What do you think?
Rate this book
Southern U O'Brien Brothers #4
The Total Knockout
Maisie Hawthorne doesn't do boyfriends.
Or girlfriends. Or relationships. Burned in the past, the scrappy bartender knows better than to trust a pretty face. Dex O'Brien is gorgeous (with or without the scar). Pierced, tatted, annoyingly attractive. She knew he was trouble even before she saw him fight. Her mind told her to stay away—but her heart wouldn't listen.
Dex O'Brien doesn't do love.
Not the romantic kind anyway. Sure, he loves his family, would defend them with his dying breath. And yeah, he loves baseball and fighting too. But falling in love? No thanks. Too messy. Dex couldn't care less, especially about the bookish bartender with the smart mouth and beautiful eyes.
She needs money to pay the bills. He needs a tutor to keep playing ball—even if he'll never admit it.
When the Southern U Wolves recruit Maisie to tutor Dex, tempers flare and sparks fly.
This new adult sports romance features two scarred souls, one hot-and-hilarious case of enemies-to-lovers, and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.
The #1 lesson they'll both learn?
Love is the total knockout you never see coming.
Or girlfriends. Or relationships. Burned in the past, the scrappy bartender knows better than to trust a pretty face. Dex O'Brien is gorgeous (with or without the scar). Pierced, tatted, annoyingly attractive. She knew he was trouble even before she saw him fight. Her mind told her to stay away—but her heart wouldn't listen.
Dex O'Brien doesn't do love.
Not the romantic kind anyway. Sure, he loves his family, would defend them with his dying breath. And yeah, he loves baseball and fighting too. But falling in love? No thanks. Too messy. Dex couldn't care less, especially about the bookish bartender with the smart mouth and beautiful eyes.
She needs money to pay the bills. He needs a tutor to keep playing ball—even if he'll never admit it.
When the Southern U Wolves recruit Maisie to tutor Dex, tempers flare and sparks fly.
This new adult sports romance features two scarred souls, one hot-and-hilarious case of enemies-to-lovers, and a sexy set of brothers guaranteed to make you swoon.
The #1 lesson they'll both learn?
Love is the total knockout you never see coming.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2023
43 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Cookie O'Gorman
25 books1,118 followersCookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, BOOKWORM, SWEETHEART, and INTROVERT are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, The Total Knockout, and The Merriest Christmas! Her newest release The Nicest Thing came out on October 9, 2025!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 25, 2023
The Total Knockout was a sports romance that was impossible to put down! This story was laugh out loud hilarious, will pull on your emotions and make you fall in love. With a fun and flirty vibe, this book was so entertaining! If you love romance that is sweet with a little bit of spice, a dash of enemies to lovers, and a story line that will have you smiling from that first page to the last, then you need this book in your life! You definitely don't have to read the previous ones in this series to enjoy The Total Knockout, but I can't recommend the rest of this series about the O'Brien brothers enough!
Dex O'Brien was struggling in college and was at risk of being pulled from the baseball team because of his grades. When his coach told him that he had no choice about seeing a tutor, that tutor ended up being Maisie Hawthorne. From the beginning they had a rocky start. Dex thought he could scare her off and Maisie needed the money so she wasn't going anywhere. It was impossible not to laugh and smile when they were together! So when you add Dex's siblings Finn and Emmy into the mix, who adored Maisie, whelp it was a ton of fun!
I absolutely loved Maisie and wanted to be friends with her! She was kind, patient, thoughtful and such a hard worker. She was putting herself through college while working at a bar, tutoring, and she did other jobs on the side. From the beginning we got to see how much she loved and cared for her younger sister, Lola. And I loved when Lola was around, because it felt like she would help pull Dex and Maisie closer together. Yet there seemed to be something going on with her past, since Maisie was jaded and swore off relationships. But even with her no relationship policy she couldn't help be attracted to Dex. He was a pierced, tatted, bad boy who lived and breathed baseball and secretly had a heart of gold.
Dex's way with words had me falling head over heels in love with him. He was definitely cocky and didn't shy away from saying what he thought. From the beginning he told Maisie that he thought she was pretty. Yet Dex didn't want anything more than just fun. He didn't do relationship either and didn't believe that love was for him. I wondered if maybe his overconfidence was to cover his struggles in school and the comments people made about him physically? I don't know. But regardless, there were times I had tears in my eyes for Dex. And as we spent more time with him, your heart will melt. The confessions he said. The way he made for sure that Maisie was safe and protected her without a second thought. To even how there was a little bit of jealousy in there at times too, sigh. Dex was the most fabulous of book boyfriends!
