If you’ve been following our blog for awhile, you’ll know I’m a big fan of Kayla Tirrell’s books! I’ve loved them all so far and am always excited when the next one arrives. This is her first dive into an adult sports romance. Today I want to tell you all about it!
A big thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC to read and review!
Miriam loves working for the local professional arena soccer team. She’s gearing up for the Storm’s best season yet but the new lineup has one major problem—Silas Jenkins. The guy who broke her heart has returned, and she’ll have to play nice or risk losing her dream job. 
Silas broke her heart when he left two years ago.
Now he’s back and wants to pick up where they left off.
Silas made the biggest mistake of his life two years when he signed with a rival soccer team in hopes of pushing his career to the next level. He realized too late that he left the love of his life behind. Now, he’s trying to make things right. But between adoring fans and teammates with a grudge, he'll be lucky if Miriam gives him the time of day.
When Miriam and Silas are thrown together for outreach events, will old feelings be rekindled?
Or is Silas doomed to the penalty box forever?
Penalty Box (Love in the Arena, #1) by Kayla Tirrell
on 20/03/2020
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: ARC
Goodreads
Review
Sports romances are ones that I’ve become to love and if I’m honest, a lot of them are based on hockey. I’ve read one or two soccer ones, but never one like this. Kayla was able to explain this sport in this book without it taking over the story, but still being understandable. I’m always amazed when authors are able to do that!
Miriam is the community outreach manager for The Storm. She loves her job and is very loyal to it. I really loved Miriam’s character. It was clear she’s quirky at times, but loves doing what she does. It was nice to see a woman being sucessful and loving her job. The soccer players respected her and I loved that!
“It didn’t matter how many times he was hit on, his heart had been lost three years ago when he saw Miriam smile for the first time.”
Silas is a soccer player and former player for The Storm. When chasing what he thought he wanted, he went to a different team. At the time it felt right for what he thought he wanted. Things changed and Silas has made some mistakes. Silas was an interesting character. He loves this sport, but has come to a point he realized that things weren’t what he thought they were. I love how hard he works to find his place back on the team and to Miriam. He had me laughing quite a few times.
These two used to date and things didn’t end the best of ways. It’s clear the feelings are still there, but with everything that happened can they get back to what they were? I have to appreciate the fact that Kayla didn’t make it easy for Silas, haha. Things happened, feelings were hurt and it takes more than showing up to fix that. I loved watching these characters get to know each other again and maybe find their way back to each other.
“Miriam wasn’t over Silas. She didn’t think she’d ever completely gotten over him in the time he was gone – not that she hadn’t tried.”
On top of this fun and sweet romance, the other characters in this book are a lot of fun. Besides our two main characters Allie (Miriam’s best friend) was my favorite. She says what she thinks and doesn’t care what someone has to say about that. I really enjoyed this sports romance and can’t wait until she gives us the next book! If you’re looking for a sweet romance that will make you laugh and has a touch of soccer, this book is one I can recommend. My only complaint is that I would’ve loved if it was longer. I didn’t have enough time with these characters!
Kayla spoiled her readers once again with such a fast and fun read. I’m not a big fan of soccer, but she made it so much fun. It will be interesting to see where the next book in this series takes us. If you read sports romances, what is your favorite sport to read about? Let me know in the comments!
