I loved this book and absolutely couldn't put it down. I love a good age gap book, especially with the forbidden aspect added to the mix.

I honestly loved McKenzie. She was headstrong, independent, smart, hardworking, driven, and fought through everything that was thrown her way. I loved how she never felt sorry for herself or relied on anyone to save her but worked really hard to survive on her own since she didn't want to get her family involved when they were dealing with so much already. Given her financial situation, she had to resort to living out of her car. It took a lot of courage to keep going the way she had to, but she did it, and I was glad that she had Kylie and then Tyler, who helped her out.

After missing out years of his daughter's life growing up due to his NFL career, Tyler doesn't want to miss out on this opportunity of spending more time with Kylie, getting to know each other, and building a stronger relationship now that she's moved in with him while she finishes college.

He was grumpy at first and wanted nothing to do with McKenzie, who he thought would be a liability to the team but reluctantly agrees for his daughter's sake. But as he watches her spend time with the team working on her project, he realizes just how passionate and knowledgeable she is about football and dedicated to her dream of becoming a sports journalist. 

Under his grumpy exterior, Tyler was a total softie who was always present for Kylie and McKenzie. He was also extremely thoughtful and made sure both girls were always safe without being overbearing and had everything they needed. After spending years dating people who mostly wanted him for his popularity, fame, or status, he wasn't looking for any sort of relationship, but at the same time he also wished he had someone who could understand him, his passion for football, and would accept him the way he was.

I liked that this wasn't insta-lust (even if McKenzie did think Tyler was attractive given that he was a known star NFL player), but the two slowly start feeling an attraction towards each other, and as they spend more time together, they realize just how many similarities they shared. With their late-night conversations and games, they gradually feel this sense of comfort and ease with each other that they haven't experienced before.

The romance between Tyler and McKenzie felt so natural, and their chemistry was off the charts. I loved the angst in this book and the tension slowly building between these two. They did try to deny their feelings for a while due to many reasons, but the longer they were around each other, the less they were able to restrain these feelings.

The spice was definitely spicing after all that tension building between them, and I was just here like, "Kiss. Kiss. Kiss." It made the eventual kiss that much hotter after being teased for so long. I loved how commanding Tyler was and also how McKenzie didn't shy away during intimacy but instead was confident and asked for what she needed. That combination made the spice really enjoyable.

The whole situation with McKenzie's dad got me emotional, and I was not prepared for it. It truly broke my heart to see McKenzie and her entire family go through such a tragedy, and I truly loved how Tyler and Kylie both stayed present for her. I liked the way Tyler took care of her and let her process things while letting her know he was right by her side and did his best to comfort her in whatever way he could.

I liked the genuine bond McKenzie slowly built with the football team. Even when Hayes kept hitting on her at first, he eventually took the hint and turned into a good friend, even if it totally pissed Tyler off watching them together.

The third-act conflict really hits you in the feels. These two definitely went through the wringer, but in a way it was also necessary for it to happen that way given Kylie's involvement, and it made me respect both of them more—Tyler for what he needed to do and McKenzie was being mature and strong.

I really loved that epilogue, especially when we learn Tyler's decision and how much that actually said about his love for McKenzie. I also liked seeing McKenzie and Kylie mend their friendship with time.

Thank you, D.C. Kile and SunnyBabePR, for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.