Dangerous Play

Hillview University Titans #1

by Mia Kun

Asking your ex-boyfriend’s rival to fake date you should have been easy.
But things get complicated when real sparks start flying in totally fake scenarios.

Ivy

When my soccer captain ex dumped me for my younger sister my whole life shattered. What better way to get back at him than dating his rival? Okay… fake dating him.
But the problem with Maximilan Aarons was that he wasn’t at all what I expected him to be. As I got to know him during our romantic dates and he showed me what a real boyfriend should look like, I broke my one and only rule.
I started falling for him.
Somewhere between all the dates and kisses I forgot that this was a mutually beneficial fake relationship and he had his own agenda.
One that didn’t include me, just his soccer career.

Rival soccer team’s captain? Check.
Cocky playboy reputation? Check.
Smile that has all the girl falling at his feet? Double check.
Totally unexpected cinnamon roll hero personality? Triple check.

Tropes:
college sports romance
soccer romance
rival team captain's ex
fake dating
she falls first, he falls harder
cinnamon roll hero

Genres: Sports Romance, Soccer

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Mia is a New Adult and Sports Romance Author.
She grew up in Budapest, Hungary, but she is currently living in London.
She's been dancing since she was six and that's why ballet is heavily featured in her books. If she is not writing she loves to spend time with her friends and dog, and reading.

Let's connect:

Instagram
instagram.com/miakunauthor

Facebook
facebook.com/miakunauthor

BookBub
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mia-kun

Newsletter
https://miakun.substack.com

Reviews

[Cathy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars

This is a new author for me and I was intrigued by the blurb and the tropes so I said...why not....so glad I took the leap!

This book saw such character development and growth for both the male and female characters and it has been a while since an author gave me a character or two that I wanted to throat punch!

You have our MMC Maximilian Aarons, Max who is captain of the university soccer team and making a name for himself in the soccer world with his main focus being hockey and that is pretty much all that he is focused on. He wants to make the National soccer team and there is an ex standing in the way more than he would like and he begrudgingly agrees to a fake dating situation with a rival's ex-girlfriend.

Ivy Ridge, our FMC whose boyfriend cheated on her with her sister and is now the lowest of the low according to her soccer crazed university. She wants revenge and enlists her ex's rival Max from the university on the other side of town. She is a girl also searching for herself after her last relationship tore her down and left her a bit of shell of her self. She is a marketing, computer software major who loves Minecraft and running. I know......quite the combination.

You get to go on this journey with Max and Ivy about self-appreciated and growth as well as learning to give up control and figuring out that perfection isn't possible. They help each other in so many ways and are supportive of each other. There was always chemistry between them but there was also some respect and friendship that developed for the two of them as well. Max helped Ivy gain confidence and know her self-worth while Ivy helped Max to loosen up and be ok with who he is was and that it was enough.

These two had a relationship that felt real with ups and downs and handling a relationship in a mature way so that growth was true for them, and they could become the couple that they were always meant to be.

It is always good to see some people get their just desserts and to see the main characters grow some back bones and stand up for themselves when the time comes. They also have a great group of friends and I have a feeling we will be seeing more of them in the future!!!!

I did receive an ARC for an honest review and I am so blessed and excited for this chance!

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review

I've been counting down the days to read Dangerous Play ever since Mia Kun announced this new series, so my expectations for this book were sky-high, and I'm SO HAPPY to say that the author completely exceeded them! I think that Ivy & Max's story is different from what I've read from the author so far: with much more mature characters, a story that gets straight to the point but is still very entertaining, with what I think are the most endearing secondary characters since the Thornfield duet, and a love story that melted my heart from start to finish, honored the fake dating trope, and gave me much more than I expected.

Ivy is a great character: she is presented as a direct girl, who goes for what she wants and is willing to do anything to get revenge on her ex, who cheated on her with her sister and made her live through hell for two years, BUT throughout the story I could also see a girl who is full of insecurities as a result of her relationship with Ander, who is totally alone, doesn't have a real support system and who finds support and validation to her feelings in the least expected place, a situation that breaks my heart but also made me love all the characters of Hillview even more. I also really liked discovering this nerdy, daring and very intelligent side of our heroine, how much she learns throughout her story and everything she is willing to do to make sure that she finally has the kind of love she always deserved.

