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Franklin U #1
Playing Games
alternate cover edition of ASIN B0B3D8LVKG
Brax
Tyson Langley thinks the king in Franklin University Kings is in reference to him. Star lacrosse player and God’s gift to the female and male population, there’s nothing the spoiled jock can’t have.
It’s impossible for us to be in the same room without talking crap to each other. But I also have a secret… As much as I despise Ty, I want him too. I revel in our banter and in never knowing what he’ll say next.
I’ve spent too much time on the wrong side of the law for someone like Ty, though, and if I want to make it through college and escape my past, he’s a distraction I don’t need.
Ty
Braxton Walker needs to learn to lighten up. If you search brooding online, his name pops up. He’s the bad boy with a leather jacket and a scowl. We couldn’t be more different.
Finding ways to annoy him is like the longest foreplay session of my life. And when we end up working together, it gets harder to deny how hot he makes me.
What’s a little hooking up between enemies?
We weren’t supposed to become friends or share secrets. We weren’t supposed to understand each other and all the complicated stuff we’re going through.
I’m used to playing games, only the more time I spend with Brax, the less it feels like playing around and the more it becomes something real.
**
This series takes place across a calendar year. The books have been released in chronological order but are all stand alones and can be consumed in whichever order you choose.
Brax
Tyson Langley thinks the king in Franklin University Kings is in reference to him. Star lacrosse player and God’s gift to the female and male population, there’s nothing the spoiled jock can’t have.
It’s impossible for us to be in the same room without talking crap to each other. But I also have a secret… As much as I despise Ty, I want him too. I revel in our banter and in never knowing what he’ll say next.
I’ve spent too much time on the wrong side of the law for someone like Ty, though, and if I want to make it through college and escape my past, he’s a distraction I don’t need.
Ty
Braxton Walker needs to learn to lighten up. If you search brooding online, his name pops up. He’s the bad boy with a leather jacket and a scowl. We couldn’t be more different.
Finding ways to annoy him is like the longest foreplay session of my life. And when we end up working together, it gets harder to deny how hot he makes me.
What’s a little hooking up between enemies?
We weren’t supposed to become friends or share secrets. We weren’t supposed to understand each other and all the complicated stuff we’re going through.
I’m used to playing games, only the more time I spend with Brax, the less it feels like playing around and the more it becomes something real.
**
This series takes place across a calendar year. The books have been released in chronological order but are all stand alones and can be consumed in whichever order you choose.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2022
About the author
Riley Hart
104 books6,417 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 899 reviews
October 3, 2022
3.5 stars⭐️
i love a good jock x nerd mm romance, but something about jock x bad boy hits fucking different >>>>>>>>> every time.
was this pretty basic and surface level? 100000%
did i still eat up every last crumb? you bet your arse i did.
this just made me smile so much despite its cliche simplicity.
gimme two people who dislike each other making out while murmuring how much they hate each other against and i am a whore, your honour. i am such a basic bitch and im not even sorry about it.
also Ty calling Brax “sunshine” as a nickname was iconic since Ty is in fact the sunshiney one while Brax is the grumpy, brooding one. it was cute af.
and while i love these lil tropes, the book was definitely an example of relying too heavily on the tropes to write the story for you. it didn’t have much depth or structure beyond the tropes, more so that the story was written around the tropes, if that makes sense?
i really did enjoy this for what it was— fun, cliche and low-angst, super easy to read with some fun tropes. there’s just not much beyond that though. the characters apparently had roughly three years of history we don’t see or are even told about, their connection and dynamic is already fully established the moment the book starts. and the “enemies” aspect was incredibly weak. so from that alone, you can’t really expect much depth with this one. then the rest of the book is smooth sailing.
while the characters felt like i had read them a hundred times before, Ty especially— he really felt like an amalgamation of your typical lighthearted, rich jock with basic humour full of dick jokes. Brax wasn’t as cliche, luckily, so naturally i liked him the best.
i can’t even lie, occasionally i wavered and debated rating this four stars because it was just so fun and adorable... but i know in a few days i won’t remember a damn thing about this book💀
i still recommend this a lot if you enjoy the tropes and want a simple, straight forward read... don’t be expecting a complex masterpiece or anything though😭
p.s. Riley Hart needs to stop using the phrase “work a load out of your balls” and everything adjacent to this. it made me queasy every time it was said. STOP.
i love a good jock x nerd mm romance, but something about jock x bad boy hits fucking different >>>>>>>>> every time.
was this pretty basic and surface level? 100000%
did i still eat up every last crumb? you bet your arse i did.
this just made me smile so much despite its cliche simplicity.
gimme two people who dislike each other making out while murmuring how much they hate each other against and i am a whore, your honour. i am such a basic bitch and im not even sorry about it.
Brax held his hand to my throat, not hard, but enough that I felt it. His tongue pushed past my lips, and I let it.
“God, I hate you,” he said, biting me before kissing his way down my throat.
“I hate you too.”
also Ty calling Brax “sunshine” as a nickname was iconic since Ty is in fact the sunshiney one while Brax is the grumpy, brooding one. it was cute af.
and while i love these lil tropes, the book was definitely an example of relying too heavily on the tropes to write the story for you. it didn’t have much depth or structure beyond the tropes, more so that the story was written around the tropes, if that makes sense?
i really did enjoy this for what it was— fun, cliche and low-angst, super easy to read with some fun tropes. there’s just not much beyond that though. the characters apparently had roughly three years of history we don’t see or are even told about, their connection and dynamic is already fully established the moment the book starts. and the “enemies” aspect was incredibly weak. so from that alone, you can’t really expect much depth with this one. then the rest of the book is smooth sailing.
while the characters felt like i had read them a hundred times before, Ty especially— he really felt like an amalgamation of your typical lighthearted, rich jock with basic humour full of dick jokes. Brax wasn’t as cliche, luckily, so naturally i liked him the best.
i can’t even lie, occasionally i wavered and debated rating this four stars because it was just so fun and adorable... but i know in a few days i won’t remember a damn thing about this book💀
i still recommend this a lot if you enjoy the tropes and want a simple, straight forward read... don’t be expecting a complex masterpiece or anything though😭
p.s. Riley Hart needs to stop using the phrase “work a load out of your balls” and everything adjacent to this. it made me queasy every time it was said. STOP.
June 25, 2024
|| 4.0 stars ||
Aw, this was really nice! Ty and Brax had a very sweet and teasing vibe going on, and their chemistry was also really good. Maybe their ‘mean’ banter was a little much at times, but there were definitely still plenty of deep and meaningful moments between them as well.
