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CTU Eagles #3
The Pass Protection
One Escape. One Protector. One Dangerous Secret.
A sudden transfer to Central Texas University was never part of Bret Campbell’s plan, but she’s determined to view the move as a fresh start away from her traumatic past. That is...until she finds herself on the doorstep of her new apartment and realizes the football players she's now rooming with aren't just any football players, but her brother's teammates on the team her dad coaches.
Coming off a record season, tight-end Crew Riggsby expects this year to be smooth sailing, full of class, football, and partying. But all those plans go up in smoke when Bret Campbell arrives on his doorstep and blindsides him. After briefly meeting the year before, they formed a long-distance friendship that quickly became more for Crew. Now, she’s his roommate and entirely off-limits.
Still, they can’t ignore their undeniable chemistry, and Crew struggles to navigate his desire to protect her while maintaining their unspoken boundaries. But as their love blooms in secret, and Bret finds safety she's yearned for, her past closes in.
As danger looms and secrets unravel, Bret and Crew will discover if their connection can withstand the storm or if the past will unravel their chance at happiness.
The Pass Protection is book 3 in the CTU Eagles series: a series of interconnected standalones following a group of friends as they navigate college life, sports, deciding their futures, and falling in love. They do not need to be read in order, but you will gain glimpses of future characters/couples in each book.
A sudden transfer to Central Texas University was never part of Bret Campbell’s plan, but she’s determined to view the move as a fresh start away from her traumatic past. That is...until she finds herself on the doorstep of her new apartment and realizes the football players she's now rooming with aren't just any football players, but her brother's teammates on the team her dad coaches.
Coming off a record season, tight-end Crew Riggsby expects this year to be smooth sailing, full of class, football, and partying. But all those plans go up in smoke when Bret Campbell arrives on his doorstep and blindsides him. After briefly meeting the year before, they formed a long-distance friendship that quickly became more for Crew. Now, she’s his roommate and entirely off-limits.
Still, they can’t ignore their undeniable chemistry, and Crew struggles to navigate his desire to protect her while maintaining their unspoken boundaries. But as their love blooms in secret, and Bret finds safety she's yearned for, her past closes in.
As danger looms and secrets unravel, Bret and Crew will discover if their connection can withstand the storm or if the past will unravel their chance at happiness.
The Pass Protection is book 3 in the CTU Eagles series: a series of interconnected standalones following a group of friends as they navigate college life, sports, deciding their futures, and falling in love. They do not need to be read in order, but you will gain glimpses of future characters/couples in each book.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2024
25 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Alexis Buxton
6 books122 followersAlexis Buxton is an avid reader turned author. A lover of all things love, Alexis enjoys reading all varieties of romance novels – the steamier, the better. Writing has always been a passion of hers and with the encouragement of friends and family, Alexis decided it was time to follow a childhood dream. She enjoys writing romance novels with damaged characters who need a little extra love and leave you feeling all the feels.
Alexis currently resides in a small-town in Ohio with her husband and two small kiddos.
As an avid sports fan, when she doesn’t have a book in her hand, you can find Alexis watching sports. She prides herself on being a Cleveland Browns fan, even on the hardest days (or years). She also enjoys going on camping adventures with her family, visiting breweries to try new craft beers, attending races at her local dirt track, and supporting local businesses and restaurants.
Alexis runs on coffee, craft beers, and chaos, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Alexis currently resides in a small-town in Ohio with her husband and two small kiddos.
As an avid sports fan, when she doesn’t have a book in her hand, you can find Alexis watching sports. She prides herself on being a Cleveland Browns fan, even on the hardest days (or years). She also enjoys going on camping adventures with her family, visiting breweries to try new craft beers, attending races at her local dirt track, and supporting local businesses and restaurants.
Alexis runs on coffee, craft beers, and chaos, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
October 21, 2024
I’d really like to give it a higher rating, because I feel like the author put a lot of effort into tackling the mental health issues of her heroine, but, unfortunately, that’s just not enough to make it a good book.
The main issue I have with the book is the fact that it reads like a diary, not a book. There are so many completely unnecessary details. Full pages of scenes and descriptions that add nothing to the plot and often times feel like those audio-descriptions on TV for people who cannot see.
I don’t need to know that the character opened the door to walk into the class. I can assume she didn’t just fly through the wall. (I think her entire walk to class was detailed, actually.) I don’t need to know that the character went to get a meal in the cafeteria and there was a chili on the menu, but no beans, because they don’t put beans in the chili in Texas. He didn’t even get the freaking chili, for crying out loud. I don’t need to know what the professor was teaching in a particular agriculture class. I’m not trying to study the subject. They even talked about the weather so much that although I’ve never been to Texas, I now have a pretty good grasp on its climate after reading this book. So. Many. Useless. Details.
Not only made it the story seem long and boring, but also made me question whether there actually was a plot or was I just getting a rundown of some students going through their day to day life at uni.
The writing style didn’t make up for it either. Half the time the dialogues felt fake and were giving the: “how do you do, fellow kids?” vibe.
What kind of a 20 yo guy describes a girl to his mom and says: “She’s captivating with her love for sports and action movies and her unique sense of humor.”
Seriously? Real people don’t talk like that. Ever.
On top of that, there were misogynistic undertones in there that were giving me an ick. Why does a brother get to declare his sister being “off limits” and tries to tell her what she can do and who she can do it with? Is she not an adult with an agency over her own body? Also, why was there a baby shower, where the dad-to-be was getting funny gifts for himself, yet the future mother was getting a bunch of stuff for the kid?
If all of that wasn’t enough, I really struggled to make sense of the plot.
I thought the ex drama was going to be the main conflict or at least a vital part of the story but it ended up being almost an afterthought, resolved in less than half a page.
That’s right. After reading whole chapters of unnecessary details, when it came to some actual action, we just got a quick summary of it after it happened. I swear I saw red at that point and felt like an idiot, because MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.
So, basically, the whole plot turned out to be two characters with very little chemistry having a secret relationship, even though there was no actual reason for it to be secret to everyone around them. And after it all blew up, there was even less reason for the aftermath to be so dramatic. I know, those were young people, but they were supposed to act college-young, not middle school-young.
On a somewhat plus side, the found family vibe was sweet, but since nobody seemed to be honest and trusting with anyone, it too ended up feeling like a facade.
Overall, I simply didn’t enjoy anything about this book.
The main issue I have with the book is the fact that it reads like a diary, not a book. There are so many completely unnecessary details. Full pages of scenes and descriptions that add nothing to the plot and often times feel like those audio-descriptions on TV for people who cannot see.
I don’t need to know that the character opened the door to walk into the class. I can assume she didn’t just fly through the wall. (I think her entire walk to class was detailed, actually.) I don’t need to know that the character went to get a meal in the cafeteria and there was a chili on the menu, but no beans, because they don’t put beans in the chili in Texas. He didn’t even get the freaking chili, for crying out loud. I don’t need to know what the professor was teaching in a particular agriculture class. I’m not trying to study the subject. They even talked about the weather so much that although I’ve never been to Texas, I now have a pretty good grasp on its climate after reading this book. So. Many. Useless. Details.
Not only made it the story seem long and boring, but also made me question whether there actually was a plot or was I just getting a rundown of some students going through their day to day life at uni.
The writing style didn’t make up for it either. Half the time the dialogues felt fake and were giving the: “how do you do, fellow kids?” vibe.
What kind of a 20 yo guy describes a girl to his mom and says: “She’s captivating with her love for sports and action movies and her unique sense of humor.”
Seriously? Real people don’t talk like that. Ever.
On top of that, there were misogynistic undertones in there that were giving me an ick. Why does a brother get to declare his sister being “off limits” and tries to tell her what she can do and who she can do it with? Is she not an adult with an agency over her own body? Also, why was there a baby shower, where the dad-to-be was getting funny gifts for himself, yet the future mother was getting a bunch of stuff for the kid?
If all of that wasn’t enough, I really struggled to make sense of the plot.
I thought the ex drama was going to be the main conflict or at least a vital part of the story but it ended up being almost an afterthought, resolved in less than half a page.
That’s right. After reading whole chapters of unnecessary details, when it came to some actual action, we just got a quick summary of it after it happened. I swear I saw red at that point and felt like an idiot, because MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.
So, basically, the whole plot turned out to be two characters with very little chemistry having a secret relationship, even though there was no actual reason for it to be secret to everyone around them. And after it all blew up, there was even less reason for the aftermath to be so dramatic. I know, those were young people, but they were supposed to act college-young, not middle school-young.
On a somewhat plus side, the found family vibe was sweet, but since nobody seemed to be honest and trusting with anyone, it too ended up feeling like a facade.
Overall, I simply didn’t enjoy anything about this book.
October 15, 2024
4 ⭐️
This book was such a fun ride! We’ve got Bret, who’s just trying to start fresh at a new school, only to end up rooming with her brother’s football teammates—including Crew, the guy she’s definitely not supposed to fall for.
I loved the chemistry between Bret and Crew. Their whole “we can’t, but we really want to” vibe had me rooting for them the whole time. Crew is the ultimate protective guy, and Bret’s past adds just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning the pages.
The college football setting adds some fun energy, and the side characters bring extra charm and humor. This was such a fun sports romance with the hint of danger twist and the perfect football season read.
Thank you Alexis for the arc opportunity! I will definitely be going back and reading book 1 and 2! 🩵
This book was such a fun ride! We’ve got Bret, who’s just trying to start fresh at a new school, only to end up rooming with her brother’s football teammates—including Crew, the guy she’s definitely not supposed to fall for.
I loved the chemistry between Bret and Crew. Their whole “we can’t, but we really want to” vibe had me rooting for them the whole time. Crew is the ultimate protective guy, and Bret’s past adds just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning the pages.
The college football setting adds some fun energy, and the side characters bring extra charm and humor. This was such a fun sports romance with the hint of danger twist and the perfect football season read.
Thank you Alexis for the arc opportunity! I will definitely be going back and reading book 1 and 2! 🩵
October 24, 2024
FULL ARC REVIEW TO COME
What to expect:
🏈 A secret, forbidden relationship
🏀 Roommates-to-lovers tension
🏈 Healing & mental health representation
🏀Coaches Daughter
🏈Athlete/Athlete
This series yall, this series. This is my top fave by far. The FMC Bret, literally packs up her life and moves to escape a rocky past. I loved her from the start. I found her to be so relatable. Crew is also just so damn superior.
I loved this whole series so much, and I truly feel like even in this big College setting you have such a strong niche family vibe. I loved seeing all the characters from past books. These can be read as a stand alone, but I truly think each book showcases everyone so well.
If you haven’t heard me scream about these enough I’m sure I will more because for real pick ‘em up!
What to expect:
🏈 A secret, forbidden relationship
🏀 Roommates-to-lovers tension
🏈 Healing & mental health representation
🏀Coaches Daughter
🏈Athlete/Athlete
This series yall, this series. This is my top fave by far. The FMC Bret, literally packs up her life and moves to escape a rocky past. I loved her from the start. I found her to be so relatable. Crew is also just so damn superior.
I loved this whole series so much, and I truly feel like even in this big College setting you have such a strong niche family vibe. I loved seeing all the characters from past books. These can be read as a stand alone, but I truly think each book showcases everyone so well.
If you haven’t heard me scream about these enough I’m sure I will more because for real pick ‘em up!
October 29, 2024
I loved this book so much. The Pass Protection has so many different elements that come together beautifully, and I was hooked from the start. I love how author Alexis Buxton’s descriptions transported me into different scenes, even small moments like drawing in a sketch pad and hearing the pencil scratch and shift against the page. My favorite moments though were being transported back to playing sports and cheering on my college teams. Through her writing, I could feel the players’ energy and nerves, feel and hear the crowd roaring and cheering and the band playing the fight song. Hear and feel the sounds of crisp shoes and dribbling on the basketball courts and feel the adrenaline pumping. I felt immersed in it all, and I absolutely loved it. This brought a delightfully unexpected element to the story for me, along with a good dose of nostalgia I didn’t know I needed. I also appreciated the brief military representation with a small glimpse at how it can affect family members back home; the Veteran’s Day halftime ceremony was so special, heartwarming, and sentimental.
I absolutely adored Crew. He is yet another perfect book boyfriend.. so thoughtful, so attentive and protective, so dirty. And Bret is strong as hell, even when she thinks she’s not. I loved their banter, their immediate chemistry, the way they support each other and lift each other up. The way Crew fully sees her behind her walls.
The spice was delicious.. Crew is a huge giver and lets Bret take what she needs. And she definitely gives back. The moment in Crew’s truck… oof. 🥵🔥 And Bret’s dream…I was hoping the whole time that one would come true. Iykyk 😏
Overall, a fantastic read from author Alexis Buxton. I love Crew and Bret together, and I adore their whole found family group. I cannot wait to read more from this series, along with anything else Alexis Buxton may have in store for us next.
A huge thank you to Alexis Buxton and Luna Literary Management for the ARC opportunity.
I absolutely adored Crew. He is yet another perfect book boyfriend.. so thoughtful, so attentive and protective, so dirty. And Bret is strong as hell, even when she thinks she’s not. I loved their banter, their immediate chemistry, the way they support each other and lift each other up. The way Crew fully sees her behind her walls.
The spice was delicious.. Crew is a huge giver and lets Bret take what she needs. And she definitely gives back. The moment in Crew’s truck… oof. 🥵🔥 And Bret’s dream…I was hoping the whole time that one would come true. Iykyk 😏
Overall, a fantastic read from author Alexis Buxton. I love Crew and Bret together, and I adore their whole found family group. I cannot wait to read more from this series, along with anything else Alexis Buxton may have in store for us next.
A huge thank you to Alexis Buxton and Luna Literary Management for the ARC opportunity.
October 17, 2024
The Pass Protection was a great addition to the CTU Eagles Series. The story had the perfect blend of emotion, romance, humour, angst and suspense. I loved Crew and Bret so much! Their relationship was so beautiful!
The chemistry between Crew and Bret was incredible. I was rooting for them the entire time! They had a real connection that couldn’t be ignored – even if they had to date in secret due to them being roommates. The mental health representation was handled with so much care and respect. I loved Bret so much! She was such a strong and independent woman, but I could also feel her vulnerable side and loved watching her journey throughout. I loved how Crew was able to break down her walls and slowly became Bret’s safe place.
If you’re looking for a steamy, forbidden, college sports romance with ALL the feels, then I would definitely add this to your TBR!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
🏈 College Football
🏀 Roommates-to-Lovers
🏈 Forbidden/Secret Relationship
🏀 Athlete x Athlete
🏈 Angsty, Emotional, & Suspenseful
🏀 Mental Health Rep
🏈 Found Family
🏀 Open Door Romance
The chemistry between Crew and Bret was incredible. I was rooting for them the entire time! They had a real connection that couldn’t be ignored – even if they had to date in secret due to them being roommates. The mental health representation was handled with so much care and respect. I loved Bret so much! She was such a strong and independent woman, but I could also feel her vulnerable side and loved watching her journey throughout. I loved how Crew was able to break down her walls and slowly became Bret’s safe place.
