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Queen City #1
Rival Hearts
Pro football might see me as their favorite underdog, but Madison Westfield would rather see me six feet under.
My ex-best friend’s little sister has every reason to hate me. I took her boyfriend’s spot on this team, her brother might lose his too, and our short-lived engagement years ago is part of the reason our families are locked in a grudge match that has the whole league on edge.
Ruining me would fix most of her problems, but she's stuck trying to work a PR miracle with my career instead.
Making my way through her build-a-better-image checklist is the kind of torture I'll gladly sign up for, especially if I get to help her prove everyone wrong.
But it means we're spending a lot of time alone together, and when it comes to Madison, I'll take any chance she gives me. Even if it means there's hell to pay—on and off the field.
My ex-best friend’s little sister has every reason to hate me. I took her boyfriend’s spot on this team, her brother might lose his too, and our short-lived engagement years ago is part of the reason our families are locked in a grudge match that has the whole league on edge.
Ruining me would fix most of her problems, but she's stuck trying to work a PR miracle with my career instead.
Making my way through her build-a-better-image checklist is the kind of torture I'll gladly sign up for, especially if I get to help her prove everyone wrong.
But it means we're spending a lot of time alone together, and when it comes to Madison, I'll take any chance she gives me. Even if it means there's hell to pay—on and off the field.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 448 reviews
March 1, 2024
When Madison Westfield takes a contractual position with Chaos, the last person she expects to see is her first love, Quentin Undergrove.
OMG! I was so angry with Quentin at the end of Before the Chaos that I legitimately wasn’t sure he was going to be able to win me over. He more than accomplished that. He’s threatening X for top spot of Rawdon men. He is dreamy. Romantic, obsessed, tenacious, and, in a word: swoonworthy!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😬😊🥵🥹😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult, Sports
✨ Tropes: Forced Proximity, Second Chance, Secret Relationship
💫 Microtropes: Athlete, Boy Obsessed, Jealous/Possessive, Miscommunication, Tattooed MMC, Workplace
💋 Kinks: Bondage/Restraints, Cum Jammer, Domination, Toys
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Rival Hearts is a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
OMG! I was so angry with Quentin at the end of Before the Chaos that I legitimately wasn’t sure he was going to be able to win me over. He more than accomplished that. He’s threatening X for top spot of Rawdon men. He is dreamy. Romantic, obsessed, tenacious, and, in a word: swoonworthy!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🤍
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😬😊🥵🥹😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult, Sports
✨ Tropes: Forced Proximity, Second Chance, Secret Relationship
💫 Microtropes: Athlete, Boy Obsessed, Jealous/Possessive, Miscommunication, Tattooed MMC, Workplace
💋 Kinks: Bondage/Restraints, Cum Jammer, Domination, Toys
⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties wet and reaching for BOB.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Rival Hearts is a standalone.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
February 29, 2024
♾️/5⭐️
3.5/5🌶️
This book left me speechless. It took me days to move on from the book hangover it left me with. Not only is this my new favorite book by Maggie but Quentin is hands down my top book boyfriend & if you know me, then you know my love for the Westfield brothers & how they’ve always held that #1 spot.
@maggierawdonbooks you truly outdid yourself with this one. Quentin & Madison’s story was so heartbreaking & beautiful. I loved every single second of it. The banter was top tier & it really warmed my heart getting to see the characters from Maggie’s other books 🖤🥰
Rival Hearts follows Quentin Undergrove & Madison Westfield who have quite the history which you can learn all about by reading the short Prequel to Rival Hearts, Before The Chaos. But they’re exes who haven’t seen each other in about 10 yrs. So when they find themselves working for the same NFL team, Madison being Quentin’s new PR agent, they know it won’t be easy. Quentin never stopped loving Madison and Madison never forget Quentin for breaking her heart… but what happens when the truth comes out and everything Madison thought she knew, wasn’t it at all?
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Brother’s (Ex) Best friend
- Other Brother’s Teammate
- NFL Player x PR Agent
- Hate to Love
- Second Chance
- He gets a tattoo for her
- First Love
3.5/5🌶️
This book left me speechless. It took me days to move on from the book hangover it left me with. Not only is this my new favorite book by Maggie but Quentin is hands down my top book boyfriend & if you know me, then you know my love for the Westfield brothers & how they’ve always held that #1 spot.
@maggierawdonbooks you truly outdid yourself with this one. Quentin & Madison’s story was so heartbreaking & beautiful. I loved every single second of it. The banter was top tier & it really warmed my heart getting to see the characters from Maggie’s other books 🖤🥰
Rival Hearts follows Quentin Undergrove & Madison Westfield who have quite the history which you can learn all about by reading the short Prequel to Rival Hearts, Before The Chaos. But they’re exes who haven’t seen each other in about 10 yrs. So when they find themselves working for the same NFL team, Madison being Quentin’s new PR agent, they know it won’t be easy. Quentin never stopped loving Madison and Madison never forget Quentin for breaking her heart… but what happens when the truth comes out and everything Madison thought she knew, wasn’t it at all?
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Brother’s (Ex) Best friend
- Other Brother’s Teammate
- NFL Player x PR Agent
- Hate to Love
- Second Chance
- He gets a tattoo for her
- First Love
February 25, 2024
4.5 STARS
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance, sucker I tells you. What I'm usually not a sucker for, though, is a cinnamon roll hero. It's no secret I love the mean ones. What? We all have our kinks, ok? But I digress. When I tell you it took me all of two pages to fall in love with Quentin, I mean I am entirely obsessed with this man. Why? Let me paint you a picture, shall I?
I mean, C'mon. This man. THIS MAN is just perfection. The pining. The obsession. Ten years apart did nothing to dilute his absolute obsession with Madison. Now if you haven't read the prequel, I highly recommend you read Before the Chaos first. It's the story that takes place 10 years before this one and gives you all the delicious details of how they first got together and ultimately fell apart. Can you read this book without the prequel, sure. But you'll enjoy it that much more if you do. But back to my love of Quentin.
C'MON! Is everything that comes out of this man's mouth perfection. ABSOLUTELY. Not only does he pine hard, but he has a dirty mouth to boot. And he enjoys being a good boy. And what a good boy he is. Don't get me wrong, the man is pure alpha. But he also doesn't mind giving his woman control and I loved him for it. But what I loved most about this man is his heart. His sweet, romantic heart that had me swooning at every turn.
Madison is the perfect boss girl and she definitely knows how to boss. I loved seeing her growth from the shy insecure girl in the prequel to the boss babe she is in this book.
If you love an incredibly romantic second chance romance with plenty of heat, swoon, and all the feels then you need this in your life. Trust me. You need a Quentin in your life.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I’ll jump through all the hoops you want me to.” He closes the distance between us, so close his lips are at my ear, and his body ghosts over mine. “But you should know I have ulterior motives. There’s only one thing I want.”