They truly got each other in a way no one else did, and it was clear how good they were together. That’s also why it might have been a little ridiculous how long they both denied their true feelings, even inside their own heads, but at least they never pretended to truly dislike each other. They always loved each other’s company more than anyone else’s, and they always tried to rile each other up without crossing any lines.
Something else I really liked about their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was that Ty was, in a way, almost chasing Brax. Brax was always “brooding” and was a little more hesitant about giving in to Ty than the other way around, and that part really hit all my buttons. It reminded me a bit of Hostile when it comes to the sunshiny character chasing the grumpy one. It was different from Gray and Rhett, of course, but kinda similar in a way as well.
Anyway, I thought this was a super fun read and I thought the relationship was cute and authentic. I enjoyed this book quite a lot!
'Franklin U' series:
1. Playing Games - 4.0 stars
2. The Dating Disaster - 3.5 stars
3. Mr. Romance - 3.0 stars
4. Bet You - 2.0 stars
6. Learning Curve - 3.0 stars
Aw, this was really nice! Ty and Brax had a very sweet and teasing vibe going on, and their chemistry was also really good. Maybe their ‘mean’ banter was a little much at times, but there were definitely still plenty of deep and meaningful moments between them as well.
They truly got each other in a way no one else did, and it was clear how good they were together. That’s also why it might have been a little ridiculous how long they both denied their true feelings, even inside their own heads, but at least they never pretended to truly dislike each other. They always loved each other’s company more than anyone else’s, and they always tried to rile each other up without crossing any lines.
Something else I really liked about their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was that Ty was, in a way, almost chasing Brax. Brax was always “brooding” and was a little more hesitant about giving in to Ty than the other way around, and that part really hit all my buttons. It reminded me a bit of Hostile when it comes to the sunshiny character chasing the grumpy one. It was different from Gray and Rhett, of course, but kinda similar in a way as well.
Anyway, I thought this was a super fun read and I thought the relationship was cute and authentic. I enjoyed this book quite a lot!
'Franklin U' series:
1. Playing Games - 4.0 stars
2. The Dating Disaster - 3.5 stars
3. Mr. Romance - 3.0 stars
4. Bet You - 2.0 stars
6. Learning Curve - 3.0 stars
![Profile Image for Kati *☆･ﾟ [a bit distracted atm].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1651516918i/144158876._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
August 4, 2023
re-listen August 2023
re-listen May 2023
Coming back to one of my favorite comfort audios. Love Brax and Ty so so much. ♡
re-listen October 2022
4.5***** stars
This might not be the greatest romance ever written but I enjoy being with these boys so much, I need to up my rating after they pulled me into their story again for a second time only 4 weeks after the first time. ♡
And somehow I even liked the audio way more this time around. *lol
---- original review ----
4.25**** stars
Gawd, Ty and Brax were adorable. I loved their animosities and teasing in the beginning bc of their misjudgments. And I loved even more watching them getting to know each other better and seeing that they both were so wrong about the other. And their sizzling chemistry was hot as hell.
Their banter was also pretty entertaining. Especially all their mock love declarations. Until they were not meant mocking at all anymore, I guess. *swoon
This was my first Riley Hart book ever and I liked how well carved out these two main character’s personalities were.
side note for the audio: I wasn’t expecting it but J.F. Hardings performance was rather underwhelming, it grew on me throughout the book tho, but I was not impressed.
**********
Franklin U series:
Book #1 - Playing Games - 4.5 stars
Book #3 - Mr. Romance - 3.25 stars
Book #5 - The Glow Up - 3 stars
re-listen May 2023
Coming back to one of my favorite comfort audios. Love Brax and Ty so so much. ♡
re-listen October 2022
4.5***** stars
This might not be the greatest romance ever written but I enjoy being with these boys so much, I need to up my rating after they pulled me into their story again for a second time only 4 weeks after the first time. ♡
And somehow I even liked the audio way more this time around. *lol
---- original review ----
4.25**** stars
Gawd, Ty and Brax were adorable. I loved their animosities and teasing in the beginning bc of their misjudgments. And I loved even more watching them getting to know each other better and seeing that they both were so wrong about the other. And their sizzling chemistry was hot as hell.
“He’s drooling. He says you should hurry.” Brax cocked a brow.
“You’re talking for my cock now?”
“We’re tight, he and I.” I looked down between our bodies at his erection.
“I got your back, buddy. We’ll get you all tucked into your favorite ass in no time.”
“Jesus, you’re ridiculous.”
Their banter was also pretty entertaining. Especially all their mock love declarations. Until they were not meant mocking at all anymore, I guess. *swoon
This was my first Riley Hart book ever and I liked how well carved out these two main character’s personalities were.
side note for the audio: I wasn’t expecting it but J.F. Hardings performance was rather underwhelming, it grew on me throughout the book tho, but I was not impressed.
**********
Franklin U series:
Book #1 - Playing Games - 4.5 stars
Book #3 - Mr. Romance - 3.25 stars
Book #5 - The Glow Up - 3 stars
September 27, 2022
After three years acting like they hate each other, maybe it’s time to leave behind the foreplay and start to acknowledge they might be better as lovers...
“Braxton Walker… do you ever smile?”
() “Tysson Langley, do you ever shut up?”
While Playing Games is not technically an enemies to lovers, it does have its most important feature: the banter. Ty and Brax bicker like an old married couple, are always looking for the other and keep denying any kind of attraction. Although Brax refuses to fall for another jock, when Tysson starts working with him it becomes harder and harder to not shut him up with a kiss…
“Did you miss me?”
“Yeah.” Brax shrugged, and I froze, not expecting that answer. “It was tearing me up inside. I just… don’t know how I’ll ever be happy if you’re not with me every minute of every day. It’s like a piece of my heart-no, all my heart and my lungs and-“
“Shut up.”
This book was the definition of solid fun since the very first chapter. You have the bad boy, the golden player, the ever-present sassy dialogues, some romantic scenes and smut. There were also problems the characters had to deal with on their own, even thought they were always there to support each other or tell them exactly what they don’t want, but need, to hear. I love when the authors add character development as well as romance progression, because it always gives the character more depth while showing how good they are together during difficult moments too.
Probably not very different from other college romance you’ve read before, but still very enjoyable if banter and fun are what you are looking for!
“I know this might come as a surprise to you… I know it does to me, but… you’re kinda sweet.”
I hit him in the face with a pillow. “Take it back.”
