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Squad Goals #1
Clueless
The Cheerleader and His Twin’s Best Friend
Lexi
I’ve been in love with Ryder Jackson since my twin sister brought him home and declared him her best friend five years ago. He is funny, smart, gorgeous. The perfect man. Except he’s never shown any romantic interest in me. Ryder only does hookups, but my poor demi heart wants the whole package.
I vow to get over him and focus on my upcoming cheer competition, but suddenly, he’s everywhere, making me fall harder.
When he accidentally walks in on my self-love time, everything changes. One night with Ryder isn’t enough.
I know it’ll hurt when it ends, but if friends with benefits is all Ryder can give, I’ll take it.
Ryder
No boyfriends, no repeats. That’s always been my motto. But when I nearly get my ass handed to me by the disgruntled ex of a former hookup, I realize I need to change things up.
No sex until I learn to avoid the walking red flags.
I can do this.
Except, suddenly, all I can see is Lexi, my best friend’s brother. I’m creating situations to get cuddles from him during nineties movie night and even going to a football game just to watch him cheer.
After one hot night, I want more.
But how do I get Lexi to see me as more than just a hookup?
Lexi
I’ve been in love with Ryder Jackson since my twin sister brought him home and declared him her best friend five years ago. He is funny, smart, gorgeous. The perfect man. Except he’s never shown any romantic interest in me. Ryder only does hookups, but my poor demi heart wants the whole package.
I vow to get over him and focus on my upcoming cheer competition, but suddenly, he’s everywhere, making me fall harder.
When he accidentally walks in on my self-love time, everything changes. One night with Ryder isn’t enough.
I know it’ll hurt when it ends, but if friends with benefits is all Ryder can give, I’ll take it.
Ryder
No boyfriends, no repeats. That’s always been my motto. But when I nearly get my ass handed to me by the disgruntled ex of a former hookup, I realize I need to change things up.
No sex until I learn to avoid the walking red flags.
I can do this.
Except, suddenly, all I can see is Lexi, my best friend’s brother. I’m creating situations to get cuddles from him during nineties movie night and even going to a football game just to watch him cheer.
After one hot night, I want more.
But how do I get Lexi to see me as more than just a hookup?
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2023
152 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Willow Thomas
21 books150 followersWillow Thomas is a MM romance author who loves to write stories that will leave you smiling. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, go on walks through the British countryside, and spend time with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 21, 2023
Some glaringly obvious issues with the writing (weird word/phrasing choices, cringy dirty talk, wrong spelling of words) but I had a good time and it worked for the funk I’ve been in.
It was cute, fast paced, and I didn’t have to think.
Read it if you just want some no angst fun, with 90’s rom-com vibes. Best friends brother and one sided pining.
It was also a slump wrecker so three CHEERS for that!
It was cute, fast paced, and I didn’t have to think.
Read it if you just want some no angst fun, with 90’s rom-com vibes. Best friends brother and one sided pining.
It was also a slump wrecker so three CHEERS for that!
June 7, 2023
eh, made it to the end, barely.
May 10, 2023
This book was exactly what I needed to read and I enjoyed it so much. It's a cute and sweet story with the great trope of best friend's brother and with a demisexuality rep, which is always nice to find in a book.
Lexi has always been in love with his twin's best friend, Ryder, but he's never said anything. Ryder had never looked at Lexi in any way that wasn't as the twin brother of his best friend. But Ryder suddenly realises he likes Lexi and can't get him out of his head. That's when things get hotter and more interesting.
I had a great time reading this book. There is lots of pining on Lexi's part and Ryder being so clueless was sort of cute, especially when he realised he had feelings for Lexi. It's a nice, sweet novel, with cheerleading hotties and sexy mechanics. I loved witnessing Ryder's evolution from fuckboy to obsessing and becoming possessive over Lexi. Also, the secondary characters were great and I can't wait to read their stories.
I so recommend this book as it's not very long, it has funny moments and a very sweet romance.
Lexi has always been in love with his twin's best friend, Ryder, but he's never said anything. Ryder had never looked at Lexi in any way that wasn't as the twin brother of his best friend. But Ryder suddenly realises he likes Lexi and can't get him out of his head. That's when things get hotter and more interesting.
I had a great time reading this book. There is lots of pining on Lexi's part and Ryder being so clueless was sort of cute, especially when he realised he had feelings for Lexi. It's a nice, sweet novel, with cheerleading hotties and sexy mechanics. I loved witnessing Ryder's evolution from fuckboy to obsessing and becoming possessive over Lexi. Also, the secondary characters were great and I can't wait to read their stories.
