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My new roommate doesn't seem to like me ...
But then, she doesn't seem to like her boyfriend much, either, so maybe that's just the way she is?

Until one night when her boyfriend won't take no for an answer, I have to step in, and I realize, the grumpy attitude she's given me since I moved in is because she's been dating a douchebag.

After she sends him packing, I make it my mission to cheer her up. And in the process, I find that she's creative, charming, and fun to be around. What starts as trying to help my roommate, turns into wanting something more.

But she's hesitant. Scared to start a new relationship while still dealing with the fallout from her last—namely, an ex who won't leave her alone.

Can I help her feel safe enough to take a chance again? Or will I have to be strong enough to leave her alone?

Strong Safety is a roommates to lovers/grumpy sunshine sports romance featuring a protective football player who wants nothing more than to cheer up his grumpy new roommate and falls for her in the process.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2023

172 people are currently reading
252 people want to read

About the author

Jerica MacMillan

54 books540 followers
Jerica MacMillan has been reading romance since she stumbled into the paperback section of the library as a middle schooler. And it's been an ongoing love affair ever since!

You can frequently find her sipping coffee out of snarky mugs while dreaming up stories and trying to bring them to life on the page. Join her Book Club at www.jericamacmillan.com/book-club and get a free book!

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5 stars
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71 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Sammy Storey.
322 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2023
I had to keep reminding myself these two are SENIORS in COLLEGE because they acted like awkward teenagers. I’m going back to my hockey romances
Profile Image for Marian..
1,198 reviews65 followers
December 30, 2023
⭐ 4,5

This book was a surprise and a very good one 💖

I liked the story, it follows Isabelle and Caden who are roommates or well "new" roommates since Isa's friend moved in with her boyfriend and she had to find a new one and Caden needed a quiet place to be that It wasn't home with his teammates, it was a win win for both of them. I liked how Caden encouraged Isa to be authentic and not let her bad thoughts get the better of her. The dynamic of these two went from strangers to friends (for the good of both) to have a unique and cute tension, besides how he protected her even when they didn't know each other well and I like it.

There is a scene that can be a trigger for some so read carefully, it has to do with an Ex who harasses her but she is surrounded by good people who help her and doesn't leave her alone but things happen and is kind of strong .

It was a good read, I liked it and I liked the extra epilogue since they gave us a nod to the next book.

🫂thank you Jerica MacMillan and Greys Promo for gave me this arc in exchange for my honest review 📚!!

___________________________


Este libro fue una sorpresa y una muy buena.

La historia me gusto, sigue a Isabelle y Caden que son compañeros de cuarto o bueno “nuevos” compañeros de cuarto desde que la amiga de Isa se mudo con su novio y ella tenía que buscar un compañero y Caden necesitaba un lugar tranquilo para estar que no fuera la casa con sus compañeros de equipo, fue un ganar ganar para los dos. Me gustó como Caden animaba a Isa a ser auténtica y no dejar que los malos pensamientos le ganaran. La dinámica de estos dos fue de desconocidos a amigos (por el bien de los dos) a tener una tensión única y linda, además de como él la protegía a ella aun cuando no se conocían bien me gusto.

Hay una escena que puede ser un trigger para algunos asi que lean con cuidado, tiene que ver con un Ex que la acosa pero ella está rodeada de gente buena que la ayuda y no la deja sola pero las cosas pasan y si es medio fuerte.

Fue una buena lectura, me gusto y el epílogo extra me gusto ya que nos dieron un guiño del próximo libro.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,077 reviews51 followers
May 12, 2023
Totally fell in love with Caden. He was just the sweetest guy for Isabelle. She needed at least one good guy in her life after dating some losers.
Profile Image for alex.
981 reviews179 followers
May 10, 2023
ੈ✩‧₊˚ 𝟐.𝟐𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

✿.。.:* ☆:**:. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 .:**:.☆*.:。.✿

𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 (h) has a new roommate moving in, and she attempts to keep her distance, but it’s difficult when he steps in after an altercation with her boyfriend. 𝐂𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 (H) notices that his new roommate is a bit reserved but knows he is interested in getting to know her. When her boyfriend, turned ex, keeps turning up, he knows he will do anything to ensure she stays safe.

