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The Cheerleader and the Football Star

Gio

Kissing Tucker Evans at a frat party was a stupid idea. He’s still getting over his cheating ex and there is no way I am anyone’s rebound guy.
Except when he gets injured, somehow I find myself volunteering to help look after him.
In every sense.
So maybe I will be his rebound. If I know what the score is going in, I can’t be hurt.
Solid plan.

Tucker

Kissing Giovanni Russo at a frat party was a brilliant idea. There was more chemistry in that one kiss than there ever was with my ex.
Now I just have to convince him to give me a chance.
Sharing a bed at his parents house leads to some epic fun times, but he has it in his head that I just want a rebound.
With Gio I want everything.

Restless is a cheerleader/football player MM romance. It has overly helpful friends, forced proximity, one bed, and an accidental grand gesture.

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2024

47 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Willow Thomas

21 books150 followers
Willow 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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5 stars
141 (33%)
4 stars
182 (43%)
3 stars
77 (18%)
2 stars
13 (3%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for ivy.
634 reviews357 followers
Read
April 30, 2024
DNF @ 21% - not good
Profile Image for Dani (Daniiireads).
1,947 reviews315 followers
April 21, 2024
- friends to lovers
- football player x cheerleader
- forced/close proximity

After sharing a kiss at a frat party, Tucker is ready to lock shit down with Gio. The chemistry between them is explosive, and he’s been crushing on the cheerleader for a while, but Gio believes Tucker is trying to use him for a rebound and continuously rebuffs him.

That all changes when Tucker gets hurt protecting Gio, and he offers to take care of him while he heals. Being around Tucker 24/7 brings the tension between them to a head, and things get spicy!

Honestly, Gio & Tucker’s story was hilarious and oh so ridiculous, but super low angst & sweet at the same time. I will say there was way too many side characters going on, but they also brought the humor so I wasn’t too annoyed even if I struggled to remember who was who.

Definitely cannot wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Katie.
349 reviews127 followers
April 26, 2024
This is a super cute friends to lovers, football player/cheerleader, spicy romance. It was short and sweet. Tucker really wants to date Geo, but Geo is afraid that Tucker is just looking for a rebound. We’ve met these two in a previous book, and it was fun to see their HEA. This is a super cute friends to lovers, football player/cheerleader, spicy romance.
Profile Image for Jess.bookrecs.
618 reviews55 followers
May 31, 2024
I had fun but they’re too many fucking characters bro and the book is so short that I don’t get a good enough feel on all the personalities so I can be more connected.
Sigh. Pissing me off.
______________

The love confession was cute as fuck tho. I love Gio’s mum. She’s so freaking adorably motherly, makes me miss my mum lol.
Also who the fuck names normal people “Giovanni Russo” “Dante Russo” “Gulia Russo” “Anthony Russo” I get that they’re Italian too but please keep that shit for the mafia books because it was just really weird here 🤣
Profile Image for Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§).
808 reviews75 followers
May 11, 2024
Gio, an adorable Cheerleader is attending a Fancy Dress party with his College Team of NFL players. Tucker, the Quarterback on the Team starts chatting him up and some bantering back and forth, until Tucker spots his cheating ex approaching. “Kiss me, please Gio” he begs. So he does, hoping it’s enough to make the ex, Henry, jealous, or at least sad to lose Tucker.

Tucker has tried before to go on a date with Gio, but having been used as a rebound before by ex’s, Gio refuses. Tucker doesn’t give up though, and Gio finally agrees to date, knowing that there will be no future together, Tucker will find someone permanent once he gets over Henry.

Both guys have their own sets of friends, Gio’s Queer Cheerleaders group, and Tuckers Football team players who interfere in the goings on between them. So there is never a dull moment in their social lives. Plenty of side characters adding to the excitement.

When Tucker gets injured saving Gio on the sidelines during a tough match, their relationship hots up, especially when its decided its best for Tucker to recuperate in Gio’s family home, instead of the college dorm. On arrival, Gio is surprised when his mother recognises Tucker, who exclaims, “Grocery Shop Mom”. Read the book and find out why.

Then Gio finds out that his cousin Dante is staying in the guest room and Tucker will have to share his bed. It’s not long after this that Gulia, Gio’s Mom, is taking photos of the pair of them for their Engagement Party. It must be an Italian Momma thing.

Both Gio and Tucker’s feelings for each other has hotted up considerably since they shared a room, but Gio still waiting for the ‘rebound’ shoe to drop, while Tucker is fully invested but can’t seem to convince Gio that he wants more.

