This was a hard review to write. I sat on it for awhile because I didn’t want to feel too harsh. But after starting my next read which was….much more compelling, well here we are.

We’ve got the classic f-boy wanting to look good meets single mom wanting to find love trope (is that a classic? It felt like one to me). And while the banter between our MCs was pretty good at the start when they “meet” on the dating app from book 1, I was willing to overlook the fact that the MC felt….like a douche. I kept reading thinking “this man can’t be this dumb?” but reader…he is. He is that dumb. Not only does our MMC lie, repeatedly; he lies about what he even wants in a relationship with the woman he begins dating (Our FMC). She’s a single mom who is supposedly serious about only dating someone who wants kids. But MMC LIES about being okay with it and she just forgives him? I’m sorry. He went from potential himbo to absolute jerk. The chemistry from their earlier flirty texts and initial first “date” is gone the rest of the book; smut comes from out of nowhere and it felt like some potential plot lines where set up only to be abandoned in the end. I will fully admit that I found myself skimming because I just needed to get THROUGH it. The only shining grace of this book? Her daughter; hysterical, witty, and smart…she was more entertaining than anything else. Sad to say this turned me off from the series.

This was a fun book to read. The quarterback & a single mom. Does that work? Not at first, but give them time lol. The banter was fun, the daughter stole the show, and this was a just a fun read

First time reading this author, and definitely reading her other books! Dual POV, great meet-cute, playboy reforms.......and the best sarcastic and witty kid!

This was so good, I loved it. Standalone but I know if/when I read the first book in the series, the cameos will be even better. I like that it was in the off-season and not set during football season.

This makes want to be a teacher!

Sara Ney never disappoints when it comes to feel-good, laugh until your snorting and/or crying books.

Margot and Dex match up on a dating app. Margot is a single mom who's looking for a serious relationship and possibly expanding her family. Dex is a football player who wants to give love a chance, but at the same time, he's a little on the fence about it. Add to that the fact that Margot believes Dex is a catfish and you have one of the most hilarious text conversations ever.

I loved the banter between Dex and Margot and how he was all in even before he realized he was. From the moment that Wyatt saved him from that horrible date, and he learned that she was the daughter of the lady who blocked him in the app, there was no other choice for Dex.

Now Wyatt, she is Margot’s preteen daughter and she is an absolute hoot. This is the kind of kid that makes me glad I'm the forever aunt because that way we can be partners in crime. I had a blast with this story from beginning to end.

Quote: “I thought if I could keep things casual between us, it would be easier for me to handle if things didn’t work out. But obviously Wyatt is cool as shit and you’re sexy as hell, and why the fuck would I want to date anyone else?”

⭐️ 3.75 - 4 stars

This witty, fast-paced romcom is full of charm, chaos, and unexpected sweetness. Dex, a clueless but endearing quarterback, meets Margot, a fiercely independent single mom, after a dating app mishap involving catfish accusations. Their snarky, chaotic start quickly shifts into a fun, opposites-attract connection. While Dex stumbles often, his heart is in the right place—and Margot’s no-nonsense attitude keeps him grounded. Her daughter Wyatt completely steals the show with her sass and smarts.

“I highly doubt Dex Lansing is the love of my life, but stranger things have happened.”

Looking for a fun, feel-good romance with heart and humor, then this is a good pick.

I am generally annoyed with main characters who spend most of the book lying. The MMC is really stupid. I enjoyed the spicy parts, and there aren't enough of them. It was genuinely funny, and that generally saves it for me.

Sara Ney's "Biggest Player" is a fun romance about online dating. It features Margot, a busy single mom, and Dex, a professional football player. They both swipe right on a dating app, even though it seems like a bad idea.
Margot is a teacher and a mom, and she's tired of bad online dates. When she matches with Dex, who looks too perfect, she thinks he's a fake.
Dex is a handsome quarterback looking for a real relationship. He's surprised when he's really drawn to Margot after just one swipe.
Despite Margot's doubts and their different lives, they have amazing chemistry. A surprise meeting leads to a memorable kiss, and their connection grows. The book explores if they can make their unlikely relationship work.
If you enjoy a sweet and funny modern romance with great characters, "Biggest Player" is a good pick!

