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Kings of Campus #1
End Game
In this fun, sexy college romance, a transfer student finds herself living in a house full of football players—and falling for the one she knows she shouldn’t want.
Everleigh
Transferring to UC Santa Mira is supposed to be my ultimate college experience—until housing falls through at the last minute. So when I overhear a group of guys complaining they need another roommate, I jump at the opportunity.
They’re just football players. Even if one of them makes me weak in the knees, it doesn’t mean anything unless I let it. And I won’t.
We want different things. Wanting each other doesn’t change that.
Nico
It’s my senior year and final season with the Santa Mira Dolphins. The last thing I need is a distraction, but that’s exactly what this girl is. Ever is too leggy, too gorgeous, too thoughtful—and a whole lot of too much that gets under my skin.
I guess I get under hers too. I can’t help myself.
We live together. That alone makes it a bad idea…but I never could resist a little trouble.
Everleigh
Transferring to UC Santa Mira is supposed to be my ultimate college experience—until housing falls through at the last minute. So when I overhear a group of guys complaining they need another roommate, I jump at the opportunity.
They’re just football players. Even if one of them makes me weak in the knees, it doesn’t mean anything unless I let it. And I won’t.
We want different things. Wanting each other doesn’t change that.
Nico
It’s my senior year and final season with the Santa Mira Dolphins. The last thing I need is a distraction, but that’s exactly what this girl is. Ever is too leggy, too gorgeous, too thoughtful—and a whole lot of too much that gets under my skin.
I guess I get under hers too. I can’t help myself.
We live together. That alone makes it a bad idea…but I never could resist a little trouble.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2024
1412 people are currently reading
8741 people want to read
About the author
Monica Murphy
104 books18.6k followersNew York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 810 reviews
September 23, 2024
Need Gavin and Siennas book.
September 25, 2024
This was a good but not great read for me. It was an intro to a new series. So I enjoyed being able to learn about the "world" and get introduced to all of the characters that I am sure will be the main focal points for future books. I think my challenge was not a lot HAPPENED in this one. I got a little frustrated with the back and forth between Nico and Everleigh. I get a slow burn but this one gave me some whiplash. I felt that there was a lot of lead up and then when everything happened I had almost lost interest if that makes sense? We got hints of their past but not enough to where I really felt like I knew much about Nico and Ever.
Everleigh has hit rock bottom. She fought tooth and nail to get to school. Now she is here to find out she has nowhere to live and her car has gotten broken into. Somehow she has now found herself living with 3 football stars. She has never lived with guys and now she is living with 3 rockstars at their school. She has agreed to help them with their meals. She wants to make sure her main focus is school. But she can't stop thinking about her roommate Nico. The ladies man. He will be sweet to her and then not. He pays attention to her and then it is like she is a ghost. There is a living breathing thing happening between them, but she can't acknowledge it. They live together for goodness sake. She is a relationship girl, and he clearly isn't. But then things start to escalate, and when they kiss it's like she sees stars. When he comes on too strong though, she is reminded of his history. What happens now? Will they go back to being roommates only? Or will they explore what could be between them?
Nico has one thing on his mind. Football. Yes he is a ladies man. And yes he loves that part of his life. But this is his future he is talking about. He doesn't have time for a relationship. He doesn't have time for distractions in general which is why he is frustrated when he gets another roommate. A girl roommate who is a stranger to him and the guys. Yet she doesn't seem starstruck. She seems kind of at ease. He is annoyed by how cute she is though. And how he finds himself thinking about her a lot. She keeps giving him the cold shoulder but he is wondering what they could be like together. When they kiss he knows it would be worth it. He is sticking to no relationships though. He doesn't need that in his life right? Or is he wrong and maybe he has lost out on a chance before he even had one?
Overall this was a pretty quick read for me but again challenges were a lacking plot, whiplash with kind of surface level characters and too slow of a burn for me. I am hoping that book 2 is about Gavin and Sienna. I mean what happened that night between them to make things be where they are now??
Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley and Monica for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Everleigh has hit rock bottom. She fought tooth and nail to get to school. Now she is here to find out she has nowhere to live and her car has gotten broken into. Somehow she has now found herself living with 3 football stars. She has never lived with guys and now she is living with 3 rockstars at their school. She has agreed to help them with their meals. She wants to make sure her main focus is school. But she can't stop thinking about her roommate Nico. The ladies man. He will be sweet to her and then not. He pays attention to her and then it is like she is a ghost. There is a living breathing thing happening between them, but she can't acknowledge it. They live together for goodness sake. She is a relationship girl, and he clearly isn't. But then things start to escalate, and when they kiss it's like she sees stars. When he comes on too strong though, she is reminded of his history. What happens now? Will they go back to being roommates only? Or will they explore what could be between them?
Nico has one thing on his mind. Football. Yes he is a ladies man. And yes he loves that part of his life. But this is his future he is talking about. He doesn't have time for a relationship. He doesn't have time for distractions in general which is why he is frustrated when he gets another roommate. A girl roommate who is a stranger to him and the guys. Yet she doesn't seem starstruck. She seems kind of at ease. He is annoyed by how cute she is though. And how he finds himself thinking about her a lot. She keeps giving him the cold shoulder but he is wondering what they could be like together. When they kiss he knows it would be worth it. He is sticking to no relationships though. He doesn't need that in his life right? Or is he wrong and maybe he has lost out on a chance before he even had one?
Overall this was a pretty quick read for me but again challenges were a lacking plot, whiplash with kind of surface level characters and too slow of a burn for me. I am hoping that book 2 is about Gavin and Sienna. I mean what happened that night between them to make things be where they are now??
Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley and Monica for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
April 30, 2024
The book description had me so excited to read this book and the tropes sounded great! Sports romance, forced proximity, opposites attract, roommates to lovers, college romance 🫶🏻 BUT this book fell short for me 😭
We didn’t see enough interactions between Everleigh and Nico, and the few scenes we did see didn’t convince on their romance. We saw a lot of descriptions about their attraction for one another but there was zero chemistry or tension. I was more interested in Sienna and Gavin’s story tbh
Nico is arrogant, sooo popular (he apparently needs security to ward off his fans but I never saw this) and allllll the ladies want him (I wasn’t convinced on this). He was a man child, he couldn’t communicate, and thinks cooking dinner will make everyone forgive him (where’s the grovel?). Everleigh wasn’t any better, she was boring with no personality and couldn’t communicate either.
I had a hard time with the book pacing, some scenes dragged out and others were too quick and left me unsatisfied. I wouldn’t say their romance was instalove because it was only towards the end of the book where they got together, but it went from 0 to 100 so it felt like instalove??
I enjoyed the friendship between all the roommates, and imagining the yoga scenes with all the big football players was entertaining. I think if you enjoy a college sports romance with a reformed playboy, maybe give this one a go and see if it’s for you.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
We didn’t see enough interactions between Everleigh and Nico, and the few scenes we did see didn’t convince on their romance. We saw a lot of descriptions about their attraction for one another but there was zero chemistry or tension. I was more interested in Sienna and Gavin’s story tbh
Nico is arrogant, sooo popular (he apparently needs security to ward off his fans but I never saw this) and allllll the ladies want him (I wasn’t convinced on this). He was a man child, he couldn’t communicate, and thinks cooking dinner will make everyone forgive him (where’s the grovel?). Everleigh wasn’t any better, she was boring with no personality and couldn’t communicate either.
I had a hard time with the book pacing, some scenes dragged out and others were too quick and left me unsatisfied. I wouldn’t say their romance was instalove because it was only towards the end of the book where they got together, but it went from 0 to 100 so it felt like instalove??
I enjoyed the friendship between all the roommates, and imagining the yoga scenes with all the big football players was entertaining. I think if you enjoy a college sports romance with a reformed playboy, maybe give this one a go and see if it’s for you.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
September 19, 2024
If there’s one thing I love it’s a sports romance where he’s a reformed playboy!!!!
If you like football, friends to lovers, forced proximity (they’re roommates), and a reformed playboy End Game is for you!!!
This is the first book in Monica’s new series, Kings of Campus! I had such a fun time with Nico and Everleigh and cannot wait to see what the rest of the series has in store!!!
If you like football, friends to lovers, forced proximity (they’re roommates), and a reformed playboy End Game is for you!!!
This is the first book in Monica’s new series, Kings of Campus! I had such a fun time with Nico and Everleigh and cannot wait to see what the rest of the series has in store!!!
October 3, 2024
idk why this couple story seems incomplete.. she never told him about her issues with mom and stuff and they hardly had an emotional connection
September 15, 2024
REFORMED PLAYBOY?! AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES?! sign me up!! I read this book in one sitting after being in a slump and it was so much fun 💖
Everleigh is down on her luck and ends up homeless after her plans fall through AND her car gets broken into. Enter football bros who happen to have an extra room 😏
Nico is a typical playboy, doesn’t do commitment, etc. but he can’t seem to shake his attraction to Everleigh…
I really enjoyed the push and pull between these two and being introduced to all the characters that will hopefully have future books! I would’ve loved to dive more into Everleigh’s relationship with her mom and overall get a deeper look into the characters. This was a SLOWWWW BURN, I caught myself going OMFG NOOOOO, MONICA IS EDGING US LMAO 🤣
Cannot wait for more books in this series 🏈 Thank you to the author and valentine PR for the gifted copy!
Everleigh is down on her luck and ends up homeless after her plans fall through AND her car gets broken into. Enter football bros who happen to have an extra room 😏
Nico is a typical playboy, doesn’t do commitment, etc. but he can’t seem to shake his attraction to Everleigh…
I really enjoyed the push and pull between these two and being introduced to all the characters that will hopefully have future books! I would’ve loved to dive more into Everleigh’s relationship with her mom and overall get a deeper look into the characters. This was a SLOWWWW BURN, I caught myself going OMFG NOOOOO, MONICA IS EDGING US LMAO 🤣
Cannot wait for more books in this series 🏈 Thank you to the author and valentine PR for the gifted copy!
September 19, 2024
Tsk, he’s such a child but I can’t get angry with him because his pov makes absolute sense. Poor sod is so out of his depth with this sweet h.
September 17, 2024
This is a moment. One I probably will never forget.
If New Girl had a baby with every classic new adult sports romance book, then you would have End Game. Ever and Nico have not so great first opinions of each other, but there are sparks they can’t quite figure out. They are essentially thrust into being roommates and navigating those “sparks” and their slight animosity toward each other. I loved reading these two figuring each other and their feelings out. I loved the dynamic between Ever and all of her new roommates. It was that subtle found family plot that just hits so well for me. Sigh. So if you love college sports romance, roommates to lovers and a little bit of angst, then you will love End Game!
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
If New Girl had a baby with every classic new adult sports romance book, then you would have End Game. Ever and Nico have not so great first opinions of each other, but there are sparks they can’t quite figure out. They are essentially thrust into being roommates and navigating those “sparks” and their slight animosity toward each other. I loved reading these two figuring each other and their feelings out. I loved the dynamic between Ever and all of her new roommates. It was that subtle found family plot that just hits so well for me. Sigh. So if you love college sports romance, roommates to lovers and a little bit of angst, then you will love End Game!
AVAILABLE NOW!
*ARC
February 17, 2025
Dnf 91% You know a book is bad when you can’t even be bothered to finish it.