↬ Franklin U series:
1. Playing Games: 3.75 stars
2. The Dating Disaster: 3 stars
3. Mr. Romance: 2.5 stars
4. Bet You: 3.5 stars
5. The Glow Up: rtc
“Braxton Walker… do you ever smile?”
() “Tysson Langley, do you ever shut up?”
While Playing Games is not technically an enemies to lovers, it does have its most important feature: the banter. Ty and Brax bicker like an old married couple, are always looking for the other and keep denying any kind of attraction. Although Brax refuses to fall for another jock, when Tysson starts working with him it becomes harder and harder to not shut him up with a kiss…
“Did you miss me?”
“Yeah.” Brax shrugged, and I froze, not expecting that answer. “It was tearing me up inside. I just… don’t know how I’ll ever be happy if you’re not with me every minute of every day. It’s like a piece of my heart-no, all my heart and my lungs and-“
“Shut up.”
This book was the definition of solid fun since the very first chapter. You have the bad boy, the golden player, the ever-present sassy dialogues, some romantic scenes and smut. There were also problems the characters had to deal with on their own, even thought they were always there to support each other or tell them exactly what they don’t want, but need, to hear. I love when the authors add character development as well as romance progression, because it always gives the character more depth while showing how good they are together during difficult moments too.
Probably not very different from other college romance you’ve read before, but still very enjoyable if banter and fun are what you are looking for!
“I know this might come as a surprise to you… I know it does to me, but… you’re kinda sweet.”
I hit him in the face with a pillow. “Take it back.”
↬ Franklin U series:
1. Playing Games: 3.75 stars
2. The Dating Disaster: 3 stars
3. Mr. Romance: 2.5 stars
4. Bet You: 3.5 stars
5. The Glow Up: rtc
August 21, 2022
*** I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Playing Games is the first entry in the Franklin University series. This first entry features a jock/nerd opposites attract where the MC's couldn't be more opposite where they cannot get stand one another, making for great moments filled with sexual tension that simmer underneath every interaction.
Brax and Ty have aspects of their lives that nobody understands and knows. When they both learn about each other's truths their slow-moving relationship finally reaches its tipping point.
When things finally start developing between Brax and Ty they cannot leave the other alone, which was such a great aspect to the story. The genuine connection elevated such steamy moments that is both earnest and honest. Brax and Ty are a pair that are fun to watch because even during their banter-filled conversations you can still tell they have deep feelings for the other.
This was such a great first installment to this series, making me so excited for the next entries.
Playing Games is the first entry in the Franklin University series. This first entry features a jock/nerd opposites attract where the MC's couldn't be more opposite where they cannot get stand one another, making for great moments filled with sexual tension that simmer underneath every interaction.
Brax and Ty have aspects of their lives that nobody understands and knows. When they both learn about each other's truths their slow-moving relationship finally reaches its tipping point.
When things finally start developing between Brax and Ty they cannot leave the other alone, which was such a great aspect to the story. The genuine connection elevated such steamy moments that is both earnest and honest. Brax and Ty are a pair that are fun to watch because even during their banter-filled conversations you can still tell they have deep feelings for the other.
This was such a great first installment to this series, making me so excited for the next entries.
October 6, 2022
4 Stars
This first book in the new multi-author, college-themed M/M series, Franklin U, was a huge hit for me.
Bad-boy bartender, Braxton, is working his arse off to keep a roof over his head and to get his college degree at the local beachside university. He may be attracted to them, but he has no time for entitled jocks like Ty, who, for the past three years, has been Brax’s verbal sparring partner at very possible turn.
They think they hate each other but they sure as hell enjoy riling each other up, aiming to claim the upper hand with every witty retort and snappy remark that passes between them on the regular.
But when Ty’s personal life leads to him taking a job as “dish bitch” at the college bar Brax works at, proximity makes it harder for these two to deny that, behind all the verbal sparring, they’re actually deeply attracted to one another and not sure what to do about it.
Hooking up seems like the best plan, to get it out of there systems and all that hoopla, but sex leads to an emotional intimacy neither is prepared for—but which neither is willing to give up once they’ve had a taste of it.
I enjoyed this so much. I was a bit iffy going in, not sure if the enemies-to-lovers vibe would work for me in this new adult college-setting, but something in the way these two communicated, and eventually shared their vulnerabilities, had me glued to the page and feeling all mushy inside.
Chemistry wise, these two were smoking hot. The opposites-attract dynamic was crafted to perfection, but it was also just so obvious how perfectly they complimented each other, even when they were going full-tilt with the one-upmanship with their brand of banter. Once these two hit the sheets, there was no turning back, and I loved how they embraced the inevitable fall into feelings, even when said feelings were the last thing either wanted or expected.
I should also make note of the great support cast. There were, of course, some rage worthy moments triggered by Brax’s deadbeat brother and Ty’s prick of a father, but those two were well overshadowed by the love and unwavering support provided by Braxton’s epic grandmother and Ty’s hilarious dude-bro friends. The grandma in particular, was a real treat. I found great joy in reading all of her scenes with Brax and then later with Ty.
This was another easy, fun and sexy M/M read by Riley Hart and I look forward to bulldozing my way through this entire series with enthusiasm.
This first book in the new multi-author, college-themed M/M series, Franklin U, was a huge hit for me.
Bad-boy bartender, Braxton, is working his arse off to keep a roof over his head and to get his college degree at the local beachside university. He may be attracted to them, but he has no time for entitled jocks like Ty, who, for the past three years, has been Brax’s verbal sparring partner at very possible turn.
They think they hate each other but they sure as hell enjoy riling each other up, aiming to claim the upper hand with every witty retort and snappy remark that passes between them on the regular.
But when Ty’s personal life leads to him taking a job as “dish bitch” at the college bar Brax works at, proximity makes it harder for these two to deny that, behind all the verbal sparring, they’re actually deeply attracted to one another and not sure what to do about it.
Hooking up seems like the best plan, to get it out of there systems and all that hoopla, but sex leads to an emotional intimacy neither is prepared for—but which neither is willing to give up once they’ve had a taste of it.
I enjoyed this so much. I was a bit iffy going in, not sure if the enemies-to-lovers vibe would work for me in this new adult college-setting, but something in the way these two communicated, and eventually shared their vulnerabilities, had me glued to the page and feeling all mushy inside.
Chemistry wise, these two were smoking hot. The opposites-attract dynamic was crafted to perfection, but it was also just so obvious how perfectly they complimented each other, even when they were going full-tilt with the one-upmanship with their brand of banter. Once these two hit the sheets, there was no turning back, and I loved how they embraced the inevitable fall into feelings, even when said feelings were the last thing either wanted or expected.
