First Down

Beyond the Play, Book 1

By: Grace Reilly

Narrated by: Kyle Adams, Caroline Sorunke

Tutoring the new star quarterback in exchange for a few fake dates won’t lead to anything more… right?

James

Football is my everything. I live, eat, breathe the sport. But when I transfer to McKee University to escape the distractions that nearly cost me my future in the NFL, I’m faced with another consequence: retake and pass the writing class I failed at my last college, or lose any chance I have at making it big. That’s where fellow senior Beckett Wood—gorgeous, stubborn, and just my type—comes in. She’s the key to my success in this class… but the price of her help is a fake relationship, and I never do things halfway.

Bex

I don't mess around with athletes, and at first glance, handsome, self-assured James Callahan is no exception. He wants me to help him pass the writing class we’re both stuck taking, but I'm too busy to take on yet another responsibility. But when his teammate—my cheating ex—won’t leave me alone, I realize I need to convince him I’ve moved on… and what better way than by pretending to be with James, who wants nothing to do with a real relationship?

Yet with every fake kiss, James pulls me deeper into a place that thrills and terrifies me.

Why does he make me feel alive like no one else has?

And why don’t I want it to end?

First Down is a spicy new-adult sports romance with fake dating, dual POV, and a guaranteed HEA. It is the first in a series of linked, yet standalone, novels in the Beyond the Play series.

©2023 Grace Reilly (P)2023 Spotify Audiobooks

Super cute!

I needed a heartwarming book to break up my dark romance playlist so I chose this one and it did not disappoint! James is a cinnamon roll protector, Bex and James are perfect for each other. I love how they support each other, I NEEDED A HEA! My only criticism is the narration isn’t duet (duet is always superior) but in one chapter they have an exchange in duet and the voices were a little muffled and it threw me off.

Great story- not great narration.

Super story but I couldn’t get into the story because of the voices. There was no passion or emotion to their voices. This really ruined the book. It took me months to finish it because I’d get sick of the voices.

I like the story as a whole though.

I love the book!!!!!

Hi! I just wanted to say, I love this book so much! I need a part two, I need to know their story threw the NFL. Please make a second book on their story! Also can't wait too listen to the next book!!!!

Amazing!!

This book was super cute with the right amount of spice! I loved the story dynamic. The charters were well written and the entire book was too good to stop listening too!

The storyline

It had me hooked from the first chapter! The romance, chemistry, spiciness, I cannot believe it’s over but it’ll definitely be a reread.

Female narrator completely ruined the book

I have listened to numerous audiobooks - and it took everything in me to not quit this book because of the female narrator. I was invested in the storyline so I powered through. Female narrator was by far top 3 worst I have listened to. It would have made a world of difference even if there was more inflection while reading. The constant monotone with no emotion really took away from the book.

The Female narrator, ugh!

I couldn't finish this because of the female narrator. She sounded like she had a stuffy nose and was reading an instruction manual.

Great book

This book was amazing! I loved it. Although I have the special edition. I feel as if the audio should exclude the special edition where it has an extended epilogue. Other than that this is a great book and a great audio.

Such a beautiful love story

it was such a pleasure to listen to and i can’t wait to finish the whole series

College Football Romance Perfection!!

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲...

💜 Fake Dating
👑 Cinderella Story
🏈 American Football
🏫 College Romance
🙅 Sworn Off Dating
🐕️ Golden Retriever MMC
🎭 Family Drama

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:⁠
Isn't discovering a new author and falling in love with their writing extraordinary? That's what happened to me with Grace Reilly! The first book in her Beyond the Play series, First Down, hooked me from the beginning. It's a swoon-worthy fake dating romance that kept me glued to the pages. I was impressed with how Grace created a vivid college atmosphere in the story. It felt like I was transported right to the middle of the McKee University campus alongside the characters. The plotline was realistic, and the characters felt genuine. It was refreshing to read a college romance that didn't focus on unnecessary relationship angst and drama. The blossoming relationship between James and Bex was delightful; their banter was so much fun, and the spice was positively perfect! The side characters were also enjoyable, especially the rest of the Callahan family, and I'm excited to read their stories! First Down is a college sports romance you don't want to miss!

I did a hybrid read/listen to this fantastic book, and I have to say, it was an absolute delight to listen to! The audiobook narration by Kyle Adams and Caroline Sorunke was simply wonderful! They brought James and Beckett to life with their outstanding performances and made it an incredibly fun experience. I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a great audiobook!