The Replay

by Daniela Romero

Austin’s out on bail.
Cecilia’s missing.
And it’s all my fault.

I should have protected her—kept her safe. Instead, I pushed her away.
If anything happens to her, I’ll never forgive myself.

But if playing soccer’s taught me anything, it’s that I’m not afraid to fight for what’s mine. On the field or off, I’ll play dirty if I have to.

Because losing her isn’t an option. Not this time.
Cecilia and me? We’re endgame.


*Gabriel & Cecilia's Trilogy is now COMPLETE

Genres: Soccer, Sports Romance, Romance, Sports, Dark Romance, Audiobook, College Romance

ebook

First published November 6, 2024

About the author

Daniela Romero is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She enjoys writing steamy, new-adult and paranormal romance that delivers an emotional roller coaster sure to take your breath away.
Her books feature a diverse cast of characters with rich and vibrant cultures in an effort to effectively portray the world we all live in. One that is so beautifully colorful.
Daniela is a Bay Area native though she currently lives in Washington State with her sarcastic husband and their three tiny terrors.
In her free time, Daniela enjoys frequent naps, binge reading her favorite romance books, and is known to crochet while watching television because her ADHD brain can never do just one thing at a time.
Stop by her website to find all the fun and unique ways you can stalk her. And while you’re there you can check out some free bonus scenes from your favorite books, learn about her Patreon, order signed copies of her books, and swoon over her gorgeous alternative cover editions.
www.daniela-romero.com
You can join her newsletter by visiting
https://hi.switchy.io/VIP

Reviews

[Shannon Mayhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect end to this series. One of the best series of the year!

We have followed Cecilia and Gabriel’s story and I was so excited to see where this book would take us. I loved that this series portrayed real and emotional events but didn’t romanticize them. Bad things happened and they were dealt with. The main characters face the challenges of life, their flaws, emotional issues etc.

A great love story and the happy ending we needed. Go read it now!

[turningthepageswithangela · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

What a wonderful ending to Cecilia and Gabriel’s story!! Cecilia and Gabriel have experienced a lot of growth from their traumas and it shows a lot in book 3 of the Boys of Richland series. I felt that the characters were alot more relaxed and able to really start their healing. ❤️‍🩹 This series touches on some pretty heavy topics- so please be sure to check triggers warnings. I would also recommend reading them all back to back, as book 2 does leave on an intense cliffhanger.

[Fallon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Womp Womp.

Book one was fine, book two was actually really enjoyable… and then it all fell apart in book three.

This had weird continuity issues (at one point Cecilia and Felix had a conversation about getting each other’s phone numbers, but they definitely were texting each other in book two), there were more typos/spelling mistakes and editing errors in this one compared to the previous two (on page 24, the names of Parker and Gregory are typed as Parken and Gregroy) and the pacing was off.

Gabriel and Cecilia showed little to no growth in this book - they are one toxic AF couple. All they do is fight. I seriously hope they have a good divorce lawyer ready to go, because this is one book couple that would never go the distance.

All that shit with Austin in the first two books - and he didn’t even make an appearance in this one 🤷🏻‍♀️

Everything in this book just seemed to be a setup for the next book, which is clearly about Julio and Adriana. I think the author was ready to move on to them and just hastily threw together this book to complete Gabe and Cecilia’s story…

Let’s be real - I’ll read the rest of this series once it’s released, despite all my qualms about this one. I like living dangerously.

The Savage - 3 stars
The Striker - 3.75 stars
The Replay - 2 stars

[Abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series was so good but the ending wasn’t what I hoped. I wish I’d have seen their happily evert after in twelve months and them both healed and not them being exactly like they always have been in these books fighting taking it to far and forgetting instantly

[Destany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rcvd an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.

I've been struggling for days trying to put into words how this book made me feel. I was sucked into Gabriel and Cecilia's story from book 1, and I never let it go. I was an emotional wreck after The Savage; a hyped up ball of nerves after The Striker; and after The Replay, I was a blubbering mess.

The story picks up right where The Striker left off - Gabe can't find Cecilia and it's all hands on deck with the guys fighting to find her. When she is found, she has trouble telling Gabe exactly where she was and what she was doing. While she's trying to move on with her life, she's shutting Gabriel out. And he doesn't like it.

I found myself frustrated with both Gabriel and Cecilia routinely throughout the book haha! More with Cecilia than with Gabe. She fought so hard to not have their happy ending - I think she still didn't think they deserved it. And just when things were going well, she tried to sabotage them again! Gabriel really grew up a lot over the course of these books, and even more so in this one. He realized that Cecilia needed to be her own person and make her own choices, and no matter what he thought, he couldn't push her. He needed to give her that space.

