chemistry/longing between the two of them and like some of the side characters I had to see what would happen next. As they became friends and we saw a building intimacy alongside some really sweet moments from all the characters when it came to baby Poppy, I was a goner for this story. The swoon worthy moments coupled with the feels had me devouring chapters. Then when they got together my heart couldn’t take it. I became so invested in this couple and their story; I could easily read another book about the two of them.With a nerdy heroine who you cannot help but like and want the best for. A star jock with his own demons doing everything he can to better himself and then try to keep his girl. A cast of side characters who add so much to the story and will have you desperate for them to get their own. An adorable baby who has a team of footballers wrapped around her finger. Some steamy scenes which make the slight slow burn worth it and a few little twists. This is a book you need to read, what are you waiting for?

I was introduced to this author by another author I adore and boy am I glad. This book was at times an emotional roller coaster and at others funny or sweet. Gabriela Duran has spent a couple of sweet months with Rider Kingston in freshman year and was devastated when they broke up. Fast forward two years and he lives opposite her. After a particularly rowdy party, she storms across the road to get it closed down and finds a baby in the porch. The letter left with the baby doesn't say who the father is. With Gabby's help the discover Rider is the father and in the process he and Gabby become friends. But friends turn into something more. Can Rider and Gabby be honest to move forward? Can they work through what life throws at them? The characters are likeable and you hope that they find the HEA they both deserve after the struggled of their childhood! Now off to download any other book by Lex!