What happens when an almost thirty-year-old virgin agrees to let her Scottish footballer best friend give her some lessons in seduction? Lots of banter, awkwardness, jealousy, and heat. Midfielder Maclay “Mac” Logan is a loud-mouthed, tattooed ginger content with focusing on football. But when an adorable, freckled seamstress comes barreling into his life, he finds Netflix-And-Bickering with her … Netflix-And-Bickering with her to be his new favorite pastime.
Freya Cook is used to being the invisible woman with a needle and thread, offering cheeky punchlines as she helps dress London’s finest. She’s plus-sized in body and spirit, and other than her friendship with Mac, talking to the opposite sex is one skill she never mastered.
However, after one innocent game of Never Have I Ever, Mac offers to play Love Coach for Freya.
What neither of them see coming are the feelings that develop when the clothes come off.
Now they’re both about to learn the biggest lesson of all: Don’t fall in love with your best friend.
Blindsided is a full length (97,000 words) contemporary rom-com standalone with a sports theme.
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5 Never Have I Ever Stars!!
Ms. Daws has definitely hit the mark on the head with Freya and Mac’s story!! This is one of the BEST friends to lovers stories I’ve read and it’s a perfect addition to the inter-connected Harris Brothers series. While we see a lot of Harris Clan in this book it really revolves around Freya and Mac who we’ve met before. Don’t worry if you haven’t read any of the Harris Brothers books because this book completely and totally stands on it’s own!
Freya is a beautiful woman that’s got a little meat on her bones and is quite clever in how she masks her true feelings about her body in a very self-deprecating way. Her humor is spot on, but also has an innocence to it which I think is one of the biggest reasons Mac is drawn to her. They spend nearly every evening together doing exactly what best friends would do…watching television and talking about life! Until the moment Freya decides it’s time to venture into the dating world but she needs some help with The Sex!
I swear to goodness that I literally snort laughed every single time Freya talked about The Sex….it never gets old! Mac being the good friend he is decides he’s going to be the one to teach her ALL the ins and outs of dating and love making….and oh my goodness do they have some fun!!
I loved Mac something fierce! He’s a true Scotsman with an amazing accent and all his tall, sexy alphaness!! But what I loved him the most for is the fact that he loves Freya just as she is which is something we all need in our lives! Watching this woman come out of her proverbial shell was a true delight and joy….there’s an especially funny round of Never Have I Ever that literally had me spitting out my drink when Freya drank to something that no one should EVER drink to….and I mean EVER!!!!
This book moves at a smooth and quick pace and getting to be with the Harris’s and all their significant others and kids brought a huge smile to my face. Along with the joy all these people bring to each other’s lives, especially some of the laugh out loud one-liners, is seeing Freya come into her own with an idea that she’s wanted to explore for some time…with Mac’s encouragement she takes the leap!!
When it’s all said and done, this book is everything I was hoping for these two. Leave it to Ms. Daws to write a story that made me laugh and shed a tear or two and absolutely fall madly and deeply in love with our H/h!
Friendship makes for great lovers, but doesn’t guarantee a smooth path to HEA!
I knew Mac & Freya would be awesome!!
Freya is convinced she is destined to be a virgin spinster cat lady. Although, she’s a cat lady with pride. And her kitty, Hercules, is so cute.
She didn’t mean to end up almost 30 and still a virgin. Her self esteem, or more like her inner voice, has her convinced no one sees her as more than the adorable sidekick, the Sookie in the friend world. She’s been focused on work since she hasn’t felt to successful in the dating world. She tends to end up tongue tied around guys she’s attracted to.
But she’s a kicka$$ seamstress. (She works with Sloan & Leslie.) Then she meets Mac, a hot Scot footballer, when she has to tailor his suit for him.
He’s become her bff and vice versa ever since.
Mac is focused on his football career because he’s living the dream he’s had since childhood. He isn’t a relationship guy. He thinks it wouldn’t be fair to the woman.
The only woman in his life currently is Freya. He spends most of his free time with her. He even watches Heartland with her.
When he offers to help Freya get over her issues with men so she can go on a date with her crush, both of them start seeing each other as more than platonic friends. And he agrees to help fix the virginity status, which opens a Pandora’s box of feeling in both of them.
Sweet, funny, tender, sad, steamy, Mac and Freya have all the feels, family, friends, and adorable animals.
