Margot is the single mom of a ten-year-old daughter and a teacher. Life is busy enough in both roles, but she tries a dating app in hopes of finding a connection. She swipes on Dex, who she is almost certain is catfishing, and is nothing like the men she has met before. Except it turns out Dex has no interest in dating a woman with a child. That should have ended things, but circumstances put them together soon afterwards in such a way that perhaps a relationship is possible.

This was a nice romance that had some bumps along the way. As expected, there are some secrets that created a bit of conflict in the relationship. The main characters were interesting enough and their romance is definitely plausible. Overall, a good read that I enjoyed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake for giving me an advanced reader copy for free. My feedback is entirely voluntary.

This one was fine. It’s entertaining and a fun way to pass the time. Dex is 25 but really, really immature and it was really hard to get past at times. Margot is 29 and a single mom and has a bit of the same problem but it’s a lot more forgiving, as she became a mom at 19. That being said, at times it seemed like her daughter was the only adult in the room (even though she’s 10).

Margot and Dex have really fun chemistry but I didn’t really buy them as an epic love story, it definitely reads more on the lust side than love. Wyatt (Margot’s daughter) is easily the best part of the book.

It’s 324 pages but it’s a REALLY quick read, due to the fact that there are a lot of text conversations sprinkled in between Margot and Dex. It’s also a dual POV, and the chapters are relatively short, but I definitely enjoyed the first half better than the second half.

This book made me laugh so much and at time its was cute!
I love this author and I hope she is on your radar.

If you love sports romance this one may be for you

10/10 ⭐️

I love a good fluffy romance, and Sara's books always hit the mark. Dex is having lots of trouble finding the love that he sees his friends have. He wants someone to come home to, someone to spend his life with, but what he gets on the apps are women who just want him because of who he is. Enter Margot. She isn't afraid to tell him off, even if he is who he is. Dex doesn't want to date someone with kids, Margot has a kid.. and Wyatt is as feisty as her mother. He can't help but be drawn to them both.
Sometimes the thing you don't think you want, is the exact thing you need. Dex fought his feelings for Margot for a little too long for my liking and I thought the end of the book was a bit rushed, but even with that, it was a cute, fun story that was a perfect beach read.
Thanks to Montlake, Sara Ney and Netgalley for an early copy.

Throughout reading this, all I can think is how immature Dex is! The inner monologue did not help his case at all!

Margot is just looking for a deep, lasting relationship, but honestly, in the real world, I don't think that is Dex. Thankfully, this is fiction and was overlooked cause HEA is needed, right?! Hence why she forgave him his *eyeroll*

I gave this 3 stars purely for the hilarious and engaging factor of the first 50% or so of the book, and Wyatt (the daughter), now she's a character I loved reading (and compared to the adults, the more mature of the bunch!) She stole the show for me.

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

Biggest Player is a lighthearted sports romance that delivers fast-paced fun, cheeky charm, and a surprisingly heartfelt journey. From the moment Dex and Margot connect on a dating app, sparks fly—but not without a hilarious hiccup. Margot suspects Dex is too good to be true and accuses him of catfishing, setting the tone for their delightfully snarky dynamic.

When the two cross paths in real life, fate throws them together and their chemistry truly shines. Their banter is sharp, flirty, and packed with laugh-out-loud moments that make their evolving relationship a joy to watch unfold.

Margot is grounded and fiercely protective—not just of her own heart, but of her daughter’s happiness. Still, Dex's goofy charm and infectious zest for life gradually chip away at her defenses. He’s immature at times, sure, and a bit self-centered, but there’s something irresistibly lovable about him. Watching Dex grow and start to take responsibility added an emotional depth that balanced the humor beautifully.

“I know we’ve only known each other a hot minute, but when I picture what a relationship and love should be like, I picture you.”

Together, Margot and Dex are electric. Their journey is messy, hilarious, heartwarming—and so much fun. If you're looking for a feel-good romance with wit, warmth, and characters you genuinely root for, Biggest Player is a perfect pick.

Easy to read lighthearted book. But lacked any depth
Humorous at times, sassy with some heat.
3 stars

This was a good romance for when you want something humourous and on the lighter side. Despite Margot only being 4 years older than Dex, she was light-years ahead of him in terms of maturity.

I think Dex showed some personal growth towards the end of the book, but he still has a ways to go. I didn't like that he tried to use Wyatt to get back in Margot's good books (I didn't like Landon's suggesting it, either). Pitting a kid against their parent isn't cool. I also wish there had been a scene where he couldn't just be the 'fun adult' and have to play a disciplinarian role alongside Margot. That would've helped show some maturity on his part.

