ARC Review - Tight End by Melissa Ivers

Tight End by Melissa Ivers

Tight End by Melissa Ivers is a second-chance romance that’s sure to turn up the heat! The story follows June Morgan, a runaway bride who, in a moment of escape, encounters Ryan Devlin at a bar. Sparks fly, sexual tension is intense and they end up having a one-night stand. 

Fast-forward four years—June navigates life as a single mother to her adorable three-year-old son, Oliver. But when fate brings her back into Ryan's orbit, old feelings resurface and Ryan wonders if Oliver is his son.

The story starts off with June handing out a divorce paper to one of her mother’s clients who happens to be a soccer player, that’s where she meets Ryan Devlin. Their reunion unfolds in a whirlwind of emotions. Just when June thought she’d put her past behind her, Ryan—now a famous soccer player—re-enters her life with a jaw-dropping revelation. As he pieces together the truth about Oliver, the air crackles with old feelings and unresolved tension. Will they rediscover their spark, or will they settle into a co-parenting routine?

While the heart of Tight End beats with steamy romance, it also delves into deeper themes: the impact of an absent father, the grip of a controlling parent,  the trauma of losing someone you love, and the fear of getting out of one’s comfort zone.

Ryan is the son of a famous soccer player, which is unknown to the public and he likes to keep it that way. In many instances, Ryan speaks about how much his father’s absence affected him as a kid and how that yearning turned into anger and hatred towards his father as he grew up. This is also why when he learns the truth about Oliver being his kid, he makes it his life’s mission to not be like his dad and be there for Oliver and make sure Oliver knows that he is loved and that he has a father. Ryan also deals with the loss of his ex-wife because of which he is hesitant about starting something with June but as the story progresses, his feelings develop while his fear slowly subsides.

June on the other hand, deals with a controlling mom who happens to be a divorce lawyer. June feels grateful for her mother as she stayed with June throughout her pregnancy and feels like she owes her for it even though she has no intention of becoming a lawyer like her mother. June wants to grow her yoga studio and finds it hard to say no to the person who’s been there with her through everything, her mother. Eventually, with the help of Ryan, she finds the courage to stand up for herself and also grow her studio with the help of Ryan and his team. 

Together, Ryan and June confront their demons, pushing each other toward growth and healing. Their dynamic is both heartwarming and relatable, filled with laugh-out-loud moments and steamy encounters that will leave you breathless!. 

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the story's humor and warmth, I found the pacing a bit rushed. One moment, Ryan is wrestling with his feelings for his late ex-wife, and the next, he’s all in for June. A little slow-burn tension could have added depth to their relationship. Plus, I was left wanting more, especially in terms of Ryan’s relationship with his father. And let’s just say, the abrupt ending left me yearning for an epilogue showcasing Ryan and June years down the line!

Overall, Tight End was a fun read, but I just felt like there could’ve been more tension between the two of them. Oh and, I really wanted the epilogue to be of Ryan and June years later😕

Rating: 4/5 

I felt the pacing was a bit brisk and could have benefited from a more gradual build-up of tension, and the ending came across as a bit abrupt. However, it’s a great pick for anyone who loves second-chance romances.

Happy Reading!

Thank you Love Notes PR for the opportunity!