I so recommend this book as it's not very long, it has funny moments and a very sweet romance.
April 20, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
- sister’s best friend
- college romance
- cheerleader x mechanic
- demi rep
Lexi has been in love with his sister’s best friend Ryder for the last four years, but unfortunately Ryder has never given him the time of day.
Ryder doesn’t do feelings or repeats, but it isn’t until he suspects someone else being interested in Lexi that he finally realizes how attracted he is to him.
Their story is a quick, fun and spicy read, but I think I would have loved it more if it had been a mutual pining/these two are oblivious to their feelings kind of thing instead of Ryder just all of a sudden being attracted to Lexi after all these years. It made the pacing of their relationship a bit crazy and unbelievable, but it was still a good time!
- sister’s best friend
- college romance
- cheerleader x mechanic
- demi rep
Lexi has been in love with his sister’s best friend Ryder for the last four years, but unfortunately Ryder has never given him the time of day.
Ryder doesn’t do feelings or repeats, but it isn’t until he suspects someone else being interested in Lexi that he finally realizes how attracted he is to him.
Their story is a quick, fun and spicy read, but I think I would have loved it more if it had been a mutual pining/these two are oblivious to their feelings kind of thing instead of Ryder just all of a sudden being attracted to Lexi after all these years. It made the pacing of their relationship a bit crazy and unbelievable, but it was still a good time!
October 19, 2023
2 stars
Very perfunctory writing.
Ryder was not a particularly likeable character, and this did not change much as the book went on. Lexi was sweet but neither MC is particularly well-developed.
The plot was basic and there's no character development or real sense of time passing. The book seemed to skip over a lot of time, but without mentioning it, so I was constantly confused about the timeframe. This had a number of very small conflicts and lacked a proper climax, which left the whole thing feeling quite flat.
Overall, I think this also had too many pop culture references, even if they're 90s/00s references which admittedly makes it less cringey to me than current stuff. I kind of hate myself for getting the reference to Lexi's middle name (Torrance), and now feel like I have to rewatch Bring It On for nostalgia's sake.
Supremely cheesy ending and clunky intro to next book(s).
Very perfunctory writing.
Ryder was not a particularly likeable character, and this did not change much as the book went on. Lexi was sweet but neither MC is particularly well-developed.
The plot was basic and there's no character development or real sense of time passing. The book seemed to skip over a lot of time, but without mentioning it, so I was constantly confused about the timeframe. This had a number of very small conflicts and lacked a proper climax, which left the whole thing feeling quite flat.
Overall, I think this also had too many pop culture references, even if they're 90s/00s references which admittedly makes it less cringey to me than current stuff. I kind of hate myself for getting the reference to Lexi's middle name (Torrance), and now feel like I have to rewatch Bring It On for nostalgia's sake.
Supremely cheesy ending and clunky intro to next book(s).
April 27, 2023
3.5 stars. This is the first book I have read by this author. It was a cute, easy read. Lexi has been in love with Ryder for years so his feelings were very believable and I really enjoyed his character. I always love pining stories!
I’m not sure how I feel about Ryder. He seemed like a great friend to Kati (Lexi’s twin sister) but his feelings for Lexi seemed incredibly sudden and I wasn’t sold with his actions.
Overall, I did enjoy the story itself and if you love this author I’m positive you will also enjoy this book. The next book in the series is about Gio and Tucker and I definitely am interested in their story!
I’m not sure how I feel about Ryder. He seemed like a great friend to Kati (Lexi’s twin sister) but his feelings for Lexi seemed incredibly sudden and I wasn’t sold with his actions.
Overall, I did enjoy the story itself and if you love this author I’m positive you will also enjoy this book. The next book in the series is about Gio and Tucker and I definitely am interested in their story!
June 27, 2024
A cute quick book. The title says it all.
I liked the atmosphere created by these friends and family. And it was pretty dirty sexy. I enjoyed it.
I liked the atmosphere created by these friends and family. And it was pretty dirty sexy. I enjoyed it.
May 7, 2023
This was such a great college story. Cheerleader Lexi has been in love with his twin sister's best friend Riley for years. Riley is a bit of a player and never settled with anyone which has been painful for Lexi to see. But Riley suddenly starts seeing Lexi in a different light. His possessive side starts showing when he thinks Lexi is interested in someone else and they realise how much chemistry they have. The story was full of sweetness and hot chemistry and banter. I thought it was refreshing to read a college story where both characters are great. I'm ready for the next book now.
December 10, 2023
I loved it!!!
Ugh this book was so good! Written so well and hilarious! I just loved every minute! Cannot wait for more!
Ugh this book was so good! Written so well and hilarious! I just loved every minute! Cannot wait for more!
May 23, 2023
Great start to the series
This is the first book in a new series about male cheerleaders and I am totally here for it! Throw in a sisters best friend and some major pining and you have all the makings of my kind of read!
Lexi was just adorable and I loved how he was just such a great person and he really made the book for me. The pining over Ryder was so well written as well. Ryder was fun as well and seeing him slowly fall for Lexi and change his attitude was awesome.
I’ll definitely pick up the next book in this series as well as it was a nice chilled read with very little angst or drama
This is the first book in a new series about male cheerleaders and I am totally here for it! Throw in a sisters best friend and some major pining and you have all the makings of my kind of read!
Lexi was just adorable and I loved how he was just such a great person and he really made the book for me. The pining over Ryder was so well written as well. Ryder was fun as well and seeing him slowly fall for Lexi and change his attitude was awesome.
I’ll definitely pick up the next book in this series as well as it was a nice chilled read with very little angst or drama
May 7, 2023
Such a quick, light and easy read.
And so much fun.
And I loved that Lexi was a cheerleader and was so good at it.
I did feel really sad for Lexi though, that through all his pining he had to hear Ryder talking about all his hook-ups for so many years but what I loved was Ryder acknowledging that fact and feeling really bad about it after he found out that Lexi was in love with him for so long. Usually it's ignored, which is completely understandable because you can't really help it if someone is in love with you and you don't even know it, so I was really glad it was brought up.
I totally loved that Lexi liked wearing sexy lingerie. I also liked the jealousy that Ryder felt whenever he saw Lexi talking to Tucker even though most of the time he didn't even realize it was jealousy... 🙈 Ryder really was a completely CLUELESS mofo... 😂🙈
A best-friends-brother romance that I enjoyed. Also, this is a new to me author so I'll be looking out for more of this series ... 💙💙
And so much fun.
And I loved that Lexi was a cheerleader and was so good at it.
I did feel really sad for Lexi though, that through all his pining he had to hear Ryder talking about all his hook-ups for so many years but what I loved was Ryder acknowledging that fact and feeling really bad about it after he found out that Lexi was in love with him for so long. Usually it's ignored, which is completely understandable because you can't really help it if someone is in love with you and you don't even know it, so I was really glad it was brought up.
I totally loved that Lexi liked wearing sexy lingerie. I also liked the jealousy that Ryder felt whenever he saw Lexi talking to Tucker even though most of the time he didn't even realize it was jealousy... 🙈 Ryder really was a completely CLUELESS mofo... 😂🙈
A best-friends-brother romance that I enjoyed. Also, this is a new to me author so I'll be looking out for more of this series ... 💙💙
May 8, 2023
THREE CHEERS for the first book in this awesome new series!! I fell so hard for Lexi and his long-standing crush on his twin sister Kait's (totally oblivious) bestie Ryder. This is an awesome best friend's sibling/sibling's best friend trope, and I love the way the dynamic shifts between Lexi, Kait, and Ryder's relationships with each other as Lexi and Ryder grow closer.
My heart HURT for Lexi, trying so hard to get over his unrequited crush on Ryder and also come to terms with accepting some truths about himself (like his love of pretty underthings and satin nighties). And then I wanted to smack some sense into Ryder - come ON, dude!!
Lexi's friend group is so close and supportive, I love them all and wish I could just go hang out with them (shopping trip montage!!) There are so many fun 90's (jokes? bits? easter eggs?) in this book and I am LIVING FOR IT. Willow Thomas delivers the perfect balance of humor and heartbreak, and has quickly been added to my "buy it now" author list!
This is the first book in the Squad Goals series, and can be read as a standalone. I CAN'T WAIT to read the happily ever afters for the rest of the guys on the Squad - and !! Book two, Restless, comes out November 2023 and will be about Gio and Tucker!! I fell so hard for Tucker in this book, and I can't wait for him to get his happy ever after. :)
This is the first book I've read by Willow Thomas, but you'd better believe I'm going to read more! I added Bolt From the Blue, the first book in the Caught Off Guard series, to my TBR, and I also can't wait for Willow Thomas' upcoming Fallen Gargoyles MC series, coming in August!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
My heart HURT for Lexi, trying so hard to get over his unrequited crush on Ryder and also come to terms with accepting some truths about himself (like his love of pretty underthings and satin nighties). And then I wanted to smack some sense into Ryder - come ON, dude!!
