⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this book. From the very first chapter I was completely pulled into the story. The characters felt so real and well developed that it was impossible not to get attached. Their chemistry was undeniable and watching their connection grow felt incredibly rewarding.

The author did an amazing job building emotion through every scene. The pacing kept me fully engaged and the way the story unfolded never lost my attention. I read it all in one sitting because I just had to know how things would end.

This is the kind of book that makes you forget everything else for a while. I am so excited to see where the series goes next and cannot wait to read more from this world.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 ⭐️

Harper is a dedicated, young sports journalist who lies about her passion for football in order to secure a job in her home city of Denver. She was fired from her last job in New York and is determined to keep this new job despite the fact that she really knows nothing about football. She is tasked with writing an article about Jake a talented NFL tight end who she had a major crush on in high school. Harper, still bearing resentment over what happened when they were younger, does not plan to show Jake in the best light in her article. She is forced to spend the next five weeks following Jake to write her feature.

I enjoyed the way the relationship between Jake and Harper developed. Jake showed her his true self and he was such a sweetheart deep down. There was a slight twist at the end that I found a bit confusing and it didn’t really feel necessary to the overall story.

This is an easy and enjoyable read. Perfect for any sports romance lovers out there.

Side note, I really liked the concept of three professional football player brothers being managed by their mom. Mama Sullivan was certainly a force to be reckoned with. She knew what was best for her boys and I loved how they all dutifully listened to and respected her.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Score to Settle by Bella North is a romance novel about journalist (Harper Cassidy) reporting on her high school love interest and bad boy tight end (Jake Sullivan). There is some unresolved hurt from Harper as she navigates the true character of Jake and their past, however she is determined to find out the truth about some instances that occured last season making Jake deemed the "bad boy". I've been looking for more content to interest some of our book clubs at the library and this novel impressed me and dare I say made me interested in sports. The tension between the main characters is electric and gave grumpy/sunshine vibes. This is Bella North's first novel which is a shame because this kept me intrigued and I can't wait to see what else she comes out with. She sets the scene and immerses you into the Colorado country side and home cooked meals very nicely and it gave fall vibes. Can't wait to recommend this to our September/October romance book club.

I had the absolute pleasure of receiving an ARC of Score to Settle by @bellanorthauthor — and wow, what a ride! This one had me hooked with its twists and turns, making my emotions run wild. I think I even audibly gasped and clutched my ‘non existent’ pearls at one point!
It’s a slow burn, but the build-up is so worth it. The tension? Practically bursting off the page! Both Jake and Harper had incredible character development, and their backstories worked in so seamlessly. Even the side characters stood out and became memorable in their own way — every piece of this story just pulled at the heart strings.
AND THE SPICE! Some of those scenes had me fanning the redness from my cheeks and turning my brightness down on my phone to make sure no one could see… 😂
It’s been added to my 5 star hall of fame 😍
I also think Jake Sullivan - while in some parts he had his moments - he will be making my top 10 book boyfriends!!

Score to Settle by Bella North
This was very cute. It’s been a while since I’ve read a sports romcom, and this was a delightful story. The characters were adorable, the plot was enjoyable, and the spice was nice.

Taylor and Travis were the inspo couple for this book. I enjoyed the characters' dynamic and chemistry. Harper and Jake were a perfectly imperfect couple, and they brought the best out in each other.

I liked the side story complications and how those elements added to the plot. The character development was well done. I loved Mia- she was charming and funny. And Mama was fantastic!

If you enjoy a spicy, sporty romcom and want a bit of a swoon, this is the perfect book. Curl up and fall in love.

Publication date: September 10, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture

Score to settle was a quick and really enjoyable read for me.
I enjoyed the plot from start to finish. The beginning starting with Harper getting a job she doesn't even want but still goes with it, their first meeting and everything gave the story a beautiful start.
As we go on seeing both povs and how both of them truly feels gives to the already amazing experience I had while reading this book.
Towards the end it felt a bit rushed, I think it would have been a little better if it was a little longer but more detailed or without the unnecesery breakup but the ending made up for it in my opinion when kind of unexpected things came out.
I enjoyed the family aspects of this book, both characters having lost a parent but how different experience they had about. Jake's family has a soft spot in my heart, I hope to read about them too because they are truly amazing.

ARC REVIEW!!!

This was a hard read for me I won’t lie I did not enjoy this book very much and most of that for me has to do with the characters. Harper was the only one who I actually enjoyed and didn’t make me angry she had some faults but nothing horrible and I feel she deserves some better people in her life. Jake was kind of insufferable to me he barely tried with Harper at all and then would completely blame her when she wouldn’t trust him I get he’s misunderstood by the world by thats not her fault. The whole third act break up and the stuff he said to her is crazy I would have blocked that man immediately and the way she had to grovel towards him after??!??? I almost turned my kindle off!!!!! Mia also just seemed like not a great friend at times something about her I didn’t like. Overall not a favorite of mine.

