This was the first in the series, but felt much later, as I felt like I was always supposed to know stuff I didn’t. I also felt like Soren’s character development happened WAAAAYYYY too quickly and found him and Vi frankly really annoying. Also, the Coach being the villain felt like a cop out of an ending and also VI’s family drama resolving so quickly and easily just also wasn’t it.

4/5 ⭐️ 3/5

Vi and Soren's story is all about rules meant to be broken—and hearts along with them. Fake dating with a college football star? Sign me up! This book hits the sweet spot of banter, slow-burn romance, and just enough drama to keep me hooked.

What I Loved:
- Soren is a dream. He’s flirty, protective, and actually talks about his feelings (swoon!).
- Vi’s toughness and independence—she doesn’t need saving, but together, they make magic.
- The dual POV gives us insight into both their struggles, and it’s so satisfying to watch them support each other.
- No unnecessary third-act breakup! They’re mature, which makes the romance even better.

Favorite Moments:
- Soren protecting Vi from judgmental people. He’s loyal to a fault.
- Their first real kiss—it’s like the moment their fake relationship turns real.
- That plot twist with the coach! I did not see it coming, but it fits perfectly.

Why It’s 4 Stars:
It’s a solid, feel-good romance, but I wanted more depth to Vi’s backstory. We get glimpses, but Soren’s life feels more explored. Also, more football scenes would’ve been fun—it’s a sports romance, after all!

Final Thoughts:
This is the perfect read if you’re into fake dating, swoony football players, and lots of chemistry. I’m already counting down for the next book in the series!

This was very fun, a quick and easy novella with sweet characters, Soren and Vi hit it off immediately when he runs into her at a college party. The two agree to fake date since she needs a place to live and he needs his parents off his back. One thing leads to another and the two can't deny their chemistry. Faced with the future, Soren has to decide whether he wants to continue his education or follow his passion and commit to the NFL draft. Vi has to get past her family trauma and decide if she's willing to take a risk. The two are sweet, the banter is fantastic, the touch-her-and-die aspect is *chef's kiss* and the spice is great. A lovely quick spicy read.

I loved Soren and Vi's story! I loved that she stayed a badass and that he allowed her to be one. He didn't try to push her behind the scenes when it came to her standing up for herself (or him). I loved how much Soren loved her. Even before he realized it.

Some of my favorite quotes...
“Hard to tell. Maybe you’re just bad at it.” “Sweetheart, when I touch you, you’ll know.”

I wanted the fun parts—wanted to be able to reach out and touch her, taste her, hoist her onto the cheap laminate countertop and see how far she’d let me go.

“It would take every day. Choosing me, every day, as the most important thing in your life, but you’re not interested in that.”

“Before we go inside, I want you to know my expectations haven’t changed. I want you more than my next breath, but you get to decide what happens between us. If you need time, it’s yours. If you want me to back off, I will. But I’m here when you’re ready.”

I listened to this story on audiobook. It was a really good performance. The narrators were new to me and I enjoyed them a lot.
This is also a new author for me. I love sports/college romance so that is why I chose it. I have to say that it was really good. The story itself was interesting from the beginning scene and I enjoyed watching the characters develop. I felt like Vi and Soren's budding relationship was believable even though it started out in a fake type of way. I didn't realize that it would be so suspenseful and the ending somewhat surprised me. Both Vi and Soren have their own pasts and challenges with their families and it was a perfect compliment how they supported each other.