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Fumbled Past
Twenty years have passed, yet not one thing in my hometown has changed … even the man I left behind.
I was the girl no one could touch because they all feared my father. He was a legend, the head football coach who had created this town’s Friday night lights. Only two football players dared to win my heart—the boy next door and the new guy in town. I grew up on this football field and fell hard for these two men, who loved me just as much as the game.
When my dad died, decisions had to be made, and I chose the one who held my heart.
As I sit here in the stands, watching the one I didn’t choose fill my father’s role, I can’t help but remember our fumbled past. Wondering if I followed the right guy or what my life would have been like if I hadn’t.
I was the girl no one could touch because they all feared my father. He was a legend, the head football coach who had created this town’s Friday night lights. Only two football players dared to win my heart—the boy next door and the new guy in town. I grew up on this football field and fell hard for these two men, who loved me just as much as the game.
When my dad died, decisions had to be made, and I chose the one who held my heart.
As I sit here in the stands, watching the one I didn’t choose fill my father’s role, I can’t help but remember our fumbled past. Wondering if I followed the right guy or what my life would have been like if I hadn’t.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2023
About the author
Lauren Runow
46 books1,309 followersLauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!
Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.
You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow
Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/
BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...
Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow
Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...
or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9
Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.
You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow
Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/
BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...
Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow
Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...
or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 30, 2023
This book. I know it’s only January, but this is the best book I’ve read this year. And I don’t remember reading a book that’s THIS good in such a long time. This is a new to me author and I am completely blown away and definitely going to check out her back list.
This book goes from present tense to past tense with Sadie, the main character reminiscing on her high school years.
She was caught between two boys who were on her father’s football team, and were vying for her attention. Aaron was the boy next door and her best friend growing up. Beau was the new kid at school from California. Both boys were star athletes and love their coaches daughter.
It is a passionate, angsty, slow burn romance.
This book was so well written that when you are reading present tense, you don’t know which boys she ended up marrying and having three children with, and you don’t know which boy ended up being the coach of the high school team of her old town she lived in. It is such a beautiful story, despite most of it being about kids in high school. I am over 30 years old so I definitely was reminiscing on my old high school days with the music that was being talked about through the story and living in Tennessee for the last 11 years - I ate this book up!
“As he tilts his head, he inhales a breath, and I feel like he’s just inhaled my entire soul, taking anything he wants from me and me giving it willingly.”
And throughout the entire book, you feel like you’re in high school all over again with a loss of friendships, jealousy, and just dealing with life in a small town and strict single dad who coaches your high school football team.
You could tell that Sadie was completely torn between both of these boys that she deeply cared about. And I was honestly on pins and needles trying to figure out who ended up being the one that she married. It’s such a fantastic book and just beautifully written!
“Do I go with the boy I lust over, who lights my insides on fire at just the sight of him, or do I go with the boy I’ve been with since we were little, who offers me comfort and has always been by my side, no matter what?”
This book goes from present tense to past tense with Sadie, the main character reminiscing on her high school years.
She was caught between two boys who were on her father’s football team, and were vying for her attention. Aaron was the boy next door and her best friend growing up. Beau was the new kid at school from California. Both boys were star athletes and love their coaches daughter.
It is a passionate, angsty, slow burn romance.
This book was so well written that when you are reading present tense, you don’t know which boys she ended up marrying and having three children with, and you don’t know which boy ended up being the coach of the high school team of her old town she lived in. It is such a beautiful story, despite most of it being about kids in high school. I am over 30 years old so I definitely was reminiscing on my old high school days with the music that was being talked about through the story and living in Tennessee for the last 11 years - I ate this book up!
“As he tilts his head, he inhales a breath, and I feel like he’s just inhaled my entire soul, taking anything he wants from me and me giving it willingly.”
And throughout the entire book, you feel like you’re in high school all over again with a loss of friendships, jealousy, and just dealing with life in a small town and strict single dad who coaches your high school football team.
You could tell that Sadie was completely torn between both of these boys that she deeply cared about. And I was honestly on pins and needles trying to figure out who ended up being the one that she married. It’s such a fantastic book and just beautifully written!