Quick Summary: A fire hot sports romance

My Review: Score to Settle by Bella North is book #1 in the Oakwood Ranch series. It is scheduled for release on 9/10/25.

About the Book: "In high school, he broke her heart—now he’s the famous football player whose image she’s meant to clear. Game on."

In My Own Words: A football star falls for the reporter who once had a major crush on him.

What I Liked/Loved:

- This was a fast to medium paced read.

- This romance was all about enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity drama.

- It's always interesting to read stories where old, unresolved feelings are finally dealt with after a time.

- The wide receiver cowboy and the glowed up nerd turned sports writer/ novelist worked, even after all of the icy reunion/ post reunion vibes.

- The three brothers -Mama's boys - were lovable. (I cannot wait to read each of their stories.)

- Mama herself needs a story. She's a fireball.

Final Say: Highly entertaining and entirely sweet & spicy!

Other: Readers who enjoy close working encounters, revenge turned romance, and found family stories should like this novel.

Rating: 3.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💔🌶💞
Series: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Bookouture), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read installment one of what promises to be a wonderful series. I am grateful for the opportunity.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC. 

I really wanted to like this as it includes a lot of tropes I like, but it just didn't work for me. 

The relationship was good, but a little rushed. 

I didn't like the third act breakup. 

I don't understand why no one remembered her? 

I didn't love how the journalism world was portrayed.

Score to Settle is the story of Harper, a sports journalist, who is tasked with writing a redemptive feature on Jake Sullivan, the NFL star who broke her heart in high school, while she is also trying to get her life back on track. This is a forced proximity, enemies to lovers, sports romance with just a touch of ranch life.

I enjoyed this story overall, it was a cute and quick read with just the right amount of spice.

While I loved the gradual growth of trust and understanding between the two, once Harper and Jake got together it felt like everything started moving too fast and the story lost some of the emotional depth that had been building.

Harper and Jake had been very strong and mature characters throughout the book, so the miscommunication leading to a third act break up was surprising and felt unnecessary.

I also struggled a bit with some details such as none of the Sullivan family knowing who she was despite her fairly close friendship with Jake’s brother in high school.

I did really enjoy the Sullivan family dynamic and I’d love to see where the author takes the brothers’ stories!

Score to Settle releases September 10, 2025.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Score to Settle is a charming small-town sports romance that blends enemies to lovers tension with a cowboy twist. It’s the kind of book that hooks you with a fun premise and keeps you flipping pages, even if a few moments don’t quite hit the mark.

The setup is gold: Harper, a driven journalist, is assigned to write a redemption piece on Jake, the NFL star who broke her heart in high school. The friction is immediate, and the banter is full of bite. Harper’s ambition and no-nonsense attitude made her easy to root for, while Jake’s growth from arrogant to emotionally open was genuinely satisfying to watch.

I especially loved the inclusion of Harper’s “Notes for the Feature.” They added insight into her inner conflict and tracked her evolving view of Jake in a subtle, thoughtful way.

Where it faltered for me was in the pacing. I would’ve loved this more as a true slow burn — one that took its time building their emotional connection. The early tension and banter worked beautifully, but once they got together, it felt like things moved too quickly. Their bond shot forward so fast that it seemed to rush straight into a third-act breakup that felt unnecessary and unearned. The miscommunication didn’t align with the maturity both characters had shown, and I wish the story had lingered more in the vulnerability of falling for each other rather than forcing a dramatic fallout.

One small detail that stuck with me was the fact that Jake and his family didn’t remember Harper from high school. Considering how close-knit the Sullivans are and Harper’s connection to one of the brothers, it seemed unlikely and pulled me out of the story a bit.

Still, the cozy ranch setting, heartfelt family dynamics (Mama Sullivan is a gem!), and overall vibe made this an enjoyable read. There’s a lot of potential in the series, and I’m looking forward to seeing Dylan or Chase’s stories next.

Final thoughts: A fun, slightly imperfect, but thoroughly enjoyable romance with warmth, heart, and cowboy swagger. Great for fans of Elsie Silver, Stephanie Archer, or anyone who loves second chances and small-town charm.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5⭐️/5⭐️

I can not wait for more from this series! I need Dylan's story like yesterday! Jake and Harper's relationship felt so real and the slow burn was so well written. I will definitely be looking for more from this author. Add this to your TBR!

Score to Settle is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a captivating read this football season. From the very first page, I found myself chuckling at the delightful banter between the two main characters, Jake and Harper. Their dynamic is both entertaining and relatable, filled with witty exchanges that keep you engaged.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Jake's mother and Harper's best friend, Mia. Together, they create a rich tapestry of relationships that evolves from annoyance to a deep, heartfelt connection. Initially, Jake may come across as unlikable, and it’s easy to feel a sense of frustration toward him. However, as the narrative progresses, we are gradually drawn into his world and given glimpses of his past. This deeper understanding of his character reveals the complexities of his personality and helps us empathize with his struggles.
The journey that Jake and Harper embark on is filled with ups and downs, and their transformation from adversaries to allies is beautifully portrayed. It’s a testament to how love can blossom in the most unexpected circumstances, making Score to Settle not just a light-hearted read, but a heartfelt exploration of growth, understanding, and the power of relationships.
This book is a perfect companion for those cozy football season nights, inviting readers to laugh, reflect, and cheer for love in all its glorious forms.