I should also make note of the great support cast. There were, of course, some rage worthy moments triggered by Brax’s deadbeat brother and Ty’s prick of a father, but those two were well overshadowed by the love and unwavering support provided by Braxton’s epic grandmother and Ty’s hilarious dude-bro friends. The grandma in particular, was a real treat. I found great joy in reading all of her scenes with Brax and then later with Ty.
This was another easy, fun and sexy M/M read by Riley Hart and I look forward to bulldozing my way through this entire series with enthusiasm.
August 29, 2022
well...i liked the jealous moments and the cuddling but not much else🥱 i love fun banter but this felt so forced to me and got old soooo fast. i should have dnfed early on because i was over the banter so early but i am a riley hart fan so i persevered!!!! this book just annoyed me. so much. i don’t hate it but im glad to be done with it lmao. i also kept reading because bad boy x jock is an elite pairing that i need more of. please leave recs below if you can, thank youuu💘 hopefully the next books aren’t as much a snooze fest as this one😴😶
August 27, 2022
There are times when I get a real soft spot for the characters and their story (that’s why I’m rounding up) but the storytelling could use some tightening. This is one of those times. For 255 pages it felt much longer than that due to repetitive dialogue and scenes. It felt like going in circles a little bit up until the halfway point. Second half of the book flows much smoother.
That said, there were many cute and sweet moments between Braxton and Tyson who say they “don’t like/hate” each other and it was satisfying watching their transition into caring for and ultimately loving each other. I actually felt it, you know?
And I’m always a sucker for the wears all black, leather jacket wearing, motorcycle riding, dark haired, brooding bad boy with the rich, outgoing, preppy jock that underneath it all has some actual depth character archetypes.
So what do we have here:
-biting
-sex in public places
-dads behaving badly
-all knowing granny character
-bad boy with a heart of gold
-jocks
-cuddling with the boy I hate
-opposites attract
-no angst or unnecessary drama
Looking forward to more books in the FU universe.
That said, there were many cute and sweet moments between Braxton and Tyson who say they “don’t like/hate” each other and it was satisfying watching their transition into caring for and ultimately loving each other. I actually felt it, you know?
And I’m always a sucker for the wears all black, leather jacket wearing, motorcycle riding, dark haired, brooding bad boy with the rich, outgoing, preppy jock that underneath it all has some actual depth character archetypes.
So what do we have here:
-biting
-sex in public places
-dads behaving badly
-all knowing granny character
-bad boy with a heart of gold
-jocks
-cuddling with the boy I hate
-opposites attract
-no angst or unnecessary drama
Looking forward to more books in the FU universe.
September 17, 2022
Audio - 5 ++++ Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
I'm not understanding the banter rabbit hole so many authors are falling into these days. It's really annoying. And let me not get into the constant mention of dicks chubing up. Do we really need it repeat so. many. times?????
Thankfully JF Harding made it tolerable enough for me to get to the good emotional parts towards the end.
Story - 3.5 Stars
I'm not understanding the banter rabbit hole so many authors are falling into these days. It's really annoying. And let me not get into the constant mention of dicks chubing up. Do we really need it repeat so. many. times?????
Thankfully JF Harding made it tolerable enough for me to get to the good emotional parts towards the end.
September 3, 2022
New adult/college romance is hit or miss for me. I typically prefer older MCs, but, just like IRL, it's less about age and more about maturity level.
Unfortunately, Braxton and Ty were not particularly mature. The "I hate you" banter got very old, very quickly.
I wanted to DNF multiple times and finally started skimming around the halfway mark. I was bored and frustrated with the story, which was snail paced with a barely there HFN.
My subjective rating is closer to 2 stars, but I realize that's more on me than the author, so 3 stars seems fair.
After all, I just rated Riley Hart's Only for the Weekend 5 stars. This book didn't work for me, which doesn't mean it won't work for you.
I'm not giving up on this multi-author series yet.
Unfortunately, Braxton and Ty were not particularly mature. The "I hate you" banter got very old, very quickly.
I wanted to DNF multiple times and finally started skimming around the halfway mark. I was bored and frustrated with the story, which was snail paced with a barely there HFN.
My subjective rating is closer to 2 stars, but I realize that's more on me than the author, so 3 stars seems fair.
After all, I just rated Riley Hart's Only for the Weekend 5 stars. This book didn't work for me, which doesn't mean it won't work for you.
I'm not giving up on this multi-author series yet.
September 8, 2022
***3.75 rating***
“You’re not gonna lose me, Lacrosse. I went and did something stupid and fell in love with you too.”
Surprisingly I liked this. With Riley Hart it is either a miss or hit, this was somewhere in between. I found Braxton and Tyson to be positively adorable.
Unlike other RH's books where there is constant family meddling, in this book I liked the family dynamics, especially Braxton with his grandma and Tyson with his mom.
There are cliched stereotypes about hot jocks and nerds in this book but it didn't really bother me. I liked this book for what it was, a cute fluffy light read.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
“You’re not gonna lose me, Lacrosse. I went and did something stupid and fell in love with you too.”
Surprisingly I liked this. With Riley Hart it is either a miss or hit, this was somewhere in between. I found Braxton and Tyson to be positively adorable.
Unlike other RH's books where there is constant family meddling, in this book I liked the family dynamics, especially Braxton with his grandma and Tyson with his mom.
There are cliched stereotypes about hot jocks and nerds in this book but it didn't really bother me. I liked this book for what it was, a cute fluffy light read.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
August 19, 2022
4.25 dude-bro stars…
Swoon /5 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Angst /5 🥺🥺🥺
Steam /5 ♨️♨️♨️♨️
Plot /5 🧐🧐🧐🧐
LOLs /5 🤭🤭🤭🤭
What a fun start to the new FU series (Franklin University, not the other F.U hahaha), bringing together a great collection of light & fun MM romance writers, starting with this by Riley Hart.
Ty & Brax start with an antagonistic enemy-type vibe, with lots of semi-joking, kinda-enemy bro-dude banter. Enemies-to-lovers isn’t my favourite trope, but you soon realise that behind all the snarky comments, these two have kind hearts & romantic souls (no matter how gross they profess that to be).
