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Leighton U #3
Fair Catch
Taking in Kason Fuller as roommate is meant to be a favor; one I regret immediately.
The bumbling, virgin football player drives me to the brink of sanity, stealing my food, my sleep, my peace and solitude. My solution? Call a ceasefire. Get him out on dates and out of my hair. Yet as our truce shifts, I realize there’s a depth to this connection unlike any I’ve felt before. It turns out, I don’t mind his presence. I crave it, along with every morsel I learn about him. But falling for the guy from the wrong side of the tracks wasn’t in the cards. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Now, I’m at a crossroads between the life I thought I’d have, or risking everything to catch him.
The bumbling, virgin football player drives me to the brink of sanity, stealing my food, my sleep, my peace and solitude. My solution? Call a ceasefire. Get him out on dates and out of my hair. Yet as our truce shifts, I realize there’s a depth to this connection unlike any I’ve felt before. It turns out, I don’t mind his presence. I crave it, along with every morsel I learn about him. But falling for the guy from the wrong side of the tracks wasn’t in the cards. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Now, I’m at a crossroads between the life I thought I’d have, or risking everything to catch him.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2024
About the author
C.E. Ricci
15 books3,474 followersCE Ricci is an international best-selling author who enjoys plenty of things in her free time, but writing about herself in the third person isn’t one of them. She believes home isn’t a place, but a feeling, and it’s one she gets when she’s chilling lakeside or on hiking trails with her dogs, camera in hand. She’s addicted to all things photography, plants, peaks, puppies, and paperbacks, though not necessarily in that order. Music is her love language, and traveling the country (and world) is the way she chooses to find most of her inspiration for whatever epic love story she will tell next!
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
CE Ricci is represented by Two Daisy Media.
For all subsidiary rights, please contact Savannah Greenwell: info@twodaisy.com
Join CE Ricci's reader group here!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/wreck...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 502 reviews
September 2, 2024
i can’t think of anything more fucking STUPID than another uninspired ‘parents blackmail son’s boyfriend to break up with him’ 3rd act bullshit…..except for maybe when the blackmailed boyfriend, kason, spills the beans that same night and tells hayes all about how his parents gave him a check for 20 thou to fuck off and when that didn’t work, they threatened to cut hayes off from his inheritance money, and both hayes and kason agreed they didn’t want to end it BUT THEY FUCKING ENDED IT ANYWAY?????? KILL ME PLS🫠🫠🫠 urrrggghhh i really thought for a split second that kason telling hayes about being blackmailed was gonna derail a possible break up sitch, and that kason wouldn’t silently martyr himself, and that maybe the 3rd act wasn’t gonna be dumb af. delusional thinking ig🙄
like wtf reason do they even have to be breaking up when hayes was like we can just pretend to break up and sneak around until graduation and then we’ll figure out a plan in the meantime…..like u dumb dicks had the answer right in the palms of ur hands, it came from ur own stupid mouths, it was RIGHT THERE, and yet i’m still subjected to a 3rd act break up????😒😒😒 should’ve known better bc it’s c.e. ricci but still, WTF!!! like y’all had time to sit down and discuss ur options and your futures and what would be the best choice for both of you TOGETHER, you had time to come up with a plan, but instead kason just up and moves out a day or two later and blocks hayes’s number and hayes just lets him get away with that🙄 most contrived bullshit ever!!!!!
and this is on top of me suffering thru what i already thought was the most BLAND and BORING and going-thru-the-motions and anti-feels inducing couple, like they were so meh, i just felt the need to skim all the time. like literally started feeling the urge to skim in the FIRST part of the fucking book bc their goddamn arguing was so childish and annoying. i didn’t feel a damn thing for these two as individuals or as a couple. they felt soulless. makes me wanna never read another c.e. ricci book again.
like wtf reason do they even have to be breaking up when hayes was like we can just pretend to break up and sneak around until graduation and then we’ll figure out a plan in the meantime…..like u dumb dicks had the answer right in the palms of ur hands, it came from ur own stupid mouths, it was RIGHT THERE, and yet i’m still subjected to a 3rd act break up????😒😒😒 should’ve known better bc it’s c.e. ricci but still, WTF!!! like y’all had time to sit down and discuss ur options and your futures and what would be the best choice for both of you TOGETHER, you had time to come up with a plan, but instead kason just up and moves out a day or two later and blocks hayes’s number and hayes just lets him get away with that🙄 most contrived bullshit ever!!!!!
and this is on top of me suffering thru what i already thought was the most BLAND and BORING and going-thru-the-motions and anti-feels inducing couple, like they were so meh, i just felt the need to skim all the time. like literally started feeling the urge to skim in the FIRST part of the fucking book bc their goddamn arguing was so childish and annoying. i didn’t feel a damn thing for these two as individuals or as a couple. they felt soulless. makes me wanna never read another c.e. ricci book again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
so cute and boring ✨
August 28, 2024
It's been a hot minute since I've been THIS invested in a book, and I devoured all 402 pages in one sitting. I didn't know what to expect going into this book, but Kason and Hayes are everything, and I will die on that hill.
With the way things ended in Caught Stealing, Kason needs to find somewhere else to live. Enter Hayes - Quinton's nerdy best friend, who offers his spare room as a favour to Q. The two get off to a (hilariously) rocky start as roommates, but soon develop a connection that blooms into a sexy cute-fest, that is honestly one of the most wholesome relationships in Chelsea's literary universe.
If there's one thing I love in books it's banter, and this book delivers it in spades. Kase and Hazey had me laughing out loud more times than I could count, and their story brought me so much joy (well, until it didn't...). The characters have amazing chemistry, and I love that we got to see their relationship develop independent of sex. Although there is a fair amount of spice in the book, I loved that their connection came first.
The demisexual representation in Hayes' character was on point. No lie, he has me questioning whether I am also on the demi scale, because everything about him feels so relatable, and I love how Chelsea has taken the time to explain his experience and how it relates to his dating life so eloquently.