This story alternated between Maisie and Dex, and I loved both of their thoughts! This is one of those books where it's impossible to pick your favorite moment, because there were so many of them. Emmy throwing Maisie under the bus? I was dying laughing. The mirror scene? That was so hot! And so many more I don't want to mention for fear of spoilers. On top of countless memorable scenes, Dex's siblings, Emmy and Finn, were the best! If you are adore family in a story, you're going to love this one! The way they messed with Dex was perfect! But back to Maisie and Dex....as they worked together and time passed, it was smile inducing watching their hate for one another fade. And it almost seemed like a friendship was forming between them. They showed up for one another. They cheered each other on in their own ways. And they realized that not only were they both scarred physically, but emotionally too. Through every moment though, there was always sparks and banter flying. And those sparks seemed to arc higher and higher the more time they spent together. It was one of those stories where I couldn't wait to see where their explosion took them!
Romance lovers will fall passionately in love with The Total Knockout! If you love sports, new adult or a story that keeps you smiling and laughing then you need to put this one on your tbr! Now I'll be patiently waiting for Cookie's next release, her books always make me oh so happy every single time. And each one becomes an instant favorite!
PS Is Emmy next or will it be Finn? I'm thinking Emmy after what happened in this book, eeps! I am so excited for more in this world!
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
"If you're trying to book-shame me," she said, "it won't work. I read what I like. Doesn't matter what you or anyone else has to say about it."
"No shame," I said. "If I was gonna waste my time reading, I'd probably reach for the R-rated book porn too."
Her jaw dropped.
Dex O'Brien was struggling in college and was at risk of being pulled from the baseball team because of his grades. When his coach told him that he had no choice about seeing a tutor, that tutor ended up being Maisie Hawthorne. From the beginning they had a rocky start. Dex thought he could scare her off and Maisie needed the money so she wasn't going anywhere. It was impossible not to laugh and smile when they were together! So when you add Dex's siblings Finn and Emmy into the mix, who adored Maisie, whelp it was a ton of fun!
"So, are you going to keep staring or teach me something?"
Maisie blinked then looked down, a flush of embarrassment rising to her cheeks.
"Right," she said, "sorry, I just didn't know you could do that."
"Do what?" I asked.
"Smile."
I absolutely loved Maisie and wanted to be friends with her! She was kind, patient, thoughtful and such a hard worker. She was putting herself through college while working at a bar, tutoring, and she did other jobs on the side. From the beginning we got to see how much she loved and cared for her younger sister, Lola. And I loved when Lola was around, because it felt like she would help pull Dex and Maisie closer together. Yet there seemed to be something going on with her past, since Maisie was jaded and swore off relationships. But even with her no relationship policy she couldn't help be attracted to Dex. He was a pierced, tatted, bad boy who lived and breathed baseball and secretly had a heart of gold.
I raised a brow. "How do I look at her?"
"Like you just saw something you desperately want but can't have."
I swallowed.
Dex's way with words had me falling head over heels in love with him. He was definitely cocky and didn't shy away from saying what he thought. From the beginning he told Maisie that he thought she was pretty. Yet Dex didn't want anything more than just fun. He didn't do relationship either and didn't believe that love was for him. I wondered if maybe his overconfidence was to cover his struggles in school and the comments people made about him physically? I don't know. But regardless, there were times I had tears in my eyes for Dex. And as we spent more time with him, your heart will melt. The confessions he said. The way he made for sure that Maisie was safe and protected her without a second thought. To even how there was a little bit of jealousy in there at times too, sigh. Dex was the most fabulous of book boyfriends!
Dex scoffed. "Better lower those expectations, Hawthorne."
"Never."
"Why not?"
"Because I believe in you, O'Brien," I said.
"You do?" he said.
"Yeah— but I also believe in ghosts, faeries, and shape shifters, so you shouldn't feel too special."
He chuckled at that then gestured to the bar.
This story alternated between Maisie and Dex, and I loved both of their thoughts! This is one of those books where it's impossible to pick your favorite moment, because there were so many of them. Emmy throwing Maisie under the bus? I was dying laughing. The mirror scene? That was so hot! And so many more I don't want to mention for fear of spoilers. On top of countless memorable scenes, Dex's siblings, Emmy and Finn, were the best! If you are adore family in a story, you're going to love this one! The way they messed with Dex was perfect! But back to Maisie and Dex....as they worked together and time passed, it was smile inducing watching their hate for one another fade. And it almost seemed like a friendship was forming between them. They showed up for one another. They cheered each other on in their own ways. And they realized that not only were they both scarred physically, but emotionally too. Through every moment though, there was always sparks and banter flying. And those sparks seemed to arc higher and higher the more time they spent together. It was one of those stories where I couldn't wait to see where their explosion took them!
"There's a lot of things I want," he said then reached up to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. "What about you, Hawthorne? Anything you want right this second?"