Like many college books, the connection between these two starts with a convenient hookup. Soon, they’re seeking each other out more & more, and the “I hate you but I wanna f@ck you” banter turns into “I think you’re OK”, until they find themselves actually enjoying each others’ company without the s3x. As they help each other cope with background life dramas, they become more swoony, affectionate & sensual, culminating in one of the sexiest scenes I’ve read lately involving kissing & “shotgunning” weed while in bed (yes, I know, DRUG USE, but gahhhhh it was SOOOO SEXY!!). I loved how they fell in love, despite not wanting to or thinking they would, but it ended up natural and didn’t feel fake. Riley managed to walk a line that still made you feel the swoon, without it being unrealistic behaviour for college boys in love.
And I surprisingly have a bit of a book hangover, because I really felt for these boys by the end, which I didn’t expect!
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series, and we only have a week to wait in between releases! Yay!!
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Facebook, and Bookbub, all under the same name! I gratefully received an advance copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
Swoon /5 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Angst /5 🥺🥺🥺
Steam /5 ♨️♨️♨️♨️
Plot /5 🧐🧐🧐🧐
LOLs /5 🤭🤭🤭🤭
What a fun start to the new FU series (Franklin University, not the other F.U hahaha), bringing together a great collection of light & fun MM romance writers, starting with this by Riley Hart.
Ty & Brax start with an antagonistic enemy-type vibe, with lots of semi-joking, kinda-enemy bro-dude banter. Enemies-to-lovers isn’t my favourite trope, but you soon realise that behind all the snarky comments, these two have kind hearts & romantic souls (no matter how gross they profess that to be).
Like many college books, the connection between these two starts with a convenient hookup. Soon, they’re seeking each other out more & more, and the “I hate you but I wanna f@ck you” banter turns into “I think you’re OK”, until they find themselves actually enjoying each others’ company without the s3x. As they help each other cope with background life dramas, they become more swoony, affectionate & sensual, culminating in one of the sexiest scenes I’ve read lately involving kissing & “shotgunning” weed while in bed (yes, I know, DRUG USE, but gahhhhh it was SOOOO SEXY!!). I loved how they fell in love, despite not wanting to or thinking they would, but it ended up natural and didn’t feel fake. Riley managed to walk a line that still made you feel the swoon, without it being unrealistic behaviour for college boys in love.
And I surprisingly have a bit of a book hangover, because I really felt for these boys by the end, which I didn’t expect!
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series, and we only have a week to wait in between releases! Yay!!
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Facebook, and Bookbub, all under the same name! I gratefully received an advance copy from GRR and this is my honest review.
December 23, 2022
MM Romance
Grumpy/Sunshine Frenemies
3 Stars ⭐️
A To Z Book Title Challenge: P
Before I review this, can we discuss this cover model please? If I’m going to have to see him again and again on my book covers, could we please get him a new jacket and/or hair style? I can think of at least 2 other books off the top of my head (I’m sure there are more though) he’s on the cover of, looking just like this.
Although, maybe it’s fitting that this model is used quite often because so is this plot line. I love Riley Hart but this book feels recycled just like when I read her & Neve Wilder’s ‘Rookie Move’ earlier this year. Where is the Riley Hart who made me swoon reading ‘The Endgame’? She usually has so much heart in her books but this was just dick talk, blow jobs and boners. Yah ok they are guys in their 20s but why is it so predictable? The rich one always has daddy issues or his dad expects him to takeover some shitty company one day that he never wants. Then there’s the nerd or in this case the pseudo bad boy who grew up poor but somehow loves the major the rich jock guy wants nothing to do with so he’ll get along great with the shitty dad and everything will be smoothed over at the end. I’ve liked a lot of books with this plot line but this one was just forgettable.
However there were some things I did like. I liked how it was lacrosse as the sport and not football, baseball, hockey etc. because that’s a sport we don’t see. I liked the banter between them and how they fell in love giving each shit. I liked how natural their relationship felt even at the beginning and their nicknames for each other. I could have lived without their stupid fight at 90% but at least there were no breakups. I also wouldn’t mind a book about Asher in the future because that could be a great redemption story. I also liked how both boys were out and proud and I loved Grandma Matilda.
The only other one I’m even remotely interested in reading in this series is ‘The Glow up’ but I dont know if it’s worth my time. I actually liked Felix in this but I hated the sample for that book so 🤷🏻♀️
Grumpy/Sunshine Frenemies
3 Stars ⭐️
A To Z Book Title Challenge: P
Before I review this, can we discuss this cover model please? If I’m going to have to see him again and again on my book covers, could we please get him a new jacket and/or hair style? I can think of at least 2 other books off the top of my head (I’m sure there are more though) he’s on the cover of, looking just like this.
Although, maybe it’s fitting that this model is used quite often because so is this plot line. I love Riley Hart but this book feels recycled just like when I read her & Neve Wilder’s ‘Rookie Move’ earlier this year. Where is the Riley Hart who made me swoon reading ‘The Endgame’? She usually has so much heart in her books but this was just dick talk, blow jobs and boners. Yah ok they are guys in their 20s but why is it so predictable? The rich one always has daddy issues or his dad expects him to takeover some shitty company one day that he never wants. Then there’s the nerd or in this case the pseudo bad boy who grew up poor but somehow loves the major the rich jock guy wants nothing to do with so he’ll get along great with the shitty dad and everything will be smoothed over at the end. I’ve liked a lot of books with this plot line but this one was just forgettable.
However there were some things I did like. I liked how it was lacrosse as the sport and not football, baseball, hockey etc. because that’s a sport we don’t see. I liked the banter between them and how they fell in love giving each shit. I liked how natural their relationship felt even at the beginning and their nicknames for each other. I could have lived without their stupid fight at 90% but at least there were no breakups. I also wouldn’t mind a book about Asher in the future because that could be a great redemption story. I also liked how both boys were out and proud and I loved Grandma Matilda.
The only other one I’m even remotely interested in reading in this series is ‘The Glow up’ but I dont know if it’s worth my time. I actually liked Felix in this but I hated the sample for that book so 🤷🏻♀️
July 9, 2023
Sweet and low drama grumpy/sunshine nerd/jock romance
On one side of the ring we have THE NERD , Braxton. He’s handsome (because of course he is), wears a lot of black, rides a motorcycle and his father is in prison. And he’s the grump in this story, especially when it comes to THE JOCK , Tyson. Tyson plays lacrosse in the college they both attend, and they both plan to graduate in computer sciences.
I loved the playfulness between them, and the verbal sparring that didn’t cease even when they finally became a couple. And I loved that we didn’t have to deal with any manufactured breakup drama, seeing as both of them had their share of growing up to do (they’re 21, but we all know that that doesn’t mean you’re an adult, especially when it comes to standing up to your family).
I listened to the audio narrated by J.F. Harding, and while he did a well enough job, I had trouble keeping his “voices” apart. And somehow I never forgot that there’s someone reading me a book, if you know what I mean. Exceptionally good narrators make you forget about that, they become one with the characters and the only thing in your head is the character currently speaking. I’m not sure if you understand what I want to say tbh 😂 it’s very subjective. Let’s just agree that the narration was a 4/5, not a 5+++++/5.
All in all a highly enjoyable, and occasionally very hot book. I loved them as a couple and can’t wait for their cameo appearances in the following books.
On one side of the ring we have THE NERD , Braxton. He’s handsome (because of course he is), wears a lot of black, rides a motorcycle and his father is in prison. And he’s the grump in this story, especially when it comes to THE JOCK , Tyson. Tyson plays lacrosse in the college they both attend, and they both plan to graduate in computer sciences.
I loved the playfulness between them, and the verbal sparring that didn’t cease even when they finally became a couple. And I loved that we didn’t have to deal with any manufactured breakup drama, seeing as both of them had their share of growing up to do (they’re 21, but we all know that that doesn’t mean you’re an adult, especially when it comes to standing up to your family).
I listened to the audio narrated by J.F. Harding, and while he did a well enough job, I had trouble keeping his “voices” apart. And somehow I never forgot that there’s someone reading me a book, if you know what I mean. Exceptionally good narrators make you forget about that, they become one with the characters and the only thing in your head is the character currently speaking. I’m not sure if you understand what I want to say tbh 😂 it’s very subjective. Let’s just agree that the narration was a 4/5, not a 5+++++/5.
All in all a highly enjoyable, and occasionally very hot book. I loved them as a couple and can’t wait for their cameo appearances in the following books.
May 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐
- frenemies-to-lovers
- coworkers
- opposites attract
- grumpy x sunshine
Tyson Langley is a spoiled rich boy, star lacrosse player, and the absolute bane of Brax Walker’s existence, but why can’t he resist him?
The banter and hate flirting between Ty & Brax is 👌🏻, their chemistry is through the roof, and the steam between them!!! *swoon* I love their relationship so much tbh.
Can’t wait for more of the Franklin U series, hope it stays as good as this one is!
- frenemies-to-lovers
- coworkers
- opposites attract
- grumpy x sunshine
Tyson Langley is a spoiled rich boy, star lacrosse player, and the absolute bane of Brax Walker’s existence, but why can’t he resist him?
The banter and hate flirting between Ty & Brax is 👌🏻, their chemistry is through the roof, and the steam between them!!! *swoon* I love their relationship so much tbh.
Can’t wait for more of the Franklin U series, hope it stays as good as this one is!
September 6, 2022
i don't feel anything about this book at all. i mean do i like these characters? no. do i hate these characters? no. do i still think that i should've chosen a better read? hell yes. i don't mind recycled storylines but if you choose to go down that route make sure both your story and characters will own it. and this wasn't that. internally, i was just okay-ing with a straight face everything from start to finish. frenemies who secretly bang each other? okay. said frenemies having toxic parents? okay. the sex? okay. this whole ass story feels carbon copy-ish to me. coming up with something exciting is very hard these days huh.
August 26, 2022
So lovely how Brax keeps being grumpy but wants to be called "Sunshine".
Nice couple
Nice couple
October 10, 2022
Well written and entertaining as hell. RH really did her thing with this one.
5 stars
5 stars
October 26, 2022
História descontraída com 2 protagonistas quentes de língua afiada 😂😂😂 Tanta zoação um para o outro que deu em love ( tem certos clichês que adoro).
August 27, 2022
i shiver every time i pick up a riley hart’s book because i either love them or hate them, there’s no middle ground.
i am very pleased to say that i absolutely, totally, completely loved this.
the story is good, the plot works and this is kind of a slow burn but it doesn’t feel like a slow burn. i never got frustrated because they weren’t together. this gave riley so many points.
ty is a dumbass jock, but a good dumbass jock, if you know what i mean. he had to work though his issues and it was wonderful to see him grow.
brax is a grumpy with the biggest heart and i don’t think i need to say anything else about him because that’s enough to love him.
i honestly can’t wait for saxon’s book.
i am very pleased to say that i absolutely, totally, completely loved this.
the story is good, the plot works and this is kind of a slow burn but it doesn’t feel like a slow burn. i never got frustrated because they weren’t together. this gave riley so many points.
ty is a dumbass jock, but a good dumbass jock, if you know what i mean. he had to work though his issues and it was wonderful to see him grow.
brax is a grumpy with the biggest heart and i don’t think i need to say anything else about him because that’s enough to love him.
i honestly can’t wait for saxon’s book.
September 21, 2022
I was very excited to read this book and it turned out to be everything I wanted it to be. This was just so enjoyable to read and I would gladly take many more books just like this one, due to how much I enjoyed this one.
One of my favourite set up in books is a rivals to lovers where they don’t really like each other at first but they just cannot help but want each other regardless of that. It was the case in this book and I very much enjoyed reading all about it. Also, this lead to a lot of push and pull due to how attracted to each other they were and that was just so enjoyable for me to read.
Also, i’m always a massive fan of any opposite attract story, expecially when it’s grumpy/sunshine, so that really helped selling me to this book. I just adored how they were different from each other but yet complimented each other absolutely perfectly.
Also, banter is my favourite thing in books and I really loved the one in this book, it was just so fun to read.
The romance in this book was very cute and super sweet to read and I loved reading all about it. I just had the best of time reading about these two guys falling in love. It truly was a super fun reading experience and I would love to have many more just like it.
*I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion*
One of my favourite set up in books is a rivals to lovers where they don’t really like each other at first but they just cannot help but want each other regardless of that. It was the case in this book and I very much enjoyed reading all about it. Also, this lead to a lot of push and pull due to how attracted to each other they were and that was just so enjoyable for me to read.
Also, i’m always a massive fan of any opposite attract story, expecially when it’s grumpy/sunshine, so that really helped selling me to this book. I just adored how they were different from each other but yet complimented each other absolutely perfectly.
Also, banter is my favourite thing in books and I really loved the one in this book, it was just so fun to read.
The romance in this book was very cute and super sweet to read and I loved reading all about it. I just had the best of time reading about these two guys falling in love. It truly was a super fun reading experience and I would love to have many more just like it.
*I received an arc of this book and this is my honest opinion*
December 5, 2023
the jock x bad boy will always be superior 😩😩
this was basically perfect in my eyes. so much fluff and feel good vibes. so fucking sweet and romantic. plus the jealousy moments 🤭🤭🤭
it’s been a while since i’ve smiled so much at a book. i’m really happy i decided to read this. i had heart eyes the whole time. 🥹
this was basically perfect in my eyes. so much fluff and feel good vibes. so fucking sweet and romantic. plus the jealousy moments 🤭🤭🤭
it’s been a while since i’ve smiled so much at a book. i’m really happy i decided to read this. i had heart eyes the whole time. 🥹
August 27, 2022
4.5 stars - Before I can say anything else, I have to get this out - the scenes where they were shotgunning weed were so freaking hot. I've seen this sentiment in other reviews, but I felt the need to reiterate it because...WOW. That put all of the recent Ghost pottery scene reenactments to absolute shame. I'm still fanning myself.
I really enjoyed this first installment of the Franklin U series. I've always thought Riley Hart excelled at writing younger men and this book was a testament to that. The flirty love/hate, I want you but I don't want to want you banter between Braxton and Tyson was so much fun. I especially loved it when Braxton would tease Tyson with over the top declarations. The meta-ness (is that a word?) of those moments were not lost on me, considering this author tends to make her characters mushy enough to give me cavities at times.
There was so much to love about this book - Tyson's friends, Braxton's grandma, the way Tyson wanted to impress Braxton, the way Braxton supported Tyson and made him feel safe, the way they took care of each other and how they were so sweet that it was gross. The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read for me was the repetitive inner monologuing. They asked themselves a lot of questions about why they were doing, saying, feeling things and after awhile it got to be a bit much, but that was honestly my only complaint. Everything else about it was either absolutely adorable or deliciously sexy.
The quick glimpses and mentions of other upcoming MC's in the series made me even more excited about it. This lineup of authors makes me feel like Christmas came early and now I can't wait for next Thursday to see if Felix gets his Marshmallow for good.
I really enjoyed this first installment of the Franklin U series. I've always thought Riley Hart excelled at writing younger men and this book was a testament to that. The flirty love/hate, I want you but I don't want to want you banter between Braxton and Tyson was so much fun. I especially loved it when Braxton would tease Tyson with over the top declarations. The meta-ness (is that a word?) of those moments were not lost on me, considering this author tends to make her characters mushy enough to give me cavities at times.
There was so much to love about this book - Tyson's friends, Braxton's grandma, the way Tyson wanted to impress Braxton, the way Braxton supported Tyson and made him feel safe, the way they took care of each other and how they were so sweet that it was gross. The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read for me was the repetitive inner monologuing. They asked themselves a lot of questions about why they were doing, saying, feeling things and after awhile it got to be a bit much, but that was honestly my only complaint. Everything else about it was either absolutely adorable or deliciously sexy.
The quick glimpses and mentions of other upcoming MC's in the series made me even more excited about it. This lineup of authors makes me feel like Christmas came early and now I can't wait for next Thursday to see if Felix gets his Marshmallow for good.
September 16, 2022
This was a funny and light read - maybe a little too fluffy, but I still enjoyed it.
✅ THE BANTER was seriously top-notch in this. It was like enemies-to-lovers on steroids (even though they weren't really "enemies") and constant flirting/sexual tension. If you're looking for something with a ton of banter then this is definitely it!
❌ ONE THING THAT wasn't my favorite was the almost constant dirty-talk. On one hand, it was funny because they were seriously so blunt about what they wanted to do to each other, but it was almost constant throughout the entire book and just a bit too much for what I enjoy.
🆗 GIVEN HOW MUCH dirty talking they did, it's not a surprise that this book was also pretty smutty. I think it worked because from the very beginning they were both super infatuated with each other so it was true to that storyline, but after a while it got a little repetitive.
✅ I LIKED HOW both Brax and Ty had their own problems that they needed to work through. I liked both of their side stories and I liked how they were resolved.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you like m/m romance and just want a smutty and funny read that is quick and you can easily finish in one setting (this book isn't even 300 pages long).
✅ THE BANTER was seriously top-notch in this. It was like enemies-to-lovers on steroids (even though they weren't really "enemies") and constant flirting/sexual tension. If you're looking for something with a ton of banter then this is definitely it!
❌ ONE THING THAT wasn't my favorite was the almost constant dirty-talk. On one hand, it was funny because they were seriously so blunt about what they wanted to do to each other, but it was almost constant throughout the entire book and just a bit too much for what I enjoy.
🆗 GIVEN HOW MUCH dirty talking they did, it's not a surprise that this book was also pretty smutty. I think it worked because from the very beginning they were both super infatuated with each other so it was true to that storyline, but after a while it got a little repetitive.
✅ I LIKED HOW both Brax and Ty had their own problems that they needed to work through. I liked both of their side stories and I liked how they were resolved.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you like m/m romance and just want a smutty and funny read that is quick and you can easily finish in one setting (this book isn't even 300 pages long).
September 7, 2022
4.5 Stars! ❤️🤩 Loved this enemies-to-lovers, sassy and fun story. Brax and Ty were aahmaaazing MCs 💕.. and I really loved their banter and how they gradually developed feelings and still remained true to their different personalities. I also loved the supporting characters and some of the realism in the plot. Normally such college-going-frat-boy-dude-bro type stories are not my cup of tea. But sometimes a good book like this comes along that gives me all the feels along with the laughs💘
Highly recommended!! 👍 👍
Highly recommended!! 👍 👍
January 2, 2023
The banter in this book was a bit over the top sometimes, but aside from that I really enjoyed it. Ty and Brax make a cute couple!
------------------------------------
This book had me at spoiled jock and bad boy with a leather jacket and a scowl ✌🏻
#mystandardsarelow #sorrynotsorry
------------------------------------
This book had me at spoiled jock and bad boy with a leather jacket and a scowl ✌🏻
#mystandardsarelow #sorrynotsorry
September 8, 2022
I loved this one. The only reason I can't give it five full stars is the rushed ending.
Edit:
I changed my mind. This is totally a five star read.
Edit:
I changed my mind. This is totally a five star read.
September 9, 2022
4-4.5 stars
Audio with JF Harding was fabulous!
Okay I was hesitant to go in to this book but I am so glad I gave this a chance. This just hit all the right notes for me and I loved it.
Yes there was something missing to make it a 5 star read but even with that I very much enjoyed the first installment of Franklin U!
(Broody) Brax and (Jock) Ty you two are true enemies-frienemies-lovers and I loved it!
Nervous to read the second book cause I have read mixed reviews but I might give it a shot
Audio with JF Harding was fabulous!
Okay I was hesitant to go in to this book but I am so glad I gave this a chance. This just hit all the right notes for me and I loved it.
Yes there was something missing to make it a 5 star read but even with that I very much enjoyed the first installment of Franklin U!
(Broody) Brax and (Jock) Ty you two are true enemies-frienemies-lovers and I loved it!
Nervous to read the second book cause I have read mixed reviews but I might give it a shot
September 3, 2022
I'm always so up and down with a Riley Hart read. I'm either loving it, disliking it, or just kind of "meh" about it all.
Man do I love when I love a Riley Hart read, because when she gets it right, she gets it right. That was no different with Braxton and Tyson, two college boys who don't start off on quite the right foot, but it's only so easy for them to fall deeply in love with each other.
I just loved these two from the very beginning, their chemistry was amazing from the start.
There isn't much "hate" in the love-hate of this all, and it does go away pretty quickly between these two, but I found I didn't mind that in this, because their connection was just so good and it felt so natural and seamless to me.
There isn't too much angst in this, but there is just enough to make interesting, and the plot just flowed so well with the progression of their relationship and kept me invested from start to finish.
Braxton and Ty are seemingly from opposing sides of the class structure. Braxton has come from a poor family, with a criminal father who made him participate in crimes, and an older brother who seems to be headed in that direction and treats Braxton like crap.
Ty is from a rich family, is having his college paid for while Braxton is going on scholarships, basically.
But they're more alike than they know. As Ty has recently learned that the father he idolized had a son a year after him and he never knew until recently. Neither did the brother who his father basically abandoned.
He also has a new baby mama and a Ty also has a baby sister who is only a few years old, who his father has now left his mother for.
His father....isn't so great, and he puts a lot of pressure on Ty to do what he wants, now what Ty wants to do, and he is an FU alumni, so he can just call Ty's lacrosse coach and get all up in his business that way if Ty is refusing to talk to him.
Braxton's father is in jail for armed robbery, so pretty much shitty fathers abound in this book. In different ways, but still, in the end, they're both shitty.
Braxton doesn't like Ty at first because he sees him as just a spoiled rich kid who is too full of himself, and he might remind him a little too much of a high school "boyfriend" he had, who played sports but who treated him like shit.
But Ty never really has a real problem with Braxton, he just enjoys their banter and back and forth, and enjoys when Braxton is an asshole - because it's all surface, he's not truly an asshole, ya know?
But as they get to know each other, Braxton starts to see Ty for who he really is, and Braxton starts to let down his walls, the more he gets to know Ty.
I just absolutely loved their chemistry, the sex was actually hot - this author is always touch and go with sex scenes. Sometimes they manage some steam, some times really well, but a lot of them time they're very "meh" - and the book took it's time to make these two gain a connection and show them really falling in love with each other.
Seeing Ty being able to make Braxton smile and laugh as he rarely does as a "brooding bad boy" whose not actually a "bad boy" and is just a brooding softie underneath the bravado. Seeing Ty melt around Braxton as he shows his real self and does selfless, sweet things for him.
They just connected so well, and these two just worked at every angle. I absolutely adored them.
There are very very tiny things that could have been expanded on, like Braxton's brother's progress towards getting better in the epilogue, and Ty's developing relationship with his dad near the end in the epilogue, but they weren't that big a deal to me that I felt it was detrimental to the overall story, so I felt no need to give anything off for those very very tiny niggles.
So yes, I absolutely adored this, and can't wait for the next book in this series by Saxon James.
This was a very strong opening act, that's for sure, and I HIGHLY recommend this! 🥰😍😘
Man do I love when I love a Riley Hart read, because when she gets it right, she gets it right. That was no different with Braxton and Tyson, two college boys who don't start off on quite the right foot, but it's only so easy for them to fall deeply in love with each other.
I just loved these two from the very beginning, their chemistry was amazing from the start.
There isn't much "hate" in the love-hate of this all, and it does go away pretty quickly between these two, but I found I didn't mind that in this, because their connection was just so good and it felt so natural and seamless to me.
There isn't too much angst in this, but there is just enough to make interesting, and the plot just flowed so well with the progression of their relationship and kept me invested from start to finish.
Braxton and Ty are seemingly from opposing sides of the class structure. Braxton has come from a poor family, with a criminal father who made him participate in crimes, and an older brother who seems to be headed in that direction and treats Braxton like crap.
Ty is from a rich family, is having his college paid for while Braxton is going on scholarships, basically.
But they're more alike than they know. As Ty has recently learned that the father he idolized had a son a year after him and he never knew until recently. Neither did the brother who his father basically abandoned.
He also has a new baby mama and a Ty also has a baby sister who is only a few years old, who his father has now left his mother for.
His father....isn't so great, and he puts a lot of pressure on Ty to do what he wants, now what Ty wants to do, and he is an FU alumni, so he can just call Ty's lacrosse coach and get all up in his business that way if Ty is refusing to talk to him.
Braxton's father is in jail for armed robbery, so pretty much shitty fathers abound in this book. In different ways, but still, in the end, they're both shitty.
Braxton doesn't like Ty at first because he sees him as just a spoiled rich kid who is too full of himself, and he might remind him a little too much of a high school "boyfriend" he had, who played sports but who treated him like shit.
But Ty never really has a real problem with Braxton, he just enjoys their banter and back and forth, and enjoys when Braxton is an asshole - because it's all surface, he's not truly an asshole, ya know?
But as they get to know each other, Braxton starts to see Ty for who he really is, and Braxton starts to let down his walls, the more he gets to know Ty.
I just absolutely loved their chemistry, the sex was actually hot - this author is always touch and go with sex scenes. Sometimes they manage some steam, some times really well, but a lot of them time they're very "meh" - and the book took it's time to make these two gain a connection and show them really falling in love with each other.
Seeing Ty being able to make Braxton smile and laugh as he rarely does as a "brooding bad boy" whose not actually a "bad boy" and is just a brooding softie underneath the bravado. Seeing Ty melt around Braxton as he shows his real self and does selfless, sweet things for him.
They just connected so well, and these two just worked at every angle. I absolutely adored them.
There are very very tiny things that could have been expanded on, like Braxton's brother's progress towards getting better in the epilogue, and Ty's developing relationship with his dad near the end in the epilogue, but they weren't that big a deal to me that I felt it was detrimental to the overall story, so I felt no need to give anything off for those very very tiny niggles.
So yes, I absolutely adored this, and can't wait for the next book in this series by Saxon James.
This was a very strong opening act, that's for sure, and I HIGHLY recommend this! 🥰😍😘
September 19, 2022
Loved it ❣️
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