And as for Cecilia, she learned she can stand on her own, but she realized she didn't have to. She realized that she wasn't limited by being with Gabriel, and she wasn't limiting him. She found out they were better together, and while it all felt super rushed in the end, I know we'll see them again, and I'm hoping their ending just keeps getting happier and happier.

Of all the books I've read - and that's a lot - I have never been more emotional than I was when I finished this one. These two characters burrowed into my soul, and I fell in love with them. Gabe and Cecilia will stay with me for a very long time. I absolutely cannot wait for the next chapter in the Boys of Richland series. It's gonna be a doozy.

[the endless tbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great conclusion to this trilogy!

I am absolutely obsessed with Gabriel & Cecilia.
The roller coaster of emotions this book put me through was insane.

It was beautiful seeing their relationship grow, and seeing how Gabriel was protective, loving, and supportive of Cecilia. His character development was amazing.
Watching Cecilia fight her feelings and all her traumas was emotional and inspiring.
The way the author handled the sensitive topics in this book was extremely well done.
Gabriel was the perfect book boyfriend, sweet and naughty at the same time.

I loved Gabriel & Cecilia’s story and I can’t wait for the next book 🫶🏻

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was struggling how to write a review without it seeming as a negative review.

I enjoyed reading about Gabriel snd Cecilia BUT I must be honest and say I feel like I didn't read much happening in this book. It was a LONG wait for this release and unfortunately this book felt like a "filler" book than a conclusion. A lot was left out not much happened. I do wish the author either gives a time line when books will be released OR how many books per couple because one of my biggest issue is I noticed this author releasing books approximately a year or more between each and I forget what the first book was even about.

[catb.x0x0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect ending to this angsty, heartfelt, trilogy by Daniela Romero. Cecilia and Gabriel’s beautiful story is full of trauma, heartbreak, love, and healing. I love the new relationships that developed in this book and we’ll hopefully see potential stories for some of the side characters that we have grown to adore over the course of these three books.

[thespicybooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in Gabriel and Cecilia's trilogy in the Boys of Richland series is SO GOOD! There is so much emotional growth in this series for both Gabriel and Cecilia, especially considering the incredibly sensitive topics this series tackles. They manage to grow beautifully towards each other and towards their found family, which I can't wait to learn more about in the future.

"You're safe with me, Cecilia. You always will be."

[Bec · Rating 2 out of 5]

Back for the 3rd instalment of Gabriel and Cecilia

This book started off so strong and had so much potential. However, any conflict was quickly resolved in the first few chapters and not really brought up again. The conclusion to the conflict in the previous two books was very much glossed over.
I found this book was more about Gabriel and Cecilia navigating their relationship day to day rather than any big revelations or things happening like in the previous two books. Both MC are in their own heads and love to shut each other out and place blame. I still find them both incredibly frustrating even at the end of their trilogy.

I did enjoy hearing from Julio in the last chapter - interested to see how his story plays out next! So far he’s broody and needs to approach his feelings for someone.

While this series was not for me, please form your own opinions - but do so with caution. This series has a lot of heavy topics, please read trigger warnings before you begin.

Thank you to Hambright PR and Daniela Romero for the ARC. Appreciate the opportunity to read and review The Replay.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Replay by Daniela Romero is the 3rd and final book in the Boys of Richland series. This book was a beautiful wrap up to this wonderful and emotional roller coaster ride.
Cecelia our FMC is pushed to another level and has actually started to find her inner strength with the support of her new gal pal Adriana. She realizes so much about herself and how her fears keep controlling not only her life, but her relationships. Her past and her present collide and Cecelia has to make some decisions that she is worried will impact those around her, and that she will lose what she has.
Gabe our MMC is also pushed to a new level with his past coming front and center in his life and has to process his history and his trauma to move past it, and be his best self, not only for himself, but for his team, his soccer house family, and for Cecelia. Is he able to move forward? Can Gabe see the bright side through the muck that is his trauma? Will Cecelia be able to support him, in similar ways that Gabe has supported her?
The biggest lesson that everyone walks away from is "hurt people, hurt people."
This book made me cry, and scream YES! When the roller coaster ride came to an end, I had to sit with this series for a minute and process everything that took place.
I have left a lot out, because if I were to share everything, these reviews would be so full of spoilers. What I have to say is, this series is the top series for me of 2025. The found family, found friends, personal growth, and trauma processing, along with the side events from our boys Julio, Felix, and a few others, made this series an event.

Do yourself a favor, and put this series on your TBR, and just know that once you start, you won't want to put it down.