If you’re looking for a steamy, forbidden, college sports romance with ALL the feels, then I would definitely add this to your TBR!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
🏈 College Football
🏀 Roommates-to-Lovers
🏈 Forbidden/Secret Relationship
🏀 Athlete x Athlete
🏈 Angsty, Emotional, & Suspenseful
🏀 Mental Health Rep
🏈 Found Family
🏀 Open Door Romance
October 3, 2024
I was happy to receive this ARC of The Pass Protection. Bret travels across the country to the college where her brother and father are at without imforming anyone. She is trying to flee her past. She takes a room with three of his football teammates. They all think Bret is a guy since she didn't mention that fact. One of the roommates is already known to her and sparks fly.
October 18, 2024
The Pass Protection is a standout in Alexis Buxton's CTU Eagles Series, blending romance, humor, suspense, and emotion. It is the third book in the CTU Eagles Series, and it’s easily my favorite so far. With each book, Alexis Buxton’s writing just gets better, but Bret and Crew’s story truly blew me away. Crew’s character is so unforgettable that he’s earned a spot on my top 10 book boyfriend list.
The chemistry between Crew and Bret is electric, with a "we shouldn't, but we want to" tension that makes their journey captivating. Despite being roommates, their secret relationship feels real and touching, and Crew's patience and care make him a memorable character.
Bret is a strong, independent woman with vulnerabilities that many will relate to, especially as the story sensitively handles her struggles with anxiety. Crew and Olivia’s support adds a heartwarming element, and their friendship plays a crucial role in Bret’s healing. The college football backdrop adds energy and charm, with the side characters bringing extra fun.
This book is not only a steamy, forbidden sports romance but also a thoughtful exploration of mental health. If you're a fan of college sports romances, especially football, this is one to add to your list!
The chemistry between Crew and Bret is electric, with a "we shouldn't, but we want to" tension that makes their journey captivating. Despite being roommates, their secret relationship feels real and touching, and Crew's patience and care make him a memorable character.
Bret is a strong, independent woman with vulnerabilities that many will relate to, especially as the story sensitively handles her struggles with anxiety. Crew and Olivia’s support adds a heartwarming element, and their friendship plays a crucial role in Bret’s healing. The college football backdrop adds energy and charm, with the side characters bringing extra fun.
This book is not only a steamy, forbidden sports romance but also a thoughtful exploration of mental health. If you're a fan of college sports romances, especially football, this is one to add to your list!
October 15, 2024
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Bret drops everything and moves closer to her family. She doesn’t tell anyone she is coming. She desperately needs a change. Imagine the surprise of her 3 football roommates when they realize their new roomie is a girl, a players sister and their coaches daughter.
Crew knows Bret and they had a great connection when they had meant a few months ago; but he respected her relationship. Now she is his roommate and single he cannot let her go this time. her past finds her and threatens to destroy it all.
I LOVE AN AMAZING FRIEND GROUP!!! And this book is that chemistry. You also see next books brewing. Yes please!
#thepassprotection #alexisbuxton
#sportsromance #football #secretrelationship #foundfamily #mentalhealthrep #booksta #bookworm #booklover #readersofinsta #romancereader
#lunaliterary
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Bret drops everything and moves closer to her family. She doesn’t tell anyone she is coming. She desperately needs a change. Imagine the surprise of her 3 football roommates when they realize their new roomie is a girl, a players sister and their coaches daughter.
Crew knows Bret and they had a great connection when they had meant a few months ago; but he respected her relationship. Now she is his roommate and single he cannot let her go this time. her past finds her and threatens to destroy it all.
I LOVE AN AMAZING FRIEND GROUP!!! And this book is that chemistry. You also see next books brewing. Yes please!
#thepassprotection #alexisbuxton
#sportsromance #football #secretrelationship #foundfamily #mentalhealthrep #booksta #bookworm #booklover #readersofinsta #romancereader
#lunaliterary
October 20, 2024
🏈
I live for a great football romance! This book was just that! From start to finish you fall in love with Bret and Crew! Bret is running from her past in Arizona when her brother tells her about his friends needing a roommate. Without them knowing she was who was moving it you can only imagine the shock on everyone’s faces especially Crew! Of course Bret is suppose to be “off limits” but we all know how that goes especially with people who just have the chemistry these to have! The banter is amazing and don’t even get me started on the spice because hot damn it’s good! It ends soo beautifully and I couldn’t be happier
I live for a great football romance! This book was just that! From start to finish you fall in love with Bret and Crew! Bret is running from her past in Arizona when her brother tells her about his friends needing a roommate. Without them knowing she was who was moving it you can only imagine the shock on everyone’s faces especially Crew! Of course Bret is suppose to be “off limits” but we all know how that goes especially with people who just have the chemistry these to have! The banter is amazing and don’t even get me started on the spice because hot damn it’s good! It ends soo beautifully and I couldn’t be happier
October 6, 2024
First and foremost… thank you Alexis Buxton for the opportunity to read this ARC copy!
4.5⭐️ actually! Loved this book! I literally sat down this morning at 9% read and binged the rest of the book! I couldn’t put it down!!
I loved the mental health representation in this book! Chefs kiss! 💋
Crew Riggsby is the perfect man!! Bret Campbell is a little bit of all us! Together they are magic!! 💕
This book comes out October 16 and everyone needs to read this! Oh and follow this author on her Instagram: @author_alexisbuxton 💯
4.5⭐️ actually! Loved this book! I literally sat down this morning at 9% read and binged the rest of the book! I couldn’t put it down!!
I loved the mental health representation in this book! Chefs kiss! 💋
Crew Riggsby is the perfect man!! Bret Campbell is a little bit of all us! Together they are magic!! 💕
This book comes out October 16 and everyone needs to read this! Oh and follow this author on her Instagram: @author_alexisbuxton 💯
October 16, 2024
This is the third book in the CTU series and it is my favorite. Each book of Alexis's I like just a little bit more than the last one. I was completely blow away by Bret and Crew's story. Crew has to be on my top 10 book boyfriend list. How patient and caring he was with Bret and immediately how he got drawn right back in to Bret's orbit I just LOVED. I also really appreciate how much credit he gave to Olivia to helping Bret and "saving their girl." I thought that was really sweet and how he considered Olivia to be a good friend to him now too.
I love Bret, how she was a sports girl herself and she wasn't afraid to be herself. And while Bret does have some faults, I think she is badass. I just kept thinking about how different Bret is from Alexis's other female main characters. I think Alexis did such a great job portraying Bret's anxiety and incorporating Olivia and Crew helping her. Bret's story is a story I know a lot of people can relate too with loosing themselves to a relationship and letting that person turn them into a shell of their former selves.
5 stars! I can't wait for the next book from Alexis!
I love Bret, how she was a sports girl herself and she wasn't afraid to be herself. And while Bret does have some faults, I think she is badass. I just kept thinking about how different Bret is from Alexis's other female main characters. I think Alexis did such a great job portraying Bret's anxiety and incorporating Olivia and Crew helping her. Bret's story is a story I know a lot of people can relate too with loosing themselves to a relationship and letting that person turn them into a shell of their former selves.
5 stars! I can't wait for the next book from Alexis!
October 17, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are a BookTok fan of hockey romance books then this is for you! This book was SO cute but 🌶️ at the same time. While I haven’t read the first 2 books, I will be adding them to my TBR after my review because this is one of those books that leaves you wanting more and fills a hole other books have left after you finish. Crew is so supportive and patient with Bret and the epilogue/bonus epilogue are PERFECT!!!!
Great job by Alexis Buxton!!! You have gained a fan for life ❤️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are a BookTok fan of hockey romance books then this is for you! This book was SO cute but 🌶️ at the same time. While I haven’t read the first 2 books, I will be adding them to my TBR after my review because this is one of those books that leaves you wanting more and fills a hole other books have left after you finish. Crew is so supportive and patient with Bret and the epilogue/bonus epilogue are PERFECT!!!!