Then something happens during a training session on the field that has Gio running away. It’s up to Tucker and his band of interfering friends to try to sort these two out.

****************

This was a welcome short and easy read for me following two highly emotional, and angsty reads recently. I just sat and enjoyed these two MC’s and their various friends being typical college football guys having fun. It’s a series of 3 and of course I’ve read book 2 first. I’ll catch up with the cross over characters in Book 1 and wait for book 3 later in 2024.
Profile Image for Leigh Gaskill.
831 reviews30 followers
April 27, 2024
I have been so excited for this story since reading Lexi and Ryder’s! When this dropped into my inbox I nearly squealed like a piglet!

Willow does an excellent job of writing funny, sexy, heart felt low angst books that are quick to read but you still feel like you’ve become attached to all the characters in the story.

Tucker is crushing on Gio so hard but Gio is afraid to give him the time of day because Tucker’s ex recently cheated on him with Ryder (from book 1) and he is afraid he will be a rebound. After a miraculous save on the field that results in an injury and a meddling italian momma who has definitely heard of the ‘one bed trope’ Gio can’t resist Tucker any longer. But chemistry isn’t the issue, Tucker has to prove he’s in it for the long haul and make sure Gio is listening.

The side characters are hilarious. Luke’s story is next, which I am very excited to get to. I am also dying (metaphorically) to get a Perry story!

*I received an advanced copy from in exchange for my honest review*
481 reviews9 followers
May 5, 2024
[I received an ARC for an honest review.]
Rating: 3 stars (6/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: cheerleader x football star, university, fresh out of relationship, 'I-don't-want-to-be-your-rebound', F2L
Review:
This was a cute little story following Lexi's best friend Gio, and Tucker, who is out of a recent relationship after his boyfriend was caught cheating on him. Tucker knew his relationship was dead, and the only thing that was hurt after the scandal came out was his ego. But Gio is convinced that Tucker's attraction towards him is just a rebound, despite what Tucker keeps tryin to tell him.

This short story was a fun little read, nothing serious or heavy, and I enjoyed it. It was corny at a number of moments, especially near the end, but I did really enjoy the epilogue. I did find Gio's constant denial of Tucker's feelings a little strange, since Tucker had made it very clear over and over exactly how he felt, but he did end up caving, and boy did he cave 👀 I think, when I read the third, I'll need to re-read these first two as there are so many characters to keep up with 😵‍💫
Profile Image for Amanda.
207 reviews4 followers
April 30, 2024
This was a super cute quick read. If you like an HEA with fluff where you can just enjoy this is it. It’s the kind of read that gives you all the warm fuzzies while feeling like you’re curled up in your softest blankets. Definitely a book to check out when you just want something that feels good!
Profile Image for Monikat.
1,612 reviews37 followers
June 27, 2024
This was so enjoyable, sweet and sexy and fun. Light cute and hot.
Loved it.
Profile Image for Leilani Noack.
492 reviews12 followers
April 24, 2024
This book was so cute! My first book by Willow Thomas and I devoured it in one day! Gio and Tucker are such a cute couple and seeing them get there HEA is so amazing. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Author 3 books38 followers
April 22, 2024
I should preface this by saying that I haven’t read Squad Goals Book #1, so many of the characters in this story were unknown to me. That isn’t to say that it can’t be read as a standalone as I very quickly caught up with who was who, and how the ‘lines’ mingled.

Squad Goals was a fun, light, sexy read with both Gio and Tucker being very sweet, loving guys who were just figuring out what they wanted in life. Tucker was cheated on by his ex and, quite rightly, was hurt by it. However, the hurt wasn’t personal to the ex – it was more the general ego bruising that was the issue. Unfortunately, Gio has obviously had experience being the rebound person before and is determined that it isn’t going to happen again. Even for Tucker.

I really liked the way that Tucker didn’t push Gio’s boundaries – he was respectful, understanding and honest about how he felt, and it was good to see both leads be so clear and upfront. The ‘helpful’ friends made me laugh – I loved the idea of just how petty one character was known for being – and I also really liked how supportive they all were in their own, distinct ways.

