Reviews - Heartlands Rugby Series
Nothing gives an author more enjoyment than hearing what readers think of their work.
Here is a selection of the feedback readers have generously shared with me about books in the Heartlands Rugby Series.
HEARTLANDS RUGBY BOOK ONE
This book had me hooked from the start — Jenna and Geordie’s romance is the pure, slow-burn sweetness we all crave. Childhood ties run deep since Jenna’s been best friends with Geordie’s older sister for years. But now? They’re grown, they’re back in town, and Geordie is suddenly playing amateur rugby for Jenna’s dad’s team
🏉 Geordie is the ultimate book boyfriend — protective, charming and so soft when it comes to Jenna. Their chemistry builds in the most delicious way, full of quiet glances, playful banter, and emotional depth.
🌿 I loved how both Jenna and Geordie had their own pasts to untangle, but instead of drama pulling them apart, it brought them closer. Their relationship feels real and earned, like watching two people find their way home to each other.
💖 If you love:
✔️ Best friend’s brother trope
✔️ Small-town return
✔️ Sweet but swoony romance
✔️ Coaches daughter
…then Blindsided By You needs to be on your radar! 📚✨
SADIE, NETGALLEY REVIEWER
When I got approved for this ARC I couldn’t have been more excited – sports romance, best-friend’s brother, reverse age gap? Abso-freaking-lutely! The fact that it was a rugby romance and I am a huge rugby fan was just the icing on the cake.
This book was about an amateur rugby player, Geordie, who had recently returned to his Scottish hometown after spending years working all around the world. He then reconnects with his older sister’s best friend, Jenna. Jenna is the daughter of his rugby coach and is totally off limits. Almost instantly sparks begin to fly between the two. However, trying to keep things quiet in a small town presents its own challenges.
The spice was amazing and every time Geordie called her ‘sweetheart’ I nearly swooned. They had such a cute relationship that was so cute. The way that from the beginning Geordie was so determined to take care of Jenna even when trying to deny his attraction.
Let’s be real, there are so many sports romances around at the moment so what makes this one stand out? I loved the amateur element – so many sports romances are either about professional athletes or aspiring professionals. It was so nice to read about someone who was so passionate about the sport, just for a love of the sport!
When this book comes out on June 3rd, I would recommend it for anyone who loves a sports romance x small town x forbidden romance.
SHAUNA, GOODREADS REVIEWER
I picked this up expecting a cute sports romance… and I got that, but also so much more. Caroline Corvin really delivered a story that felt warm, emotional, and a little addictive.
Geordie is back in his Scottish hometown after years abroad, playing amateur rugby for fun and trying to find his place again. What he wasn’t expecting? Running into Jenna — his sister’s best friend, his coach’s daughter, and basically the girl he should 100% stay away from. But of course, things don’t stay platonic for long 😏
From the beginning, the chemistry between Geordie and Jenna was undeniable. I loved their easy banter, the tension, and how their connection grew quietly, almost naturally. The small-town setting made everything feel more intense (everyone knows everyone), and the “we probably shouldn’t be doing this” vibe was strong in the best way.
What really stood out to me was how grounded this romance felt. No fame, no glitz — just a guy who loves his sport and a girl who’s trying to figure out her next steps. And the way Geordie cares for Jenna? Soft, thoughtful, completely swoon-worthy. “Sweetheart” hits different when it’s from him. 🫠
Bonus points for the rugby scenes feeling real without overwhelming the romance — it strikes a perfect balance.
📅 If you’re into small-town romance with heart, spice, and just the right amount of emotional tension, mark your calendars for June 3rd!
MELISA, GOODREADS REVIEWER
Set in beautiful Scotland Jenna and Geordie are old acquaintances from childhood drawn back to their home town. They become quickly enamoured with one another but ghosts from their pasts and problems from their present hinder them. This is a forbidden romance that is passionate and full of care. Great representation for dyslexia and chronic migraines, both of these added great depth to the story.
REBECCAH, GOODREADS REVIEWER
This was a fun sports romance featuring rugby—the first I’ve read. I loved Jenna and Geordie—they had the most amazing chemistry and a forbidden romance always makes it more fun. Both returned back to their small town, Claunie, which is at the edge of the Highlands in Scotland. Geordie to play and Jenna to launch her own PR business. I enjoyed their banter, the Scottish setting and the side characters, especially Skylar, and Andy, the grumpy dog. A good mix of romance and some more serious topics. I enjoyed the extra touches such as the cute dedication, playlist, rugby positions and numbers, and team players. Perfect for those who enjoy sports romance, small town, forbidden romance, reverse age gap and a little bit of miscommunication.
KIRSTEN, GOODREADS REVIEWER
Blindsided By You is a slow-burn, small-town romance with great chemistry and emotional depth. Jenna is tough and rule-bound, but Geordie, her best friend’s younger brother, makes her rethink everything. Their secret relationship adds tension and heart, with a charming Scottish setting and just the right mix of angst and sweetness. A great pick for fans of forbidden romance and strong character growth.
AUDRA, NETGALLEY REVIEWER
Just finished my ARC of Blindsided by You and I’m OBSESSED. As a Scottish girlie, I absolutely loved the Scottish nods—especially the GBX mention (iconic!) Thank you so much to Caroline Corvin for the ARC. I ate this up in less than 24 hours!
This story follows rugby coach’s daughter Jenna and best friend’s brother Geordie on their journey as they go from forbidden romance to deliciously obsessed 🩷
With a reverse age gap and plenty of banter this was such an easy read for me.
I also really appreciated the rugby explanations at the start of the book, this really helped understand the storyline better.
Oh and the spice was on point too 🌶👌
KATIE, NETGALLEY REVIEWER
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland, this story follows Jenna and Geordie—childhood acquaintances who find themselves drawn back to their hometown. Sparks fly quickly, but ghosts from the past and challenges in the present threaten to pull them apart. This is a forbidden romance, brimming with passion and genuine tenderness. What truly stood out to me was the thoughtful representation of dyslexia and chronic migraines. These aspects were not just surface details—they added authentic depth to the characters and made the story feel even more grounded and human. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this advanced copy—I was completely swept away.
KATHERINE, NETGALLEY REVIEWER
This was such an adorable love story. Two people who had a connection young reconnecting as adults is perfect. The author’s ability to write is incredible. Only 300 pages but I really felt like I was able to know these characters inside and out. Their flaws and strengths. Bring in different insecurities like failed romance, disabilities, and emotional abuse/control really helped feel like this romance was more believable and relatable. Also, the emotional twist at the end definitely kept me on my toes. I never expected that kind of loss or suspense.
KAYLA, NETGALLEY REVIEWER