The Fly-Half and the Fling

The Latharna Ravens #1

by Lasairiona E. McMaster

Rhiannon
I walked out of my wedding and straight into the arms of a stranger.
One night. No names. No regrets.
Until I find out who he really is—Robert McAllister, the investigative journalist who nearly destroyed my family. Now the tabloids think we’re a couple, and the only way to control the chaos is to fake-date the man my whole family hates.
Smile for the cameras. Lie through your teeth. Try not to punch him in the throat.

And whatever you do, don't fall for the enemy.
Robert
Sleeping with Rhiannon Morrigan hours after she jilted her fiancé wasn't my smartest move.
She’s a rugby icon. A walking headline. Off-limits in every way, and the one subject I swore I wouldn’t write about. But my editor’s ultimatum is clear—write her story or lose my job. Now we’re faking it for the press, and I’m holding the biggest scoop of my career...

If I write it, I’ll lose her.
If I don’t, I might lose everything else.

Genres: Sports Romance, Disability, Enemies To Lovers, Sports, Steamy, Family, Romance

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2026

About the author

Lasairiona McMaster writes sassy, classy and badassy women and strong, yet vulnerable men.

She challenges reader’s expectations by openly dealing with mental health issues, often exploring tough-to-handle topics and ‘taboos’ and books with a whole lotta heart.

She can either be found enjoying a gin and lemonade by the Irish sea, or baking sweet treats in her kitchen while singing at the top of her lungs.

When she’s ‘home’ in Texas, and isn’t eating fresh-popped popcorn while buying things she has absolutely no need for in Target, she can be found at Chuys eating her body weight in chips and queso and washing it down with a margarita swirl.

Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fly-Half and the Fling is a well written story, that deals with some sensitive issues in a proper way, but it still has humour, warmth and spice.

Rhiannon is a rugby player who decided to cancel her wedding during the ceremony, exposing her cheating fiancé and her best friend. Later, at the pub, she meets Robert, a charming stranger, and their decisions will complicate their lives.

I've really liked Rhiannon. She is a force of nature, but she should trust her choices more. She did need more people like Robert in her life that help her to know her real worth. It's sad to see and read about her relationship with her father, but all it's relatable. Robert has his own flaws, but he is also kind, attentive and protective. I've enjoyed their relationship: they are guarded at the start but little by little they melted into each other.

I adored to read about a not so common sport in the literature world, but one that I love in real life, and from the point of view of a female player with all the challenges that implies.
I look forward to reading next story from this author.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is dual POV, fantastically written and well edited, and a deeply emotional, enemies to lovers, hook up to fake relationship to more, contemporary sports romance between Rhiannon, the female professional rugby player lead, and Robert, the male journalist lead who her father hates. I chuckled at the banter between both lead and secondary characters. I empathised with the historical trauma that both lead characters carried, and admired the work they were doing to address it. I enjoyed Rhiannon’s physicality and literal strength, as well as her deep care for those around her. I enjoyed Robert’s botanical leaning (as compared to Rhiannon’s black thumb), and his active engagement with those pressuring him. I enjoyed the steamy intimate scenes and the automatic, understated adjustments for disability, as well as the explicitly discussed accommodations for disability. I continue to appreciate that the author doesn’t make mental health issues vanish by the end of the story, with characters continuing to work with mental health professionals. This story was, honestly, a lot emotionally, with characters who were authentically messy, dealing with messy situations, and I read it over several days between other lighter stories, and then took another day to process before writing this review. I strongly recommend it (after you check your triggers) but also recommend making sure you’re in the right headspace too.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Courtney Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Lasairiona is one of my favorites, and I'm so lucky to get ARCs of her books. I had so much fun with this one. I loved that the book was set in Ireland, and I appreciated all the names and cultural moments that fit the place. I also learned more about rugby, which was fun. I thought Lasairiona handled Robert's grief, mental health, and injury so well, and Iappreciated the care and time put into his character. Rhiannon was super impactful as well. I wish she had stood up to her father a little bit sooner because she definitely didn't deserve all the shit from him and her brother. Besides that, I loved the fake-dating scheme alongside the rugby-player-and-sports-journalist vibe. The spice was so great, and I was waiting on the edge of my seat for them to kiss. I also felt like the tension was insane, and I was so excited for the two of them to admit their feelings to each other. And let me tell you, I was screaming when they did. I'm excited for the two sisters to get their stories as well, and I enjoyed the interactions with the side characters. Overall, I really liked this book, and looking forward to future installments.