I think Max is a type of male character that Mia hasn't given us yet, and I LOVED him way more than I expected. He's a sweet, caring guy who doesn't focus his life and efforts on becoming a professional soccer player, until he accepts Ivy's proposal to get revenge on Ander, then Max starts to realize that there are many more things in life than just soccer, and that's one of the things I liked most about his character. Like Ivy, Max has major changes throughout the book and it was beautiful to read him lose his mind in the sweetest and funniest way. Also, I loved reading about all the characters that surround Max and the way they support him when things get tough.

The story of Ivy & Max starts when she convinces him to be her boyfriend (fake of course) so she can get revenge on her ex, who is also his main soccer rival, Max accepts because his own reasons, but from the beginning we can tell that these two are attracted to each other, and I love how, while they try to show the world how beautiful their relationship is, they really build a bond of trust, make memories together and Max (and his friends) become Ivy's safe place. I also really liked what Mia did with the plot in the last few episodes, how she developed the difficult conversations between Max & Ivy and the decisions they both made to fulfill their dreams and be together.

⚽️Max: 4.5/5
💜Ivy: 5/5
⚽️Plot: 5/5
💜Love story: 5/5
⚽️Secondary characters: 5/5
💜Universe: 5/5
⚽️Covers: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5

ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta

He estado contando los días para leer Dangerous Play desde que Mia Kun anunció esta nueva serie, por lo tanto mis expectativas en este libro estaban por los cielos, y me hace MUY FELIZ decir que la autora las superó por completo! Creo que la historia de Ivy & Max es diferente a lo que he leído de la autora hasta hora: con personajes mucho más maduros, una historia que va directo al punto central de la trama, pero que no por eso es sencilla, o deja de ser muy entretenida, con los que que creo que son los personajes secundarios más entrañables desde el dueto de Thornfiel y una historia de amor que me derritió el corazón de principio a fin, le hizo honor al fake dating trope y me dio mucho más de lo que esperaba.

Ivy es un gran personaje: se presenta como una chica directa, que va por lo que quiere y esta dispuesta a todo pata vengarse de su ex, quien la engaño con su hermana y la hizo vivir un infierno por dos año, PERO a lo largo de la historia pude ver también a una chica que esta llena de inseguridades como consecuencia de su relación con Ander, que se encuentra totalmente sola, no tiene un sistema de apoyo real y que que encuentra apoyo y validación hacia sus sentimientos en el lugar menos esperado, una situación que me parte el corazón pero que también me hizo amar mucho más a todos los personajes de Hillview. También me gustó mucho descubrir ese lado nerd, atrevido y muy inteligente de esta heroína, lo mucho que aprende a lo largo de su historia y todo lo que está dispuesta a hacer para asegurarse de que por fin tiene el tipo de amor que siempre se mereció.

Creo que Max es un tipo de personaje masculino que Mia no nos había dado hasta el momento, y lo AMÉ mucho más de lo que esperaba. Es un chico dulce, atento y que no centra su vida y esfuerzos en convertirse en un jugador de soccer profesional, hasta que acepta la propuesta de Ivy para vengarse de Ander, entonces Max empieza a darse cuenta de que hay muchas más cosas en la vida que solo fútbol, y esa es una de las cosas que más me gustó de su personaje. Al igual que Ivy, Max tiene cambios importantes a lo largo del libro y fue hermoso leerlo perder la cabeza de la manera más dulce y divertida. Además, me encantó leer a todos los personajes que rodean a Max y la manera en la que lo apoyan cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles.

La historia de Ivy & Max empieza cuando ella lo convence de ser su novio (falso por supuesto) para poder vengarse de su ex, quien también es el principal rival de él dentro de la liga, Max acepta porque también tiene sus propias razones, pero desde el principio podemos darnos cuenta de que estos dos se sienten atraídos por el otro, y me encanta como, mientras tratan de enseñarle al mundo lo hermosa que es su relación, realmente crean un lazo de confianza, crean recuerdos juntos y Max (y sus amigos) se convierten en el lugar seguro de Ivy. También me gustó mucho lo que Mia hizo con la trama en los últimos capítulos, como desarrolló las conversaciones difíciles entre Max & Ivy y las decisiones que ambos tomaron para cumplir sus sueños y poder estar juntos.

⚽️Max: 4.5/5
💜Ivy: 5/5
⚽️Trama: 5/5
💜Historia se amor: 5/5
⚽️Personajes secundarios: 5/5
💜Universo: 5/5
⚽️Potada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5

[Ami Coulfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Dangerous Play
Author: Mia Kun
Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

Tropes:
✨Fake Dating
✨Students
✨Soccer Player/Computer Genius
✨He's a Cinnamon Roll
✨Calls Her "Blossom"
✨Found Family

«You can't always protect the ones you love from making mistakes. All you can do is be there for them after».