I'm a sucker for a second chance romance, sucker I tells you. What I'm usually not a sucker for, though, is a cinnamon roll hero. It's no secret I love the mean ones. What? We all have our kinks, ok? But I digress. When I tell you it took me all of two pages to fall in love with Quentin, I mean I am entirely obsessed with this man. Why? Let me paint you a picture, shall I?
“Excuse me?”
“I want to watch you come while you think about another man, Madison. Let me see it. It can cure me of this sick fucking obsession I have over you for good. Remind me why I can’t ever have you because you want fucking Ivy League cock instead of me. You won’t forgive me. Fine. Punish me then, and let’s get this fucking over with.”
I mean, C'mon. This man. THIS MAN is just perfection. The pining. The obsession. Ten years apart did nothing to dilute his absolute obsession with Madison. Now if you haven't read the prequel, I highly recommend you read Before the Chaos first. It's the story that takes place 10 years before this one and gives you all the delicious details of how they first got together and ultimately fell apart. Can you read this book without the prequel, sure. But you'll enjoy it that much more if you do. But back to my love of Quentin.
“Always have. Always will.”
“You won’t deserve her, you know. Ever—no matter what you do. Guys like us never do.”
“I know. But I’d rather spend the rest of my life trying and failing than not have her in my life.”
C'MON! Is everything that comes out of this man's mouth perfection. ABSOLUTELY. Not only does he pine hard, but he has a dirty mouth to boot. And he enjoys being a good boy. And what a good boy he is. Don't get me wrong, the man is pure alpha. But he also doesn't mind giving his woman control and I loved him for it. But what I loved most about this man is his heart. His sweet, romantic heart that had me swooning at every turn.
“What are these?”
“A reminder.”
“Of?”
“You.” My heart skips in my chest, and I look up at him. His eyes meet mine and they go soft as he studies my face.
“One for each year we were apart. All because I fucked up. I was giving myself until ten to do something about it. The last one would have been added when the season started this fall.”
“The last one?”
“I figured if I had ten years to fix my shit, find you, and make up for it and couldn’t do it, that I deserved to live without you.”
Madison is the perfect boss girl and she definitely knows how to boss. I loved seeing her growth from the shy insecure girl in the prequel to the boss babe she is in this book.
If you love an incredibly romantic second chance romance with plenty of heat, swoon, and all the feels then you need this in your life. Trust me. You need a Quentin in your life.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
March 9, 2024
First of all, can we all take a moment to love the pretty cover??
That was a cute read, it’s been a long time since I’ve read a sports romance I enjoyed, so it was nice to finally find one which didn’t feel like it was the same story all over again.
I would have loved some more roughness from the bad boy, but that’s a personal preference from an unhinged reader.
That was a cute read, it’s been a long time since I’ve read a sports romance I enjoyed, so it was nice to finally find one which didn’t feel like it was the same story all over again.
I would have loved some more roughness from the bad boy, but that’s a personal preference from an unhinged reader.
February 19, 2024
“I need to know I’m the one. I need to hear your say it. Because as long as I breathe, I belong to you. My heart will go out beating for you.”
- second chance
- brother’s ex best friend
- workplace/close proximity
- pining
I loved the glimpses I got to see of Madison through out the Seattle Phantom series, and was so excited that my girl got her own book! Her character is everything I ever hoped it would be and she is a total powerhouse.
I’ll be honest I wasn’t completely won over by these two in Before the Chaos, the novella left me wanting more, but boy did Rival Hearts deliver!
Maggie sure as fuck knows how to write a book boyfriend, and I absolutely loved Quentin so much. His utter devotion to Madison over the years they were apart, and his sheer willingness to let Madison put him through the wringer if only just have her attention… *sigh* & don’t even get me started about his possessiveness 🥵 he was everything!
These two just killed me and I am so soooo ready for more of this series!
- second chance
- brother’s ex best friend
- workplace/close proximity
- pining
I loved the glimpses I got to see of Madison through out the Seattle Phantom series, and was so excited that my girl got her own book! Her character is everything I ever hoped it would be and she is a total powerhouse.
I’ll be honest I wasn’t completely won over by these two in Before the Chaos, the novella left me wanting more, but boy did Rival Hearts deliver!
Maggie sure as fuck knows how to write a book boyfriend, and I absolutely loved Quentin so much. His utter devotion to Madison over the years they were apart, and his sheer willingness to let Madison put him through the wringer if only just have her attention… *sigh* & don’t even get me started about his possessiveness 🥵 he was everything!
These two just killed me and I am so soooo ready for more of this series!
March 15, 2024
Now I understand why so many of my book friends are obsessed with Maggie Rawdon's books! Rival Hearts was an electric ride! It's so much more than a sports romance. The angst of second chance sports romance and the tension of a forbidden romance with the raw messy feels ruined me just the right way. Quentin and Madison have that kind of epic, all consuming and heartbreaking love that just makes my heart go dizzy. And the spice? Hotter than hell.
"Quentin Undergrove, my brother’s ex-best friend and my former fiancé, is my new PR client and I hate it."
Well that sentence should tell you how complicated things are here. There are family rivalry. There are sports rivalry and sports politics. There are tragedies and secrets. My heart felt like it has run a marathon. Beating wildly for each angsty moment. Madison is such a bada&& heroine. Her heart was broken so badly but she built it up again and she is no longer that naive girl from ten Years ago. She is smart and hard working and sassy but her biggest power is her soft heart. And Quentin knows that. He is the not so golden boy of NFL and trading to Chaos on his uncle's request was just another play to be closer to Madison and repair the cracks he caused years ago. But our brooding bad boy has his works cut out for him. He has to show that he has changed. That he won't run away again. He has to open up his bleeding heart to show the secrets and real reasons of why he left her heartbroken all these years ago.
I love a hero who knows what he wants and go for it. Quentin didn't even try to play fair. Madison's initial anger let him know that she is still in love with him and he just pushed and pushed till she had to give in. The chemistry was sizzling and burning and I was living for those moments. He goes the jealous possessive way and my heart melted so fast. Madison was scared that he will destroy her heart again but Quentin just kept on showing up. He is unreal. He has so many scars and vulnerabilities and Madison is the one who understood her. You could feel the intensity of their connection throughout the story. They just had to shut out the external noises and inhibitions. The secondary characters are so amazing and I instantly want to read their story specially Easton's!
PS I STILL HAVE SUPERBOWL AND FOOTBALL SEASON HANGOVER AND IT WAS THE PERFECT CURE.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
"Quentin Undergrove, my brother’s ex-best friend and my former fiancé, is my new PR client and I hate it."
