First and Forever by Lynn Painter: a review by Kayne

This made me laugh so hard!!! It’s a lighthearted sports romance with a famous football star and a disgruntled fan who had trouble with the team mascot. I really loved it.

Duffy is a huge fan of the Coyotes football team, but she had trouble at the game with Coyote Carl, the team’s awful mascot. She gave him a shove after he grabbed her and he went flying! Now, fans blame her for the team’s losses and say she jinxed them. She agrees to an interview so she can redeem herself and this is where she meets Connor, the team’s popular tight end. The interview is full of laughs, especially when Duffy’s dad, Tony, joins the fun and its comedy gold. The audience loves Duffy and Connor together and his team loves the positive publicity.

Duffy is an accountant, studying for her CPA exam. She moved back home after her dad struggled when her mom died. She has had trouble in the past with dates who end up friend zoning her. They like talking with her about sports but lose romantic interest in her. She can’t imagine a famous celebrity like Connor could stay interested in her, but Connor thinks talking to her feels natural. They have the same quirky sense of humor with the best banter and they feel like soulmates.

Connor likes playing for the Coyotes and wants to stay with them for the long haul. He and Duffy decide to fake date to promote good publicity for his team and to make her dad happy. He is a huge fan of the Coyotes and has perked up since Connor’s been around. Duffy and Connor go on fun dates to dinner, karaoke, a hockey game and zombie paintball. Adding to the joy are their cats, her zany family (she has three brothers) and it’s a good time!

This is a closed door romcom that feels a bit like a New Adult book, maybe because she lives with her dad and family is a big part of her and Connor’s lives. It was a little predictable in places, but I didn’t mind. I would love to see more of these characters, especially Ellie, her best friend and her brother Matty.

I’m a huge Lynn Painter fan and think this is her best yet. I recommend this to readers who enjoy sports romcoms with snarky, sarcastic and cheerful humor! It was just what I needed!

by Kayne Spooner