After Ivy's ex-boyfriend cheated on her with her sister during a family holiday, her heart was broken. She needed to get revenge on him and prove that she had moved on. When Ivy asked Max, her ex's rival, to date her, he didn't immediately agree. But in the end, they made a deal. Max would help Ivy get revenge and she would help him in return. The rules were simple: pretend in public, but don't fall in love. If love is a game, are there any rules?

This was my first ARC and it turned out to be interesting. The book is an easy and quick read, the plot and writing style captivate you from the first pages. Everything is in moderation: both romance and drama. The action develops gradually and we get to know the main characters fully.

Characters

Ivy Ridge is an IT and marketing genius. She chose two majors at university so that she would have more opportunities to realize herself. A smart, vulnerable and loving girl. The breakup with her ex, Ander, and his relationship with her sister hit her hard. Everyone on campus was on his side and Ivy quickly became an outsider. But meeting Max changed everything. She realized that she, too, is worthy of love and can be happy. She realized that relationships should be respectful and not everyone behaves the same way as Ander. Max opened her eyes to many things and helped her love herself.

Max (Maximilian) Aarons is the captain of the football team and a rising star. For many years he has been playing football and it was his only passion. Until Ivy came along. Then Max realized that there is more to life than football and relationships do not have to be toxic, as was the case with his ex. At first, he saw her only as a girl with a broken heart, but as their fake relationship developed, he began to know Ivy and fall in love with her. I liked that he was supportive, caring and attentive to details. As Ivy describes him - a golden retriever and a cinnamon roll. His love language is quality time and touch.

Impressions

The first thing I liked was that it was a sports novel and there was actually sports here. Football matches, practices, conversations in the locker room, a separate house for the team and Ivy's presence at Max's games to support him. It was beautiful and pleasant. It often happens that in sports novels, sports are only briefly mentioned and do not play an important role, but here, fortunately, everything was different.

The side characters also had their own voices. Ander, Daisy (Ivy's sister), and the guys from Max's team were alive and well-written. It was easy to hate Ander, be indignant and worried about Ivy's sister, and love Max's friends. By the way, there are separate books about several friends (one with the "coach's daughter" trope).

Overall, I recommend reading this to fans of sports novels, fake dating, and cozy couples.

Similar to: "The Right Move" by Liz Tomforde, "Habits" by Anna B. Doe.

[Jessica Johnson (jess_l_lovessmut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 stars! I truly enjoyed this read so very much. Ivy and Max where such great characters so to dive into their story seemed effortless for me. Ivy is so wise and forgiving. I feel she never gives up on her sister and never holds a grudge, which is extremely hard to do. I loved how straightforward they were with one another and laid everything out on the table. I love a good fake dating story but feel it often is based off the miscommunication trope and that often can be annoying. I did not feel that in this story.

Max is this powerhouse who is completely devoted to soccer and does not want to let anything or anyone stand in his way. Reading his story kept me captivated with how he could be so unbothered by so many things. The way Ivy slowly starts to creep her way in, I could see the sparks almost instantly. However, they both try so hard to stick to the arrangement. The drama that unfolds towards the end had me shocked. I still don't know how Ivy handled herself so well in this terrible sequence of events. I was there for it though!

What to Expect?
⚽️ soccer romance
💜 college romance
⚽️ rival team captain's ex
💜 fake dating
⚽️ cinnamon roll hero
💜 she falls first, he falls harder

꧁��𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼꧂

“Not worth your effort? Wow.” “I just select carefully what I engage in to keep my mental peace. That’s why your ex could never get to me,” he said, flashing me his usual signature grin.

It was cruel how life made me realize the abuse and terror I was in by watching my sister repeat the same mistakes.

In your story, no matter who is telling it, you are the victim, and you shouldn’t let him have the power to tell you otherwise.”

[Nathathida Atirekasâra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the story is surprisingly enjoyable to read! Because after I finished reading Mia Kun's "The Sky Between Us" which was quite too angsty for me at the time dued to my health issue, I didn't think Mia Kun will write something like "Dangerous Play".

This book still holds some angsty and main characters still have to make decisions alright but I don't feel it's too much like when I was reading "The Sky Between Us."

Maximilian (A.K.A. Max), a hero, also help making the book feel good as well because he is a good person and he has his patience higher than most athletes I've ever read.

Ivy, in another hand, has so many problems following her though. She is the one making the book angsty! She also is the one who brought her problem to Max's life. I know that Max isn't quite innocent because he also needs Ivy's help but still.

BUT even if the book has an angst out there, Kun make it lighter by adding Max's friends and teammates into the mix which help the story entertaining. I laugh at the scene Rosie complimented a man and Dex had to speak up something... I won't spill more than this but I can't wait for their book because of this scene!

After all, if you love a match made in heaven between a good heart hero and a wounded heroine, I would recommend you trying this one. You will swoon over Max and be happy that Ivy finally find her own person and has a happiness after everything she has been through.

[Gin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I liked the story and the characters, though there were definitely some minor continuity issues.
I read an ARC, so maybe the following have been dealt with, but the dialogue was sometimes unnatural and formal, mainly, I think, because didn't use contractions in instances when people use them in spoken language. Also, how often do twentysomethings use 'gosh' these days? Finally, the overuse of the word 'sweet' quickly became, well, excessively saccharine (almost 50 uses in 298 pages, or approximately 1 every 6 pages). A random thing: I don't think Americans usually call football 'American football.'

Finally, Ivy got on my nerves a bit towards the end-- she helps Max to have a chance of achieving a career goal, and then gets all pouty when he has to travel because she is suddenly not okay with him prioritizing it over her. While she's correct that she should also pursue her goals and not just wait around for him, her attitude was annoying. I mean, let's say they are still together after university and he becomes a professional player. Will she pout every time he has an away game? Mind you, with the jobs she's probably eyeing up, she could probably work remotely and travel with him....

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Brittany Penrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just okay for me. I had higher expectations just based off TikTok and reviews. It by no means was a bad read just wasn’t my favorite. I had favorite parts and then some parts irked me.


I didn’t like how Ivy and Max split twice. Felt very unnecessary. It bother me that he was so vocal about loving her and wanting to be with her ect, but wasn’t willing to put her 1st which caused them to split for the 2nd time and they had just gotten back on track from the initial fall out.

I also didn’t care for the epilogue or the extended version. it gave a tiny look at Ivy, the whole friend group and family watching him at the Stanley Cup but doesn’t state if it was right after he walked away Initially and left Spain to go get her back when she ran the marathon or was it the following year? You could say their story ended in HEA but doesn’t give any look of years ahead. Did they get married? did he go pro? did they have kids?

Idk just lacking in some areas for me. But Max was the sweetest to Ivy from the moment that started “fake dating” aside from the whole soccer will always be my #1 which pissed me off lol.

But I would still recommend :)

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of this interconnected standalone series, told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA. This book will have you feeling all the emotions while also having you on the. Edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next.

The chemistry between Ivy and Max is on point. I loved the respect Max gave her while also not being afraid to put his nemesis, Ander, in his place. I was shocked to see Ivy’s sister, Daisy, and her best friend, Kaia, repeat her the way they did. Although my heart went out to Daisy in the end, I was happy to see her get the reality check she needed while also being able to start fixing things with Ivy. I loved seeing some characters from Mia Kun’s previous series and loved their continued fierce loyalty and friendship.

I loved everything about Max and Ivy. I loved watching their character development, strength and love for each other grow. I loved the side characters that related to Max and can’t wait for their books. I received an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️ 🌶️

This was very angsty and slow burn.
Max and Ivy took a long time to make their fake relationship real.
Ivy wanted to get revenge on her ex by dating his rival from another uni. Ivy was in emotional abuse relationship with her ex. She wanted to be herself again. He cheated on her with her sister and her sister was horrid.
Max is definitely a cinnamon roll character, despite being the best midfielder he was very humble and alway trying to please and keep everyone happy. After his ex he doesn't have time for relationships. So to keep his ex away and still make it to the international team, he finally gives in to Ivy's plan to fake date. They have set rules and because he is a gentleman, he kept to those rules despite their attractions.
I did feel it too a long time for me to feel their chemistry. I don't exactly know what was missing.
But story got mee better as it went on, the way he showed her what a real boyfriend should do for his girlfriend. He really was perfect.
I loved the teammates and how easily they accepted her into the group.
When they finally decide to give it a go, a big twist I didn't see destroyed it all. Eventually they get together but nw football comes 1st for Max and Ivy isn't ready to be second best and breaks up again!!! I felt she was a bit selfish but Max' action then kind of makes it worth it and her decision makes sense.
Very entertaining football (Soccer) romance, with banter humour, emotions and spice.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Play by Mia Kun is a delightful romantic comedy that captures the complexities of fake dating. Ivy's journey from heartbreak to unexpected romance with rival soccer captain Maximilan Aarons is engaging and relatable. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their banter adds humor to the narrative. While the plot follows familiar tropes, Kun's writing style keeps it fresh and entertaining. The character development, especially Maximilan's surprising depth, elevates the story. Overall, it's a fun read that balances lighthearted moments with genuine emotion, earning a solid 4-star rating.

[Lindsey Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER REVIEW

overall ratings:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

I enjoyed reading this so much, omg. I loved the chemistry between Max and Ivy, it was coming off the page, I swear. Maximilian Aarons must be protected at all costs! He is the perfect gentlemen and exactly what Ivy needed and deserved after having to deal with Ander (ew, we don’t like Ander)

I haven’t read many books with the fake dating trope but I and HERE FOR IT. I really liked the dynamic and how supportive everyone was or became. Ivy was definitely in her element being with the titans.

Thank you Mia Kun for giving me the opportunity to ARC for this, I will definitely be reading whatever comes next!

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Max and Ivy's story!!!
The plot kept me interested. I loved the characters, and the spice was perfectly done.
In addition there was drama, humor, lots of feels, heartbreak, and a bit of betrayal. There was also a bit of a twist, that I didn't see coming.

I loved both Max and Ivy. Max stole the show for me though.
Oh my goodness, he had me swooning on more than one occasion.
I loved how welcoming Max's team and friends were too.
I think the author did a great job with their story and I loved their ending! Or is it just the beginning of their story!
I loved it!

[Edie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Play by Mia Kun.

You are going to really enjoy the explosive chemistry between Ivy and Max. Ok can I just say I really was hoping for really bad things to happen to Ander. Like I really disliked him. Want a fan of Ivy either but at least she and Ivy work in their relationship towards the end. Really encourage you to read this it was fun to read and know you’re going to enjoy it.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy is now single because her boyfriend broke up with her in order to date her little sister. Max is Ivy’s ex-boyfriend rival. Ivy decides revenge will ne sweet when she fake dates Max in order to make her ex-boyfriend jealous. This book will have you feeling all the feels. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Bookishandbrewsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the dialogue a little choppy, and it kind of took me out of the story.

But I really loved that soccer and the actual game was a huge focus of the book. It’s nice to read a sports romance where they actually talk about the sport.

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a wild ride. I just loved Max and Ivy’s story. For a fake dating couple there is definitely a lot of hot chemistry between them. It was off the charts. Normally I don’t read fake dating books but I’m definitely glad I read this one.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I completely fell in love with Max. How can you not? Here is a guy that is harder on himself more than on anyone but is there to left someone up and show them the respect that they deserve, rather than tearing them down. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Melissa R · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some continuity errors and poor editing in this one. The storyline jumped around a bit and there were 2 third act break ups with the same couple, which was frustrating. By then though I was so close to the end I needed it resolved. Over all I liked the story but it needed work.

[Ronja Dempfle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gab schöne Momente, aber ich habs nicht gefühlt. Warum müssen sie 2 mal schluss machen? Und warum hat er danach so lange gebraucht um zu ihr zu gehen? Like, hä, redet doch miteinander. Und der Vibe war irgendwie nicht da.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great read didn't want to put it down and ended up binging in roughly 4 hours. This was a new author to me and I'm a read-a-holic so looking forward to reading more from this author

[Lissete · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a nice and refreshing sports romance by Mia Kun. Loved the character development and the soccer aspect in the story.

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was beautifully written and the characters were beautifully crafted.

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these two fake dating nuggets! <3

[maddie moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute

[Joshna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given how much I do not like the 'fake dating' trope, this was a good book with an interesting plot!

[Jane]

Maybe this way I’ll learn about soccer

[Shama (thor.oughlyfantasy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ngl, I didn't like the FMC initially but as I read the book she started to grow on me

Overall the book was good. Especially when things became real
It's one of those jock x nerd kinda book


Tropes:
Fake dating
Ex's rival
Football
Sports romance
College romance

[Cindy Lokken Kator · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia Kun is a new author for me and I really enjoyed this book. It's a fake dating trope but Max and Ivy both grow through their relationship - he learns to not be so single minded and she learns to be more confident. It's a great story with a good supporting cast - I'm looking g forward to reading more of her books - definitely worth the read!