I found this a slower read for me. DOESNT mean I didnt like it, but I had a little more trouble processing things. I am usually a fast reader.

However this story was great Jake and Harper have a history from hs, and she came in holding a major grudge, and it was understandable. At the time he doesn't even remember her which is even more upsetting to her. She has to write a article on Jake, and she knows NOTHING about football. The closer and closer they get the more she begins to realize he is not the person she thinks he is that he's a good guy. There is a lot of miscommunication, and both of them keep secrets from eachother. There is a break up, as well as a couple of blow ups, as things come to the surface, but as always there is a hea.

Amazing book loved the characters and plot. I couldn't stop reading I stayed up all night. I loved the book so much thank you for the arc.

As someone who devours anything by Elle Kennedy and adores the sports/college vibes of Hannah Grace, I came into Score to Settle with high hopes. And while it hit some of my favorite tropes—enemies to lovers, forced proximity, sports romance with a cowboy twist—the execution didn’t quite sweep me off my feet the way I wanted it to.
I actually loved the setup: a journalist stuck writing a redemption piece about the football star who broke her heart in high school? Sign me up. The tension was there in the beginning, and I enjoyed the banter and the slow unraveling of Jake’s “playboy” image. He was surprisingly sweet, and Harper had a solid backbone and ambition I admired.
That said, a few things pulled me out of the story. The relationship pacing felt off once the spark ignited—after such a strong build-up, I expected more emotional groundwork before they were all-in. And while I’m usually down for a juicy third-act breakup, the miscommunication trope just didn’t feel justified here. It felt a little too convenient and underdeveloped, especially considering how mature they’d seemed up until that point.
Another detail that tripped me up? The memory gap. I found it really odd that Jake and his tight-knit family couldn’t remember Harper from high school—especially when she had a connection to one of the brothers. It was a small detail, but it bugged me.
Still, I can’t lie—I flew through the chapters, and the family dynamics, especially with Mama Sullivan, were a highlight. There’s definitely potential in this series, and I’d be curious to read Dylan or Chase’s stories next.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. A fun, slightly flawed but enjoyable read. If you love second chances and small-town sports charm, this might still work for you.

I enjoyed reading this, it was a cute and easy read and had me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the dynamic between Jake and Harper, their banter was so good. I loved how caring and kind Jake was, it was a different side to what’s been shown in the media for him. Harper’s so hardworking and is a relatable character. Jake and Harper had undeniable chemistry, it was so strong. I enjoyed seeing Harper and Jake get to know each other better and see a side that other people don’t get to see, their relationship felt sweet and special. the other characters in the book are also really enjoyable to read and are sweet (except Scott and I was shocked with what he did, didn’t see that coming.) I liked Harper and Jake, they really understood each other and were cute and I enjoyed the ending, it was perfect. it’s really good for a debut novel. it was written well and flows easily, it makes you want to continue reading on. a good and easy read!

Enemies to lovers? Forced proximity? Yes please! I always look forward to books that include these tropes. However this read missed the mark. I personally felt that it was unrealistic and the relationship progressed way too fast once they got together. Would have loved if they kept that build up continued as their relationship progressed. When it comes to a sports romance, if when reading I start questioning the sport I think one needs to go back and edit to keep the sport be as realistic. There were inconsistencies regarding football that I myself who is not a sports fan was questioning. Come to find out, it wasn’t portrayed as it is in real life.

I couldn’t wrap my head around where the FMC was basically besties in a tessie with the MMCs brother but yet by the laws of science the MMC, his mom and the MMCs other brother don’t remember her? What in the actual twilight zone is this? Considering they all went to HS together…. For such tight knit family this portrayed the complete opposite. Definitely one main aspect that caused me to deduct more stars and give it a lower rating was that it has an unnecessary third act break up that has a ridiculous reason behind it. Any guesses?…. It was…. Miscommunication…like really 🙄

Overall I spent too much time questioning certain events/ scenarios rather than enjoy the read. Unfortunately it is why I gave it 2 ⭐️ thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. Overall it was a good story line and a quick read for me. I would have liked a bit more character depth, weaving the relationships into a tighter weave that showed their feelings and vulnerabilities in greater detail (reducing a bit of the smut talk to convey feelings). In the end I would rate it a 3.5⭐️ I look forward to seeing how this author grows with future books.

*ARC review*

3.75 stars for me! It was a fun little sports romance with a past for the FMC and not so much for MC. I will say the relationship did a little rushed once they actually got together but I did enjoy the buildup/tension going into it. Loved mama sullivan and cant wait to hopefully read dylan and chases stories! Thank you netgalley for the arc!