Well that sentence should tell you how complicated things are here. There are family rivalry. There are sports rivalry and sports politics. There are tragedies and secrets. My heart felt like it has run a marathon. Beating wildly for each angsty moment. Madison is such a bada&& heroine. Her heart was broken so badly but she built it up again and she is no longer that naive girl from ten Years ago. She is smart and hard working and sassy but her biggest power is her soft heart. And Quentin knows that. He is the not so golden boy of NFL and trading to Chaos on his uncle's request was just another play to be closer to Madison and repair the cracks he caused years ago. But our brooding bad boy has his works cut out for him. He has to show that he has changed. That he won't run away again. He has to open up his bleeding heart to show the secrets and real reasons of why he left her heartbroken all these years ago.
I love a hero who knows what he wants and go for it. Quentin didn't even try to play fair. Madison's initial anger let him know that she is still in love with him and he just pushed and pushed till she had to give in. The chemistry was sizzling and burning and I was living for those moments. He goes the jealous possessive way and my heart melted so fast. Madison was scared that he will destroy her heart again but Quentin just kept on showing up. He is unreal. He has so many scars and vulnerabilities and Madison is the one who understood her. You could feel the intensity of their connection throughout the story. They just had to shut out the external noises and inhibitions. The secondary characters are so amazing and I instantly want to read their story specially Easton's!
PS I STILL HAVE SUPERBOWL AND FOOTBALL SEASON HANGOVER AND IT WAS THE PERFECT CURE.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
April 9, 2024
I was so excited to read this after the novella (which I absolutely loved!)
I love Quentin. As soon as I met him in Before the Chaos I was like “ok… he is an mmc that loves to please” and I’m always here for that 😏😏
I do think I surprisingly enjoyed the novella better. I know it’s an unpopular opinion but I was hoping for something different if I’m being honest.
I think Madison forgiving Quentin and them getting together happened way too quickly. I wanted more groveling and angst between the two if I’m being honest. And I did find some parts to be kinda cheesy.
But- all in all.. I loved the rollercoaster romance between Quentin and Madison and how she finally said a big F U to her father!
Also the spice was 🤭🤭🤭🤭
“I told you, Madness. You and me always.”
PAGE 95 - CHAPTER 16 🥵
- second chance, 10 years later
- sports
- forbidden
- it’s always been you
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I love Quentin. As soon as I met him in Before the Chaos I was like “ok… he is an mmc that loves to please” and I’m always here for that 😏😏
I do think I surprisingly enjoyed the novella better. I know it’s an unpopular opinion but I was hoping for something different if I’m being honest.
I think Madison forgiving Quentin and them getting together happened way too quickly. I wanted more groveling and angst between the two if I’m being honest. And I did find some parts to be kinda cheesy.
But- all in all.. I loved the rollercoaster romance between Quentin and Madison and how she finally said a big F U to her father!
Also the spice was 🤭🤭🤭🤭
“I told you, Madness. You and me always.”
PAGE 95 - CHAPTER 16 🥵
- second chance, 10 years later
- sports
- forbidden
- it’s always been you
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
I am a goner for this story. Oh my goodness. I ate it up in one sitting and will probably do it again if I am being honest.
Quentin and Madison have had a rough past. Their families hate each other, they loved each other, almost got married, and then he leaves her at the alter never to speak to her ever again. Until.... he becomes the new quarterback for the team she is working PR for and guess who her new client is?
These two haven't seen or spoke to each other in 10 years. Madison is now in a *fake* relationship for her friend's sake and Quentin is back in town with his only goal being.... get his girl back. These two have to figure out their differences quickly as they are about to spend a whole bunch of time together. She is trying to boost his image in the football world all while he is just enjoying being around her again.
As secrets are told, tension is flying, and the feelings they had for one another start coming back up to the surface, chaos ensues.
I loved every bit of this story and cannot wait for yall to get your hands on it on 2.29.24.
Tropes
-second chance
-rival families
-"i waited for you"
-secret tattoos
-SPICYYY (the chair scene, hello? I am still recovering)
-football player X PR agent
-jealousy
5/5 stars
3/5 spice
Quentin and Madison have had a rough past. Their families hate each other, they loved each other, almost got married, and then he leaves her at the alter never to speak to her ever again. Until.... he becomes the new quarterback for the team she is working PR for and guess who her new client is?
These two haven't seen or spoke to each other in 10 years. Madison is now in a *fake* relationship for her friend's sake and Quentin is back in town with his only goal being.... get his girl back. These two have to figure out their differences quickly as they are about to spend a whole bunch of time together. She is trying to boost his image in the football world all while he is just enjoying being around her again.
As secrets are told, tension is flying, and the feelings they had for one another start coming back up to the surface, chaos ensues.
I loved every bit of this story and cannot wait for yall to get your hands on it on 2.29.24.
Tropes
-second chance
-rival families
-"i waited for you"
-secret tattoos
-SPICYYY (the chair scene, hello? I am still recovering)
-football player X PR agent
-jealousy
5/5 stars
3/5 spice
February 22, 2024
Listen, I'm fairly certain that if you haven't picked up a book by Maggie Rawdon at this point, I'm convinced you're living under a rock. Maggie is most likely my all time favorite sports romance author. She has this way of incorporating real sports facts into a very spicy plot line and does so seamlessly. There's a perfect balance in each and every one of her books. I just LOVE her.
This book was one that I was absolutely giddy about. THEN she blessed us with the prequel shortly before sending out ARCS and I was absolutely FERAL over Quentin and Madison. I was so intrigued by Madison in previous books (her brothers both have their own stories) so when I so this was her book.....I was literally jumping up and down.
The chemistry that these two have is absolutely off the charts. I loved every single second of this book and it's already a contender for top read of the year for me. The way that she made me fall in love with Quentin in the PREQUEL was just absurd. It was perfection.
If you are a fan of sports romance with swoony men that know what they want and aren't afraid to beg for it, this book is for you. Maggie, you have so outdone yourself. I have always been a fan (and am so thankful that Wordsmith sent me Pick Six) and I can confidently say that this is your best book to date! You are a amazing! I can't wait to squeeze you in May!
This book was one that I was absolutely giddy about. THEN she blessed us with the prequel shortly before sending out ARCS and I was absolutely FERAL over Quentin and Madison. I was so intrigued by Madison in previous books (her brothers both have their own stories) so when I so this was her book.....I was literally jumping up and down.
The chemistry that these two have is absolutely off the charts. I loved every single second of this book and it's already a contender for top read of the year for me. The way that she made me fall in love with Quentin in the PREQUEL was just absurd. It was perfection.
If you are a fan of sports romance with swoony men that know what they want and aren't afraid to beg for it, this book is for you. Maggie, you have so outdone yourself. I have always been a fan (and am so thankful that Wordsmith sent me Pick Six) and I can confidently say that this is your best book to date! You are a amazing! I can't wait to squeeze you in May!