Although Kason and Hayes have their ups and downs, this story feels much lighter and less angsty than most of CE Ricci's other books. If you're a fan of Don't You Dare like I am, then I think you will absolutely love this one. And if you're a Kason hater from the previous book: first of all, how dare you, and second of all, you can't help but love him in this one. He really is the most lovable klutz and he deserves the world, as does Hayes. THEY ARE PERFECT.
To conclude, this book was so much more than I ever expected, and I will never look at popcorn the same way again.
With the way things ended in Caught Stealing, Kason needs to find somewhere else to live. Enter Hayes - Quinton's nerdy best friend, who offers his spare room as a favour to Q. The two get off to a (hilariously) rocky start as roommates, but soon develop a connection that blooms into a sexy cute-fest, that is honestly one of the most wholesome relationships in Chelsea's literary universe.
If there's one thing I love in books it's banter, and this book delivers it in spades. Kase and Hazey had me laughing out loud more times than I could count, and their story brought me so much joy (well, until it didn't...). The characters have amazing chemistry, and I love that we got to see their relationship develop independent of sex. Although there is a fair amount of spice in the book, I loved that their connection came first.
The demisexual representation in Hayes' character was on point. No lie, he has me questioning whether I am also on the demi scale, because everything about him feels so relatable, and I love how Chelsea has taken the time to explain his experience and how it relates to his dating life so eloquently.
Although Kason and Hayes have their ups and downs, this story feels much lighter and less angsty than most of CE Ricci's other books. If you're a fan of Don't You Dare like I am, then I think you will absolutely love this one. And if you're a Kason hater from the previous book: first of all, how dare you, and second of all, you can't help but love him in this one. He really is the most lovable klutz and he deserves the world, as does Hayes. THEY ARE PERFECT.
To conclude, this book was so much more than I ever expected, and I will never look at popcorn the same way again.
August 3, 2024
*RTC*
I love them your honor. All the stars.
I love them your honor. All the stars.
August 30, 2024
Definitely the sweetest book CE Ricci has written to date but I still cried my eyes out for both of them when they were between a rock and a hard place. I love how Kason and Hayes were so bloody cute with each other though 😍
Loved the demisexual rep and the way the relationship builds between these two felt so natural. I laughed so hard so many times, Kason is just unintentionally hilarious. I also love how Hayes hates people, like 99.9% of the population because I'm right there with him on that 😂
Also loved all the Oakley and Quinton content and Quin's dramatics had me giggling. Plus there was so much Holden and Phoenix - it was nice to see the strength of the friendships now that the series is more established.
I'm so excited for Theo and Madden's story, but honestly clueless Camden has me so intrigued and I cannot wait to see how he gets together with Oakley's little brother Logan 🍿🍿🍿
Loved the demisexual rep and the way the relationship builds between these two felt so natural. I laughed so hard so many times, Kason is just unintentionally hilarious. I also love how Hayes hates people, like 99.9% of the population because I'm right there with him on that 😂
Also loved all the Oakley and Quinton content and Quin's dramatics had me giggling. Plus there was so much Holden and Phoenix - it was nice to see the strength of the friendships now that the series is more established.
I'm so excited for Theo and Madden's story, but honestly clueless Camden has me so intrigued and I cannot wait to see how he gets together with Oakley's little brother Logan 🍿🍿🍿
September 1, 2024
“There is no choice. It will always be Kason.”
SAME Hayes.... SAME
THIS IS A KASON AND HAYES STAN ACCOUNT I AM OBSESSED EVERYONE. The minute this ARC hit my Kindle, i planted my ass on the couch and got aggressive with anyone who interrupted me whilst I finished it (no, I don't regret my actions). If these 2 have no fans, I am dead
This was so sweet and swoony but I still cried like a little bitch. Kason Fuller is babygirl fr but SO WAS HAYES. I am obsessed with the way C.E. Ricci wrote their dynamic. I want a lifetime supply of big golden retriever himbo jocks and their super intelligent black cat boyfriends. SHE ABSOLUTELY ATE THIS UP.
Whilst the romance was beautiful I absolutely loved the demisexual rep in this. The way it was explained and how it was portrayed was 🤌. This one will 100% be joining my yearly Chelsea rereads. I had the best time with them, and I'm sad it's over.
ANYWAY KASON AND HAYES SUPREMACY ID GIVE UP VITAL ORGANS FOR THEM OK LOVE YALL BYEEEEE
SAME Hayes.... SAME
THIS IS A KASON AND HAYES STAN ACCOUNT I AM OBSESSED EVERYONE. The minute this ARC hit my Kindle, i planted my ass on the couch and got aggressive with anyone who interrupted me whilst I finished it (no, I don't regret my actions). If these 2 have no fans, I am dead
This was so sweet and swoony but I still cried like a little bitch. Kason Fuller is babygirl fr but SO WAS HAYES. I am obsessed with the way C.E. Ricci wrote their dynamic. I want a lifetime supply of big golden retriever himbo jocks and their super intelligent black cat boyfriends. SHE ABSOLUTELY ATE THIS UP.
Whilst the romance was beautiful I absolutely loved the demisexual rep in this. The way it was explained and how it was portrayed was 🤌. This one will 100% be joining my yearly Chelsea rereads. I had the best time with them, and I'm sad it's over.
ANYWAY KASON AND HAYES SUPREMACY ID GIVE UP VITAL ORGANS FOR THEM OK LOVE YALL BYEEEEE
August 30, 2024
4.25/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
I won't lie, I didn't think I'd be sold after the ending of Caught Stealing, but sure enough.. I fell ass over tea kettle for these two!
I love how these two didn't get off on the right foot but gradually built a friendship that became more.