Happy Reading!

[Laurenreadingrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tropes:
🩶college/ya
⚽️ soccer player MMC
🩶he fell first
⚽️found family
🩶traumatic pasts for both
⚽️NOT A STANDALONE


The Replay by author Daniela Romero is book 3 of the Boys of Richland series. This is the conclusion of Gabriel and Cecelia’s story. This is not a stand alone and you must read first two books to fully understand this story.

I am not gonna put a lot of detail in the review for people who have not read the first two books and may have thought this was a standalone.

I absolutely loved Gabriel and Cecelia as a couple. Both had such tragic pasts , which we learn from the first book alone. Watching them come together and fully commit after everything was great.

Gabriel became not only her favorite person, her love but her protection and hero. They learn how to navigate this new relationship and to really learn on each other during those tough moments. Cecelia learns to lean on Gabe and vice versa, it takes time because she really sometimes wants to push him away.

All 3 books deal with tough topics and although the author navigates these well, please head the trigger warnings if you are easily triggered.

I also like the sentiment in this book that family is not always blood but those who are there for us in our lives, which we see as Gabriel’s story unfolds .

Overall this was a great conclusion to Gabriel’s and Cecelia story. I do wish it went a bit deeper into some stuff and the aftermath but overall it was a good conclusion. I look forward to hopefully Julio and Adriana , hopefully. I’ll cross my fingers.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Replay was everything!!!! I loved this trilogy and am so sad it is over, but I loved the conclusion of Cecelia and Gabriel's romance. I devoured this book in one day, wanting to know what would happen next. This book had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. This book is the last in the Boys of Richland series and needs to be read in order to understand what is happening in this series. This series will be a reread for me, just like her Boys of Sun Valley series. I am still waiting on the last book, but I know it's coming!!! This storyline is original, heartbreaking, and heart-soaring. I thought the growth between Cecelia and Gabriel was beautifully written and had me tearing up, my stomach dropping, and my heart soaring throughout this book. I had to fist-pump a few times and might have shouted heck yeah a few times.

Cecelia really blossomed throughout this series and I loved the backbone and strength that she showed in this book. She became a force to be reckoned with. Gabriel was still loyal to his boys. I loved his devotion and determination in this book. My heart broke for him, but I loved the strength he gained in this book. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!!!! I am obsessed!!!-By Brooke

[Szandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks for Hambright and the author for the ARC opportunity. As always, this is an honest, voluntary review.

I'm trying to think what to say about the last book of this series and I'm a bit lost. The thing is we got exactly what the first two books offered and that's the problem. Cecilia has gone through exactly zero character development, and exactly zero healing. Her weird relationship with her parents? I didn't understand any of that and we had 3 books for it. The way she kept using Gabriel and tossing him aside in book 1 then 2 and in 3, as well? The fact that after 3 books there was no reward in "seeing" her tormentors being convicted? We just glossed over it with tomorrow is another day?

I could go into more details about the ridiculousness of the mayor having no power (really? the mayor's daughter is missing and no one gives a fuck? please) as this was something that bothered me from the first book and I was sort of hoping there'd be some sort of explanation but nope.

I loved the found family aspect though, really, really did and I wish I could say I'll be back for the upcoming interconnected books but I just can't after such an awfully unsatisfying journey.

[erika (riksreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh I just love these two 🥺

I picked up this series on such a whim and found a new auto-buy author and characters that have stolen my heart. This friend group, their dynamic, this universe, their stories - I don’t think I can ever get enough of them.

I will say this feels a bit like an epilogue novel to me and could have been at the end of the striker BUT I’m also not complaining because I think this series could be even longer 😂

It takes a lot for me to say I wish a book was longer than it is and that was the case with this entire trilogy- I hated seeing the “time remaining” number on my kindle going down every time I glanced at it.

I highly recommend this series (after you check the TWs) and I think it’s the perfect fall romance series to dive into. I have no idea why I’ve decided it’s a fall read but I have and feel passionately about it. 😂

I hope Gabriel and Cecelia find all the happiness in the world because they DESERVE IT. I can’t wait to read the next spin off series and hopefully get snipits of them but also Julio & Felix 👀 I’m ready to swoon over them too.

[veephee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Grammar, grammar, grammar. Oof, the grammar was bad. The second book was the best. This last book was so rushed and brushed over the main struggle Cecelia was facing (with Austin and Co.). Austin wasn't in the story at all, only mentioned. No justice, really. Also (in the second book, I do believe), Felix DID have Cecelia's phone number, hence them texting back and forth right before her swim competition. Later in the book, it mentions that Felix entered his phone number in Cecelia's phone bc she had no one's number but Gabriel's. Consistency with details is very important, and this story was a bit messy on details.

