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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
2.5 stars
The book was generally okay (for what it was) but the scene that got me was when the main guy (unironically) said that his dick was so big that MULTIPLE girls walked out (just by seeing it) because it was sO iNtimiDaTinG and gargantuan. Bitch, shut the fuck up. That is the dumbest shit I've read in a while *cackles*
If you're gonna lean into the horsecock shtick , at least make the love interest an alien or a demon not a college football player.
The book was generally okay (for what it was) but the scene that got me was when the main guy (unironically) said that his dick was so big that MULTIPLE girls walked out (just by seeing it) because it was sO iNtimiDaTinG and gargantuan. Bitch, shut the fuck up. That is the dumbest shit I've read in a while *cackles*
If you're gonna lean into the horsecock shtick , at least make the love interest an alien or a demon not a college football player.
Booktok brought me to this neck of the literary world, and I haven’t been here since my early 20s. Did I go into this knowing exactly what I was getting into? 100%. Did I feel a little bit of shame as I started this book because of the fact that I felt I was “too old” for this kind of stuff? Sure.
Did I care? Nope.
I had a great time. I didn’t read any of the other books, but Leo might’ve just ruined the rest of the guys for me. Gamer? Latino? Into alt girls? Worships the ground thick women walk on? My teen self (and part of my adult self) is screaming.
So yeah, if you’re looking for a book that has smexy scenes with this kind of love interest, set in university so bear that in mind as well, then absolutely get your teeth into this. It’s a great ride.
Did I care? Nope.
I had a great time. I didn’t read any of the other books, but Leo might’ve just ruined the rest of the guys for me. Gamer? Latino? Into alt girls? Worships the ground thick women walk on? My teen self (and part of my adult self) is screaming.
So yeah, if you’re looking for a book that has smexy scenes with this kind of love interest, set in university so bear that in mind as well, then absolutely get your teeth into this. It’s a great ride.
Mary and Leo have my heart. I started this first before I realised it was part of series but it could totally be read as a start alone! It was gorgeously written and my very first kandi steiner!
I can feel this book dragging me into a book slump, and I'm scraping, begging on my hands and knees for it to stop. This book was cute, good plot and backstory, but why is it so long. Maybe there's a boring middle bit, but I can't do it, and I refuse to be on a book slump while on holiday, so bye-bye Mary.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
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
"You can do much worse than a man who loves you so much he can’t see straight."
MCs
Mary & Leo
SUBPAR SYNOPSIS
After forming an intense connection and being spurned in high school by the popular football star (Leo), Mary's closed off her heart and instead pursued her love of art and becoming a tattooist. Years later she finds herself temporarily homeless and takes up Leo's offer to stay with him and his fellow players having little to no other options. However, their history isn't history and, the more time they spend together, the more that truth and hurt begins to reveal much deeper feelings between them.
THOUGHTS
I just couldn't really get on board with Mary through a lot of it. Leo's character was written to basically adore her in every way possible and, while I get that damage (especially in high-emotional teenage years) can fuck us up, it felt like she was just punishing him relentlessly without really looking within. Some of that may/may not be fair considering this is written dual-POV and we have insights the other doesn't but, holy hell batman!, she was super off-putting initially and he still went out of his way to help her at every turn.
OVERALL RATING
3.8 - Not a bad read and it definitely pulled on some heartstrings.
Wow I love this series. It took me a while to want to read this one for some reason. I think mostly because I didn’t care for Leo in the first 3 books. But I should have known better. Ugh this was so good! I saw a lot of myself in Mary which made it hit a little closer. I’m sad this series is over but excited to see what Kandi does next!
This was by far my favorite of the red zone rival series! I could not wait to read their story while reading the others. I loved the banter between Leo and Mary. It was so enjoyable to read. The curvy girl rep was also amazing. Only reason why this isn’t 5 stars is how some of the storyline was hard to believe mostly the parts in the past but overall I love this. I haven’t read a book from Kandi Steiner that I haven’t loved.
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Read this book if you love: