Book Review- - The Fly-Half and the Fling by Lasairiona McMaster*

 

'Rhiannon

I walked out of my wedding and straight into the arms of a stranger.
One night. No names. No regrets.
Until I find out who he really is—Robert McAllister, the investigative journalist who nearly destroyed my family. Now the tabloids think we’re a couple, and the only way to control the chaos is to fake-date the man my whole family hates.
Smile for the cameras. Lie through your teeth. Try not to punch him in the throat.

And whatever you do, don't fall for the enemy.

Robert
Sleeping with Rhiannon Morrigan hours after she jilted her fiancΓ© wasn't my smartest move.
She’s a rugby icon. A walking headline. Off-limits in every way, and the one subject I swore I wouldn’t write about. But my editor’s ultimatum is clear—write her story or lose my job. Now we’re faking it for the press, and I’m holding the biggest scoop of my career...

If I write it, I’ll lose her.
If I don’t, I might lose everything else'

This is the first book in Lasairiona’s brand-new series, The Latharna Ravens. For transparency, I am part of the author’s ARC team and received this book as a gifted copy. However, if you’ve seen my previous blog posts, you’ll know that although her books are gifted, I’ve completely fallen in love with her writing style — I would absolutely be picking these up either way!

This story introduces us to the eldest Morrigan sister, Rhiannon — a professional women’s rugby player and Pilates instructor. She sports a raven tattoo on her collarbone, and with her dad being considered ‘rugby royalty’, there’s definitely no pressure there… At the start of the book, Rhiannon is ready to reveal a secret she’s been keeping, and she does so in the most ‘girl boss’ way possible. It’s the kind of moment that makes you want to punch the air and shout, “You go, girl!”

While day drinking with her sisters and her male best friend (because what could possibly go wrong with that combination?), she has an unexpected encounter with Robert McAllister. Robert is a sports reporter who has previously clashed with the Morrigan family over a story he wrote. He’s a plant dad, the eldest of two, a former political journalist — and an amputee. The last thing Robert expects from this chance meeting is to find himself becoming the subject of a story rather than the one writing it.

The book follows their journey as they battle public headlines alongside their own personal struggles. One thing to note is that much of the story takes place during the off-season, so there isn’t a heavy focus on rugby — though there are still sporting elements woven throughout.

This is an easy book to get completely absorbed in, not just because of the electric chemistry between the main pair, but also thanks to the brilliant side characters. The friendships and family dynamics add so much depth. There is one particular pair of side characters (one of whom may be an ice hockey player πŸ‘€) that I am desperately hoping will get their own book. I am manifesting it!

Beyond the romance, this story tackles both mental and physical struggles — and not just surface-level misunderstandings or miscommunication (though those are present too). The heavier topics are handled with care and sensitivity, and you can clearly see the depth of research the author has put in to portray these experiences authentically.

Throughout the novel, Rhiannon embarks on a powerful self-confidence journey that readers get to witness firsthand. Robert also navigates his own mental health journey, adding further emotional depth to the story.

This book delivers chemistry, character growth, emotional weight — and for readers who enjoy it, yes… spice! If you’re thinking of picking up a copy (which I highly recommend), you can grab yours HERE.

I will now be patiently waiting for the next book in this series — and honestly, anything this author writes next. If you’d like to learn more about her, you can visit her website here.

 From my cozy corner to yours,

πŸ“š✨




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