Lexi's friend group is so close and supportive, I love them all and wish I could just go hang out with them (shopping trip montage!!) There are so many fun 90's (jokes? bits? easter eggs?) in this book and I am LIVING FOR IT. Willow Thomas delivers the perfect balance of humor and heartbreak, and has quickly been added to my "buy it now" author list!
This is the first book in the Squad Goals series, and can be read as a standalone. I CAN'T WAIT to read the happily ever afters for the rest of the guys on the Squad - and !! Book two, Restless, comes out November 2023 and will be about Gio and Tucker!! I fell so hard for Tucker in this book, and I can't wait for him to get his happy ever after. :)
This is the first book I've read by Willow Thomas, but you'd better believe I'm going to read more! I added Bolt From the Blue, the first book in the Caught Off Guard series, to my TBR, and I also can't wait for Willow Thomas' upcoming Fallen Gargoyles MC series, coming in August!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
May 30, 2024
3.65🌟
Unrequited love always makes me want to fucking cry bro and this one was kinda painful! Sprinkle the whole lot of miscommunication/ lack of communication that was going on here and it’s a recipe for a fucking headache or heartburn.. you pick
_________________
I loved everything about this actually. It was short with high angst and OMG an already established queer community!! (One of the MMC’s has two dads)
With pansexuals, demisexuals, gays ughh the friend group is freaking existing too.
It also has a dynamic I’ve never read before! Hello?!! Male cheerleaders?!! STOP IT RIGHT NOW
The next book is football player X cheerleader and HELLO?!! I’m binging the fuck out of that
Unrequited love always makes me want to fucking cry bro and this one was kinda painful! Sprinkle the whole lot of miscommunication/ lack of communication that was going on here and it’s a recipe for a fucking headache or heartburn.. you pick
_________________
I loved everything about this actually. It was short with high angst and OMG an already established queer community!! (One of the MMC’s has two dads)
With pansexuals, demisexuals, gays ughh the friend group is freaking existing too.
It also has a dynamic I’ve never read before! Hello?!! Male cheerleaders?!! STOP IT RIGHT NOW
The next book is football player X cheerleader and HELLO?!! I’m binging the fuck out of that
May 4, 2023
“If I come whilst watching Lexi cheer, I will definitely be calling it a cheergasm.” 😂🫣
Clueless, by Willow Thomas, was super cute. I loved all of the 90’s references, as I am also a huge fan of 90’s movies.
Highlights:
🩷best friend’s brother
🩷unrequited love
🩷cheerleader/“bad” boy
🩷90’s nostalgia
🩷virgin MC
🩷no angst, just pure fun 🥳
If you are looking for something fun, flirty, and fast-paced, then this is a great option!! Looking forward to reading Gio and Tucker’s story. 🩷
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Heat: 🔥🔥
Clueless, by Willow Thomas, was super cute. I loved all of the 90’s references, as I am also a huge fan of 90’s movies.
Highlights:
🩷best friend’s brother
🩷unrequited love
🩷cheerleader/“bad” boy
🩷90’s nostalgia
🩷virgin MC
🩷no angst, just pure fun 🥳
If you are looking for something fun, flirty, and fast-paced, then this is a great option!! Looking forward to reading Gio and Tucker’s story. 🩷
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Heat: 🔥🔥
October 20, 2024
2.5🌟
I really wish I can take back the time I wasted reading this👩🦯👩🦯if this is the definition of romance, I don’t want it..
I really wish I can take back the time I wasted reading this👩🦯👩🦯if this is the definition of romance, I don’t want it..
June 19, 2023
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Not sure why I thought this would be different. It was not bad, not exactly what I expected, but not bad.
Sometimes a book call to me, and this was one of those. I even noted the release date on my calendar app to remember reading it and as soon as I had the chance I did.
I'm a goner for the "sibling's BF" trope, much more when there's some secret pinning. And we get lots of that. Lexi has been crushing on Ryder since his twin sister brought him home one day 4 years prior. Ryder and his sister quickly became besties, and so it's normal to see Ryder hanging at their home (the three of them even have a movie night full of 90's movies).
I wasn't expecting for this to be so CHEESY. As I said before it's not something bad, just not what I was thinking I would find. The story, overall, is fast-paced, low-angst, easy to read and entertaining. There are some things that maybe had me rolling my eyes lol but nothing too much.