“Do I go with the boy I lust over, who lights my insides on fire at just the sight of him, or do I go with the boy I’ve been with since we were little, who offers me comfort and has always been by my side, no matter what?”
February 13, 2023
** 1.5 stars **
Can someone send me the 5 stars version, please?🤯🔫
I didn't like this at all, but I'll round it up to 2 stars because I finished it.
I want to stress that I am not a reader who needs to like a character to enjoy a story. I like antiheroes, flawed, evil and complex characters, as long as they are convincing.
Can someone send me the 5 stars version, please?🤯🔫
I didn't like this at all, but I'll round it up to 2 stars because I finished it.
I want to stress that I am not a reader who needs to like a character to enjoy a story. I like antiheroes, flawed, evil and complex characters, as long as they are convincing.
January 25, 2023
I was hooked from the start. It definitely had me in my feelings and I felt like I was right there with Sadie though it all and felt all the emotions. It is definitely a must read.
February 9, 2023
This was an interesting way a book is written, I don’t think I’ve read any like it before. It starts out in current time, and then goes back and forth through her high school years, to show how she picked the man she ended up spending her life with, and the what ifs of if she had picked differently. I’d recommend the book.
February 9, 2023
4.5 stars
I was surprised by how much I loved this book. A game time decision for signup, and I am so glad I did. There are elements I typically do not read, but glad I ignored them.
As they celebrate an anniversary, Sadie and her husband return to their hometown. Twenty years since they left, the event brings up a flood of memories for Sadie. As the past is revealed in flashbacks, the story unfolds. I could not put the book down, set aside some time, and just enjoy it.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I was surprised by how much I loved this book. A game time decision for signup, and I am so glad I did. There are elements I typically do not read, but glad I ignored them.
As they celebrate an anniversary, Sadie and her husband return to their hometown. Twenty years since they left, the event brings up a flood of memories for Sadie. As the past is revealed in flashbacks, the story unfolds. I could not put the book down, set aside some time, and just enjoy it.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
February 5, 2023
What a delightful read which pulls on all the feels with the teen age angst built in. I loved the set up of the story as a girl recalls her past (high school years) and how everything that happened then formed her for who she is now. I will say Sadie's wishy washy drove me insane at times but that is they way of teenagers. Beau was a great character who was always there and just had a great backbone. I loved the pace of the story and how all the pieces just came together at just the right moment. Truly a delight
February 14, 2023
Very juvenile tone. Reads like a teenager wrote it. Couldn’t stand any of the characters except for Beau.
January 28, 2023
I was absolutely blown away by this story. Remembrance of a high school romance triangle intertwined with the present day had me glued to each page as the past was relived while still moving forward in the present day. Sadie is an character that is both wholesome and relatable. Throughout the story I had a hard time choosing which team I was cheering for, I give that young lady a lot of credit. I loved the mystery throughout the story of whom made the trip to the field and there was a point where I was yelling out loud “who is it?!” This is a must read story hands down.
February 14, 2023
Oh I loved this book and how the story progressed! We meet Sadie and her husband in the present then we go back in time to her high school years and the trials and tribulations of growing up. We don’t know who her husband ends up being but we know it’s likely one of two guys, Aaron or Beau (although I did wonder at times if it was neither of them). That has you guessing for most of the book, going back and forth on who it could be. Sadie had to deal with so much loss in her life. And she leaned on these two guys so much growing up! I also really enjoyed the small part that music had in this story and how Beau introduced her to live music! This is a really well written story and in the end everyone has their happily ever after!
~Alexis💜
~Alexis💜
February 6, 2023
3.5 Stars
This was a very well written book with an interesting premise. If every decision/choice you made led you to where you are today, what would happen if you made one small change? What if you picked the other guy? Where would you be now?
With that being said it felt very YA to me, which isn't a bad thing but for some reason I was not expecting that. So I wasn't in the right mindset to fully enjoy this. I will say I was super stoked that the guy I was rooting for actually won this time 🤣
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
This was a very well written book with an interesting premise. If every decision/choice you made led you to where you are today, what would happen if you made one small change? What if you picked the other guy? Where would you be now?
