Books, Boots and Bakeries

Some books come into your life at the right time, changing how you read forever. It sounds strange to type that about a romance novel, but yet, here we are. For me, that book was Sacked by Jen Frederick. It was my first romance novel, and unknowingly, it set me on a path of devouring sports romance like a playbook. Years later, it holds a special place in my heart.

If you haven’t read Sacked, it follows Knox Masters, a college football star with talent, drive, and a reputation as the ultimate golden boy. But one thing sets him apart from the usual alpha-jock trope: he’s waiting for the right person before taking that next step in his personal life. Enter Ellie Campbell, an intelligent and stubborn woman determined to carve out her future, even as she gets caught in Knox’s orbit. Their chemistry is immediate, the tension is delicious, and the emotional depth of their relationship makes this book more than just a typical sports romance.

What made Sacked so unforgettable for me was how it completely shattered my expectations of what romance could be. Before reading it, I had assumed romance novels were all the same—formulaic, predictable, and fluffy, essentially your Grandmama’s Mills and Boon. But Sacked delivered characters with depth, a swoon-worthy hero, and just the right amount of drama to keep me hooked. It also introduced me to the magic of sports romance—the camaraderie, the competitive drive, and the undeniable allure of an athlete devoted to his game and his love interest.

Of course, no discussion of Sacked would be complete without acknowledging the controversy surrounding Jen Frederick’s identity. When it was revealed that she was a pseudonym for Jane Little, a well-known book blogger, there were plenty of discussions about ethics, transparency, and the blurred lines between authors and reviewers. While I understand why some readers were put off by this revelation, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book itself. It was, and still is, a standout sports romance that delivered everything I was looking for in a love story.

Looking back, Sacked wasn’t just a book I read—it was a book that changed how and what I read. It opened the floodgates to explore a genre I hadn’t realized I would love so much. From football fields to hockey rinks, sports romance has become one of my favourite comfort genres. And while I’ve read many incredible books in the genre since then, Sacked will always be the one that started it all.

If you’re looking for a book that balances swoon-worthy romance with the energy of college sports, Sacked is worth a read—even years later, it still holds up. And if you, like me, find yourself falling headfirst into the world of sports romance after finishing it, well, welcome to the team.