I liked and at the same time hated how fast Ryder fell for Lexi (if we ignore the previous 4 years he's been oblivious). I mean, it was nice and some scenes where good (like when he takes him to try the car with an excuse because he just wants to spend time with him), and also... jealousy. Hell yeah. Love when the non-inlove MC starts to get jealous, and Ryder suddenly notices Lexi, truly looks at him and then he's afraid Tucker has other intentions with him.
But, I also hoped for this to be slower. Like more tension imbued, I guess. I love a nice buildup of what's to come, and we don't really have that here since everything goes quite fast. Also, I would love to have seen a change in Ryder's playboy tendencies, and not the sudden change he had after everything that happens with Tucker. It's kinda absurd since he decides to be celibate and the next minute he's falling for Lexi. And I'm not quite exaggerating.
This little things made this an ok story for me, one I enjoyed reading but that I doubt will leave an everlasting impression. It was enjoyable and it's perfect for when you are looking for something to destress , without too much drama and some sexy times. But if you are looking for something... more, deeper, this is not.
I will be checking the next books when they come out. The cheer guys where a funny bunch and I wouldn't mind knowing more about each of them!
Not sure why I thought this would be different. It was not bad, not exactly what I expected, but not bad.
Sometimes a book call to me, and this was one of those. I even noted the release date on my calendar app to remember reading it and as soon as I had the chance I did.
I'm a goner for the "sibling's BF" trope, much more when there's some secret pinning. And we get lots of that. Lexi has been crushing on Ryder since his twin sister brought him home one day 4 years prior. Ryder and his sister quickly became besties, and so it's normal to see Ryder hanging at their home (the three of them even have a movie night full of 90's movies).
I wasn't expecting for this to be so CHEESY. As I said before it's not something bad, just not what I was thinking I would find. The story, overall, is fast-paced, low-angst, easy to read and entertaining. There are some things that maybe had me rolling my eyes lol but nothing too much.
I liked and at the same time hated how fast Ryder fell for Lexi (if we ignore the previous 4 years he's been oblivious). I mean, it was nice and some scenes where good (like when he takes him to try the car with an excuse because he just wants to spend time with him), and also... jealousy. Hell yeah. Love when the non-inlove MC starts to get jealous, and Ryder suddenly notices Lexi, truly looks at him and then he's afraid Tucker has other intentions with him.
But, I also hoped for this to be slower. Like more tension imbued, I guess. I love a nice buildup of what's to come, and we don't really have that here since everything goes quite fast. Also, I would love to have seen a change in Ryder's playboy tendencies, and not the sudden change he had after everything that happens with Tucker. It's kinda absurd since he decides to be celibate and the next minute he's falling for Lexi. And I'm not quite exaggerating.
This little things made this an ok story for me, one I enjoyed reading but that I doubt will leave an everlasting impression. It was enjoyable and it's perfect for when you are looking for something to destress , without too much drama and some sexy times. But if you are looking for something... more, deeper, this is not.
I will be checking the next books when they come out. The cheer guys where a funny bunch and I wouldn't mind knowing more about each of them!
May 6, 2023
The sport of cheerleading has gained in popularity thanks in part to reality TV, so it was only a matter of time before it made its way more prominently into sports romance. As someone who enjoys that sub-genre, it’s nice to read about athletes on a different kind of team. Not sure I’ve ever read a hockey or football romance with this level of body glitter. 😉
Clueless is the first work I’ve read by Willow Thomas, and I was excited by the premise of this story from the beginning. It’s a quick, fun read about Lexi who’s been in love with his sister’s best friend Ryder for years, and the unrequited love trope paired with that level of pining is absolutely my jam.
Lexi’s a fantastic, lovable guy who’s easy to relate to. He’s loyal and levelheaded, and those qualities shine through in everything he does. He’s open and honest about his demisexuality, and I found it to be no surprise he would have feelings for someone he knows so well and spends so much time with.
Ryder on the other hand is a bit of a player who prefers hookups to happily ever afters. His character is a romance mainstay, and I’m here for watching him fall for the one guy who changes everything in a classic case of the one you never knew you were looking for being right in front of you.
Watching Ryder & Lexi’s friendship grow and change into something more is a treat. I was a bit surprised by Ryder’s sudden interest and how quickly things escalated, although it’s exciting. I wish Lexi was a bit more assertive at times, because it’s heartbreaking to see him attempt to justify settling for less than he deserves.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun, flirty, steamy read. This series has a lot to potential, and I’m beyond excited for the pairing in Book 2!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
Clueless is the first work I’ve read by Willow Thomas, and I was excited by the premise of this story from the beginning. It’s a quick, fun read about Lexi who’s been in love with his sister’s best friend Ryder for years, and the unrequited love trope paired with that level of pining is absolutely my jam.