I hesitated then shook my head.
"Liar," he said quietly.
Romance lovers will fall passionately in love with The Total Knockout! If you love sports, new adult or a story that keeps you smiling and laughing then you need to put this one on your tbr! Now I'll be patiently waiting for Cookie's next release, her books always make me oh so happy every single time. And each one becomes an instant favorite!
Once the door closed, I looked back and found Rose smiling.
"I think that went well," she said. "Definitely our most eventful book club meeting so far."
"I second that," June said. "So much drama."
"And tension," Rose added. "This air was practically vibrating."
My brow furrowed. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Nothing," they said in unison.
Finn shook his head, staring after his brother.
PS Is Emmy next or will it be Finn? I'm thinking Emmy after what happened in this book, eeps! I am so excited for more in this world!
As I kissed her all I could think was, this. This was it. This was what makes life worth living.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Personal Instagram * Blog Instagram * Facebook * Twitter * Bloglovin * Feedly
October 6, 2023
When Dex O'Brien's character was introduced in the first book of this series I knew, almost instinctively, that his eventual story was one that was going to resonate with me. There was something about his character that I was drawn to right from the beginning.
Daisie (Dex + Maisie) Love Shortlist:
- Relatable and memorable main characters that really stand out and make an impression.
- An insane amount of angst that is so enticing!
- Explosive, off-the-charts chemistry.
- Distinct characters that add depth to the story.
- Squad goals to write home about.
- A writing style that is easy to connect with.
- A sassy & nerdy heroine and a swoony bad boy hero!
- A plot that is chock full of feels and will keep you hanging on.
- Scarred characters that find ways to overcome their past traumas.
- Genuine adoration and love that can be seen from a mile away!
- Romance is not dead! A hero that will sweep you off your feet.
Overall, this is an enemies-to-lovers story that will grab you by the heart and hold you hostage. This book has characters you can't help but fall madly in love with and root for endlessly. I am so in love with this fictional world and eagerly await the next book in this series! I am an O'Brien Brothers (and family) superfan!
BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM GOODREADS TIKTOK TWITTER BOOKBUB AMAZON PINTEREST KO-FI
⛔My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers.
Daisie (Dex + Maisie) Love Shortlist:
- Relatable and memorable main characters that really stand out and make an impression.
- An insane amount of angst that is so enticing!
- Explosive, off-the-charts chemistry.
- Distinct characters that add depth to the story.
- Squad goals to write home about.
- A writing style that is easy to connect with.
- A sassy & nerdy heroine and a swoony bad boy hero!
- A plot that is chock full of feels and will keep you hanging on.
- Scarred characters that find ways to overcome their past traumas.
- Genuine adoration and love that can be seen from a mile away!
- Romance is not dead! A hero that will sweep you off your feet.
Overall, this is an enemies-to-lovers story that will grab you by the heart and hold you hostage. This book has characters you can't help but fall madly in love with and root for endlessly. I am so in love with this fictional world and eagerly await the next book in this series! I am an O'Brien Brothers (and family) superfan!
BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM GOODREADS TIKTOK TWITTER BOOKBUB AMAZON PINTEREST KO-FI
⛔My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers.
November 16, 2023
**I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest voluntary review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**
The chemistry between Dex and Maisie -- the chef's kiss! From the first chapter I was sucked into their story and their connection. I mean, who doesn't love a bad boy with a heart of gold? Or a girl who can hold her own against the world? These two are the perfect match, even if it takes them some time to see it. But I'm certainly not complaining about the journey because I really enjoyed reading this book from start to finish.
I thought this book was a great blend between romance, drama and character development. And I certainly didn't mind the extra steam Cookie threw in!
All I can say is that there better be (at least) 2 more books in this series, I'm not done with the O'Briens yet!
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-3eT
Actual Rating: 5/5
May 19, 2024
never would have tought that dex's book would have been my fave of the series but damn did he prove me wrong
October 17, 2023
Truly sweet romance
Dex and Maise 4 ever! I love this series. Wow, book 4, and it's the best. Cookie O'Gorman's books always leave me happy and heart warmed. ❤️
Dex and Maise 4 ever! I love this series. Wow, book 4, and it's the best. Cookie O'Gorman's books always leave me happy and heart warmed. ❤️
October 5, 2023
4.5 Stars
I have missed this series. Dex and Maisie's book was a good time. I loved how they didn't necessarily like each other at first and being forced to work together moved them past that. Their friendship and move to more was entertaining and sweet. I loved their banter and how they built an emotional connection. The O'Brien siblings, their partners, Maisie's younger sister, and Dex's aunt and her dog brought some humor and heart to the story as well. The only thing that bugged me a bit was the fighting aspect of the story. I couldn't remember if it was part of the other books, but I couldn't help but think that fighting would have been a big no-no with Dex playing college baseball and his mom being the coach. No one seemed to notice his injuries other than Maisie. That was weird to me. Other than that, loved this one! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
CW: domestic abuse, learning disability
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
I have missed this series. Dex and Maisie's book was a good time. I loved how they didn't necessarily like each other at first and being forced to work together moved them past that. Their friendship and move to more was entertaining and sweet. I loved their banter and how they built an emotional connection. The O'Brien siblings, their partners, Maisie's younger sister, and Dex's aunt and her dog brought some humor and heart to the story as well. The only thing that bugged me a bit was the fighting aspect of the story. I couldn't remember if it was part of the other books, but I couldn't help but think that fighting would have been a big no-no with Dex playing college baseball and his mom being the coach. No one seemed to notice his injuries other than Maisie. That was weird to me. Other than that, loved this one! I can't wait for the next book in the series.
