About the book

At thirty-eight, Marley Beam finds herself unemployed and moving back into her parents’ basement. To regain her footing, she accepts a position as a physical education teacher and soccer coach at her old high school, despite having no athletic background. She secures the help of Jake Weston, the brooding varsity football coach, to whip her into shape and help her lead a team of girls who are as overlooked as she is. To avoid social scrutiny in their small town, Marley and Jake enter a fake relationship that complicates their professional partnership.

This story serves readers who enjoy romantic comedies centered on the "fake dating" trope and the pursuit of a personal comeback. It appeals to women interested in stories about reinventing one’s life through physical activity and community connection mid-career. Readers walk away with a narrative about reclaiming confidence through disciplined fitness and the support of a team. It provides an example of how setting physical goals and embracing a structured routine can facilitate emotional recovery after a series of life setbacks.

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