Lexi’s a fantastic, lovable guy who’s easy to relate to. He’s loyal and levelheaded, and those qualities shine through in everything he does. He’s open and honest about his demisexuality, and I found it to be no surprise he would have feelings for someone he knows so well and spends so much time with.
Ryder on the other hand is a bit of a player who prefers hookups to happily ever afters. His character is a romance mainstay, and I’m here for watching him fall for the one guy who changes everything in a classic case of the one you never knew you were looking for being right in front of you.
Watching Ryder & Lexi’s friendship grow and change into something more is a treat. I was a bit surprised by Ryder’s sudden interest and how quickly things escalated, although it’s exciting. I wish Lexi was a bit more assertive at times, because it’s heartbreaking to see him attempt to justify settling for less than he deserves.
I recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun, flirty, steamy read. This series has a lot to potential, and I’m beyond excited for the pairing in Book 2!
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book*
April 30, 2023
3 stars
Young adults, college boys, friends to lovers, demisexual MC.
Nice story about Lexi and his twin's best friend Ryder: Lexi (who's demi) has been in love with Ryder since senior year of high school, everyone around him (his dads, sisters, friends) knows that except for Ryder himself, to busy hooking up basically with everyone else. Only when another guy seems interested in Lexi, Ryder experiences jealousy and, for the first time, sees Lexi under a different light.
This is a classic story of young guys, full of misunderstanding and miscomunication (Ryder and Lexi spend weeks hooking up without actually talk about their relationship or feelings), I recommend it if you're looking for a light reading.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Young adults, college boys, friends to lovers, demisexual MC.
Nice story about Lexi and his twin's best friend Ryder: Lexi (who's demi) has been in love with Ryder since senior year of high school, everyone around him (his dads, sisters, friends) knows that except for Ryder himself, to busy hooking up basically with everyone else. Only when another guy seems interested in Lexi, Ryder experiences jealousy and, for the first time, sees Lexi under a different light.
This is a classic story of young guys, full of misunderstanding and miscomunication (Ryder and Lexi spend weeks hooking up without actually talk about their relationship or feelings), I recommend it if you're looking for a light reading.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
April 2, 2024
I get the feeling the author (like one of our main characters, his twin, and their parents), really loves 90s teen movies. Because this book has the vibe and plot line that would fit well in a 90s teen movie. The sweet preppy jock falls for the bad boy with a heart of gold, a meet cute that neither character recognized as such, the cheer squad faces issues, dramatic love declarations, dramatic declarations to a parent, problems solved by the power of friendship. If you like sweet 90s teen movies that are light on the drama and high on the cutesies, this one is for you.
Alas, I am not one for cutesies. I like ✨️Drama✨️ in heavy doses. And angst. So while I can recognize that it is an objectively good book and would be great for the right audience, I am not that audience and so it wasn't all that into it
Alas, I am not one for cutesies. I like ✨️Drama✨️ in heavy doses. And angst. So while I can recognize that it is an objectively good book and would be great for the right audience, I am not that audience and so it wasn't all that into it
May 13, 2023
Clueless (Squad Goals book 1) by Willow Thomas
✨Mini Review✨
💚 Demisexual cheerleader
💚 Tattooed mechanic
💚 Best friend's brother
💚 College setting
Cheerleader Lexi has been in love with his twin sister's best friend Ryder since they first met 4 years ago. While everybody else can see how Lexi feels, Ryder is oblivious to Lexi's less than platonic feelings. Ryder is a self confessed fuckboy who never dates or spends more than one night with a guy. After a hookup goes wrong, he starts to reconsider his ways, and in turn starts to see Lexi in a different light.
Willow Thomas's newest release is a low angst short story full of pining, spicy encounters and fluffy moments. This story boasts a whole host of vibrant side characters, which we will hopefully see more of in future books. If you like sweet yet spicy quick reads full of 90s movies references, passionate lingerie infused bedroom activities and plenty of cheer then give this story a read.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
CW: mention of cheating (not between mc's), mention of homophobia and religious homophobia (in the past)
✨Mini Review✨
💚 Demisexual cheerleader
💚 Tattooed mechanic
💚 Best friend's brother
💚 College setting
Cheerleader Lexi has been in love with his twin sister's best friend Ryder since they first met 4 years ago. While everybody else can see how Lexi feels, Ryder is oblivious to Lexi's less than platonic feelings. Ryder is a self confessed fuckboy who never dates or spends more than one night with a guy. After a hookup goes wrong, he starts to reconsider his ways, and in turn starts to see Lexi in a different light.