CW: domestic abuse, learning disability
You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
October 12, 2023
Finally!!!!!
I’ve been waiting for this book to come out for over a year now & Cookie did not disappoint. Dex has been my favorite O’Brien brother from the start of the series. His & Mas story was great. I enjoyed it. It was entertaining and funny. Recommend to read. Great as a standalone but better if you read the series.
Now I can’t wait for Emmy & Finn’s story.
I’ve been waiting for this book to come out for over a year now & Cookie did not disappoint. Dex has been my favorite O’Brien brother from the start of the series. His & Mas story was great. I enjoyed it. It was entertaining and funny. Recommend to read. Great as a standalone but better if you read the series.
Now I can’t wait for Emmy & Finn’s story.
September 30, 2023
Another great addition to the series!
I'm loving the Southern U series, and I was so excited to get the story of Dex, the next O'Brian brother in the lineup. He is one of my favorites because he's the imperfect brother, the black sheep of the family, but his flaws make him even more loveable. And Maisie is just his absolute perfect match. I laughed out loud so many times, their banter is just perfect! Cookie O'Gorman has hit it out of the park yet again with this book! (See what I did there?) ;)
I'm loving the Southern U series, and I was so excited to get the story of Dex, the next O'Brian brother in the lineup. He is one of my favorites because he's the imperfect brother, the black sheep of the family, but his flaws make him even more loveable. And Maisie is just his absolute perfect match. I laughed out loud so many times, their banter is just perfect! Cookie O'Gorman has hit it out of the park yet again with this book! (See what I did there?) ;)
September 30, 2023
Loved it!
Dex has been my favorite character throughout this series, and I was a little worried his story wouldn't meet my high expectations. I can happily say there was no disappointment! I loved the humor and understanding between the main characters. My only critique would be that this story didn't draw me into the emotions as much as Cookie's previous books.
Overall, the story was really fun and a good fluff read that doesn't twist your emotions.
Dex has been my favorite character throughout this series, and I was a little worried his story wouldn't meet my high expectations. I can happily say there was no disappointment! I loved the humor and understanding between the main characters. My only critique would be that this story didn't draw me into the emotions as much as Cookie's previous books.
Overall, the story was really fun and a good fluff read that doesn't twist your emotions.
April 3, 2024
I love Cookie O’Gorman’s books and the O’Brien’s series.
I am an orderly reader, so I imposed myself to read them in sequence, but I couldn’t wait to read Daisie’s story! I loved all of the books, hence reading them all was a sure pleasure: like when you read the menu, you have already chosen the best dessert ever, but still go through the whole lovely meal before finally enjoying your dessertly love at first sight!
Anyways, I don’t want to give any spoilers and I’ll try to keep it short: it was obvious that Maisie and Dex were going to be two great characters. Stubborn rocks with a soft heart.
I wish to have read more pages about Maisie’s family: as strong as she is, I would have liked to know more of how she happened to find herself in her predicament. I wasn’t sold on Dex’s reason for not wanting to love: as smart as he is, could he have had a better reason? And I didn’t get why he labelled Maisie as a princess: she is working 3 jobs to put herself through college!
Apart from these minor misunderstandings from my part, The Total Knockout has been awesome! Another Ms. O’Gorman’s book I couldn’t put down. I even cry of gratitude at the Acknowledgements!
I’ll add “mansplaining” to my vocabulary, that definitely rang a bell. <3
Thank you!!!!
I am an orderly reader, so I imposed myself to read them in sequence, but I couldn’t wait to read Daisie’s story! I loved all of the books, hence reading them all was a sure pleasure: like when you read the menu, you have already chosen the best dessert ever, but still go through the whole lovely meal before finally enjoying your dessertly love at first sight!
