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Crystal Bay University #1
Return Policy
I was the big man on campus. Everything in my life was going exactly according to plan until a wrecking ball reminded me that there were more important things than touchdowns, booze, and pretty girls. In the most turbulent time of my life, I felt lost and defeated until the moment my eyes landed on her . Sophia Summers is everything I never knew I wanted. A sweet shot of sunshine in the unrelenting hurricane. There’s just one little problem. She doesn’t trust in love, and she definitely doesn’t trust me. But I’m a patient man, and she’s worth waiting for. Soon she’ll realize that I want every part of her—the darkness, the light, and the shadows in between. I’m already hers, whether she likes it or not. No returns, no refunds. This is the first novel in the Crystal Bay University series by Hailey Dickert. Return Policy can be read as a standalone; however, since Sophia is a side character from Dickert's first novel The Sister Between Us , it is suggested to read that first for the best reader experience.
444 pages, Hardcover
First published June 23, 2023
819 people are currently reading
10723 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
April 3, 2024
my first 5 star read for 2024 !!
( the fact that this book was about some vehicle accident, and i got into a car accident while reading this book.. what a way to start the year..🙂👍🏼 )
( the fact that this book was about some vehicle accident, and i got into a car accident while reading this book.. what a way to start the year..🙂👍🏼 )
June 28, 2023
loved this till I reached the dreadful chapter where the fmc reads smut to the mmc on the way to meet his mom to “tAkE tHe EdGe oFf” it wasn’t the only time too🧍♀️🔪
u can say the author was very “influenced” by icebreaker 😐considering how much it was mentioned
u can say the author was very “influenced” by icebreaker 😐
June 30, 2023
Wellp, call me a sunflower 🌻 and fuck me six ways to Sunday because OHMYGOD THIS BOOK!!!!
Alright, here goes:
Things to keep in mind:
✨Read TWs carefully, it’s not a joke
✨Return Policy is a standalone but there are interconnected characters from Hailey’s first book, The Sister Between Us, it’s not mandatory to read it, but recommended. I did, and it’s beautiful all the same.
✨Fair warning, you might get addicted
I got an ARC for this and I think this was hands-down one of the best romances I’ve read this year! Let’s get to know the characters better:
🌻 Sophia is the youngest sibling, loves her dad and has a twisted relationship with her mom. She’s suffered great loss and is extremely self aware of her trauma, which sometimes causes her to push people away to prevent herself from the grief of losing them. Loves photography and sketching, eats like a normal human being (i was so sick and tired of girls being portrayed as bird-like-eaters, trust me, we’re not)
🦌 Elijah is a sweetheart. The greenest green flag to ever exist in the fictional realm. This man can do no wrong. HE’S A GOOD MAN SAVANNAH! His life was all about touchdowns and tits before he met Sophia and that’s when he knew she was everything he wanted and more. Elijah is one of the best fictional men to ever exist and I never say this lightly.
Things to love:
✨The way Elijah makes Sophia feel when she’s insecure about her pouch belly. I fell in love with that scene.
✨ He gets ON HIS KNEES just to get her to tutor him! SO CUTE.
✨ The art in the book is breathtaking. Chloe, Elijah, the tattoos, I’m whipped.
There was one phase where I was a bit agitated with Sophia trying to hide something from Elijah after she already gave him the time of day for doing exactly that, so that wasn’t fair on him but that man is a saint. I didn’t mind it, because I understood why she did what she did.
Fav quotes:
✨“Tacos fall apart, and everybody loves them”
✨“There’s a fire burning inside of me and Elijah Anderson is one-hundred-percent pure kerosene”
✨“Elijah Anderson will ruin me, and I’m going to thank him for it”
Reminder to read The Sister Between Us before you read this, I’d recommend it (but it’s still not mandatory)
If you haven’t pre-saved/ordered this, consider this my cue to tell you you’re making a mistake.
Alright, here goes:
Things to keep in mind:
✨Read TWs carefully, it’s not a joke
✨Return Policy is a standalone but there are interconnected characters from Hailey’s first book, The Sister Between Us, it’s not mandatory to read it, but recommended. I did, and it’s beautiful all the same.
✨Fair warning, you might get addicted
I got an ARC for this and I think this was hands-down one of the best romances I’ve read this year! Let’s get to know the characters better:
🌻 Sophia is the youngest sibling, loves her dad and has a twisted relationship with her mom. She’s suffered great loss and is extremely self aware of her trauma, which sometimes causes her to push people away to prevent herself from the grief of losing them. Loves photography and sketching, eats like a normal human being (i was so sick and tired of girls being portrayed as bird-like-eaters, trust me, we’re not)
🦌 Elijah is a sweetheart. The greenest green flag to ever exist in the fictional realm. This man can do no wrong. HE’S A GOOD MAN SAVANNAH! His life was all about touchdowns and tits before he met Sophia and that’s when he knew she was everything he wanted and more. Elijah is one of the best fictional men to ever exist and I never say this lightly.
Things to love:
✨The way Elijah makes Sophia feel when she’s insecure about her pouch belly. I fell in love with that scene.
✨ He gets ON HIS KNEES just to get her to tutor him! SO CUTE.
✨ The art in the book is breathtaking. Chloe, Elijah, the tattoos, I’m whipped.