February 28, 2024
4.5 🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
When the dedication is “to all the readers who love a good boy” 🫠
I strongly suggest reading the Seattle Phantom series before reading Rival Hearts! Madison and Quentin have known each other for years. Madison confided in Quentin when she was trying to get attention from another man, and he told her he would teach her things (😏). But when they catch feelings, things got interesting. Quentin disappeared from Madisons life randomly, leaving her heartbroken.
Now, it is nearly 10 years later. Madison is the PR rep for Queen City Chaos, and Quentin is the new quarterback. Madison is fake dating another football player, but that doesn’t seem to stop Quentin from trying to win her back. It’s been years since they have seen each other. And for some reason, even though Madison was heartbroken, she can’t seem to stay away from him. The more Quentin does to woo her, the closer they get.
Quentin’s nickname for Madison (Madness) was one of my favorites! They way he was a total cinnamon roll for her. And the spicy scenes were CHEFS KISS. 💋
What to expect:
-older brothers ex-best friend
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-forbidden love
-man obsessed
🌶️🌶️🌶️
When the dedication is “to all the readers who love a good boy” 🫠
I strongly suggest reading the Seattle Phantom series before reading Rival Hearts! Madison and Quentin have known each other for years. Madison confided in Quentin when she was trying to get attention from another man, and he told her he would teach her things (😏). But when they catch feelings, things got interesting. Quentin disappeared from Madisons life randomly, leaving her heartbroken.
Now, it is nearly 10 years later. Madison is the PR rep for Queen City Chaos, and Quentin is the new quarterback. Madison is fake dating another football player, but that doesn’t seem to stop Quentin from trying to win her back. It’s been years since they have seen each other. And for some reason, even though Madison was heartbroken, she can’t seem to stay away from him. The more Quentin does to woo her, the closer they get.
Quentin’s nickname for Madison (Madness) was one of my favorites! They way he was a total cinnamon roll for her. And the spicy scenes were CHEFS KISS. 💋
What to expect:
-older brothers ex-best friend
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-forbidden love
-man obsessed
March 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
“Good boy” she calls him a good boy *melting*
“Good boy” she calls him a good boy *melting*
February 29, 2024
PUB DAY arc review 🏈✨
Rival Hearts by Maggie Rawdon
7⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Maggie has done 👏🏼 it 👏🏼 again 👏🏼. A top read of 2024! It’s spicy, it’s sweet, and swoony. I teared up several times from how soft hearted this man is for Madison!!! We must protect him at all costs. This man is perfection.
We pick up 10 years later after the novella “Before the Chaos” leaves us on that heart wrenching cliffhanger. They almost got married and then were torn apart at the last second, never to speak again.
He’s the bad boy who needs some help cleaning up his rep to gain love from the fans, and she’s his best shot at making that happen. Which means… forced proximity 😈.
The tension is THERE immediately between these two. So many feelings to have and be had. You feel everything right along side them. It’s so obvious they still love eachother, and when you get to his POV? He’s G O N E for her. Still. 😭
The spice… buckle your seatbelts. Because it’s SPICIN’. My girlies who love to give the praise, this one’s for you 🤭. They both have filthy mouths and minds. It’s a whole experience you gotta read for yourself! 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: second chance • it’s always been you • forced proximity • banter • she gives praise • secret tattoos • soulmates • best friends sister
Thank you so so much Maggie for letting me be apart of your team and read this early. 🖤
Rival Hearts by Maggie Rawdon
7⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Maggie has done 👏🏼 it 👏🏼 again 👏🏼. A top read of 2024! It’s spicy, it’s sweet, and swoony. I teared up several times from how soft hearted this man is for Madison!!! We must protect him at all costs. This man is perfection.
We pick up 10 years later after the novella “Before the Chaos” leaves us on that heart wrenching cliffhanger. They almost got married and then were torn apart at the last second, never to speak again.
He’s the bad boy who needs some help cleaning up his rep to gain love from the fans, and she’s his best shot at making that happen. Which means… forced proximity 😈.
The tension is THERE immediately between these two. So many feelings to have and be had. You feel everything right along side them. It’s so obvious they still love eachother, and when you get to his POV? He’s G O N E for her. Still. 😭
The spice… buckle your seatbelts. Because it’s SPICIN’. My girlies who love to give the praise, this one’s for you 🤭. They both have filthy mouths and minds. It’s a whole experience you gotta read for yourself! 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: second chance • it’s always been you • forced proximity • banter • she gives praise • secret tattoos • soulmates • best friends sister
Thank you so so much Maggie for letting me be apart of your team and read this early. 🖤
February 22, 2024
Anything Maggie writes I will read. I am always obsessed with anything she writes and Rival Hearts is no different. I loved this first book in her new series.
This story follows Quentin and Madison and I want to say that there is a prequel novella that comes before this full length book (Before the Chaos). While it is really not necessary to read before this one, I highly recommend as it will give more of a background to Quentin and Madison relationship. Quentin has been recently traded to the Chaos, where his uncle is the coach, after finding out the Madison works for them. Quentin is not so much a golden boy for NFL and needs his image worked on and this is where Madison comes in. Madison works in PR and is pretty well-known in this field and essentially has to babysit him. As Madison begins to learn the truth behind their breakup, her love resurfaces.
UGH!! This book was so good. From the plot, the spice, to the swoony moments. I ate this up and devoured this in less than 24 hours.
Madison is such a badass FMC. She is sassy and I loved her take no shit personality. I just loved seeing more of her story and seeing her finally get her HEA.
Quentin…where do I even start. THIS MAN!! 10 YEARS?!?!?! IYKYK. WOW!!! He has a lot to make up for and man does he ever make up for it. His devotion to Madison over the years they were apart, and his sheer willingness to let Madison put him through the wringer just to have her attention…I was cheering for him the entire time. So many swoony moments from him, it’s hard to pick just one that stand out. I loved seeing his growth from the prequel novella to 10 years later. And his nickname for her…favorite nickname to date for sure.
As always Maggie brings the top tier spice and the moments between these two were sizzling. Some of the hotel scenes will forever live rent free in my head.
Thank you to Maggie and team for the eARC. I am so excited for this new series and cannot wait to read the next one.
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
Tropes:
-Football Romance
-Second Chance
-Hate to Love
-Brother’s Ex-Best Friend
-Boy Obsessed
-Workplace/Forbidden Romance
-Rival Families
-It’s Always Been You
-No 3rd Act Breakup
This story follows Quentin and Madison and I want to say that there is a prequel novella that comes before this full length book (Before the Chaos). While it is really not necessary to read before this one, I highly recommend as it will give more of a background to Quentin and Madison relationship. Quentin has been recently traded to the Chaos, where his uncle is the coach, after finding out the Madison works for them. Quentin is not so much a golden boy for NFL and needs his image worked on and this is where Madison comes in. Madison works in PR and is pretty well-known in this field and essentially has to babysit him. As Madison begins to learn the truth behind their breakup, her love resurfaces.
