Looking for a fun, spicy contemporary romance? The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award features childhood crushes, fake dating, and a swoony quarterback who’s ready to turn his crush into something real.

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A quarterback with a secret crush, a fake dating scheme, and one sassy rooster? Sign me up. This sports romance is all about heart, humor, and swoony moments—perfect for fans of feel-good romance.

This spicy contemporary sports romance takes the neighbors-to-lovers trope and gives it a fun twist—with a quirky rooster in tow. Our heroine is a curvy, confident librarian who ropes in her childhood best friend (now a hotshot pro football player) to play her fake boyfriend at her high school reunion. Little does she know, this dude has been secretly in love with her for years, and now that he’s got his shot, he’s not holding back.

It’s got all the good stuff: fake dating, mutual pining, and high school bullies getting their well-deserved comeuppance. Plus, did I mention the rooster?

Listen, I’m a sucker for a sweet, pining hero, and this guy was 100% grade-A adorable. He’s been holding a torch for his childhood crush since they were teens, and when she finally asks him to be her fake date, he’s all in—like “I’ll fake date you into real feelings” in. The chemistry between them is perfect, with just the right mix of slow burn and swoon-worthy moments.

I loved that the heroine was plus-size and confident, even though she’s still working through some old insecurities. Watching her stand up to her high school bullies with her quarterback BFF-turned-lover by her side was so satisfying. And the fake dating? Total fun. They played it up so well that you’re just waiting for them to drop the act (which, of course, they do in the best way). Oh, and that rooster? It brought just the right amount of humor to balance out the steam.

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