There was one phase where I was a bit agitated with Sophia trying to hide something from Elijah after she already gave him the time of day for doing exactly that, so that wasn’t fair on him but that man is a saint. I didn’t mind it, because I understood why she did what she did.
Fav quotes:
✨“Tacos fall apart, and everybody loves them”
✨“There’s a fire burning inside of me and Elijah Anderson is one-hundred-percent pure kerosene”
✨“Elijah Anderson will ruin me, and I’m going to thank him for it”
Reminder to read The Sister Between Us before you read this, I’d recommend it (but it’s still not mandatory)
If you haven’t pre-saved/ordered this, consider this my cue to tell you you’re making a mistake.
July 9, 2023
dnf’d this at 10% because my therapist told me to put myself first. i wasnt gonna go through this after she said “single as a pringle”
June 27, 2023
No :)
tsk tsk
The MMC buying her spicy books felt more like how Nate was like w Stessi but here he buys her spicy books
Some of the lines and spicy scenes did give me cringe
Slept on it and probably will continue with the series as I have already read this one. ^_^
tsk tsk
The MMC buying her spicy books felt more like how Nate was like w Stessi but here he buys her spicy books
Some of the lines and spicy scenes did give me cringe
Slept on it and probably will continue with the series as I have already read this one. ^_^
June 25, 2023
Soild 3⭐️
reason why i didn’t really like it was cause the mood changing was wayyy too quick and sudden for my liking… like one moment theyre talking about depressing life stories and the next moment theyre all seduced and teasing each other😭😭😭 nah man I didn’t like it, doesn’t show the seriousness of her traumatic past. Also didn’t like the fact that the corny romance started sooo early.
Overall, quite a cute book
reason why i didn’t really like it was cause the mood changing was wayyy too quick and sudden for my liking… like one moment theyre talking about depressing life stories and the next moment theyre all seduced and teasing each other😭😭😭 nah man I didn’t like it, doesn’t show the seriousness of her traumatic past. Also didn’t like the fact that the corny romance started sooo early.
Overall, quite a cute book
October 26, 2023
She’s done it again ladies & gentlemen!
I loved this book. I mean hello, tutoring the QB … if you don’t instantly get a little hot & bothered picturing how that story line is going to go then idk, somethings wrong with you. Lol
Straight from the prologue I was ready to self combust. My heart was ripped out of my chest then & there all over again & it wasn’t even chapter one yet. If you haven’t read The Sister Between Us yet, I strongly suggest you read it first for best impact of this book.
I found all of the characters to be so loveable, except old mate, IYKYK.. & I laughed multiple times out loud during this one, it’s always the little funny moments that get me when I least expect it. I also, came close to crying.. which for those who have been following along with me would know is extremely rare for me to do or even come close to doing. So kudos to you there Hailey!
I loved the dynamics between Sophie & Elijah. Dual POV is always the perfect set up for these kinds of books, I feel it truly helps us to connect & understand each character better. I loved every aspect of these two working through their traumas, building their relationships & their journeys of their own self discoveries both mental health wise & … in the bedrooms.. the spice 👏🏼 Hailey always smashes that ball out of the park.
There are some triggers for this book, so please do check before diving on in. In saying that, those moments & situations I feel were handled really well and some very accurately in terms of reactions etc (which is where it may hit close to home for some so please check & think about it first).
Thank you so much for this ARC in exchange for an honest review Hailey. I absolutely cannot wait for the next instalment, I need the whole series sent to me STAT because I need to know more about absolutely everybody.
I loved this book. I mean hello, tutoring the QB … if you don’t instantly get a little hot & bothered picturing how that story line is going to go then idk, somethings wrong with you. Lol
Straight from the prologue I was ready to self combust. My heart was ripped out of my chest then & there all over again & it wasn’t even chapter one yet. If you haven’t read The Sister Between Us yet, I strongly suggest you read it first for best impact of this book.
I found all of the characters to be so loveable, except old mate, IYKYK.. & I laughed multiple times out loud during this one, it’s always the little funny moments that get me when I least expect it. I also, came close to crying.. which for those who have been following along with me would know is extremely rare for me to do or even come close to doing. So kudos to you there Hailey!
I loved the dynamics between Sophie & Elijah. Dual POV is always the perfect set up for these kinds of books, I feel it truly helps us to connect & understand each character better. I loved every aspect of these two working through their traumas, building their relationships & their journeys of their own self discoveries both mental health wise & … in the bedrooms.. the spice 👏🏼 Hailey always smashes that ball out of the park.
There are some triggers for this book, so please do check before diving on in. In saying that, those moments & situations I feel were handled really well and some very accurately in terms of reactions etc (which is where it may hit close to home for some so please check & think about it first).
Thank you so much for this ARC in exchange for an honest review Hailey. I absolutely cannot wait for the next instalment, I need the whole series sent to me STAT because I need to know more about absolutely everybody.
June 6, 2023
What an amazing follow up to TSBU! I loved Sophia and Elijah so much! Their story was so beautiful, the way they both worked through their trauma and learned to support each other was incredible. And of course, their steam was TOP notch! Hailey Dickert is killing it with these books, I cannot wait to read Even Exchange, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let it be Charlie and Noah!!!
