Reviews

Off The Bench by Alley Ciz

read_on_reader's review against another edition

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5.0

Quinn and CK are part of a great group of friends that treat each other as family except the attraction Quinn has for CK is more than familial. Quinn has crushed on him for months doing whatever it took so he would notice her, yet CK seems to either be oblivious to her or just not interested in her. What Quinn doesn’t know is CK harbors a crazy crush on her but his past of being bullied and belittled has left his confidence nonexistent. CK doesn’t know how to interact with someone he is attracted to and sometimes he gets so far inside his own head thinking of how he came to be part of this group. He thinks he is unworthy of their attention let alone acceptance of a friendship because he is so awkward and nerdy. My heart hurt for the pain and torment that CK has endured that has made him feel so inadequate but the way Quinn built him up was perfection. These two go back and forth fighting attraction and thinking that the other isn’t interested that way in them it could get intense and frustrating but it made their chemistry so much stronger. Can Quinn show CK how incredible he truly is and how deserving he is of everything the world has to offer or will his insecurities get the best of him and leave him lonely? When it seems the world is against them can they stand strong together or let the opinion of the outside world dictate their decisions? Both have insecurities that they at times can get the best of them yet they both bring it the best in the other. I loved this nerdy guy and popular chick trope and the way things worked out was amazing. I liked the friendship and bonds they all had and I got that seeking advice from your besties is what we all do I just don’t like when characters seek out one character to constantly run every thought, action, etc.. through that character in order to function and at times Kay was brought up way too much for me. I get she has brought them all together and I love that, yet when the others knowingly seek out her constant input for every. Single. Thing. they do, becomes frustrating because they are all adults and occasionally seeking advice isn’t a bad thing, but acting like you can’t function without that person is crazy and can take away from getting to know the others as well as we should, but I was happy it only occurred a few times so it didn’t make it unbearable. Overall this book was amazing and I can’t wait to see more. I am dying to see what will happen in Carter’s story….swoon.

jennifermarie119's review against another edition

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5.0

CK and Quinn are complete opposites of each other but a perfect match. Quinn is the confident, outgoing cheerleader and CK is the nerdy and shy type and I loved watching their story unfold. CK has a lot of insecurities from his past and my heart broke for him with how they prevent him from telling Quinn how he really feels. I loved the watching their friendship grow as they spent more time together and the fun way Quinn breaks CK out of his shell so that he would open up to her and build up his confidence. There was a couple times I wanted to shake CK but he totally made up for it in the end. It was great catching up with the U of J crew again. I love their crazy antics and how they are always there for each other. Off the Bench was fun, flirty and full of sassy ladies and swoony men. This story has moved up to one of my favorite stories and couples from Alley.

thebusybookmom's review against another edition

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5.0

CK and Quinn are the epitome of opposites attract with a fiery explosion. Quinn is a bubbly, outgoing cheerleader who seems to have the world in the palm of her hands. CK feels as if he is an imposter living in an alternate universe. He is the ultimate need leaving a jock life.

Quinn's crush on CK js adorable. She is unsure, and a little shy when it comes to getting his attention. CK feels that he could never get the girl so he analyzes each interaction to remind himself they will only ever be just friends. The first 3 books in the U of J series has been setting this couple up for an explosive connection when the stars finally align

This series is in the top 10 of all time. Character development is well done, side characters are rounded, and there is a nostalgia for those of us that have been through college that Ciz brings.

maryboberry's review against another edition

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5.0

Yuppp this is it, this is exactly why I read a whole series to get to this book. CK is my new book boyfriend

introreads's review against another edition

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3.0

Okay

This one was just fine. I hoped I would love this story, but as cute as it was it just fell a little flat for me.

jr1323's review against another edition

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5.0

I can’t even begin to have the words for how excited I was for this book. The whole U of J series is by far a favorite. Not surprisingly we get to see Mason, Kay, Trav, Em, and G, but a whole book focused on CK and Q!!
CK is the type of character that you want to give the biggest hug to. You get a taste of that in the first books with Kay saying how she forced the friendship on CK, but seeing his side and learning more about him. Yup he’s the adorkable guy everyone says.
Quinn is the full of energy cheerleader who volunteers to be CKs love coach. She’s been crushing on CK and doesn’t think he’s interested in her. When it finally comes out that they like each other

abb_ey_normal's review

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

the_goddess_nyx's review against another edition

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lighthearted

4.25

I really enjoyed this book. I feel like the ending was rushed.
we see the relationship of CK and Quinn develop and progress through the book. Toward the end when miscommunication and doubts  are putting a strain on their relationship, we don't get to see CK's thoughts while plans are being made and out into action to save their relationship. It would have been great to see the meeting of CK and Quinn's family and how the event at her home went down.
Overall, it was a good book with overcoming the past and self-doubts, beating social stereotypes, and knowing what you want and going after it.

booksfirst_sleeplater's review against another edition

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5.0

I have been waiting for what seems like YEARS for Q and CK to get their own book and OMG IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!! Alley worked her magic yet again and had me in love with both of them within the first few chapters.

I adore the dual POV we get in Alley’s books, and that we get real in depth with the male main character, not just the FMC! CK is such a precious cinnamon roll of a nerd boy and I would jump in front of a moving train for him. I LOVE HIM. And don’t even get me started on Quinn. Talk about a girl crush!! Her inner monologue had me cackling at multiple different points.

I loved loved loved everything about their story!! Cannot wait for everyone else to read it and fall in love with them too!

morticiamaura's review

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4.0

Smutty 🌶️