I hope we get another extra or something about Gabriel and Cecelia's future. All in all, I liked the story as a whole. I just thought this last book was very poorly planned and written, and waaaay too rushed. It didn't give the closure and ultimate happy ending (justice for Cecelia!) that our babies Cecelia and Gabriel deserved.

[AMM · Rating 1 out of 5]

You ask, "What do you think?" I think I won't read your books anymore even though I'm enjoying Gabriel's and Cecelia's story because I refuse to be taken in again by authors who sell books by leaving cliffhangers. To each reader --- his own. I want to each book I choose to have a beginning a middle and end. I don't like waiting for the next installment. Maybe if you had warned me first that the series is three novels but you haven't written the third, I'd have been more tolerant and put the first two on my wish list and bought all three when they ALL became available. But instead, I'll start another novel today and forget about your third and final book. I'll live, but you'll be out a prolific reader who likes your simple writing style and well-told stories. That said, want to send me an advanced copy of book three?

[Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Boys of Richland series. Each book is told in a linear timeline and they must be read in order. There are very dark themes in this story so please check the content warnings before diving in.

-FMC Swimmer
-New Adult Romance
-He falls first
-MMC Soccer Player
-Traumatic pasts
-Second chances

This is the last and final book Gabe and Cecelia's story. We find ourselves exactly where we left off in book 2. There is all the angst and suspense that we had in the last 2 books but heightened in this one. We also have Cecilia and Gabe trying to navigate their relationship and seeing if they will find a way to be together. They have been through a lot together and also apart. This is their fight and their journey to their HEA. Don't miss out on this amazing conclusion.

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4.5
🌶️2

Gabriel and Cecilia’s story is now complete and I could not be happier with this ending! I was waiting patiently for the third book in this trilogy and I was not disappointed. These two will frustrate you and tug at your heartstrings throughout the course of their relationship, but the end result is worth every minute of pain.

I love Gabriel and Cecilia’s love story. They both had so much trauma to heal from and they were able to do it while getting to know each other. The way that Gabriel took care of Cecilia and made her feel so much stronger than she thought she was made me swoon. He is the epitome of a caring partner.

I could not say enough good things about this trilogy. I loved that there were so many different elements to their story and that we get a complete picture of what happens in the end.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I waited so long for this book, and it's just NOPE. I hate to write that because I like this author, but this book is so lackluster.

So here we are again with Cecilia being absolutely oblivious to how much Gabriel loves her, and she just keeps on hurting him. She's not written, once again, with any character development. Cecilia is infuriating to be honest - so pathetic.

The chapter that highlights the court case - it was written in to be nothing, when those actions dictated the first two books.

I feel like this book was rushed by the author - I wanted Gabriel and Cecilia to have a happy ending, but is "Move in with me" the answer? Ummm, no.

Hope Julio gets a book - the end of this hints at that. Hope it's better than Cecilia and Gabriel's story. Sorely disappointed, if you want my honest option.

[Mandiisbooked08 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first 2 books in this series and after screaming about the cliffhangers from each of the previous books, I was ready to have the complete story.

This book is less than 300 pages, so a fairly quick read. This book was missing the tension of its predecessor. The cliffhanger from the second books was solved within the first few chapters. We find out Austin's fate quickly and there weren't really any other conflicts throughout the book. We are starting to be led into other stories from side characters, but the relationship between Gabriel & Cecilia is wrapped up with a pretty bow.

There is a kidnapping scene early on that the author never readdresses. There are zero consequences in relation to is and it felt out of place.

While this wasn't my favorite, I would still recommend the series as a whole.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book in the trilogy is here!!! I have been waiting to see how Gabriel & Cecilia's story would end and it was so good! The last book ended on a major cliffy…and well I can’t tell you what happens!

But I can tell you this book was angsty and emotional and we really see how their past trauma affects them and how they try and move forward. It is not smooth sailing…but we do get our HEA! Their relationship has been tricky (and full of so many wild twists and turns.)

Overall this was a good trilogy that definitely kept me invested in these characters!

✨What to Expect:
⚽️Sports Romance
🤍College Romance
2️⃣Second Chance
🏡Found Family
🛡️Protective Hero
❤️‍🔥He Falls First
🖤Trauma Bonding
❤️‍🩹Who Did This To You?
💚Parental Issues

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️'s

I have been waiting a while for the conclusion of Gabriel and Cecilia's story. I did enjoy the characters, especially some of the supporting characters. After the cliffhanger, it didn't go the typical way, which was good. Cecilia, at times, felt so immature and was frustrating. Gabriel wasn't always the best at communicating his feelings, but she ran before he could get anything out. If these were real people, I'd say they both could use a therapist. Overall, it was a pretty good read.