[Momo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for ARC to the author. I am obsessed with her writing. She writes such compelling relationships and real life people.

I’m not even that crazy about sport romances but this one I really liked! I loved that it’s set in Northern Ireland, that I recognised some places mentioned. I loved the community, small town aspects and the disability representation and how it was handled.

🏉 Rugby Romance
🔥 One night stand
✏️ Player x journalist
😙 Forced proximity
💖 Fake dating
🏅Women’s sports
🥰 He falls first
🖤 Enemies to lovers
😂 So much banter
🔥🔥🔥 Spice

I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s raw, it’s emotional, it’s spicy and the couple is easy to fall in love with. Rhiannon faces a lot of press backpack, her own dad controlling her life and I loved watching her grow into a strong decisive woman who leads her own life decisions.

I also loved how Robert’s disability was handled, how sensitivities and misconceptions were explained. Loved how lassriona took such care of the topic when writing.

I hope you all love Rhiannon and Robert and much as I did. They were fun to read about.

[Rebecca Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rtc

[WhatJo13reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️


The banter in this book is on 🔥

This book had me hooked from the first chapter. Talk about coming in like a wrecking ball! And the chapter 2 broke my heart. Be prepared to be put through the wringer with this book.

I found it very refreshing that the FMC is the sportsperson. Love that it is set in Ireland. The characters in this book feel so real and relatable.

I was getting a bit bored of sports romance books. A lot felt like they were just ticking off a troupe list. This book has ignited my love of this genre again. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Lindsey Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- pre release reading. Released 5th Feb 2026
The Fly-Half and the Fling by Lasairiona McMaster absolutely stole my heart. This book delivered everything I want from a romance: warmth, wit, emotional depth, and characters that feel so real they linger long after the last page. And I cannot wait to invest myself in all the characters stories.

I laughed, I cried (when some of the words written resonated hard on a personal level), and I’ve wanted everything in Fly-Half—from the banter to the heartfelt moments to the sense of found family woven throughout the story. The balance between humor and emotion is pitch-perfect (pun intended), making it impossible not to be fully invested.

Rhiannon and Robert are just wonderful. Their connection is compelling, tender, and deeply satisfying, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. Honestly, I love them all… well, maybe not Michael 😅, but even that just adds to the richness of the characters and left me feeling part of the family. I’d have loved more rugby, but that’s just me and ultimately there’s enough in this book for even someone who’s never ever watched a game before to understand.

A beautifully written, feel-everything kind of read that I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a romance with heart, humor, and soul. I can’t wait for the next instalment, The Hooker and the Hangover!

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do to damage control with the person you and your family despise the most…

After discovering the betrayal of her fiancé and her supposed best friend, Rhiannon choses to expose them on her own wedding day. Together with her sisters, she decides to let some steam off and she ends up acting out of character and has one steamy night with a complete stranger. So many people have nights with complete strangers, with no regrets and no one exposing the fling on the tabloids. Weren’t it that Rhiannon is a rugby icon, and her family name Morrigan is known by every rugby fan over the world. And that the man she spent the night with, is her family’s worst enemy, investigative journalist Rober McAllister. Robert, who has made it his mission to expose everyone who isn’t clean in the sports world. And his eyes are set on the Morrigan family for a while. So Rhiannon is off – limits in so many different ways… However, when Rhiannon needs him to control the chaos that erupted, Robert agrees to fake – date her. And when his own editor demands from Robert to write a story about Rhiannon, Robert does not know what to do, write a scoop and lose the frail relationship that is building, or lose not only his job, but everything else?

I got to know this amazing author with her books about hockey players. And I loved every story so far. Even with her other nickname, and not – hockey – related books, she got me hooked. So with now expanding the horizon towards rugby, I was more curious than other times.

And also with rugby, I have to admit that even if my sister – in – law is a big fan of it, I don’t know much about it. I just see the players running, jumping on each other, and a weird shaped ball… Don’t ask me about the rules, because I just don’t know! 😊

Even if I didn’t know anything about rugby, I felt an immediate connection with Rhiannon. Not because we have a lot in common, as our worlds couldn’t be more different. Yet there was something in Rhiannon’s character that resounded very loudly with me. I cannot pinpoint exactly what, but I just clicked with her.