With that being said it felt very YA to me, which isn't a bad thing but for some reason I was not expecting that. So I wasn't in the right mindset to fully enjoy this. I will say I was super stoked that the guy I was rooting for actually won this time 🤣
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
February 11, 2023
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! Love triangle. An ok read
February 9, 2023
“What if? What if I had chosen that other life? What if I didn’t take his hand that day and say Fuck it to everything happening around me?
A love triangle done right! I really enjoyed this book. I am picky about love triangles as they can get messy and over the top. This one was done right! She ended up with the right guy!
This is a story about a girl named Sadie and she falls in love with two guys; her best friend Aaron and the new guy Beau. She returns to her old High School for a celebration for her father and it brings her back to the day it all started. The day she met Beau and her friendship with Aaron. You grow with them through all the drama of high school while she tries to figure out life and being a teenager and learning about what true love is. This was written so well, and I was hooked the moment I started.
“Do I go with the boy I lust over, who lights my insides on fire at just the sight of him, or do I go with the boy I’ve been with since we were little, who offers me comfort and has always been by my side, no matter what?”
Received and Advanced copy for my honest opinion.
A love triangle done right! I really enjoyed this book. I am picky about love triangles as they can get messy and over the top. This one was done right! She ended up with the right guy!
This is a story about a girl named Sadie and she falls in love with two guys; her best friend Aaron and the new guy Beau. She returns to her old High School for a celebration for her father and it brings her back to the day it all started. The day she met Beau and her friendship with Aaron. You grow with them through all the drama of high school while she tries to figure out life and being a teenager and learning about what true love is. This was written so well, and I was hooked the moment I started.
“Do I go with the boy I lust over, who lights my insides on fire at just the sight of him, or do I go with the boy I’ve been with since we were little, who offers me comfort and has always been by my side, no matter what?”
Received and Advanced copy for my honest opinion.
February 10, 2023
Set across twenty years with the emphasis on the past, Fumbled Past is a warm-hearted book that centres around a love triangle. Sadie, Aaron and Beau are the central characters, though the town and the football team have a big part to play! Aaron, the boy next door and Beau, the new guy in town..who, ultimately, is the husband to Sadie and the father of their three children? Lauren cleverly structures the narrative to obscure this, but you are sure of happiness in that choice.
This has been a good read. Being British, I had to check out details such as age when a freshman etc, 😊. There is angst, love, friendship, loss, and pivotal events that change everything. Well structured and very readable, Fumbled Past is a lovely read. 💖💖💖💖
This has been a good read. Being British, I had to check out details such as age when a freshman etc, 😊. There is angst, love, friendship, loss, and pivotal events that change everything. Well structured and very readable, Fumbled Past is a lovely read. 💖💖💖💖
January 25, 2023
WARNING - you will need a quiet room and no interruptions for this book. You will be hooked into he story from the opening pages and life will cease to exist until it is done. Sadie has had a life filled with football. As the coaches daughter she has had no one in her life that was not connected to the game. Her next door neighbor Aaron and friend for ages even plays for her father. But it is not until a boy named Beau who comes from California to play enters her life that the feelings Aaron has kept hidden come into play. But who should she choose - the steady boy who has been there for everything? Or the one who makes her heart flutter? The past versus present timeline that is set up in the book takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster to see which path she chose. You will laugh, you will cry and you will want to race to the end to get the answer all while enjoying every single page. This book should be a movie.
February 9, 2023
I loved this novel so hard. LR deserves ten glorious stars.
Sadie, Aaron and Beau and the drama of their love triangle was an intriguing and emotional read.
Aaron is a wuss, there I said it only stepping up to block Beau's chances with Sadie.
I kinda keyed into the fact that she married Beau, the secret was revealed when the 'grandmother' came up to the stand to visit with her kids.
Loved, loved, this story.
Sadie, Aaron and Beau and the drama of their love triangle was an intriguing and emotional read.
Aaron is a wuss, there I said it only stepping up to block Beau's chances with Sadie.
I kinda keyed into the fact that she married Beau, the secret was revealed when the 'grandmother' came up to the stand to visit with her kids.
Loved, loved, this story.
February 24, 2023
An interesting love triangle told mostly from the past POV.