Nico, our mmc, behaved like an immature man-child, throwing tantrums whenever something didn’t go his way. He was supposed to be this confident, popular, unbearably handsome athlete who everyone wanted to date, but instead he came across as this dumb, arrogant prick who thought everyone should kiss the ground he walks on. A little b*tch basically.😒
Honestly, he should have just ended up with his toxic ex girlfriend, because they definitely deserved each other. He complained about her but he wasn’t much better.
Their emotional connection was severely lacking, or better yet, it was nonexistent!!
They had the hots for each for most of the book because they were both good looking, then they got together around the 90% mark at which point the author skipped to months in the future where we are told they are happily together and in love. We don’t get to see how they got to that point obviously, we are just told everything in a short paragraph. *Smh* The whole thing was so ridiculous.
I usually enjoy Monica Murphy’s books..but this one was a catastrophic failure. It’s like she didn’t put any effort into this story or any of these characters. *Sigh*
Nico, our mmc, behaved like an immature man-child, throwing tantrums whenever something didn’t go his way. He was supposed to be this confident, popular, unbearably handsome athlete who everyone wanted to date, but instead he came across as this dumb, arrogant prick who thought everyone should kiss the ground he walks on. A little b*tch basically.😒
Honestly, he should have just ended up with his toxic ex girlfriend, because they definitely deserved each other. He complained about her but he wasn’t much better.
Their emotional connection was severely lacking, or better yet, it was nonexistent!!
They had the hots for each for most of the book because they were both good looking, then they got together around the 90% mark at which point the author skipped to months in the future where we are told they are happily together and in love. We don’t get to see how they got to that point obviously, we are just told everything in a short paragraph. *Smh* The whole thing was so ridiculous.
I usually enjoy Monica Murphy’s books..but this one was a catastrophic failure. It’s like she didn’t put any effort into this story or any of these characters. *Sigh*
September 25, 2024
Star Rating: 3.75/5 ⭐ (rounded to 4)
Heat Rating: 2.5/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 4/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- College Football
- Roommates to Lovers
- Close Proximity
- Insta Attraction
- Opposites Attract
- Reformed Playboy
- Slow Burn
- Found Family
End Game is my first book by Monica Murphy, and it did not disappoint. I'm happy I was able to start with book one in a brand new series. This story follows Nico and Everleigh. Everleigh's student housing situation falls through, leaving her with zero reasonable options. When she overhears some guys discussing needing a new roommate, she jumps at the opportunity to secure the spot. Little did she know, she agreed to live with stars on the football team and some of the most popular guys on campus, including Nico, who has caught her eye.
Nico and Everleigh are instantly attracted to each other and have amazing chemistry. Nico is not interested in serious commitments, and their roommate situation complicates things, so they keep their feelings hidden. I am a sucker for a reformed playboy and loved witnessing Nico fall for Everleigh. Their love story is a slow burn with low spice, but the development of their relationship felt natural and not forced. I loved the dynamic between Everleigh and the roommates. The found family element is perfect. This is a great start to a new series. I need more of these characters and can't wait for the rest of the series.
Narration:
As an audiobook lover, I was excited that this one was released simultaneously with the book. I purchased a copy so I could listen and read in tandem. Stephanie Rose and J.D. Harris did a fantastic job with this dual narration performance. They provided the perfect voices for Everleigh and Nico and really brought the characters to life.
Thanks to Monica Murphy, Montlake, NetGalley, and Valentine PR for the gifted eARC. Opinions expressed are my own.
Heat Rating: 2.5/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 4/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- College Football
- Roommates to Lovers
- Close Proximity
- Insta Attraction
- Opposites Attract
- Reformed Playboy
- Slow Burn
- Found Family
End Game is my first book by Monica Murphy, and it did not disappoint. I'm happy I was able to start with book one in a brand new series. This story follows Nico and Everleigh. Everleigh's student housing situation falls through, leaving her with zero reasonable options. When she overhears some guys discussing needing a new roommate, she jumps at the opportunity to secure the spot. Little did she know, she agreed to live with stars on the football team and some of the most popular guys on campus, including Nico, who has caught her eye.
Nico and Everleigh are instantly attracted to each other and have amazing chemistry. Nico is not interested in serious commitments, and their roommate situation complicates things, so they keep their feelings hidden. I am a sucker for a reformed playboy and loved witnessing Nico fall for Everleigh. Their love story is a slow burn with low spice, but the development of their relationship felt natural and not forced. I loved the dynamic between Everleigh and the roommates. The found family element is perfect. This is a great start to a new series. I need more of these characters and can't wait for the rest of the series.
Narration:
As an audiobook lover, I was excited that this one was released simultaneously with the book. I purchased a copy so I could listen and read in tandem. Stephanie Rose and J.D. Harris did a fantastic job with this dual narration performance. They provided the perfect voices for Everleigh and Nico and really brought the characters to life.
Thanks to Monica Murphy, Montlake, NetGalley, and Valentine PR for the gifted eARC. Opinions expressed are my own.
September 18, 2024
OH how I for some Monica Murphy new adult sports love stories! End Game and The King of Campus series is here, y’all! And this was such a cute and fun read. And a great introduction to UC Santa Mira and so many amazing characters I can’t wait to read more about! This was a fast and engaging read full of plenty of fun moments, some swoony and tender ones, and a slow simmering burn.
Nico has so many Hallmarks of a MM leading- he’s cocky, talented, popular…and his ego is as large as his playboy reputation. Monica let’s him be young and bro-y and arrogant…but she also gives him substance, he’s kind and gentle and can be considerate underneath his athlete bravado. OH and Everleigh- what did she get herself into in a house full of athletes?! She’s sweet, but she’s also got some guts (has to to live with all these guys)- and I appreciated she knew her boundaries. Of course these two are not at all on the same page, and they have some epic waffling, will-they-won’t they. Their push and pull gets under both of their skin- and the tension only brews! The chemistry is intense and you just want them to get it together and give in- but they aren’t looking for the same things, or so they think. The burn is definitely a slower burn! I wish we'd had a bit more time with them (since it took so long for them to get together), but I know we'll see more as the series progresses.
