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Saving the Halfback
Traumatic past, dark secrets, found family.
I spent most of high school as a ghost. Avoiding, blending, disappearing. It wasn’t until my ex slipped into a coma after a freak accident that something inside me shifted. I was able to breathe again, find myself. I even joined the football team, something my ex never would’ve allowed.
The rift between Lachlan, Ethan, Chase—my former best friends—and I almost seems irreparable, but I was able to make friends with the school’s new quarterback, Nolan Reeves. Okay, maybe I broke his nose just a little, but he said it was fine!
Football brings me and the guys closer, and when shared trauma is discovered, the wall between us starts to crumble. Our connection is stronger, and now I see the years of grooming I’d endured through new eyes.
It’s fine, though, because Ethan has an inherent need to protect me. Lachlan has a darkness within, primed to be released. Chase has an itch to break any hands that touch me against my will. Nolan brought us back together and will do anything to keep the family safe.
And me? I’ll be damned if I allow another force to tear us apart again. He better pray he never wakes up, because I will be waiting. This time, I’m not alone.
Warnings for Saving the Halfback are located on the first page of the book. This is a 175,000-word, gritty contemporary reverse harem romance with multiple POVs.
I spent most of high school as a ghost. Avoiding, blending, disappearing. It wasn’t until my ex slipped into a coma after a freak accident that something inside me shifted. I was able to breathe again, find myself. I even joined the football team, something my ex never would’ve allowed.
The rift between Lachlan, Ethan, Chase—my former best friends—and I almost seems irreparable, but I was able to make friends with the school’s new quarterback, Nolan Reeves. Okay, maybe I broke his nose just a little, but he said it was fine!
Football brings me and the guys closer, and when shared trauma is discovered, the wall between us starts to crumble. Our connection is stronger, and now I see the years of grooming I’d endured through new eyes.
It’s fine, though, because Ethan has an inherent need to protect me. Lachlan has a darkness within, primed to be released. Chase has an itch to break any hands that touch me against my will. Nolan brought us back together and will do anything to keep the family safe.
And me? I’ll be damned if I allow another force to tear us apart again. He better pray he never wakes up, because I will be waiting. This time, I’m not alone.
Warnings for Saving the Halfback are located on the first page of the book. This is a 175,000-word, gritty contemporary reverse harem romance with multiple POVs.
598 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
112 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 2, 2024
I'm mad at myself for not doing my review when I completed this because whew this one was emotional! It would've been a 5 star read if I could've seen the MCs in therapy......they all desperately needed it
* One of my biggest pet peeves in RH is that the MMC who deserved it the least is always the one who gets with the h first! That's just a me thing however
RH
Teenagers
Strong themes of abuse in all forms, these children went through it all 😭
h was sexually groomed by a much older man from the age of 14. Sexual contact at 16. She was sexually, verbally and physically abused by him until she took action
This book is the aftermath of that, they were friends previously but as with these types of abusers he worked on systemically distancing her from her friends and the friend group fell apart. When her abuser is hurt she decides to live her final year of high school on her terms
One of the mcs had a girlfriend for a while in this
All except one had sexual experience though not manwhores
No cheating or others after the h started talking to them again
I loved the football aspect of this
Themes of
Rape
Grooming
Physical abuse
Financial abuse
Thoughts while reading
Whew the emotions in this one 😭😭😭😭
Massive massive trigger warnings for this book 😭
#currentlyreading
* One of my biggest pet peeves in RH is that the MMC who deserved it the least is always the one who gets with the h first! That's just a me thing however
RH
Teenagers
Strong themes of abuse in all forms, these children went through it all 😭
h was sexually groomed by a much older man from the age of 14. Sexual contact at 16. She was sexually, verbally and physically abused by him until she took action
This book is the aftermath of that, they were friends previously but as with these types of abusers he worked on systemically distancing her from her friends and the friend group fell apart. When her abuser is hurt she decides to live her final year of high school on her terms
One of the mcs had a girlfriend for a while in this
All except one had sexual experience though not manwhores
No cheating or others after the h started talking to them again
I loved the football aspect of this
Themes of
Rape
Grooming
Physical abuse
Financial abuse
Thoughts while reading
Whew the emotions in this one 😭😭😭😭
Massive massive trigger warnings for this book 😭
#currentlyreading
August 12, 2024
So glad I gave this a try! There were a lot of emotions throughout this, all the characters have some sort of struggle and it just made for a raw read. Even if the situations themselves weren't relatable, there were so many relatable emotions and feelings. The mental health rep was really what sold this to me, and I was all in for it.
It isn't a fluffy read, as there are some hard parts to read so 100% recommend to check the triggers before picking this up.
Surprisingly I enjoyed all the characters in this, and each one felt well developed and thought out. I do think I would have preferred this as a duet, so that you got to spend a bit more time getting to know the characters and their day to day struggles and thoughts. Perhaps a bit more angst from them too!
I didn't like the OW drama at all, and I don't like how the FMC dealt with it...violence and threats back. I did prefer the FMC earlier on and I wasn't as much of a fan of her at the end when she was more bolshy and into tit for tat. I think the epilogue overall wasn't for me, and an odd twist at the end compared to the rest of the plot.
So I loved the start and middle, it was just the ending that felt a little flat for me. I think I wanted a little more raw moments, especially with the FMC to heal.
It isn't a fluffy read, as there are some hard parts to read so 100% recommend to check the triggers before picking this up.
Surprisingly I enjoyed all the characters in this, and each one felt well developed and thought out. I do think I would have preferred this as a duet, so that you got to spend a bit more time getting to know the characters and their day to day struggles and thoughts. Perhaps a bit more angst from them too!
I didn't like the OW drama at all, and I don't like how the FMC dealt with it...violence and threats back. I did prefer the FMC earlier on and I wasn't as much of a fan of her at the end when she was more bolshy and into tit for tat. I think the epilogue overall wasn't for me, and an odd twist at the end compared to the rest of the plot.
So I loved the start and middle, it was just the ending that felt a little flat for me. I think I wanted a little more raw moments, especially with the FMC to heal.
Read
January 2, 2025Not rating this because I really don't want to start off the new year, the 1st book of it, with a 1 star rating. I gave up at 10%. I just couldn't take it. No. Just no.
August 8, 2024
When I read it was a highschool RH I was not expecting much… The usual immature brats with misunderstandings, OWD, problems like popularity or “what would other people think”
Consider me corrected. I LOVED IT!
Usually when we read about a traumatized FMC she knows what happened to her, so I was surprised when we as the reader understand that something happened to Bailey even if she doesn’t really understand what…
To read her thoughts as she slowly starts to understand that she was groomed and that her “relationship” wasn’t love was heartbreaking. Especially when she meets with Lachlan’s sister, Gracie, and realizes that at 14 doesn’t matter how “mature” you are/look, doesn’t matter that her abuser “waited” till she was 16, it was wrong. Gracie is a child and she was too.
Not a single harem member was safe, they all had their share of trauma and I loved that it was a true “found family” for all of them. They found love not only with Bailey, but with each other (no mm)
Nolan: our sunshine. he gave “living in his twin shadow” a whole other meaning, becoming his twin so his family and friends wouldn’t grieve the death of the “better one”. While he was going through a lot he never lost his kindness and he was Bailey’s strength without even realizing.
Lachlan: our lovely psycho. He was raped at 13 and spent a year in juvie for beating his rapist. The fact that it was self defense and he still went to juvie because the judge thought he was a danger to society when he should be grateful that a woman did that to him, just shows the reality of many male victims. After what he went through, he has a need to protect his family, no matter the cost.
Ethan: our hard exterior, soft interior giant. Abused since he was a child by his druggie father he is counting the days till his 18 birthday so he can get out while keeping the ones he loves away from him, scared that his father will attack them just to hurt him. He kept watching Bailey over the years making sure she was safe in school, not realizing her nightmare was in her own home.
Chase: our broken boy. Chase’s story was heartbreaking because he just wanted love. He wanted his friends, his family back. And while everyone was dealing with their own shit, including his and Ethan’s falling out, he felt like everyone had left him behind… And if his closest friends are all willing to leave him, why should he stay?
My heart broke for all of them.
The book is beautifully written: their traumas, their ways of supporting each other and the way football kinda saved their lives. When they felt they had nothing, when they were spiraling and felt lonely and just focused on football to get through another day.
Bailey’s parents are my heroes. I LOVED THEM! I loved how they wanted to help, how they showed support, how they helped the boys without them feeling like they were burdens. And I loved the little nuggets of the “family”… Because there’s family and “family” 😉 I wonder if there’s more books coming out from this “next gen”…
Consider me corrected. I LOVED IT!
