Reviews

First Down by Grace Reilly

seestephread's review

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

bookbruin's review against another edition

• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

This was an overall cute read with lots of fun tropes - sports, tutor, fake dating, etc. I didn't dislike any of the characters, but I also didn't love them. James fell a bit too hard and fast for Bex, but my issue was more with what he was willing to do to maintain that relationship. I love a feral MC who only has eyes for the other MC, but this was A LOT considering how important football was to him. There was also too much OM drama on top of all the baggage with Bex's mom and history. I'm not sure this author/series is for me, but I will probably try the next book just in case.

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Content Warnings

CW (from the author): Explicit sexual content, praise kink, forced kiss/sexual misconduct (not within the main couple), violence (not within the main couple), brief mentions of miscarriage (not on the page/not a main character), mentions of a suicide attempt (not on the page/not a main character), brief moments of substance abuse (not a main character)

gemstixs's review

3.25

crazy how much better this is compared to the other two books. still has many of the same pitfalls (both main characters are a bit bland, and the ending opts for an easy wrap-up instead of letting bex make hard decisions and grow as a person) but the plot is solid, it’s not overly saccharine or trying to be quotable on every page. hopefully book 4 is more like this!

littlecitycorner's review

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

1.75

This book was disappointing, mainly because the main characters had no actual connection! What do you mean the fake dating lasts for only a few chapters? Make us yearn and suffer! Also, we are barely shown their personalities since the author clutches to one aspect about each of them to focus on and runs with that. She also does that with the side characters, which makes it for a flat read. I enjoyed the plot if it weren't for the end pass (y'all know which one I'm taking about).

mariettula's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 very Naley stars

Do you like sports romances where a jock falls for their tutor? Well, you're in luck! I've got just the recommendation for you and it's called.... One Tree Hill!

Joking aside, this book is pretty fun to read. James (maybe named after James Lafferty? lol) is a football quarterback struggling in a college course, so he asks for his new friend/attraction Bex to help him pass it. In exchange, Bex (who has major trust issues and a toxic ex) asks him to fake date her so said toxic ex can back off.

It's a pretty typical sports romance, though it was an interesting change of pace to have James be a complete romantic instead of a manwhore. His dynamic with his dad is also very interesting, as is Bex's dynamic with her mom.

I have ONE major issue with this book and it occurs near the end.

Spoiler

I absolutely HATED that James made the choice to deliberately lose the championship. If it were nerves or something subconscious, fine. To miss on purpose just to prove a point to the asshole in your team, thereby crushing the dreams and maybe even opportunities of over 40 other players- teammates who fucking trusted you to lead them btw- is beyond reproach and selfish af. If I were Bex, I would similarly be angry he put that on me and also at the back of my head I'd keep fearing he would do something similar (which showed a very immature way to handle things).

zepeng's review against another edition

dnf

graceelizabethwood's review

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mariannlh's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

3.0

bethanylou's review against another edition

3.0

I did enjoy this!! It was a cute sports romance but nothing too special or exciting! Needed a bit more for me to give it a 4 compared to other sports romances that I have read. It was a lovely read though!

I’m excited to read the rest of the siblings books!!

keraashley's review

2.5

I’m actually unsure how this book isn’t just an Elle Kennedy book? It’s a combo of the first 2 books in her Off Campus series. 
It felt so long and like nothing happened, I barely remember how it started and I read it in one sitting. 
Tbh this was kind of boring, flat personalities and homegirl’s insecurities were just annoying af.

Girl he threw the championship game to punish his teammate who assaulted you, what do you mean you think he’s gonna get bored of you?? And you don’t want to move in bc you’re unemployed and don’t want to take advantage? Baby he just got a 20 mil check stfu and get your boxes in the U-Haul already