UGH!! This book was so good. From the plot, the spice, to the swoony moments. I ate this up and devoured this in less than 24 hours.
Madison is such a badass FMC. She is sassy and I loved her take no shit personality. I just loved seeing more of her story and seeing her finally get her HEA.
Quentin…where do I even start. THIS MAN!! 10 YEARS?!?!?! IYKYK. WOW!!! He has a lot to make up for and man does he ever make up for it. His devotion to Madison over the years they were apart, and his sheer willingness to let Madison put him through the wringer just to have her attention…I was cheering for him the entire time. So many swoony moments from him, it’s hard to pick just one that stand out. I loved seeing his growth from the prequel novella to 10 years later. And his nickname for her…favorite nickname to date for sure.
As always Maggie brings the top tier spice and the moments between these two were sizzling. Some of the hotel scenes will forever live rent free in my head.
Thank you to Maggie and team for the eARC. I am so excited for this new series and cannot wait to read the next one.
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
Tropes:
-Football Romance
-Second Chance
-Hate to Love
-Brother’s Ex-Best Friend
-Boy Obsessed
-Workplace/Forbidden Romance
-Rival Families
-It’s Always Been You
-No 3rd Act Breakup
April 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Quentin, my man. Was he everything you’d want in a “got to get my girl back” or what! Obsessed.
I can’t wait for what’s next in this series!
Quentin, my man. Was he everything you’d want in a “got to get my girl back” or what! Obsessed.
I can’t wait for what’s next in this series!
February 16, 2024
SO GOOD!! Another amazing story from Maggie Rawdon. Im obsessed with Madison and Quinton’s story. It has so many things I love, second chance, football, brothers (ex)best friend, obsessed MMC, pining and workplace romance. I will definitely be rereading this one!
February 21, 2024
Quentin…this man. I swear to god I melted into the floor for this man - how he loved her, his devotion, his dirty mouth. I love him.
Madison is also a BOSS heroine, completing my love of the Westfield siblings.
If you love sports romances, heroes with dirty mouths who love their partners FIERCELY, then you need Maggie Rawdon’s books in your life.
MUST READ. Quentin will be a top book boyfriend for LIFE!!!
ARC
Madison is also a BOSS heroine, completing my love of the Westfield siblings.
If you love sports romances, heroes with dirty mouths who love their partners FIERCELY, then you need Maggie Rawdon’s books in your life.
MUST READ. Quentin will be a top book boyfriend for LIFE!!!
ARC
March 3, 2024
Quentin and Madison had my poor heart all over the place! What I will say is that this bad boy had a soft spot and I love that he let her know just how much she meant to him!
I loved Madison and her fierce, go getter personality! She didn’t let people tell her what to do. She made her way in life and I love how unapologetically she did it! Quentin is the city’s bad boy but he’s here to show them all he’s worth more than they think and he will stop at nothing to find redemption!
I want to start this review by saying that the only thing I found myself a little upset over is that the prequel novella is a must. I know it’s said that you can enjoy without it but it felt like so much was missing and that I was missing out, but I kept going and things finally got a little clearer but once I finished this book and read the prequel so much more made sense so I HIGHLY suggest you start with the prequel novella! I didn’t take anything off for this and give the 5 stars with confidence because this story is absolutely breathtaking! These two deserve all the stars. The warning is just so others know that you will feel a little confused but don’t stop reading because as the story evolves it gets better and better.
Quentin has a lot to make up for and he does, oh boy does this man show Madison that not only does he deserve another chance but that he has always loved her more than anyone could or ever will. So many surprises in the book and I love how everything came together in the end. I hope to see these characters again because I loved everyone so much and I am hoping Bea is next because her story is going to be a good one!
I loved Madison and her fierce, go getter personality! She didn’t let people tell her what to do. She made her way in life and I love how unapologetically she did it! Quentin is the city’s bad boy but he’s here to show them all he’s worth more than they think and he will stop at nothing to find redemption!
I want to start this review by saying that the only thing I found myself a little upset over is that the prequel novella is a must. I know it’s said that you can enjoy without it but it felt like so much was missing and that I was missing out, but I kept going and things finally got a little clearer but once I finished this book and read the prequel so much more made sense so I HIGHLY suggest you start with the prequel novella! I didn’t take anything off for this and give the 5 stars with confidence because this story is absolutely breathtaking! These two deserve all the stars. The warning is just so others know that you will feel a little confused but don’t stop reading because as the story evolves it gets better and better.
Quentin has a lot to make up for and he does, oh boy does this man show Madison that not only does he deserve another chance but that he has always loved her more than anyone could or ever will. So many surprises in the book and I love how everything came together in the end. I hope to see these characters again because I loved everyone so much and I am hoping Bea is next because her story is going to be a good one!
March 28, 2024
Second chances are always so dang sweet.
March 4, 2024
Rival Hearts - Maggie Rawdon
**Book Rec**
𝑴𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕'𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆'𝒔 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆.
Quentin is a new top book boyfriend. The swoon, the pining, the dirty mouth...he was just so wonderful 🤣 Madison was also an awesome FMC. She knew exactly what she wanted and when she gave in to it....🎆🎆 Maggie's books are literal crack...fast faced spicy crack.
"𝑰'𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆. 𝑴𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆-𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒚."
A little insta in the novella (Before the Chaos) which I highly recommend you read to get a spicy glimpse at their beginning, but fast forward almost 10 years later they are both grown up and know what and who they want. Thrown together by their jobs into a forced proximity situation, old feelings ignite rather fast and the past feelings that were trying to be forgotten are back and full force. The humor, cameos, spice and swoon were just what I needed.
"𝑩𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅, 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒉?"
🏈Football Romance
✒️Brother's Best Friend
🏈Second Chance Romance
✒️Forced Proximity
**Book Rec**
𝑴𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕'𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆'𝒔 𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆.
Quentin is a new top book boyfriend. The swoon, the pining, the dirty mouth...he was just so wonderful 🤣 Madison was also an awesome FMC. She knew exactly what she wanted and when she gave in to it....🎆🎆 Maggie's books are literal crack...fast faced spicy crack.
"𝑰'𝒎 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆. 𝑴𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆, 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆-𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒚."
A little insta in the novella (Before the Chaos) which I highly recommend you read to get a spicy glimpse at their beginning, but fast forward almost 10 years later they are both grown up and know what and who they want. Thrown together by their jobs into a forced proximity situation, old feelings ignite rather fast and the past feelings that were trying to be forgotten are back and full force. The humor, cameos, spice and swoon were just what I needed.
"𝑩𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅, 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒉?"