Gio’s parents made me laugh out loud a few times – his Mom was just absolute gold in her attitude and behaviour, and again, I liked how supportive they were to their son and his friends. I wish there had been a bit more cheerleading involved but that’s a minor quibble. All in all, this was a light, fun read with a decent bit of steam and enjoyable characters.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review and have downloaded the first book so that I can catch up on what I missed.
109 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2024
If I had two words to describe this book, it would be vulgar and funny. Willow Thomas, the author, has managed to create a story that is filled with sexual situations, but it's the sharp commentary between the characters that truly stands out. The humor is so profane and witty that you would think Thomas herself was a performing drag queen.

Beyond the vulgarity and humor, the storyline is quite amusing and sweet. The two main characters, Tucker and Gio, can't seem to keep their minds out of the gutter, but their crazy infatuation for each other is undeniable. However, Tucker faces the challenge of convincing Gio of his true feelings.

In addition to the main characters, the supporting cast adds depth and further comedic relief to the story. Each character brings unique quirks and humor, making the reading experience more enjoyable.

Willow Thomas's sharp wit and great sense of humor shine through on every page of this fast-paced and hilarious read. The author's ability to create witty banter and clever dialogue adds an extra layer of entertainment to the story. It's impossible not to laugh while reading this book.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Willow Thomas has crafted a story that is both vulgar and funny, with a side of sweetness. It's a perfect choice for a light-hearted and entertaining read. Just be prepared for the occasional blush-inducing moment followed by laughter.
Profile Image for Literary Maiden.
82 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2024
Restless (Squad Goals book 2)
Gio and Tucker might be my favorite Willow Thomas couple so far. Both are so stubborn, in different ways, that the journey to their happy ending is not all smooth sailing. With misunderstandings, an ex that keeps popping up, past hurts that still have a hold on them and interfering family members and friends it was awesome to see them come together - and for Gio to finally let Tucker in emotionally. Tucker wants Gio but Gio refuses to give him a chance, believing that he only wants a rebound and he will never be that again. Events happen, people have their two cents added, and they grow closer (No spoilers but seriously it’s great).
My favorite character was actually Mrs Russo though - mother of Gio. She is the mom we love to see others have but are secretly jealous that we don’t have one like her too - until her interfering becomes too much! I have read books with some amazing mothers but Mrs Russo takes the cake when it comes to interfering with good intentions. She wants someone for her son and nothing is going to impact her enthusiasm.
I would recommend this series to anyone that wants a semi-lighthearted MM romance that shows people falling in love and finding their ‘person’, and declarations which can be downright embarrassing. There are funny parts, sad parts, stressful parts (how Gio finds out how Tucker really feels is just WOW), and smexy parts. I also recommend reading Willow's other releases first so you can meet Luke's brothers 🤭
Profile Image for Abigail Beckwith.
1,613 reviews
June 12, 2024
old post reposted


This is "Restless," the second book in Willow Thomas's Squad Goals series (because I need something easy, angst-less, cheesy as hell).
["The Cheerleader and the Football Star

Gio
Kissing Tucker Evans at a frat party was a stupid idea. He’s still getting over his cheating ex and there is no way I am anyone’s rebound guy.
Except when he gets injured, somehow I find myself volunteering to help look after him.
In every sense.
So maybe I will be his rebound. If I know what the score is going in, I can’t be hurt.
Solid plan.

Tucker
Kissing Giovanni Russo at a frat party was a brilliant idea. There was more chemistry in that one kiss than there ever was with my ex.
Now I just have to convince him to give me a chance.
Sharing a bed at his parents house leads to some epic fun times, but he has it in his head that I just want a rebound.
With Gio I want everything."]

This book was fabulous! It was fun and cute and fluffy and spicy and filled with soooo many well-intended, meddling friends/family members (so. many.). And fabulously cliched tropes. And a few accidental grand gestures (and one really big one).

I also love how it kept hinting at what the next book could be about (love that for us).

#clueless #restless #dateless #squadgoals #squadgoalsseries #willowthomas #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Profile Image for Kate.
2,548 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I’ve been a fan of Willow Thomas for awhile now. I really enjoyed this quick, low-angst and light hearted read and thought that it was a good addition to the Squad Goals Series, which is set in the same universe as Willow’s Caught Off Guard Series. I can understand Gio’s wariness where dating Tucker is concerned, since he’s just been through a breakup with his cheating ex and Gio’s doesn’t want to be anyone’s rebound. I about absolutely love Gio’s mum. Tucker is an absolute sweetheart. After Tucker is injured during a football game, Gio takes him home to his parents to care for him while he recovers.

