Let me start by saying, if you're a fan of sports romances with a side of steamy chemistry, PENALTY by Jacob Chance is a must-read. This book had me hooked from the first chapter, and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it in one sitting (yes, even at 2 AM—no regrets).
The Good: Brady Lincoln is the quintessential bad-boy quarterback—cocky, talented, and used to getting any girl he wants. But here’s the twist: when he meets Harlow, everything changes. The way Jacob Chance writes Brady’s transformation from a player to a man genuinely falling in love is *chef’s kiss*. Harlow, on the other hand, is relatable AF—she’s smart, guarded, and not about to become another notch on Brady’s bedpost. Their push-and-pull dynamic had me grinning like an idiot.
The Great: The chemistry between these two? Off-the-charts hot. The tension builds so well that when they finally give in (and oh boy, do they give in), it feels earned and explosive. Plus, the unexpected plot twist? Didn’t see it coming—at all. It added just the right amount of drama without feeling forced.
The Not-So-Good: Okay, minor gripe—Brady’s initial arrogance might make you want to roll your eyes (I definitely did). But stick with it because his character growth is worth it. Also, there were a couple of punctuation hiccups and a duplicated epilogue in my copy (editing slip-ups happen, but nothing deal-breaking).
Final Verdict: 4.5/5 stars! This book delivers everything you want in a sports romance—heat, heart, and a hero who actually evolves. If you love alpha males who meet their match and heroines who don’t back down, PENALTY is a touchdown. Now excuse me while I go stalk Jacob Chance’s backlist for more gems.