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved this one from Amy! She gave us an absolutely brilliant friends-to-lovers story with Freya and Mac’s tale. After reading Payback I was rooting for these two to get together.
I simply adored Freya’s innocence and naivety, I was honestly alternating between cringing and laughing during the game of I have Never Her friendship with Mac was beautiful, honest and the banter between them was witty and entertaining.
Again Amy had me thoroughly entertained with this read, she had me laughing, swooning and sighing. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for these two idiots to realise what has been in front of them the whole time. I honestly loved these two together the chemistry was off the charts and I cant picture two people better suited.
Well done Amy another great read in this simply brilliant series <3
I absolutely loved this book!! I had all the feels when reading it. I laughed so much while reading but also got a bit of the tears when the time for those came. I think every relationship should be Mac and Freya’s!! I also loved how Freya was so relatable too. Especially when it comes to her insecurities. I have only read the first Harris brother book and did not feel lost at all reading this book! I will definitely be going back and reading the rest!!!
Was given an arc for an honest review
And this author has done it once again in this friends to romance story. The characters were both so full of personality I wasn’t sure how they would work out but their banter and friendship and tenderness and everything about them was so easy to adore and become attached to. The flow of the story was just perfect and I found this story to be over well before I was ready for it to end.
Never Have I Ever…
Fallen in love with a sexy, soccer playing Scot and a captivating, cat-loving Cornish lass like Mac and Freya. Their hearts of gold stole their scenes while operating on the sidelines of Roan and Allie’s story in Payback and Amy Daws didn’t disappoint in their full story! Heart, heat and quirkiness combine to make this story one to melt hearts and pages alike. Throw in some cameos from our favorite Harrises, cutsie nicknames (wee treasure for the win), and feline adorable-ness for all the feels and a swoon worthy happily ever after.
Oh my stars! I think this one has officially become my favorite out of all the books in this series! I laughed, I swooned and SO much more. This is a heartfelt friends to lovers romance that will keep you on your toes and dying for more. Daws has pure magic with Freya and Mac as they navigate the situations they put themselves in. I adored Freya and her quirks because they are so natural and adorable. Mac has you swooning but also ragey at times but you will absolutely love him.
Overall, I loved the interconnected characters from the Harrises but also the fluidity and the character build. Daws wrote something so stunning and beautiful, I couldn’t put it down! If you are a fan of this series, this book is SO for you! And if you are new to Daws, snag it up, read the heck out of it and go back for more!
Mac and Freya are two of the best characters I have read in awhile. I have been waiting to read their story for a long time and it did not disappoint. They had such a good friendship, yet there were a lot of things they didn’t know about the other.
Without realizing it, they both are in love with the other, they just think they ate friends. When he learns her big secret, she is almost thirty and still a virgin, he can’t believe it. Just because they are best friends doesn’t mean that he doesn’t realize how beautiful she is.
Freya is attracted to him, but due to a few bad moments with other men, she has a horrible self image and believes he is only complimenting her to make her feel better. She doesn’t think there is any way he would be attracted to her. When he offers to have sex with her so her first time isn’ta bad experience, everything could change.
The witty banter and the true friendship between them was great. It was also nice to see the whole gang interspersed throughout the book. I loved every minute of this book. I received ah ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
I absolutely loved reading Blindsided by Amy Daws. I loved the story, the characters and their journey so much. Freya Cook and Mac Logan were just perfect! Freya and Mac have been the best of mates for the past year. They spend most nights together watching Netflix and bickering in all the best ways. Mac is a famous soccer player and is sexy and charming ginger with a big mouth and a bigger heart. Freya is a seamstress who is sweet and kind but is not always kind to herself.
When Freya decides it’s time to lose her virginity, Mac decides he is the one she needs. He does not want her to get hurt or pick the wrong guy. They are friends and this can work, right? But once friends with benefits becomes more, can they keep feelings out of it? I loved the friendship between them and their witty banter. When they took the next step, even with rules, they fell easily into each other. But as feelings begin to emerge and decisions are made, can they risk it all or will they lose what they share?
I cannot begin to express show much I loved Blindsided by Amy Daws. It was such charming and sweet friends to lovers romance with light angst and all the best characters, main and secondary. This is a must-read, as you can never go wrong with anything written by Amy Daws!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Full of humor and family and football, Blindsided is the type of rom-com I love to get lost in. And dare I say it? Freya may just be my favorite Amy Daws heroine.