Kason and Hayes become roommates and at first they irritate the hell out of each other. They decide they don't want to be stuck together and miserable all school year so they decide to come to an agreement and start to bond over their shared love of horror movies and popcorn with Reeses pieces added in.
There were so many little moments that added up together that had me swooning over these two. Not only that but there were several scenes that had me laughing and blushing.
I love this series and this book did not let me down. <3
2.5/5 🌶️
I won't lie, I didn't think I'd be sold after the ending of Caught Stealing, but sure enough.. I fell ass over tea kettle for these two!
I love how these two didn't get off on the right foot but gradually built a friendship that became more.
Kason and Hayes become roommates and at first they irritate the hell out of each other. They decide they don't want to be stuck together and miserable all school year so they decide to come to an agreement and start to bond over their shared love of horror movies and popcorn with Reeses pieces added in.
There were so many little moments that added up together that had me swooning over these two. Not only that but there were several scenes that had me laughing and blushing.
I love this series and this book did not let me down. <3
August 30, 2024
kason deserves the romance to outromance them all after what those two assholes did to him in previous book AND HE GOT IT MY GOD KASON AND HAYES ARE PERFECT AND SO SO CUTE
September 2, 2024
It was sweet and enjoyable, but also kind of meh at the same time, so 3.5✨ I guess.
However, I will say, I LOVED that Kason was honest with Hayes about his parents and told him everything that happened, the same night it happened. There's still a third-act break-up. But it made sense, and I appreciated how well it was done here.🍿
However, I will say, I LOVED that Kason was honest with Hayes about his parents and told him everything that happened, the same night it happened. There's still a third-act break-up. But it made sense, and I appreciated how well it was done here.🍿
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2024
Kason and Hayes have my entire heart. Their romance takes time and gives both the space and ability to develop a strong bond that is built on friendship and quickly blossoms into something more. Their romance is completely endearing as they navigate their growing feelings, so I could not get enough of their story.
I love this series and how each relationship takes ample time and energy to develop, grow, and blossom into something special, real, and meaningful. This entry is no different and I could not get enough of this world and cast of characters.
I cannot wait for the next entry!!!
** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
I love this series and how each relationship takes ample time and energy to develop, grow, and blossom into something special, real, and meaningful. This entry is no different and I could not get enough of this world and cast of characters.
I cannot wait for the next entry!!!
** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
September 5, 2024
"It was like… I don’t know. Something just clicked inside me. Kinda like a puzzle piece or a lock snapping into place."
Fair Catch is book 3 in C.E. Ricci's Leighton U series based around the hockey/football players at the coklege and their various love interests. This is Hayes and Kason's story, and I was so happy for Kase to finally get his HEA after the fallout from Caught Stealing....these two are so precious together.
Loved all the cameos from Quinton and Oakley and Holden and Phoenix. Can never get enough of Quin and Oakley, my faves from this series (so far!)
What To Expect:
📖MM college romance
🏈Demisexual rep
📖Football jock v study nerd
🏈Virgin MC
📖Hate (but was it really?) to love
🏈Forced proximity
📖First times
🏈Low angst
📖HEA
Always love Chelsea's books and can't wait for Theo and Madden! 😈
Fair Catch is book 3 in C.E. Ricci's Leighton U series based around the hockey/football players at the coklege and their various love interests. This is Hayes and Kason's story, and I was so happy for Kase to finally get his HEA after the fallout from Caught Stealing....these two are so precious together.
Loved all the cameos from Quinton and Oakley and Holden and Phoenix. Can never get enough of Quin and Oakley, my faves from this series (so far!)
What To Expect:
📖MM college romance
🏈Demisexual rep
📖Football jock v study nerd
🏈Virgin MC
📖Hate (but was it really?) to love
🏈Forced proximity
📖First times
🏈Low angst
📖HEA
Always love Chelsea's books and can't wait for Theo and Madden! 😈
September 2, 2024
This was my first dive into a CE Ricci book, and I stumbled upon it after catching her recent post in Jessie Walker’s FB group. After reading this, I’m definitely planning to check out more of her stuff! The blurb totally spoke to me, and I was about to start with book one, but I wasn’t up for a love triangle, which is what I thought book two was all about.
I loved how unique this story was. Hayes felt like my spirit animal - I could relate to him on so many levels - and Kason was the cutest klutz ever. It was a blast watching their relationship evolve from barely tolerating each other to full-on falling in love. The writing was smooth, and the banter was a highlight.
The last 25% of the book wasn’t my fave, but it didn’t ruin the overall experience. I didn’t read the first two books, but I enjoyed seeing the interactions with the other couples; it probably would've been even better if I had read them.
So, I’m giving this a 3.5-star read but rounding it up to 4 stars because of the great writing, dialogue, and fun banter. I’m definitely curious to explore more of CE Ricci’s books and add them to my TBR!
I loved how unique this story was. Hayes felt like my spirit animal - I could relate to him on so many levels - and Kason was the cutest klutz ever. It was a blast watching their relationship evolve from barely tolerating each other to full-on falling in love. The writing was smooth, and the banter was a highlight.
The last 25% of the book wasn’t my fave, but it didn’t ruin the overall experience. I didn’t read the first two books, but I enjoyed seeing the interactions with the other couples; it probably would've been even better if I had read them.
So, I’m giving this a 3.5-star read but rounding it up to 4 stars because of the great writing, dialogue, and fun banter. I’m definitely curious to explore more of CE Ricci’s books and add them to my TBR!
August 28, 2024
This is book three of the Leighton U series, and could technically be read as a standalone, but you'd be missing out by skipping the first two!
