TJIC (The Cocky Kingmans #5) by Amy Award Book Review: A Sassy, Spicy Rom-Com That Scores a Touchdown

Introduction

Can a cocky football star and a secret romance author find love amid donkey chaos and Shakespearean banter? TJIC (The Cocky Kingmans #5) by Amy Award is a steamy, laugh-out-loud sports romance that delivers heart, humor, and heat in Thornminster, Colorado. The fifth book in the beloved Cocky Kingmans series follows Flynn Kingman and Tempest Navarro as they navigate forced proximity, sizzling chemistry, and a meddling emotional support donkey. Award’s signature blend of spicy romance and body positivity makes this a must-read for rom-com fans. Ready to cheer for this touchdown of a tale? For more romance recommendations, visit That Love Podcast.

Book Summary

TJIC centers on Flynn Kingman, a charismatic football player at Thornminster University, whose senior year plan—ace classes, secure an NFL draft spot, and avoid romance—gets sacked when he chases a rogue baby donkey across campus. Enter Tempest Navarro, a curvy, sassy romance author hiding her bestselling novels and anxiety behind her sorority girl facade. A university tutoring program forces them together, turning their Shakespeare-class sparring into undeniable attraction. With Burrito Petito, Tempest’s emotional support donkey, and the chaotic Kingman family stirring the pot, this enemies-to-lovers romance blends humor, spice, and found-family warmth, making it a standout in the series. Its unique mix of college life, quirky animals, and steamy tension sets it apart.

Author’s Style and Craft

Amy Award’s writing is a playbook of wit and warmth, delivering a fast-paced, dual-POV narrative that feels like a front-row seat to a rom-com game. Her dialogue crackles with snarky banter, as seen in Flynn and Tempest’s Shakespeare-fueled quips, like a verbal fumble recovered for a touchdown. The pacing balances steamy encounters with emotional depth, allowing Tempest’s growth from secretive to self-assured to shine. Flynn’s evolution from cocky jock to vulnerable lover is equally compelling, showcasing Award’s skill in crafting relatable, layered characters. Vivid descriptions of Thornminster’s campus and chaotic Kingman family gatherings ground the story, making TJIC a vibrant, immersive read.

Quote: “Loving her wasn’t scary. Losing her was.” – Flynn

Themes and Deeper Meaning

TJIC explores identity, self-acceptance, and the courage to break free from expectations. Tempest’s secret authorship and anxiety reflect the pressure to conform, a universal struggle for those hiding their true selves. Flynn’s fear of commitment mirrors societal fears of vulnerability, while Burrito Petito, the emotional support donkey, symbolizes comfort in chaos. The novel tackles fatphobia and bullying with sensitivity, weaving these issues into a lighthearted narrative that resonates with readers facing similar challenges. The Kingman family’s found-family dynamic underscores belonging, offering a metaphor for community. Award’s body-positive message empowers readers to embrace their authentic selves, making TJIC a heartfelt touchdown.

Strengths

TJIC scores big with its vibrant characters and laugh-out-loud moments. Burrito Petito, the emotional support donkey, steals the show with antics like his campus chase, which had me doubled over laughing. The Kingman family’s Bridgerton-esque chaos—think game nights and sibling teasing—creates a warm, immersive world that feels like home. Flynn and Tempest’s chemistry sizzles, their tutoring sessions brimming with witty banter and steamy tension. Award’s body-positive messaging, especially through Tempest’s journey to own her talents, is empowering and authentic. These strengths, paired with spicy romance and heartfelt moments, make TJIC an unputdownable rom-com that leaves readers cheering.

Areas for Improvement

While TJIC shines, it fumbles slightly in pacing and depth. The third-act conflict, particularly Tempest’s anxiety resolution, feels rushed, potentially leaving readers craving more emotional payoff. Secondary characters, like Tempest’s sorority sisters, could use richer backstories to enhance the found-family vibe, which might disappoint fans of intricate ensembles. These shortcomings could frustrate readers who prefer slower, more introspective romances, though the humor and spice keep it engaging. Award could deepen emotional arcs and flesh out supporting characters to balance the narrative further, ensuring a more satisfying finish without losing the story’s playful charm.

Comparative Analysis

TJIC fits seamlessly into the Cocky Kingmans series, echoing the humor and heart of The Cck Down the Block* (Amazon) but with a spicier, enemies-to-lovers edge. Compared to Elle Kennedy’s The Deal (Amazon), it shares a college sports romance vibe but stands out with quirky animal sidekicks and a focus on body positivity. Unlike many sports romances, TJIC blends heavy themes like fatphobia with lighthearted flair, offering a fresh take on new adult romance. Its unique mix of humor, spice, and empowerment makes it a standout in the genre.

Target Audience

TJIC is a touchdown for romance readers aged 18–35, particularly fans of new adult, sports romance, and enemies-to-lovers tropes. Women who love spicy, humorous stories with curvy, confident heroines will adore Tempest’s journey. Book clubs seeking fun yet meaningful reads will find its themes of self-acceptance and found family discussion-worthy. Content warnings include explicit romantic scenes, mild language, and discussions of fatphobia and anxiety, unsuitable for younger readers. Its blend of humor, heat, and heart makes it perfect for those craving a feel-good escape with substance.

Personal Impact

TJIC hit me like a perfectly thrown spiral, leaving me giddy and inspired. Tempest’s struggle to embrace her authorship mirrored my own fears of stepping into the spotlight, while Flynn’s vulnerability reminded me that love requires courage. The Kingman family’s chaos and Burrito Petito’s antics sparked pure joy, urging me to cherish my own found family. This story’s warmth and humor left me craving more, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a rom-com that scores both laughs and heart.

Conclusion

TJIC by Amy Award is a vibrant, spicy rom-com that blends humor, heart, and heat into a winning play. Its quirky premise, lovable characters, and body-positive message make it a standout in the Cocky Kingmans series, despite minor pacing hiccups. Perfect for fans of sports romance and enemies-to-lovers, it’s a summer read that delivers.

Grab your copy on Amazon and join the Kingman clan’s chaos.

Like a game-winning touchdown, this book will leave you cheering. For more romance recommendations, visit That Love Podcast.

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About the Author

Amy Award, a rising star in sports romance, crafts stories celebrating curvy heroines and spicy love. Based in Colorado, she draws inspiration from her love of football, fuzzy pets, and empowering narratives. Her Cocky Kingmans series, starting with The Cck Down the Block*, has won fans with its humor and body-positive themes. When not writing, she’s cheering for the Denver Broncos or cuddling her rescue animals. Award’s mission is clear: all bodies deserve epic love stories. Connect with her at AuthorAmyAward.com, Romance.io, and BookSeriesInOrder.

FAQ

1. What is TJIC about?A sports romance about Flynn Kingman, a football star, and Tempest Navarro, a secret author, navigating love and chaos.

2. Who is Amy Award?A Colorado-based author known for the Cocky Kingmans series, focusing on body positivity and spicy romance.

3. What genre is TJIC?New adult, sports romance, and rom-com with enemies-to-lovers and found-family tropes.

4. Is TJIC spicy?Yes, it features explicit romantic scenes (4/5 spice level), suitable for adults.

5. What are the main themes?Self-acceptance, identity, body positivity, and found family, addressing fatphobia and anxiety.

6. Who should read this book?Fans of spicy sports romance, enemies-to-lovers, and curvy heroines, aged 18–35.

7. Are there content warnings?Explicit scenes, mild language, fatphobia, and anxiety discussions; not for younger readers.

8. How does it compare to other Cocky Kingmans books?Spicier than The Cck Down the Block*, with a unique enemies-to-lovers twist.

9. Where can I buy it?Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

10. Is it part of a series?Yes, the fifth book in the Cocky Kingmans series, with a sixth planned for September 2025.

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