Great job by Alexis Buxton!!! You have gained a fan for life ❤️
October 5, 2024
I ate this book UP!!! Alexis Buxton did an amazing job telling Bret and Crew’s story. I appreciated the mental health representation in college sports and student life. This was the first CTU Eagles book I’ve read and it made me want to read the rest!
If you’re a fan of sports romance, specifically football, add this to your TBR!
If you’re a fan of sports romance, specifically football, add this to your TBR!
October 16, 2024
This was a cute read! Bret is running away from her ex, and manages to move in with three of the brothers roommates, and best friends. It’s a classic found family, secret dating love story and I’m here for it! Bret and Crew’s precious chemistry is resurfaced when they become roommates and absolute cannot rehash those emotions… but of course it doesn’t end that way. You never know what Bret’s next move may be, and Crew is there to protect her through it all. If you love a sports romance, secret dating, roommates to lovers romance, this one is for you! 🏈❤️🔥🥂
January 8, 2025
Bret is such a baddie. 🤭
October 17, 2024
This is my first book by Alexis and I fell in love immediately with her writing style and the way the entire story was woven with so many emotions and feels but also character arc that makes you feel like you are experiencing it all with them.
This book was so good! I absolutely enjoy books where the fmc is also into sports and has that easygoing personality and this book showed the sharp contrast of no matter how the person make seen to look like, there is a lot that goes inside them.
The found family vibes of the book were absolutely fun and I just could not put this book down.
I will 100% recommend this book if you enjoy of friends to lover romance with a hint of secret relationship, forced proximity, I want to protect you from anything that would hurt you vibes & SPORTS Romance.
This book was so good! I absolutely enjoy books where the fmc is also into sports and has that easygoing personality and this book showed the sharp contrast of no matter how the person make seen to look like, there is a lot that goes inside them.
The found family vibes of the book were absolutely fun and I just could not put this book down.
I will 100% recommend this book if you enjoy of friends to lover romance with a hint of secret relationship, forced proximity, I want to protect you from anything that would hurt you vibes & SPORTS Romance.
October 29, 2024
I really enjoyed The Pass Protection. The chemistry between Crew and Bret was undeniable. I was rooting for them the entire time! I loved the roommates and found family vibes. It was nice to see Bret connect with the guys. Alexis did an amazing job writing about mental health. She did it with so much care! I highly recommend especially if you’re looking for spice, found family and sports romance!
Highlights:
💙Dual POV
💙Mental health rep
💙Found family
💙Forced proximity
💙Sports romance
💙Secrets
Highlights:
💙Dual POV
💙Mental health rep
💙Found family
💙Forced proximity
💙Sports romance
💙Secrets
February 25, 2025
Ok after being unable to stop thinking about this book since I finished it, I’ve upped my rating from 4.5 to 5⭐️!!!
🏈Football & Basketball Sportsmance
🏀Athlete x Athlete
🏈Roommates to Lovers
🏀Secret Relationship
🏈Teammate’s Sister/Coach’s Daughter
🏀He Falls First
🏈Mental Health Rep
🏀Found Family
Since finishing this book, I have not been able to stop thinking about it! Each book has only gotten better. Each couple has pulled me deeper and made me fall harder. And Crew is so effortlessly top of the pack for me. I love Crew! I was swooning from the beginning of the book for him. He was so down bad for Brit from the start. He was so sweet and caring. The tension between them was hot and then they just can’t help giving in! I was eating up the sneaking around and stolen time they spent together. When I say Crew is top tier, I mean it! The things he does for Brit had me kicking and screaming! 🥹🥹🫠🫠 Brit also has to be my fave FMC. She has vulnerabilities and insecurities but her strength and determination to learn and move on from her past, her mental health struggle made me want everything for her, I appreciated how it was written with care but still had a grittiness and depth. Her sassiness and take no crap from her new roommates and brother was *chef’s kiss*!! The found family of this friends group has never been stronger. The detailed description of the Crew and Brit playing the respective sports was fantastic! I could understand it to the point of actually being able visualizing it.
________________________________________________
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🏈Football & Basketball Sportsmance
🏀Athlete x Athlete
🏈Roommates to Lovers
🏀Secret Relationship
🏈Teammate’s Sister/Coach’s Daughter
🏀He Falls First
🏈Mental Health Rep
🏀Found Family
Since finishing this book, I have not been able to stop thinking about it! Each book has only gotten better. Each couple has pulled me deeper and made me fall harder. And Crew is so effortlessly top of the pack for me. I love Crew! I was swooning from the beginning of the book for him. He was so down bad for Brit from the start. He was so sweet and caring. The tension between them was hot and then they just can’t help giving in! I was eating up the sneaking around and stolen time they spent together. When I say Crew is top tier, I mean it! The things he does for Brit had me kicking and screaming! 🥹🥹🫠🫠 Brit also has to be my fave FMC. She has vulnerabilities and insecurities but her strength and determination to learn and move on from her past, her mental health struggle made me want everything for her, I appreciated how it was written with care but still had a grittiness and depth. Her sassiness and take no crap from her new roommates and brother was *chef’s kiss*!! The found family of this friends group has never been stronger. The detailed description of the Crew and Brit playing the respective sports was fantastic! I could understand it to the point of actually being able visualizing it.
________________________________________________
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 14, 2024
The Pass Protection is the 3rd novel in the CTU Eagles' series, but this one can be read as a complete standalone. Alexis Buxton is also a new to me author.
This novel belongs to Crew and Bret( 1 t makes it more feminine).
Bret uproots her life in Arizona and is on the run from a bad breakup, which had her constantly looking over her shoulder. With no gender box on the roommate application, Bret finds herself rooming with 3 star football players. Only there is one small problem, Ok, make that several small problems: 1. They were not expecting a woman; 2. They are her brother's best friends; and 3. She already has feelings for one of them, Crew and to say that he is surprised to see Bret at his apartment door is an understatement.
Bret is this fiercely independent woman whose whole world gets turned upside down and she is forced to more across country and start over, but being this independent woman, she does not want to burden anyone with her issues and does everything she can to keep them hidden.
Crew, I loved Crew, the fierce protector. The one who wants to make sure Bret is and does always feel safe. and this is before their relationship turns romantic. He wants to give her everything, even if that means keeping their relationship quiet for the time being. But Crew, while always appearing like sunshine, is battling his own inner turmoil. Like Crew is Bret's calming force, Bret is Crew's, and it is clear that they are meant for each other.
Overall, this was a well-written story. The characters were well developed and realistic. I loved the friend groups and the found family that is weaved throughout. The mental health representation was handled with love and respect. This book handles a lot of tough topics, and they are not rushed over, but time is taken to engage with them, which I think is so important. This
The only critique I have really, which is completely my own opinion, is that at points throughout the story there was way too much description, which at times felt like the story veered before righting itself. I like enough description to get my imagination running, but this story gives me everything I need, which at times felt like it slowed the story down and didn't allow me to fill in the blanks.
I am very thankful for ARC of this novel; I would have read it regardless. Thank you, Alexis Buxton and Lune Literary, for this chance in return for an honest review.
This novel belongs to Crew and Bret( 1 t makes it more feminine).
Bret uproots her life in Arizona and is on the run from a bad breakup, which had her constantly looking over her shoulder. With no gender box on the roommate application, Bret finds herself rooming with 3 star football players. Only there is one small problem, Ok, make that several small problems: 1. They were not expecting a woman; 2. They are her brother's best friends; and 3. She already has feelings for one of them, Crew and to say that he is surprised to see Bret at his apartment door is an understatement.
Bret is this fiercely independent woman whose whole world gets turned upside down and she is forced to more across country and start over, but being this independent woman, she does not want to burden anyone with her issues and does everything she can to keep them hidden.
Crew, I loved Crew, the fierce protector. The one who wants to make sure Bret is and does always feel safe. and this is before their relationship turns romantic. He wants to give her everything, even if that means keeping their relationship quiet for the time being. But Crew, while always appearing like sunshine, is battling his own inner turmoil. Like Crew is Bret's calming force, Bret is Crew's, and it is clear that they are meant for each other.
Overall, this was a well-written story. The characters were well developed and realistic. I loved the friend groups and the found family that is weaved throughout. The mental health representation was handled with love and respect. This book handles a lot of tough topics, and they are not rushed over, but time is taken to engage with them, which I think is so important. This
The only critique I have really, which is completely my own opinion, is that at points throughout the story there was way too much description, which at times felt like the story veered before righting itself. I like enough description to get my imagination running, but this story gives me everything I need, which at times felt like it slowed the story down and didn't allow me to fill in the blanks.
I am very thankful for ARC of this novel; I would have read it regardless. Thank you, Alexis Buxton and Lune Literary, for this chance in return for an honest review.
October 6, 2024
Arc Review
The pass protection by Alexis Buxton
Available October 16
4.75 ⭐
First off i would like to thank. Alexis & @lunaliterary.management For the opportunity to read & review this book. Thank you for this gifted E-Arc.
This book follows Bret & Crew. Bret suddenly transfers to a new school to hopefully get a fresh start from a traumatic past. Crew is coming off a record season as tight end and hopes for smooth sailing with football, partying and classes till Bret shows up & his plans change. The chemistry. The banter. The tension. The spice. 🥰🥵.
Bret is a beautiful, tough, brilliant & witty woman. She is trying her best to move on from a traumatic past and toxic ex. She is attracted to Crew but doesn't really want to push it with her past. She tends to hold everything in & keep it to herself & is struggling to trust anyone. (For good reason & i absolutely love her) Her connection to crew gives her the ability to open up and let him in, to tell him about her past is admirable. Her being able to stand up for her self while being vulnerably is beautiful. Her friendship with everyone and her family is beautiful & her bond with Olivia is absolutely gold.
Crew is a confident, smart, goofy, sweet & caring man. He is instantly attracted to Bret and is willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy. (My man is down bad 🤭) He is struggling to keep to the boundaries they set up & showing her that he is all in with her. His protectiveness over bret isn't over barring and his willingness to listen & let bret open up on her own terms is so nice. His connection with Bret & ability to read her so well and know exactly what she needs 🥺. They way he is so willing to be safe space for Bret. His relationship with his family is so sweet & the friendship he has that turn into a family is beautiful.
5/5 recommend this book. Alexis is a new to me author. Her ability to write heartbreaking hard topics while doing it so well is absolutely beautiful. Her storytelling is beautifully done. I absolutely related to bret in some aspect and felt like her character was real and raw in the best way.
The pass protection by Alexis Buxton
Available October 16
4.75 ⭐
First off i would like to thank. Alexis & @lunaliterary.management For the opportunity to read & review this book. Thank you for this gifted E-Arc.
This book follows Bret & Crew. Bret suddenly transfers to a new school to hopefully get a fresh start from a traumatic past. Crew is coming off a record season as tight end and hopes for smooth sailing with football, partying and classes till Bret shows up & his plans change. The chemistry. The banter. The tension. The spice. 🥰🥵.
Bret is a beautiful, tough, brilliant & witty woman. She is trying her best to move on from a traumatic past and toxic ex. She is attracted to Crew but doesn't really want to push it with her past. She tends to hold everything in & keep it to herself & is struggling to trust anyone. (For good reason & i absolutely love her) Her connection to crew gives her the ability to open up and let him in, to tell him about her past is admirable. Her being able to stand up for her self while being vulnerably is beautiful. Her friendship with everyone and her family is beautiful & her bond with Olivia is absolutely gold.
Crew is a confident, smart, goofy, sweet & caring man. He is instantly attracted to Bret and is willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy. (My man is down bad 🤭) He is struggling to keep to the boundaries they set up & showing her that he is all in with her. His protectiveness over bret isn't over barring and his willingness to listen & let bret open up on her own terms is so nice. His connection with Bret & ability to read her so well and know exactly what she needs 🥺. They way he is so willing to be safe space for Bret. His relationship with his family is so sweet & the friendship he has that turn into a family is beautiful.
5/5 recommend this book. Alexis is a new to me author. Her ability to write heartbreaking hard topics while doing it so well is absolutely beautiful. Her storytelling is beautifully done. I absolutely related to bret in some aspect and felt like her character was real and raw in the best way.
October 15, 2024
4.5/5- Bret left Arizona, wanting to leave the fear she was carrying with her behind. She is the new roommate of three of her brother’s teammates and wants a new, fresh start. Crew Riggsby is one of those roommates and also met Bret briefly, forming an online friendship. The last thing he expected was to see Bret again, alone as a roommate. Bret’s brother has warned the entire team off dating his sister, but Crew finds himself drawn to her. They cannot deny their chemistry and are soon sneaking kisses everywhere. Bret is finally starting to feel safe, but her past and what she was running from catch up to her. All is revealed and no one will be left unscathed.
I felt for Bret. She has been through a lot and was struggling with her mental health so much. I appreciated the panic attack/anxiety representation though, feeling they accurately depicted experiencing this type of anxiety. Bret wanted to move on from the past but grew to trust some people to help her through the struggles she had. I loved how much Crew was all in for Bret from the start. He fell fast and hard and spent some much time having Bret in any way she would let him. I liked that she was able to confide in Crew and he helped her through moments of panic. Crew is a fierce protector who loves his family and friends. He would do anything to help them, and proved this time and again with Bret and his other friends.
Overall, I felt that the story was written well and kept me interested and turning the pages. I loved the found family in this book. Many characters have connected throughout college and are there, offering support and love to one another. I especially liked the relationship with Bret and her three roommates. This was book 3 in an interconnected standalone series, but it was easily read without the previous books. Buxton’s writing is so good I will return to read the other books in this series. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
read if you like: teammates sister/coach’s daughter, roommate, forced proximity, forbidden romance, secret relationship, found family, college football
I felt for Bret. She has been through a lot and was struggling with her mental health so much. I appreciated the panic attack/anxiety representation though, feeling they accurately depicted experiencing this type of anxiety. Bret wanted to move on from the past but grew to trust some people to help her through the struggles she had. I loved how much Crew was all in for Bret from the start. He fell fast and hard and spent some much time having Bret in any way she would let him. I liked that she was able to confide in Crew and he helped her through moments of panic. Crew is a fierce protector who loves his family and friends. He would do anything to help them, and proved this time and again with Bret and his other friends.
Overall, I felt that the story was written well and kept me interested and turning the pages. I loved the found family in this book. Many characters have connected throughout college and are there, offering support and love to one another. I especially liked the relationship with Bret and her three roommates. This was book 3 in an interconnected standalone series, but it was easily read without the previous books. Buxton’s writing is so good I will return to read the other books in this series. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
read if you like: teammates sister/coach’s daughter, roommate, forced proximity, forbidden romance, secret relationship, found family, college football
October 16, 2024
4.25 stars
This was the first book in this series that I have read, which is okay because they can all be read as stand-alones even though they are all connected. This was an enjoyable sports romance. It gave something a little different because both MCs are athletes. I enjoyed that the FMC was not some frail, helpless woman. You know that is always going to be an interesting story when the FMC is the coach’s daughter and the sister of a guy on the team. You know that there will always be some sneaking around and drama in store. But that makes for an engaging story. But what I really loved was that the FMC was not as simple as she seemed and from the beginning you could see that she was struggling.
Bret was a great character. I loved that we learn at the very beginning that she has gone from a blond basketball player with clean, unmarked skin to someone with black hair, covered in tattoos that she got from her roommate that needed to practice her skills, and with a couple of new piercings 😉. It is apparent from the start that she has been through something and is struggling. As someone that struggles with anxiety, I really appreciated the mental health representation. It is great to see someone who is strong and sassy that is also dealing with their mental health.
