First and Forever

 

Lynn Painter is hilarious and has been a go-to author for me since I first read her book Mr. Wrong Number and its sequel The Love Wager. I have no question she’s as immensely talented and funny as she’s proven herself to be in the four books of hers I’ve now read. All that said, I feel like I don’t recognize her in the pages of her newest football-themed rom-com First and Forever. I know she writes for the YA market too, and the tone seems better suited for it, if it weren't for one thing: the profanity. 

I only read two chapters and to use a football term, I’m throwing a flag on the foul language! It may be an artistic choice due to the sports theme, but it was too much. I’m no stranger to hearing or using a colorful word here and there, but coming up on forty times in two chapters …is that really necessary? It put me immediately at odds with the main characters I’d barely met yet. 

Speaking of these two, FMC Duffy talks and acts more like a cocky teenage boy so far. Connor seems relatively cool if it weren’t for his potty mouth, but I’m kinda at a loss for what he sees in her. Also, the Kel and Kell interview with Duffy, Connor and her dad in the second chapter was like watching a bad sitcom with a laugh track. Was it meant to be that cheesy? Maybe that was the joke and it just didn't land with me.

I could keep going and hope things improve, but I’m not having much fun, so I’m going to leave this for the diehard fans. I have a feeling it’s better suited to those who love football or sports. Sorry … I’m not that girl.  I can say this, though: my bet is still on Painter for another book that wins my heart!

No rating

Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Lynn Painter for the DRC to honestly review. This will be published on May 12, 2026.