🏈Football Romance
✒️Brother's Best Friend
🏈Second Chance Romance
✒️Forced Proximity
March 3, 2024
I loved this book, and i loved the prequel.
The way that even ten years later they can´t move on was so good to me. SInce i first read about them i knew that they belong with each other.
I recommend to read the prequel, it´s something that will help you to understand their journey.
Madison is one of my favourite characters in the world, i lover her so much and everything that she does, and her relationship with Quentin was sooooo good.
THE NICKNAME MADNESS was one of my favourite things about the book, i love a good nickname.
Quentin was so obsessed with her, i was in love with it.
Tropes:
- second chance
- brother´s ex best friend
- close proximity
- sports romance
I received an Arc in exchange of an honest review.
The way that even ten years later they can´t move on was so good to me. SInce i first read about them i knew that they belong with each other.
I recommend to read the prequel, it´s something that will help you to understand their journey.
Madison is one of my favourite characters in the world, i lover her so much and everything that she does, and her relationship with Quentin was sooooo good.
THE NICKNAME MADNESS was one of my favourite things about the book, i love a good nickname.
Quentin was so obsessed with her, i was in love with it.
Tropes:
- second chance
- brother´s ex best friend
- close proximity
- sports romance
I received an Arc in exchange of an honest review.
March 2, 2024
My first Maggie Rawdon book- but given how sweet and OH SO SEXY this second chance romance is, it’s safe to say this world and her writing have captured my heart! Rival Hearts is the perfect balance of heartfelt tenderness and sultry spice, it’s all heart and heat and a big ole dash of swoon. Charming characters, a fun secondary cast, and oozing charisma, this was a great intro to Maggie!
Sports, second chance, workplace, enemies to lovers, forbidden brother’s (now ex-) best friend…and ex-fiance?! OH cue all the tension, the angst push-pull, and those yummy forbidden vibes that melt me. Quentin and Madison have quite the complicated and heartbreaking history. An epic forbidden love story squashed by poor decisions long before it really got to start. Lost innocence, heartbreak, and regret. Now years later, they are not only forced to reconnect but they are also forced to work together- and ultimately forced to confront their past. The mistakes and misunderstandings, and their festered longing.
Their forced proximity demands their story move deliciously quickly- so the grovel drama and hurt definitely doesn’t overstay it’s welcome as we dive back into a complicated, secret, explosively hot second chance. But, the stakes are even higher now- more than feelings. Careers, friends/family, dreams, and the weigh expectations all make it even more complex of a situation. But the draw of these 100% is easy and straight forward. Quentin wants to right his wrong, and Madison just can’t seem to keep the wall around her heart when he goes on the offensive to score her, heart and soul. Their chemistry is really cute. And the spice is definitely SPICING in this- lordy, these two sizzle.
And while certainly these two have some baggage, the angst is actually not super thick. Quentin makes it clear early on he is ALL in early on, so while they have fantastic bantery push-pull moments, we also know where their hearts stand. They just have to re-learn to trust and to be vulnerable enough to go for it. Definitely more “will they” and “won’t they” LOL, but it means we get so much spice! I do wish we’d gotten to develop their relationship a bit more in their “current state”- it’s been so long, and they were barely together in the past, so I feel like they don't really know each other anymore, but they go from zero to one hundred and once they clear the air about past stuff, I feel like their relationship didn’t develop further emotionally. But, their physical connection is fire, and they are certainly cute together. AND the spice is really really good- the bedroom chemistry is magnetic.
While this can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the novella about them because it gives a more complete picture of their past. Also there are a lot of other Maggie characters from prior series in this. There were times when I felt there was a lot of secondary character action and I wasn’t super invested because I don't know the characters, BUT it also made me want to get to know them, especially her brothers who clearly had their own bumpy loves stories.
This was a great intro to the Maggie world and I’m so excited to spend more time there. It’s a cute, spicy, and fast-paced read that had me grinning, and introduced me to a world of sports drama and stories told and untold I can’t wait to discover. Excited to read more Maggie!
🖤Older Brother's (Ex) Best Friend
🏈Second Chance
🖤Younger Brother's Teammate
🏈Rival Sports Dynasties / Enemies to Lovers
🖤Workplace / Forced To Work Together (forced proximity)
🏈Forbidden + Secret Lovers
🖤He's Obsessed/ Full Court Pursuit
🏈Football Romance
🖤Ex Fiancees/ He took her v-card
🏈But he's only ever loved her
Sports, second chance, workplace, enemies to lovers, forbidden brother’s (now ex-) best friend…and ex-fiance?! OH cue all the tension, the angst push-pull, and those yummy forbidden vibes that melt me. Quentin and Madison have quite the complicated and heartbreaking history. An epic forbidden love story squashed by poor decisions long before it really got to start. Lost innocence, heartbreak, and regret. Now years later, they are not only forced to reconnect but they are also forced to work together- and ultimately forced to confront their past. The mistakes and misunderstandings, and their festered longing.
Their forced proximity demands their story move deliciously quickly- so the grovel drama and hurt definitely doesn’t overstay it’s welcome as we dive back into a complicated, secret, explosively hot second chance. But, the stakes are even higher now- more than feelings. Careers, friends/family, dreams, and the weigh expectations all make it even more complex of a situation. But the draw of these 100% is easy and straight forward. Quentin wants to right his wrong, and Madison just can’t seem to keep the wall around her heart when he goes on the offensive to score her, heart and soul. Their chemistry is really cute. And the spice is definitely SPICING in this- lordy, these two sizzle.
And while certainly these two have some baggage, the angst is actually not super thick. Quentin makes it clear early on he is ALL in early on, so while they have fantastic bantery push-pull moments, we also know where their hearts stand. They just have to re-learn to trust and to be vulnerable enough to go for it. Definitely more “will they” and “won’t they” LOL, but it means we get so much spice! I do wish we’d gotten to develop their relationship a bit more in their “current state”- it’s been so long, and they were barely together in the past, so I feel like they don't really know each other anymore, but they go from zero to one hundred and once they clear the air about past stuff, I feel like their relationship didn’t develop further emotionally. But, their physical connection is fire, and they are certainly cute together. AND the spice is really really good- the bedroom chemistry is magnetic.
While this can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the novella about them because it gives a more complete picture of their past. Also there are a lot of other Maggie characters from prior series in this. There were times when I felt there was a lot of secondary character action and I wasn’t super invested because I don't know the characters, BUT it also made me want to get to know them, especially her brothers who clearly had their own bumpy loves stories.
This was a great intro to the Maggie world and I’m so excited to spend more time there. It’s a cute, spicy, and fast-paced read that had me grinning, and introduced me to a world of sports drama and stories told and untold I can’t wait to discover. Excited to read more Maggie!
