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Even In The Rain
Star quarterback. Troublemaker. Player. The definition of the type of guy I can’t stand. Also, the guy I’ve agreed to tutor for the next three months.
Sebastian Murdoch spends his free time at either football practice, after-school detention, or hooking up with random girls at wild beach parties. I spend my free time digging in tidepools, reading, or studying moon jellyfish. He’s the school hero. I’m the school pariah. Only I’ve suddenly been presented with an opportunity to leave Sandy Haven and finish my final months of high school at an exclusive boarding school miles away from the people who have treated me like dirt for years.
The catch? Seb Murdoch is my ticket out. His parents are willing to pay allot of money for a tutor to help ensure their Golden Boy passes all his classes. If he fails, he’ll lose his chance at leading the team to their first state championship win in seventeen years. And I’ll lose my chance at finally living a normal high school experience before graduation.
But turns out there’s a lot more to Seb than meets the eye. And soon he’s teaching me as much about letting go and taking chances as I’m teaching him about calculus and history. But I also suspect he’s harboring secrets. So, although I want to take a leap of faith and trust in the feelings we’re developing for each other, I can’t help wondering: am I crazy to let myself fall for a boy who represents everything I’ve ever vowed to stay away from?
This book is a standalone in the Sandy Haven series. Like all of my books, it has a HEA.
323 pages, ebook
Published March 17, 2023
341 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Sophie McAloon
5 books41 followersAward winning author Sophie McAloon writes YA fiction with relatable heroines and rebellious heroes. Enemies-to-lovers fans will devour the slow burn romance, witty banter, and happily-ever-after that she delivers in all her stories. Sophie, who is a proud Canadian, loves spontaneous road trips, marshmallow bananas, rainy Sunday afternoons, and browsing bookstores for hours.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 6, 2023
ARC courtesy of booksirens. OH MY GOD THIS WAS SO CUTE. agahagahah gave me major wattpad vibes, very happy endingy, but sometimes we need that. caroline loves axolotyl’s too i’m🥺🥺🥺 i really loved it. just didn’t love the miscommunication
January 11, 2025
A cute story, the jock boy falls for the tutor nerd girl.
This is a young adult book though, so no spice. But was cute none the less.
This is a young adult book though, so no spice. But was cute none the less.
March 30, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This was my first book by this author. It is a YA romance with a HEA ending.
Sebastian is the star quarter back and always getting into trouble. He is known for his outrageous stunts. One too many stunts and grades that are lacking has his parents threatening to pull him from the team if he doesn't shape up.
Caroline is the quiet introverted nerd in school. She is just counting down the days till the end of semester so she can transfer to another private school that specializes in Marine biology. She needs money to help pay for the school and she lands a tutor job with great pay.
This book was a really sweet young adult book with real issues that students face everyday.
Can't wait for more from this author.
Sebastian is the star quarter back and always getting into trouble. He is known for his outrageous stunts. One too many stunts and grades that are lacking has his parents threatening to pull him from the team if he doesn't shape up.
Caroline is the quiet introverted nerd in school. She is just counting down the days till the end of semester so she can transfer to another private school that specializes in Marine biology. She needs money to help pay for the school and she lands a tutor job with great pay.
This book was a really sweet young adult book with real issues that students face everyday.
Can't wait for more from this author.
April 19, 2023
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Received for review: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the publisher and to the author.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: The FMC was quirky, nerdy, and fun, and I loved that. The MMC was a fly by the seat of his pants. I really liked the two of them and their relationship development. I thought that was cute and fun.
I thought the book lagged a little bit in the middle and beginning, and the writing style at times wasn't my favorite. But once Seb and Caroline got together and were together, it picked up.
I didn't love the conflict and how it was generated, but I did like the characters and plot. I enjoyed this one, and I'm glad I read it.
Major Strengths
-interesting characters
-cute relationship development
So why 3 stars? I enjoyed the characters and how they were developed, and I thought it lagged at times. It's a fun, enjoyable read, however.