There were, however, a few minor plot holes, and it overall felt rushed, which was unexpected from this author. I do think this trilogy would have been better as a duet. This felt like more filler at some points. I also would like to encourage more authors to do a re-cap at the beginning when their is a large gap between books.

[HelloCutePanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

It just makes no sense. Cecilia’s dad really should not have been the mayor in this story line. Hard to believe he wouldn’t be able to protect her from the Holtz family.
Like he is the MAYOR of the city.

Hard to believe the police wouldn’t bend over backwards at even the hint that she was missing.

And why didn’t Cecilia change schools in the first place after the SA? There was no reason for her to continue at the college. She could have easily sold her parents that it was depression and needed a change of scenery.

I did enjoy the 1st and 2nd book.

Although to be honest the books could have been just 1 or 2 books. Not 3. A lot of 2 was filler.

Condensing the story and not having the dad as the mayor would have been helpful.

[Linda Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a college soccer romance with a lot of trigger warnings. If you are up for it, it is so worth reading. I was hooked from book 1. Learning about all these students and their traumatic experiences, meeting their friends and families, and learn how their traumas impact their daily lives. The suspense is overwhelming because bad things are always around the corner.
This is the last in the series of the Boys of Richland Series, and I am so happy with the ending. Each book was a cliff hanger that was just the right amount of suspense and romance. Thankfully, this book had a clean ending and wrapped everything up in such a positive way. If I had ended any other way, I don’t think I would ever get over it.

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great, happy ending to this trilogy!
Gabe and Cecelia are far from perfect but they are perfect for each other! Did Cecelia continue to give us emotional whiplash with her back and forth- yes, she 100% does. But being there for Gabe, helping him through his stuff, I feel was a huge eye opener for her AND can we please high five Adriana. I suspect the diagnosis she refers to in previous book is ASD, given her straight forwardness, her declaration of struggling to read social cues and “mess things up”, or not always understanding why someone would be upset about certain things…. She is an absolutely gem of a friend to Cecelia!

I was so happy to learn that this series will continue with Julio’s story!!!! Can’t wait!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecelia has been through so much and it has left a lasting impact on her actions and feelings since then. She believes that the only person she can count on is herself so when Gabe tries to show her that she is no longer alone she must learn that depending on people who care for you isn’t a weakness but rather a strength.

Gabe has a difficult past of his own but when it comes to those he loves the possessive and protective sides emerge. He wants to fix Cecilia’s problems however he also learns that the best way to do that is to support her rather than taking over.

Cecelia and Gabe’s story is one of healing, growth and love as with every misstep they make they learn valuable lessons on how to become stronger both as individuals and a couple.

[arohi jain · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to see Austin and them pay for what they did. I get in the real world this sometimes does not happen but it would have been nice to see a true hea in this book. I was kinda tired of this book, espcially in the beginning-middle area. The back and forth with Cecilia and Gabriel got boring and made me push away from the book, but I liked the aspect of Adam and Asher.
Some things that I wanted to see more of:
- Gabe's mom and her husband
- Austin and those boys actually paying for what they did
- Adam, Asher, Gabe, and Cecilia hanging out
Overall, it was a decent way to close their story but I just wanted more drama. Happy that this couple's story is finally over.

[A_Stylish_Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was eagerly waiting for the final book to Cecilia and Gabe's story with so much happening in book 2.

I wanted to see growth in both of these characters but unfortunately did not see that in book 3. I felt there was a lot of the same behaviors from both of them..should they stay together or not. Of course, they are horny college students and can't keep them apart.

I was not really satisfied with how Cecilia's attackers situation concluded and wanted more justice for her.

I did enjoy the strong bond between the soccer players and Gabe learning to build relationships with his step siblings.

Thank you @hambright_pr for a copy of this book.

[Destiny Imperati · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨️

☆Gabe & Cecilia♡

What an amazing way to end a series. It picks up exactly where we were left with Gabe trying to find Cecilia. Both of them have displayed a tremendous amount of character growth and overcoming their past traumas. They were honestly so good together. The Replay was full of so many emotions and contains some pretty heavy topics. I ended up loving it so much. The author developed such a great series, and I highly recommend it!

Tropes:
◇found family
♡soccer romance
◇traumatic past for FMC & MMC
♡he falls first
◇second chance
♡college romance

Thanks so much to the author and Hambright Pr for the ARC!