Dex and Margot meet on his friend’s dating app, where she accuses him of setting up a fake account masquerading as an NFL quarterback. But actually, he is an NFL quarterback. They meet again when her precocious daughter Wyatt agrees to help him scare away a terrible date for $140 toward a Lego set she wants. They seem to be at different stages of life, even though they are not that far apart in age, but they slowly move towards each other over time. Can Dex convince her that he is ready for a serious relationship?

I have read many books by this author and I always love them. She does a good job of writing dialogue and the internal monologue of the characters.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Opposites attract in a cute romance
4 stars

This is the second book in Ney’s Not Yours series after Not Your Biggest Fan. Dex, our hero in this book, was briefly introduced in that book as the hero’s best friend. He’s also an American footballer and all round stud. Now he gets his own story with his complete opposite in single mum and teacher, Margot.

I’m all in for Sara Ney’s writing and how her characters are so up on their banter and snark. But I have to admit I was a little disappointed that this is an older woman / younger man story. Okay, it’s only 4 years or so (she’s 29 to his 25) but I just wasn’t sure that Dex and Margot were on the same level in terms of maturity and where they were in their lives. It’s also possible that I’m just getting old and a 25 year old sounds like a veritable baby.

Margot is our heroine and she’s the epitome of a Sara Ney heroine. She’s independent, feisty, fun and isn’t afraid to say what she’s thinking or feeling. And I liked her immensely. I also loved her daughter - a sassy little mini me who made me laugh on more than one occasion.

Dex is equally a likeable character. He’s so boyish and fun - and very real when it comes to his personality and his emotions. I was rooting for him. I loved his interactions with Wyatt especially and thought he was a sweetheart. A hot sweetheart.

Together, Dex and Margot definitely had a connection. Neither were really trying to impress the other at the start of the book - which helped them cut through the usual first dates posturing and get to know the other well. I liked their banter, their bickering and just how they were as a pair. And they were hot, too - which is always a bonus.

It’s back to the age gap for me and where this book dropped from a 5 star to a 4. It was a great story, a great romance and with a happily ever after. But do I honestly think that this pair would be together forever. Well, not really. They didn’t have so many obstacles as Landon and Harlow (from Not Your Biggest Fan) and yet they just didn’t convince me. Still an excellent read but I really should stay away from these younger man romances as they’re never going to be my fave. 4 stars.

Biggest Player by Sara Ney delivers exactly what fans of her writing have come to expect—snappy dialogue, irresistible banter, and a romance that keeps you smiling from start to finish.

The story follows a classic opposites-attract setup with a confident, charming hero and a relatable, no-nonsense heroine who doesn’t fall for his smooth lines—at least not right away. Their dynamic is electric, full of witty comebacks and unexpected vulnerability that adds depth beneath the surface-level sass.

The pacing is brisk, the tension is well-done, and even the quieter moments feel earned. It’s a low-angst, high-fun read that’s easy to breeze through in one sitting.

Perfect for readers who love a charming bad boy getting knocked off his game—and falling hard.

“I am a triple threat. Football, good looks, and foreplay. Bam!”

What happens when a pro football player and a single mom teacher match on a dating app? You get a fun romcom that’s swoony and spicy!

Margot and Dex matched on a dating app but Margot thought it was some kind of catfish because why would a pro football player be on a dating app? She definitely gave him a piece of her mind and they ended up in a hilarious back and forth. And from there they somehow they developed some kind of friendship. She’s looking for a serious relationship and he’s not interested in a dating a single mom but they can’t deny there’s chemistry between them. After one intense and soggy kiss, they decided to give in to the attraction between them. Their lives are as opposite as can be, they somehow figure out a way to make it work?

I just love the fun back and forth between Margot and Dex. Margot is relatable and such a great mom. Her daughter Wyatt is hilarious! Too smart for her own good for sure! 😆 but I love that about her.