And, I love the secondary cast and the found family group dynamic - and I just melted at how the crew is with Everleigh. This is going to be a fun crew with so many entertaining characters and some hinted at dynamics that already have me thirsty for more! A great start to the Kings of Campus world!
🏈College Football
🏈Bad Boy x Good Girl
🏈Forced Proximity
🏈Mutual Pining
🏈Roommates to lovers
🏈Opposites Attract
🏈Slow Burn
🏈Banter
🏈Found family vibes
🏈Endearing secondary cast
Nico has so many Hallmarks of a MM leading- he’s cocky, talented, popular…and his ego is as large as his playboy reputation. Monica let’s him be young and bro-y and arrogant…but she also gives him substance, he’s kind and gentle and can be considerate underneath his athlete bravado. OH and Everleigh- what did she get herself into in a house full of athletes?! She’s sweet, but she’s also got some guts (has to to live with all these guys)- and I appreciated she knew her boundaries. Of course these two are not at all on the same page, and they have some epic waffling, will-they-won’t they. Their push and pull gets under both of their skin- and the tension only brews! The chemistry is intense and you just want them to get it together and give in- but they aren’t looking for the same things, or so they think. The burn is definitely a slower burn! I wish we'd had a bit more time with them (since it took so long for them to get together), but I know we'll see more as the series progresses.
And, I love the secondary cast and the found family group dynamic - and I just melted at how the crew is with Everleigh. This is going to be a fun crew with so many entertaining characters and some hinted at dynamics that already have me thirsty for more! A great start to the Kings of Campus world!
🏈College Football
🏈Bad Boy x Good Girl
🏈Forced Proximity
🏈Mutual Pining
🏈Roommates to lovers
🏈Opposites Attract
🏈Slow Burn
🏈Banter
🏈Found family vibes
🏈Endearing secondary cast
September 15, 2024
End Game is the first book in the new Kings of Campus series. I enjoyed the relationship development between Ever and Nico. I loved the friendship between the roommates and I’m really looking forward to read the next book.
Tropes:
🏈College Football romance
🏈Forced Proximity
🏈Bad Boy/Good Girl
🏈Roommates to Lovers
🏈Opposites Attract
Tropes:
🏈College Football romance
🏈Forced Proximity
🏈Bad Boy/Good Girl
🏈Roommates to Lovers
🏈Opposites Attract
September 5, 2024
This is the first book in the Kings of Campus series, also my first book by this author. I love a good football romance 😍 it was so cute, I loved it from the very beginning. It was giving New Girl vibes, I absolutely love that show! This is like Nick and Jess had a baby named Everleigh 😅
Everleigh has found herself “homeless”, her housing falling through when she just moved to town to attend college. She overhears a group of guys in need of a roommate, she wants the room. It doesn’t matter that it lands her living with 3 football players, one whom she may or may not have a crush on 😉
I loved this book, I seriously finished it in less than 24 hours. I loved Everleigh’s relationship with all of her new roommates, a sense of found family. Watching her and Nico’s relationship develop, the slow burn 🔥 I’m excited to see where this series goes next 😍
Thank you to the author and VPR for the ARC!
Everleigh has found herself “homeless”, her housing falling through when she just moved to town to attend college. She overhears a group of guys in need of a roommate, she wants the room. It doesn’t matter that it lands her living with 3 football players, one whom she may or may not have a crush on 😉
I loved this book, I seriously finished it in less than 24 hours. I loved Everleigh’s relationship with all of her new roommates, a sense of found family. Watching her and Nico’s relationship develop, the slow burn 🔥 I’m excited to see where this series goes next 😍
Thank you to the author and VPR for the ARC!
September 16, 2024
I truly adore when Monica Murphy writes football college romances - there’s always something about it so addictive and this book was no exception.
I fell for Nico right in the beginning and I loved how obsessed he became with Ever along the way - because dear Lord, who doesn’t love a boy obsessed?
There’s a lot of things I enjoyed in this book. Firstly, the pace!! So fast paced and easy reading - I couldn’t stop and I feel like I read the book so fast because of that!
Secondly, the group dynamic was *chef’s kiss* - everyone in this book brought something to the table and I adore that. The found family aspect and how the guys loved Everleight was one of the best things that happened in this book - I LOVED EVERYONE *not you, Portia!!!!* and I can’t wait to read the next books in this series because they will be SO FREAKING GOOD - I just know it.
The main couple's chemistry was so intense, I was on the edge of my seat every page because I just wanted for them to seal the deal RIGHT AWAY - the wait was killing me.
And Monica did it again: she made me want to read ANOTHER BROTHER’S BEST FRIENDS just based on every small moment she delivered us - I can’t wait for Gavin and Sienna. UGH, I need to know what the hell happened!
Short long story: read this one if you, like me, love college romance, forced proximity, found family and a reformed playboy!
I fell for Nico right in the beginning and I loved how obsessed he became with Ever along the way - because dear Lord, who doesn’t love a boy obsessed?
There’s a lot of things I enjoyed in this book. Firstly, the pace!! So fast paced and easy reading - I couldn’t stop and I feel like I read the book so fast because of that!
Secondly, the group dynamic was *chef’s kiss* - everyone in this book brought something to the table and I adore that. The found family aspect and how the guys loved Everleight was one of the best things that happened in this book - I LOVED EVERYONE *not you, Portia!!!!* and I can’t wait to read the next books in this series because they will be SO FREAKING GOOD - I just know it.
The main couple's chemistry was so intense, I was on the edge of my seat every page because I just wanted for them to seal the deal RIGHT AWAY - the wait was killing me.