🖤Older Brother's (Ex) Best Friend
🏈Second Chance
🖤Younger Brother's Teammate
🏈Rival Sports Dynasties / Enemies to Lovers
🖤Workplace / Forced To Work Together (forced proximity)
🏈Forbidden + Secret Lovers
🖤He's Obsessed/ Full Court Pursuit
🏈Football Romance
🖤Ex Fiancees/ He took her v-card
🏈But he's only ever loved her
March 1, 2024
I don’t even know where to start with this review. I have so many amazing things to say about Rival Hearts but I think I’ll start with saying it was an easily an 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕚𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣 read for me. Maggie never fails to blow me away.
Rival Hearts follows Quentin & Madison. These two have a complicated past that leaves them out of each other’s lives for the last 9 years… now Madison is working for the NFL team that Quentin just got drafted to and he just became her full time client..
The chemistry and banter these two had made them a favourite book couple for me. Maggie yet again wrote another bad ass FMC. I love that Madison gives her man praise. I love when the roll gets reversed.
I was hooked on this book, I didn’t plan on reading it in one sitting but I got so lost in the book that I hadn’t realized 3 hours passed . This was such a well rounded plot with so much spice, a bad boy who falls so hard & chemistry and tension that jump off the page.
I’m so excited to be back into a Maggie Rawdon Universe and I can’t wait to see what she gives us next 🩶
Rival Hearts follows Quentin & Madison. These two have a complicated past that leaves them out of each other’s lives for the last 9 years… now Madison is working for the NFL team that Quentin just got drafted to and he just became her full time client..
The chemistry and banter these two had made them a favourite book couple for me. Maggie yet again wrote another bad ass FMC. I love that Madison gives her man praise. I love when the roll gets reversed.
I was hooked on this book, I didn’t plan on reading it in one sitting but I got so lost in the book that I hadn’t realized 3 hours passed . This was such a well rounded plot with so much spice, a bad boy who falls so hard & chemistry and tension that jump off the page.
I’m so excited to be back into a Maggie Rawdon Universe and I can’t wait to see what she gives us next 🩶
March 5, 2024
Quentin & Madison
I love love love when the tough rugged football players is on a redemption journey and he is wimping hard for his girl. We get that in spades with Quentin and it’s super yummy! He just wants to right his wrongs and be with the love of his life after hurting her 10 years earlier. Madison does not make it easy on him and other does her brothers too.
I was surprised that they never really went through that “will they or won’t they” phase. I liked that it wasn’t that simple and the plot had some different angles that fed the angst and drama of it all. Everything with AJ was an interesting touch and I would’ve loved to see more jealousy from Q on that front. They did kind of move past their history super fast into being all in again and blew right through the whole AJ/Mads thing.
The brothers and the whole family dynamic between Madison, her brothers, their dad and Quentin was so crazy. Like holy moly that was intense there for bit and wasn’t sure how it would all go. It definitely sped through the fallout and I would’ve loved to revel in the dad’s downfall. Gosh he was terrible to his kids.
I’m so happy to see some of our favorite Seattle couples again and also get introduced to a whole new team. I’m eager for Bea’s story next after seeing bits of it!
I love love love when the tough rugged football players is on a redemption journey and he is wimping hard for his girl. We get that in spades with Quentin and it’s super yummy! He just wants to right his wrongs and be with the love of his life after hurting her 10 years earlier. Madison does not make it easy on him and other does her brothers too.
I was surprised that they never really went through that “will they or won’t they” phase. I liked that it wasn’t that simple and the plot had some different angles that fed the angst and drama of it all. Everything with AJ was an interesting touch and I would’ve loved to see more jealousy from Q on that front. They did kind of move past their history super fast into being all in again and blew right through the whole AJ/Mads thing.
The brothers and the whole family dynamic between Madison, her brothers, their dad and Quentin was so crazy. Like holy moly that was intense there for bit and wasn’t sure how it would all go. It definitely sped through the fallout and I would’ve loved to revel in the dad’s downfall. Gosh he was terrible to his kids.
I’m so happy to see some of our favorite Seattle couples again and also get introduced to a whole new team. I’m eager for Bea’s story next after seeing bits of it!
March 1, 2024
Rival Hearts by Maggie Rawdon 💛
Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
306 pages
🗓️ February 29th (today!!!!)
🏈 sports romance
🏈 second chance
🏈 forced proximity
🏈 pining
🏈 workplace romance
🏈 ex-best friend’s sister
🏈 teammate’s sister
🏈 no third act breakup
🏈 Jane Austen
🏈 secret relationship
📍“I can’t believe you remember.”
“I remember everything”
Okay, okay. But the pining. THE PINING. It does things to me. Things that leave me feeling everything, everywhere. And Quentin, good Lord 🤌🏼🥹 King of pining 🤌🏼
Add to that all the Jane Austen worthy swoon moments and I’m utterly destroyed. Honestly, this review is a mess. But in the great words of Austen, if I loved this book less, I might be able to talk about it more. Alas, you get this unhinged version of me.
📍“I told you, Madness. You and me always.”
Like seriously, if you don’t think that’s the best nickname to ever exist then you’re just wrong 🤨
But I can’t end this without praising Maggie Rawdon not only for this h€ll of a ride but also for writing… with knowledge. I read a lot of sports romance. And while they’re all pretty much super fun, not many incorporate… well, sports knowledge. Not really. So when we got to discuss OTAs and West Coast offense, I was pretty much a goner. From one football fan to another, thank you 😁
Standalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️
Adult • Romance
ARC Review
306 pages
🗓️ February 29th (today!!!!)
🏈 sports romance
🏈 second chance
🏈 forced proximity
🏈 pining
🏈 workplace romance
🏈 ex-best friend’s sister
🏈 teammate’s sister
🏈 no third act breakup
🏈 Jane Austen
🏈 secret relationship
📍“I can’t believe you remember.”
“I remember everything”
Okay, okay. But the pining. THE PINING. It does things to me. Things that leave me feeling everything, everywhere. And Quentin, good Lord 🤌🏼🥹 King of pining 🤌🏼
Add to that all the Jane Austen worthy swoon moments and I’m utterly destroyed. Honestly, this review is a mess. But in the great words of Austen, if I loved this book less, I might be able to talk about it more. Alas, you get this unhinged version of me.
📍“I told you, Madness. You and me always.”
Like seriously, if you don’t think that’s the best nickname to ever exist then you’re just wrong 🤨
But I can’t end this without praising Maggie Rawdon not only for this h€ll of a ride but also for writing… with knowledge. I read a lot of sports romance. And while they’re all pretty much super fun, not many incorporate… well, sports knowledge. Not really. So when we got to discuss OTAs and West Coast offense, I was pretty much a goner. From one football fan to another, thank you 😁
March 2, 2024
These Two. Madison and Quentin. I loved them so much! They got their second chance, and it was fire! The way Quentin still loved Madison after so many years being apart. It was so sweet. And when these two came together? Fireworks! ;)
There's emotions that will make you laugh and cry. But in the end, love succeeds.