I am single at the moment, but is there a bigger betrayal than discovering that your fiancé and your friend are hooking up together? My heart broke for Rhiannon, but at the same time I also admired her. Because she has planned to expose their betrayal in front of anyone, at the actual wedding! You need some big balls for that!😊

What saddened me also, was reading how she didn’t get the support from her father. Because yes, the humiliation is there, but as a father, a parent, you have to stand by your daughter’s side and protect her from the person that harmed her.

Luckily, Rhiannon has the best sisters and *real* friends in the world. They support her through the worst day of her life. They for sure know how to put a smile on Rhiannon’s face, and mine too! And they are always there for Rhiannon, also seeing through the ‘lies’ Rhiannon tries to tell them. This shows how well they all know each other and as they don’t judge her, just how much they love her.

Now, I am not the kind of person to have a fling for just one night, that is just not my cup of tea. But I can understand why people have them, and I could understand Rhiannon needing to feel different. Although, perhaps there would have been a better location, and a more laid – back outfit 😊.

And hooking up with a complete stranger, you never know who you have in front of you… And in Rhiannon’s case, she couldn’t have picked a worse match. Or for book – purposes, a better match 😊.

Not that Robert is a bad person, but being an investigative journalist, having already haunted Rhiannon’s family, he not exactly persona grata in the family…

And he also has a big baggage of his own, with he still hasn’t come completely to terms with, and his past is still haunting him, on so many several levels.

Obviously he knows who Rhiannon is, and even if he knows that hooking up would be a terrible idea, he just cannot resists Rhiannon. And I cannot blame him! 😊

Of course we know that their fling will come out, and that they will have to start fake – dating. Yet there is always the curiosity of reading how it all will start, will they get along at least at some level, or are they enemies from the very start? So many questions, and the only way to get answers, is just keep reading!

Rhiannon and Robert have their own agenda of why agreeing to the fake – dating, and in a way it angered me. Because, why should a woman be brought to shame of having a fling, after being betrayed? Especially if it were a man instead of Rhiannon, nobody would care, or worse, they would applaud him…

And Robert is forced to write an article about Rhiannon, which he absolutely does not want to write. Not only would he lose his job if he refuses, but he is also partnered up with the scumbaggiest of scumbags…

Both of them have a lot at stake, and they want to pretend when needed, but they want to keep their distance, for self-preservation. They don’t want to show the real Rhiannon and Robert to each other, out of fear. And that is somehow the red thread throughout the whole story, the fear of being just Rhiannon and Robert. And not only towards each other, but also to others, even their loved ones.

And that saddened me a little bit, because no matter what you have been through, are going through, what your baggage is, you should be able to be just yourself, to know who you are.

What I liked in this book especially, is reading how Rhiannon learns to talk and help Robert with his disability. His disability is not a secret, as you can clearly see it on the cover. It is easy to pity someone like him, but Robert makes it clear to Rhiannon and the readers too, that pity is the last thing that is needed. And he explains very clearly what the do’s and don’ts are. Because just because you want to help out, doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do. And that was very informative and eye-opening too.

And also, we see how the right support can make you believe in yourself more, and understand yourself more. Because Rhiannon is a great player, but also very much under the influence and pressure of her own father. And Robert makes her understand that she is great, but that is on her, even without her father she would be awesome. And Rhiannon learns in this book to go more with her own gut feeling. And she knows that Robert will be in her corner. Isn’t that a great thought, knowing that you will always have someone ready to fight with you?

There are of course dilemmas in this book, to let the other one in, or keep your distance? Be loyal to your editor, trainer, manager, or trust your own (gut) feelings? So many issues are addressed in this book, and the amazing Queen that Las is, lets the main character go through the whole process, even if they are filled with doubting thoughts.

This was once again a marvellous story, about how life can break you, but also how with the right people surrounding you, you can become a stronger version of yourself. And yes, of course there is some spice in it. But in a way, those heated moments weren’t doing it for me, but the growing mutual respect, understanding and care between Rhiannon and Robert did more to me than any spice between them ever could…

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an absolutely divine , won’t you be mine forever storyline that develops on the touchline of no regrets ,it’s the best yet! There’s no contest … with that in mind and remembering what occurred,let me tell you their story, how it stirred the soul to me the reader and Lasairiona E McMaster’s ultimate grasping of goal,touch and more as their hearts ( and ours) soar.