June 7, 2023
BOOK RATING : 4.2 ★
SMUT : 3.9 ★
Firstly i would like to thank Hailey Dickert (the author of this book) for letting me be an ARC reader in exchange of an honest review.
Sunflower and honeybee 🥹
this was such a funny,witty read.
It's a footbal college romance where he falls first and she falls harder.
He REQUESTS her to tutor him ON HIS KNEES!!!
their playful banter is sooo cute!!!
elijah and sophie are my absolute favorites even more than jake and leah 😭 (from TSBU)
okay now this book has insta love which honestly I HATE from the bottom of my heart which is why this book was not a 5 ★ for me but I still love them SO MUCH <3
how I wish they were a slowburn couple :''')
despite THAT I still recommend this book 🫦
my favourite quote of theirs:
“I don’t need to take up all your space.” She smiles at me. “I’m small.”
“I want you in my space. Every damn inch of it. I want you in my bed. Your sketches on the walls. I want your golden hair in the shower drain and your running shoes sitting by the door. Your half-full black coffee sitting on the nightstand because we got too distracted for you to finish.”
SMUT : 3.9 ★
Firstly i would like to thank Hailey Dickert (the author of this book) for letting me be an ARC reader in exchange of an honest review.
Sunflower and honeybee 🥹
this was such a funny,witty read.
It's a footbal college romance where he falls first and she falls harder.
He REQUESTS her to tutor him ON HIS KNEES!!!
their playful banter is sooo cute!!!
elijah and sophie are my absolute favorites even more than jake and leah 😭 (from TSBU)
okay now this book has insta love which honestly I HATE from the bottom of my heart which is why this book was not a 5 ★ for me but I still love them SO MUCH <3
how I wish they were a slowburn couple :''')
despite THAT I still recommend this book 🫦
my favourite quote of theirs:
“I don’t need to take up all your space.” She smiles at me. “I’m small.”
“I want you in my space. Every damn inch of it. I want you in my bed. Your sketches on the walls. I want your golden hair in the shower drain and your running shoes sitting by the door. Your half-full black coffee sitting on the nightstand because we got too distracted for you to finish.”
January 27, 2024
Adorei! Um livro viciante e que me prendeu completamente!
June 26, 2023
college romance
he falls first
sports romance
strangers x friends x lovers
no third act breakup
Sophia and Elijah meet by chance one night and spend less than an hour together yet their time makes an impact on each other. They don’t exchange numbers but over a month later fate intervenes and they meet again while at a bar on their college campus. Elijah knows this time he isn’t letting her slip through his fingers. He begs (literally on his knees!!) her to tutor him and they become “friends” all the while he is trying to get her to try for more with him.
Their relationship is really cute and the secondary characters are great. A lot of the dialogue made me cringe with secondhand embarrassment though. Some of the things that came out of these peoples mouths…. not giving adults in college.
I got kinda bored near the 70% mark and skimmed some but overall it was a good read.
⚠️ safety spoilers/rant
H was with ow after meeting h ☹️ especially when he’s so hung up on her, she’s all he can think about 🙄 when I read the scenes where he hooked up with ow I really thought he didn’t (turned her down in what we see) but it’s confirmed later in the book that they did. He even called ow Sophia🙄 please.. was that supposed to make me feel better??
After he sees Sophia again he is all about her this time and no ow but that just ruined it for me tbh. AND Ow and Elijah are friends so Sophia has to see them together throughout the book. It’s just the same through most books… h has to be surrounded by H’s exes and of course h has only ever been with 1 person who’s an asshole and not around them daily.. boring
he falls first
sports romance
strangers x friends x lovers
no third act breakup
Sophia and Elijah meet by chance one night and spend less than an hour together yet their time makes an impact on each other. They don’t exchange numbers but over a month later fate intervenes and they meet again while at a bar on their college campus. Elijah knows this time he isn’t letting her slip through his fingers. He begs (literally on his knees!!) her to tutor him and they become “friends” all the while he is trying to get her to try for more with him.
Their relationship is really cute and the secondary characters are great. A lot of the dialogue made me cringe with secondhand embarrassment though. Some of the things that came out of these peoples mouths…. not giving adults in college.
I got kinda bored near the 70% mark and skimmed some but overall it was a good read.
⚠️ safety spoilers/rant
H was with ow after meeting h ☹️ especially when he’s so hung up on her, she’s all he can think about 🙄 when I read the scenes where he hooked up with ow I really thought he didn’t (turned her down in what we see) but it’s confirmed later in the book that they did. He even called ow Sophia🙄 please.. was that supposed to make me feel better??
After he sees Sophia again he is all about her this time and no ow but that just ruined it for me tbh. AND Ow and Elijah are friends so Sophia has to see them together throughout the book. It’s just the same through most books… h has to be surrounded by H’s exes and of course h has only ever been with 1 person who’s an asshole and not around them daily.. boring
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2023
beta reader - review to come
July 7, 2023
While I was very conflicted when it came to this book’s predecessor, The Sister Between Us, there is no doubt about it, Sophia and Elijah’s story is my favorite of this author’s thus far. While Return Policy can be read as a stand-alone, I most definitely recommend reading the author’s previous book before taking on this one.
I also want to preface this by saying, there are a lot of more mature themes talked about in this book, including…
- talk of drug addiction
- graphic depiction of death
- death of a sibling + parent
- sexual assault + harassment
Please put your emotional well-being before that of a book.