Dex is new to relationships and he definitely needs some help there and Margot is the perfect person for that. They balance each other in so many ways and I’m glad they both swiped right!

Dex is easygoing, carefree and never takes anything seriously. He wants more in his life, but he hasn’t considered what that would mean and the changes he would have to make. His current way of dating isn’t working out so he decides to try a dating app never expecting that his perfect match would be everything he didn’t know he wanted.

Margot is a single mother to her daughter Wyatt, so she isn’t about to just let any man into their lives. When she meets Margo she doesn’t understand why a man like him would want to be with a woman like her but despite her she also knows their personalities and lifestyles couldn’t be any different.

Dex doesn’t have a lot of experience when it comes to relationships, so he doesn’t always make the right decisions however he does also own them. The banter between them is humorous and with the help of Margot and Wyatt I enjoyed seeing Dex become a better version of himself.

Being a single mom isn't easy, and definitely hasn't left Margot time, nor inclination, for dating. But now she might be ready so she's on a dating app (the app from Not Your Biggest Fan), when she matches with a hot, but obnoxious guy she thinks is catfishing everyone. Why not report the profile and get it taken down? But a run-in with that same guy has her re-thinking the idea of catfishing, realizing she may have been a teeny, tiny bit wrong about the football player really being on a dating app and looking for a relationship.

Dex wants what his friends have - love, a committed relationship, someone to come home to. That's why he's on Kissmet, the app his friend's wife created. Then he matches with this sassy, beautiful woman who doesn't believe he is who he says he is. He's used to women throwing themselves at him, not throwing attitude. Well, he's not having luck with her the way he wants, so why not go on a date with someone who seems interesting? Too bad she turns out to be the wrong kind of woman. Too bad he needs a sassy girl at the restaurant to help him get out of this date, and that little girl's mom turns out to be his sassy Kissmet match. How can he convince Margot he's the real deal? Especially when he's hiding a little secret from her...

Margot does not make it easy on Dex, nor should she have. Though he's sweet and adores her hilarious daughter, he makes many questionable behavioral decisions, and isn't the most mature guy in the world. I think the words man child were used, and they're definitely accurate. Still, he and Margot are hilarious together, even if not my favorite couple by Sara. I loved their snarky banter, and the fact that Margot didn't just fall all over herself to be with him. But the very best part of this story isn't either of them, but is actually Wyatt, Margot's adorable, precocious, sassy, smart daughter. She stole very scene she was in, and helped elevate this story to 4 stars.

Margot and Dex should not be a match. Neither is what the other is looking for as evidenced by their antagonistic first chat in the dating app. However, a meeting in real life leads to a connection and chemistry that they don't expect.

The writing is quick paced with lots of banter and humor. This is book two in the series, but it is fine to jump in without having read book one. I have enjoyed the series quite a bit and this book was a fun read!

Margot, a stressed-out single mom with no time for love, and Dex, a charming quarterback with surprising depth, meet on a dating app and their chaotic, flirty energy immediately hooked me. From hilarious texting convos to a soggy, unforgettable first kiss, Sara Ney brings the heat and the humor.

Dex isn’t your typical athlete. He’s thoughtful, sweet, and adorably head-over-cleats for Margot.
Margot’s daughter Wyatt totally steals the show in every scene she’s in.
While the characters aren't super deep, their chemistry is undeniable, and their journey from swipe to something real made this such a fun, feel-good read.

Perfect for fans of witty banter, single mom tropes, and sweet sports heroes.
4.5⭐

this is a great story. I loved dex and margots story line, these charaters were well written highly recommend this story

4 They So DON'T Have A Meet Cute Stars!!

Oh My Stars!!! I FREAKING LOVED this book! As a single woman, although significantly older than Dex and Margot, I could completely relate with how they first met thanks to the dating app that Harlow created. These two had me snort laughing so much, especially in the very beginning of their “dates” and when Wyatt gets involved it’s pure gold!!