✿.。.:* ☆:**:. 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 .:**:.☆*.:。.✿

The main issue is that she had a boyfriend at the beginning (not a good one), but she was admiring her roommate, aka the MMCs physicality, within the first few pages. While she can have a boyfriend and still admit when someone is attractive, it was odd because she listed the reasons why she wouldn’t date him, as if having a boyfriend wasn’t a good enough one. When I read the first few pages, I expected this book to have an “instant” connection between the FMC and MMC, and I was right. While she didn’t care for her boyfriend (valid), it was not that great to express interest in Caden beforehand; I wish it had slowly developed over time. However, with the basis of attraction on both ends, it was clear that the two would complicate their roommate situation quickly.

Of course, her relationship falls apart within the first few chapters, which is perfectly convenient for developing the romance between Isabelle and Caden. However, I didn’t connect to the characters or the outcome of their relationship. It felt like they could have been better off as friends, and I wouldn’t bet on them remaining together after the book concluded. Nothing in the story suggested they were perfect for each other, and I wish I had loved them more. While the concept of Caden protecting her was sweet, it felt like Isabelle fell in love with the idea of having someone there for her, and he was that person for her.

Don’t get me wrong, there were cute parts in the story.

🏈 Caden expressed interest in Isabelle’s hobbies and asked questions to indicate that he was listening, and truly cared about her responses.

🏈 He set up a rotation of people to hang out with her so she would be safe.

🏈 He cooked for her, and she tailored a shirt for him in exchange.

However, their relationship happened quickly after she barely got out of that terrible relationship. While they were “friends” for a while, it never came off as that, and it was clear that one of them was just waiting to make a move.

*. ⋆𝐎͢𝐕͢𝐄͢𝐑͢𝐀͢𝐋͢𝐋͢

It is a cute read and fast-paced, but there wasn’t a particular moment that stood out to me. The concept of Caden being her protector was kind, and I see how it all worked out, but there wasn’t enough in the story to get me to fall in love with either of them.
Profile Image for Nicola.
423 reviews
June 20, 2023
Strong Safety is the seventh book in Jerica MacMillan's Marycliff Football series and is Caden and Isabelle's roommates to lovers story.
Isabelle needs a roommate and quick, even though her old roommate and best friend Charity and her boyfriend are still covering Charity's portion of the rent, it isn't a long term solution. Caden seems like a great option as her new roommate until she finds out he's a football player, Isabelle doesn't have a great history with football players and knows she definitely doesn't want to live with one. But Caden seems like he'll be the perfect roommate and with how urgently Isabelle needs a roommate she decides to overlook the football player part of him.
As she suspected Caden is the perfect roommate and they quickly become friends, with a whole heap of sexual tension added in but neither one of them is willing to take things further, because they are roommates and Isabelle doesn't want to have to go through the whole looking for a roommate thing again and Caden doesn't want to go back to living at the football party house. So they decide to keep being just friends but when Isabelle's ex doesn't know how a break up really works and starts stalking her, it throws Caden and Isabelle closer together and also brings out Caden's protective side which makes the attraction between them harder to ignore.
Neither Isabelle or Caden could of predicted how amazing it would feel being together but because of Isabelle's ex she's finding it hard to trust people and trust that they have good intentions, so she wants to keep things casual between them. Which at first Caden agrees, if he can have Isabelle in any way he'll take it but after spending weeks in each other's arms it becomes clear there is nothing casual about their relationship.
"I've kept you at a distance this whole time when you've done nothing to deserve that.
I've kept a wall between us, insisting our relationship was only physical when it's clearly been more than that for a long time. Probably always."
Has trying to keep Isabelle safe meant they've stumbled into something real and incredible that neither one of them was expecting?
Read Strong Safety now to find out!
I really enjoyed Strong safety, Isabelle and Caden have now become my favourite Marycliff Football couple and I cannot wait for the next book in this incredible series. Isabelle and Caden stayed with me long after I read The End which shows how truly great this book is!
Profile Image for Leslie || original book nerd.
923 reviews43 followers
May 19, 2023
Strong Safety Review

Couple: Isabelle & Caden

Author: Erica MacMillan

Tropes: sports romance, roommate romance, forced proximity, friends to lovers, football romance, college romance

Review: I love a goos college sports romance and Caden just shot to the top of my fav football MMC list! This book was a nice and sweet but spicy romance between two of the most unexpected people.