Full RTC below:
This is a tough one for me to review.
As I said in my brief review, it's an interesting love triangle. And let me tell you – it's nowhere near what you think.
This book is told mostly from past and builds to the present. I have to say that I enjoyed how Lauren was able to keep you guessing to the very end as to who Sadie ends up with.
I will tell you that there is no unnecessary drama in this and the love triangle isn't as bad as it sounds.
This was a unique take on YA sport romance with a love triangle. That's all I am going to say.
Full RTC below:
This is a tough one for me to review.
As I said in my brief review, it's an interesting love triangle. And let me tell you – it's nowhere near what you think.
This book is told mostly from past and builds to the present. I have to say that I enjoyed how Lauren was able to keep you guessing to the very end as to who Sadie ends up with.
I will tell you that there is no unnecessary drama in this and the love triangle isn't as bad as it sounds.
This was a unique take on YA sport romance with a love triangle. That's all I am going to say.
January 26, 2023
Okay I liked this one even tho I normally stay away from love triangles this was interesting and sweet and sad and I couldn't put it down. As with love triangles it kept you on your toes cuz you didn't know what was gonna happen or who she was gonna stay with. First time reading from this author
TW:death, grief, attempted sexual assault, underage drinking.
ARC Read.
TW:death, grief, attempted sexual assault, underage drinking.
ARC Read.
February 9, 2023
I am at a loss for words after reading this book! It was so much more than I was expecting and I was so good with it. I absolutely devoured this book!
Fumbled Past is an emotional, love triangle told in Sadie’s POV, that will have you questioning which boy the entire time! I absolutely lived for this drama! I could not put this book down from the very second I started. These characters bring out emotions of all sorts that you can’t help but feel for them. I love these characters and seeing them struggle with stuff we all struggle with. There were good life lessons not only for Sadie but for Beau and Aaron as well. Sadie has a connection with both of them and it is truly hard to break them when they both mean so much to her. I don’t want to give away any of the plot but I can say that this is a rollercoaster through and through!
This is a wonderful story of reminiscing and seeing how life happens for a reason. That to be able to get the happy ending, some pain and heartbreak has to occur before things can truly be wonderful. I loved every second of it and am definitely gonna need a day or two to recover from this one. I highly recommend this book!
Fumbled Past is an emotional, love triangle told in Sadie’s POV, that will have you questioning which boy the entire time! I absolutely lived for this drama! I could not put this book down from the very second I started. These characters bring out emotions of all sorts that you can’t help but feel for them. I love these characters and seeing them struggle with stuff we all struggle with. There were good life lessons not only for Sadie but for Beau and Aaron as well. Sadie has a connection with both of them and it is truly hard to break them when they both mean so much to her. I don’t want to give away any of the plot but I can say that this is a rollercoaster through and through!
This is a wonderful story of reminiscing and seeing how life happens for a reason. That to be able to get the happy ending, some pain and heartbreak has to occur before things can truly be wonderful. I loved every second of it and am definitely gonna need a day or two to recover from this one. I highly recommend this book!
February 12, 2023
Omg wow, I devoured this story in a matter of hours!
The going back and forth between the past and now was so good. Highly recommended
The going back and forth between the past and now was so good. Highly recommended
February 9, 2023
I can say, without even starting this new book, that there isn't a book written by this lady that I would not love.
Lauren Runow is this sweet girl, with a huge heart, and that passes on each page she writes.
She still has the award for the biggest ugly cry of my reading life. That book still guts me open.
If you know her work as I do, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't... Guys, you haven't seen the light yet.
Fumbled Past is her latest release and explores Sadie's life.
Sadie is the daughter of the football legend of her hometown, and with that title, boys used to be afraid to approach her, let all date her.
But despite all that, she fell in love with not one, but two boys.
When her dad died, she made the decision of following her heart and get away from her town with one of them.
Now, she's back home and wondering if she had decided the other way if her life would be different.
But she's not a teenager anymore so...
When this book ended, my mind was all over the place.
What a book. What a journey.
Superb plot, very well written, super engaging, and intense.
Once I started to read this book, it was nearly impossible to stop, because the need to know more was so strong that left me shaking.
