Suzanne Baltsar wrote strong, independent women who were sassy and fun. ~ Kitty – Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Synopsis:
When Connor McGuire loses out on his dream job of being the head coach of the local high school football team, he thinks life can’t get any worse. Then he discovers just who got the coveted position—it was a handout to the kid of a well-known, successful college coach. Connor’s sure this is just a publicity stunt, but the kid turns out to be not only a sharp strategist, but a driven and sexy young woman, too. Frustrated in more ways than one, Connor realizes that he might have to step up his game or risk losing altogether.
Coach Charlotte “Charlie” Gibb calls a flag on the play when she finds out that her very male, veryattractive, but definitely-rooting-for-her-to-lose assistant coach resents her for taking what he considers to be his rightful position. But never one to back down from a little healthy competition, Charlie is determined to prove her worth—both on and off the field.
What an enjoyable story Sidelined was. Suzanne Beltsar wrote a smart and sassy story that was funny in places, serious in others but a very pleasant surprise from a new-to-me author. Charlie had to have a chip on her shoulder being a woman in a man’s world. She’s made a name for herself in spite of who her father is. But, she is seriously afraid that hiring her was a publicity stunt. No one is behind her except for the athletic director and the principal so she has her work cut out for her bringing the Otters from the worst team in the league to a play-off team. Now, to see where she fits in Minneapolis. She was never any good at making friends so doesn’t expect Sonja and Piper coming at her like a train. 
Connor couldn’t believe that he didn’t get the Head Coach position and now he has to put up with a woman telling him how to do his job. On top of it all, she’s infiltrated, not only the locker room but his circle of friends. He can’t seem to get away from her. But, there is a part of him that respects her and she is very easy on the eyes. She is not what he expected … she knows her stuff … she’s sexy as hell and he can’t get enough of her or her attitude.
The banter between Charlie and Connor was unbelievable. They were funny on and off the field. They knew how to push the other’s buttons. They couldn’t help but fall in love since they were so much alike. I loved how Connor called her his pain in the ass but said it with so much love that you couldn’t help but smile.
Suzanne Beltsar really wrote some wonderful characters. Not only were Connor and Charlie a pleasure to read but the supporting characters were wonderful as well. I loved the female empowerment that all her female characters exuded. They were strong, independent women who knew what they wanted in life and went after it with guns blasting. I loved her writing style, her knowledge of football and the way she built the plot. You knew the ending would be explosive and she didn’t disappoint me in the least.