Isabelle is introduced while she is still dating her current boyfriend. We quickly learn that everything is not good and that she is dealing with some scary feelings in regards to her boyfriend. I thought Erica handled the emotional manipulation really well in regards to the guy Isabelle is with at the beginning. It draws you into the web and the burgeoning feelings between Caden and her.

What stood out to me in this book was the strength Isabelle had after breaking it off with her boyfriend. I liked how she stood true to herself and did not allow him to bring her down. Enter roommate Caden and we suddenly see her start to smile and laugh again.

Caden was definitely my favorite character in this book. For a college footballer her is surprising deep and strong set in his ways. I loved how he was always there for Isabelle and enjoyed just being with her…even if looking at older dresses. I also thought the inclusion of his past was important because it showed us why her situation elicited such a string reaction in him.

The book spends a good amount of time building their trust and friendship which I enjoyed. I liked how Caden was not a player that we typically see in this genre and loved how he pushes Isabelle to be her best self. The book is riddled with tension though and when the spice finally hits we are there for it!

Rating: 11/10, loved these two!
Profile Image for Becca Cherpak.
212 reviews13 followers
April 24, 2023
Please be sure to read the TWs for this book!

All Caden wanted was to move out of the football party house. He was done with messy, loud, boundary-pushing roommates. He was thoughtful, considerate, and just an all around great guy. Someone you’d really want to have your back.

After her roommate moved out, Isabelle was in need of a new one. Enter Caden. But even though he was great to look at, after breaking up with her boyfriend and a string of past failed relationships, she was taking a break from dating.

We the readers knew, and they knew, that they’d only remain friends for so long. Once they finally gave into their mutual attraction, their chemist and connection was off the charts.

There were so many times I just wanted to hug Isabelle and tell her everything would be okay. She had been burned so many times in the past that she was constantly looking for manipulations and traps in Caden’s words and actions, when all he was being was genuine.

Dear God. I was on the edge of my seat for that end of the book! We all knew Lucas was a little cuckoo, but the lengths that he went to in order to “get Isabelle back” were startling! Also, (not that I think I’ll need it) but it was cool to see that adding your ICE contact to get a message was a real phone setting!

Yay for no third act break up! With crazy, stressful events like the ones Isabelle dealt with, it’s not unheard of for the FMC to want a break from her partner. But Isabelle didn’t push Caden away. He remained steadfast in his friendship and love, and it was a perfect ending.

I love when a bonus epilogue sets up the next book! Teammate’s sister?? Sign me up
Profile Image for Christina.
574 reviews65 followers
May 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

✨Football Romance
✨Roomates to Lovers
✨Stalker Ex
✨Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine

•Dual POV
•Stand-alone

This book was so cute! 🥰

Isabelle recently needs a new roommate and she finds herself having Caden move in. Isabelle’s boyfriend at the time has trouble accepting a guy as her new roommate. There are so many red flags for Lucas and Isabelle finally ends things with him. Caden is on the football player and wanted to get out of the house he shared with his friends. He takes a liking to Isabelle and protects her from Lucas one night. Since then, he can’t help but feel the attraction to Isabelle. Isabelle is acttrscted to Caden as well, but she has a horrible past of ex-boyfriends, she is nervous that Caden will be another one. They can’t deny the attraction any more and decide to take things slow and not put a title on their relationship to see how it goes. It isn’t until an unfortunate event with her ex that Isabelle truly realizes how amazing Caden truly is.

I loved the connection between Isabelle & Caden. Caden is the ultimate book boyfriend! He took things so slow with Isabelle and allowed her to realize how great of a guy he truly is. And that phone call with his mom! 🥹 Isabelle needed to take time to truly realize that not all men are the same and I was happy she was able to see that in Caden! ❤️

I’m hoping we get to read Andrew’s book based on the last epilogue! 😍

Favorite Quote:
“I like having that effect on you,” he continues. “You’re so serious and buttoned up most of the time. I like being able to make you come undone. I like that you feel safe enough with me to let it happen.”
Profile Image for ✶ ✶ Hummingbird ✶ ✶.
403 reviews129 followers
May 5, 2023
This is an ARC review.