And Monica did it again: she made me want to read ANOTHER BROTHER’S BEST FRIENDS just based on every small moment she delivered us - I can’t wait for Gavin and Sienna. UGH, I need to know what the hell happened!
Short long story: read this one if you, like me, love college romance, forced proximity, found family and a reformed playboy!
September 30, 2024
2.6 ✨ cute but kind of boring. nothing new 🥱
October 8, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
Monica Murphy always manages to lure me in with interesting premises, but I always end up disappointed 😞
Monica Murphy always manages to lure me in with interesting premises, but I always end up disappointed 😞
September 17, 2024
I have been on a Monica Murphy binge lately. I love her writing style and her stories.
End Game is her new sports romance series, Kings of Campus.
I just loved Everleigh, Ever as is her nickname, from the start. She is a transfer student and hoping for a real college experience. She doesn’t start out too well though. Her housing gets canceled and her car broken into. Down on her luck she meets a group of guys, football players that have an empty room. She agrees to cook for them and they agree to let her rent their room.
Nico is one of the football players, he doesn’t want to like Ever but he is attracted to her. And she to him.
Nico and Ever have a slow burn romance, will they or won’t they, but I enjoyed their back and forth and getting to know each other.
I loved seeing Ever have fun and be a real college student. Ever and Nico were so good together once they got together.
I also liked all the supporting characters and can’t wait for their stories.
This was a quick read that I devoured. I love sports romances and Monica Murphy can write them!
End Game is her new sports romance series, Kings of Campus.
I just loved Everleigh, Ever as is her nickname, from the start. She is a transfer student and hoping for a real college experience. She doesn’t start out too well though. Her housing gets canceled and her car broken into. Down on her luck she meets a group of guys, football players that have an empty room. She agrees to cook for them and they agree to let her rent their room.
Nico is one of the football players, he doesn’t want to like Ever but he is attracted to her. And she to him.
Nico and Ever have a slow burn romance, will they or won’t they, but I enjoyed their back and forth and getting to know each other.
I loved seeing Ever have fun and be a real college student. Ever and Nico were so good together once they got together.
I also liked all the supporting characters and can’t wait for their stories.
This was a quick read that I devoured. I love sports romances and Monica Murphy can write them!
October 12, 2024
End Game is the first book in the new Kings of Campus series, and it was my first Monica Murphy book! (But I’m currently listening to my second!) I absolutely adored this book.
Nico is a reformed playboy who falls for his roommate. But “Ever” doesn’t give in easily. She’s a girl who doesn’t want to mess things up with the rest of their roommates, and tries her hardest to not give into her feelings for Nico.
This was just such a fun story, I can’t wait to read more Kings of Campus books!!!
Read if you like:
- Sports romance
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Bad boy x good girl
- Roommates to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Open door spice
- Reformed playboy
And the audio book was amazing too!!! J.D. Harris and Stephanie Rose were EXCELLENT!!
It's SOOOOOOO good!!!! Excuse me while I go listen/read every single other book Monica Murphy has ever written...
Nico is a reformed playboy who falls for his roommate. But “Ever” doesn’t give in easily. She’s a girl who doesn’t want to mess things up with the rest of their roommates, and tries her hardest to not give into her feelings for Nico.
This was just such a fun story, I can’t wait to read more Kings of Campus books!!!
Read if you like:
- Sports romance
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Bad boy x good girl
- Roommates to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Open door spice
- Reformed playboy
And the audio book was amazing too!!! J.D. Harris and Stephanie Rose were EXCELLENT!!
It's SOOOOOOO good!!!! Excuse me while I go listen/read every single other book Monica Murphy has ever written...
Read
September 19, 2024DNF @ 70%. Ass. I’ve read Wattpad books that are more interesting.
January 29, 2025
This was a super cute sweet and fun read ! It’s definitely not her spiciest but the banter is top notch and the characters are just amazing definitely worth the read! Loved it!
September 30, 2024
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review."End Game" by Monica Murphy offers a charming sports romance sprinkled with sharp wit. The story features an irresistible forbidden love affair, seasoned with humor and just enough emotional intensity to captivate. In this first installment of the Kings of Campus series, a new transfer student and a charming football player find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Lovers of sports romances, particularly those with a football twist, will find "End Game" as exciting as a game-winning touchdown.
"End Game" marked my first encounter with Monica Murphy's work. The story placed the reader into the lives of Everleigh and Nico. Everleigh, a new transfer to UC Santa Mira, was eager to dive into college life. Yet, an unexpected twist in her housing situation threatened to quell her enthusiasm. Desperate for a place to stay, her luck seemed to run dry—until she stumbled upon a conversation between three guys in need of a roommate. Seizing the opportunity, she positioned herself as the prime candidate for the room, unaware that she was about to share a home with the campus's star football players.
Initially, Nico Valente was reluctant to have Everleigh join him and his two roommates. Despite his reservations, he gave in, and before long, Everleigh had moved in and was sharing their living space.
Nico and Everleigh experienced an immediate spark between them, their chemistry undeniable as it crackled throughout their story. Nico, however, wasn't looking for commitment; he enjoyed the variety of playing the field. Everleigh, on the other hand, approached with caution, still nursing the scars left by a past love. And just when things couldn't get more tangled, their living situation added another layer of complexity.
Watching the player fall hopelessly in love with his roommate was entertaining. Nico struggled to convey his true feelings to Everleigh, who had built numerous walls around her heart, and he was uncertain of her feelings in return. Everleigh's vacillating behavior was frustrating at times, but then I had to remind myself that these characters were barely out of their teenage years.
The dynamic between Everleigh and her roommates really brought the story to life. It was a pleasure delving into the lives of the secondary characters, especially Coop, who stood out as my favorite. His maturity surpassed that of his peers, and I'm particularly excited to see his story unfold.
