Review of Best Friends, Backups, & Something More by Ranee S. Clark

 

A sweet sports romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility .

If “best friends at first sight” were really a thing, Eli Dash would say that’s how his friendship with the new private school teacher, Court Edwards, began. She’s the only person who understands his determination to prove himself as the new L.A. Rays quarterback. She, and nobody else, completely relates to his drive to make everyone forget about last year’s disastrous season with his old team. She’s also stolen his heart and run off with it, faster than any running back he’s ever met.

The problem is, she’s secretly dating another teacher who also happens to be her department head. She’s completely clueless about Eli’s feelings and seems content to keep him in the friend zone forever.

For those reasons alone, Eli should take a sideline bench. Speaking up may risk their friendship, and then he could lose her altogether. But Eli Dash isn’t the sidelines type. It’s the most critical season of his life, and he refuses to let others call the shots this time—not with their happily-ever-after barely within reach. Can the new QB take them from friend zone to the end zone? Or is it game over for them both?

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This book was a quick read. There was real chemistry between the main characters, that led them from being strangers to close friends quickly. The hero hoped to be more than friends, but there is a very real obstacle between them besides ignoring chemistry in the name of friendship. 

I loved watching the characters navigate their families and careers as both individuals and as friends. Eli was definitely the best character. I liked Court, too, but she made a bit of a mess for herself- and poor Eli. I didn't realize it was a loose Sense & Sensibility retelling at the time, but see it now looking back. More than that, it seemed like a gender-swapped retelling, and that was really fun.

Note to more sensitive readers: a Willoughby-type character does Willoughby-type things.

I would recommend this book for everyone who enjoys urban fantasies and romcoms.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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