Loved the way the past was explained, and loved the, let's call it suspense, surrounding the entire thing. The secrecy around her choice...
Who did she choose? Why did she choose?
That indecision felt like a rollercoaster ride.
How can you choose between your best friend and your lover?
How can I say more without spoiling? Nope, I can't, so I'm going to zip it up.
This was, by far, one of my favorite books this year, and we are only in February. Lol
Lauren, that brilliant mind of yours has done it again.
Your ability to make us fly into the world of feelings and emotions with just your words keeps surprising me.
You nailed it once again. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Lauren Runow is this sweet girl, with a huge heart, and that passes on each page she writes.
She still has the award for the biggest ugly cry of my reading life. That book still guts me open.
If you know her work as I do, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't... Guys, you haven't seen the light yet.
Fumbled Past is her latest release and explores Sadie's life.
Sadie is the daughter of the football legend of her hometown, and with that title, boys used to be afraid to approach her, let all date her.
But despite all that, she fell in love with not one, but two boys.
When her dad died, she made the decision of following her heart and get away from her town with one of them.
Now, she's back home and wondering if she had decided the other way if her life would be different.
But she's not a teenager anymore so...
When this book ended, my mind was all over the place.
What a book. What a journey.
Superb plot, very well written, super engaging, and intense.
Once I started to read this book, it was nearly impossible to stop, because the need to know more was so strong that left me shaking.
Loved the way the past was explained, and loved the, let's call it suspense, surrounding the entire thing. The secrecy around her choice...
Who did she choose? Why did she choose?
That indecision felt like a rollercoaster ride.
How can you choose between your best friend and your lover?
How can I say more without spoiling? Nope, I can't, so I'm going to zip it up.
This was, by far, one of my favorite books this year, and we are only in February. Lol
Lauren, that brilliant mind of yours has done it again.
Your ability to make us fly into the world of feelings and emotions with just your words keeps surprising me.
You nailed it once again. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 11, 2023
Fumbled Past ARC Review
Couple: Sadie and Beau
Author: Lauren Runrow
Tropes: second-chance, first love, wish school sweet heart, sports romance, love triangle
Review: This book is heartbreakingly beautiful. It showcases the harsh reality of your first love and first heartbreak. It is artfully written in a way that it makes us feel like we are reliving our first crush and our high school years. The author was brilliant with writing as if the main parts of the story were memories or flash backs of regrets, mistakes and love of years in the past.
Sadie is the daughter of her high school football team’c coach. She struggles with boys since everyone is afraid to upset her dad. Ultimately we see her angry at first with his overprotectiveness but as time goes on we see her open up to him an begin to understand his love for his daughter.
The main conflict arises when Beau arrives in town. New to the area and football team he begins to stir conflict between Sadie and Aaron who have been best friends their whole lives.
Aaron was not a favorite character of mine. I felt angry with how he acted and yanked Sadie around.
Beau on the other hand was more intense when he was with Sadie. We saw how he really cared and tried to act mature about Sadie and Aaron’s relationship. I felt bad for how Sadie treated Beau and how Aaron manipulated situations but overall it made me realize how much this book felt like high school.
I mean that as a compliment. This book was realistic and showcased how struggles can snowball until tons of people feel the affects.
The way this book was written made us wonder who Sadie ends up with since we do not get to read it in the prologue or first few chapters. This was a delightful read.
Rating: 5+ out of 5! Intense and emotional and too worth the ride!
Couple: Sadie and Beau
Author: Lauren Runrow
Tropes: second-chance, first love, wish school sweet heart, sports romance, love triangle
Review: This book is heartbreakingly beautiful. It showcases the harsh reality of your first love and first heartbreak. It is artfully written in a way that it makes us feel like we are reliving our first crush and our high school years. The author was brilliant with writing as if the main parts of the story were memories or flash backs of regrets, mistakes and love of years in the past.
Sadie is the daughter of her high school football team’c coach. She struggles with boys since everyone is afraid to upset her dad. Ultimately we see her angry at first with his overprotectiveness but as time goes on we see her open up to him an begin to understand his love for his daughter.