The 'Kings of Campus' series starts off on a fairly good note, and I'm eager to dive into more of Ms. Murphy's work. With the first book setting a promising pace, it's clear that this series has a lot to offer.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
"End Game" marked my first encounter with Monica Murphy's work. The story placed the reader into the lives of Everleigh and Nico. Everleigh, a new transfer to UC Santa Mira, was eager to dive into college life. Yet, an unexpected twist in her housing situation threatened to quell her enthusiasm. Desperate for a place to stay, her luck seemed to run dry—until she stumbled upon a conversation between three guys in need of a roommate. Seizing the opportunity, she positioned herself as the prime candidate for the room, unaware that she was about to share a home with the campus's star football players.
Initially, Nico Valente was reluctant to have Everleigh join him and his two roommates. Despite his reservations, he gave in, and before long, Everleigh had moved in and was sharing their living space.
Nico and Everleigh experienced an immediate spark between them, their chemistry undeniable as it crackled throughout their story. Nico, however, wasn't looking for commitment; he enjoyed the variety of playing the field. Everleigh, on the other hand, approached with caution, still nursing the scars left by a past love. And just when things couldn't get more tangled, their living situation added another layer of complexity.
Watching the player fall hopelessly in love with his roommate was entertaining. Nico struggled to convey his true feelings to Everleigh, who had built numerous walls around her heart, and he was uncertain of her feelings in return. Everleigh's vacillating behavior was frustrating at times, but then I had to remind myself that these characters were barely out of their teenage years.
The dynamic between Everleigh and her roommates really brought the story to life. It was a pleasure delving into the lives of the secondary characters, especially Coop, who stood out as my favorite. His maturity surpassed that of his peers, and I'm particularly excited to see his story unfold.
The 'Kings of Campus' series starts off on a fairly good note, and I'm eager to dive into more of Ms. Murphy's work. With the first book setting a promising pace, it's clear that this series has a lot to offer.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
September 19, 2024
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: Monica Murphy
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2.5/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Nico and Everleigh
Trope(s): Sport Romance, Roommates To Lovers, Close Proximity, Opposites Attract
End Game is the first book in Monica’s new series Kings of Campus. First couple up is Nico and Everleigh. This book is low angst, witty, the build of the romance is slow, the story line kept me entertained and intrigued, and has low spice. This introduction to the Dolphins Football gods is everything I love from Monica. This was a lighthearted, easy read for me and I am excited for what is to come knowing I’m going to get to look in on Nico and Everleigh once again.
Everleigh Olmstead is a Junior transfer student at UC Santa Mira. Her excitement to finally break free from her hometown and have the college experience she has been waiting for begins to fall apart. She finds herself on campus with no place to live.
Until she overhears three dudes in the coffee shop talking about the open room they have. So, what is a desperate girl to do? Follow them out of the cafe and haggle for the room.
Turns out those three dudes are on the Dolphins Football team and are very well known around campus.
Everleigh settles into life with the guys, making friends, getting a job at the cafe and living her college life.
Everleigh is not looking for any distractions, especially in the guy form.
Nico Valente is the popular wide receiver with NFL dreams and a much earned player status around campus.
And, Everleigh could care less. Or maybe just a smidge, but this crush she has on Nico is all it will ever be, just a crush.
Even when she knows he feels the same, she friend-zones him. Because she is nothing but a serious kind of girl and Nico has no idea how to do serious.
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: Monica Murphy
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 2.5/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Nico and Everleigh
Trope(s): Sport Romance, Roommates To Lovers, Close Proximity, Opposites Attract
End Game is the first book in Monica’s new series Kings of Campus. First couple up is Nico and Everleigh. This book is low angst, witty, the build of the romance is slow, the story line kept me entertained and intrigued, and has low spice. This introduction to the Dolphins Football gods is everything I love from Monica. This was a lighthearted, easy read for me and I am excited for what is to come knowing I’m going to get to look in on Nico and Everleigh once again.
Everleigh Olmstead is a Junior transfer student at UC Santa Mira. Her excitement to finally break free from her hometown and have the college experience she has been waiting for begins to fall apart. She finds herself on campus with no place to live.
Until she overhears three dudes in the coffee shop talking about the open room they have. So, what is a desperate girl to do? Follow them out of the cafe and haggle for the room.
Turns out those three dudes are on the Dolphins Football team and are very well known around campus.
Everleigh settles into life with the guys, making friends, getting a job at the cafe and living her college life.
Everleigh is not looking for any distractions, especially in the guy form.
Nico Valente is the popular wide receiver with NFL dreams and a much earned player status around campus.
And, Everleigh could care less. Or maybe just a smidge, but this crush she has on Nico is all it will ever be, just a crush.
Even when she knows he feels the same, she friend-zones him. Because she is nothing but a serious kind of girl and Nico has no idea how to do serious.
September 23, 2024
#Review: *End Game* - ARC - Monica Murphy [18+]
4.9/5✨
2.5/5🌶️
I'm always excited to read anything written by Monica Murphy🥰. Super grateful to be part of her permanent ARC team💖. Thank you so, so much for this opportunity!🤗
Everleigh just transferred at UC Santa Mira. She is followed by bad luck by losing her rental and, later on, by being robbed. She needs to find a new place to stay, with a decent price too. By mistake she hears the conversation of some boys from a cafe, who were searching for a new roommate. That's how Everleigh ends up sharing an apartment with these guys.
Without knowing, Everleigh is now staying with a couple of most wanted boys from school. They are part of the football team and many girls would die to be in Ever's place. Among her roommates is one boy which steals her attention and his name is Nico. The attraction is mutual, but Ever promised to herself she won't date too soon after her last boyfriend.