I thought it interesting that there was no safe sex talk, either from the perspective of a brief exchange beforehand to say, 'I'm clean/I'm on birth control' or one or both characters voicing concerns after realizing a condom wasn't used (or even Dex possibly being concerned about not being concerned).

Wyatt was a bit overly precocious. And what's up with unaccompanied kids talking to strangers?

Margot’ is a single mother of a 10 year old and also a teacher living in Scottsdale, AZ. She joins the Kissmet dating site and was matched with Dex, a football player who Margot thinks is a catfish. Margot calls Dex out on it and they banter back and forth using the app. When they accident;y meet in a restrurant where Wyatt, Margot's daughter pretends to be Dex's daughter to get him out of a date, Margot decieds to give him a chance. Dex isn't ready to start dating a single mother but is attracted to Margot. This is a steamy and funny book that had me laughing out loud at. Just like the first book in the series Not Your Biggest Fan it leaves you wanting more from the characters. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Montlake. for letting me read to an advanced copy of this novel

Dex Lansing, a 25-year-old professional football player, decided to give an online dating app a try since all his friends were pairing up. He came across Margot’s profile and found it intriguing, so he swiped right. However, Margot mistook Dex’s profile for a catfish and started messaging him, criticizing him for using someone else’s picture and bio. They engaged in a brief exchange before Margot blocked him. This marked the beginning of their meet-cute.

The second part of their meet-cute unfolded when Margot was out to dinner with her 10-year-old daughter, Wyatt, and her parents. While Wyatt was in the bathroom, she stumbled upon Dex trying to escape from a disastrous date. Wyatt agreed to help him get rid of her for money to buy her favorite Lego set. When Margot checked on Wyatt, she found her with Dex. Although she wasn’t thrilled with either Dex or Wyatt, she decided to reopen her direct messages with Dex.

Dex convinced Margot to go out with him to apologize for using her daughter as a wingman. This heartwarming romance features very likable characters, and is a nice addition to the series. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

He’s a football player, she’s a single mom - sparks fly when they meet on a dating app but can they work when they’re not looking for the same things?

They got off to such a rocky start! Accusations of catfishing, differences in what they want from life and plenty of sassing. I loved them together, they brought out the best in each other and had such good chemistry.

My favourite character was Wyatt - she had such an old head on her shoulders for a 10 year old and spoke the most reason out of all of them!

A situation of fake dating, but one of the parties doesn’t know it’s fake? Dex did a lot of growing up throughout this book, even if he made some questionable choices!

Overall I’d recommend for a quick fun sports romance - lighthearted with plenty of spice and a lovable cast.

ARC copy provided by Montlake & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Ah yes, the wonders of the dating app world... not. Of all the pitfalls of the right swipe I've heard, the ankle monitor - as in house arrest- is one of the strangest.
Margot and Dex must be made for each other because they found each other on and off the app - twice!
Margot, as a single mom, doesn't want to waste time on something that has no potential. Dex is the complete opposite, long term and single moms are not on his radar.
A friendship seems like the only thing in the cards for them. And they can help each other out on their dating delimmas. Sounds like a perfect plan. Not.

Of course this had the laughs and had the steam. A perfect combo from Sara Ney as usual!

Dex is the kind of cocky jock you want to roll your eyes at but can’t help falling for. After a public breakup with a high-maintenance model, he’s eager to show the world—and himself—that he’s capable of more than shallow relationships. Despite his swagger, Dex has a good heart, makes mistakes, and genuinely wants to grow. Enter the dating app that connects him with Margot.

Margot is a breath of fresh air—a sharp, confident, and grounded single mom with a smart, spirited daughter. Her instincts are spot on when she initially suspects Dex might be catfishing, which makes their real-life meeting all the more hilarious and memorable. The banter between them is fast, funny, and full of flirtation. Ney absolutely nails the chemistry, and the slow build between Dex and Margot (despite the instalove undertones) feels earned thanks to their vibrant personalities and emotional connection.

The book strikes a great balance between sweet and steamy. Memorable scenes like the bath, the leaky pipe, and rock climbing aren’t just sexy—they deepen the emotional bond between the leads and highlight their compatibility in both chaotic and tender moments.

Biggest Player delivers a swoony, spicy, and heartwarming sports romance that’s hard to put down. What makes this romance stand out is how real both characters feel. Dex isn’t just a pretty face; he’s vulnerable, funny, and refreshingly earnest. Margot, with her fierce love for her daughter and her no-nonsense attitude, grounds the story with heart and maturity.

I really just love this authors work. It's a comfy blanket on a rainy day. In the best way possible. It was fast paced from the beginning, and I was glued to my Kindle, I literally couldn’t put it down. and it was hilarious, and the amount of times I had to stop reading to just laugh for a good minute was too many to count

Biggest Playee is every reason I pick a Sara Ney book for. It's funny. It's witty. It's flirty. It's entertaining. It's sweet. It's just sunshine and rainbows. The smile hasn't dropped from my face till the last page. Dex and Margot is here to make you happy and light Well the NFL star- single mom teacher combo definitely accomplished the mission.

🏈 NFL star hero & first grade teacher heroine
🏈 age gap ( she is 4 Years older
🏈 single Mom & her extremely sassy 10 year old
🏈 Dating app shenanigans
🏈 Fake dating ( but she didn't know...)
🏈 golden Retriever hero


Margot and Dex are both in Kissmet app for potential dates. Margot is looking for a partner and Dex is looking for a temporary girlfriend. Margot thought Dex is a catfish because why would a hot football player be in a dating app? That's started their messages. Dex never thought he would date a single mom who is also a teacher but he is fascinated with their banter and her sass. He was teetering on the line between friendship and love when his stupid agent put the idea of how it will be good for his image. And all good heroes have moments of idiocy..so rather than accepting the scary feelings he tells himself this to be a fake relationship. Oh my god Dex! He is such a nice guy. He always brings a fun positive energy to Margot's life. He makes her feel special. They have an undeniable chemistry. And I could read just a whole book of their text messages.


Margot is so incredible. She is sweet and lovable but obviously a dragon for her daughter and anyone who can hurt them Dex is so different from her life but she cannot deny he is a good guy. When his stupid act came out, she made him grovel but there wasn't unnecessary drama. Because he was repenting himself a lot. Wyatt is probably the sweetest and smartest and most dangerously mature kid I have ever read about. It was so much adorable to see a c0cky sexy football player fumbling around with his feels and being schooled by Margot thoroughly. Margot deserved someone honest, vulnerable and obsessed like Dex in her life.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

Absolutely hilarious!! OMG I really love Margot and Wyatt! Dex, well, the jury’s still out :) How can a grown man be so clueless **forehead slap**
I really enjoyed this book even with lots of eye rolling! Put this one on your tbr list!

I thought this book would be an entertaining and charming romance. It started out fairly entertaining but I'm sorry to say it really wasn't for me. The MMC Dex is selfish, immature and just totally annoying. The FMC Margot is really not much better. She is a 29-year-old single mom and teacher who is supposed to have her life together but she basically falls for a charming man-child who keeps lying to her as long as he is good in bed? WTF? Even when she finds out he was dating her to improve his image and is supposedly furious with him it only takes some lackluster apologies and the invitation to spend the night and everything is right again in the world and the next morning they sail into their HEA? The story felt completely unbelievable and really kind of annoyed me. The best part about this book are the scenes with Wyatt, the 10-year-old daughter, she is portrayed very witty.

The thing I love about single-parent romances is the caution: the doubts, the raised stakes, the constant worry over how a new relationship might affect the kid. The Biggest Player speeds past all of that.

Margot often felt like a careless parent who barely thought about Wyatt before diving head-first into a relationship with Dex, a famous quarterback. (I have no problem with sports romances—give me football any day—but this one just didn’t work for me.) Margot kept telling herself she was protecting her daughter’s best interests while doing whatever she wanted, and it really put me off.

Dex, meanwhile, never rose above a bland, stereotypical jock who is obsessed with himself. I don’t mind a clueless hero, but he was so one-note that even ten-year-old Wyatt felt more mature and honestly, I’m not sure what to do with that.

I enjoyed the banter at the start, but the more the romance progressed, the more my interest faded. Ultimately, the story skimmed past the very tensions that make single-parent romances compelling for me, and it left me disappointed. Also, the whole I need to date a single mom to improve my reputation idea did not work for me in this story especially since Dex was not in a bad place publically?

Sara Ney delivers a charming, steamy, and sweet sports romance with Biggest Player! The banter is on point, the chemistry is off the charts, and the character connection feels real and heartfelt. I especially liked how Dex is more than just a superstar athlete — he’s kind, vulnerable, and completely smitten with Margot, a strong, single mom. He never thought he would date a single mom, but Margot and Wyatt changed that. And of course the witty banter of Sara Ney, comes through with so many funny moments especially in their first meeting. I just loved the texting conversations.
This feel-good romance is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and steam — a must-read for fans of swoony sports stories!

Love Sara & her books! I was obsessed with her HTDADB series when it first came out, but that I stopped reading and now I’m catching up on allll the books I missed. I loved book 1 & this book was just so much fun. A nice summer read as well!