Review: Only on Gameday

Only on Gameday by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review 

“We look like a real couple— don’t worry. It would only be on game days and a few public appearances.” 

Growing up neighbors, Penelope and August were always around each other but while Penelope had no problem being comfortable around his siblings, there was always an awkwardness between them. Now all grown up, August is a professional star quarterback, who's facing some team discipline after going a bit wild and Penelope's trying to find a way to hang onto her grandparent's home she inherited after their death. August comes up with the solution for a fake relationship, she'll make him look respectable and he'll help her pay the taxes on the home until she can come up with a more consistent income. They say it will only be game days but secret childhood crushes won't be denied. 

“Pen, you were always August’s girl. You just never realized it.” 

This felt along the lines of more light and fluffy, if you've read Callihan before, you're going to enjoy falling back into her voice. You'll probably not want to squint to hard at the story setup, August (his last name's Luck, yes I struggled with not picturing him as Andrew Luck) needing to suddenly look respectable because of a few pictures of him drunk and dancing didn't really track as to why and how's but through his pov he does some admitting that he may have forced things when reader's get let-in that he's always had feelings for Penelope. Penelope's story of needing the tax money to hang onto her grandparent's ten million dollar home felt a bit not fitting quite right also, especially when she constantly refuses to accept money from August. It was kind of what are we doing here, just forcing the trope? They are good together though, so you'll enjoy reading about them. 

I’ve often wondered why it is some people shine and others don’t. But perhaps it’s the ones doing the looking that make it so. 

There were times I felt a little spoon fed, instead of learning and experiencing the story thread, thoughts, and feelings from the characters we got blatant spelled out stuff. There was also some feeling that everyone had to act so right and proper, let people be a little messy sometimes, let them learn and grow! I did enjoy Penelope and August's flirting back and forth and their first time together was really good, will draw you into their relationship more. There was also this line drop: “You say you’re a side character in everyone else’s story. In my story, Pen, you are the main character. You always will be.”, which will make you feel good for the character. Some not quite fitting puzzle pieces to get them together, a little bit of family and personal drama for outside poking at, and a sweet couple that may not be memorable but you'll probably enjoy spending some time with.

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