Book: Hometown Halftime by Jocelyn Jacobs
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 5/5
Hometown Halftime by Jocelyn Jacobs
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
I am absolutely, 1000% in love with Kinsey and Riley's age-gap, rugby coach × assistant coach romance. This is my first book by Jocelyn Jacobs and, honestly, I'm kind of mad her name isn't being shouted from the rooftops of sports romance. Her writing is a perfect blend of humorous dialogue and inner monologue, heartfelt emotional beats that had me tearing up and swooning, and enough heat to burn down a house.
I totally fell for Kinsey. Not only is she one of the best FMCs I've read this year, but she is up there on my best-ever list. She has such a multifaceted personality: part badass rugby coach, part feminine softie, and part ferocious kitten. She is an amazing coach who cares about teaching the girls so much more than just the rules of the game. She doesn't shy away from liking "girly" things or being soft with Riley and her BFFs. She's tough enough to handle most things on her own, but the people in her life love her so much they don't want her to have to. I melted every time she showed vulnerability with Riley, and I appreciate the care that was put into her journey with her chronic illness. Basically, I'm obsessed with Kinsey.
And Riley? He may only be 22, but he is a full-grown MAN. He has put his college football career on pause to pick up the adult responsibilities his loser father walked out on at home, not because he is expected to, but because that's the kind of man he is. He is a natural caregiver and nurturer, which means I was in full swoon every time he stepped onto the rugby pitch because, holy pajamas, he is an excellent coach. His pride in the team felt so special, especially when most guys his age wouldn't have taken the role seriously.
But what I love most about Riley is that he immediately clocks Kinsey as a force of nature, and even though she scares him a little, he admires it. He falls for her because she's strong and independent, not in spite of it, and that had me instantly head over heels for him.
I really love Kinsey and Riley together. The chemistry is palpable from their first meeting, and the natural banter that develops between them almost instantly hooks me. They play so well off each other. While the physical aspect of their relationship is a slow burn, the emotional development isn't. Riley becomes someone Kinsey can be vulnerable with without ever making her feel less capable, and she gives him someone who sees and appreciates the man he already is. They had me laughing and swooning in equal measure, and by the end, I was in tears.
This is the third book in the Hearts on the Sidelines series, but you can read it as a standalone. Though now that I know Jocelyn Jacobs is this good, I wish I had read the books in order. I know for a fact that I will be going back to read the others.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for providing an ARC.