“Pain doesn’t go away all at once. It dulls until it no longer controls you.”
I said it with the last book and I’m saying it with this one as well, the author describes grief so painfully accurately. It’s oddly comforting, in a way.
I do think the plot was a little intense, especially given the outcome of the last book. I was expecting a lot of Sophia’s character arc to revolve around the loss of her sister and truthfully, I think the plot would’ve been a lot easier to digest if it did solely on that. I can't say too much for fear of spoiling, but it’s clear Sophia’s gone through some very traumatic experiences in her life, and the aftermath of that got brushed aside more times than not.
There were also some questionable moments when it came to the…intimacy. I, personally, cringed a little at the mention of Icebreaker and Elsie Silver, not because I don’t love them, but because it brings me back into the present day and I’m reading to escape. I think it’s a little too soon to be namedropping those books and authors.
That being said, I absolutely loved Elijah and Sophia both as individuals and even more as a couple. Elijah is now one of my absolute favorite book boyfriends EVER. I can’t even begin to put it into words. But when he entered his cowboy era…had me on my KNEES. In contrast to the previous book, I appreciate that we got to see the two of them develop a friendship before rushing into a relationship.
The smut was hot, but not very long and I’m going to be completely transparent, the timing of it throughout most of the book was awkward. I’m not sure about you, but I’m not gonna go banging someone after I’ve just trauma dumped to them not even moments earlier. But moving on…
I am so antsy just waiting to see who the upcoming book is about. I’m thinking it’s most likely going to be Charlie and I truly am manifesting that because it seems angsty as all get out. Either way, the growth between the last book and this one is very clear and I can’t wait to see Hailey grow more into her writing style and explore all of her capabilities.
Thank you to Hailey Dickert for providing me with this ARC. As always, all opinions are my own and are not influenced by early access to this title.
I also want to preface this by saying, there are a lot of more mature themes talked about in this book, including…
- talk of drug addiction
- graphic depiction of death
- death of a sibling + parent
- sexual assault + harassment
Please put your emotional well-being before that of a book.
“Pain doesn’t go away all at once. It dulls until it no longer controls you.”
I said it with the last book and I’m saying it with this one as well, the author describes grief so painfully accurately. It’s oddly comforting, in a way.
I do think the plot was a little intense, especially given the outcome of the last book. I was expecting a lot of Sophia’s character arc to revolve around the loss of her sister and truthfully, I think the plot would’ve been a lot easier to digest if it did solely on that. I can't say too much for fear of spoiling, but it’s clear Sophia’s gone through some very traumatic experiences in her life, and the aftermath of that got brushed aside more times than not.
There were also some questionable moments when it came to the…intimacy. I, personally, cringed a little at the mention of Icebreaker and Elsie Silver, not because I don’t love them, but because it brings me back into the present day and I’m reading to escape. I think it’s a little too soon to be namedropping those books and authors.
That being said, I absolutely loved Elijah and Sophia both as individuals and even more as a couple. Elijah is now one of my absolute favorite book boyfriends EVER. I can’t even begin to put it into words. But when he entered his cowboy era…had me on my KNEES. In contrast to the previous book, I appreciate that we got to see the two of them develop a friendship before rushing into a relationship.
The smut was hot, but not very long and I’m going to be completely transparent, the timing of it throughout most of the book was awkward. I’m not sure about you, but I’m not gonna go banging someone after I’ve just trauma dumped to them not even moments earlier. But moving on…
I am so antsy just waiting to see who the upcoming book is about. I’m thinking it’s most likely going to be Charlie and I truly am manifesting that because it seems angsty as all get out. Either way, the growth between the last book and this one is very clear and I can’t wait to see Hailey grow more into her writing style and explore all of her capabilities.
Thank you to Hailey Dickert for providing me with this ARC. As always, all opinions are my own and are not influenced by early access to this title.
July 9, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
I did really like this but for a college sports romance it was missing all the angst for me. The story kind of lost me around the 75% mark there too, it started to drag out a little and I really can’t with book references. The reading out smut scenes in other books. The Nate Hawkins references and Elise silver references. Nate Hawkins isn’t it for me at all so that had me eye rolling, and I’ve never read a Elise silver book. Bold move to add those in when there’ll be a large audience out there that doesn’t get those references because they haven’t read those books.
I LOVED the team and friendship group so much here in this book. The times we spent with the whole group and the banter with Theo was my absolute favourite. I love Sophia’s girlfriends and NOAH ahh. I’ll definitely be reading the next book for more of this group.
I did really like this but for a college sports romance it was missing all the angst for me. The story kind of lost me around the 75% mark there too, it started to drag out a little and I really can’t with book references. The reading out smut scenes in other books. The Nate Hawkins references and Elise silver references. Nate Hawkins isn’t it for me at all so that had me eye rolling, and I’ve never read a Elise silver book. Bold move to add those in when there’ll be a large audience out there that doesn’t get those references because they haven’t read those books.
I LOVED the team and friendship group so much here in this book. The times we spent with the whole group and the banter with Theo was my absolute favourite. I love Sophia’s girlfriends and NOAH ahh. I’ll definitely be reading the next book for more of this group.
June 26, 2023
immensely enjoyed this book just besides when the H would roleplay as christian grey😔
June 14, 2023
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much Hailey Dickert!
“I want you, all of you, every single damn part. The good, the bad, the baggage, all of it.”
Even though it's a standalone (and the first installment in the Crystal Bay University series), I highly recommend you to read The Sister Between Us before. It'll improve your experience (and heart break) reading this book.
Sophia, as in Jake and Chloe's little sister, is all grown up now. Despite her being a character we already met, we just got to really know her now. About to start college, Sophia meets Elijah at a party and without even knowing his name, she got to open up to him about some of her traumas and struggles.
He definitely left an impression on her though, but without knowing any information about him she has no hope of finding him again. However, they end up at the same school, Crystal Bay University.
Struggling in one of his classes, Elijah is told he needs to improve his grades, otherwise he might lose his scholarship. And who happens to be killing it on the same class? Sunflower herself. She starts tutoring him and things get really interesting from there.
Elijah is a sweetheart, I loved him instantly. He was so committed to Sophia and their relationship, and I loved him for that. Nicknames can be my pet peeve when it's not properly done, but I loved when he called her Sunflower. It was so natural and sweet of him, he was so obsessed with her, in a healthy way. Which in itself was a breath of fresh air.
Sophia, although being his Sunflower, was giving grumpy vibes. Despite their first meeting, it took her a while to really open up to him. She has huge abandonment issues but her journey through healing is heart breakingly beautiful. I also loved to see Sophia's sketches throughout the book, it was a really nice touch to the story.
I didn't enjoy the whole secret thing at first, I'm usually not a fan of that device. But as the story progressed I grew to like how that played it out in the plot. There was some suspense (if can call it that) aspects that really had me hooked.
This book brings up some sensitive topics. Once again, Hailey handled the grieving process spectacularly. Despite that, this book is lighter than TSBU, in my opinion.
The book took a path I wasn't expecting from the teasers I've seen. It had more drama than I thought it would but I mostly liked how that played it out.
Can we talk about Andi? I loved her! She's so confident. She's giving Alex from Devil's Night and I'm whore for her, so... Will she have a book, Hailey? I need to know 👀
“I want you, all of you, every single damn part. The good, the bad, the baggage, all of it.”
Even though it's a standalone (and the first installment in the Crystal Bay University series), I highly recommend you to read The Sister Between Us before. It'll improve your experience (and heart break) reading this book.
Sophia, as in Jake and Chloe's little sister, is all grown up now. Despite her being a character we already met, we just got to really know her now. About to start college, Sophia meets Elijah at a party and without even knowing his name, she got to open up to him about some of her traumas and struggles.
He definitely left an impression on her though, but without knowing any information about him she has no hope of finding him again. However, they end up at the same school, Crystal Bay University.
Struggling in one of his classes, Elijah is told he needs to improve his grades, otherwise he might lose his scholarship. And who happens to be killing it on the same class? Sunflower herself. She starts tutoring him and things get really interesting from there.
Elijah is a sweetheart, I loved him instantly. He was so committed to Sophia and their relationship, and I loved him for that. Nicknames can be my pet peeve when it's not properly done, but I loved when he called her Sunflower. It was so natural and sweet of him, he was so obsessed with her, in a healthy way. Which in itself was a breath of fresh air.
Sophia, although being his Sunflower, was giving grumpy vibes. Despite their first meeting, it took her a while to really open up to him. She has huge abandonment issues but her journey through healing is heart breakingly beautiful. I also loved to see Sophia's sketches throughout the book, it was a really nice touch to the story.
I didn't enjoy the whole secret thing at first, I'm usually not a fan of that device. But as the story progressed I grew to like how that played it out in the plot. There was some suspense (if can call it that) aspects that really had me hooked.
This book brings up some sensitive topics. Once again, Hailey handled the grieving process spectacularly. Despite that, this book is lighter than TSBU, in my opinion.
The book took a path I wasn't expecting from the teasers I've seen. It had more drama than I thought it would but I mostly liked how that played it out.
Can we talk about Andi? I loved her! She's so confident. She's giving Alex from Devil's Night and I'm whore for her, so... Will she have a book, Hailey? I need to know 👀
June 23, 2023
Available on KU: ✔️
Tropes/Info: sports romance (football), dual pov, college romance, he falls first, book one in series
Return Policy was a fun and sweet & spicy read! I loved the dynamic between Sophia and Elijah. They had great banter and the most adorable nicknames for each other. I also loved that while the book was light and had funny moments, it had profound moments and dealt with tough subjects. There was a lot of depth to both characters. One moment I would be laughing and the next, I would cry.
I loved Sophia’s character! It was hilarious watching her make Elijah work for it, and she had a magnetic personality. Elijah caught me off guard (in the best way)! One minute he’s a sexy football player, the next, he’s a sexy cowboy, and THEN he’s telling Sophia to buy all the books she wants. MY HEART!!!
Technically, Return Policy is book one in the Crystal Bay University series. Still, I’d highly recommend reading The Sister Between Us for more of Sophia’s backstory, which often comes up throughout this story.
If you’re looking for a sweet & spicy read that touches on deep topics, you should pick up Return Policy!
Thanks to the author for an early copy.