Crew is the ideal MMC. Who doesn’t love a big, strong jock that naturally jumps into the protector role. He had a natural instinct to take care of Bret, even though he had only had minimal contact on social media. He was so sweet and was there for Bret when she needed him. He became someone she could lean on and let in.
This book was well written, and I loved the characters. I love a sports romance but what I love even more is a found family. I loved how they all come together and are there for each other. The chemistry between Bret and Crew is great and the spice scenes are 👌. The book is on the longer side but I thought it was entertaining and didn’t seem to drag on. It’s a great sports romance with wonderful characters.
This was the first book in this series that I have read, which is okay because they can all be read as stand-alones even though they are all connected. This was an enjoyable sports romance. It gave something a little different because both MCs are athletes. I enjoyed that the FMC was not some frail, helpless woman. You know that is always going to be an interesting story when the FMC is the coach’s daughter and the sister of a guy on the team. You know that there will always be some sneaking around and drama in store. But that makes for an engaging story. But what I really loved was that the FMC was not as simple as she seemed and from the beginning you could see that she was struggling.
Bret was a great character. I loved that we learn at the very beginning that she has gone from a blond basketball player with clean, unmarked skin to someone with black hair, covered in tattoos that she got from her roommate that needed to practice her skills, and with a couple of new piercings 😉. It is apparent from the start that she has been through something and is struggling. As someone that struggles with anxiety, I really appreciated the mental health representation. It is great to see someone who is strong and sassy that is also dealing with their mental health.
Crew is the ideal MMC. Who doesn’t love a big, strong jock that naturally jumps into the protector role. He had a natural instinct to take care of Bret, even though he had only had minimal contact on social media. He was so sweet and was there for Bret when she needed him. He became someone she could lean on and let in.
This book was well written, and I loved the characters. I love a sports romance but what I love even more is a found family. I loved how they all come together and are there for each other. The chemistry between Bret and Crew is great and the spice scenes are 👌. The book is on the longer side but I thought it was entertaining and didn’t seem to drag on. It’s a great sports romance with wonderful characters.
October 12, 2024
3.5⭐️and we’re pushing it up! Read to see why!
First of all, huge thank you to Alexis Buxton for gifting me this ARC copy to read and review her CTU Eagles Book 3: The Pass Protection.
I ultimately enjoyed this book and would recommend it to the right reader! I appreciate the detail and care used when writing about what could be tough topics such as SA, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, loss of parents, military service, amongst other stressful and pressuring situations. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and you do belong here!
The relationships in the book are cute. It was giving New Girl vibes + spice! The romance felt angsty- sparked and fizzled, sparked and fizzled, sparked again with innuendos in between. It did make me miss my helmet chasing college days, the guys of CTU are dreamy.
Special shoutout for the Ohio references!! As an Ohio girly myself I loved seeing this and trying to guess what towns the author is basing her fictional towns off of.
My only dislike: there was soooo much detail thrown in that it became a slow read. Some readers love to know everything down to the FMCs hair clip or every bit of the scenery on a drive but these moments began to fill like length filler. We’d be fully established in a scene finding out the FMC is wearing baggy jeans with the knees blown out … again. There becomes a point where you fully develop the characters style and the plot becomes bigger than the detail, but the detail remains intense throughout. If you’re someone who loves to paint precise pictures in your head while reading, you may appreciate this. For me, while I appreciated it at first, it bogged things down as I wanted to get moving with the story.
Thank you again to Alexis and team for providing me the opportunity to read this! This book comes out October 16th and I highly recommend if you are a quick reader who loves a college football romance.
First of all, huge thank you to Alexis Buxton for gifting me this ARC copy to read and review her CTU Eagles Book 3: The Pass Protection.
I ultimately enjoyed this book and would recommend it to the right reader! I appreciate the detail and care used when writing about what could be tough topics such as SA, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, loss of parents, military service, amongst other stressful and pressuring situations. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel and you do belong here!
The relationships in the book are cute. It was giving New Girl vibes + spice! The romance felt angsty- sparked and fizzled, sparked and fizzled, sparked again with innuendos in between. It did make me miss my helmet chasing college days, the guys of CTU are dreamy.
Special shoutout for the Ohio references!! As an Ohio girly myself I loved seeing this and trying to guess what towns the author is basing her fictional towns off of.
My only dislike: there was soooo much detail thrown in that it became a slow read. Some readers love to know everything down to the FMCs hair clip or every bit of the scenery on a drive but these moments began to fill like length filler. We’d be fully established in a scene finding out the FMC is wearing baggy jeans with the knees blown out … again. There becomes a point where you fully develop the characters style and the plot becomes bigger than the detail, but the detail remains intense throughout. If you’re someone who loves to paint precise pictures in your head while reading, you may appreciate this. For me, while I appreciated it at first, it bogged things down as I wanted to get moving with the story.
Thank you again to Alexis and team for providing me the opportunity to read this! This book comes out October 16th and I highly recommend if you are a quick reader who loves a college football romance.
October 14, 2024
The Pass Protection is the third book of the CTU Eagles series and can be read as a standalone. This is the first book that I have read by this author. This story has a lot of fun tropes: brother's best friend and brother's little sister, sports romance and forced proximity. The story begins as Bret secretly moves to Texas and into her brother's friend's apartment to live (who need a fourth roommate), keeping the reason why a secret from everyone. There she meets Crew, who she has met before in the past, as he is her brother's friend and teammate on the football team. They develop an instant connection and quickly begin a relationship, keeping this a secret from her brother and roommates. I thought this book was overall okay. I enjoyed that Bret's passion was basketball and she wasn't the stereotypical girly girl. She liked being athletic and stayed true to herself and her passions. Her independence and strength are what drew me into her character. Crew was smart, sweet, and overall, a great guy. I liked seeing their relationship develop overtime and Bret had the ability to lean on Crew when she needed it! Although their relationship was special, I did not really feel the connection between the two, so I was kind of shocked when they said they loved each other so soon. Maybe it was because they were so secretive with dating, it was hard to really engage with their feelings. I also felt there was a lot going on in the book and at times parts were boring that I had to skim the chapter. Finally, I had to keep reminding myself that the characters were in their early 20s, so why they felt so childish and young to me at times. They lacked maturity which is tough to read when I am in my late 20s, and it is hard to connect to their feelings and thoughts! Overall, it was an average read, but I probably would not pick it up again.
October 21, 2024
**ARC Book Review **
If you know me, you know my love for football. It’s been a love I’ve had since I was a kid going to games at Aloha stadium in Hawaii. I’d sit and cheer on the teams with my dad while my mom and brother wandered around. Fall is football season. The weekends are meant for football. So you know what that means?! It means I can add football romances to my football season. I love that sports romances is such a big thing now.
Anyways, onto the book, Pass Protection by Alexis Buxton. I have to say that I absolutely love the mental health aspect that a lot of these ARCs have that I’ve been reading. This one is no different and I can relate to this one so much because of my own anxiety that I’ve experienced in the last decade. Finding ways to cope when it hits you is hard but once you figure it out, it’s becomes a comfort because you know you have a way to deal with it in the future. It’s also great to find your rocks in life. The ones who will ground you when you need it most. Found/chosen families are so important. They’re usually the ones who see you at your most raw and at your highest.
The love story in this book just gives you the warm fuzzies and a little sweat. The spice that happens is just, oh wee. I can’t even. It doesn’t always get laid out in full detail. Sometimes you get just a little taste and then it’s the next day so your imagination has to fill the void. However, when the details are laid out, they are spicy!
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and complimented my Sunday ritual of vegging out on the couch to football. Now I’m reading a book on football during commercials. 😂 Even if you don’t like football, it’s still a good book. It doesn’t go into a lot of detail of the game, just enough to add another dimension to the story.