Content Warnings: Some references to underage drinking, some instances of strong language, some fairly tame sexual references. I'd say maybe 15/16+.
Love,
Danica Page
Received for review: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the publisher and to the author.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: The FMC was quirky, nerdy, and fun, and I loved that. The MMC was a fly by the seat of his pants. I really liked the two of them and their relationship development. I thought that was cute and fun.
I thought the book lagged a little bit in the middle and beginning, and the writing style at times wasn't my favorite. But once Seb and Caroline got together and were together, it picked up.
I didn't love the conflict and how it was generated, but I did like the characters and plot. I enjoyed this one, and I'm glad I read it.
Major Strengths
-interesting characters
-cute relationship development
So why 3 stars? I enjoyed the characters and how they were developed, and I thought it lagged at times. It's a fun, enjoyable read, however.
Content Warnings: Some references to underage drinking, some instances of strong language, some fairly tame sexual references. I'd say maybe 15/16+.
Love,
Danica Page
December 20, 2024
It was actually really cute, and I could envision the teen rom-com movie it could become.
I liked Seb and his cool boy, but genuinely good natured attitude about everything. He was never mean, just a bit ditsy, and it’s partially the concussion symptoms and partially just his personality. But he was sweet and I liked that he wasn’t a bully.
Caroline being so smart with random facts is endearing. I do not get the author’s mindset in making her an outcast. There were bits that don’t make sense. I mean if Caroline didn’t do her ocean presentation until grade 9, why didn’t she already have friends? And there’s a 15yo sister, Casey, mentioned ONCE who is cool (according to Caroline) but she also doesn’t hang out with her sister? And this sister is NEVER mentioned again, like the author forgot about her existence. So Caroline’s isolation was strange given these things and made the book story weaker. So in the nonexistent movie, they’ll have to make Caroline an only-child.
Overall, I think the way the book ended was a cute place to wrap it up, but I did hope to see more of their story. Especially because in the first third I felt it was dragging just a bit. Not sure if I’d continue the series, maybe if it were offered free. I got this one free on kindle too.
I liked Seb and his cool boy, but genuinely good natured attitude about everything. He was never mean, just a bit ditsy, and it’s partially the concussion symptoms and partially just his personality. But he was sweet and I liked that he wasn’t a bully.
Caroline being so smart with random facts is endearing. I do not get the author’s mindset in making her an outcast. There were bits that don’t make sense. I mean if Caroline didn’t do her ocean presentation until grade 9, why didn’t she already have friends? And there’s a 15yo sister, Casey, mentioned ONCE who is cool (according to Caroline) but she also doesn’t hang out with her sister? And this sister is NEVER mentioned again, like the author forgot about her existence. So Caroline’s isolation was strange given these things and made the book story weaker. So in the nonexistent movie, they’ll have to make Caroline an only-child.
Overall, I think the way the book ended was a cute place to wrap it up, but I did hope to see more of their story. Especially because in the first third I felt it was dragging just a bit. Not sure if I’d continue the series, maybe if it were offered free. I got this one free on kindle too.
April 18, 2023
Nerd Girl vs Jock Boy. Caroline is a loner at her high school where she is a senior. She has no friends and is counting the days until the 2nd semester starts because she's been accepted at a high school where she'll be able to study what she really loves - marine biology.
Seb is the star quarterback at school but also one of the biggest pranksters on campus. And he's hiding a huge secret from everyone except his best friend. His grades are another issue for him and after one too many pranks, his father finds a tutor for him to help bring his grades up. There's no better than straight A, straight laced student than Caroline.
Forced to spend time together, Caroline realizes that there's more to Seb than just the prankster quarterback that everyone loves and she starts opening up to the opportunities to make friends at school and discovers that maybe what she's wanted all along is not at all what she needed.
I loved this story! I'm looking forward to reading more by Sophie McAloon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Seb is the star quarterback at school but also one of the biggest pranksters on campus. And he's hiding a huge secret from everyone except his best friend. His grades are another issue for him and after one too many pranks, his father finds a tutor for him to help bring his grades up. There's no better than straight A, straight laced student than Caroline.
Forced to spend time together, Caroline realizes that there's more to Seb than just the prankster quarterback that everyone loves and she starts opening up to the opportunities to make friends at school and discovers that maybe what she's wanted all along is not at all what she needed.
I loved this story! I'm looking forward to reading more by Sophie McAloon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 9, 2023
This book surprised me because it was not what I was expecting. The beginning was a bit slow, but when Sebastian and Caroline started to spend time together, I really enjoy it!
Caroline is an outcast in her school, she’s introvert and suffers some kind of bullying, on the other hand, Sebastian is the popular "Jock", but they became friends when Caroline starts tutoring him. The story is told in the dual point of view, and I liked the introspective thoughts on both sides. Caroline is a loner, but Sebastian is suffering from more serious mental Health issues. I also enjoyed how Sebastian is always kind and nice to people and how he is a good friend, and the way Caroline overcame her shyness and conquer a new group of friends. The moments they spent together are the best part of the book, they are having fun and they fall in love in a very sweet way. The crew in the board games café was a bonus!
Overall, a sweet romance and a nice reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Caroline is an outcast in her school, she’s introvert and suffers some kind of bullying, on the other hand, Sebastian is the popular "Jock", but they became friends when Caroline starts tutoring him. The story is told in the dual point of view, and I liked the introspective thoughts on both sides. Caroline is a loner, but Sebastian is suffering from more serious mental Health issues. I also enjoyed how Sebastian is always kind and nice to people and how he is a good friend, and the way Caroline overcame her shyness and conquer a new group of friends. The moments they spent together are the best part of the book, they are having fun and they fall in love in a very sweet way. The crew in the board games café was a bonus!
Overall, a sweet romance and a nice reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2023
I found this book to be entertaining and captivating-I read most of it in one sitting! Typical nerd x jock romance, but there’s definitely nothing wrong with that. It had a cute, opposites attract story. I didn’t think that there was much of a plot, and while the focus started off being on Caroline and her high school experience, it eventually was just the relationship between her and Seb. However, there were moments that made me smile, such as the random facts, board game cafe, and learning more about each character. I would have liked it to have more detail into Seb and Caro’s problems. Also, changing the format from normal POVs to having several message chats definitely added interest for the reader by switching it from the normal, even if the texts were slightly cringey.
Overall a charming story for a light read, it has piqued my interest and now I want to read the whole series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall a charming story for a light read, it has piqued my interest and now I want to read the whole series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 21, 2023
Gah! This book had it all for me.
First, I related so much to both Seb and Caroline for different reasons, so I really "got" their characters and fell madly in love with them. They're complete opposites, being the nerdy girl and the jock/popular guy, but their story was so much more than that. It felt like they saw each other on a molecular level, understanding what made the other person so wonderful, and discovered things about themselves in the process.
My emotions spanned the spectrum through reading their story, and I laughed possibly a record number of times. I could truly gush about how adorable this story was all day, but it would never get the point across as well as reading the book.
Grab a copy and be prepared for a whole lot of laughing, swooning, and endorphins flooding your system. Love love love this book. Now I'm off to read book 1.
First, I related so much to both Seb and Caroline for different reasons, so I really "got" their characters and fell madly in love with them. They're complete opposites, being the nerdy girl and the jock/popular guy, but their story was so much more than that. It felt like they saw each other on a molecular level, understanding what made the other person so wonderful, and discovered things about themselves in the process.
My emotions spanned the spectrum through reading their story, and I laughed possibly a record number of times. I could truly gush about how adorable this story was all day, but it would never get the point across as well as reading the book.
Grab a copy and be prepared for a whole lot of laughing, swooning, and endorphins flooding your system. Love love love this book. Now I'm off to read book 1.