Are you sitting down ? There’s so many ups and downs in this but it’s absolutely bliss!

She’s a runaway bride ,he’s the guy who’s there to catch her fly try and oof ,why we have a story from the start ,welcoming them both into our hearts . She’s a professional Rugby player Rhiannon Morigan.

It’s an absolute disaster when she finds out next day , realises who he really is and is NO WAY and then she’s on her way again without a word feeling absurd and was she just used for the news? Has she just slept with a wrong un?

Because he’s also the investigative journalist , Robert McAllister who did her family wrong ..

Give him his dues he wins her over because one thing he swears that he would not do is put one over on her. He does care. She’s not being used. But what then for Rhiannon the hen? ( see what I did then?)

Someone ,somewhere has done you both wrong …..

Now here’s the thing about their fling and news breaking about them being seen. They both have to weather the storm and look serene even though underneath they’re paddling like a duck sinking …

This is a fake dating trope like no other . They certainly are putting on a show so people don’t know how they really feel about the situation . Gets them thinking. It’s an all action station and he needs to develop a newsworthy story or be out on his ear. His editor is baying for his ass the dear…But what can he do to show his support for Rhiannon and turn her frown upside down…. The idea shoots out like a cannon . It’s class. Say they’re together. Very clever….YES!

Hook line and sinker I fell into this unbelievably creativity the author has presented to us on a silver platter .She’s handed us a masterpiece of well renown . Lasairiona wear your crown and be proud because this awesome story stands out in a crowd. It’s swell. A subject too was handled with aplomb and good Grace . Well done Lasairiona ma’am. I have a smile on my face.

Scored more than a touchdown . Mind blown! Heart full and bless my soul with the pull this whole story has on me. I can flit back through my brain to start, the middle and the end my friend as I remember the writing . It pays dividends. It’s inviting ,it’s on point and it makes a point too.

The blood sweat and tears and heart palpitations you may have had developing their story is an ode to your glory. The not giving in and keep writing . Giving us your readers the widest grin and shouting from the rooftops . Get in!!!!

So I say to anyone thinking of picking this book up to read . This book is incredible . I read at speed . It has the human touch. loved it so much.
You will too ,it’s astounding and grounding .The characters come to life in your head. They won’t leave ! Phew 😮‍💨 But that’s alright . Because they are all a delight to read and remember . Every single cast member.

One last note for the author if I may . Lasairiona E. McMaster , this is a triumph. Each hurdle as you wrote this book is a testament to the strength and determination and courage it took you to give us a complete and total victory roll about a strong independent woman and her cinnamon roll beau who fell first with thirst. If you know you know .

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fly-Half and the Fling (The Latharna Ravens Book 1) by Lasairiona McMaster kicks off her new Irish women’s rugby series with a bang, delivering a delicious enemies to lovers/one night stand/fake dating romance that’s equal parts spicy tension/laugh out loud moments and heartfelt moments.

Rhiannon Morrigan, a star rugby player (the fly-half of the title), dramatically jilts her fiancé at the altar and rebounds straight into a scorching no names, no regrets one night stand with a handsome stranger.
(Plot twist: that stranger is Robert McAllister, the investigative journalist whose past exposé nearly ruined her family!)
Now, tabloids are spinning their hookup into a full blown romance, forcing them into a fake dating arrangement to manage the PR chaos.
Rhiannon’s family despises him, Robert’s career hangs on writing about her (or risking his job), and the chemistry between them? Explosive and just a little bit forbidden. 😉

Rhiannon is a total badass heroine, fierce on the rugby pitch, witty, and fiercely loyal to her sisters (clearly setting up a series of interconnected standalones). She’s no wilting flower, her banter is sharp, her boundaries firm, and i felt like I needed to hug her through her family drama (her dad needed a good talking to! He did not see her side at all!) and media storm.
Robert, the “enemy” journalist, gets to be portrayed as ambitious yet conflicted, with his own vulnerabilities that make the slow thaw from hate to heat believable.
The fake dating trope/forced proximity/public PDA/private arguments that turn steamy, and the constant push/pull of “I can’t stand you… but I can’t stay away.” Had me glued to my kindle.