Anyways, I don’t want to give any spoilers and I’ll try to keep it short: it was obvious that Maisie and Dex were going to be two great characters. Stubborn rocks with a soft heart.
I wish to have read more pages about Maisie’s family: as strong as she is, I would have liked to know more of how she happened to find herself in her predicament. I wasn’t sold on Dex’s reason for not wanting to love: as smart as he is, could he have had a better reason? And I didn’t get why he labelled Maisie as a princess: she is working 3 jobs to put herself through college!
Apart from these minor misunderstandings from my part, The Total Knockout has been awesome! Another Ms. O’Gorman’s book I couldn’t put down. I even cry of gratitude at the Acknowledgements!
I’ll add “mansplaining” to my vocabulary, that definitely rang a bell. <3
Thank you!!!!
September 29, 2023
Must Read
I loved it, Thank you, Cookie, for another great book. I literally couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read Emmys.
I loved it, Thank you, Cookie, for another great book. I literally couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read Emmys.
September 29, 2023
Dex is my favorite brother so I was really hoping it would be great, and it is 😊
October 29, 2023
Another great book by Cookie! I love all of her books.
Dex and Maisie’s story was wonderful and made my heart feel all the feels. It’s like falling in love all over again. Dex is such a romantic, opening car doors, carrying bags, walking Maisie to her car/apartment, I love that about him.
I can’t wait to read more about the O’Brien’s. I have a feeling we will be reading about Finn and Rose or Emmy and John/Seaver soon.
Thanks Cookie for all of your great and talented writing. I will always be a fan 😊!
Dex and Maisie’s story was wonderful and made my heart feel all the feels. It’s like falling in love all over again. Dex is such a romantic, opening car doors, carrying bags, walking Maisie to her car/apartment, I love that about him.
I can’t wait to read more about the O’Brien’s. I have a feeling we will be reading about Finn and Rose or Emmy and John/Seaver soon.
Thanks Cookie for all of your great and talented writing. I will always be a fan 😊!
November 7, 2023
All the O'Brien brothers were great to read about. Each different but all totally sexy. I flew through these books but this book is tied for my favorite. All of them are sweet and easy to read. I also recomment reading them in order for the best enjoyment.
This is an enemies to lovers book following Dex and Maisie. It has such great banter and tension that i couldn't put it down. Dex is tough on the outside but a softy on the inside. He fights for the people he cares about but doesn't want to fall in love. And Maisie is a hardworker who isn't looking for a boyfriend. She has three jobs while also attending college and one of those jobs is tutoring Dex. Forced proximity? Check.
I love everything about this book. The fact that they both have scars too is just so perfect.
This is an enemies to lovers book following Dex and Maisie. It has such great banter and tension that i couldn't put it down. Dex is tough on the outside but a softy on the inside. He fights for the people he cares about but doesn't want to fall in love. And Maisie is a hardworker who isn't looking for a boyfriend. She has three jobs while also attending college and one of those jobs is tutoring Dex. Forced proximity? Check.
I love everything about this book. The fact that they both have scars too is just so perfect.
April 21, 2024
I will never get tired of Cookie's books they are just the best and always will be, I love love the O'Brien Family they are the best and I can't wait to see who she writes about next!
November 17, 2025
Very, very good!
I was so excited to get Dex and Maisie's story. We got little glimpses of them in the last book so getting to see more of them both individually and together was so fun.
Initially I gave this five stars. After some time away from the book, I did downgrade it to a 4, but really like a 4.5.
One of the main reasons I changed my mind was I think I wanted to see a deeper connection between Dex and Maisie. It was clear they were both very into each other, and I thought their physical attraction was real, but I needed more. I kind of good more of a friends-with-benefits vibe rather than two people so in love with each other. Maybe if the book was longer, we could have seen the FWB grow into something more.
I also didn't love the whole "fake relationship" aspect. It didn't play a huge part, but it was mentioned a couple times. Normally I like a fake relationship, but we just saw that in Baylor's book and I think we are going to get some version of that in Finn's.
Likewise, Dex's whole reason for not wanting to fall in love was similar to Baylor's. I don't doubt these characters would have these feelings about love, but again, just too similar to Baylor.
I wanted more of the brothers. Finn was a big part here, and the older brothers did pop in a couple times, but I wanted them a couple more times. This is a whole series based on them, and Dex did play a part in all their stories. I would have loved to see Dex call his brothers and seek them out for advice.
A very, very solid read. I can't wait to read Emmy and Finn's stories.
I was so excited to get Dex and Maisie's story. We got little glimpses of them in the last book so getting to see more of them both individually and together was so fun.
Initially I gave this five stars. After some time away from the book, I did downgrade it to a 4, but really like a 4.5.
