Book Review: Fowl Play

Team captain Kodi Gander had been obsessed with winning since she injured her knee in high school, losing her chances of playing softball professionally.

When newcomer Dr. Brian Gosling moves to town and gets immediately dumped by the town's rival cornhole captain, Kodi and Brian team up to help Brian's new office survive and thrive.

First, I have to wonder if a town like Tuft Swallow is real. I can totally imagine the small-town of busybodies constantly keeping tabs on the latest gossip, but are there towns that really revolve around cornhole? Maybe it’s because I’m a New Englander, or perhaps it was the 'y'alls' woven throughout, but I got strong Southern vibes from the town—even though it’s fictional and set in New England.

I loved how Cassandra wrote her characters and addressed Brian's bi status. It didn't feel like a big deal at all, and it shouldn't be. It was almost like an afterthought. It was, of course, a big part of the story since Brian getting dumped by his boyfriend propelled the fake relationship with Kodi to win him back, but this was one of the first books I’ve read where gender truly felt secondary to the love story, which was refreshing.

I was impressed by the flow and how well-paced the story was despite being a 500-page book. Too often, longer novels drag in the middle, filled with unnecessary scenes. But Fowl Play maintained a steady pace, balancing plot and character development effortlessly.

Kodi and Brian both struggle with their own childhood traumas throughout the book. While this rom-com is light and funny, it also delves into heavier topics and feelings, including fears of abandonment and failure, making this story very relatable.

Fowl Play is the perfect mix of heart, humor, and competition, making it a must-read for sports romance lovers and anyone who enjoys a fresh take on the fake dating trope. Whether you’re here for the witty banter, the steamy tension, or just want to brush up on your cornhole skills, this book delivers.