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A review by fiction_and_friction
Second Down Scrooge by Lisa Suzanne
hopeful
lighthearted
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
SECOND DOWN SCROOGE is a steamy pro-football, second-chance holiday romance that follows exes and current co-parents Kelly and Austin.
After their breakup—sparked by Austin’s less-than-stellar behavior toward some teammates and Kelly’s best friend—both have struggled to move on. Despite their history, they’ve never stopped longing for each other. Austin, the quintessential reformed bad boy, is determined to win Kelly back. He dreams of building the family unit he never had growing up and constantly asks if she’s ready to give their love another shot. Meanwhile, Kelly hesitates, torn between her lingering feelings and the hurt caused by his past mistakes.
While Second Down Scrooge might appear to be just another holiday rom-com, it stands out with its depth and heart. The co-parenting dynamic and Austin’s sincere efforts to grow—for both Kelly and their daughter Mia—bring an emotional richness to the story. Austin’s sweetness toward Mia and Kelly is especially touching, making this novella a heartfelt and memorable read.
All in all, it’s a lovely story that blends holiday cheer, personal redemption, and the power of second chances.
Favorite Quote: “And he banged me like a screen door in a hurricane.”
After their breakup—sparked by Austin’s less-than-stellar behavior toward some teammates and Kelly’s best friend—both have struggled to move on. Despite their history, they’ve never stopped longing for each other. Austin, the quintessential reformed bad boy, is determined to win Kelly back. He dreams of building the family unit he never had growing up and constantly asks if she’s ready to give their love another shot. Meanwhile, Kelly hesitates, torn between her lingering feelings and the hurt caused by his past mistakes.
While Second Down Scrooge might appear to be just another holiday rom-com, it stands out with its depth and heart. The co-parenting dynamic and Austin’s sincere efforts to grow—for both Kelly and their daughter Mia—bring an emotional richness to the story. Austin’s sweetness toward Mia and Kelly is especially touching, making this novella a heartfelt and memorable read.
All in all, it’s a lovely story that blends holiday cheer, personal redemption, and the power of second chances.
Favorite Quote: “And he banged me like a screen door in a hurricane.”