All in all, Caden (the H) was a good person. He was an athlete and a reliable guy. Why the 3 stars you ask? Well, it was mostly Isabelle (the h). The blurb makes it clear what the book is about and it happens quite early on in the book. Isabella is a character who is in a toxic relationship with her boyfriend who hates that she has a new male roomate.

All this time, the internal monologue of Isabelle was a little difficult to put together with her character. She's the girl who gave no shits about getting a male roomate (because she needed a roomate) but treats him coldly because her boyfriend is jealous? Her character IS consistent (with similar thoughts-actions disconnect) throughout the book though, so I'll give her that. She has some self-esteem issues (but not in a cringey wattpad-y way dw) and Caden recognizes them and acts accordingly. I think the blurb makes it sound like she's a bit*h. She isn't... she's just cold towards him.

The book IS a bit of a slow-burn because they get together (in a casual/exclusive situationship) at around 61%. Till then is all stolen touches and kisses. I was kind of expecting it to be a lot hotter. I think and of casual contemporary romances would love this book. I usually tend to dislike slow-burns.
Caden gets all the points from me because he can cook! Ya'll know how hot a man who can cook for his woman is? *chef's kiss*

Don't go into this expecting a rich, alpha man romance. This is not it... I actually loved that about it. I didn't know how tired I was of reading those over and over again until I read this book.

The writing is great and the story flows seamlessly.

Profile Image for ReadonReader.
2,626 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2023
Caden and Isabelle’s story is full of heart and emotion that I didn’t want it to end, but just couldn’t put them down. Caden is just incredible in every way. He is loyal to his friends, knows how to listen when someone needs to vent, he is genuinely an all-around great guy, and I instantly loved him. Isabelle took me a minute to get adjusted to not because I didn’t like her because her relationship with her ex was so toxic it had her being a tad hateful and judgmental at the very beginning. My heart hurt her because she didn’t realize just how bad her relationship was until things really got intense and it took a toll on her confidence and trust with herself. Caden does everything possible to make Isabelle smile again and this starts their beautiful friendship. While Caden has been attracted to her since they first met, he knows her head isn’t in the best place for him to even consider acting on his feelings, so he settles into the friend zone until attraction and chemistry becomes too much. With friendship turning into more and the suspense of what will happen next with Isabelle’s ex they form a bond that is incredible, but she keeps those walls piled high. Can Caden keep her safe physically while also protecting her heart or will she run when things become too intense? I loved loved loved loved Caden more than words can express and the fact that he and Isabelle could communicate through issues without someone flying off the handle or not listening was so refreshing. Such a great story with amazing characters that are easy to fall in love with.
Profile Image for Jenn .
751 reviews15 followers
May 9, 2023
I absolutely adored Caden- he is essentially Mary Poppins- perfect in every way. And that kind of makes him a unicorn in the new adult romance world. Isabelle... well I came to like her and I do applaud her strength as the story progresses.

** Trigger Warnings** This story contains a character that is emotionally manipulative, casual stalking and attempted sexual assault on page.

I was so excited for Isabelle's story after meeting her in her best friend Charity's book- Personal Foul. But I kind of feel like the Isabelle in that story was different than the one we got in Strong Safety. Sure she dealt with the aftermath of realizing the guy she crushed after only used her for sex followed up with a overbearing, jealous and belittling boyfriend but the Isabelle in this book was a bit lacking from what I had expected. I hated how cold and dismissive she was toward her new roommate Caden- at first because she didn't want to deal with her boyfriends jealous tirade but even after they broke up she wasn't really welcoming to him despite Caden being nothing but sweet and kind towards her.

I will continue to sing Caden's praises because I would love to have met a man like him- or hell I want one of my son's to become that kind of swoon perfection. Not only is a considerate roommate, but he literally makes it his mission to help Isabelle be happy, ensure her safety through incredible measures and he freaking cooks!

Isabelle has a lot going on in this book- and I can't fault her for wanting to ignore the problems and just pretend they aren't happening. BUT it also felt a little like her character development was a little stunted. She cycles through the same negative or self deprecating thought process for much of the story which got a little frustrating. She eventually gets that kick to move on and show some of that character I initially loved.

