How to Lose at Love by Sara Ney

This book right here is a shining example of why I fell in love with Sara Ney’s books back when I first read her How to Date a Douchebag series a few years back. How to Lose at Love is cheeky and fun but sweet and even a little angsty at times with two main characters that I immediately adored.

Dallas and Ryann’s story starts with him dumping her for one of his football buddies. She’s not upset that she got dumped (she knew there was nothing there), but rather she was irritated that Dallas dumped her for her ex because, well, who even does that? Regardless, that gets them on each other’s radars, and when Dallas needs help looking better to potential NFL scouts by being seen out with a “sensible” type of girl, he decides Ryann would be perfect for the job. Already annoyed (but intrigued?) by him, Ryann decides she’ll take one for women everywhere and teach him a thing or two about how to behave and accepts his proposal. Thus begins Dallas and Ryann’s fake relationship that eventually turns into friendship and then more, but will his burgeoning fame and everything that unfortunately comes with it ruin what they’ve got going before it really starts, or can they work through it all?

I’m not exaggerating when I say I couldn’t put this book down. Or rather, I didn’t want to put this book down and only did because I had to and would pick it back up every chance I got. I’m a sucker for a romance that’s a bit complicated yet not too heavy, and that’s what this plotline delivers. You definitely get the sense that there’s something brewing but getting there is such a fun ride at the same time. It’s like having the best of both worlds.

Also, this cast of characters is beyond good. Dallas is serious and book smart but needs some work with his personal relations skills. Then there’s Ryann, and she’s relatable and can hold her own against anybody. Together they deliver some fantastic banter, and I enjoyed the sense of anticipation of what might happen between them. They’ve got their spicy moments, too, but their connection was about more than that, which I really liked. Plus, the secondary characters, particularly Dallas’ younger brothers, added some of my favorite comedic moments of the book, and I’m really looking forward to their stories.

Something I’ve always loved about Ney’s books, especially her college sports romances, is that every time I finish one, I’m left feeling satisfied and even slightly giddy because they’re just so smile inducing. I’m over the moon already with this series and can’t wait to see what’s in store next. If you love college/sports romances, then this is undoubtedly a must read.