I definitely recommend! If I could give this more than five stars, I would! Go read it.
There's emotions that will make you laugh and cry. But in the end, love succeeds.
I definitely recommend! If I could give this more than five stars, I would! Go read it.
March 20, 2024
Maggie Rawdon can do no wrong!!!! One of my favorite authors 😍🤤
April 7, 2024
When she’s the dominant one🤭🤭
3.5⭐️ this was a really fun second chance football romance! She has to be her ex fiancé PR manager when he gets traded to a new team!! Loved the angst and spice!
3.5⭐️ this was a really fun second chance football romance! She has to be her ex fiancé PR manager when he gets traded to a new team!! Loved the angst and spice!
February 18, 2024
This 👏 is 👏 how 👏 you 👏 write 👏 second 👏 Chance!!!
Thank you so much to wordsmith publicity for this ARC!
I highly recommend reading the prequel to get the whole Madison and Quentin effect! Madison is the new pr manager for her ex fiancé who is a pro football player. He’s spent the last decade wanting her back. She’s “dating” someone else and he needs an image boost. As Madison begins to learn the truth behind their breakup, her love resurfaces. I loved all of the plot, the spice and swoony moments!
No third act break up and a perfect HEA! I can’t wait to read more from this series!
*No cheating
Thank you so much to wordsmith publicity for this ARC!
I highly recommend reading the prequel to get the whole Madison and Quentin effect! Madison is the new pr manager for her ex fiancé who is a pro football player. He’s spent the last decade wanting her back. She’s “dating” someone else and he needs an image boost. As Madison begins to learn the truth behind their breakup, her love resurfaces. I loved all of the plot, the spice and swoony moments!
No third act break up and a perfect HEA! I can’t wait to read more from this series!
*No cheating
February 26, 2024
Madison Westfield got her own book and it's the first book in the Queen City Series ! I already loved her from the small glimpses we've had of her in the Seattle Phantom series, so I was incredibly excited to finally get her story.
Madison & Quentin together? I love them. I loved the tension and love/hate thing they had going on. It's just something that keeps me interested when I'm reading a romance novel. I need the pining, the groveling, the hate sex....I need it all. Well, Maggie delivered in Rival Hearts. After I read the prequel novella, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by the way), I was fully invested in their story and stayed invested until the end.
"I'm not losing everything I've worked hard on just for an orgasm."
"Give me credit. It'd be at least two or three."
Oh Quentin.... you smart ass, but oh so yummy man. I'm having a hard time deciding what to label him. I want to say he's a golden retriever, but he's the perfect dick when he wants to be. He's a sour patch man... a grumpy/sunshine character on his own. But he's definitely one of my favorite Maggie Rawdon men. 10 years later and still obsessed? That's a perfect man right there.
Madison. You have to expect sass from her, especially since we've already met her brothers. Those Westfields sure do have mouths on them. I really did love her character though. She has a "take no shit" attitude and isn't afraid to go after what she wants. And you gotta love an FMC who likes to push buttons. PUSH THEM ALL LOVE...... push them all.
PS. If you've read her other books with Madison's brother, Tobias and Easton, you'll love their little cameos. Easton still make me giddy.
*I HIGHLY recommend reading Before the Chaos first, it's the prequel novella for Rival Hearts. You'll get all the background info on their relationship and why there's tension in the first place. You don't HAVE TO, but you'll miss out on things.
Madison & Quentin together? I love them. I loved the tension and love/hate thing they had going on. It's just something that keeps me interested when I'm reading a romance novel. I need the pining, the groveling, the hate sex....I need it all. Well, Maggie delivered in Rival Hearts. After I read the prequel novella, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by the way), I was fully invested in their story and stayed invested until the end.
"I'm not losing everything I've worked hard on just for an orgasm."
"Give me credit. It'd be at least two or three."
Oh Quentin.... you smart ass, but oh so yummy man. I'm having a hard time deciding what to label him. I want to say he's a golden retriever, but he's the perfect dick when he wants to be. He's a sour patch man... a grumpy/sunshine character on his own. But he's definitely one of my favorite Maggie Rawdon men. 10 years later and still obsessed? That's a perfect man right there.
Madison. You have to expect sass from her, especially since we've already met her brothers. Those Westfields sure do have mouths on them. I really did love her character though. She has a "take no shit" attitude and isn't afraid to go after what she wants. And you gotta love an FMC who likes to push buttons. PUSH THEM ALL LOVE...... push them all.
PS. If you've read her other books with Madison's brother, Tobias and Easton, you'll love their little cameos. Easton still make me giddy.
*I HIGHLY recommend reading Before the Chaos first, it's the prequel novella for Rival Hearts. You'll get all the background info on their relationship and why there's tension in the first place. You don't HAVE TO, but you'll miss out on things.
February 27, 2024
♾️⭐️
2.5🌶️
🏈 Second chance romance
🖤 Secret relationship
🏈 Older brother’s (ex) BFF
🖤 Forbidden love
🏈 Cinnamon roll
🖤 Brother’s teammate
🏈 “it’s always been you” (swoon)
Quentin Undergrove is my newest book boyfriend 🥵 Quentin is everything you want in a man and more. He is so caring and sweet and just wants Madison to be happy no matter what it takes. Madison is a strong FMC and is confident in her work abilities. She’s hired to be Quentin’s PR rep and the last thing she wanted was to fall for him again, but he broke down her walls and showed that he deserved her love. I was always rooting for Quentin even in the prequel and I’m so glad he got his happily ever after. I totally could’ve read 200 more pages of Quentin and Madison if there was anymore to be read. I absolutely loved this book and definitely recommend reading the prequel prior to reading this so you get a better understanding of their past. This book made me laugh and cry and feel all the feelings 🫶🏼
2.5🌶️
🏈 Second chance romance
🖤 Secret relationship
🏈 Older brother’s (ex) BFF
🖤 Forbidden love
🏈 Cinnamon roll
🖤 Brother’s teammate
🏈 “it’s always been you” (swoon)
Quentin Undergrove is my newest book boyfriend 🥵 Quentin is everything you want in a man and more. He is so caring and sweet and just wants Madison to be happy no matter what it takes. Madison is a strong FMC and is confident in her work abilities. She’s hired to be Quentin’s PR rep and the last thing she wanted was to fall for him again, but he broke down her walls and showed that he deserved her love. I was always rooting for Quentin even in the prequel and I’m so glad he got his happily ever after. I totally could’ve read 200 more pages of Quentin and Madison if there was anymore to be read. I absolutely loved this book and definitely recommend reading the prequel prior to reading this so you get a better understanding of their past. This book made me laugh and cry and feel all the feelings 🫶🏼
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