I loved the rugby backdrop, it added a fresh venue to the romance scene. (Yes we have American football which I’ve read a few of, but no actual rugby.) Women’s rugby isn’t as common in sports romance as hockey or football, and the author infuses it with authenticity (Irish setting, Celtic goddess inspired names for the sisters).

Expect high stakes games mirroring the emotional stakes, plus plenty of steam as the “fling” evolves into something deeper. The enemies to lovers tension simmers beautifully, building to satisfying emotional payoffs without losing the fun, snarky vibe.

Pacing keeps things engaging, quick hook with the jilted wedding, then layered conflict as secrets surface and feelings complicate the fake relationship.
It’s steamy but character driven, with humor, family dynamics, and just enough angst to keep you invested.
As the first in the Latharna Ravens series, it sets a strong foundation, teasing the other Morrigan sisters without overwhelming the main couple’s story.

If you love sports romances with sassy heroines, morally gray heroes who redeem themselves, fake dating done right, and that addictive enemies to lovers spark, then this one’s a winner.

A standout opener with electric chemistry, fresh sports rep, and all the swoony tension you crave.

Perfect for fans of fake relationships that turn real.

Can’t wait for the next Morrigan sister’s story. 😊

🦋

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lasairiona McMaster is aptly named because she truly is a master with words. The way she can weave them into such beautifully entertaining, heartfelt, funny and soulful stories is a gift not all authors have and I am so glad she continues to share her beautiful talent with the world.

Rhiannon and Robert's story was fan-fricken-tastic right from the start and had me hooked, and as the stroy went, I fell hard for these two. Lasairiona has always written characters with great vulnerabilities, both female AND male, and I love that so hard. We need to see that men are vulnerable too. I mean, hello? Men have tough days too!  Lasairiona did an amazing job showing that even though characters are strong, they can show thier vulnerability and still be everything we need them to be and SO much more.

Lasairiona deals with subjects in this book that are so relevant and need to be more out there and she did it with such grace. Not that I expected anything less as always. She makes sure to talk about the real stuff even if it makes people get all squirmy and uncomfortable. She pushes boundaries without apology, stands for what she believes in and makes sure her characters reflect the same. It really is a joy to read because there is such a truth within the fiction.

As usual, Lasairiona made me cry throughout this book. For anyone who knows me, they know that isn't hard to do, but this book hit me in the feels HARD! Watching Rhiannon and Robert's both struggle with self worth sure struck close to home. I'm sure a lot of us have struggled with thinking we're good enough at something in our lives. Whether it's within our careers, or being a parent/spouse/sibling/child, or simply being a human being getting through the day, we've all had our moments. Watching these two through their story had my heart hurting and then healing in such a beautiful way.  And though we don't NEED to have someone to complete us as a person, it sure is nice to have someone there to support us in all of our endeavors. Someone to lean on figuratively and literally sometimes.

As always, I wish I could give this book more than 5 ⭐'s because it deserves all the stars! I absolutely love that this series is set in Northern Ireland and I get to look up all these amazing places I plan to go see one day. I can't wait to see what Lasairiona has in store for the rest of this series and these amazing kick ass women!

[lsnid003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this story! Read.it!

I received an ARC of this story. I am honored to write my review of it. I’m not into sports balls, except hockey, so this is a new sport for me. Luckily for me, a detailed understanding of rugby isn’t needed. The FMC’s love of her sport and her dedication to it is what drew my attention. I swear, this author could write a grocery list and I’d want to read it. Amazing character development, nuances around familial relationships and those we are closest to, and funny details made this a rich, decadent cup of cocoa with no marshmallow sludge (read the book and you will understand the analogy).
No love story can be written without angst, this is a tear jerker, but also so funny, sweet, poignant and well written that I felt pulled into the story. I could envision the characters, as I read. That is the talent this author has. I truly hope this story does so well she can write multiple generations of rugby. But, I will repeat, everything she writes is phenomenal Hockey, BDSM, she could probably write amazing, scintillating space operas.. Bring it on!

This story is for all the girls and women who are tall, broad shouldered, and think little of themselves. The MMC starts out respecting the FMC and her sisters, and shows it. As a tall broad shouldered female, I NEEDED this story in 8th grade, as my hair was frizzy and I was 5’10” and decidedly not athletic. I swear, this story is healing 40 plus years of pain.

I read romance to see something working out, in this messed up world. And for a blessed break from the above. This story is engrossing, well written, funny and breathtaking. Read it. Seriously, read it!