The journey of these two was so much fun to follow. Even though the sparks were obvious from the beginning, Ever is not letting her guard down easy, especially knowing Nico's reputation. I also loved the others players from the team🥰. Cooper, Dollar and Gavin were hilarious and made this whole book so much better. Cooper's sister, Sienna was also interesting to follow, because she was so raw and straight forward in her relationship with the boys, being in their presence for a long time.
Everything about this book was so good from my point of view! Give me a sports romance and written by Monica and it's a winner. I'm curious about the stories of the other football players, because there are some really interesting things happening there🤭.
✨Tropes:
#SportsRomance
#StrangersToLovers
#Roommates
#ForcedProximity
#Athlete
#BandOfBrothers
#AmericanFootball
#LoveAtFirstSight
4.9/5✨
2.5/5🌶️
I'm always excited to read anything written by Monica Murphy🥰. Super grateful to be part of her permanent ARC team💖. Thank you so, so much for this opportunity!🤗
Everleigh just transferred at UC Santa Mira. She is followed by bad luck by losing her rental and, later on, by being robbed. She needs to find a new place to stay, with a decent price too. By mistake she hears the conversation of some boys from a cafe, who were searching for a new roommate. That's how Everleigh ends up sharing an apartment with these guys.
Without knowing, Everleigh is now staying with a couple of most wanted boys from school. They are part of the football team and many girls would die to be in Ever's place. Among her roommates is one boy which steals her attention and his name is Nico. The attraction is mutual, but Ever promised to herself she won't date too soon after her last boyfriend.
The journey of these two was so much fun to follow. Even though the sparks were obvious from the beginning, Ever is not letting her guard down easy, especially knowing Nico's reputation. I also loved the others players from the team🥰. Cooper, Dollar and Gavin were hilarious and made this whole book so much better. Cooper's sister, Sienna was also interesting to follow, because she was so raw and straight forward in her relationship with the boys, being in their presence for a long time.
Everything about this book was so good from my point of view! Give me a sports romance and written by Monica and it's a winner. I'm curious about the stories of the other football players, because there are some really interesting things happening there🤭.
✨Tropes:
#SportsRomance
#StrangersToLovers
#Roommates
#ForcedProximity
#Athlete
#BandOfBrothers
#AmericanFootball
#LoveAtFirstSight
April 13, 2024
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Everleigh may have just made the biggest mistake of her life. Transferring to a new college in her junior year was always going to be tough, but having her housing fall through, her car broken into, and nowhere left to turn, she's all out of options. Luckily, she overhears 3 footballers say they need to find a new roommate, and manages to convince them to let her move in. She's finally found her feet, and her new roommates are great. The only problem is her growing crush on Nico, the one guy she should never want, but can't stop thinking about.
I've started getting into sports romances, and the synopsis for this one drew me in. I really liked the camaraderie between the household, and the secondary characters. Everleigh arrived at UC Santa Mira not knowing anyone, but the guys fully accepted her. Coop was like an older brother, and his sister, Sienna, became a great friend quickly. Dollar had a crush which was a little annoying at first, but he and Everleigh talked it over, and there were no hard feelings. With Nico though, it was different. He was a definite player, and against her moving in at first, because he was worried a girl in the house would change everything. And though she did, all her changes were for the better. Nico was definitely a character who needed someone like Everleigh in his life, and to get his head out of his ass and realise what he had in front of him. He was too used to getting it all on a platter, and Everleigh made him work for it, and consider a future, rather than just a one time thing. The secondary plot line of Sienna and Gavin was interesting, and I hope that they have a book soon.
Everleigh may have just made the biggest mistake of her life. Transferring to a new college in her junior year was always going to be tough, but having her housing fall through, her car broken into, and nowhere left to turn, she's all out of options. Luckily, she overhears 3 footballers say they need to find a new roommate, and manages to convince them to let her move in. She's finally found her feet, and her new roommates are great. The only problem is her growing crush on Nico, the one guy she should never want, but can't stop thinking about.
I've started getting into sports romances, and the synopsis for this one drew me in. I really liked the camaraderie between the household, and the secondary characters. Everleigh arrived at UC Santa Mira not knowing anyone, but the guys fully accepted her. Coop was like an older brother, and his sister, Sienna, became a great friend quickly. Dollar had a crush which was a little annoying at first, but he and Everleigh talked it over, and there were no hard feelings. With Nico though, it was different. He was a definite player, and against her moving in at first, because he was worried a girl in the house would change everything. And though she did, all her changes were for the better. Nico was definitely a character who needed someone like Everleigh in his life, and to get his head out of his ass and realise what he had in front of him. He was too used to getting it all on a platter, and Everleigh made him work for it, and consider a future, rather than just a one time thing. The secondary plot line of Sienna and Gavin was interesting, and I hope that they have a book soon.
September 23, 2024
This book is a fun and steamy read that blends college life, football, and irresistible attraction into a captivating story. The premise is simple but addictive—a transfer student, Everleigh, finds herself living in a house with a group of football players, including Nico, the one guy she knows she shouldn’t fall for. But, of course, sparks fly, and what begins as a seemingly harmless living arrangement quickly turns into a fiery, tension-filled romance.
The chemistry between Everleigh and Nico is undeniable, and their internal battles—fighting against what they want and what they think they should have—add depth to the story. Everleigh is relatable as a strong-willed woman who’s determined to stay focused on her goals, while Nico is the classic bad boy with a heart of gold, trying to juggle his responsibilities on and off the field.
What really makes this story shine is its ability to balance the fun, flirty moments with real emotional stakes. It’s more than just a romance; it’s a tale about making difficult choices, growing up, and taking chances on the unexpected.
If you're into college romance, sports, and a whole lot of playful tension, this book delivers on all fronts! It’s perfect for a light yet satisfying read with plenty of heart.
The chemistry between Everleigh and Nico is undeniable, and their internal battles—fighting against what they want and what they think they should have—add depth to the story. Everleigh is relatable as a strong-willed woman who’s determined to stay focused on her goals, while Nico is the classic bad boy with a heart of gold, trying to juggle his responsibilities on and off the field.
What really makes this story shine is its ability to balance the fun, flirty moments with real emotional stakes. It’s more than just a romance; it’s a tale about making difficult choices, growing up, and taking chances on the unexpected.
If you're into college romance, sports, and a whole lot of playful tension, this book delivers on all fronts! It’s perfect for a light yet satisfying read with plenty of heart.
May 19, 2025
I took a roadtrip to a friends house and decided a short, fun, sports centered series would do the trick for on the way there and then on the way back. Happy to say it worked and the Los Angeles traffic on the 405 didn’t bother me quite as much as it usually does. FMC Everleigh was endearing from page 1. She found herself in an impossible situation and you couldn’t help but to cheer for her when she takes matters into her own hands and lands herself a room at 3 of the football players rental house. Ever and MMC Nico have a connection from the beginning but Nico stays in denial for most of the book. We get to know the other 2 roommates, Ever’s new BFF and the schools QB who both appear in book 2. There are some funny scenes of the guys doing Yoga with Ever, and some very laugh out loud dialogue between the guys. Some of the things they fixate on are funny, and being that it was an audiobook, the narrators really brought their A game throughout. Overall really enjoyed this series opener.
June 11, 2024
ARC REVIEW
This is my first book by this author and all the tropes are great. But I did struggle some with the character development. I think this sets a strong set up for later books in this series, but she was sheltered and naive and basically moving away from her past life. But we don’t really get much of her past at all, and I think that would of pulled me in a little better.
The slow burn is definitely real for this one like push and pull between both of them almost up until the last 20%. I think this just would of hit the marker harder for me if there would of been more past and growth for her other then just the typical shy naive girl meets playboy.
I did enjoy a lot of the side characters in this story and will be curious to see how these characters develop in future books in this series.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by this author and all the tropes are great. But I did struggle some with the character development. I think this sets a strong set up for later books in this series, but she was sheltered and naive and basically moving away from her past life. But we don’t really get much of her past at all, and I think that would of pulled me in a little better.
The slow burn is definitely real for this one like push and pull between both of them almost up until the last 20%. I think this just would of hit the marker harder for me if there would of been more past and growth for her other then just the typical shy naive girl meets playboy.
I did enjoy a lot of the side characters in this story and will be curious to see how these characters develop in future books in this series.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2024
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I truly greatly enjoyed this book. It's super cute.
This is my first Monica Murphy book. I have several of hers on my tbr and after reading this I might have to bump them up the list.
Nico and Everleigh were really cute together. This is a slow burn where it actually is a slow burn, nothing really happens between them until around 70 % and I loved that. They had great chemistry and I loved them both crushing on each other.
I did feel that maybe Everleigh should have apologised to Nico like he did to her, cause she was a bit unfair. That's my complaint for this book though.
I really loved Dollar, he was my favorite character. I felt m bad for him at times. I hope he gets his own book with a girl who really appreciates him cause he deserves all the happiness. I need Sienna and Gavin to get a book too, cause I need to know what happened between them.
All in all, a really great book.
I truly greatly enjoyed this book. It's super cute.
This is my first Monica Murphy book. I have several of hers on my tbr and after reading this I might have to bump them up the list.
Nico and Everleigh were really cute together. This is a slow burn where it actually is a slow burn, nothing really happens between them until around 70 % and I loved that. They had great chemistry and I loved them both crushing on each other.
I did feel that maybe Everleigh should have apologised to Nico like he did to her, cause she was a bit unfair. That's my complaint for this book though.
I really loved Dollar, he was my favorite character. I felt m bad for him at times. I hope he gets his own book with a girl who really appreciates him cause he deserves all the happiness. I need Sienna and Gavin to get a book too, cause I need to know what happened between them.
All in all, a really great book.
September 6, 2024
I absolutely devoured End Game! It came as a complete shock TBH how much I enjoyed this book. Sports romances and new adult books can be hit or miss for me, as sometimes I just can’t take the immaturity of younger characters, but the characters in this book were completely delectable.
Literally, this read was a guilty pleasure for me. It felt like a mix of a sports romance with New Girl vibes, and I was totally here for it! I definitely didn’t know going into this book that it’d be a 5-star read for me, but I really had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait for the next books in this delicious new sports romance series!
You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
- Sports romance
- Bad boy falls for good girl
- Found family
- Alpha hero
- Roommates to lovers
- Opposites attract
- Grumpy sunshine
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Literally, this read was a guilty pleasure for me. It felt like a mix of a sports romance with New Girl vibes, and I was totally here for it! I definitely didn’t know going into this book that it’d be a 5-star read for me, but I really had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait for the next books in this delicious new sports romance series!
You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
- Sports romance
- Bad boy falls for good girl
- Found family
- Alpha hero
- Roommates to lovers
- Opposites attract
- Grumpy sunshine
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 27, 2024
✨ football romance
✨ forced proximity - roommates
✨ hate to love
This was a fun football read. I really liked both characters and the friend dynamic of the house they shared! I liked this enough to finish but it felt unmemorable to me. That being said the spice was good, I am interested in other books in this series. But this was a very middle of the road story for me. I wish it had more depth between the main characters and we got to see more gentle and soft moments between them to really feel their connection.
✨ forced proximity - roommates
✨ hate to love
This was a fun football read. I really liked both characters and the friend dynamic of the house they shared! I liked this enough to finish but it felt unmemorable to me. That being said the spice was good, I am interested in other books in this series. But this was a very middle of the road story for me. I wish it had more depth between the main characters and we got to see more gentle and soft moments between them to really feel their connection.
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