This book moves at a rapid pace and as Margot and Dex actually do start dating there are moments that I did question how they were managing to build this relationship. Let’s face it, Dex isn’t always the most perceptible guy and definitely has some missteps with Margot. But their friendship that builds into love was wonderful. We get to see Dex’s evolution as he realizes that dating a woman with a child isn’t something to shy away from. Wyatt has a way of burrowing into his heart and their connection and conversations were quite entertaining!

I had the pleasure of reading and listening to this book and the narration by Felicity Cross and Alexander Cendese just made all the witty banter that much more funny because the voices in my head while reading the scenes matched them exactly as they were narrated, sarcasm and all! This is a perfect addition to this series!

He’s a talented football player, and she’s a determined single mom—when they connect on a dating app, the chemistry is undeniable! However, can their relationship flourish when their goals in life don’t quite align?

Their journey begins with a tumultuous start, complete with accusations of catfishing, contrasting expectations, and plenty of witty banter. But that’s what makes their connection so compelling; they challenge each other and bring out the best in one another.

Wyatt steals the show as my favorite character. This 10-year-old has an impressive maturity and serves as the voice of reason, proving that wisdom isn’t always about age.

The story features a fake dating twist, where one person remains blissfully unaware. Throughout the book, Dex experiences meaningful growth, even if he occasionally stumbles along the way.

If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable sports romance, this book is a must-read. It’s filled with laughter, passion, and a delightful cast of characters that you won't forget!

This is the second book in this series, and this is Margot and Dex’s story.
Margot is an independent, and smart, single mom, who is juggling teaching and parenting, while Dex is a football quarterback. Dex wants what his friends have, someone to come him to, while Margot fears she will always be alone. A dating app matches Margot and Dex perfect for each other.
This is a well written easy to read story, with friendships, emotions, intrigue, opposites attract, bickering, humor, witty banter, romance, engaging and realistic characters, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and fun addictive page turner,
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

As I was finishing up Not Your Biggest Fan, I knew the epilogue was going to be in Dex’s POV and after loving Andy and Harlow so much, I wasn’t that excited to get his perspective and wanted it to be one of theirs instead. However, when I actually read the epilogue, it made me really look forward to picking up his book! I mean, I was going to regardless since I had an advanced copy of it, but sometimes I have problems reading books in a series back to back and while I wasn’t really worried that would be the case this time, Dex’s chapter definitely put that thought to rest and made it easier for me to start reading Biggest Player as soon as I had the chance.

There was a period of time in the beginning of me reading this book where I thought that I would love it even more than Not Your Biggest Fan, but then the main conflict of this book came into play and I was just not particularly thrilled with it or Dex. I will say, I feel like it was more annoying than super frustrating and that Margot was kept in the dark for a decent amount of time, but not so long it seemed like it dragged on forever and ever. While there was a portion of Biggest Player I didn’t care for, I enjoyed more of this book than I didn’t and though I didn’t have warm feelings for Dex for some time there, I got why he messed up, I don’t like it, he wasn’t being very smart, but he does have a good heart and he genuinely loves Margot and her daughter, Wyatt, and I was satisfied with how Margot and Dex handled the problem and then their reconciliation.

There was a big piece of me that did like/love Dex and I one hundred percent loved Margot! Dex is clueless and made me shake my head at best and want to shake him at worst, but he was a fun hero and ultimately I think that he’s good for Margot. Now, Margot is way better for him because she’s so awesome! She’s smart, strong, she lets him have it when it needs to happen, and she’s also just fun too. I loved these two, more so Margot and I loved Wyatt too — she’s great and smart and I loved the interactions between her and all the adults!

One of the things I loved about Not Your Biggest Fan was the banter between Andy and Harlow and that was true of Biggest Player as well. Everything flowed so well and naturally between Dex and Margot, Sara Ney is seriously excellent at writing banter! Biggest Player and I may have been at odds for a while there, but it mostly entertained and amused me and I had a good time with it. If Ms. Ney writes stories for the other two football players that we met in this book, I will for sure check them out since I liked them and I know the back and forth between them and their love interest will be fire!