[Krissy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC and leaving my honest review voluntarily. Note that there is mention of attempted suicide and depression, so sensitive readers to proceed with caution. It was eye opening for me to read about female professional rugby, which is not usually a highlighted sport. And it intrigued me enough to actually do a little research about what each player's role on the field is and of course the Fly-Half's role.

The author was amazing in how she highlighted a number of real and sensitive issues with empathy, grace and without shame/shaming - expectations and challeges of a female professional rugby player, conditional vs unconditional love, anxiety, depression, attempted suicide, physical disability, etc. And most importantly, the characters seek the needed professional help to manage their mental health issues and there is no fake depiction of miraculous cure or being completely 'healed' by the end of the book. Working in the health and social service sector, I really appreciated the author's authenticity of such sensitive issues.

Honestly, whilst there are lighthearted banter and steamy moments, there are also heavy emotional moments and I went through a gamut of emotions and had to step away a few times. So please read only when you're in the right headspace and do take breaks if necessary. This is an amazingly well written, emotional and heartwarming book with characters that have real life messy issues and the stength and courage to seek the professional help they need and to keep fighting to be healthiest version of themselves. I loved every emotional moment of this book!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Tropes:
Sports romance
Fake dating
One sided enemies to lovers
Slow burn
One bed

Loved 🥰:
- first and foremost Robert McAllister 🥵🥵 Lasairiona always makes her men swooney but my gosh was Robert swooney! And so freaking romantic too. The way he saw Rhiannon right from the start & let her know he saw her I just 🫠🫠🫠
- it being set in Northern Ireland with all the Irish slang & banter. As a fellow Celt myself, it was so fun to read
- the way that Rhiannon at the big “oh no” moment ACTUALLY WANTED TO COMMUNICATE 🤌🏼💋🤌🏼💋
- there’s some amazing rep in this one, but then it’s a Lasairiona book so of course, however the men’s mental health rep is especially great

Liked ☺️:
- I will go on record & say that I am not a huge slowburn fan but the buildup of attraction between these two was really good that even I was loving it
- there’s always a sense of hope, revolution, & sticking it to the man in Lasaiariona‘s books & I really enjoyed those elements in this one especially

Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally) 🤷🏻‍♀️:
- for me there was a little bit of repetition of some of the inner monologues, but I will say this only happened in the first 1/3rd of the book & after that it was super fast reading

Spice:
🌶️🌶️

Range & Rep:
LGBTQ+ rep (author and characters)
Disability rep
Mental health rep

[Lauren Curley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fly Leaf and the Fling- Lasiriona McMaster
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 Stars
🌶 - Spice Level

Rhiannon and Robert are supposed to be enemies after he did an investigative piece on her father's rugby team for doping. But she's just left her ex-fiance at the altar for cheating and Robert's her target after she saw him at the local pub. Her 😺 cat was honing in on him and he didn't disappoint.

I absolutely enjoyed these two having to fake date which of course leads to their eventual HEA. The support Robert showed almost immediately for her against family, friends, and colleagues should be studied. This man was willing to be her shadow and step up in her defense with only weeks into the relationship sans the restraining order her father had on him. What a hard spot to be in.

This was very much a nod to a curry women's rugby star making waves. The fire she had within for her team, family, and even Robert once they started the arrangement was admirable. She just needed a little shove to be more independent outside of her father's shadow and Robert poked her forward.

The disability rep felt perfectly placed and respected along with the mental health rep for Robert since he had all the guilt from his past to move forward every day.

Thank you author for the ARC!
Release Date: 2-5-26

[Tine · Rating 5 out of 5]

New sport, new team, new people to get to know.
I know nothing about rugby, never seen a game, never before read a book about it. But , so far I like it.
The story is good as all Lasairiona`s story's are. This time I got almost all my favourite tropes in one. Fake dating, forced proximity, one bed. Only one missing is brothers best friend but I am having hopes for the next one.
She is not afraid to shine the light on mental health issues and this time we get to see Roberts struggles with depression up close. I like the fact that in this story the man is the one struggling, while the girl gets to be the strong one. They need each other and helps each other. Which makes it a more believable story. Way to often you get to see the weak little girl being rescued by the strong man. And don’t get me wrong, in a book I love those story's too. But It is refreshing to have a story from the opposite view for once.
Loved the book, from cover to cover. It made me laugh and cry and really feel the emotions. There was a moment I was even afraid to see if a character was even still alive. The feelings were real.
Highly recommend. But read the trigger warnings. Love the book and cant wait for the next one!

[Cams Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read a new series from Lasairiona. Her books are realistic, but also heartfelt and emotional. Two quick things, my favourite person was my nana and I’m sure I will never see her name Thelma in any other book, unless it’s in this series. I had instant feelings of comfort and nostalgia as soon as I saw the name🥰🥰 Second, I’m from New Zealand, and you might as well say that Rugby union is our national sport.
I loved that Lasairiona went in a different direction and the FMC was the athlete. I really liked Rhiannon from the start. She was such an interesting character. At times so tough and confident, but then other times she was made to feel less than, and we got to see that Rhi too. I loved her relationship with Robert. I knew his job was going to play a part somehow, and I wish he’d been more open with Rhi about it. Other than that though, he suited Rhi perfectly and brought out the best in her. The disability and mental health representation was handled sensitively, and it felt like a realistic portrayal.

I will now wait for Cliodhna’s book. That was a cracking first chapter preview.

I did receive an arc from the author and this is my honest review.

[Sarah (lou_reads_romance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you hear the one about the female rugby professional and the journalist?
Well you’re gonna want to read it!

I enjoyed this very much. I loved Rhiannon and her sisters, the fact that they have each others backs, that they’re all professional players, but also the clear differences in their characters.

Robert is an interesting guy. He’s sensitive and guarded but not afraid to speak up or challenge someone if they’re being unreasonable. He fights for the underdog and generally wins. No one would know the demons he fights or the chronic pain he lives with on a daily basis.

I enjoyed how Rhiannon found her voice. As she rid her life of the controlling dominance and actually trusted her own judgment for once. How Robert became her biggest cheerleader and support. I also loved how she took the time to learn about him, accepted him in everything he was and gave him the space to be.

My only slight quibble would be that there is a tad too much inner rambling in places for me, but otherwise I think I’m really going to enjoy this new series from Ms McMaster!

[Diane Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fly-Half and the Fling is the first book in Lasairiona McMaster's Latharna Ravens Series. This series is about three sisters playing on a women's professional rugby team, The Ravens, in Northern Ireland. Ms. McMaster explains in the author's notes at the beginning of the book about the location of the story, and that phrases, colloquialisms and vocabulary may not be familiar. Thankfully, she includes a pronunciation guide for the characters' names as well as a glossary.

This is not a quick read with a full 430 pages. The story and the family dynamics are both unique and get your attention and interest from the very first chapter. It is told with dual POV's ensuring that the characters are well developed, and the story moves at a good pace with a very satisfying ending. I enjoyed this book very much even though I am not really a fan of the normal slow burn.

As with some of Ms. McMaster's other books, I am learning about a new to me sport. All of her books that I have read thus far to be very enjoyable and look forward to more of this series.

[Dee Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic and emotional
Wow, this really tugged at my heartstrings. Rhiannon and Robert are complex and realistic characters, struggling with different pressures and shortcomings, and both are very relatable.
There’s some sensitive issues dealt with as the story progresses which may be triggering, so check the warnings.
This is a roller coaster of emotion, filled with great characters, drama, angst, humour, amazing friendships/sisters, difficult family dynamics and a female sport not often covered in books.
It also shines a light on support and mental healing for an amputee, which again is not something often brought up in romances.
There’s great banter, an intriguing storyline, action, healing, strength, a pinch of revenge, a media circus, fake/not-so-fake dating, steam and romance.
I’m looking forward to the next book I this new series.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lasairiona is one of my favorite authors. I have read all of her series and am excited for where this one goes. Rhiannon and Robert were fun to read. Rhiannon is going through time in her life. I love how she handled her ex- even though calling him out on their wedding day for cheating is certainly a flex. I love her standing up for herself even though the attention wasn’t great. Throughout, I wanted to punch her father in the throat. I can’t stand him not supporting her and being a big whiny baby about not being in control of her life. I do love how her sisters rallied around her though. Robert is no Prince Charming, but he’s a good guy who stands up for Rhiannon when she doesn’t stand up for herself. Even though he’s dealing with his own demons, I like the way they come together and make each other better. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Rachel Watkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
The Fly-Half and the Fling
By Lasairiona McMaster

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a fun read!
I absolutely loved the disability rep.
Robert is such an amazing person. He will do anything and everything to make sure Rhiannon is happy and loved. Including standing up to her father.

Rhiannon's trust of other people dwindles by the day. After exposing her ex at their wedding, she finds herself at a bar with her sisters, coming up with a list of things to do.

I love the fake dating trope, and this book killed it!
Robert and Rhiannon worked through a lot of stuff to be able to come together in the end, knowing how much the other truly loves them.

[Sue Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh... wow!
This is going to be an awesome series Lasairiona, can't wait to read the next one!
What a brilliant story, I absolutely loved Robert and Rhiannon's wonderful tale.....
Dumping her husband-to-be at the alter and having a bathroom fling all on the same day, Rhiannon is on a roll to charge of her life.
The only problem is, Robert is publc enemy number 1 in the Morrigan household!!
Can this unlikely pair overcome the problems that stand in their way?
Superb storyline with great characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
I received an ARC copy of this book, and I'm willingly leaving an honest review.

[Lisa Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, from the strong FMC, to the flawed yet supportive MMC. I liked that the roles were reversed, and that Rhiannon was the professional sportsperson, rather than Robert. I adored them as a couple and so enjoyed their banter, but I especially loved the way Robert stood up to Michael and Taranis for her.
I really enjoyed the whole family dynamic and can’t wait to read the rest of the clan’s stories.
I was gifted a free ARC of this book by Lasairiona, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really solid 4.5 star read for me, rounded up because the only reason it wasn't a 5 star is I didn't get fully kicked in the feels and ugly cry. I loved this NI based female rugby star story, and it's so refreshing to focus on the awesome women athletes for once. But really, knowing this author it's not unexpected. We also had disability rep and mental health rep too. So much good stuff all in one package. Rhiannon and Robert were awesome, the story was great, and the little nuggets about other stories (hopefully) to come were fun. I'm excited and here for more in Larne!

[liz_loves_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracking story to start the series

This was a fantastic opener in the Latharna Ravens series.
I loved that it was set around Womans Rugby and our leading lady - the flyhalf Rhiannon was such an interesting character.
There were so many fun moments and the fake dating aspect was an added bonus.
Especially as it was with Robert a journalist, who had defamed her father in the past.
The family dynamics were not all fun and games, but littered with light-hearted moments to dispel the very real life topics discussed.
If you enjoy humour, family strife, craic, and deeper topics all wrapped up in an emotional journey... plus
women being represented in a male oriented sport - then I recommend you read this.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fly-Half and the Fling is a knockout sports romance! Rhiannon is fierce, funny, and flawed in the most relatable way, while Robert is charming, smart, and utterly swoon-worthy. I loved the enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating angle—watching these two guarded characters slowly melt into each other was pure joy. The dual POV gives such depth, and the story balances humor, spice, and real emotional weight beautifully. Rugby fans and romance lovers alike will find so much to adore here. A truly standout debut—I can’t wait for the next book!

[Terra Drynan-Werder · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You don't need to perform well to earn love" Rhiannon and Robert's story grabbed me from the first page and held on tight. Rhiannon has always felt she had to be the best and that would earn her love, her fling with Robert takes her down a path of self discovery that was beautiful and painful at the same time. Robert choses to run when things get difficult and his relationship with Rhiannon was challenging from the start to say the least. This book was emotional and funny with great characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dual-POV, beautifully written and sharply edited contemporary sports romance, this enemies-to-lovers tale crackles with banter, heat, and emotional weight as a fierce professional rugby player collides with the journalist her father despises. What begins as a hookup twists into a fake relationship and then something far deeper, as both leads carry and actively confront old trauma, mental health struggles, and disability with raw honesty. The chemistry is steamy, the characters are messy and real, and the story refuses easy fixes, making it as emotionally intense as it is unforgettable highly recommended, with trigger checks and the right headspace firmly advised.

[Gemma Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sports romance with substance

This is not your typical sports romance read. The twist of the female being the sports legend instead of the male character is the first clue to that but honestly it's so much more.

I read a lot of books and usually for me a sports romance is a fluffy read palate cleanser between darker/mafia type books. This book is not for that.

It is emotional without being soppy, it highlights real traumas and how different scenarios affect people in real ways. I personally really enjoyed the substance of this book and it was refreshingly different.