If you know me, you know my love for football. It’s been a love I’ve had since I was a kid going to games at Aloha stadium in Hawaii. I’d sit and cheer on the teams with my dad while my mom and brother wandered around. Fall is football season. The weekends are meant for football. So you know what that means?! It means I can add football romances to my football season. I love that sports romances is such a big thing now.
Anyways, onto the book, Pass Protection by Alexis Buxton. I have to say that I absolutely love the mental health aspect that a lot of these ARCs have that I’ve been reading. This one is no different and I can relate to this one so much because of my own anxiety that I’ve experienced in the last decade. Finding ways to cope when it hits you is hard but once you figure it out, it’s becomes a comfort because you know you have a way to deal with it in the future. It’s also great to find your rocks in life. The ones who will ground you when you need it most. Found/chosen families are so important. They’re usually the ones who see you at your most raw and at your highest.
The love story in this book just gives you the warm fuzzies and a little sweat. The spice that happens is just, oh wee. I can’t even. It doesn’t always get laid out in full detail. Sometimes you get just a little taste and then it’s the next day so your imagination has to fill the void. However, when the details are laid out, they are spicy!
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and complimented my Sunday ritual of vegging out on the couch to football. Now I’m reading a book on football during commercials. 😂 Even if you don’t like football, it’s still a good book. It doesn’t go into a lot of detail of the game, just enough to add another dimension to the story.
October 18, 2024
✨️eARC Review✨️
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶
*The Pass Protection is book 3 in the CTU Eagles series and is an interconnected standalone. While not necessary to read books 1, 2, or the 1.5 novella, characters and history may make more sense*
When Bret needs to escape her current university, a sudden transfer to CTU lands her rooming with 3 of her brother's teammates, who are also under the coaching of her father. Crew had previously met Bret and was strictly friend zoned because she had a boyfriend, but now he's friend zoned for completely different reasons. They both fight to stay away, but Crew won't give up his second chance with Bret, and Bret finds safety from her past with Crew. Will her past and their secrets end them before they begin?
I wasn't able to get through the whole series before this ARC but I did read The Late Hit (Book 1) and while not necessary, I'm glad I did to really understand past characters/history. Bret actually gets introduced in that book, and the found family definitely continues with the gang into The Pass Protection. I liked how Crew and Bret really balanced each other out. Crew was able to break down Bret's walls and let her make the shots (pun intended). He was patient and attentive in order to have her in any capacity he could. Bret had an easy, trusting connection with Crew that led to her opening up to him right away, which eventually led to her making so many friends and living her best life. While I do wish there had been a little more suspense with Bret and her ex towards the end, I liked this group of friends so much. Also, I'm a HUGE Mac Miller fan, so bonus points to all the references!
Tropes:
✔️ College Football Romance
✔️ Roommates to Lovers
✔️ Forbidden Romance
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Secret Relationship
✔️ Athlete X Athlete (Basketball FMC)
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶
*The Pass Protection is book 3 in the CTU Eagles series and is an interconnected standalone. While not necessary to read books 1, 2, or the 1.5 novella, characters and history may make more sense*
When Bret needs to escape her current university, a sudden transfer to CTU lands her rooming with 3 of her brother's teammates, who are also under the coaching of her father. Crew had previously met Bret and was strictly friend zoned because she had a boyfriend, but now he's friend zoned for completely different reasons. They both fight to stay away, but Crew won't give up his second chance with Bret, and Bret finds safety from her past with Crew. Will her past and their secrets end them before they begin?
I wasn't able to get through the whole series before this ARC but I did read The Late Hit (Book 1) and while not necessary, I'm glad I did to really understand past characters/history. Bret actually gets introduced in that book, and the found family definitely continues with the gang into The Pass Protection. I liked how Crew and Bret really balanced each other out. Crew was able to break down Bret's walls and let her make the shots (pun intended). He was patient and attentive in order to have her in any capacity he could. Bret had an easy, trusting connection with Crew that led to her opening up to him right away, which eventually led to her making so many friends and living her best life. While I do wish there had been a little more suspense with Bret and her ex towards the end, I liked this group of friends so much. Also, I'm a HUGE Mac Miller fan, so bonus points to all the references!
Tropes:
✔️ College Football Romance
✔️ Roommates to Lovers
✔️ Forbidden Romance
✔️ Found Family
✔️ Secret Relationship
✔️ Athlete X Athlete (Basketball FMC)
October 8, 2024
When the roommate is also the guy you're not supposed to fall for...but here we are.
Bret (FMC): 20• Basketball Player • Majoring in: Sports Management • Coach’s Daughter • Teammate’s Sister • Black Cat Vibes •
Crew (MMC): 21 • Tight End • Majoring in: Agricultural Business • Wants to Work the Family Farm • Golden Retriever Energy •
Tropes:
🏈 Football Tight End x Coach’s Daughter
🏀 Friends-to-Lovers
🏈 Forbidden Love/ Secret Relationship
🏀 Forced Proximity
🏈 Roommates
🏀 College Romance
🏈 Small Town
🏀 Found Family
🏈 Teammate Shenanigans
🏀 Text Messages
🏈 No Third Act Break-up
🏀 Suspenseful
🏈 Nicknames
🏀 Video Game Bonding
Rating: 🦋🦋🦋.🐛 (3.75⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🫑🫑🫑(🐫, 👅, body jewelry, road head, dirty talk, hair pulling, public play, praise)
T/W: self harm/unaliving oneself (referenced), death of a parent (referenced), mental health struggles (on page), emotional/psychological abuse (not MCs, referenced), unwanted following of a person (referenced), panic attacks (on page)
Crew came in and tore down Bret's walls. He gave her a safe place to land and feel safe. I think Alexis did a great job of showing growth of the characters within their relationship and as individuals, but I think the book could've been about 100/150 pages shorter. At times, the book did feel a little bogged down with many details and unnecessary slow mundane moments. Overall, I enjoyed watching Bret grow more confident and comfortable. And I loved seeing Crew and Bret blossom. Crew is a top tier book boyfriend that will support you no matter what. 🥰
I can't wait to go back to school at CTU with the next series.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Bret (FMC): 20• Basketball Player • Majoring in: Sports Management • Coach’s Daughter • Teammate’s Sister • Black Cat Vibes •
Crew (MMC): 21 • Tight End • Majoring in: Agricultural Business • Wants to Work the Family Farm • Golden Retriever Energy •
Tropes:
🏈 Football Tight End x Coach’s Daughter
🏀 Friends-to-Lovers
🏈 Forbidden Love/ Secret Relationship
🏀 Forced Proximity
🏈 Roommates
🏀 College Romance
🏈 Small Town
🏀 Found Family
🏈 Teammate Shenanigans
🏀 Text Messages
🏈 No Third Act Break-up
🏀 Suspenseful
🏈 Nicknames
🏀 Video Game Bonding
Rating: 🦋🦋🦋.🐛 (3.75⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🫑🫑🫑(🐫, 👅, body jewelry, road head, dirty talk, hair pulling, public play, praise)
T/W: self harm/unaliving oneself (referenced), death of a parent (referenced), mental health struggles (on page), emotional/psychological abuse (not MCs, referenced), unwanted following of a person (referenced), panic attacks (on page)
Crew came in and tore down Bret's walls. He gave her a safe place to land and feel safe. I think Alexis did a great job of showing growth of the characters within their relationship and as individuals, but I think the book could've been about 100/150 pages shorter. At times, the book did feel a little bogged down with many details and unnecessary slow mundane moments. Overall, I enjoyed watching Bret grow more confident and comfortable. And I loved seeing Crew and Bret blossom. Crew is a top tier book boyfriend that will support you no matter what. 🥰
I can't wait to go back to school at CTU with the next series.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
October 16, 2024
I ate this book up! I could not put it down and was rooting for Crew and Bret to get the HEA they very much deserved. I’ve adored the CTU Eagles found family friend group since The Change Up and I was so excited for the next story in the series.
