You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
drinkcoffee_read_repeat_'s review against another edition
- 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
๐ Fake Dating
๐ Cinderella Story
๐ American Football
๐ซ College Romance
๐ Sworn Off Dating
๐๏ธ Golden Retriever MMC
๐ญ Family Drama
๐ผ๐ข ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐:โ
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!
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt
amylouisereads's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Suicide attempt
aratinthesky's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Suicide attempt
hereiskyra's review against another edition
- 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
That being said, there isnโt 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 womanโs dreams!
Iโm not sure how Jamesโ siblings could possibly top him but Iโm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
Tropes:
Fake-Dating
College Football Romance
Protective MMC
Spice: ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ๏ธ
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, and Suicide attempt
dhhfjka's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
literary_laur's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Suicide attempt
joclousing's review against another edition
3.75
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
bw1308's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Grief, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Domestic abuse and Suicide attempt
katharina90's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment
avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.25
However, James wasn't completely likable and had anger issues. As well as a kind of obsessive attachment thing going on with his partners, where it was ALL about them and nothing else in his life. Making even the main relationship not completely healthy.
The male narrator wasn't great the female narrator was good. She did a great job with different tones for different characters.
Overall it was a good book with a lot of emotional depth. I do plan to continue the series.
Graphic: Cursing, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent and Fire/Fire injury