He didn’t want to stay in Tucker’s room at the football house since the house is messy and noisy and they can’t stay at Gio’s room at the cheer house, since he shares a room with Perry so he decides staying at his parents is the best options. It doesn’t take long for things to heat up between these two but Gio is adamant that it’s just a fling, he’s completely fooling himself as it’s so much more. I thought that they were great together and the epilogue was one of my favourite parts. I’m really looking forward to reading Dateless next, as well as more books from Willow Thomas in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone. 
Profile Image for Bright Love.
32 reviews
April 27, 2024
I’m one of the arc readers. I loved this book.
I love tucker and Giovanni. When reading this book I saw I didn’t read book 1 about Lexi and Ryder. Their relationship is so cute in this book that I’m triggerd to read the first book.

Tucker and Giovanni. I love their relationship. I love their communication but also so much miscommunication. This book didn’t have angst and it was just so adorable. They are both a little bit possessive about one another and it was funny to see Giovanni jealous. Tucker showed from the beginning that Giovanni the one for him his, Gio is just a little bit oblivious, but I like him for this.

I love Giovanni mom. She has a great sense of humor. From the beginning she was team Tucker for her son.
I love how Gio mom support him and is the one looking for guys for her son. That is just so funny.

I love their friends. They all are close to each other and have their backs. From the beginning I liked Luke. I know now he is going to be book 3. I think the 18+ scenes were cute to read. Gio and tucker care so much about each other.

This book was for me a funny book with miscommunication. I’m so ready for book 3 with Cory and Luke, because Luke was really stupid in the end. Cory better give Luke the love he deserves. I would love a little bit enemies to lovers vibe, because I are different frat houses.
Profile Image for Canadian Girl Reads.
1,079 reviews34 followers
May 7, 2024
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙗𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙤𝙣.

Rᴇsᴛʟᴇss by Willow Thomas → Squad Goals #2
Gio & Tucker
🍁🍁🍁🍁

Another fun-filled adventure with the Flora Vista cheerleading squad that had a smile on my face throughout the entire book.

Gio and Tucker are both crushing on each other but Gio believes Tucker is on the rebound and Tucker is determined to prove to Gio that he is the only one he sees and wants.

I love Gio's determination in attempting to fight his feelings for Tucker as Tucker breaks him down with his flirting. The banter and laugh-out-loud moments are provided by not only Gio and Tucker but the entire found family of the cheerleaders, football players, and other amazing side characters.

If you enjoy…
🏳️‍🌈 MM
📣 Sports (Cheerleding)
🏈 Sports (Football)
💙 Forced Proximity
💙 Only One Bed
…then take a chance on this book!

I am completely invested in the Flora Vista cheer squad and have my pom poms ready to cheer on the rest of the squad in their journeys to their happily ever afters.

*𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴*
Profile Image for Becca.
232 reviews
April 21, 2024
I will start by saying I did not read the first book in the series. I will go back at some point and read it, especially since I’m interested in continuing the series. Gio is a cheerleader and Tucker is a football player. They kiss during a party. Tucker was unfortunately cheated on in his last relationship but is now very interested in Gio. Gio is extremely attracted to Tucker but has been burned in the past and thinks Tucker just wants him as a rebound. Tucker gets hurt during a game and Gio takes it upon himself to help him recuperate…by taking him home to his parents house. Gio’s mom is wonderfully meddlesome and ends up putting them both in his bedroom. Insert awkward boners and stealth snuggles! Both their friend groups are hilarious and vying for them to get together. It takes a while for Gio to finally let his guard down. I loved Tuckers insistence though. He was adamant about making sure Gio understood he was interested in more than just a one night stand. This story was so much fun to read!
Profile Image for Jozey.
736 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2024
Contains
Friends to lovers
Footballer and cheerleader
Close proximity
A lot of flirting
Not a rebound
Family and friends meddling

Falling into a sweet and charming world like the whole of Willow's universe. This Super sweet, with hilarous moment and a lot lot of flirting, this book is so good you will not regret it.

After a kiss, all Tucker wants is Gio. But Gio thinks it's just a rebound and doesn't wants to be involve in this kind of relationship. Will Tucker be able to win him over?

Tucker and Gio's mom meeting is pure greatness. Gio's meddling parents are Amazing! I love them so hard. And his father, a man with little word but direct as needed.

Breaking the stereotype of jock and sexuality.

An accidental declaration of love with a LOT of proof, two groups of exceptional friends, two completely different families background, a complex love and a hugely appreciated epilogue. HEA guaranteed.

