Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - First Down

Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

First Down by Grace Reilly

29 reviews

mandathebiblio's review against another edition

3.0

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book and the chemistry between the couple at the beginning. But as the story continued and as the conclusion started coming together, I just.... didn't enjoy it as much. I don't know what it was, but something about the conclusion of this story was just off to me. I don't know exactly what was off about it, but I just didn't love it. I am willing to continue with this series to see how I feel about the second book, but I honestly just don't know if this author is going to be one I continue reading from.

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drinkcoffee_read_repeat_'s review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲...

💜 Fake Dating
👑 Cinderella Story
🏈 American Football
🏫 College Romance
🙅 Sworn Off Dating
🐕️ Golden Retriever MMC
🎭 Family Drama

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:⁠
Isn't discovering a new author and falling in love with their writing extraordinary? That's what happened to me with Grace Reilly! The first book in her Beyond the Play series, First Down, hooked me from the beginning. It's a swoon-worthy fake dating romance that kept me glued to the pages. I was impressed with how Grace created a vivid college atmosphere in the story. It felt like I was transported right to the middle of the McKee University campus alongside the characters. The plotline was realistic, and the characters felt genuine. It was refreshing to read a college romance that didn't focus on unnecessary relationship angst and drama. The blossoming relationship between James and Bex was delightful; their banter was so much fun, and the spice was positively perfect! The side characters were also enjoyable, especially the rest of the Callahan family, and I'm excited to read their stories! First Down is a college sports romance you don't want to miss!

I did a hybrid read/listen to this fantastic book, and I have to say, it was an absolute delight to listen to! The audiobook narration by Kyle Adams and Caroline Sorunke was simply wonderful! They brought James and Beckett to life with their outstanding performances and made it an incredibly fun experience to listen to. I highly recommend this one if you're looking for a great audiobook!

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aratinthesky's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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ashs_bookshelf's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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hereiskyra's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Ya know what? I had a great time.

That being said, there isn’t anything particularly special about this plot (just like every other sports romance) or the characters (regular ole college students) but it was all loveable and I enjoyed it! There was some depth to the story and I liked the way things turned out. And we love an MMC who encourages his woman’s dreams!

I’m not sure how James’ siblings could possibly top him but I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

Tropes:
Fake-Dating
College Football Romance
Protective MMC

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

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dhhfjka's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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heatherv_89's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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dianaschmidty's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I think I read this at the most perfect moment. I mean, this book has a girl spending time with her football player boyfriend’s family in a stadium box while wearing his jersey. Who does that sound like? If you wanted Taylor x Travis vibes, that’s this book!

Taylor’s Team aside, James and Bex were really cute! I thought their progression from friends to fwb to official dating was both sweet and realistic. I loved how they were so supportive of each other. I also loved how the book demonstrated that giving a partner support doesn’t have to mean giving up something. I think James’ journey to realizing that is an important lesson for people to learn.

I wish there had been a little more fake dating and parts of the book felt a little rushed (mainly their progression from friends to lovers, which felt like it happened in a day when it was supposed to be months), but I’m kind of hoping since the rereleased copy is supposed to be longer that some of that is fixed.

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anovelglimpse's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

This book was really cute. James and Bex were adorable together. Their chemistry was fire. The fake dating/tutoring storyline was a lot of fun mixed with some emotional moments. NA sports romance fans should enjoy this book.

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bw1308's review

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emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

It was a really sweet book with the right amount of spice, which was hot as hell! But I loved the relationship between the two main characters, def's couple goals right there. The problems were realistic, though easily and conveniently solved. But overall an entertainment and quick read!!

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