Alexis did not disappoint! I was completely invested in Bret and Crew. They were both such lovable characters. The way Crew protected Bret and always made her feel safe, seen, and loved was everything. Especially with the trauma her ex put her through that made her move from Arizona to Texas to escape him. It was an emotional ride seeing her slowly trust people again and build her confidence back up and find joy. Crew was such a gentleman and romantic. I loved the thought he put into their dates and made time to support her and watch her games.
I said it in the last book and I’ll say it again, the side characters are all amazing! The Sunday family dinners were my favorite and I loved seeing the football and baseball teams together. They all constantly fought for and did so much for each other. I especially loved Bret’s dynamic with Harris and JP as roommates.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves college age and sports romance, found family, forced proximity, and forbidden romance. I cannot wait for more of the CTU Eagles! Thank you Alexis for the opportunity to be part of your ARC team and receive an e-ARC!
”𝙸’𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎. 𝙼𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝙱𝚛𝚎𝚝. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸’𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕, 𝚝𝚘𝚘.”
⭐️4
🌶️2
What to expect:
🏈Forbidden Romance
🏈Brother’s Teammate & Coach’s Daughter
🏈College Football
🏈Forced Proximity
🏈Found Family
Alexis did not disappoint! I was completely invested in Bret and Crew. They were both such lovable characters. The way Crew protected Bret and always made her feel safe, seen, and loved was everything. Especially with the trauma her ex put her through that made her move from Arizona to Texas to escape him. It was an emotional ride seeing her slowly trust people again and build her confidence back up and find joy. Crew was such a gentleman and romantic. I loved the thought he put into their dates and made time to support her and watch her games.
I said it in the last book and I’ll say it again, the side characters are all amazing! The Sunday family dinners were my favorite and I loved seeing the football and baseball teams together. They all constantly fought for and did so much for each other. I especially loved Bret’s dynamic with Harris and JP as roommates.
I recommend this book for anyone who loves college age and sports romance, found family, forced proximity, and forbidden romance. I cannot wait for more of the CTU Eagles! Thank you Alexis for the opportunity to be part of your ARC team and receive an e-ARC!
”𝙸’𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎. 𝙼𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝙱𝚛𝚎𝚝. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸’𝚖 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕, 𝚝𝚘𝚘.”
⭐️4
🌶️2
What to expect:
🏈Forbidden Romance
🏈Brother’s Teammate & Coach’s Daughter
🏈College Football
🏈Forced Proximity
🏈Found Family
October 26, 2024
I own books one and two in this series but haven't got to read them yet, so in true Beka fashion...yes...why not start with book three? AND IT WAS A BANGER!
Crew got added to my boyfriend list. UN-FOR-GET-ABLE!
The chemistry and tension between Crew and Bret just had me continually tapping the right side of my kindle to flip pages. I just gave up sleep and I'm 100% okay with it.
I related to Bret with the anxiety struggles and thank you for the way you wrote this. She's strong and independent and HEALED!
Crew came in with his patience and caring ways. The support he gave Bret and the FIERCE protection. He just wants to give Bret everything even though they are keeping the relationship a secret. I had the sad heartbreak face because even though he comes off as a sunshiney character, he's still fighting some inner turmoil of his own.
These two were each other's calm spaces and I loved them. They were well written and realistic, you could feel the college atmosphere. I'm always down for the found family troupe and these side characters/friend groups were amazing. I'm going to weave books one and two into my November and December, hopefully.
Thank you Alexis Buxton for giving these two their voices. For handling the mental health rep with love and respect, the tough topics were presented perfectly. Thank you for releasing this story out into the world and thank you for trusting me with an early copy. Thank you to Luna Literary for making the ARC opportunity possible.
Crew got added to my boyfriend list. UN-FOR-GET-ABLE!
The chemistry and tension between Crew and Bret just had me continually tapping the right side of my kindle to flip pages. I just gave up sleep and I'm 100% okay with it.
I related to Bret with the anxiety struggles and thank you for the way you wrote this. She's strong and independent and HEALED!
Crew came in with his patience and caring ways. The support he gave Bret and the FIERCE protection. He just wants to give Bret everything even though they are keeping the relationship a secret. I had the sad heartbreak face because even though he comes off as a sunshiney character, he's still fighting some inner turmoil of his own.
These two were each other's calm spaces and I loved them. They were well written and realistic, you could feel the college atmosphere. I'm always down for the found family troupe and these side characters/friend groups were amazing. I'm going to weave books one and two into my November and December, hopefully.
Thank you Alexis Buxton for giving these two their voices. For handling the mental health rep with love and respect, the tough topics were presented perfectly. Thank you for releasing this story out into the world and thank you for trusting me with an early copy. Thank you to Luna Literary for making the ARC opportunity possible.
October 16, 2024
My first book by Alexis was The Change Up and I fell head over heels in love with her writing and the characters she created, and this was no different 🤩
After a rough couple months, Bret decides she needs to leave her school in Arizona to transfer to CTU where her brother attends and dad coach’s the football team. Her brother mentioning some of his teammates are in need of a roommate, she thinks it’s the perfect opportunity for her - using her legal name, Bret she forfeits the fact that she’s a female to avoid them saying no, them learning she’s a female will wait until she’s there and it’s too late.
Crew has has Bret on his mind since meeting her over Christmas break, feeling an instant connection so when she shows up at his door as Bret, and not Addy as he knows her, he’s shocked to say the least 🥲😅
Crew and Bret have such a fun dynamic, he’s care and protectiveness over her made my heart absolutely swoon 🥰🥰🥰 the way he broke down her walls she so adamantly tried to keep up. The chemistry they had, and the banter between all 4 roommates. I know it never was marketed as a RH but boy once that thought got in my mind I lowkey was routing for that, and the dream 3 Bret had?! 🥵❤️🔥🙂↕️ pleaseeeee 🙏🏻 this was every bit of forbidden/secret relationship, sports romance, suspenseful, angsty goodness you could ever ask for 😍
What to expect:
🏈 Football Player x Basketball Player
❤️🩹 Comfort/Healing
🥲 Emotional
🏘️ Roommates to Lovers
🏀 Brother’s Best Friend (& teammate)
📢 Coach’s Daughter
🫂 Found Family
❤️🔥 Open Door
After a rough couple months, Bret decides she needs to leave her school in Arizona to transfer to CTU where her brother attends and dad coach’s the football team. Her brother mentioning some of his teammates are in need of a roommate, she thinks it’s the perfect opportunity for her - using her legal name, Bret she forfeits the fact that she’s a female to avoid them saying no, them learning she’s a female will wait until she’s there and it’s too late.
Crew has has Bret on his mind since meeting her over Christmas break, feeling an instant connection so when she shows up at his door as Bret, and not Addy as he knows her, he’s shocked to say the least 🥲😅
Crew and Bret have such a fun dynamic, he’s care and protectiveness over her made my heart absolutely swoon 🥰🥰🥰 the way he broke down her walls she so adamantly tried to keep up. The chemistry they had, and the banter between all 4 roommates. I know it never was marketed as a RH but boy once that thought got in my mind I lowkey was routing for that, and the dream 3 Bret had?! 🥵❤️🔥🙂↕️ pleaseeeee 🙏🏻 this was every bit of forbidden/secret relationship, sports romance, suspenseful, angsty goodness you could ever ask for 😍
What to expect:
🏈 Football Player x Basketball Player
❤️🩹 Comfort/Healing
🥲 Emotional
🏘️ Roommates to Lovers
🏀 Brother’s Best Friend (& teammate)
📢 Coach’s Daughter
🫂 Found Family
❤️🔥 Open Door
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