The main conflict arises when Beau arrives in town. New to the area and football team he begins to stir conflict between Sadie and Aaron who have been best friends their whole lives.
Aaron was not a favorite character of mine. I felt angry with how he acted and yanked Sadie around.
Beau on the other hand was more intense when he was with Sadie. We saw how he really cared and tried to act mature about Sadie and Aaron’s relationship. I felt bad for how Sadie treated Beau and how Aaron manipulated situations but overall it made me realize how much this book felt like high school.
I mean that as a compliment. This book was realistic and showcased how struggles can snowball until tons of people feel the affects.
The way this book was written made us wonder who Sadie ends up with since we do not get to read it in the prologue or first few chapters. This was a delightful read.
Rating: 5+ out of 5! Intense and emotional and too worth the ride!
February 9, 2023
FUMBLED-PAST by Lauren Runow is a different kind of story than she has ever written before. I've read them all so I can safely tell you that it is. It goes from the present to back to their high school days. It is a love triangle, and if you remember your high school days, then you remember how many hearts were broken. There is a mystery, till the end of the book, who the heroine will end up with. This kept me guessing till the end of the book.
Sadie Zeeman had three stable things in her life: her dad, football, and the boy next door named Aaron Thompson. Her dad was the head football coach, and the high school football stadium was even named after him: Tom Zeeman Stadium. Sadie couldn't be more in awe of the man who raised her since she had lost her mom. If there was any drawback to being the daughter of the head football coach, it would be his rule of no dating. She also couldn't go anywhere without Aaron going with her. He was the only boy her dad trusted with his daughter. Her dad might not have realized that once they were older, that their feelings for each other would be more than just friends. Once they kissed, they had crossed a line. Complications came when a new boy named Beau moved there from California. Even though he was on the football team coached by Sadie's dad, he was not afraid of him enough to not make moves on his daughter. As their high school days are coming to a close, the most tragic thing happens. Both Aaron and Beau rush to her side. Sadie has to pick one or the other, but it is difficult when she is love with both. She does make this very difficult decision, but I wasn't happy with her choice. I so wanted it to be the other. I cried with emotion. You might like her choice, but you must read the book to learn who she picks.
Sadie Zeeman had three stable things in her life: her dad, football, and the boy next door named Aaron Thompson. Her dad was the head football coach, and the high school football stadium was even named after him: Tom Zeeman Stadium. Sadie couldn't be more in awe of the man who raised her since she had lost her mom. If there was any drawback to being the daughter of the head football coach, it would be his rule of no dating. She also couldn't go anywhere without Aaron going with her. He was the only boy her dad trusted with his daughter. Her dad might not have realized that once they were older, that their feelings for each other would be more than just friends. Once they kissed, they had crossed a line. Complications came when a new boy named Beau moved there from California. Even though he was on the football team coached by Sadie's dad, he was not afraid of him enough to not make moves on his daughter. As their high school days are coming to a close, the most tragic thing happens. Both Aaron and Beau rush to her side. Sadie has to pick one or the other, but it is difficult when she is love with both. She does make this very difficult decision, but I wasn't happy with her choice. I so wanted it to be the other. I cried with emotion. You might like her choice, but you must read the book to learn who she picks.
February 28, 2023
Still swooning!!!
I'm so glad that I finally got to read Fumbled Past!!! This book was nothing short of AMAZING! I read it in one day, I just couldn't put it down. I will not spoil it, but man it definitely threw me for a loop!
I'm so glad that I finally got to read Fumbled Past!!! This book was nothing short of AMAZING! I read it in one day, I just couldn't put it down. I will not spoil it, but man it definitely threw me for a loop!
March 8, 2023
Five stars
Every woman I know has been known to look back and have what ifs. Like the characters in this story sometimes it all works out for the best
Every woman I know has been known to look back and have what ifs. Like the characters in this story sometimes it all works out for the best
February 17, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.
This book was so interesting. The story is told through Sadie's eyes and it goes back and forth between the past and the present. The past being Sadie's high school years and the present being 20 years later, with the majority of the story taking place in high school. So I guess this could be a warning for those of you who do not like YA/NA books.
