A review by byalexisrae
False Start by Kandi Steiner

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Kyle Robbins just moved to Seattle to start his NFL career, and when he schedules a house showing, the real estate agent is none other than Madelyn Hearst, the girl who broke his heart as a teenager. What Kyle doesn't know is that Madelyn has been struggling as a single mom, trying to build a better life for her son Sebastian and get away from her abusive ex-husband. Madelyn only agrees to take on Kyle as a client because she desperately needs to high commission to move across the country and give herself and her son a fresh start. When Kyle finds this out, he offers a fake dating arrangement that will benefit them both, but as secrets come out and feelings resurface, things become very real.

I was one of the people in Kandi's DMs after Hail Mary BEGGING for a Kyle book and I'm so happy he is finally here! First of all - the journey Kyle has gone on! When we first met him in Fair Catch, he was a cocky jerk, so seeing the evolution from then until Hail Mary, and then getting to know him and his past in this book was so full circle. Kyle has been through so much and come out stronger on the other side. Meanwhile, Madelyn has also endured so much, and seeing the way that she and Kyle supported each other as they walked their respective paths just pulled at my heartstrings. Kyle is SO protective over Madelyn and her precious son Sebastian, and seeing Kyle fall for her all over again and build a relationship with her son had me in tears. I cried multiple times reading this book, even more than when I read ALLTW (IYKYK!) and I still think about Kyle and Mads daily, weeks later. The reason for their relationship ending all those years ago was heartbreaking, but seeing them realize that what they each thought had happened wasn't the truth and move forward together was everything. Kandi really outdid herself with this one! I also loved getting to see all of our previous couples and seeing them welcome Madelyn into their group with open arms. And of course, as always, the spice was SPICING!!! The chemistry between Kyle and Mads was out of this world and I loved every minute of it.

Read if you love:
🛏️ One bed
❤️‍🩹 Second chance romance
💋 Fake dating
🏈 Sports romance
👦🏼 Single parent
👊🏻 "Touch her and I'll kill you" vibes