There was something so charming and endearing about Freya. She was confident yet vulnerable. Bold yet shy. And I know that sounds contradictory but her personality was so much of that. I loved that she was unapologetically herself. Especially around Mac. Her best friend. Goodness me, Mac!
He may’ve been a big footballer but he had a tender heart under all those tattoos and that wild mop of hair. But I think my favorite thing about him was how her tried to get Freya to see herself through his eyes. To stop with the negativity and embrace all the awesomeness that is her.
When Mac learns of Freya’s “issue” he sets about to help his best mate out of her predicament. What he didn’t plan on was caching feelings. And when his world is rocked again, he’s torn between following his heart or fulfilling a lifelong dream. My heart just ached for the situation Mac found himself in. No matter what, choice he made, there would be wreckage left in its wake.
This friends to lovers romance had me laughing as hard as I was swooning. The banter, the pets, the friendships (yes, there is more than one Harris and Roan sighting), The Sex. From start to finish, Amy Daws had me hanging on every word. And that ending…it was bloody perfect.
Mac is a sweet, sexy and successful football player. He plays the game not only for himself but for those that he loves the most and is determined not to let them down which means not getting distracted by anything and that includes women.
Freya is a curvy seamstress who appears to be outgoing and confident but inside she has the same insecurities we all do that when it comes to other people we don’t always measure up.
Mac and Freya are the type of friends that just enjoy the time they spend together where it doesn’t matter what they are doing the banter between them is both hilarious and honest. When a simple game has Freya revealing her lack of experience when it comes to men Mac offers to become her tutor and teach her about all things physical and once that line is crossed their friendship is about to become very complicated.
Fun and flirty there is no denying that they are perfect for each other. She isn’t interested in him for his skills on the field and he sees her beauty even when she doesn’t see it herself. It is always fun to reunite with the other characters that we know and love.
Starting a new book by Amy Daws is like putting on your comfy flannel pj pants and curling up under a soft, warm blanket in your favorite cozy reading spot. I know I’m going to laugh, and laugh I did throughout this entire book, the sexy scenes will leave me hot, and there’s a very good chance I will be in tears at some point in the story, which I was full blown tears streaming down my face, sniffling too.
The funnies began with Freya and Mac’s relationship and when they would be “in a fight”. And then it went on to Freya’s fumbled conversation with the barista that she was kind of interested in. Oh my gosh, and then the Never Have I Ever game, and learning what a dirty Sanchez is, and that’s just eww, no, what is the point of that even?
Of course since I love the soccer players that this author writes, and all the family and friends, getting to spend so much time with the Harris clan and friends is part of what makes this like cuddling up with a good book, or going back to that bar where everyone knows your name. Mac, I adored him! And then there is all the similarities to Freya that I felt. The way she felt that after her month with Mac, she’d probably never get to experience that again. I’m in a stage of my life where I feel the same. That I had a fun time when I was younger, and now it’s all over and doesn’t ever seem like it will change. So when Mac pushed her away at the end because of things changing, even though he knew he loved her, that’s when my tears started.
But the way he went about winning her back at the end was perfect, I just think I’d love a relationship like that, with the arguing and being “in a fight” all the time.
There was definitely a little bit that reminded me of one of my all time favorite books with one of my top book boyfriends, Nate Sawyer from Before Jamaica Lane by Samantha Young. So I loved that. I usually adore all the ways that this author fits in the different jargon and unique phrases used by the characters based on where they’re from. But in this case, the bleddy bit didn’t make a ton of sense, it bugged me too much. And then there was some “ag” thing at the end that I also didn’t really get. None of that matters though, because I love, love, loved the book, the story, and also, I think we need Mac’s sister’s story next!
“That’s a Scot for you. They’re overbearing, loud-mouthed, no-boundary-having, spirited animals who are sweet, cosy cuddlers one minute and beating the fuck out of someone who looks at them sideways the next. Or perhaps that’s just Mac?”
This book.
