Scan barcode
75_sweetestbook's review
5.0
this was a very intense cocky read that have the girls all wity and the girls fighting and bullying for a man that wants only one girl that comes from across the tracks. this is a very pager turning and on the edge of your seat and some very intenst steamy sex that will have you on fire.
kaydanielsromance's review
5.0
Big heart-eye emoji's over this new class of Rixon Raiders!!
I'm gaga for the kids, the parents, the story, the absolute sweet love that Lily and Kaiden found for one another, seriously, there isn't one thing I didn't enjoy.
This next generation of Rixon Raiders have set the bar so high, I'm blown away with how far this series has come and I've loved it from the very beginning. I'm swimming in all of the feels.
Lily Ford, Jason and Felicity Ford's eldest daughter, is beginning her senior year of high school. Lily suffers from anxiety issues that are fairly severe. She prefers to live in the background, which helps ease her symptoms, but having a father that was in the NFL and is now the football coach of her high school sometimes doesn't make that very easy, but her friends and family do everything they can to protect Lily and sometimes keep her safely in her bubble. With the new year starting one boy in particular catches her attention and for the first time helps brings her out of her bubble, of course it has to be the one boy her father would disapprove of above all others, Kaiden Thatcher, the son of his old high school nemesis.
When the rival high school has to send a third of their student population to Rixon High because their school was too burned to return to, Kaiden Thatcher was only focused on keeping his head down and playing football. He's hoping that his chances of obtaining a scholarship may have actually increased if the coach doesn't tie him to his old man. Kaiden already knows he's the best player on both teams, but getting out from his old man's shadow isn't always easy, but he works hard at being the best and not getting into trouble. His only mistake is kissing the beautiful girl with the last name of Ford before he knew what her name was. Now he can't stop thinking about her, worrying about her, or what his future could actually hold with her. For the first time in his life he thinks of something besides football and that's scary as hell.
Lily and Kaiden weave a beautiful story of what a relationship looks like when there are mental health issues involved, taking things slow before making big commitments and the ramifications of what those big decisions mean. While there are still lots of angsty moments, because this is still a teenage drama, with teenage hormones flying, Off Limits has it all. I love that the entire family was involved, friends were supportive on every side and the entire book just felt amazing.
This is a book I would have allowed my teenage daughter to read if she was looking for recommendations in this genre and still a teenager. (She doesn't read romance, but I'll convert her one day). I suppose my point is, my daughter suffers from anxiety along with other anxiety related disorders and it's ok to know that you are ok. Lily is a rockstar battling her disorder and it doesn't magically fix itself, nor get glossed over. I really appreciate that realism in a fictional story.
It's hard to pick who I'd love to see next because I love this entire class. I adored seeing every first gen pop up too and lastly, Jason as a dad...huge, huge, huge hearts and hugs for him. Amazing!!
I'm gaga for the kids, the parents, the story, the absolute sweet love that Lily and Kaiden found for one another, seriously, there isn't one thing I didn't enjoy.
This next generation of Rixon Raiders have set the bar so high, I'm blown away with how far this series has come and I've loved it from the very beginning. I'm swimming in all of the feels.
Lily Ford, Jason and Felicity Ford's eldest daughter, is beginning her senior year of high school. Lily suffers from anxiety issues that are fairly severe. She prefers to live in the background, which helps ease her symptoms, but having a father that was in the NFL and is now the football coach of her high school sometimes doesn't make that very easy, but her friends and family do everything they can to protect Lily and sometimes keep her safely in her bubble. With the new year starting one boy in particular catches her attention and for the first time helps brings her out of her bubble, of course it has to be the one boy her father would disapprove of above all others, Kaiden Thatcher, the son of his old high school nemesis.
When the rival high school has to send a third of their student population to Rixon High because their school was too burned to return to, Kaiden Thatcher was only focused on keeping his head down and playing football. He's hoping that his chances of obtaining a scholarship may have actually increased if the coach doesn't tie him to his old man. Kaiden already knows he's the best player on both teams, but getting out from his old man's shadow isn't always easy, but he works hard at being the best and not getting into trouble. His only mistake is kissing the beautiful girl with the last name of Ford before he knew what her name was. Now he can't stop thinking about her, worrying about her, or what his future could actually hold with her. For the first time in his life he thinks of something besides football and that's scary as hell.
Lily and Kaiden weave a beautiful story of what a relationship looks like when there are mental health issues involved, taking things slow before making big commitments and the ramifications of what those big decisions mean. While there are still lots of angsty moments, because this is still a teenage drama, with teenage hormones flying, Off Limits has it all. I love that the entire family was involved, friends were supportive on every side and the entire book just felt amazing.
