A review by bookishlychar
Dating the Defensive Back by Lisa Suzanne

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is the first book in the Nash Brothers series. Grayson Nash has moved to Vegas to play football for the Aces. The team brother is coaching, and his younger brother plays for. He meets an intriguing woman at the bar and takes her to his hotel for a one-night stand. It is so much more than that though, he finds himself wanting to know more about her and see her again. The woman introduces herself as Cookie. Grayson's best friend asks him to check on his kid sister, who has just broken up with her boyfriend. He hasn't seen her forever and goes to check on her at work. Imagine his surprise when he finds out Cookie is little Ava Maxwell. Ava's ex won't leave her alone, and Grayson can't believe she didn't tell him that she was Ava. Ava convinces Greyson to fake date her to keep her ex off her back, but both cannot deny the real chemistry they feel. With everything going on, the ex, the brother, the drama, can they be together? 

Grayson and Ava had some firey chemistry. From their first meeting to their HEA, they were perfectly matched for each other. I loved seeing the two of them together, but I felt that sometimes Ava was wise beyond her years and Grayson was emotionally stunted. There is a third-act break-up in this, and I felt for Ava with this. I generally hate third-act break-ups, but this one didn't annoy me, and Greyson can grovel like no other. 

I thought that Lisa Suzanne did a great job writing the world of the Nash brothers and the family, making me want to read about the other two brothers. 

Read if you like: brother's best friend, fake dating, forced proximity, one night stand, virgin heroine, age gap