I have said before that I relate to the female leads in several stories, but none more than Freya. Amy somehow found the exact words that describe all the insecurities within me. While I was reading, my tummy was in knots and I almost always had tears stinging my eyes. This was everything I’ve felt about myself and everything I’ve always wished would happen. “But my appearance is one thing that I can’t change, and because of that, I’ll probably never get married or procreate, but I’m okay with all of that. Because I’m a realist, and there’s a big wide world out there that exists without true love.” …”This was lust. Not love. That was a kiss. Nothing more. Why did I let myself fantasise like it was more?” This. Is. Me. I’ve never felt so choked up when reading, ever.
I met Freya and Mac when I was reading about the Harris brothers and adored them both. They’re such interesting individuals and gave a unique additive to the Harris cast of characters. When they got their own story, I was STOKED! These two, I had no idea, would outshine even my favorite Harris duo and become my whole heart. Freya is a talented and quirky woman who lives her life in the shadows of those around her. Mac is a talented footballer who is currently playing an amazing game and is also Freya’s secret best friend.
I’m not sure how this story did so much to me, but it hit me in every insecurity and hope that I have. I felt everything as the story moved. This was so much more than the story of a footballer and a seamstress/designer to me. Just … beyond.
Let’s play a quick game of Never Have I Ever! Never have I ever…come across an Amy Daws novel I didn’t love! You can’t see it, but I just took a couple of gulps of soda because not falling in love with and laughing my heart out because of any of this author’s books is simply not possible. Of course, I haven’t read ALL of her books yet (I still need to work my way through her pre-Harris Brothers and Wait with Me back list), but I have no qualms testing that theory out completely. Mac and Freya were a hoot and a half plus had heart and heat, so we’ve got all the good stuff that Daws always packs her romances with. One of my favorite things about Mac and Freya’s story was the fact that they truly were just friends in the beginning and then it took a bit of curiosity and one kiss to spark something that may have been there all along or may have only come into existence soon afterwards. As easy as their friendship may have been, adding sex and romance can, indeed, complicate things, and Mac and Freya did have to figure out how to move forward with their new normal. I had all these thoughts and emotions brimming to the surface and mixed together while I read Blindsided and I so relished every single bleddy bit of it. Five-plus stars!
Blindsided is the newest addition to Amy Daw’s London Footballers series and if you haven’t met this group of ridiculously hot footballers, do yourself a favor and get on it! These boys are HOT HOT HOT and Mac, the main man in Blindsided is no exception.
Blindsided follows Mac, a player for Bethnal Green FC and Freya, a seamstress and best friends with Allie and Sloan (women from books earlier in the series). Freya is a heroine after my own heart. Curvaceous and gorgeous, so strong but still insecure, hilarious and awkward….I mean..who doesn’t have conversations with their food?! Mac… *girly swoon*… This tall tatted ginger Scottish footballer is gonna be lighting up fantasies for a long, long long time. He’s everything you want in a book boyfriend sculpted into one ridiculously hot package.
Freya and Mac have been best friends since they met. They may bicker like an old married couple, but they are all but joined at the hip. Freya’s confession that she is a giant awkward squid around men (well, men that aren’t Mac) he decides she is in desperate need of a love coach and that he’s just the man for the job. It’s all fun and games until real feelings develop, feelings that neither expected nor were they prepared for.
Everybody says don’t fall in love with your best friend, but what happens when you do?
I can not express my love for this book enough. Seriously, as much as I have a deep and abiding love for Gareth (Amy’s leading man in Surrender and Dominate) Blindsided is absolutely my new favorite of Amy’s books. The banter between Mac and Freya is laugh out loud hilarious and total relationship goals. Watching Freya and Mac develop as not only individuals but as two halves of one whole is breathtaking. Their relationship grows so organically and proves the best foundation for deep and abiding love is a solid friendship. Their ability to be playful but still open and honest is amazing to see.
There really is everything to love in this book.
One sentence summary: A friends, to friends with benefits, to lovers laugh out loud story!
First thought: Mac and Freya are seriously relationship goals. I love their real life banter and adorable quirks. The book was a great romp with lots of love, heart, and Harris Bros.
Why I read it: I love Amy Daws!
POV: Alternating M|F, Present Tense
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Athlete
Our Heroine: Freya. I love this heroine. She was an excellent side character in Challenge and Dominate and again in Payback. I’m so glad this badass, sarcastic heroine got her HEA. As a seamstress who loves kitty mugs and netflix, Freya was adorably and hilariously inexperienced. I loved that Mac encouraged her confidence and supported her dreams.