One of the main reasons I changed my mind was I think I wanted to see a deeper connection between Dex and Maisie. It was clear they were both very into each other, and I thought their physical attraction was real, but I needed more. I kind of good more of a friends-with-benefits vibe rather than two people so in love with each other. Maybe if the book was longer, we could have seen the FWB grow into something more.
I also didn't love the whole "fake relationship" aspect. It didn't play a huge part, but it was mentioned a couple times. Normally I like a fake relationship, but we just saw that in Baylor's book and I think we are going to get some version of that in Finn's.
Likewise, Dex's whole reason for not wanting to fall in love was similar to Baylor's. I don't doubt these characters would have these feelings about love, but again, just too similar to Baylor.
I wanted more of the brothers. Finn was a big part here, and the older brothers did pop in a couple times, but I wanted them a couple more times. This is a whole series based on them, and Dex did play a part in all their stories. I would have loved to see Dex call his brothers and seek them out for advice.
A very, very solid read. I can't wait to read Emmy and Finn's stories.
September 3, 2025
The tutor and the bad guy
Dex is the best kind of bad boy hero; one with a heart of gold. He plays the tough guy but inside his love of family and protective instincts to those he loves (Maisie).
I loved these two together. Both have deep scars. It takes a while to grow the trust and love to believe in their relationship.
So good!
Dex is the best kind of bad boy hero; one with a heart of gold. He plays the tough guy but inside his love of family and protective instincts to those he loves (Maisie).
I loved these two together. Both have deep scars. It takes a while to grow the trust and love to believe in their relationship.
So good!
August 15, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
dex o’brien? GIVE ME MY MANS. he was funny, he was flirty, he was.. bad boy? but he was OH SO GOOD!! maisie is MY GIRL, she is hardworking taking on like TWO JOBS while also being able to provide for her sister and take care of her! lola and dex’s relationship is so sweet, just the way he cares for her. like i LOVE their ENTIRE family, with all the brothers, even the mum helping out like watching as ALL HER KIDS get together her being a little matchmaker with all her kids. like plus the book club with maisie being in it, like can FINN AND ROSE JUST GET TOGETHER??!?!? and also, rose being an AUTHOR!! her writing a book AND it being PUBLISHED!? like how cool is that!? shoutout to aunt genevieve she is SUCH A BADDIE!!! i loved how dex had like reading troubles and unlike others, maisie actually read and learnt about it like yeah for her sister but also especially to help dex. like he tried to push her away but she was persistent in helping him rather than just learning the first time he tried to quit. she recorded an ENTIRE BOOK!! lucy chen core. also the whole tutoring felt like halle and henry from daydream, like it was GIVING them with the way both maisie and halle are just so supportive and helping to their special needs - in a study sense OF COURSE… overall, this book was absolutely ADORABLE i love the whole world of it. like the way both archer AND chase AND baylor all left and now play for their respective teams, like it’s just so cool saying as the first book we got they were all still just in university playing on the SAME TEAM!! like i love the growth overall. HATED connor, this man was just so annoying like BUTT OUT. i have a few more thoughts but ill talk about those in the quotes!! this book was just so cute, and i ATE IT UP!!
“you’re hot for your tutor. just admit it.” YES. HE. IS.
"first, i don't need you two playing matchmaker for me," i said. "second, i’d rather have my eyes torn out than sit through more of this conversation. third…call her pretty again, finn, and i’ll smack you upside the head."
"that’s mack elderon and his girlfriend. they’ve been together since freshman year. she probably thinks they'll get married someday, but i know for a fact, he's been cheating on her for the past two months."
“that girl, the one glaring at mack while rubbing on her boyfriend like he's a pole, is the one he's been cheating with."
“victor, over there, will spend the whole night chatting up girls while he watches his girlfriend, tassandra, flirt with other guys. they like to make each other jealous, both say it keeps the relationship alive."
what the what???
finn: i'm finn o’brien, asshole. emmy’s little brother. nice to meet you.
maisie: holy crap.
rose: i second that.
maisie: when did nice guy finn turn into such a badass?
rose: i don't know, but i kinda like it.
dex: nice punch.
finn: learned from the best.
"they’ve been best friends since they were kids. lola doesn't see it yet, but i’m waiting for the fallout when she realizes he's in love with her."
"hmm. she might love him too. punched a guy for him already."
LOLA AND LENNOX NEED A BOOK!!!
“and rose was a lucky girl because even now, he kept one eye on the game and one on her. when she said she was thirsty, he somehow produced a bottle of water out of thin air. when she smiled at him in thanks, he looked back at her with so much love, i had a moment of intense jealousy. what i wouldn't give to have someone look at me like that.”
firstly, FINN AND ROSE ARE SO CUTEEE. secondly, maisie girl, don’t act like dex wouldn’t do anything for you!