So while this isn't my favorite book from Jerica- though Caden might be taking top spot for my favorite character from her- it is a well put together story.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,234 reviews60 followers
May 7, 2023
Sometimes you just want to read a sweet, slow-burn romance that gives you a good guy from the start and you will get that with Strong Safety, but be warned there is a piece near the end of the book that was completely out of character in its intensity that it made this book go of its safe track for a second before the tracks clicked back in place and we then could enjoy the HEA that was just perfect for Isabelle and Caden.

What could possibly go wrong when a hunky footballer player became Isabelle's roommate senior college year, oh, let's start with him being super sweet, not a jock player and can cook, sounds good so far except that Isabelle's relatively new boyfriend isn't happy and starts down a path that quickly sees the relationship ending, but there is a bright side as now Caden and Isabelle can become friends, but that little spark that they both felt from the beginning is now growing and, for the first time ever Isabelle has found someone who is putting her first which gives her the strength to start thinking about what makes her happy rather than what makes everyone else happy, as their friendships grows into something more, Caden wants nothing more than to make this girl his but Isabelle is holding back, but a dark cloud is looming darker than either of them could have imaged and they need to overcome that to find their HEA.
Profile Image for Monae Doyle.
1,485 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2024
This is a football romance book with a guy who falls in love with his roommate.

This story centers around a guy named Caden who is a football player. There is a woman named Isabelle who places an ad looking for a roommate. Caden takes her up on her offer. In the beginning of this story she has a boyfriend who is a real jerk to her. You see that her boyfriend is jealous that her roommate is a guy as well as being a football player 🏈. Isabelle ends up breaking up with the boyfriend. Caden talks about he needs to find a dress shirt that fits him and Isabelle who is into sewing 🧵 and fixing clothes as well as other items offers to fix a shirt for him. Caden begins to have feelings for Isabelle and she starts to have feelings for Caden. She is reluctant to start dating Caden because of her past relationships with guys that she’s dated. Her ex-boyfriend starts harassing her and stalking her and Caden steps in to help her by hiring bodyguards and having some of his teammates follow her. She does get a little upset that Caden is helping her which frustrated me. I really liked Caden and Isabelle’s friends who also helped her with the situation. I enjoyed reading this book.
Profile Image for Nathathida Atirekasâra.
1,231 reviews7 followers
May 10, 2023
The story is a roommates to lovers romance combined with a suspense plot. And while Caden is sweet and definitely swoon-worthy, Isabelle's situation is intense and intriguing which make me keep reading the book through the end.

Caden is Isabelle's new roommate and I think he falls for her first. Isabelle has a crush on him but with her track record of boyfriends, she thinks she will take a break from relationship. I like how their relationship is developed from roommates to friends then friends with benefits because it makes me believe in their love even more.

I have to say that Caden is a breath of fresh air because he is a good guy but at the same time, Isabelle is very stubborn for her own good. Usually I want to shake some sense into main male characters but while I'm reading this book, it's Isabelle who I want to shake, LOL.

I have to confess that when I saw how many chapters the book has, I was afraid that I would feel boring at some point. But turn out that Jerica MacMillan wrote it so good and I enjoy reading it very much.
Profile Image for Rina's Reads.
1,656 reviews43 followers
April 23, 2023
This book had intense scenes that might be triggering for some, please be kind to yourself and check the TW.

Isabelle and Caden's story was mostly fun, flirty, and sweet. However—due to their situation—there was also a thread of tension woven throughout a lot of the book.

Caden was a stand-up guy. He worked hard, was considerate and caring, thoughtful and sweet. My gosh, he even cooked!
Isabelle was thoughtful, brave, and kind. She was—understandingly so—very self-doubting throughout the majority of the book.
However, through her new friendship with Caden, she slowly started trusting herself again.
The way he supported her—his patience, his compassion, and his gentleness—was so lovely to witness.
Their mutual attraction was undeniable and once they gave in to it, their connection was scorching.

The extra epilogue was a great touch, showing what might be coming next. I'm already excited to read it!

4.5 stars.
Profile Image for vivi.
140 reviews
April 26, 2023
I’m a sucker for roommate romances and those two characters didn’t dissapointed me in the slightest
Isabelle and Caden where great characters, they supported and cared for each other and it was so sweet to witness how gentle and patient he was whenever she was self doubting herself. They also communicated with each other and listened and solved a problem together and had a healthy relationship. Plus point for no third act break up!
But over all, the story seemed a bit rushed, especially during the first chapters because he was suddenly living there a month and we didn’t get to witness the first awkward weeks of living together and tiptoing around each other.

All in all, it was a good book and an ejoyable read. I loved their friendship and relationship, how they treated each other and the little teaser of what might be coming next.

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Arshi.
20 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2023
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️/5

*ARC REVIEW* please check TWs before reading.

The book overall was a good read for me as I completed it in just a day. Although it seemed a bit rushed the first few chapters. It's full of fun, sweet and flirty banter, drama, suspense just waiting to be unfold. If you're in for a fun read you should definitely pick it up but please mind that it has some triggering events happening towards the end.

Isabelle and Caden are such sweethearts🥰 Honestly I'm more of a enemies to lovers kinda girl but when a friends to lovers is done well it hits the spot, and this book did not disappoint. Isabelle is such a grump and Caden the perfect sunshine character✨ He tries his best to cheer up Isabelle and succeeds with a bonus😉 I love how they are so supportive of each other and communicate well with their needs.

All in all, its a good read. Also the little teaser for the next book of the author at the end🤌🏻
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
May 9, 2023
Caden is a football player for the college team who enjoys his teammates but has grown weary of living with them and the opportunity of living with Isabelle is exactly the situation he needs. He had feelings for her from their first meeting, but he respects the fact that she is in a relationship however when he realizes all is not as it appears he is determined to protect her.

Isabelle knows that the relationship with her boyfriend isn’t ideal, but she never expected it to become dangerous. She tries to keep her distance from Caden, but he is always there when she needs someone the most and she realizes that she can trust him with her heart and her life.

Caden is exactly who Isabelle needs as he is protective but not pushy. He knows that she is cautious and is patient and understanding until she realizes they belong together as well.
3,552 reviews52 followers
April 24, 2023
I just loved this romance. There is steam, angst, drama and suspense. Isabelle gets a new roommate which her boyfriend doesn’t approve of because it happens to be a he and a football player to boot. However, things happen and soon Isabelle finds that her boyfriend isn’t meant to be. As Caden tries to cheer up Isabelle, they spend more time together and their friendship blooms. The chemistry between Isabelle and Caden is sizzling, but what I love best is the level of caring and affection between the two. Caden is absolutely swoon-worthy and Isabelle is such a sweetheart. I found this book to be entertaining and so enjoyable to read.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,179 reviews35 followers
May 12, 2023
3.5 stars

Sweet college roommates turned lovers story. Isabelle has a terrible track record with guys. The last few have taken advantage of her, bullied her and ultimately affected the way she sees herself. Caden is just the man to change that. He's her super sweet, protective roommate. He's awesome; cooking for her, looking for ways to cheer her up and generally being the most attentive guy around. They dance around the roommate to lover line for awhile but ultimately, it's too hard to resist. These two are good together. He's impossibly sweet and she needs some sweetness in her life.

At times it felt more of a coming of age story than college seniors on the brink of real life but fans of MacMillan will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,684 reviews98 followers
May 16, 2023
3.5 stars

Sweet college roommates turned lovers story. Isabelle has a terrible track record with guys. The last few have taken advantage of her, bullied her and ultimately affected the way she sees herself. Caden is just the man to change that. He's her super sweet, protective roommate. He's awesome; cooking for her, looking for ways to cheer her up and generally being the most attentive guy around. They dance around the roommate to lover line for awhile but ultimately, it's too hard to resist. These two are good together. He's impossibly sweet and she needs some sweetness in her life.

At times it felt more of a coming of age story than college seniors on the brink of real life but fans of MacMillan will not be disappointed!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,840 reviews52 followers
April 28, 2023
Strong Safety is a fabulous read. I loved this one so much. This is a falling for the roommate that you will not want to miss out on. Caden is in need of a new place and is tried of his slobs of roommates on the football team. Isabelle needs a roommate to help cover the bills. They make the perfect roommates and the chemistry is a slow build as they get to know each other. I love how protective Caden is of Isabelle. He has this huge heart and will make you swoon with how he is with Isabelle. Isabelle has not had the best luck when it comes to men. Caden is her game changer and you will just love how everything unfolds. I love Caden and Isabelle so much. I could not get enough of this one.
Profile Image for Payton Box.
1,472 reviews22 followers
May 3, 2023
I’ve been reading books without knowing much about them before I start and honestly I love reading this way. I knew Strong Safety was a sports romance, but other than that the entire plot was a surprise for me! I didn’t expect a suspense plot line with Isabelle’s ex boyfriend, and I loved the fact that Caden and Isabelle were roommates.