I admit that it took me a bit to get into this one. I was a little put off by high school part of it (if I read young characters they are at least in college), but once I figured out what the author was doing, I was hooked. I could say more about that, but I don't want to give anything away. Let's just say there is a mystery throughout the book and the events of the book kept me guessing.
This book is a bit angsty and emotional and I really enjoyed it. The concept was different from most things that I read and that was not a bad thing. It's good to mix things now and again.
This book was so interesting. The story is told through Sadie's eyes and it goes back and forth between the past and the present. The past being Sadie's high school years and the present being 20 years later, with the majority of the story taking place in high school. So I guess this could be a warning for those of you who do not like YA/NA books.
I admit that it took me a bit to get into this one. I was a little put off by high school part of it (if I read young characters they are at least in college), but once I figured out what the author was doing, I was hooked. I could say more about that, but I don't want to give anything away. Let's just say there is a mystery throughout the book and the events of the book kept me guessing.
This book is a bit angsty and emotional and I really enjoyed it. The concept was different from most things that I read and that was not a bad thing. It's good to mix things now and again.
February 7, 2023
It is official, I am in a major book coma. I loved Fumbled Past all the way to the end zone and back. I also realized that I do not want to relive high school, not one single day. The drama, the backstabbing, the high school romance, the cheating, the competition, and even more drama were all brought back to me in living color while reading Fumbled Past.
The drama created by Sophie, Beau and Aaron kept me thoroughly entertained late into the night. My brain would not shut off. I would try to sleep, but really what was one more chapter, and then one more... The love triangle between Sophie, the coach's daughter, and two of his player, Beau and Aaron, takes the reader through their high school years. The emotions they brought out, oh my goodness gracious.
I can't write this review without singing very loud praises to the author. I can't remember ever reading a book written in the same way. I am not talking about the multiple time lines. They happen frequently. The uniqueness comes with the present day chapters. The reader is never told who Sophie chose between the two. Is Beau by her side? Or did she choose Aaron?
Every single present day chapter refers to Sophie's husband, who is by her side, but he is never ever named. The one she left behind is down on the football field, but he isn't named either. The teasing on the pages were both frustrating and glorious.
My mind never stopped wondering. It drove me absolutely bonkers as I lived through high school with Sophie trying to figure out who she chose in the end. The guys actions screamed "pick me, choose me" but she always struggled. She loved them both. She just couldn't choose. The conflicts, the tension oozed off the pages.
It was difficult to not jump to the last chapter.It would have been easy to find out who she chose. The wait was worth every minute. If you think about taking a peek at the ending while reading; DON'T DO IT!!! The conclusion was worth my struggles. The reward for patience was everything.
The drama created by Sophie, Beau and Aaron kept me thoroughly entertained late into the night. My brain would not shut off. I would try to sleep, but really what was one more chapter, and then one more... The love triangle between Sophie, the coach's daughter, and two of his player, Beau and Aaron, takes the reader through their high school years. The emotions they brought out, oh my goodness gracious.
I can't write this review without singing very loud praises to the author. I can't remember ever reading a book written in the same way. I am not talking about the multiple time lines. They happen frequently. The uniqueness comes with the present day chapters. The reader is never told who Sophie chose between the two. Is Beau by her side? Or did she choose Aaron?
Every single present day chapter refers to Sophie's husband, who is by her side, but he is never ever named. The one she left behind is down on the football field, but he isn't named either. The teasing on the pages were both frustrating and glorious.
My mind never stopped wondering. It drove me absolutely bonkers as I lived through high school with Sophie trying to figure out who she chose in the end. The guys actions screamed "pick me, choose me" but she always struggled. She loved them both. She just couldn't choose. The conflicts, the tension oozed off the pages.
It was difficult to not jump to the last chapter.It would have been easy to find out who she chose. The wait was worth every minute. If you think about taking a peek at the ending while reading; DON'T DO IT!!! The conclusion was worth my struggles. The reward for patience was everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2023
Great sports romance! This one included lots of flashbacks which really added the depth to the story. Great combination of old loves and life’s journey of finding the love of your life with no regrets.
February 5, 2023
Hooked from the first page. From the very beginning I knew who I wanted Sadie to end up with and was left guessing til the very end. She ended up with who she was meant to be with, which also happened to be the guy I was rooting for.