May 3, 2023
Usually I'm not a fan of high school romance stories, but this was well done. I think many of us can relate to feeling like an outcast in high school, like you just don't fit in. That's how Caroline or Caro feels, she's counting down the days until she can transfer to another school where her interests might be more accepted. Sebastian or Seb is the complete opposite. Everyone in school loves him and looks up him, even though he always seems to be in trouble. These two seem to embody the stereotypes of the nerd and the jock, and yet when they are thrown into each other's orbits they find they have more in common than they would think. This had a lot of teenage angst, but also self realization and a satisfying ending. I'd love to read more stories about characters that we introduced in this one.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm leaving a voluntary review.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm leaving a voluntary review.
April 24, 2023
ARC Review
Even in the rain
By Sophie McAloon
Rating: ⭐️5/5
Emotions: ❤️5/5
Quarterback and the Nerdy Girl. Loner Caroline just wants the days gone by because then she can do what she really wants, study marine biology.
Seb finds himself in a situation where his father sets him off with a tutor, which, of course, happens to be Caroline.
So when these two are forced to spend time together, they slowly see that there is more to the other than they thought.
Caroline sees that Seb is more than just a prankster jock, and Seb brings Caroline to open up and take the opportunity to make friends.
And make both see that maybe there is some more than what they thought they wanted.
Even in the rain
By Sophie McAloon
Rating: ⭐️5/5
Emotions: ❤️5/5
Quarterback and the Nerdy Girl. Loner Caroline just wants the days gone by because then she can do what she really wants, study marine biology.
Seb finds himself in a situation where his father sets him off with a tutor, which, of course, happens to be Caroline.
So when these two are forced to spend time together, they slowly see that there is more to the other than they thought.
Caroline sees that Seb is more than just a prankster jock, and Seb brings Caroline to open up and take the opportunity to make friends.
And make both see that maybe there is some more than what they thought they wanted.
May 17, 2023
4.5/5 🌟
Caroline Heinz hates Sebastian Murdoch. And everything he stands for. Popularity and troublemaking. He spends his time playing football and flirting with girls, while she spends her time digging in tide pools and reading. He’s the schools hero and I’m the schools pariah. Recently, she’s been presented with the opportunity of a lifetime to leave Sandy Haven. Caroline needs money to pay for her way out and Sebastian’s parents are willing to pay her big money if she tutors him for three months. What happens when Caroline realizes that Sebastian isn’t so bad after all?
I love love love loved this book! It was so cute and it had relatable characters. Sebastian is literally so amazing! I’d marry him with paper rings honestly. I thought that Caroline’s love of marine biology was so cool! Watching Sebastian and Caroline realize that they have feelings for each other was so precious. I also really enjoyed seeing Caroline gain confidence in herself! The only thing I would’ve liked to see more of is doing instead of telling when it came to the beginning of Sebastian and Caroline’s relationship. Overall, this book was so good and I would definitely recommend it!
Caroline Heinz hates Sebastian Murdoch. And everything he stands for. Popularity and troublemaking. He spends his time playing football and flirting with girls, while she spends her time digging in tide pools and reading. He’s the schools hero and I’m the schools pariah. Recently, she’s been presented with the opportunity of a lifetime to leave Sandy Haven. Caroline needs money to pay for her way out and Sebastian’s parents are willing to pay her big money if she tutors him for three months. What happens when Caroline realizes that Sebastian isn’t so bad after all?
I love love love loved this book! It was so cute and it had relatable characters. Sebastian is literally so amazing! I’d marry him with paper rings honestly. I thought that Caroline’s love of marine biology was so cool! Watching Sebastian and Caroline realize that they have feelings for each other was so precious. I also really enjoyed seeing Caroline gain confidence in herself! The only thing I would’ve liked to see more of is doing instead of telling when it came to the beginning of Sebastian and Caroline’s relationship. Overall, this book was so good and I would definitely recommend it!
April 29, 2023
I loved that it was not your typical nerd-jock romance. I liked how their friendship formed and how he changed her view of others. Sometimes the nerd girl, as he calls her, judges the cool crowd as badly as they treated her. I really enjoyed her starting to fit in and come out of her shell.