Tropes/Info: sports romance (football), dual pov, college romance, he falls first, book one in series
Return Policy was a fun and sweet & spicy read! I loved the dynamic between Sophia and Elijah. They had great banter and the most adorable nicknames for each other. I also loved that while the book was light and had funny moments, it had profound moments and dealt with tough subjects. There was a lot of depth to both characters. One moment I would be laughing and the next, I would cry.
I loved Sophia’s character! It was hilarious watching her make Elijah work for it, and she had a magnetic personality. Elijah caught me off guard (in the best way)! One minute he’s a sexy football player, the next, he’s a sexy cowboy, and THEN he’s telling Sophia to buy all the books she wants. MY HEART!!!
Technically, Return Policy is book one in the Crystal Bay University series. Still, I’d highly recommend reading The Sister Between Us for more of Sophia’s backstory, which often comes up throughout this story.
If you’re looking for a sweet & spicy read that touches on deep topics, you should pick up Return Policy!
Thanks to the author for an early copy.
July 15, 2023
» I might break your heart. «
» Sophia. You're already breaking it every second we're not together.«
★ ★
❥ 𝑺𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒂
I liked her. She‘s confident, funny and stands up for herself. Sophia is a little miss sunshine.
❥ 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒋𝒂𝒉
What a cutie. He‘s the perfect boyfriend.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Although I really liked the characters, I didn‘t like the book/plot. It was so boring. Soph and Elijah didn‘t have any tension at all. So the love story was not enjoyable and nothing unique. Soph had better chemistry with Elijahs friends than with him - that‘s kinda sad. Their story was forcefully cute and a strange way of friends to lovers. This book is wayyyy too long - you could easily fit all the „plot“ in 200 pages. The smut was kinda cringe (I‘m sorry) and I didn‘t like the nicknames, they were just too much. Overall I didn‘t enjoy the story - not worth the hype!
plot: 1/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 1/5
world building: 3/5
happy end?: yes
keywords: college, friends to lovers, insta love, sportsromance, football, trauma
» Sophia. You're already breaking it every second we're not together.«
★ ★
❥ 𝑺𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒂
I liked her. She‘s confident, funny and stands up for herself. Sophia is a little miss sunshine.
❥ 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒋𝒂𝒉
What a cutie. He‘s the perfect boyfriend.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
Although I really liked the characters, I didn‘t like the book/plot. It was so boring. Soph and Elijah didn‘t have any tension at all. So the love story was not enjoyable and nothing unique. Soph had better chemistry with Elijahs friends than with him - that‘s kinda sad. Their story was forcefully cute and a strange way of friends to lovers. This book is wayyyy too long - you could easily fit all the „plot“ in 200 pages. The smut was kinda cringe (I‘m sorry) and I didn‘t like the nicknames, they were just too much. Overall I didn‘t enjoy the story - not worth the hype!
plot: 1/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 1/5
world building: 3/5
happy end?: yes
keywords: college, friends to lovers, insta love, sportsromance, football, trauma
June 30, 2023
2.999/5 a ver, estaba disfrutando mucho leyendo este libro en el primer 50%, es tu típico libro de wattpad (de verdad, todos los clichés están aquí), pero luego empezó a meter una cantidad excesiva de referencias a la cultura pop y NATE HAWKINS (tantas referencias que la autora lo debería poner en las TW también, por dios) y también tomó un giro a lo PLL en la segunda mitad del libro que no me convenció.
Cosas que me gustaron:
- Elijah, era dulce, muy paciente con ella y la apoyaba en todo, hmm y creo que eso es todo, las estrellas van para él y la primera mitad del libro
“I’m so devastatingly in love with you, I have to remind myself to breathe every time you smile, and my hands crave your skin like a bad habit I never want to break. I love you unconditionally. I love you desperately. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anything or anyone, and I never want to give you a single reason to not believe that.”
Cosas que me gustaron:
- Elijah, era dulce, muy paciente con ella y la apoyaba en todo, hmm y creo que eso es todo, las estrellas van para él y la primera mitad del libro
“I’m so devastatingly in love with you, I have to remind myself to breathe every time you smile, and my hands crave your skin like a bad habit I never want to break. I love you unconditionally. I love you desperately. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anything or anyone, and I never want to give you a single reason to not believe that.”
July 1, 2023
dnf-ed at almost 200ish pages(?)
might get back to finishing it later.
update: cannot.
might get back to finishing it later.
update: cannot.
June 24, 2023
4.75!
June 8, 2023
ARC REVIEW: Hailey did it again. Wow, just wow! Elijah easily wiggled his way onto my long list of bookish boyfriends that I can’t tell my husband about. I cried real tears too many times to could reading Return Policy. Y’all aren’t ready! That’s all I have to say. Can’t wait for the next CBU book.