February 8, 2023
4.5 🌟
This book was so captivating that i read it in one sitting.
Sadie is the football coaches daughter, and everyone knows she is off limits. When Beau moves to town, he is fascinated by sadie from the second he meets her. Sadie and Beau have so many things in common, and the more time they spend with each other, the closer they become. Aaron has been Sadies best friend since he moved in next door when they were little, but as Sadie and Beau grow closer, Aaron kisses Sadie and so begins a back and forth between the three as Sadie tries to work through her feelings and decide who she wants to be with.
The book starts off with Sadie and her husband going back to their old high school to mark the 20th anniversary of her fathers death with a memorial but we dont find out which one of the men she chose until the very end of the book!
All throughout the book, i couldn't decide who I wanted Sadie to choose! But by the end, i was definitely rooting for the man she chose.
I would definitely recommend this book. It's so well written and kept me guessing right the very end.
This book was so captivating that i read it in one sitting.
Sadie is the football coaches daughter, and everyone knows she is off limits. When Beau moves to town, he is fascinated by sadie from the second he meets her. Sadie and Beau have so many things in common, and the more time they spend with each other, the closer they become. Aaron has been Sadies best friend since he moved in next door when they were little, but as Sadie and Beau grow closer, Aaron kisses Sadie and so begins a back and forth between the three as Sadie tries to work through her feelings and decide who she wants to be with.
The book starts off with Sadie and her husband going back to their old high school to mark the 20th anniversary of her fathers death with a memorial but we dont find out which one of the men she chose until the very end of the book!
All throughout the book, i couldn't decide who I wanted Sadie to choose! But by the end, i was definitely rooting for the man she chose.
I would definitely recommend this book. It's so well written and kept me guessing right the very end.
February 12, 2023
What a wonderful book!
Sadie visits her home town for the first time in 20 years, having left right after graduating high school. This makes her roughly my age, which I found made me relate to her quite a bit. Especially the chapters taking place in high school were very recognizable. There aren't any years mentioned, but it is clear that this takes place before cellphones were as commonplace as they are now. And despite having grown up in Europe, meaning my high school experience was notably different, I think we can all relate to high school drama, friendship dynamics, and first love.
Sadie has grown up around the local high school football field, her father being the highly valued and respected coach. A downside to this is that she is basically off limits to the boys in town, which makes dating... difficult.
Over the course of her years in high school, a love triangle develops between Sadie, her best friend, and the new boy in town. Both have their own qualities and appeal, and both make it clear they want her. You'll be left wondering who her husband is in the present day chapters, that's for sure.
Aside from this tricky love life, Sadie also navigates other typical elements of high school: dances, school politics, dating woes, rivalries with other schools, friendships... I found myself fully submerged in this book and could not put it down.
There is some heartbreak, and you'll truly feel for Sadie through these times. These episodes also allow the author to show that the supporting characters are as well-rounded as our main characters. They are a full community of people living through these events with Sadie.
Sadie visits her home town for the first time in 20 years, having left right after graduating high school. This makes her roughly my age, which I found made me relate to her quite a bit. Especially the chapters taking place in high school were very recognizable. There aren't any years mentioned, but it is clear that this takes place before cellphones were as commonplace as they are now. And despite having grown up in Europe, meaning my high school experience was notably different, I think we can all relate to high school drama, friendship dynamics, and first love.
Sadie has grown up around the local high school football field, her father being the highly valued and respected coach. A downside to this is that she is basically off limits to the boys in town, which makes dating... difficult.
Over the course of her years in high school, a love triangle develops between Sadie, her best friend, and the new boy in town. Both have their own qualities and appeal, and both make it clear they want her. You'll be left wondering who her husband is in the present day chapters, that's for sure.
Aside from this tricky love life, Sadie also navigates other typical elements of high school: dances, school politics, dating woes, rivalries with other schools, friendships... I found myself fully submerged in this book and could not put it down.
There is some heartbreak, and you'll truly feel for Sadie through these times. These episodes also allow the author to show that the supporting characters are as well-rounded as our main characters. They are a full community of people living through these events with Sadie.
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