I thought the conflict could have been built up a bit more with the school transfer reveal and concussion symptoms. I liked how he was so carefree and didn't care what others thought of his friendship with her. I would have liked more information when he was in hospital as I thought the future without football was a bit brief. I enjoyed this book and am keen to read more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thought the conflict could have been built up a bit more with the school transfer reveal and concussion symptoms. I liked how he was so carefree and didn't care what others thought of his friendship with her. I would have liked more information when he was in hospital as I thought the future without football was a bit brief. I enjoyed this book and am keen to read more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2023
A Jock Boy and Nerd Girl romance.
Sebastian is the typical high school quarterback who loves getting in trouble. Caroline is a sensible, intelligent nerd who’s isolated. Their paths should never have crossed. When Seb needs a tutor and Caroline needs money, their perceptions of life change and a beautiful friendship emerges. After a little miscommunication and an oversized ego, anyway.
This cute romance has everything you need if you love sweet and heartwarming characters.
I’m very excited to read more books by Sophie McAcloon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sebastian is the typical high school quarterback who loves getting in trouble. Caroline is a sensible, intelligent nerd who’s isolated. Their paths should never have crossed. When Seb needs a tutor and Caroline needs money, their perceptions of life change and a beautiful friendship emerges. After a little miscommunication and an oversized ego, anyway.
This cute romance has everything you need if you love sweet and heartwarming characters.
I’m very excited to read more books by Sophie McAcloon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2024
What a wonderful opposites attract love story with a happy ending! Sebastian is a football player bad boy who could care less and just love to have fun no matter the outcome. Caroline is quiet and loves all things having to do with marine life. In a twist of fate these two have to come together because they each have something the other needs, and it ends up changing their whole lives.
This was my first book by this author and I was super impressed! The story line was unique and the characters were wonderful. Looking forward to reading many more things by this author!
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was my first book by this author and I was super impressed! The story line was unique and the characters were wonderful. Looking forward to reading many more things by this author!
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 31, 2024
Two amazing strangers-to-friends-to-lovers slow burn romances in a row!??! (the first being My Grumpy Neighbour) Yes please!!
I just happened to stumble upon this book (thank you Kindle Unlimited) and I'm so glad I did. I loved both of the main characters and I can truly understand what Sebastian and Caroline saw in each other. I also love love loveddddd the secondary characters and am desperate for Scarlett's book as well as Xavier's (even signed up for Sophie's newsletter so I can get updates 🤞).
There is definitely still magic in young adult books for me - thank you Sophie McAloon <3
I just happened to stumble upon this book (thank you Kindle Unlimited) and I'm so glad I did. I loved both of the main characters and I can truly understand what Sebastian and Caroline saw in each other. I also love love loveddddd the secondary characters and am desperate for Scarlett's book as well as Xavier's (even signed up for Sophie's newsletter so I can get updates 🤞).
There is definitely still magic in young adult books for me - thank you Sophie McAloon <3
November 4, 2025
This was a fun and quick read for me. Caroline and Sebastian go to the same school and Sebastian is the popular jock while Caroline is the quiet girl who is bullied by the cool crew. Sebastian never bullies Caroline and it's not his friends either. They are thrust together when Sebastian needs to be tutored and he instantly sees Caroline's value and helps her come out of her shell. Sebastian is not the jerk Caroline thinks he is. He has some underlying issues which he is hiding from everyone. It's a very safe and fun read!
June 16, 2023
This was a really good YA, feel good novel. I really enjoyed the characters, the banter between Seb and Caroline, and how the relationship between them grew. I loved how Caroline grew as a character and seeing how her confidence grew. This was my first book by this author and I will DEFINITELY be reading more. If you're looking for a quick, feel-good YA definitely pick this one up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2025
Sebastian!!!
