Review: Fumbled by Alexa Martin

Title: Fumbled by Alexa Martin
Playbook Series Book Two
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 331 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A second chance doesn’t guarantee a touchdown in this new contemporary romance from the author of Intercepted.

Single-mother Poppy Patterson moved across the country when she was sixteen and pregnant to find a new normal. After years of hard work, she’s built a life she loves. It may include a job at a nightclub, weekend soccer games, and more stretch marks than she anticipated, but it’s all hers, and nobody can take that away. Well, except for one person.

T.K. Moore, the starting wide receiver for the Denver Mustangs, dreamt his entire life about being in the NFL. His world is football, parties, and women. Maybe at one point he thought his future would play out with his high school sweetheart by his side, but Poppy is long gone and he’s moved on.

When Poppy and TK cross paths in the most unlikely of places, emotions they’ve suppressed for years come rushing back. But with all the secrets they never told each other lying between them, they’ll need more than a dating playbook to help them navigate their relationship.

Review:

Fumbled by Alexa  Martin is a humorous second chance at love romance. Although this latest release is the second book in the Playbook series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Poppy Patterson is a hard-working single mother of nine year old Ace. Although she’s not crazy about her job as a waitress in a nightclub, she is a hard worker who is doing what she has to do to support her family.  Poppy has never quite gotten over Ace’s dad, Trevor Kyle “TK” Moore so when he suddenly re-enters her life, she finds herself in a bit of quandary.  Although there is never any question of keeping him from Ace, she is a bit hesitant to tell him about the son he never wanted. Poppy is also uncertain about risking her heart on him again, but will TK convince her to take a chance on him?

Poppy is an incredibly likable character. She is refreshingly honest, upbeat and quite sassy.  Poppy is fiercely protective of Ace but she is also incredibly soft-hearted when it comes to her son. She has every reason to be wary of TK’s sudden reappearance in her life. However, Poppy realizes right away that TK has been “the one” but she is uncertain how he will react to Ace. Due to her past, she finds it difficult to count on anyone but herself. Will Poppy be able to let TK completely into her life and heart?

TK is a fun-loving man who does not take anything or anyone too seriously. He does not do long term relationships but he is fiercely loyal to his friends.  He is absolutely stunned when he meets Poppy again and he immediately sets out to convince her to date him again. However, he is not initially receptive to her news that he has a son. Will TK welcome Ace into his life? TK has never gotten over losing Poppy, but will she be open to starting over with him?

Fumbled is a witty romance that is fast-paced and engrossing. TK and Poppy are wonderful characters who are quite endearing despite their flaws.  Poppy’s concerns about becoming involved with TK are well-founded. When TK’s football career comes between them, will Poppy persuade him to take her fears seriously?

An outstanding romance that old and new fans of Alexa  Martin’s Playbook series are sure to enjoy.