"let me be clear," she said, taking a step forward into his space, "if my dex isn't out here in the next three minutes, i won't just get loud. i’ll also get the governor on the phone. i dated him before you, remember? though he's very happily married, we still have a friendly relationship. he adores me, would do anything i asked." AUNT GENEVIEVE ATEEE.
rose: "the dirty talk was definitely on point,"
finn: “you like that?"
rose: “oh yeah. what girl wouldn't?"
finn: “good to know."
AYYYYYY
“as i kissed her all i could think was, this. this was it. this was what makes life worth living.”
dex o’brien? GIVE ME MY MANS. he was funny, he was flirty, he was.. bad boy? but he was OH SO GOOD!! maisie is MY GIRL, she is hardworking taking on like TWO JOBS while also being able to provide for her sister and take care of her! lola and dex’s relationship is so sweet, just the way he cares for her. like i LOVE their ENTIRE family, with all the brothers, even the mum helping out like watching as ALL HER KIDS get together her being a little matchmaker with all her kids. like plus the book club with maisie being in it, like can FINN AND ROSE JUST GET TOGETHER??!?!? and also, rose being an AUTHOR!! her writing a book AND it being PUBLISHED!? like how cool is that!? shoutout to aunt genevieve she is SUCH A BADDIE!!! i loved how dex had like reading troubles and unlike others, maisie actually read and learnt about it like yeah for her sister but also especially to help dex. like he tried to push her away but she was persistent in helping him rather than just learning the first time he tried to quit. she recorded an ENTIRE BOOK!! lucy chen core. also the whole tutoring felt like halle and henry from daydream, like it was GIVING them with the way both maisie and halle are just so supportive and helping to their special needs - in a study sense OF COURSE… overall, this book was absolutely ADORABLE i love the whole world of it. like the way both archer AND chase AND baylor all left and now play for their respective teams, like it’s just so cool saying as the first book we got they were all still just in university playing on the SAME TEAM!! like i love the growth overall. HATED connor, this man was just so annoying like BUTT OUT. i have a few more thoughts but ill talk about those in the quotes!! this book was just so cute, and i ATE IT UP!!
“you’re hot for your tutor. just admit it.” YES. HE. IS.
"first, i don't need you two playing matchmaker for me," i said. "second, i’d rather have my eyes torn out than sit through more of this conversation. third…call her pretty again, finn, and i’ll smack you upside the head."
"that’s mack elderon and his girlfriend. they’ve been together since freshman year. she probably thinks they'll get married someday, but i know for a fact, he's been cheating on her for the past two months."
“that girl, the one glaring at mack while rubbing on her boyfriend like he's a pole, is the one he's been cheating with."
“victor, over there, will spend the whole night chatting up girls while he watches his girlfriend, tassandra, flirt with other guys. they like to make each other jealous, both say it keeps the relationship alive."
what the what???
finn: i'm finn o’brien, asshole. emmy’s little brother. nice to meet you.
maisie: holy crap.
rose: i second that.
maisie: when did nice guy finn turn into such a badass?
rose: i don't know, but i kinda like it.
dex: nice punch.
finn: learned from the best.
"they’ve been best friends since they were kids. lola doesn't see it yet, but i’m waiting for the fallout when she realizes he's in love with her."
"hmm. she might love him too. punched a guy for him already."
LOLA AND LENNOX NEED A BOOK!!!
“and rose was a lucky girl because even now, he kept one eye on the game and one on her. when she said she was thirsty, he somehow produced a bottle of water out of thin air. when she smiled at him in thanks, he looked back at her with so much love, i had a moment of intense jealousy. what i wouldn't give to have someone look at me like that.”
firstly, FINN AND ROSE ARE SO CUTEEE. secondly, maisie girl, don’t act like dex wouldn’t do anything for you!
"let me be clear," she said, taking a step forward into his space, "if my dex isn't out here in the next three minutes, i won't just get loud. i’ll also get the governor on the phone. i dated him before you, remember? though he's very happily married, we still have a friendly relationship. he adores me, would do anything i asked." AUNT GENEVIEVE ATEEE.
rose: "the dirty talk was definitely on point,"
finn: “you like that?"
rose: “oh yeah. what girl wouldn't?"
finn: “good to know."
AYYYYYY
“as i kissed her all i could think was, this. this was it. this was what makes life worth living.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2024
Ahh, this book has been so amazing! I couldn't put it down and just had to read it in one go. Love love love Daisies story!! They are just perfect for each other in their own way. Love how they are both such strong personalities but also let the other one look behind their walls and see all their hidden secrets. They make each other better versions of themselves by giving each other the support they need and so much love. This was truly a masterpiece again and I am so excited to see where the next story will lead us. Who will it be about (Em or the long-awaited Finn??) and with all baseball players gone where will the team be? Ahh, I can't wait for it and hope it will also have as much passion and spice as this book had. ;) #lovedit
June 19, 2024
There's something addicting about Cookie's writing. I always come back for more.
