Release date: May 12, 2026
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
A football star and a diehard fan entangled in a PR stunt—that only one side knows is fake—might be the right play in this new romantic comedy by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter.
Duffy Distefano loves three things: her dad, the family cat, and Minneapolis Coyotes football. So when she gets booed out of a game and becomes the internet’s villain, she is distraught—and disgruntled. All she did was shove Coyote Carl away when he made a move on her, but everyone else just saw a woman attacking their team’s beloved mascot. Eager to clear the air, Duffy agrees to an interview on a hit morning show. She doesn’t expect a co-guest to join her—especially not the Coyotes’ star tight end.
When MVP Connor Cunningham gets tasked with damage control to help his team out of their PR nightmare, he thought that meant saying a few words on the team’s behalf. Instead, he finds himself in a highly amusing verbal sparring match with a recently wronged fan on live TV. Duffy pelts him with fiery jabs but is also clearly diehard about the Coyotes—color him intrigued…and attracted.
The interview instantly goes viral, and the public is obsessed with them. A strong push from the Coyotes’ PR team to ride the wave results in Connor asking Duffy out. Despite his distaste for PR stunts, he’s surprised to discover being with Duffy is much easier than he thought, and somehow it doesn’t feel fake to him. Harboring this secret can only blow up, but all he knows is that if he messes things up with Duffy, it’ll be the greatest fumble of his life.
Review:
First and Forever is everything I’ve come to love (and expect) from Lynn Painter; sharp, hilarious banter, swoony chemistry, and characters that feel so real you swear you know them. Duffy and Connor are the definition of opposites who just work, and their dynamic absolutely shines. From their very first interaction, the verbal sparring is nonstop, playful, and genuinely funny. Duffy’s sarcastic, smart ass energy is unmatched (my personal love language), and Connor balances her perfectly with his charm, sweetness, and effortless swoon factor. Their chemistry felt natural, easy, and completely addictive.
What really elevated this beyond a light, breezy romcom was the emotional depth woven throughout. Duffy’s relationship with her dad was such a standout—he may come off as a gruff hard ass, but underneath is a total softie, and their bond added so much heart to the story. Her brothers and the overall family dynamic brought in even more humor and warmth, making those scenes some of my favorites. On the heavier side, the exploration of grief through Duffy’s mom’s death and Connor’s experience with his grandfather’s dementia gave the story a layer of emotional resonance that grounded all the fun and flirtation beautifully.
This is one of those romances that feels effortlessly enjoyable while still hitting you in the heart when it counts. Funny, flirty, heartfelt, and full of personality, First and Forever is the kind of read you fly through with a smile on your face—and maybe a few unexpected emotional moments along the way. If you love witty banter, fake dating with real feelings, and characters who give each other endless shit in the best way, this one absolutely delivers.
Overall rating: 5/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Novelgossip 