Our Hero: Mac. Holy swoon. This Outlander inspired hero was seriously sexy. I loved their banter and his rugged personality. And, the gang’s visit to Scotland was a romp.
Overall thoughts: When Amy announced her plans for Mac and Freya after Payback I had a major fan girl moment. And she delivered with this awesome friends to lovers romance. I loved Freya’s inner dialogue and Mac’s gruff attitude. These two bickered and snogged their way to the HEA and it was awesome.
So, pour some white wine into your favorite kitty mug and grab your self a copy of Blindsided!
The sexy scenes: These two take friends to lovers to the next level and it’s awesome. Plus Mac was the perfect match for our virgin heroine.
The best part of the book: The back and forth with Freya and Mac- their relationship was real and I loved it. Even their black moment was authentic.
What wasn’t working for me: No complaints! I hope we get to visit the Harris Brother universe again soon.
TLDR: Enjoy a realistic relationship romp, some lols, and with a super sweet HEA.
How I read it: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Blindsided is the new romantic comedy from Amy Daws. This takes places in the Harris Brothers universe but is a strong standalone. These characters shine and the Harris family are just an added bonus 🙂
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Mac and Freya’s story is a roller coaster of emotions. You were laughing at Freya’s silly antics one moment and then holding your breath while your heart hurts at others. They also had to work for their happily ever after and acknowledge the wrongs they make. Their story had me so hooked that at one point I legit screamed “NOOOOOO no no WHY” at a certain emotional packed punch hat it left me just as devastated as the characters in the book. Mac does fall from grace for a bit there and it’s dicey on if you want to keep loving him, but he makes up for it.
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This might be one of my favorite friends to lovers romance that I’ve read. I don’t think I have ever read an Amy Daws’ book that I didn’t love and Blindsided is no different. Blindsided is a great romance that is guaranteed to entertain
5/5 Stars Review
Amy Daws can never disappoint me. I love all of her Harris Brothers Series books and Blindsided is no exception. The writing was really good, as always. The Cover is hot and wants you to read it. It is a complete standalone but I recommend you read the books before because all previous characters with their happy ending are mentioned throughout the book, it doesn’t lessen the reader enjoyment though.
We met Freya in Sloan and Gareth’s book and Mac wasn’t a stranger to long time readers. So therefor I was really excited to read about their friendship and later on love story.
For me, Freya was the most relatable character in the whole series. She has doubts about her talent and her body which I think almost everybody has. She’s quirky, fiery, lovely and a badass. You fall in love with her instantly. She struggles quite a few times in the book which made me love her even more, because I could relate to her so much. I also really loved to see many scenes with her and the “Harris Wives” and Allie.
Mac isn’t the typical Football player like some others in this series. He’s not a man whore nor is he that much in the public eye. He has a heart of gold and is a big old softie. He lives his life for others not for himself and I can relate to that too.
I personally really loved this story between Freya and Mac. Both so different yet seek the same in life. To love and be loved by someone they care so much about.
This book was amazing from the beginning to the start. You laugh, you cry, your heart breaks and in the end it comes back together. All in all one of my favorite Amy Daws books.
Thank you to Amy Daws for giving me an ARC. I really appreciate it. This review was not paid and all my opinions are my own.
Holy crackers in a barrel. I knew this book would be fun, but I have never laughed so hard. My entire neighborhood could hear me cackling. As far as laugh out loud funny goes, Ms Daws nailed it and it surpasses Tanner’s book, which I never expected.
I’m not sure if Ms Daws could beat this story. This is a once in a lifetime book. You must read it, but note that you will be rolling on the floor laughing and expect some laugh-snorts.
Friends to more is my favorite trope and with Blindsided, Amy Daws has created an interesting story with engaging characters!
From the beginning it is easy to see the strong bond between Mac and Freya and that remaining platonic best friends is not in their future. After having met them in a previous book I really liked getting to know them better. They were fun and funny, and definitely not one dimensional. I appreciated that they had careers and interests outside of just being with each other.
The evolution of their relationship was sweet and hit all the right notes. The author infused the story with enough humor and heart to make it an enjoyable and entertaining read!
Mac and Freya’s story is a spin-off from the Harris Brothers series, but can be read as a standalone.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.