July 10, 2023
There's mystery
Spoiler : her ex got in a car accident with her and hit someone, she wanted to call the police but he wouldn't let her (here's an idea... call 911 anyway you fucktard) and that's the secret
I fucking hate mystery, if you laid it out in the first chapter i wouldn't go 20 chapter cursing her for being a stupid idiot with no backbone, but nope she cant do anything remotely sane because someone have something on her
I'm sure the mmc is wonderful from the few pages I've read but i hate the fmc and the secrecy too much to enjoy the book
They finally reported it but he ex is so unhinged and that scares me, all I'm thinking is when he's out of jail he's gonna come after you. I can't enjoy the ending peacefully with that hanging above their head
Spoiler : her ex got in a car accident with her and hit someone, she wanted to call the police but he wouldn't let her (here's an idea... call 911 anyway you fucktard) and that's the secret
I fucking hate mystery, if you laid it out in the first chapter i wouldn't go 20 chapter cursing her for being a stupid idiot with no backbone, but nope she cant do anything remotely sane because someone have something on her
I'm sure the mmc is wonderful from the few pages I've read but i hate the fmc and the secrecy too much to enjoy the book
They finally reported it but he ex is so unhinged and that scares me, all I'm thinking is when he's out of jail he's gonna come after you. I can't enjoy the ending peacefully with that hanging above their head
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2023
BETA reader - FTC
Just sayin y’all AINT READY 🤸♀️
Just sayin y’all AINT READY 🤸♀️
July 1, 2023
Very cute. 3.5. I just had too many problems with it. Mainly the ending. That’s what really took points off for me. I would’ve been able to overlook everything else I didn’t like if it had a better conclusion.
It seemed like the author tried too hard to involve the friends because this is going to be a series so each player will have their own book, I’m guessing. Sophia annoyed me ALOT. Their banter in the beginning was cute, but once they got together it was just endless pages of him declaring his love to her and her just talking about how hot he is.
The smut was good, especially from Elijah, but again Sophia’s neediness or whatever you wanna call it didn’t come off sexy, it came off annoying. There’s a difference with being bossy and then just being a b*tch. If you don’t put your dick in me I’m leaving, then counting down..? Like girl chill, you’re the one who’s been pushing him away since you met.
She also pushed honesty honesty and got soooooo upset when he didn’t immediately open up about his family but then the Seth thing happened and she lied about that, again. Make up your mind, honesty works both ways.
I just really hated the ending. They’ve know each other for a year and she’s a FRESHMAN in college. What’s the rush. AND Seth repeatedly harassed and assaulted her, it literally took over her life and their relationship and they didn’t press any charges? Let’s just forget that ever happened? And her friend having video evidence the ENTIRE TIME. And not coming forth with it, even after she found out Seth assaulted Sophia? And no one is upset about it. It’s just all ugh, idk.
It was just like why add all the assault stuff and then have no conclusion with it? It just seemed like overkill.
Overall, it was good. I’ll probably read the other ones. But you could tell the author was trying to make this the next Icebreaker or The Deal and she fell short.
It seemed like the author tried too hard to involve the friends because this is going to be a series so each player will have their own book, I’m guessing. Sophia annoyed me ALOT. Their banter in the beginning was cute, but once they got together it was just endless pages of him declaring his love to her and her just talking about how hot he is.
The smut was good, especially from Elijah, but again Sophia’s neediness or whatever you wanna call it didn’t come off sexy, it came off annoying. There’s a difference with being bossy and then just being a b*tch. If you don’t put your dick in me I’m leaving, then counting down..? Like girl chill, you’re the one who’s been pushing him away since you met.
She also pushed honesty honesty and got soooooo upset when he didn’t immediately open up about his family but then the Seth thing happened and she lied about that, again. Make up your mind, honesty works both ways.
I just really hated the ending. They’ve know each other for a year and she’s a FRESHMAN in college. What’s the rush. AND Seth repeatedly harassed and assaulted her, it literally took over her life and their relationship and they didn’t press any charges? Let’s just forget that ever happened? And her friend having video evidence the ENTIRE TIME. And not coming forth with it, even after she found out Seth assaulted Sophia? And no one is upset about it. It’s just all ugh, idk.
It was just like why add all the assault stuff and then have no conclusion with it? It just seemed like overkill.
Overall, it was good. I’ll probably read the other ones. But you could tell the author was trying to make this the next Icebreaker or The Deal and she fell short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of Return Policy and although it’s the first instalment in the Crystal Bay University series, I would highly recommend reading 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗨𝘀 first for a better understanding and overall reading experience.
I’ve read a lot of sports romances so far this year but Return Policy is definitely up there as one of my favourites! I instantly fell in love with Elijah during his and Sophia’s first encounter and my love for him only grew stronger as the story progressed. He is a walking, talking green flag and everything a book boyfriend should be💚
Then there’s his Sunflower, Sophia🌻 As far as nicknames goes, that’s definitely a personal favourite of mine! There was so many times when I wanted to reach into the book and give the poor girl a hug and tell her everything was going to be alright, but luckily Elijah was always on hand to offer her support and pick her up whenever she fell down🫶🏻
If you enjoy:
• ꜱᴘᴏʀᴛꜱ/ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ꜰᴏᴏᴛʙᴀʟʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
• ᴛᴜᴛᴏʀɪɴɢ
• ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
• ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ
• ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ
Then be sure to get your hands on this book when it’s 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟯𝗿𝗱!
I’ve read a lot of sports romances so far this year but Return Policy is definitely up there as one of my favourites! I instantly fell in love with Elijah during his and Sophia’s first encounter and my love for him only grew stronger as the story progressed. He is a walking, talking green flag and everything a book boyfriend should be💚
Then there’s his Sunflower, Sophia🌻 As far as nicknames goes, that’s definitely a personal favourite of mine! There was so many times when I wanted to reach into the book and give the poor girl a hug and tell her everything was going to be alright, but luckily Elijah was always on hand to offer her support and pick her up whenever she fell down🫶🏻
If you enjoy:
• ꜱᴘᴏʀᴛꜱ/ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ꜰᴏᴏᴛʙᴀʟʟ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
• ᴛᴜᴛᴏʀɪɴɢ
• ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
• ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ
• ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟꜱ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ
Then be sure to get your hands on this book when it’s 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟯𝗿𝗱!
June 14, 2023
✨ ARC REVIEW✨
Return policy is a spin off book from Haileys first book ‘the sister between us’ which I absolutely loved. I didn’t know how she was going to top it, but low and behold she bloody well did it! - not surprising I feel Hailey was born to write contemporary romance novels!
It follows Sophia all grown up heading off to university and meeting footy jock Elijah but with SO MUCH PLOT! ( & spice!)
Haileys romance novels aren’t just about boy meets girl and they fall in love. She tackles so many deeper topics which takes you on an emotional ride! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be on the edge of your seat.
I loved everything about this book down to the cutest nicknames, the funniest banter, the spice & the twists and turns!
Highly recommend reading the sister between us first for a more extensive experience!
Hailey will now be an auto buy author for me and I look forward to book two in the series!
Thank you so much for the arc!
Return policy is a spin off book from Haileys first book ‘the sister between us’ which I absolutely loved. I didn’t know how she was going to top it, but low and behold she bloody well did it! - not surprising I feel Hailey was born to write contemporary romance novels!
It follows Sophia all grown up heading off to university and meeting footy jock Elijah but with SO MUCH PLOT! ( & spice!)
Haileys romance novels aren’t just about boy meets girl and they fall in love. She tackles so many deeper topics which takes you on an emotional ride! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be on the edge of your seat.
I loved everything about this book down to the cutest nicknames, the funniest banter, the spice & the twists and turns!
Highly recommend reading the sister between us first for a more extensive experience!
Hailey will now be an auto buy author for me and I look forward to book two in the series!
Thank you so much for the arc!
July 18, 2023
3.75!
I was getting frustrated with how slow the plot was taking when it came for the other shoe to drop. But I can say that I really did like the story.
The grief is big piece of a story, so keep that in mind while reading, and there is a underlining traumatic experience that is bring up.
Other than that, everything is so really nice to me!
I was getting frustrated with how slow the plot was taking when it came for the other shoe to drop. But I can say that I really did like the story.
The grief is big piece of a story, so keep that in mind while reading, and there is a underlining traumatic experience that is bring up.
Other than that, everything is so really nice to me!
October 10, 2024
I loved this so much. I really feel like our main characters bring out the best in each other and came into each others lives at the perfect time. This had so many elements that I adored. It was well balanced and honestly had a lot more depth than I was initially expecting. Can’t wait to read more by this author.
Ps. The special edition copy I have is absolutely stunning.
Ps. The special edition copy I have is absolutely stunning.
June 7, 2023
Amazing, just absolutely amazing!! 🥰🌻🐝💛
🌻 College/Sports Romance
🌻 She Tutors Him
🌻 He Falls Harder
🌻 Adorable Nicknames
🌻 Open Door Spice
🌻 Dual POV
Hailey has a phenomenal way of writing about sensitive topics with such grace and compassion. She really puts her whole heart into these books.
We first meet Sophia in The Sister Between Us - you don't have to, but I would recommend you read this first to get the full experience of her backstory.
Once you start you will not be able to put this book down, it is fast paced, and it keeps you pulled in. The chemistry between Elijah and Sophia is flowing off the pages. Elijah is so patient with Sophia and really helps her through her trauma. They listen to each other, and the communication is beautiful. Elijah's pick-up lines are fantastic, and I loved Sophia's references to romance novels.
The side characters play big roles, and you don't get tired of them. I can't wait to read their stories. Really looking forward to seeing more of Noah and Charlie. Sage is an absolute hoot; her quips are hilarious. Theo - I know something is coming there!!
Check the content warning before reading.
Thank you, Hailey Dickert, for the opportunity of reading an ARC of Return Policy!!
🌻 College/Sports Romance
🌻 She Tutors Him
🌻 He Falls Harder
🌻 Adorable Nicknames
🌻 Open Door Spice
🌻 Dual POV
Hailey has a phenomenal way of writing about sensitive topics with such grace and compassion. She really puts her whole heart into these books.
We first meet Sophia in The Sister Between Us - you don't have to, but I would recommend you read this first to get the full experience of her backstory.
Once you start you will not be able to put this book down, it is fast paced, and it keeps you pulled in. The chemistry between Elijah and Sophia is flowing off the pages. Elijah is so patient with Sophia and really helps her through her trauma. They listen to each other, and the communication is beautiful. Elijah's pick-up lines are fantastic, and I loved Sophia's references to romance novels.
The side characters play big roles, and you don't get tired of them. I can't wait to read their stories. Really looking forward to seeing more of Noah and Charlie. Sage is an absolute hoot; her quips are hilarious. Theo - I know something is coming there!!
Check the content warning before reading.
Thank you, Hailey Dickert, for the opportunity of reading an ARC of Return Policy!!
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