Kason and Hayes are reluctant roommates, and things do not get off to a great start in their living situation. These two couldn't be more opposite, but as they get to know each other they find that opposites attract...👀
Yet another CE Ricci book I absolutely DEVOURED! Hayes is one of my favorite characters she's ever written - I'm a sucker for a prickly MC who's only soft for his guy!🫠 These two had some delicious push and pull for a bit while they figured their sh!t out, but once they clicked, they set the room on FIRE with their chemistry and passion.🔥 Adorable dates, great banter, and FREQUENT appearances from book one and two faves are all present here, and I had a fantastic time with this one. While this book is Low Angst Chelsea's Version™️, it wasn't all fluff here folks, and it absolutely delivered all of the fabulous tension I've come to love in her writing.😍
If you're looking for a hate-to-love sports romance with great communication between MCs and some ✨️creative✨️ spice, this book is for you.🩷
Read if you like:
• Roommates to Lovers
• Opposites Attract
• "Teach Me"
.
🍿FAIR CATCH is available August 30!🍿
.
.
*I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Kason and Hayes are reluctant roommates, and things do not get off to a great start in their living situation. These two couldn't be more opposite, but as they get to know each other they find that opposites attract...👀
Yet another CE Ricci book I absolutely DEVOURED! Hayes is one of my favorite characters she's ever written - I'm a sucker for a prickly MC who's only soft for his guy!🫠 These two had some delicious push and pull for a bit while they figured their sh!t out, but once they clicked, they set the room on FIRE with their chemistry and passion.🔥 Adorable dates, great banter, and FREQUENT appearances from book one and two faves are all present here, and I had a fantastic time with this one. While this book is Low Angst Chelsea's Version™️, it wasn't all fluff here folks, and it absolutely delivered all of the fabulous tension I've come to love in her writing.😍
If you're looking for a hate-to-love sports romance with great communication between MCs and some ✨️creative✨️ spice, this book is for you.🩷
Read if you like:
• Roommates to Lovers
• Opposites Attract
• "Teach Me"
.
🍿FAIR CATCH is available August 30!🍿
.
.
*I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
September 2, 2024
Not that I didn't read this in one go, not even not liking the storyline, I mean, room mates to lovers/opposites attract, am I right? It's just that I didn't feel it. Perhaps it was me having a really bad day, and I really don't want to be unfair to it, but this just felt bland, sexy, but bland. I think the bathroom kiss was the best part.🫶
The drama felt unnecessary but hit hard. I guess they needed to grow up a bit.
The drama felt unnecessary but hit hard. I guess they needed to grow up a bit.
September 23, 2024
i was so looking forward to this book.
even though i didn't like the second, and sort of was iffy about the first one.
don't know why i keep going in with high expectations, and repeatedly get them unconfirmed.
For me, this author hasn't written anything worth while since Don't You Dare and i keep trying to catch the same high and it just doesn't materialize.
Kason has a stupid name, he is a jocky jock jock, and i didn't really care about him in the second book.
Hayes had the potential but since they made this biiiiig deal about the whole Demi thing, which i don't even ... seems to scare him even, i was just mainly bored and waiting for it to end.
some spice was hot, but most of it was very mid.
even though i didn't like the second, and sort of was iffy about the first one.
don't know why i keep going in with high expectations, and repeatedly get them unconfirmed.
For me, this author hasn't written anything worth while since Don't You Dare and i keep trying to catch the same high and it just doesn't materialize.
Kason has a stupid name, he is a jocky jock jock, and i didn't really care about him in the second book.
Hayes had the potential but since they made this biiiiig deal about the whole Demi thing, which i don't even ... seems to scare him even, i was just mainly bored and waiting for it to end.
some spice was hot, but most of it was very mid.
September 3, 2024
this series keeps slapping
I loved these two together they were so so so cute . CE Ricci always slaps so hard HTL trope and I ate this up.
The banter ✔️
The sexual chemistry ✔️
The emotions ✔️
The only think I would have liked is more time trying to understand the parent thing cause I still don’t get why it happened really lol ? Like that whole plot point has me confused for the choice but hey don’t mind me.
And the ending felt a bit rushed so just more time?
But who can blame me — I wanna read 400 more pages of these two cause they’re just so perfect 😊
P.s. Madden and Theo???? Screaming (I am sat)
I loved these two together they were so so so cute . CE Ricci always slaps so hard HTL trope and I ate this up.
The banter ✔️
The sexual chemistry ✔️
The emotions ✔️
The only think I would have liked is more time trying to understand the parent thing cause I still don’t get why it happened really lol ? Like that whole plot point has me confused for the choice but hey don’t mind me.
And the ending felt a bit rushed so just more time?
But who can blame me — I wanna read 400 more pages of these two cause they’re just so perfect 😊
P.s. Madden and Theo???? Screaming (I am sat)
August 31, 2024
CE Ricci has always been a top author for me, and I always thoroughly enjoy her books!
This was absolutely no different, this was addictive and my new favorite from the LU series. Hayes and Kason were the fluffiest, sweetest couple and brought all the swoon.
The vibes were amazing - the fact these two loved scary movies, makes me want to go watch one right now.
The hate to love element was done so well. Hayes and Kason do not start off great and do not like each other, but watching their relationship grow into what it did 🫶
•roommates
•hate to love
•forced proximity
•virgin / teach me
•no condoms
2.5/5🌶️
I cannot wait for Theo’s book!
Thank you so much for the ARC, CE ♥️
This was absolutely no different, this was addictive and my new favorite from the LU series. Hayes and Kason were the fluffiest, sweetest couple and brought all the swoon.
The vibes were amazing - the fact these two loved scary movies, makes me want to go watch one right now.
The hate to love element was done so well. Hayes and Kason do not start off great and do not like each other, but watching their relationship grow into what it did 🫶
•roommates
•hate to love
•forced proximity
•virgin / teach me
•no condoms
2.5/5🌶️
I cannot wait for Theo’s book!
Thank you so much for the ARC, CE ♥️
September 1, 2024
The communication in this book is really good😩
Hayes and Kason are just so adorable and they made me waiting for their book so worth it.
I also love how Kason and Nix patched their friendship, healed and grew up.
Hayes and Kason are just so adorable and they made me waiting for their book so worth it.
I also love how Kason and Nix patched their friendship, healed and grew up.
October 6, 2024
I don’t even know what to say, except this was a boring, dry, and unoriginal letdown. It was as riveting as watching a loaf of bread slowly mold. Hard pass.
August 31, 2024
listen, book 1 was good and 2 was ok but not my fav. i have beef with holden and phoenix.
THIS BOOK? THISSSSS MF BOOK? friends to lovers supremacy. chelsea, ik it’s not your fav but baby YOU ARE SOOOO GOOD AT IT!!!
kason is like my lil angel baby who’s to protected at all costs and then in comes hayes with his “i hate everyone but you” attitude. like there is not a more perfect duo than these two. it was giving don’t you dare, it was giving perfection, it was giving allllll the fall vibes. 🍁🎃🍿
i’m so, so excited for theo & madden. 5 stars from me!!! what a way to end august.
**my only gripe is that i read “whisper” and “murmur” an obscene amount of times lolol**
THIS BOOK? THISSSSS MF BOOK? friends to lovers supremacy. chelsea, ik it’s not your fav but baby YOU ARE SOOOO GOOD AT IT!!!
kason is like my lil angel baby who’s to protected at all costs and then in comes hayes with his “i hate everyone but you” attitude. like there is not a more perfect duo than these two. it was giving don’t you dare, it was giving perfection, it was giving allllll the fall vibes. 🍁🎃🍿
i’m so, so excited for theo & madden. 5 stars from me!!! what a way to end august.
**my only gripe is that i read “whisper” and “murmur” an obscene amount of times lolol**
September 3, 2024
Good news! I finished a book! Bad news, it didn’t wow me as much as I was hoping.
I loved these characters and I was excited for this book but between the lack of plot, weird pacing, and underutilization of the literal main characters in their own story it kind of felt like a slog. Like she could have done so much interesting character work with Kason, but it felt like he was just along for the ride. Not enough groveling from Phoenix either. Also could have been 50 pages shorter. Too many Quinton and Oakley cameos and miscellaneous comments about their sex life, we get it!! They have loud sex!! They’re not the main characters anymore!! Also there were great lesbian side characters that disappear halfway through! Justice for Mal and Ivy!
Still enjoyed the first half and last 15% but overall, not her best constructed book despite being set up for a good romance.
I loved these characters and I was excited for this book but between the lack of plot, weird pacing, and underutilization of the literal main characters in their own story it kind of felt like a slog. Like she could have done so much interesting character work with Kason, but it felt like he was just along for the ride. Not enough groveling from Phoenix either. Also could have been 50 pages shorter. Too many Quinton and Oakley cameos and miscellaneous comments about their sex life, we get it!! They have loud sex!! They’re not the main characters anymore!! Also there were great lesbian side characters that disappear halfway through! Justice for Mal and Ivy!
Still enjoyed the first half and last 15% but overall, not her best constructed book despite being set up for a good romance.
September 2, 2024
No, but this was actually going okay… not amazing, but leagues better than Caught Stealing.
Hayes originally pissed me off because he was so mean when he could’ve just spoken up and established his boundaries clearly. But once the romance was on its way (this was so sudden too, and so random), I actually found the couple really cute, the smut was hot, I was happy.
But then, from chapter 29 on, things just stopped making sense. Hayes’ rich parents doing the classic « leave my son you trash, here is money oh you dared say no? Then we will cut off the son we love muhahahahaha » bullshit. Good thing is Kason going to Hayes about this very quickly. But see, it happened late in the story, so we didn’t have time to even attempt to make this fucking stupid plot make any sense, so the two break up in a second. No fighting, no nothing just « bye ». Then a couple chapters of boohoo we are sad but it’s exactly what the story needed to pull off the awaited reconciliation between Kason and his toxic, lying best friend from book 2. I fucking hate Phoenix, I hate this guy I hated every single mention of his name on a page, and I despised the way the reconciliation went. Kason having fallen in love and making him see that HE had been the one keeping Phoenix and Holden apart, and made them suffer like he is currently suffering away from Hayes… Barf. Insane and unnecessary, I wish this book hadn’t been afraid to draw a line and allow for a character to not forgive someone who hurt them. I am petty like that but fuck Phoenix.
Anyway, the story must end, so Kason is drafted in the NHL yahoooo and Hayes comes back and they make up and everyone is happy (it took him 4 months to. Communicate. Bye. I get that renouncing a privilege you have known and grown accustomed to your whole life isn’t easy but the book just ghosted over these months so it made no sense and I am angry). AH! And of course the evil parents aren’t so evil, and they were soo impressed by the trailer trash for ripping the twenty thousand buck check apart woooow such a groundbreaking twist to wrap up a happy ending. I am so mad, this was actually fun right until the book decided it needed more drama to fill the pages and fuck that because it was rushed and made no sense and was so dumb I lost interest in the couple itself.
They had great things going on, I loved their bonding over horror movies, Hayes’ demisexuality (even though I think it was used to explain the lack of development and the time jump to Hayes’ sudden attraction rather than an actual interesting rep, but rep is rep ig). I liked some of their banter, I liked their intimacy and dynamics, but the surrounding plot ruined it for me.
And I am even more mad because Theo is my fave out of the guys and I had high hopes for his books but his trope is stepbrother fucker and I hate this trope with a PASSION, I am so fucking disappointed this trope is so mud and boring af and also lowkey weird. Give me childhood friend to lovers over stepbrothers everyday, the « « taboo thrill » » really isn’t worth it.
Hayes originally pissed me off because he was so mean when he could’ve just spoken up and established his boundaries clearly. But once the romance was on its way (this was so sudden too, and so random), I actually found the couple really cute, the smut was hot, I was happy.
But then, from chapter 29 on, things just stopped making sense. Hayes’ rich parents doing the classic « leave my son you trash, here is money oh you dared say no? Then we will cut off the son we love muhahahahaha » bullshit. Good thing is Kason going to Hayes about this very quickly. But see, it happened late in the story, so we didn’t have time to even attempt to make this fucking stupid plot make any sense, so the two break up in a second. No fighting, no nothing just « bye ». Then a couple chapters of boohoo we are sad but it’s exactly what the story needed to pull off the awaited reconciliation between Kason and his toxic, lying best friend from book 2. I fucking hate Phoenix, I hate this guy I hated every single mention of his name on a page, and I despised the way the reconciliation went. Kason having fallen in love and making him see that HE had been the one keeping Phoenix and Holden apart, and made them suffer like he is currently suffering away from Hayes… Barf. Insane and unnecessary, I wish this book hadn’t been afraid to draw a line and allow for a character to not forgive someone who hurt them. I am petty like that but fuck Phoenix.
Anyway, the story must end, so Kason is drafted in the NHL yahoooo and Hayes comes back and they make up and everyone is happy (it took him 4 months to. Communicate. Bye. I get that renouncing a privilege you have known and grown accustomed to your whole life isn’t easy but the book just ghosted over these months so it made no sense and I am angry). AH! And of course the evil parents aren’t so evil, and they were soo impressed by the trailer trash for ripping the twenty thousand buck check apart woooow such a groundbreaking twist to wrap up a happy ending. I am so mad, this was actually fun right until the book decided it needed more drama to fill the pages and fuck that because it was rushed and made no sense and was so dumb I lost interest in the couple itself.
They had great things going on, I loved their bonding over horror movies, Hayes’ demisexuality (even though I think it was used to explain the lack of development and the time jump to Hayes’ sudden attraction rather than an actual interesting rep, but rep is rep ig). I liked some of their banter, I liked their intimacy and dynamics, but the surrounding plot ruined it for me.
And I am even more mad because Theo is my fave out of the guys and I had high hopes for his books but his trope is stepbrother fucker and I hate this trope with a PASSION, I am so fucking disappointed this trope is so mud and boring af and also lowkey weird. Give me childhood friend to lovers over stepbrothers everyday, the « « taboo thrill » » really isn’t worth it.
August 29, 2024
4.5⭐️
2.5🌶️
Oh my goodness, sweet baby Kase got the HEA and the LOVE OF HIS LIFE that he deserved!
I just absolutely fell ass over tit for Kason and Hayes. Their initial meeting…and subsequent meeting, was awful. I mean it was funny to me, but poor Kase and Hayes definitely didn’t get off on the right foot. But that’s okay, because what grows from animosity and dislike was something truly romantic.
Kason and Hayes are heavy on the friendship and intimacy. While there is some of the spice Chelsea is known for, it’s not the focus, and honestly I loved it.
Hayes attraction for Kason isn’t immediate. It builds over time in all of the little things, until it slaps him in the face and he’s seeing green. But even then…he sets a pace with Kason that he probably deserves a medal for. And so IMO those moments hold the weight and the meaning and the intimacy that Kason has been searching for and that he deserves. God yall. It was great.
And don’t even get me started on the banter 💀 I think I laughed more than anything. They were both so witty. Especially Hayes. He’s so unserious and just an overall grump - he mostly only tolerates his BFF and his man. Peopling is hard work, yall!
But true to form - this is CE RICCI after all - while the hurt is there, it wasn’t nearly as painful as some of her other books. So rest easy knowing that 😂 the HEA is worth it all though. I promise.
Also, to all of the Kason haters out there: if you don’t love him after this, I don’t know if we can be friends.
And as an added note: there were lots of Quinton & Oakley and Phoenix & Holden cameos. And I swear Phoe and Kase made me cry. Ugh. We aaaaaalso got a glimpse of Madden and Theo, and yall…. PHEW.
And to round out this lengthy post: I’ll never be able to eat buttery popcorn without thinking about these two ever again. Do with that information what you will 🍿
**this is an arc review. arc received from author. all thoughts & opinions are my own**
2.5🌶️
Oh my goodness, sweet baby Kase got the HEA and the LOVE OF HIS LIFE that he deserved!
I just absolutely fell ass over tit for Kason and Hayes. Their initial meeting…and subsequent meeting, was awful. I mean it was funny to me, but poor Kase and Hayes definitely didn’t get off on the right foot. But that’s okay, because what grows from animosity and dislike was something truly romantic.
Kason and Hayes are heavy on the friendship and intimacy. While there is some of the spice Chelsea is known for, it’s not the focus, and honestly I loved it.
Hayes attraction for Kason isn’t immediate. It builds over time in all of the little things, until it slaps him in the face and he’s seeing green. But even then…he sets a pace with Kason that he probably deserves a medal for. And so IMO those moments hold the weight and the meaning and the intimacy that Kason has been searching for and that he deserves. God yall. It was great.
And don’t even get me started on the banter 💀 I think I laughed more than anything. They were both so witty. Especially Hayes. He’s so unserious and just an overall grump - he mostly only tolerates his BFF and his man. Peopling is hard work, yall!
But true to form - this is CE RICCI after all - while the hurt is there, it wasn’t nearly as painful as some of her other books. So rest easy knowing that 😂 the HEA is worth it all though. I promise.
Also, to all of the Kason haters out there: if you don’t love him after this, I don’t know if we can be friends.
And as an added note: there were lots of Quinton & Oakley and Phoenix & Holden cameos. And I swear Phoe and Kase made me cry. Ugh. We aaaaaalso got a glimpse of Madden and Theo, and yall…. PHEW.
And to round out this lengthy post: I’ll never be able to eat buttery popcorn without thinking about these two ever again. Do with that information what you will 🍿
**this is an arc review. arc received from author. all thoughts & opinions are my own**
October 5, 2024
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this one. CE Ricci is one of my favorite MM authors and she never disappoints. This was a great continuation to the series. Kason and Hayes start out reeeeeally hating each other but slowly come to the realization that they are actually perfect for each other. I will say, I'll never look at movie theater butter the same way. Seems like it would be way too sticky, but I guess it works lol. I also wish I could have reached through the pages and bitch slapped Hayes's mother. These two were great and I really enjoyed their story. There was a good mix of slow burn spice, LOVE the "teach me trope," and plot mixed in. I loved seeing the demisexual representation and it was so well written. There was also great continuation of plot from the previous books. I can't wait to see what the Leighton U boys get up tp next.
September 19, 2024
I always have a hard time rating this author's books because while I enjoy most of the book, I LOATHE the third-act breakup!!! And it seems to be in all the ones I've read by her. It's one of my most hated because usually, the book doesn't need it. Why can't authors, make the two MC's work together through a trial. Why do they always have to break up?
Because seriously, Kason and Hayes needed to be together. These two took so long to work through some of the kinks in their relationship and once they did?? It was perfection. So so good. The chemistry these two had was just perfect. I loved their banter too.
The ending/epilogue helped redeem it some for me, but not by much. They spent the last 30% apart...ugh
Because seriously, Kason and Hayes needed to be together. These two took so long to work through some of the kinks in their relationship and once they did?? It was perfection. So so good. The chemistry these two had was just perfect. I loved their banter too.
The ending/epilogue helped redeem it some for me, but not by much. They spent the last 30% apart...ugh
September 6, 2024
CE Ricci is an absolute auto read for me. Some I love, some not so much, but I always give them a go :)
I enjoyed this one. The ending conflict was a bit annoying. But I liked these guys together. I skimmed the last 20% or so.
3 stars.
*
“I didn’t realize you’ve been with guys too,” I say, my stomach twisting a little with a whole new kind of nervousness. Especially after that fucking comment that is now making me wish someone would just take me out back and put me outta my misery.
“Like how I casually slipped that in there for your dirty little fantasies?” he asks with a wry smirk.
*
He settles in rather quickly, yet I remain standing over him like a damn
nursemaid, and I don’t know why. Quinton came home with injuries far
worse than this during his college career, and besides making sure I didn’t
need to check on him for concussions, I never went out of my way to take care of him.
I definitely didn’t wait on him hand and foot the way I am with Kason
right now.
I enjoyed this one. The ending conflict was a bit annoying. But I liked these guys together. I skimmed the last 20% or so.
3 stars.
*
“I didn’t realize you’ve been with guys too,” I say, my stomach twisting a little with a whole new kind of nervousness. Especially after that fucking comment that is now making me wish someone would just take me out back and put me outta my misery.
“Like how I casually slipped that in there for your dirty little fantasies?” he asks with a wry smirk.
*
He settles in rather quickly, yet I remain standing over him like a damn
nursemaid, and I don’t know why. Quinton came home with injuries far
worse than this during his college career, and besides making sure I didn’t
need to check on him for concussions, I never went out of my way to take care of him.
I definitely didn’t wait on him hand and foot the way I am with Kason
right now.
September 1, 2024
Ce ricci you will never be able to write an actual good book. The couple was aight and I love smaller top x buff bottom so i sadly was lowkey looking forward to this even tho i really genuinely hate ce ricci😭 but it was too mich smut and the last 100 pages were the craziest artificial 3rd break up i have read in a long time
I cant believe that in the big year of 2024 authors still exist who resort to the „paying the poor boyfriend off to break up w the partner to save their future“ trope 😭😭
Also ce ricci you just cant write friendships well bc nobody moved at phoe n kas reunion😭😭 i was boree out of my mind like WHO GAF??
I’m scared for nwie bc every single book of hers pissed me tf off or was just stale shit but im waiting for 1.5 yrs already so even if its dookie i will smile and nod.
I cant believe that in the big year of 2024 authors still exist who resort to the „paying the poor boyfriend off to break up w the partner to save their future“ trope 😭😭
Also ce ricci you just cant write friendships well bc nobody moved at phoe n kas reunion😭😭 i was boree out of my mind like WHO GAF??
I’m scared for nwie bc every single book of hers pissed me tf off or was just stale shit but im waiting for 1.5 yrs already so even if its dookie i will smile and nod.
September 5, 2024
Forgive my honesty, but this book read like a distraction. If I may elaborate, while reading it I could practically hear Ricci saying “just finish this, hurry up and meet the deadline so I can go back to one of the other hundred things I’m working on, does anyone even care about Kase anyway”, which may or may not be true but I can’t help noticing a disconnect between this book and the last two in the series despite them actually having interconnected timelines. This book was fluffy and boring, full of cliches and predictable from beginning to end, including the typical third act breakup and subsequent reunion. It feels like yet another author being frustrated by their own creation of a series that needs to be finished while starting new projects and not having enough time, energy, or interest to write them. Fair Catch feels like an afterthought, a rush job, an “I really don’t want to do this but people won’t stop asking me about it”, lazy writing at its finest. Kason and Hayes deserved better.
August 30, 2024
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥💥
I devoured this book. Straight up sat down the moment it hit my kindle and then didn’t move until I was done. Kason and Hayes both stole my heart. The snark, the sweet moments, the angst… all of it was perfection.
These boys almost *almost* are up there with Oakley and Quinton in terms of how much I love them (fwiw: Oak and Q will never be replaced in my mind, so this is the highest praise) 💛💛
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Dislike to Love
✨ Football Player MMC
✨ Roommates
✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Virgin Hero
✨ Demisexual Rep
Kason and Hayes become roommates through their mutual friends at the start of their senior year, and don’t mesh well with each other at all in the beginning. After they establish some rules, they begin to see that despite being polar opposite, they have a lot in common and both have an attraction to the other that won’t go away.
Ugh…. I just want to sit and read them all over again because one time was not enough. Their animosity in the beginning was so good and created the best tension. Watching Kason be all over the place and Hayes come out of his shell, had me all in my feels.
Ans once they figured out that they were attracted to each other, they became dirty boys. 🥵🥵 FWIW: I will never look at movie theatre popcorn the same way again.
I also really appreciate how open Hayes was with his Sexuality and how Kason was ready to jump all in and make him feel secure in how he felt attraction. The way they fell for each other so completely and openly, I was a puddle on the floor.
Ans in typical CE form, she ripped my heart out for a little while before putting it back together but I wasn’t even mad about it because it was done so well.
And we got to see our favorite boys again, and I lived for the moments we got to check in on everyone, see how cute Hayes and Quinton’s friendship was, and get progress with Phoenix and Kason’s friendship.
Also shoutout to mental health rep as well because I always think that’s worth mentioning.
10/10. No notes. I loved these boys.
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥💥
I devoured this book. Straight up sat down the moment it hit my kindle and then didn’t move until I was done. Kason and Hayes both stole my heart. The snark, the sweet moments, the angst… all of it was perfection.
These boys almost *almost* are up there with Oakley and Quinton in terms of how much I love them (fwiw: Oak and Q will never be replaced in my mind, so this is the highest praise) 💛💛
TROPES ⬇️
✨ Dislike to Love
✨ Football Player MMC
✨ Roommates
✨ Opposites Attract
✨ Virgin Hero
✨ Demisexual Rep
Kason and Hayes become roommates through their mutual friends at the start of their senior year, and don’t mesh well with each other at all in the beginning. After they establish some rules, they begin to see that despite being polar opposite, they have a lot in common and both have an attraction to the other that won’t go away.
Ugh…. I just want to sit and read them all over again because one time was not enough. Their animosity in the beginning was so good and created the best tension. Watching Kason be all over the place and Hayes come out of his shell, had me all in my feels.
Ans once they figured out that they were attracted to each other, they became dirty boys. 🥵🥵 FWIW: I will never look at movie theatre popcorn the same way again.
I also really appreciate how open Hayes was with his Sexuality and how Kason was ready to jump all in and make him feel secure in how he felt attraction. The way they fell for each other so completely and openly, I was a puddle on the floor.
Ans in typical CE form, she ripped my heart out for a little while before putting it back together but I wasn’t even mad about it because it was done so well.
And we got to see our favorite boys again, and I lived for the moments we got to check in on everyone, see how cute Hayes and Quinton’s friendship was, and get progress with Phoenix and Kason’s friendship.
Also shoutout to mental health rep as well because I always think that’s worth mentioning.
10/10. No notes. I loved these boys.
August 27, 2024
⚠️⚠️⚠️Spoilers⚠️⚠️⚠️
Love Love Loved! I have always been a fan of Kason so this review reflects that! He deserves a HEA
Therapy-thank you Chelsea for putting these boys in therapy! Does it fix everything no but the growth in Kason (and Phoenix) made my heart happy!
Ok! Can I just say the way Kason came in like a literal train wreck 2x had me laughing out loud so hard! He is a glorious mess who is just wanting to be loved. And our Hayes-the man who hates everyone.....so growly but a closet softy which is just my favorite thing!
Both of these men had only lived with their best friends and so their journey to acceptable roomates, to friends, to more is filled with so many funny moments but also some really beautiful moments about sexuality and understanding where someone else is coming from. Even though it was quick in some ways it also felt totally natural. The thing I loved the most was their banter and how they found that even though they are very different they have a few things that are very much the same!
We get to see more of Kason's past and what shaped him and how that's made him process events and make the choices he does and similarly we see Hayes and what seems like the good life but that comes with other challenges and expectations.
These two once they come together are full of laughs, teach me, praise and a whole lot of cuddles! Did I mention some amazing make-out sessions too!
And for all of you who have read the other 2 books we get so much more Oakley and Quinton in this book and obviously Phoenix and Holden! Seeing Quinton happy and giving dating advice is epic...that's all I'm gonna say!
⚠️Major Spoiler Below⚠️
⚠️⚠️⚠️you've been warned⚠️⚠️⚠️
Yes there is a 3rd act break-up and I have never felt so heartbroken during a love scene than in this book....literally could feel it throughout my whole body. Like I knew it was coming people but the way the scene was written was palpable for me.🥹🥹🥹
Love Love Loved! I have always been a fan of Kason so this review reflects that! He deserves a HEA
Therapy-thank you Chelsea for putting these boys in therapy! Does it fix everything no but the growth in Kason (and Phoenix) made my heart happy!
Ok! Can I just say the way Kason came in like a literal train wreck 2x had me laughing out loud so hard! He is a glorious mess who is just wanting to be loved. And our Hayes-the man who hates everyone.....so growly but a closet softy which is just my favorite thing!
Both of these men had only lived with their best friends and so their journey to acceptable roomates, to friends, to more is filled with so many funny moments but also some really beautiful moments about sexuality and understanding where someone else is coming from. Even though it was quick in some ways it also felt totally natural. The thing I loved the most was their banter and how they found that even though they are very different they have a few things that are very much the same!
We get to see more of Kason's past and what shaped him and how that's made him process events and make the choices he does and similarly we see Hayes and what seems like the good life but that comes with other challenges and expectations.
These two once they come together are full of laughs, teach me, praise and a whole lot of cuddles! Did I mention some amazing make-out sessions too!
And for all of you who have read the other 2 books we get so much more Oakley and Quinton in this book and obviously Phoenix and Holden! Seeing Quinton happy and giving dating advice is epic...that's all I'm gonna say!
⚠️Major Spoiler Below⚠️
⚠️⚠️⚠️you've been warned⚠️⚠️⚠️
Yes there is a 3rd act break-up and I have never felt so heartbroken during a love scene than in this book....literally could feel it throughout my whole body. Like I knew it was coming people but the way the scene was written was palpable for me.🥹🥹🥹
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