I had read two books out of order and only saw Seb in "Even in the Dark". I wondered the mystery behind his behavior and the hush hush nature that Scarlett and he kept about his problem. In this book, I got the full story and fell in love with the golden retriever of a man who didn't have to be the mean jock turned kind. His story was perfect just the way it was. ♥️
I had read two books out of order and only saw Seb in "Even in the Dark". I wondered the mystery behind his behavior and the hush hush nature that Scarlett and he kept about his problem. In this book, I got the full story and fell in love with the golden retriever of a man who didn't have to be the mean jock turned kind. His story was perfect just the way it was. ♥️
October 28, 2025
I don't really have anything bad or good to say about this book...I just didn't have anything else to read, that's why I picked it. This book takes place in high school, so that was the first thing I didn't really like, which I knew but again couldn't feel it. The characters were okay, I'm not mad, but I'm not obsessed with anyone. The story wasn't something unique or exceptional. It was just a young love, with a little bit bully and a little bit of passion, and of course with dump decisions!
April 11, 2023
sweet YA romance
I read this book in 2 days and enjoyed getting to know the characters and see their story unfold. As a board game lover, it made me smile that board game nerds got a fun shout out in this book. If you’re looking for a sweet clean romance (except there is language), look no further. The characters are fun and relatable and seeing their growth feels rewarding.
I read this book in 2 days and enjoyed getting to know the characters and see their story unfold. As a board game lover, it made me smile that board game nerds got a fun shout out in this book. If you’re looking for a sweet clean romance (except there is language), look no further. The characters are fun and relatable and seeing their growth feels rewarding.
April 20, 2023
Even In The Rain by Sophie McAloon is a good, and enjoyable sports sweet slow burn opposite attract enemies to lovers romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2023
what a cute book!
Highly recommend for a really sweet ya story. Looking forward to reading more about the other characters. Really enjoyed the friendships. Definitely loved Seb and how he stood up for Caro.
Highly recommend for a really sweet ya story. Looking forward to reading more about the other characters. Really enjoyed the friendships. Definitely loved Seb and how he stood up for Caro.
July 23, 2023
This was not my cup of tea. Mean girls, gay parents and lots of language. This isn't what I expected. I thought it would be more wholesome. I will say as a positive, there's no sex but there was plenty of references. I won't be reading anymore in this series.
October 11, 2024
2.75✨
It held my attention enough to finish even though there were some high school moments in this (I mean… it is YA) I just felt too old for as the reader. I loved this author’s latest novel set in the same world and do plan to keep her future work on my radar!
It held my attention enough to finish even though there were some high school moments in this (I mean… it is YA) I just felt too old for as the reader. I loved this author’s latest novel set in the same world and do plan to keep her future work on my radar!
December 19, 2024
A really good read
I have been unable to find a book lately to hold my attention, until this one. Seb is so likeable and funny and Caroline is someone you are cheering for. This is a great book, a new author to me. I will be reading more of her books.
I have been unable to find a book lately to hold my attention, until this one. Seb is so likeable and funny and Caroline is someone you are cheering for. This is a great book, a new author to me. I will be reading more of her books.
February 20, 2025
so good!! i love everything about this so so much seb and caro are literally my babies. this book is literally gonna stick with me forever and i love how seb was always there for caro and stood up for her at any given chance.
March 6, 2025
The dialogue was SO bad especially the texting parts. You could totally tell it wasn’t written by a young person LOL. Either way this was such a GOOD book. So easy to read and somewhat lighthearted even with the topics addressed.
September 16, 2025
Really enjoyed this book.
I loved the lead female. She was honest, interesting and convincing. I loved how the relationship developed and it was allowed to be patient and naturally grew. I'm new to this author but will definitely read more from her.
I loved the lead female. She was honest, interesting and convincing. I loved how the relationship developed and it was allowed to be patient and naturally grew. I'm new to this author but will definitely read more from her.
October 30, 2025
This was a super good book. YA. no spice at all. Clean and has a good storyline and a very good message. What kids go through in high school and even those who want to be invisible deserves to be seen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews