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Whatever It Takes

Fumbled Love

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Publicly fighting with a man for an oversold airline seat—Embarrassing!


Realizing he was the famous quarterback for the Atlanta Arrows—Awkward


Knowing he was your friend's older brother and teenage crush but didn't recognize
you—Humiliating.


When I stormed out of the airport after throwing a temper tantrum, I never expected to cross paths with him again. All I wanted to do was put the night behind me and enjoy a strong martini.

The last thing I expected was for him to waltz into the bar and offer me a night I couldn't refuse.


I had every opportunity to tell him who I was. Instead, I lied and followed my heart– okay, that was a lie too. It was pure lust and maybe a little revenge that had me following him out the door.


Now, we're flying back and forth between Atlanta and New York. And the more time we spend together, the harder I fall.


Until news of our relationship gets blasted all over the internet.


I guess it's true what they say, you can't believe everything you read online, or can you? I'm not sure anymore.


Now I'm wondering if I should have left my heart on the sidelines where it belonged instead of trusting him to keep it safe, especially since the news of our relationship isn't the only thing about to be exposed.

Published December 8, 2022

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S. Jones

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5 stars
375 (40%)
4 stars
321 (34%)
3 stars
183 (19%)
2 stars
38 (4%)
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10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Anne OK.
3,711 reviews529 followers
December 17, 2022


New-to-me-author, S. Jones didn’t fumble nor disappoint with this sports-related romance. Although there’s a bit of the holiday-ish feel, it does not overpower the main themes of this story.

In a best friend’s older brother romance storyline, told from alternating dual points of view, both Maverick and Kinley are personable, fun-to-get-to-know and likable. Of course, the secondary characters include family, friends and some troublemakers who seem to delight in creating drama and causing problems between the main couple. Characters are what make or break a story and this cast fulfilled their calling.

The emotional and physical connection between Maverick and Kinley is strong and intense. Plenty of steam, humor and heart-stopping romance at its best.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
1,821 reviews53 followers
November 20, 2022
This tale took a few turns I hoped for and some I didn’t even see coming! Kinley and Maverick may have grown up together(ish), but only one recognizes the other when they have a chance meeting now. And then another. And then a huge surprise is in the works for both of them thanks to that second encounter. So while these two navigate through deciding if they have a future, someone else is working hard to destroy everything. And I do mean everything.

That awful person is awful in every sense, too. But sometimes karma comes knocking quickly enough for the return on that nasty to be served hot and angry, which is exactly what someone needs here. And Kinely and Maverick? Well, they made me adore them both. Yeah, he makes a dumb man move. And yeah, she shuts down. But they also push through to communicate and stand strong together when things get scary, they both learn from mistakes, and they find their way to forever without losing all that they’ve built toward their life together.

I’d say this is a must read if you’re looking for some surprises from a perceived player in every way, as well as a strong woman who isn’t afraid to stand on her own. You’ll be glad you spent some time with these two and will likely hope for a few of Maverick’s teammates and their stories in the future.
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,331 reviews19 followers
December 4, 2022
This is a standalone romance that ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. This is also my first book by this author.
Maverick is a star NFL quarterback for the Atlanta Arrows. He is also the older brother of Kinley’s best friend from childhood. When they run into each other I an airport in NYC and he doesn’t recognize her, she is mortified. It is the cherry on top of her bad day sundae, and she pitches a fit. When they run into each other again; later that evening, sparks of a different kind fly- leading to a night they will never forget.
Maverick starts off a little too cocky for my taste. Over the course of the story, he is sometimes sweetly romantic, sometimes says all the wrong things, sometimes does all the right things, and sometimes makes some really dumb choices. Ultimately though, I adored reading as Kinley knocks him off his feet and he falls hard. Kinley is a likable character. She is a good person who is occasionally a little clueless. She was already partially in love with Maverick from her childhood crush, so it didn’t take her long to fall into real love with him. I appreciate that they maintain decent communication through their romance, even in the dark moment. I absolutely loved the sweet moments between them as they navigate their new relationship.
This was a steamy read with characters that were fun and likable. There are secondary characters who create drama between our couple. One is a very vile snake. I would have loved to have had more closure to that character and how they get what they deserve in the end. The HEA was sweet and fun, though the book felt like it wrapped up just a little too fast for me. I found this to be a very enjoyable read. It is set during the holidays but didn’t give me a holiday romance feel so I left that tag off of this book.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Profile Image for BookFox.
457 reviews37 followers
February 17, 2024
I liked this one a lot. They were adorable together. Reason for 4 stars and not 5 is because the other woman drama. It was unwanted but he allowed her to kiss the corner of his mouth and took her to a charity event. He did it bc the pr like him having someone on his arm at events but he stupidly took her.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer).
791 reviews57 followers
December 2, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐️

Fumbled Love by new to me author S. Jones follows Kinley Robert and Maverick ‘Mav’ Cross story through their dual perspective.

When it comes to finding new authors, it can either be a hit or a miss.
And in this case it was 100% hit! S. Jones captured me with the blurb alone to know Fumbled Love was something to be read ASAP!

From the very beginning Sandra grabbed ahold of me with Kinley and Maverick, never allowing me to let go the further and deeper the story progressed with reeling me in.
Ultimately resulting in falling down the rabbit hole that was their adventurous ride.
All the factors that Sandra packed in the story such as entertainment, comical moments, romance, drama, surprise twists and suspense is what made the narrative what it was.
It was no surprise that at each and every turn there was always something keeping you gripped on, seeing and learning where Kinley and Maverick would take you with the whirlwind that ended up becoming their lives.

On top of a great narrative, from within there was the development of the characters.
This allowed us to follow along and see the growth to Kinley and Maverick, who and where they were in the beginning to who they had become and where that landed them by the end.
All of this was presented through their dual perspectives that explored the inner depths of their mindset with their view, thoughts and decision making.
From this it paved the way for emotions to be delved into, given the many feelings they were navigating through. Specifically within the circumstances of the situations Kinley and Maverick had faced together and individually.
Ultimately another contributing part to their overall adventurous journey.

New to me author S. Jones had me hooked with Fumbled Love.
It ended up being such a great and enjoyable read altogether and not just because it included my favourite trope.
Everything about it was a real page turner, keeping me hanging on with devouring the story until the very end.
Highly recommend checking it out, S. Jones will do you no wrong with the awesomeness that was Kinley and Maverick's story!




*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,166 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2022
One minute she's standing there arguing with an airport employee over her flight and the next she's staring into the handsome face of the guy she has crushed on since she was a nerdy teenager. She cannot believe it, Maverick Cross is standing before her, and trying to flirt with her, but that's not the part she can't believe, it's the part where he acts as though he has no idea who she is. How can he not recognize her?

The pages of Fumbled Love will make you laugh, make you swoon, and hit you with a few twists and turns you won't see coming! This one was an absolute joy to read, once my eyes found the words, there was no stopping me... I HAD to see how this one would end! Kinley and Maverick were the perfect pairing, she's the calm to all the chaos in his life, she's also the woman that makes him want to be a better man, a one woman kind of man and that definitely scares the eternal bachelor! As these two waver between keeping things simple or taking the steps towards something serious they begin to realize their lives might just be too complicated to mesh together. But some surprising news pushes them to take a closer look at things, and that's when they start to realize maybe their on the right track. But just as things start to fall into place another unexpected blow is dropped into their laps!