I loved Baylor and June's story and I was pleasantly surprised that Maisie and Dex became my favourite Obrien story so far. They are both a little jaded but are a great fit with each other.
It's so sweet how he goes to book club just because he wants to spend more time with her.
I also loved seeing the gang again; I love their friendship and the family dynamics. Dex's great aunt is amazing haha. I can't wait to see Emmy's story - something is going on with the dude working at June's garage and I can't wait to find out more about them!
I loved Baylor and June's story and I was pleasantly surprised that Maisie and Dex became my favourite Obrien story so far. They are both a little jaded but are a great fit with each other.
It's so sweet how he goes to book club just because he wants to spend more time with her.
I also loved seeing the gang again; I love their friendship and the family dynamics. Dex's great aunt is amazing haha. I can't wait to see Emmy's story - something is going on with the dude working at June's garage and I can't wait to find out more about them!
January 20, 2024
Dex's my favorite until Finn shows up. 💚💚💚💚💚
January 26, 2024
The worst thing about Cookie O’Gorman books is how hard they are to put down! This book was no exception to that, super cute, and I don’t even like sports.
September 30, 2023
This is very on brand for Cookie. Full of geeky MCs and swoony romance and that same O’Brien cockiness they all seem to possess.
“You’re just differently-abled” was a weird reference to being dyslexic.
It did confuse me a little bit, because I thought Maisey was the sole carer of her younger sister Lola and that they lived together, when apparently Lola lives with their mother and stepfather like ten minutes away, which then begged to differ why she was slogging away so hard to survive and why the mother was never available. That part’s never really explained. Her mother completely loves her and isn’t an alcoholic or abusive or any of the things I thought might have happened, but for some reason she never calls or visits Maisey and Maisey doesn’t call or visit her. They could have met up for lunch somewhere, but it’s like a total avoidance on both their parts. I was genuinely confused.
But the romance is on point, which is what we’re all here for. Maisey and Dex have that annoyance/attraction going on, and when they finally find their groove together they’re such a sweet couple. There’s a bit of fake dating thrown in here too, and all the adorable tropes.
It’s set up for the next two siblings to have their stories, and I’m pretty sure Finn and Rose have to wait until last. Sucks being the youngest.
“You’re just differently-abled” was a weird reference to being dyslexic.
It did confuse me a little bit, because I thought Maisey was the sole carer of her younger sister Lola and that they lived together, when apparently Lola lives with their mother and stepfather like ten minutes away, which then begged to differ why she was slogging away so hard to survive and why the mother was never available. That part’s never really explained. Her mother completely loves her and isn’t an alcoholic or abusive or any of the things I thought might have happened, but for some reason she never calls or visits Maisey and Maisey doesn’t call or visit her. They could have met up for lunch somewhere, but it’s like a total avoidance on both their parts. I was genuinely confused.
But the romance is on point, which is what we’re all here for. Maisey and Dex have that annoyance/attraction going on, and when they finally find their groove together they’re such a sweet couple. There’s a bit of fake dating thrown in here too, and all the adorable tropes.
It’s set up for the next two siblings to have their stories, and I’m pretty sure Finn and Rose have to wait until last. Sucks being the youngest.
September 29, 2023
This just might be one of Cookie O'Gorman's steamiest books to date and I was all for it! The enemies-to-lovers trope was 100% on point like hot damn! The witty banter, the romance, the drama, and the plot were just so good! And like Cookie O'Gorman said in the description of this book these two are literally scarred both physically and internally. It just made me so sad when they were telling their story especially since I can relate to one of those stories. Anyway, the chemistry of these two is off the charts especially that bar scene like WOAH! I loved this story and make sure to check it out!
*This book is a new adult so keep that in mind if you check it out!*
Thank You, Cookie O'Gorman, for the eARC and for being a part of the ARC team!!
*This book is a new adult so keep that in mind if you check it out!*
Thank You, Cookie O'Gorman, for the eARC and for being a part of the ARC team!!
October 19, 2023
There is some inconsistence with the timeline and the settings, also I have some problems with the unnecessary violence and the most clueless parents ever. But the relationship between the two main characters is priceless.
October 27, 2025
It was very similar to all the other books, other than the fighting, and the abuse (sorry kind of a spoiler). lots of cursing and a spicy scene or two. Dex definitely had his own unique personality compared to the other brothers.
July 15, 2024
Boring
July 26, 2024
I was kinda in love with Dex throughout the series and Maisie was just perfect for him!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews