Sideline Confidential Former sports journalist explores the challenges women face in the male-dominated world of professional sports

There is no doubt that the world of pro sports has made progress toward gender equality, but there is still more work to be done to create a level playing field. Former sports anchor and award-winning reporter Brooke Bentley knows this from experience. Her new novel, Sideline Confidential (Greenleaf Book Group Press, Aug 15, 2023), follows a young woman struggling to navigate this male-dominated industry and establish her career as a sports reporter. Set against the backdrop of pro football and sports media, Bentley weaves an important and timely story of gender equality into a fast-paced, can’t-put-it-down novel.

“Sideline Confidential provides a fascinating, insightful look at what it’s like to be behind the scenes covering a pro football team,” says John McClain, former Houston Chronicle sportswriter and winner of the Dick McCann Memorial Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Brooke Bentley, a seasoned journalist who experienced the excitement and exasperation of covering a team, draws vivid portraits of the characters who make up a pro franchise. Bentley takes readers on a wild, behind-the-scenes ride that’s both frustrating and inspiring. I can’t wait for her next book featuring Blake Kirk.”

"Sideline Confidential is more than a page-turner. It’s a jaw-dropper,” says John Lopez of SportsRadio 610 in Houston. “Brooke Bentley perfectly captures not just what really goes on behind the scenes in pro sports, but what makes it doubly challenging for women."

“Sideline Confidential authentically portrays the discrimination, bias, and obstacles faced by female reporters,” says Allison Williams, national sports broadcaster. “This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves football and enjoys a riveting tale with all the excitement of a game day!”

The novel follows Blake Kirk, who graduates from journalism school and lands her dream job as a reporter for her hometown pro football team—the job sure to propel her to the sidelines on network television. But from the first day, double standards and old-school entitlement smack her with the intensity of a defensive line.

Sideline Confidential entertains while giving readers a glimpse into the complex intersection of sports, social equity, and gender politics.

Pick up your copy of Sideline Confidential and stay updated on Brooke Bentley’s writing and nonprofit work by visiting brookebentley.com.

About the Author

Brooke Bentley is a former television anchor and award-winning sports reporter. After graduating with a master’s in journalism from the University of Southern California, she spent two years working for the Houston Texans as a media personality and over a decade working in sports journalism. Brooke now devotes her time to championing local nonprofits, including Homemade Hope, where she served as the development director. She and her husband live in Houston and are raising two young boys.

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More about Greenleaf Book Group

Greenleaf Book Group is an independent publisher and distributor located in Austin, Texas, dedicated to empowering authors. Greenleaf’s hybrid publishing model is uniquely positioned to offer the benefits of both traditional publishing and self-publishing. To learn more about Greenleaf, visit www.greenleafbookgroup.com.