From beginning to end this first time read had me teetering on the edge of my seat and swimming in feels, it was such a captivating and heartfelt escape... I truly loved everything about it! I highly recommend you take a chance on this one, it's words pack an emotional punch that will be felt long after the last page finds you!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

Profile Image for Ana Rita.
1,709 reviews40 followers
December 20, 2022
There are authors that stay inside not only our hearts but also our minds for days to come.
That happened with just one book by this author and I was eager to read another one.
When the opportunity arrived to read a new book, I was all in and couldn't start it fast enough.
S. Jones is the one to blame. She's so freaking awesome and her writing will hook you up. Trust me.
Fumbled Love is her latest release and explores the lives of Kinley and Maverick.
These two know each since kids because Kinley is Maverick's little sister's best friend.
Years passed, and now they encountered each other again, and after a huge fight.Kinley recognizes him but he didn't recognize her.
One thing led to the other and they hook up and then...
Oh my God... This book...
Dayum... It's hard to find the words to describe how I'm feeling.
It's like a mist of wonderment and passion...
Perfect plot, well written, super engaging, and intense.
Let me tell you that not everything was a bed of roses... Oh no, sir.
This author had a few tricks up her sleeves and Dayum...
There were parts of the book that I wanted to slap someone silly, jeez, stubborn much...
But then, it all vanished and a wave of love would fill my heart.
Loved the chemistry between the main characters.
I loved the push and pull.
And drama... Of course that we got a bit of drama. I was so mad that I asked this author if I could do some damage to one of the characters. Lol
This book was superb, and I hope we can have more from the other secondary characters.
S. Jones, you nailed it once again.
Loved every single word.
More, please...   I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.  
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
1,766 reviews56 followers
December 2, 2022
Fumbled Love is a fast paced, mistaken identity romance.

When Kinley isn't recognized by Maverick as they are catching the same flight home for the holidays she feels mortified. Even though Maverick is the same boy who not only grew up in the same town as her, but is also the older brother of her hometown best friend.

Needless to say, this only adds to the dumpster fire where she left her shame when she was dealing with the airport clerk who told her she wasn't making it home for Thanksgiving due to overbooking. To compound the humiliation, Kinley takes the mistaken identity a step further when she offers up a fake name when Maverick hits on her which leads to a one-night stand.

Never in her wildest dreams did Kinley expect to have that one night, much less for that one night to end up with a positive pregnancy test. Heading home for Christmas takes on a whole new meaning when she not only has to face Maverick again and explain she's not really a stranger, but a girl who grew up right under his nose and oh, by the way...giving him a whopper of a Christmas present.

This book went from fumbled feelings, into a sort of insta love. While this book was sweet, it didn't dive into a lot of emotional depth. However for my own personal reading, it was a nice break from some of the dark books I dive into. A 4.5 read overall.
Profile Image for Kristi - ReetzyTheBookNerd.
257 reviews7 followers
December 5, 2022
Do you love sport romance? A chance meeting turning into a friends to lovers? How about surprise baby? If you said yes to one or more of those questions then Fumbled Love is the book for you.

Kinley Robert is trying to get home for the holidays but no flights are flying out due to a huge snow storm. As she trying to get on the next available flight in walks a handsome stranger (well kind of). This stranger is none other than the man Kinley had a crush on growing up, her best friend's older brother, and the country's biggest football star; Maverick Cross. She knows who he is but he doesn't recognize her. What starts out as a rocky start in an airport and then a one-night stand becomes something so much more when they both end up at home for the holidays. Find out more for yourself.

This was a fast paced story of mistaken identity and a life changing surprise. Like the title says, this book has fumbling feelings and I was sucked in from the very beginning. I wanted these two characters to get their happy ending from page one. I am new to author S. Jones's work but I can't wait to go back and check out more of her stories. I'm excited to see what she has coming up next for her readers.
Profile Image for Jenny.
487 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2023
4.5

I loved this. I’ve been in an on/off book slump for what seems like months, so I was so thrilled to be so sucked into this book. I loved both characters (although I have to admit that Kinley seemed to come off a little b!tchy in their first interaction, but by the second chapter I loved her!) I loved Maverick but he did have his cocky moments at first. They had amazing chemistry. I know a few readers complained that it was too “insta-lovey”, but it was simply that these two people just clicked. (And that does happen in real life). Once the shock of the pregnancy wore off, these two decided to spend some time together and get to know each other. They just truly liked each other and quickly became attached.

Now there there is some OW drama that ensues and that kept this book quite suspenseful. Maverick makes a few really dumb decisions that blow up in his face and I 100% understood Kinley’s reaction. I loved the way it all played out. You could truly feel the emotions that these two felt for each other. I loved the ending and the epilogue. I wish it was a series because I really liked the side characters too.
Profile Image for Jessica Sexton.
422 reviews7 followers
November 20, 2022
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

When Kinley was trying to fly home for Thanksgiving and her flight was delayed she never thought she would run into her childhood crush, and best friends big brother.

Fumbled Love sucked me in from the beginning. This book has one night stand, best friends brother and football all mixed into one. I am a huge football fan and I loved seeing them actually write about the game a little bit instead of just oh ya this guy is a football player.

I would love to see a JP story come out of this book!!


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Profile Image for Gabby Murray.
342 reviews
December 5, 2022
“How does it feel?” “Like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Maverick is the star football player used to getting anything and anyone. Kinley is the girl next door as Mav calls her and has loved Maverick for years. They had a fast paced, insta love sorta relationship. But with her feelings for him for years it made sense on her end and they grew up together. There were many twists and turns for their relationship. One girl in particular got on my nerves like no other. They hit some rocky times but that comes with any relationship but what matters is communication and trust. Loved seeing Mav stand up for his girl and give her what she deserves. I loved the growth between both characters that really helped their relationship grow. A sweet football romance!
Profile Image for samreadsromance.
419 reviews65 followers
November 23, 2022
Best friends brother, sports romance and suprise pregnancy - YES PLEASE!

Kinley and Maverick knew each other before hooking up. Kinley remembered the guy who she had a massive crush on but Maverick didn’t remember his sisters best friend. When they hook up one night that results in pregnancy everything changes

Maverick is a NFL player and is kinda a big deal. Kinley doesn’t want to be in the spotlight so she wants to keep their relationship private but when that gets exposed everything happens!

I’m glad that they got their HEA and everything worked out in the end!
Profile Image for ReadaholicDeb.
573 reviews15 followers
December 8, 2022
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Kinley has crushed on her best friend's brother since she was young. When she runs into Maverick at the airport and again at a bar and he doesn't recognize her, she's crushed and a little embarrassed and gives him a fake name. When he flirts and their chemistry leads to him inviting her to his room, she takes him up on the offer.

I couldn't believe that Maverick didn't recognize Kinley. He starts off a little arrogant resulting in some fun banter. It was impossible not to fall for him. Especially when his jealous and protective side comes out. He may act like a playboy quarterback but that's not who he truly is.

The two had some bumps but used communication and trust to overcome the odds against them. I enjoyed seeing the two grow and learn to navigate their future together.

This is a fast-paced story. There is a bit of best friend's older brother, mistaken identity, and a life-changing surprise. I love Sandra's writing. She can always pull me into a story.

This is a standalone told in first person dual POV with a HEA.
Profile Image for Bharti.
44 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2022
This one was a very sweet but kind of hot 🥵 and spicy 🔥. I liked how fierce and hot headed the FMC was but she was also very sweet, understanding and patient.
The MC was sweet but hot quarter back with an injury but he knows how to respect and to be honest very kind.
I loved there banter alot which made this ride funny as well.
This was the first book I read of this author and to say I wasn't disappointed at all.
I completed it in one sitting ☺️❣️
Looking forward to read more of the previous books of the author.🥰🤫
Profile Image for Read All About It.
1,653 reviews24 followers
December 8, 2022
A confrontation at a airport leads to something so much more.

KINLEY is grounded by a huge snow storm when her friends famous brother shows up but he doesn’t recognize her.

You’re obviously a fan girl.

Clearly, all the fame has gone to your big, fat, inflated head.

Maverick is so full of himself. He thinks woman should fall at his feet.

“Oh, my God! It’s Maverick Cross, the quarterback for the Atlanta Arrows!”

This story is full of angst and some surprising revaluations that will change both there lives forever.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to further books by this author.
Profile Image for Lymari Yenderrozos.
634 reviews17 followers
December 15, 2022
The meet cute between Maverick and Kinley is everything, and I loved the little surprise aspect to this! Grandma Deanne was my absolute favorite character, but I also adored the easiness and banter between Kinley and Maverick. This kept me entertained from start to finish. Perfect ending, great spice, wonderful characters. *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for s.shadereads .
350 reviews68 followers
November 28, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5

* Best Friends Brother
* Surprise Pregnancy
* Sports Romance

Fumbled Love was such a cute sweet read!

From Maverick and Kinley's first second chance meet cute to the laugh out loud funny moments and the slight drama these two go through, this book will keep you entertained til the very last page.

I adored Kinley's spitfire attitude and how open and honest she was. And how her insecurities made her feel so real and relatable.

And I fell in love with Maverick's smart witty mouth from the very first chapter. Add in that cocky smirk and those possessive alpha tendencies, needless to say I was hooked.
Profile Image for Imari McClure.
360 reviews
November 28, 2022
It was a far read, if you love insta love with a twist this story is for you.

What if the one man whose always had your heart since teenage years doesn’t remember you but wants to hook up.
Do you take him up on his offer?
Do you tell him who you truly are?

One thing leads to another and few weeks later a positive pregnancy test.
Kinley ends up having to tell Maverick the truth about who she is and about their baby coming.
What happens when the past collided with this future? Will these two be able to stay strong for eachother? Will love be enough in the end to keep them together? Or is it all too much and Kinely walks away?

#thebookishgirlreviews #thebookishgirlsteam
Profile Image for Steph.
500 reviews24 followers
December 10, 2022
Great book! I loved these characters, and the plot definitely had me intrigued. Funny romantic comedy that will keep you on your toes, make you laugh, and swoon at the romantic gestures.

Page-turner for sure!
Profile Image for Ashley Polo.
121 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2024
Cute Quick Read

I love a sports romance. This was a cute quick read. Love a second chance romance trope. It was dramatic and cheesy and spicy and a bit far fetched at times, but those are all things I enjoy in a romance.
Profile Image for Devons book corner .
1,300 reviews34 followers
December 2, 2022
This book was so cute. I loved Maverick and Kinley. When Kinley's flight gets delayed, never in a million years did she expect to run into her best friend's older brother and her childhood crush. Especially since they lost tough like 12 years ago. But after a night of hooking up, Kinley later on discovers she is pregnant. This was just a super cute story. If you like best friend's brother, sports romance, and surprise pregnancy tropes, you will love this book.
Profile Image for Kristina.
83 reviews
April 4, 2024
God, I rolled back my eyes so many times that I think I saw my brain..
Profile Image for Jaimie.
1,179 reviews16 followers
November 26, 2022
I am so in love with this story and the characters!
Maverick and Kinley have great chemistry and you can feel the connection they have.

These two are so sweet and have so much love for eachother but when someone doesn't want them together... Will their connection be strong enough??

Really enjoyed the way you can see the characters fall in love and find their way through the pages... Even when they have struggles.

This book will have you holding your breath hoping for the right choices to be made... But it is never that easy!
Profile Image for Livelyreads.
218 reviews30 followers
December 9, 2022
This book was definitely the highlight of my week. I love discovering new authors whose writing I instantly fall in love and Sandra Jones made that list.
Now about the book. I loved it and adored Maverick and Kinley. Fumbled love had me hooked from beginning because of my favorite tropes from hot shot famous player hero to smart sassy heroine, surprise pregnancy, fun banter, some drama, lots of sexy chemistry, swoon and interesting story and writing. This book will make you smile most of the time and it's definitely a must read if you are looking for some light hearted fun romance.
Coming out 8th December.
Profile Image for Nikki W.
68 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2022
🏈 𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 🏈

I love a good sports romance (football is my favorite). I wasn’t disappointed with this one. I loved both characters - Kinley is sassy, sweet and independent. Mav is lovable, confident and determined. I can totally get the insecurities that Kinley has with the media and how it will portray her. It was cute to hear about Kinley’s crush growing up with him and him having no idea. The writing was great and the steamy scenes were good too.
Profile Image for Amanda.
152 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2022
This book has all the feels! I laughed, cried, and lost sleep reading this book. If you love angst and slightly forbidden best friends older brother romance, than this book is for you!

Kinley and Maverick grew up together, lost touch for 12 years, and then after an embarrassing but life changing event ended up falling for each other. I love a happily ever after story and am so glad I decided to read theirs 💙

These two characters go through tons of growth together. Both end up dealing with toxic friendships, as well as friendships that are stronger than ever. Even though I hated a few side characters, they were written so well that I loved the part they played. I definitely wouldn't mind reading about a few of Mavericks football playing buddies in the future!!
Profile Image for Lesliesbooktok .
260 reviews16 followers
December 17, 2022
🏈❄️Such a cute story❄️🏈

🏈 Sports Romance
🌶Medium Spice
👶Surprise Pregnancy
💙Dual POV
🤍HEA

I loved this story. Coming from someone that's not normally a huge fan of sports romance or surprise pregnancy tropes this one got me. Was hooked and read in one sitting ❤️

I absolutely loved Kinley and Maverick!

Kinley and Maverick meet in a airport when snow had delayed their flight. Now Kinly knows Maverick from high school but he does not remember her. Being the big football star he is he is trying to stay under the radar... then you probably should not make Kinley mad! I loved her from that firat moment.
Later they meet up at the bar, Maverick still does not recognize her but feels the pull and has no problem hitting on Kinley.
Kinley thinking she would probably never see him again lives out a high school crush fantasy and goes back to his hotel room. Little does she know this night will cange both of their lives.


#Thebookishgirlreviews  #Thebookishgirls #thebookishgirlsteam #Thesmuttyreadersclub
130 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2022
But even the things that we believed were unbreakable could still destroy us in the end.


Before Fumbled Love, I had read another series from S. Jones. I enjoyed it and wanted to see what this was about.

I can't believe that technically, not only did I read Fumbled Love in one day, but it was also close to one sitting, minus the time I took for my responsibilities.
Every time I put it down, I wanted to pick it up again because I wanted to know what happened next.

I was entertained the whole time. It was an emotional ride for me in the sense of having several different reactions. There were moments when I wanted to scream, WHY! I'm glad I contained my emotions, and it was all internal, or there would've been people looking at me as if something was wrong. I loved Kinley's grandma and wished there were more scenes with her to break up the seriousness. Although not needed, it would've been a nice addition. The only thing was that I wished I had cried. However, that's a me problem because it would've been an outlet for me dealing with life.

Both Kinley and Maverick had mirrored relationships with their friends. Maverick with Della and Kinley with Chad. Even though it's obvious to everyone else, they were oblivious about it until it was pointed out to them. I HATED DELLA. That deserves to be in all caps because I feel strongly about it, but you are free to have your own opinions. Rylee's reaction was a breath of fresh air because most people would've had a different reaction. I loved Maverick. The main characters weren't overdramatic; it was all reasonable. Even with their mistakes in the moment, they realize it once they have cooled down. The problems felt real and relatable, even if you're not in the exact same circumstances.

You'll enjoy Fumbled Love if you like the best friend's brother trope and sports romance. I will read her other series and anything she has when I have the chance or stumble upon it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
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