This is a book I would have allowed my teenage daughter to read if she was looking for recommendations in this genre and still a teenager. (She doesn't read romance, but I'll convert her one day). I suppose my point is, my daughter suffers from anxiety along with other anxiety related disorders and it's ok to know that you are ok. Lily is a rockstar battling her disorder and it doesn't magically fix itself, nor get glossed over. I really appreciate that realism in a fictional story.
It's hard to pick who I'd love to see next because I love this entire class. I adored seeing every first gen pop up too and lastly, Jason as a dad...huge, huge, huge hearts and hugs for him. Amazing!!
pattyfgd's review
5.0
Off-Limits
Rixon High, Book 1
By: L A Cotton
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly, Matthew Maddux
I absolutely loved the Rixon Raiders series, so when this audio popped up, I was thrilled. LA Cotton delivers a twist to the high school drama by having the Raiders' rival football team meld with their roster due to a fire. Now these athletes need to learn to live and play together. It effect Kaiden Thatcher the most. He is new, and the quarterback. It's his senior year and he is hoping to get a scholarship. But this could change everything. If there is no play time, his talent may be missed. Plus there is an old grudge between the coach and his father. Lily is just hoping to get through her senior year. Being invisible has been her mantra and she is hoping it stays that way. With her football coach father, it's not that easy though and his protectiveness can be overbearing. When she catches Kaiden's eye though, things are about to change. Can these two teenagers find their way to be together? Will Kaiden get his day on the field? LA Cotton is a master at high school drama and romance. I was sucked in and down for the count as I listened to their story. Lily is a fascinating character.She has been through a lot, and her journey is just beginning. I love watching her grow and change. Kaiden is that one we all loved in high school. He isn't worried about status, and is a genuine person. It's a fantastic start to this series and the glimmer of Peyton's story is just a tease! I can't wait to hear it!
Meghan Kelly and Matthew Maddux make a wonderful narration team. These two have fantastic voices for a new adult series and give it just the right amount of angst to not be over the top. I enjoyed the way their voices complimented each other. It's a great listen and one you should definitely pick up.
Rixon High, Book 1
By: L A Cotton
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly, Matthew Maddux
I absolutely loved the Rixon Raiders series, so when this audio popped up, I was thrilled. LA Cotton delivers a twist to the high school drama by having the Raiders' rival football team meld with their roster due to a fire. Now these athletes need to learn to live and play together. It effect Kaiden Thatcher the most. He is new, and the quarterback. It's his senior year and he is hoping to get a scholarship. But this could change everything. If there is no play time, his talent may be missed. Plus there is an old grudge between the coach and his father. Lily is just hoping to get through her senior year. Being invisible has been her mantra and she is hoping it stays that way. With her football coach father, it's not that easy though and his protectiveness can be overbearing. When she catches Kaiden's eye though, things are about to change. Can these two teenagers find their way to be together? Will Kaiden get his day on the field? LA Cotton is a master at high school drama and romance. I was sucked in and down for the count as I listened to their story. Lily is a fascinating character.She has been through a lot, and her journey is just beginning. I love watching her grow and change. Kaiden is that one we all loved in high school. He isn't worried about status, and is a genuine person. It's a fantastic start to this series and the glimmer of Peyton's story is just a tease! I can't wait to hear it!
Meghan Kelly and Matthew Maddux make a wonderful narration team. These two have fantastic voices for a new adult series and give it just the right amount of angst to not be over the top. I enjoyed the way their voices complimented each other. It's a great listen and one you should definitely pick up.
rachellynnreadss's review
4.0
Okay, how I never knew about the Rixon boys I will never understand. This book was the perfect way to kick off this new series! The connection between Lily & Kaiden is INSANE. This is more of an instant connection with a very quickly escalating plot. I honestly appreciated that because there was no real slow burn or super angsty moments with these two. It was honest and in my opinion a true show of soulmates. There are some aspects in the writing that are a little juvenile if you will, but this is set in a senior year of high school environment. Overall I just wanted to cherish every moment with Lily & Kaiden. This is a secret/forbidden love due to the circumstances of how they meet & what they want for their futures (I don't wanna spoil too much). Not only do you get amazing growth for their relationship but we learn a lot about their friends as well. I was super excited with how this book ended because I immediately was ready to read book 2 (not released yet). The spice in this book was great as well. Not overly done but good enough to really reflect a high school relationship. I LOVED IT.
bookboyfriendandhusbandmake3's review
5.0
This was more than a romance, more than opposites attract, more than sports, L.A. Cotton weaved a beautiful story together and the portrayal of mental health was raw, heart wrenchingly accurate portrayal of what it’s like to live with your own worst enemy being inside your own head.
Lily survived by going unnoticed, quiet, shy, but there was so much more to her that she was loving, kind, and stole a piece of my soul in the very first chapter, a deep connection to this character on the pages.
Kaiden just wanted to play football, survive senior year at a new school, and get as far away from Rixron as a scholarship could get him. He was cocky, determined, a natural born leader with a good heart.
The chemistry between Kaiden and Lily was intense from the very moment they met. They have this sizzling physical chemistry but it’s more than that they have this innate ability to know what the other needs without speaking words. On paper were opposites but really they were knottily woven together to adhere these 2 souls together to create one.
The secondary characters add more emotion along with entertainment, their witty banter and the intrigue they have lit inside of me already has me wanting more of the Rixon High world.
As someone who has lived life with severe anxiety it was fascinating to read all of these things I feel but never seem to be able to put into words. The storyline will have you enthralled from beginning to end. The emotions of these characters will wrap around your heart then work their way to your core. They are raw, intense, heartbreaking, and profoundly beautiful.
L.A. Cotton delivered an emotional story that will forever have a piece of me.
Lily survived by going unnoticed, quiet, shy, but there was so much more to her that she was loving, kind, and stole a piece of my soul in the very first chapter, a deep connection to this character on the pages.
Kaiden just wanted to play football, survive senior year at a new school, and get as far away from Rixron as a scholarship could get him. He was cocky, determined, a natural born leader with a good heart.
The chemistry between Kaiden and Lily was intense from the very moment they met. They have this sizzling physical chemistry but it’s more than that they have this innate ability to know what the other needs without speaking words. On paper were opposites but really they were knottily woven together to adhere these 2 souls together to create one.
The secondary characters add more emotion along with entertainment, their witty banter and the intrigue they have lit inside of me already has me wanting more of the Rixon High world.
As someone who has lived life with severe anxiety it was fascinating to read all of these things I feel but never seem to be able to put into words. The storyline will have you enthralled from beginning to end. The emotions of these characters will wrap around your heart then work their way to your core. They are raw, intense, heartbreaking, and profoundly beautiful.
L.A. Cotton delivered an emotional story that will forever have a piece of me.
read_on_reader's review against another edition
5.0
From reading the Blurred Lines novella and seeing that Lily had severe anxiety I knew her story would be difficult and heartbreaking all at once. This author takes a real issue and let’s readers see that it is a hard thing for people and makes us see things differently. The issue of anxiety and panic attacks is real and hard to deal with, but the author handles it delicately and very well. Lily has been traumatized by an event in her past that she has never really gotten over, so she prefers to stay out of the light and stay behind the shadows. Lily’s pain broke my heart, but when Kaiden Thatcher sees Lily for the beautiful person she is it helps heal my heart too. Kaiden is the son of Lily’s dad enemy and their relationship that starts as friends become more is also forbidden in ways. Lily isn’t one to rock the boat so when she decides that Kaiden is worth so much and is truly incredible she doesn’t hesitate to be with him. Kaiden is a little rough around the edges, comes from a bad home, is trying hard to get out of town and plans to never look back, until Lily. These two help each other in so many ways, Kaiden helps Lily see she doesn’t have to hide any more and Lily shows Kaiden that he is worthy of so much. They stole my heart, and this was the best way to open this new series. The author made me fall in love with each character and how they all came to together to support and love Lily made me so happy. I am dying to see where the series goes and each character with their own book, but there is something about Ezra that has me super intrigued!!!
shelbylovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
Lily and Kaiden...o my gosh, I’m loving this group of second generation Raiders! Lily and Kaiden might be my favorite couple. But I love them all, so they’re all my favorites!
Lily, sweet wallflower Lily. Lily has huge potential, but social anxiety is debilitating and Lily suffers through a horrible condition that makes her anxiety worse. I love how much she grows by the end of the book, going from a shy, quiet girl to a full fledged teenager, moving Jason and Fee’s worries from getting her out there more to what is that girl up to!
Kaiden is definitely my favorite guy of all the Raiders...and he isn’t even a Raider. He drew the short end of the stick, but he works hard because he wants to get out of Rixon and away from his dad. Kaiden always seemed like a good guy, I never had an “ugh he’s full of himself” or “what a jerk” moment with Kaiden. His struggles were legitimate, from changing schools or football to falling for his new coach’s daughter who he needs to impress.
I loved seeing some of our first generation Raider’s make appearances (besides Jason and Fee), and I love that the couples for the future books are distinguishable from just the little that we see. I definitely cannot wait for Xander and Peyton...hopefully Poppy and Aaron...definitely others but these are two I’m super excited for!!
Highly recommend this series, start at the beginning if you haven’t them!
Lily, sweet wallflower Lily. Lily has huge potential, but social anxiety is debilitating and Lily suffers through a horrible condition that makes her anxiety worse. I love how much she grows by the end of the book, going from a shy, quiet girl to a full fledged teenager, moving Jason and Fee’s worries from getting her out there more to what is that girl up to!
Kaiden is definitely my favorite guy of all the Raiders...and he isn’t even a Raider. He drew the short end of the stick, but he works hard because he wants to get out of Rixon and away from his dad. Kaiden always seemed like a good guy, I never had an “ugh he’s full of himself” or “what a jerk” moment with Kaiden. His struggles were legitimate, from changing schools or football to falling for his new coach’s daughter who he needs to impress.
I loved seeing some of our first generation Raider’s make appearances (besides Jason and Fee), and I love that the couples for the future books are distinguishable from just the little that we see. I definitely cannot wait for Xander and Peyton...hopefully Poppy and Aaron...definitely others but these are two I’m super excited for!!
Highly recommend this series, start at the beginning if you haven’t them!
jamsu's review against another edition
4.0
I decided to pick up Off-Limits because sports romance is out of my comfort zone. I read this book not knowing it was a spin off next generation book but it kind of makes sense since there was a lot of history with Kaiden and Lily's fathers. This was also my first L.A Cotton's book and I really want to read more of her books.
“He’s Kaiden Thatcher and I’m Lily Ford. We might as well be Romeo and Juliet”
Lily Ford is a wallflower. She has always been shy and meek but when something happened in a sleepover years ago she became afraid of pretty much everything and she had a hair pulling disorder. But on her senior year Kaiden Thatcher transfers into her school. Kaiden was able to do something that not even her family and friends were able to, he made her want to step out of her safe little bubble and take risks. He was always able to make her feel safe with him
Football was everything to Kaiden, so when he learns who Lily's father is he tries to stay away but Lily is different than other girls. I like that both characters had their insecurities about their relationship but it wasn't mentioned too much. Lily never saw him only as Lewis Thatcher's son or a boy from across the river. She really saw him and he made Lily feel not only brave and special but also beautiful.
I happened to like both Kaiden and Lily's friends. Kaiden's mother and Lily's family was great too.
All in all this was an angsty read but there also wasn't a lot of drama. Most of it came from Lily's bully who I really wished got a worse fate than she really did. Kaiden and Lily tried their best to keep their relationship a secret for different reasons. I loved how patient Kaiden was with her and how he really listened to her and put her needs first.
“He’s Kaiden Thatcher and I’m Lily Ford. We might as well be Romeo and Juliet”
Lily Ford is a wallflower. She has always been shy and meek but when something happened in a sleepover years ago she became afraid of pretty much everything and she had a hair pulling disorder. But on her senior year Kaiden Thatcher transfers into her school. Kaiden was able to do something that not even her family and friends were able to, he made her want to step out of her safe little bubble and take risks. He was always able to make her feel safe with him
Football was everything to Kaiden, so when he learns who Lily's father is he tries to stay away but Lily is different than other girls. I like that both characters had their insecurities about their relationship but it wasn't mentioned too much. Lily never saw him only as Lewis Thatcher's son or a boy from across the river. She really saw him and he made Lily feel not only brave and special but also beautiful.
I happened to like both Kaiden and Lily's friends. Kaiden's mother and Lily's family was great too.
All in all this was an angsty read but there also wasn't a lot of drama. Most of it came from Lily's bully who I really wished got a worse fate than she really did. Kaiden and Lily tried their best to keep their relationship a secret for different reasons. I loved how patient Kaiden was with her and how he really listened to her and put her needs first.
thebusybookmom's review against another edition
5.0
Cotton did an amazing job with this first fill length book of the second generation of Raiders. We get to see our three favorite couples become parents, and the children are all pretty amazing.
This book features Kaiden and Lily. Each of then has their own dark secrets and life struggles. Plus, they have to navigate senior year of high school. Kaden has a vulnerability that balances the give no cares attitude he throws off. Lily dreams of being more then the girl in the background. These two manage to bring out the best in each other.
This series keeps getting better, and Cotton continues to prove she is one of the queens of a great YA Sports Romance with lots of love, and all the angst.
This book features Kaiden and Lily. Each of then has their own dark secrets and life struggles. Plus, they have to navigate senior year of high school. Kaden has a vulnerability that balances the give no cares attitude he throws off. Lily dreams of being more then the girl in the background. These two manage to bring out the best in each other.
This series keeps getting better, and Cotton continues to prove she is one of the queens of a great YA Sports Romance with lots of love, and all the angst.