Why you should read it:
Amazing friends
All the flirt
Hilarous
Breaking the stereotype
Accidental love speech
Doing something absolutely crazy to prove your love
Meddling
And of course the HEA.
1,029 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2024
I LOVED this book!! Gio and Tucker were the sweetest guys—the cheerleader and the big tender hearted football player were a perfect match…if they could ever get on the same page. They each had a crush on the other but Gio was convinced that Tucker was brokenhearted from his ex cheating on him and wanted no part of being a rebound; he cared too much and didn’t want his own heart broken when Tucker moved on.

Tucker knew Gio thought he was on a rebound but what can he do to convince him otherwise? Whatever it takes, he’ll do it, he’s not giving up now that he knows Gio really cares.
Other than the obvious storyline, one of the things that I thought made this such a good book was the close friendships between Gio and his team, the Cheer Queers and Tucker with his football team. They were all a great bunch of guys, often hilarious, sometimes clueless, but always supportive of each other and that, to me, just rounded it all out, making it an amazing read and leaving me with an “awww” feeling as I finished. 5 stars!!!
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,807 reviews37 followers
April 24, 2024
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

A quick sweet read with a lot of hilarious banter between the jock and the cheerleader! And their friends of course.

Neither deny their chemistry but Gio is wary of starting with Tucker seeing as his recent relationship ended when the guy cheated on him. But Tucker is basically a golden retriever who is not dissuaded from his quest to date the beautiful and slightly snarky cheerleader.

These two are a lot of fun but also touching as they work through some personal issues as well.

There are a number of great scenes, especially when Gio meets Tucker’s mom and an epic declaration of love!

This is a lovely series with some awesome friend groups and hilarious interactions.
Profile Image for read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar.
349 reviews14 followers
April 25, 2024
I was absolutely thrilled to read Gio and Tucker's story, and I absolutely adored every moment of this book. Both characters were introduced in the previous book of the series, and the tension between them was palpable. Tucker, who recently experienced infidelity in a past relationship, is drawn to Gio, a male cheerleader. A kiss at a frat party solidifies Tucker's attraction, but Gio is convinced he's just a rebound. When Tucker gets injured saving Gio, Gio takes it upon himself to care for Tucker, leading to some heartwarming moments. Their chemistry was phenomenal, and despite the story being short, I was enamoured by how the author navigated their relationship. The happily ever after was incredibly sweet, especially Tucker's indirect confession. Gio's mom was a standout character, and the side characters added depth with their banter and friendships. I can't wait to dive into other books in this series and highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Ashley Webb.
257 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2024
Omg this book! I loved it so much. This is the first book I’ve read by Willow Thomas and now I need to go back and read Lexi’s story because I gotta know what happened there.

Giovanni (Gio) is a cheerleader and Tucker is a football player at the same college. Sort of in the same friend group. Tuckers ex cheated on him so when he approaches Gio with the idea of them going out Gio thinks he’ll be a rebound so is constantly turning Tucker down. Finally he gives in but says it’s just sex but Tucker is determined to make Gio his.

I absolutely loved Tucker! The things he said and his inner monologue had me cackling. Gio is a little more broody but had a big heart. These two have great chemistry and are just adorable. Gio’s family is amazing. I loved the entire friend group. That epilogue was perfect! I’m so glad they got their HEA. I’m looking forward to more books in the series.
*arc review*
Profile Image for Melissa.
310 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2024
I'm obsessed with him in a perfectly wonderful green flag kind of way.

Willow Thomas makes me laugh SO much! Gio and Tucker's banter and respective inner monologues had me laughing, relating, cringing at some of the awkwardness, and just having a great time from page one.

Gio wants Tucker, but is hesitant about being a 'rebound' after bad relationships in the past. Luckily, Tucker is ALL IN on Gio from day one. He's been appreciating from afar, but he's ready to make his move.... consistently...and with humor and genuine sweetness. Add in a meddling Mama and the himboest/pettiest/supportive group of friends?! Chaotic fun.

This is a very low angst, laugh out loud, spicy MM cheerleader/football player story. With a great cast of characters continuing from book 1, and I am already so hyped for book 3's couple too!


*Advanced reader. Thoughts and opinions my own*
Profile Image for Katherine.
2,866 reviews13 followers
June 7, 2024
Rebounds and second chances

A fun and snarky story with even more meddling from the Cheer Squad.