Willow Thomas's newest release is a low angst short story full of pining, spicy encounters and fluffy moments. This story boasts a whole host of vibrant side characters, which we will hopefully see more of in future books. If you like sweet yet spicy quick reads full of 90s movies references, passionate lingerie infused bedroom activities and plenty of cheer then give this story a read.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
CW: mention of cheating (not between mc's), mention of homophobia and religious homophobia (in the past)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
2.25⭐️
Lexi is a cheerleader, and he’s been pining after his sister’s best friend Ryder for ages. Ryder is a classic hookups-only kind of guy, and Lexi is the polar opposite.
The story unfolds exactly as you’d imagine from there.
You’ll get:
-sister’s best friend
-cheerleader / mechanic
-college
-miscommunication
-switching
Honestly, this one just didn’t hit for me personally. The side characters were too plentiful for such a short book, so they weren’t significant. The communication was awful and just repeated them getting upset at the other’s perceived intention, and then them making back up. The dialogue and general writing seemed a little immature. Wasn’t for me 🥲
I will say though, it was cool when Lexi wore a skirt and topped his boyfriend 🤪👍
Lexi is a cheerleader, and he’s been pining after his sister’s best friend Ryder for ages. Ryder is a classic hookups-only kind of guy, and Lexi is the polar opposite.
The story unfolds exactly as you’d imagine from there.
You’ll get:
-sister’s best friend
-cheerleader / mechanic
-college
-miscommunication
-switching
Honestly, this one just didn’t hit for me personally. The side characters were too plentiful for such a short book, so they weren’t significant. The communication was awful and just repeated them getting upset at the other’s perceived intention, and then them making back up. The dialogue and general writing seemed a little immature. Wasn’t for me 🥲
I will say though, it was cool when Lexi wore a skirt and topped his boyfriend 🤪👍
May 2, 2023
This was exactly what I needed while I was confined to my bed with a spring cold. Such a cute, fun and adorable story 🩵
LEXI - the cute cheerleader - has been pining over RYDER - the tattooed, pierced bad boy who isn’t really a bad boy for FOUR years!
🥹🥹 Only problem: Ryder is a f#ckboy who doesn’t want to get attached - well, right up until he walks in on Lexi’s sexy-time involving a skimpy nightie and a huge, purple dildo 💜💜
What I really loved about this story is that we get to see these two cuties exploring their kinks and attraction to each other. No mis-communication or third party interfering! I hate when that happens! People aren’t that clueless in real life 😳😳
And the side-characters are just adorable and fun and they add color to this 90s vibe love story 🩵🩷 things really dont need to be so complicated - sometimes people fall in love and they call each other baby and they talk it out 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻
So, here we go:
PLOT: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Steam: ☄️☄️☄️
Swoon: 🫠🫠🫠🫠
Angst: can you spell ZERO?
Bonus points: I’m just a slut for men in skirts and use of endearments such as BABY or MY LOVE!
I can’t wait for the next book in this Series 🙌🏻🩵
*I rcvd an ARC from the author and this is my honest review 🩵🩷
May 13, 2023
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
Demisexual rep! Lexi is so cute, I love him.
Ryder you poor oblivious fool! Yes Lexi does deserve someone who thinks he’s great, you wouldn’t know anyone like that do you?
I love the cheer gang! I can’t wait for the next book to see the next couple! I’m so excited if it’s even half as good as this was it will be amazing
Read this if you love a good friend group with two oblivious pining guys finding love
Demisexual rep! Lexi is so cute, I love him.
Ryder you poor oblivious fool! Yes Lexi does deserve someone who thinks he’s great, you wouldn’t know anyone like that do you?
I love the cheer gang! I can’t wait for the next book to see the next couple! I’m so excited if it’s even half as good as this was it will be amazing
Read this if you love a good friend group with two oblivious pining guys finding love
May 15, 2023
I reckon I’ll rate this a 3.5 because I enjoyed the story and the writing style, but would’ve preferred a little bit more; more detail, more backstory, a bit more fleshing out if that makes sense.
I also had the thought that it reminded me of a really well written Wattpad novel (in the best way possible). Like when you go back and reread your favourite Wattpad novels because they’re such comfort reads? This gave off the same feeling.
I also had the thought that it reminded me of a really well written Wattpad novel (in the best way possible). Like when you go back and reread your favourite Wattpad novels because they’re such comfort reads? This gave off the same feeling.
May 8, 2023
“Okay, yeah, I should really talk to him if I’m trying to manipulate situations where I get snuggles from a guy.”
4⭐️3🌶️
Available May 10!
Lexi is a college cheerleader who has been in love with his twin sister’s best friend for years. Just when Lexi decides it’s finally time to move on from Ryder - Ryder notices that Lexi’s acting a bit differently. He’s not as happy and friendly as before so Ryder decides he’s going to try and put a smile on Lexi’s face by being extra charming and sneaking cuddles whenever he can - how can one guy be so completely clueless? 🤭
If you like MM college romance, you’re going to fall in love with the Cheer Queers! I had such a fun time reading this - the nineties movie references, the realistic friendships, and of course the swoony romance 💖 The build up was so fun since Lexi is convinced Ryder can’t be flirting with him and Ryder goes zero to one hundred clueless to so jealous of anyone talking to his man.
The spice was hot (dirty talk & a skirt k!nk 🥵) and the epilogue was super cute! It’s such a fun, easy read and I can’t wait for the next one 🥰👌🏻
I received an advanced copy for review - all opinions are my own.
4⭐️3🌶️
Available May 10!
Lexi is a college cheerleader who has been in love with his twin sister’s best friend for years. Just when Lexi decides it’s finally time to move on from Ryder - Ryder notices that Lexi’s acting a bit differently. He’s not as happy and friendly as before so Ryder decides he’s going to try and put a smile on Lexi’s face by being extra charming and sneaking cuddles whenever he can - how can one guy be so completely clueless? 🤭
If you like MM college romance, you’re going to fall in love with the Cheer Queers! I had such a fun time reading this - the nineties movie references, the realistic friendships, and of course the swoony romance 💖 The build up was so fun since Lexi is convinced Ryder can’t be flirting with him and Ryder goes zero to one hundred clueless to so jealous of anyone talking to his man.
The spice was hot (dirty talk & a skirt k!nk 🥵) and the epilogue was super cute! It’s such a fun, easy read and I can’t wait for the next one 🥰👌🏻
I received an advanced copy for review - all opinions are my own.
May 11, 2023
Adorable and Fun
This is such a cute story. Ryder is so adorably clueless about how Lexi feels but it is fun to follow them when they finally get together. That's when they both are in the clueless camp for a bit. I really enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to Gio & Tucker's story next.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is such a cute story. Ryder is so adorably clueless about how Lexi feels but it is fun to follow them when they finally get together. That's when they both are in the clueless camp for a bit. I really enjoyed reading this and I'm looking forward to Gio & Tucker's story next.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
August 5, 2024
”It makes no sense, but it also makes all the sense in the world.”
Me decidí por libro tras leer algunas reseñas donde se menciona que es una historia divertida, que saca algunas carcajadas, y tenía muchas ganas de eso; pero a pesar de que al principio el despite de Ryder es gracioso, luego de que se unen como pareja la historia se volvió aburrida.
Me decidí por libro tras leer algunas reseñas donde se menciona que es una historia divertida, que saca algunas carcajadas, y tenía muchas ganas de eso; pero a pesar de que al principio el despite de Ryder es gracioso, luego de que se unen como pareja la historia se volvió aburrida.
May 4, 2023
I loved this story! Lexi and Ryder are perfection together.
Best friend’s brother
Pining
Clueless guy
Demi rep
This story really came together with Lexi’s pining and Ryder’s wake up to what’s been in front of him for 5 years. I loved Lexi’s group of cheer friends and their dynamic too.
Everyone seems to know that Lexi is in love with Ryder except Ryder himself. When Ryder starts to see Lexi differently, he freaks out since he’s never done anything even close to resembling a relationship. How they go from friends to more and how they each handle figuring out what they are was really sweet.
Overall a great story with great spice!
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
Best friend’s brother
Pining
Clueless guy
Demi rep
This story really came together with Lexi’s pining and Ryder’s wake up to what’s been in front of him for 5 years. I loved Lexi’s group of cheer friends and their dynamic too.
Everyone seems to know that Lexi is in love with Ryder except Ryder himself. When Ryder starts to see Lexi differently, he freaks out since he’s never done anything even close to resembling a relationship. How they go from friends to more and how they each handle figuring out what they are was really sweet.
Overall a great story with great spice!
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
Enjoyable light story with good demisexual representation. The cheerleaders were a very sweet group and it was nice that rival teams were also supportive of each other. The relationship between the MCs was fairly lacking in communication and had quite a few misunderstandings, which felt like it matched their ages. The title fit really well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
October 3, 2023
Kinda silly but we love a man in uniform.
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