Their developing friendship and then to being romantic was adorable. Caden is the perfect guy for Isabelle, especially after her ex Lucas. I also felt that this book was accurate in the ages of the two characters, it’s not often that two college kids are written like college kids and I felt the author did an amazing job at making them seem their age!
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,135 reviews39 followers
May 8, 2023
Loved Caden and Isabelle!!! Isabelle's roommate has moved in with her boyfriend and Isabelle has picked Caden to replace her. He's a football player and this has not made her boyfriend happy. When he goes too far, Caden steps in but the ex does not want to let go. Caden's mom raised him right. He's kind, gentle, patient, supportive, protective and a great cook. Before you know it these two roommates are helping each other and forming a great friendship with amazing chemistry. Isabelle has had bad luck in the romance department and has her walls up for a new relationship so soon, but will Caden be able to break through to more than roommates???
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,299 reviews79 followers
May 10, 2023
Strong Safety was a good new adult romance from Jerica MacMillan.

Isabelle needed a new roommate and picked Caden, a football player for her college. While they both thought the other was attractive, their connection didn't move past that initially. When Isabelle broke up with her terrible boyfriend it really gave her and Caden a chance to connect. I thought they were nicely matched, and it was easy to see their chemistry as the forced proximity kept bringing them together.

The story moves at a good pace and is an easy, fun read. I am already looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
1,465 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2023
Close Proximity and Suspense!

Isabelle’s new roommate is everything she is not interested in. He’s a football player and too hot for his own good. She can avoid him, even if they live together. Caden noticed his new roommate the moment he moved in. He knows she only wants friendship and he’s willing to give her that. But she makes it difficult every time she just walks by.

The chemistry and slow burn are perfect in this book. There’s a bit of danger and suspense which adds to the story. I enjoyed the friends they surround themselves with and the support they are to one another.

Strong Safety is a fun, college romance with a twist that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Profile Image for Terry.
1,502 reviews
April 27, 2023
4 Stars for this college romance

This is a sweet romance that’s easy to read. Although I like Isabelle and Caden, I just didn't love them. But the chemistry between them is off the charts and the steamy scenes are … well steamy!

When Isabelle’s roommate moves out, she picks the best new roommate candidate … even though he’s a football player. Caden is smitten with Isabelle right from the beginning … now he just just has to try and keep his hands off her. Good luck with that!

I received an early copy courtesy of Grey’s Promotion
Profile Image for Chris.
1,729 reviews27 followers
May 8, 2023
I really enjoyed Isabelle and Caden's story. She has terrible luck with guys ever since she started dating and ending with the crappiest guy ever who treats her terribly and doesn't care about anything that's important to her. When Charity moves out to live with her boyfriend, that leaves Isabelle with no roommate. Enter Caden. Her extremely hot, new roommate. Despite the odd pairing, they are great as roommates that become even better friends. I loved that their romance blossoms over time from friends to more. Caden always showing he cares about her interests. When her safety is threatened by Lucas, he steps up to protect her.
Definitely worth the read!
236 reviews7 followers
May 8, 2023
Strong Safety by Jerica MacMillan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶

Football romance
Dual POV
Roommates to lovers
Stalker ex
Reverse grumpy/sunshine

I enjoyed the story there were some serious areas mixed in with suspense, drama, banter and a MMC that was so caring and the complete opposite of what the FMC expected. Love it when the MMC is expected to be a player but is such a big softy. There were some places in the story that felt rushed but overall was an enjoyable story with a sneaky glimpse at the next book.

I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
May 9, 2023
When Isabelle’s roommate moves in with her boyfriend, she needs to find a new one, and Caden, is a football player, and he just wants to move out of the football party house. Caden makes it his mission to cheer up his grumpy roommate, and bring out the girl she keeps hidden inside. This is a well written slow burn story, which is a roommate / lovers,’ grumpy / sunshine, sports romance, with undeniable chemistry, emotions, trust, intrigue, and love, which leads to an entertaining and sweet page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
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