Gio and Tucker are the focus of this story and from the first book it is known that Tucker just got out of a relationship and Gio was a great champion for him after. Gio is supportive and friendly after the breakup, but he doesn't want to be the rebound and doesn't want to be the guy making moves right after a breakup. Tucker meanwhile has been assessing his feelings after his breakup and how much the relationship even meant, especially when he feels more for Gio with just his friendly support. The two dance around each other with some nudging by their closest friends, while Tucker tries to prove his feelings to Gio and Gio tries to brace himself for the short rebound. Fun and a little emotional it was a great story!
Profile Image for els✨.
1,067 reviews46 followers
July 1, 2024
- a MM college romance! sports (football and cheerleading) romance, mutual pining, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort!
- god they’re so perfect for each other, let’s pick this up people!!
- omg Tucker literally saved Gio’s life 🥹
- OBSESSED with Gio’s mum!!
- i hate how much Gio doubts his own self worth!! like you’re incredible boo
- hahaha i love how Gio just snapped, we do love a ‘fuck it’ moment
- their sex scenes are very very good
- NOT THE ACCIDENTAL GRAND GESTURE
- no Gio!! what are you doingggg
- i love that they both decided to go after their man!
- oh we love that the next book has just been set up!
- the epilogue was super cute!! i love these books so much! so so sweet
- i wish it was a lil bit longer just because i loved them and it felt we got the coupley bit a bit smooshed at the end
1,156 reviews38 followers
July 4, 2024
story of Gio and Tucker

This is a friends to lovers romance, featuring Giovanni and Tucker, and is the second book in the Squad Goals series.

Gio and Tucker meet just after Tucker finds out his boyfriend cheated on him. They become friends through Levi and Ryder, from book one and it’s clear Tucker is attracted to Gio.

There is a bit of mis-communication as Gio thinks Tucker is looking for a rebound and Gio can’t go through that again, and Tucker is already over his ex and wants to date Gio.

Lots happens in this book, lots of back and forth between Gio and Tucker, good natured meddling friends and family and lots of funny scenes. It’s a great series so far and I have to say Gio’s Mama Russo was the best!

Things to expect in this MM romance are:
College romance
Cheerleader x footballer
Pan rep
Forced proximity
One bed
Mis-communication
Falls hard
HEA
213 reviews
April 20, 2024
This was an absolute delight! This is the story of Gio and Tucker. Gio is a cheerleader and Tucker is on the football team. Tucker is unabashedly into Gio, but Gio feels he would just be a rebound since Tucker was cheated on by his ex.

The buildup of their relationship was smooth, there is virtually no angst in this which was really nice. I loved how Tucker knew exactly what he wanted and just went after it, without any qualms. The spice here was great!

I loved the relationships between their friends, although there are quite a few of these side characters and I did feel myself getting somewhat confused by who was who. The humor and witty banter in this was so great, I found myself chuckling a few times.

This was a quick read for me, and I know I'll enjoy reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Ash .
330 reviews53 followers
April 22, 2024
"Restless" by Willow Thomas follows Gio and Tucker. Gio a Cheerleader and Tucker the star Linebacker. Gio and Tucker are a breath of fresh air. This is a low angst, easy read romance. After sharing a kiss at a frat party, Tucker and Gio both fall for each other. Tucker is all in but Gio is guarding himself to avoid the heartbreak he thinks is inevitable.

If you enjoy a medium burn romance with witty humor, and a golden retriever mc then this book is for you.

Genre: M/M Romance
Format: E-Book (Arc Copy)

Character Development: 3.5/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Spice Level: 2.5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5

Tropes:
Cheerleader/Football Player
One Bed
Low Angst
Pansexual MC
Dual POV (First Person POV)

Favorite Quote:
"Does he really have to say my name like that? It's a crime. A crime against my c*ck."
Profile Image for Tina.
259 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2024
This friends to lovers book was so much more than your typical football/cheerleader relationship. In fact, Gio's mom was all about guaranteeing that this thing between Tucker and Gio lasted. But Tucker just got out of a relationship and Gio wants nothing to do with being a rebound for Tucker... been there, done that in the past and it sucked. The majority of the story is Tucker trying to win over Gio, while Gio is trying to resist the temptation that is Tucker.

Loved the story. Not only do I love Tucker and Gio, but their friends were a blast... and a bit scary. If you know, you know... if not, read the book! Oh, and what in the world did Luke get himself into? I can't wait for the next book.

I received an ARC for this book and am leaving an honest review.

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