Usually when we read about a traumatized FMC she knows what happened to her, so I was surprised when we as the reader understand that something happened to Bailey even if she doesn’t really understand what…
To read her thoughts as she slowly starts to understand that she was groomed and that her “relationship” wasn’t love was heartbreaking. Especially when she meets with Lachlan’s sister, Gracie, and realizes that at 14 doesn’t matter how “mature” you are/look, doesn’t matter that her abuser “waited” till she was 16, it was wrong. Gracie is a child and she was too.
Not a single harem member was safe, they all had their share of trauma and I loved that it was a true “found family” for all of them. They found love not only with Bailey, but with each other (no mm)
Nolan: our sunshine. he gave “living in his twin shadow” a whole other meaning, becoming his twin so his family and friends wouldn’t grieve the death of the “better one”. While he was going through a lot he never lost his kindness and he was Bailey’s strength without even realizing.
Lachlan: our lovely psycho. He was raped at 13 and spent a year in juvie for beating his rapist. The fact that it was self defense and he still went to juvie because the judge thought he was a danger to society when he should be grateful that a woman did that to him, just shows the reality of many male victims. After what he went through, he has a need to protect his family, no matter the cost.
Ethan: our hard exterior, soft interior giant. Abused since he was a child by his druggie father he is counting the days till his 18 birthday so he can get out while keeping the ones he loves away from him, scared that his father will attack them just to hurt him. He kept watching Bailey over the years making sure she was safe in school, not realizing her nightmare was in her own home.
Chase: our broken boy. Chase’s story was heartbreaking because he just wanted love. He wanted his friends, his family back. And while everyone was dealing with their own shit, including his and Ethan’s falling out, he felt like everyone had left him behind… And if his closest friends are all willing to leave him, why should he stay?
My heart broke for all of them.
The book is beautifully written: their traumas, their ways of supporting each other and the way football kinda saved their lives. When they felt they had nothing, when they were spiraling and felt lonely and just focused on football to get through another day.
Bailey’s parents are my heroes. I LOVED THEM! I loved how they wanted to help, how they showed support, how they helped the boys without them feeling like they were burdens. And I loved the little nuggets of the “family”… Because there’s family and “family” 😉 I wonder if there’s more books coming out from this “next gen”…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
I finished it which is a feat considering the slump I’ve been in. Overall I think it was quite well written, it was just missing something for it to be great IMO.
July 6, 2025
TITLE: Saving the Halfback by Aly Westman
STYLE: Contemporary, High School, Coming of Age / New Adult?
TRIGGER WARNINGS: R@pe, suic!dal thoughts, suic!de attempt, kidnapping, $exual v!olence, adult / minor "relationship," etc. (Check the beginning of the book for a more thorough list.)
SERIES: No (Standalone)
RATING: 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 1/5 🌶
Warning: If either sleep or being productive is important to you, don't read this book.
(Seriously, unless you have excellent willpower to put down books, you may lose sleep over this book. But who needs sleep, anyway?)
I may have seen this author's name in passing before, but I happened to see she was going to be at a bookstore in my city for a book signing. Excited to see not only a Canadian author, let alone an RH author, doing a signing nearby, I knew I had to check out one of her books before I saw her! I chose this book, "Saving the Halfback," and it is fantastic.
The book comes off as more of a coming of age / YA book with darker themes. The main characters are all in their final year of high school, and unlike some academy style books with kids that age, these characters actually act their age. It's almost entirely plot and very little spice, but that's actually something I don't mind. This book has sports (football), a small town, second chances, a bit of OW drama, a bit of mystery, and more. As I mentioned, there are darker topics brought up that the characters have experienced (or will experience at some point in the book), so be sure to check the trigger warnings at the beginning before you read it, if you have any concerns.
The FMC has two very strong, loving, supportive parents that end up being there not only for her but the guys later on, as well. The fact her parents are so kind and important to her is heartwarming, and I loved reading about them and her dad's protectiveness throughout the book.
Bailey is a hard-working farm girl who is just trying to be a regular teen while she still has the chance. She's starting her senior year in high school and is hoping to do things differently than years past. We get hints about why she may not have been able to do certain things before, but we don't get all of the info right away. She especially wants to reconnect with a group of guys who were her best friends for years, but who've all distanced themselves from each other. Bailey tries to talk to them again, but they don't all seem very receptive to it. Thankfully, due to a new friend she meets, as well as one of her old guy friends who does welcome her back into the fold, she doesn't give up. Learning the football team is short players, Bailey decides to join. The guys also happen to be on the team, and the forced proximity helps them reconnect a bit.
Throughout the book, we learn that each of them have gone through things (some traumatic) that caused the distance between them. They kept quiet about it all, either from shame or wanting to protect each other. Once together again, they learn each other's truths and how to be there for one another. They become stronger than ever as a tight-knit family.
I do wish there was a bit more info at the end or in the epilogue, but I'm also happy with how it concluded. I enjoyed the darker side to the epilogue, as well!
It's nice to take a break from the spicier books once in a while. I encourage you to settle down for a small town contemporary read... as in, specifically, this book!
STYLE: Contemporary, High School, Coming of Age / New Adult?
TRIGGER WARNINGS: R@pe, suic!dal thoughts, suic!de attempt, kidnapping, $exual v!olence, adult / minor "relationship," etc. (Check the beginning of the book for a more thorough list.)
SERIES: No (Standalone)
RATING: 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 1/5 🌶
Warning: If either sleep or being productive is important to you, don't read this book.
(Seriously, unless you have excellent willpower to put down books, you may lose sleep over this book. But who needs sleep, anyway?)
I may have seen this author's name in passing before, but I happened to see she was going to be at a bookstore in my city for a book signing. Excited to see not only a Canadian author, let alone an RH author, doing a signing nearby, I knew I had to check out one of her books before I saw her! I chose this book, "Saving the Halfback," and it is fantastic.
The book comes off as more of a coming of age / YA book with darker themes. The main characters are all in their final year of high school, and unlike some academy style books with kids that age, these characters actually act their age. It's almost entirely plot and very little spice, but that's actually something I don't mind. This book has sports (football), a small town, second chances, a bit of OW drama, a bit of mystery, and more. As I mentioned, there are darker topics brought up that the characters have experienced (or will experience at some point in the book), so be sure to check the trigger warnings at the beginning before you read it, if you have any concerns.
The FMC has two very strong, loving, supportive parents that end up being there not only for her but the guys later on, as well. The fact her parents are so kind and important to her is heartwarming, and I loved reading about them and her dad's protectiveness throughout the book.
Bailey is a hard-working farm girl who is just trying to be a regular teen while she still has the chance. She's starting her senior year in high school and is hoping to do things differently than years past. We get hints about why she may not have been able to do certain things before, but we don't get all of the info right away. She especially wants to reconnect with a group of guys who were her best friends for years, but who've all distanced themselves from each other. Bailey tries to talk to them again, but they don't all seem very receptive to it. Thankfully, due to a new friend she meets, as well as one of her old guy friends who does welcome her back into the fold, she doesn't give up. Learning the football team is short players, Bailey decides to join. The guys also happen to be on the team, and the forced proximity helps them reconnect a bit.
Throughout the book, we learn that each of them have gone through things (some traumatic) that caused the distance between them. They kept quiet about it all, either from shame or wanting to protect each other. Once together again, they learn each other's truths and how to be there for one another. They become stronger than ever as a tight-knit family.
I do wish there was a bit more info at the end or in the epilogue, but I'm also happy with how it concluded. I enjoyed the darker side to the epilogue, as well!
It's nice to take a break from the spicier books once in a while. I encourage you to settle down for a small town contemporary read... as in, specifically, this book!
February 23, 2025
I don't know where to start. This book was insanely good, I could not put it down.
I was utterly entwined in the pages, I laughed, I cried, and I fell in the love.
This writer knows how to write trauma, and she does it exceptionally well. There were times I felt my chest cave in from the telling of their individual stories.
She also writes healing insanely well. She doesn't follow most writers where the FMC finds her guys and is instantly healed. No, she carves her own path and shows us the gritty reality of healing yourselves and each other
It was honestly a masterpiece.
I fell deeply in love with each character. Not one of them got lost in the background to the group.
Bailey was a strong, protective character. She loved all of her boys fiercely, and in the end, we see her come full circle and find the love she has for herself.
At times, her trauma is hard to read, but that's where I believe the writer did it so much justice that it should be hard to read.
Bailey was a well-rounded character, and her story was written beautifully.
When Lachlan was first introduced, I thought he was going to be the typical Labrador (not that there is anything wrong with that), but instead, he was a complex character with so much to give. He was the first to recognise trauma in Bailey from his own experiences. He helped her set boundaries and regain her body autonomy, and protected her fiercely.
You will instantly fall hard for Lachlan.
Chase was the typical pig headed MMC. It took him longer to come round. But when you read his story and you see his trauma and pain, you understand why he kept pushing them all away.
Chase's suicide attempt was written so perfectly, he had his perfectly final day with the family he made and he held the love of his life all night long and then left her a note so she wouldn't blame herself.
Thankfully, they got to him in time to save him, and then we followed Chase's on his path of healing. He finds that it's okay to be vulnerable and to be loved by his chosen family.
You may not love him at the start, but you will by the end.
Ethan melted my heart from the moment he was introduced. You know there is so much more to his story, and he is so much more than people perceive him to be.
He is shown to be scary with his size and the rumours surrounding him.
When in actuality, he is the complete opposite. After spending his entire life trying to make himself small to survive his home life.
I was so happy Bailey gave herself to him first, I think they both needed that.
Nolan story may not be as deep as the others, but he has scars just as they do.
When you read Nolan's story, you get an in-depth look into what grief can look like for someone and how it changes you.
It may look like Nolan is the last to come around to the idea of sharing Bailey, but you can see from the moment he meets her that he is so far gone for her. Bailey was always Nolan's end game
I wish I could have given this book more than 5 stars. The writer did such a beautiful job. Definitely, one of my favourites reads not just of the year but overall
I was utterly entwined in the pages, I laughed, I cried, and I fell in the love.
This writer knows how to write trauma, and she does it exceptionally well. There were times I felt my chest cave in from the telling of their individual stories.
She also writes healing insanely well. She doesn't follow most writers where the FMC finds her guys and is instantly healed. No, she carves her own path and shows us the gritty reality of healing yourselves and each other
It was honestly a masterpiece.
I fell deeply in love with each character. Not one of them got lost in the background to the group.
Bailey was a strong, protective character. She loved all of her boys fiercely, and in the end, we see her come full circle and find the love she has for herself.
At times, her trauma is hard to read, but that's where I believe the writer did it so much justice that it should be hard to read.
Bailey was a well-rounded character, and her story was written beautifully.
When Lachlan was first introduced, I thought he was going to be the typical Labrador (not that there is anything wrong with that), but instead, he was a complex character with so much to give. He was the first to recognise trauma in Bailey from his own experiences. He helped her set boundaries and regain her body autonomy, and protected her fiercely.
You will instantly fall hard for Lachlan.
Chase was the typical pig headed MMC. It took him longer to come round. But when you read his story and you see his trauma and pain, you understand why he kept pushing them all away.
Chase's suicide attempt was written so perfectly, he had his perfectly final day with the family he made and he held the love of his life all night long and then left her a note so she wouldn't blame herself.
Thankfully, they got to him in time to save him, and then we followed Chase's on his path of healing. He finds that it's okay to be vulnerable and to be loved by his chosen family.
You may not love him at the start, but you will by the end.
Ethan melted my heart from the moment he was introduced. You know there is so much more to his story, and he is so much more than people perceive him to be.
He is shown to be scary with his size and the rumours surrounding him.
When in actuality, he is the complete opposite. After spending his entire life trying to make himself small to survive his home life.
I was so happy Bailey gave herself to him first, I think they both needed that.
Nolan story may not be as deep as the others, but he has scars just as they do.
When you read Nolan's story, you get an in-depth look into what grief can look like for someone and how it changes you.
It may look like Nolan is the last to come around to the idea of sharing Bailey, but you can see from the moment he meets her that he is so far gone for her. Bailey was always Nolan's end game
I wish I could have given this book more than 5 stars. The writer did such a beautiful job. Definitely, one of my favourites reads not just of the year but overall
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2024
Fighting Her Way To The Truth
This story plays on your deeper emotions, and is NOT a light & fluffy read (make sure to check the TWs). It will push you to think, to feel more than you may want to feel, and to truly evaluate things around you. Be prepared to NOT be prepared for everything this book will make you feel. Cause it is going to take you through the wringer. You will feel all our characters’ pain, anxiety, trauma, hurt, sadness, depression, despair, longing, confusion, denial, rage, blame, shame, and so much anger, internal & external with some of it being misplaced & some so well deserved. It all leads up to events that left me in tears because I was so fully invested in the characters & how they felt. It was so heart wrenching. Don’t worry though, it’s not all deep dark emotions. I found myself smiling, laughing, giggling, squealing, and swooning over so many parts during the story, because I felt the awe, hopefulness, friendship, family, chemistry, heat, desire, forgiveness, and so much love that couldn’t be denied. I swear it felt like I was watching one of those high school drama shows, except the main FMC didn’t have to choose which one of the MMCs she got to be with…and I wasn’t rolling my eyes & cringing every few seconds 😉😝
It was such a perfectly paced book. My brain was constantly going, “what’s gonna happen next”, “when’s this part gonna happen”, “when’s that person gonna come to their senses”, “when’s that person gonna find this part out”…I was on the edge of my seat constantly, it was that enthralling. Be aware though. This is a SLOW burn, and due to all the things that the characters are working through, having that slow pace is real & authentic to match that. Things don’t really start taking a turn towards anything physical until around 2/3 through the book. So just know that going into the book it’s going to be mainly plot & emotion way before you get any spice (which was way more meaningful & emotional because of all the work that had gone into the relationships beforehand).
If you love emotional whychoose stories (the 5 main characters all have a lot of emotional/mental baggage to deal with), are ok with the main characters being seniors in high school (they’ve all going through a lot of events that have left them more mature for their ages), love the added drama of the main characters being football players (including the FMC), like a bit of OW drama (no cheating though), and have all day to devote to this story once you start (cause you will NOT want to stop)…then you have found the perfect story to immerse yourself in. Be prepared for all the feelings you’re about to be swamped with, and keep some tissues handy…you’re welcome ❤️
This story plays on your deeper emotions, and is NOT a light & fluffy read (make sure to check the TWs). It will push you to think, to feel more than you may want to feel, and to truly evaluate things around you. Be prepared to NOT be prepared for everything this book will make you feel. Cause it is going to take you through the wringer. You will feel all our characters’ pain, anxiety, trauma, hurt, sadness, depression, despair, longing, confusion, denial, rage, blame, shame, and so much anger, internal & external with some of it being misplaced & some so well deserved. It all leads up to events that left me in tears because I was so fully invested in the characters & how they felt. It was so heart wrenching. Don’t worry though, it’s not all deep dark emotions. I found myself smiling, laughing, giggling, squealing, and swooning over so many parts during the story, because I felt the awe, hopefulness, friendship, family, chemistry, heat, desire, forgiveness, and so much love that couldn’t be denied. I swear it felt like I was watching one of those high school drama shows, except the main FMC didn’t have to choose which one of the MMCs she got to be with…and I wasn’t rolling my eyes & cringing every few seconds 😉😝
It was such a perfectly paced book. My brain was constantly going, “what’s gonna happen next”, “when’s this part gonna happen”, “when’s that person gonna come to their senses”, “when’s that person gonna find this part out”…I was on the edge of my seat constantly, it was that enthralling. Be aware though. This is a SLOW burn, and due to all the things that the characters are working through, having that slow pace is real & authentic to match that. Things don’t really start taking a turn towards anything physical until around 2/3 through the book. So just know that going into the book it’s going to be mainly plot & emotion way before you get any spice (which was way more meaningful & emotional because of all the work that had gone into the relationships beforehand).
If you love emotional whychoose stories (the 5 main characters all have a lot of emotional/mental baggage to deal with), are ok with the main characters being seniors in high school (they’ve all going through a lot of events that have left them more mature for their ages), love the added drama of the main characters being football players (including the FMC), like a bit of OW drama (no cheating though), and have all day to devote to this story once you start (cause you will NOT want to stop)…then you have found the perfect story to immerse yourself in. Be prepared for all the feelings you’re about to be swamped with, and keep some tissues handy…you’re welcome ❤️
August 1, 2024
Format: 📱 eBook 📱
Check TWs before reading
I honestly have no words right now to describe this book.
It was emotional AF. It was rough. It showed the true reality of living with secrets and hiding pain and dealing with mental health struggles, as well as fear and past trauma. It's dark at times, and it's a struggle to read at some points because of how much Westman makes you feel alongside the characters (especially if you have shared pasts) but at the same time, it's so beautifully written and reading the characters overcome their struggles... it means everything.
My heart broke multiple times reading Bailey's story, especially as we learned more about the boys - Nolan, Chase, Lachlan, Ethan - and how their lives, their struggles, linked so closely to Bailey's. The moment that she has her realisation that maybe what she was told in the past wasn't true? I think I cried happy tears, and was so excited for the fact she could move on with her boys.
I really enjoyed the sport aspect of this book, especially as it was a female joining a male football team; not something you see written about often, and I loved that in joining the team, Bailey found her strength.
This is a book about mental health. About dealing with your demons, and learning how to recognise and grow from trauma. The way Westman hid the truth from the readers, and you went on the journey of discovery with Bailey as she grew and understood more? That was wonderfully done (though I did pick it early). I had to pause a few times because of how overwhelming it became - and this is not a negative; it's a testament to Westman's writing - because I saw myself in a few of the MCs from my own past. Please, if you do pick up this one, protect your own mental health as you read it.
This is a truly moving book; emotional and dramatic, full of love, loss and healing. My only comment is the epilogue - I wish that it was something almost a little happier to show the family down the track, as opposed to what we read. Not that I disliked it; I just feel after such an emotionally tumultuous story, we needed some happy to tie it all up.
A phenomenal read from a new to me author, who I'll definitely be keeping an eye on for future releases.
Check TWs before reading
I honestly have no words right now to describe this book.
It was emotional AF. It was rough. It showed the true reality of living with secrets and hiding pain and dealing with mental health struggles, as well as fear and past trauma. It's dark at times, and it's a struggle to read at some points because of how much Westman makes you feel alongside the characters (especially if you have shared pasts) but at the same time, it's so beautifully written and reading the characters overcome their struggles... it means everything.
My heart broke multiple times reading Bailey's story, especially as we learned more about the boys - Nolan, Chase, Lachlan, Ethan - and how their lives, their struggles, linked so closely to Bailey's. The moment that she has her realisation that maybe what she was told in the past wasn't true? I think I cried happy tears, and was so excited for the fact she could move on with her boys.
I really enjoyed the sport aspect of this book, especially as it was a female joining a male football team; not something you see written about often, and I loved that in joining the team, Bailey found her strength.
This is a book about mental health. About dealing with your demons, and learning how to recognise and grow from trauma. The way Westman hid the truth from the readers, and you went on the journey of discovery with Bailey as she grew and understood more? That was wonderfully done (though I did pick it early). I had to pause a few times because of how overwhelming it became - and this is not a negative; it's a testament to Westman's writing - because I saw myself in a few of the MCs from my own past. Please, if you do pick up this one, protect your own mental health as you read it.
This is a truly moving book; emotional and dramatic, full of love, loss and healing. My only comment is the epilogue - I wish that it was something almost a little happier to show the family down the track, as opposed to what we read. Not that I disliked it; I just feel after such an emotionally tumultuous story, we needed some happy to tie it all up.
A phenomenal read from a new to me author, who I'll definitely be keeping an eye on for future releases.
August 17, 2024
If you’re a fan of *why choose* romance sprinkled with a little darkness that will give you all the feels, you’re about to fall hard for this book!
Picture this: you spent your high school years as a ghost, invisible to the world, until one life-altering moment turns everything upside down. And suddenly, you are tired of living in the shadows and you want to L I V E. Bailey, a former wallflower who’s now navigating the murky waters of high school football, complicated friendships, and oh yeah, an ex in a coma - I am using EX because that is how she refers to him but full disclosure, I hated him from the minute she starts talking about him.
The chemistry between these characters is *chef’s kiss* perfection. Lachlan, Ethan, Chase, and Nolan each bring their own brand of intensity to the table. Lachlan’s brooding darkness? Yes, please. Ethan’s protective instincts? Sign me up. Chase’s readiness to throw hands? Absolutely here for it. And Nolan, the new quarterback who’s somehow the glue holding this found family together? Total game-changer.
What really sets this story apart is the way it dives into trauma and healing without losing that spark of hope and connection. It’s not just about romance—it’s about finding your tribe, standing your ground, and reclaiming your power, even if it means waiting in the shadows for the right moment to strike.
So if you’re into stories where broken hearts find strength in each other, where every page drips with tension and passion, and where the past is never quite buried, this is your next must-read. Just make sure you’re ready to fall in love with not just one, but a whole squad of unforgettable characters.
*please make sure to check your triggers bc these young adults are going thru it and they are dealing with some serious trauma.
PS. I think I would be remiss if I didn't mention Bailey's parents because they are the real MVPs here. Her dad is an absolute RoD and someone who you want in your corner. When you become family, you are F A M I L Y and my man is protecting his family. And Mama?! The way her heart was so open to love and caring for not only Bailey but opening up her home to these boys? 100/10 They never once judged Bailey and honestly, I am here for them.
Picture this: you spent your high school years as a ghost, invisible to the world, until one life-altering moment turns everything upside down. And suddenly, you are tired of living in the shadows and you want to L I V E. Bailey, a former wallflower who’s now navigating the murky waters of high school football, complicated friendships, and oh yeah, an ex in a coma - I am using EX because that is how she refers to him but full disclosure, I hated him from the minute she starts talking about him.
The chemistry between these characters is *chef’s kiss* perfection. Lachlan, Ethan, Chase, and Nolan each bring their own brand of intensity to the table. Lachlan’s brooding darkness? Yes, please. Ethan’s protective instincts? Sign me up. Chase’s readiness to throw hands? Absolutely here for it. And Nolan, the new quarterback who’s somehow the glue holding this found family together? Total game-changer.
What really sets this story apart is the way it dives into trauma and healing without losing that spark of hope and connection. It’s not just about romance—it’s about finding your tribe, standing your ground, and reclaiming your power, even if it means waiting in the shadows for the right moment to strike.
So if you’re into stories where broken hearts find strength in each other, where every page drips with tension and passion, and where the past is never quite buried, this is your next must-read. Just make sure you’re ready to fall in love with not just one, but a whole squad of unforgettable characters.
*please make sure to check your triggers bc these young adults are going thru it and they are dealing with some serious trauma.
PS. I think I would be remiss if I didn't mention Bailey's parents because they are the real MVPs here. Her dad is an absolute RoD and someone who you want in your corner. When you become family, you are F A M I L Y and my man is protecting his family. And Mama?! The way her heart was so open to love and caring for not only Bailey but opening up her home to these boys? 100/10 They never once judged Bailey and honestly, I am here for them.
August 10, 2024
This book was a lot more emotional than I was expecting; there are some very heavy themes as each of the main characters are dealing with a different trauma beyond the main plot of what happened to Bailey. Chase and Nolan's stories in particular really stood out to me and were both heartbreaking in different ways but each of the subplots were scarily believable. Nolan was my favourite character out of the group and I loved how he was the big catalyst for Bailey and her guys reconnecting.
The romance is there but its not centre stage as Bailey and her guys deal with their insecurities and their own mental health battles and it was a nice change of pace compared to the usual high school set why choose stories I have read in the past. These characters may have had to grow up quickly but they still came across as young adults in the writing and I also loved that Bailey had present parents who genuinely supported her. If you are looking for an emotional story with a bit of spice and mystery I'd definitely recommend.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
The romance is there but its not centre stage as Bailey and her guys deal with their insecurities and their own mental health battles and it was a nice change of pace compared to the usual high school set why choose stories I have read in the past. These characters may have had to grow up quickly but they still came across as young adults in the writing and I also loved that Bailey had present parents who genuinely supported her. If you are looking for an emotional story with a bit of spice and mystery I'd definitely recommend.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
October 3, 2025
Was it horrible? No. Was it amazing? Also no.
Fmc is an introvert (because of trauma)that grows into an extrovert. She hasn’t talked to her best friends for 4-3 years since starting high school. Of course he best friends where the MMCs and they all kinda don’t talk to each other anymore.
Spoiler alert ‼️
The fmc had an ex boyfriend who basically groomed her. He was the farm helper that the parents own. Her parents are great and supportive but they had no idea their farm helper (40+ year old guy) was grooming and abusing their daughter. The book starts when the fmc is trying to surpass her trauma and talk to the MMCs again. She isn’t very welcomed by 2/3 best friends but she meet another friend who will become another MMc.
There is a lot of push and pull between them all.
Everyone has trauma. So this is a very trauma and surviving trauma book. At some point felt that the author was just gifting traumas and horrible childhoods to everyone for fun.
The book was not polished. For example the fmc did not have sex with all of the MMCs by the end of the book. He slept with two and the other two just kissing. Some relationships felt rushed bc, it was the end of the book. 😆
Overall, I don’t recommend it but it isn’t garbage. So that is that.
Fmc is an introvert (because of trauma)that grows into an extrovert. She hasn’t talked to her best friends for 4-3 years since starting high school. Of course he best friends where the MMCs and they all kinda don’t talk to each other anymore.
Spoiler alert ‼️
The fmc had an ex boyfriend who basically groomed her. He was the farm helper that the parents own. Her parents are great and supportive but they had no idea their farm helper (40+ year old guy) was grooming and abusing their daughter. The book starts when the fmc is trying to surpass her trauma and talk to the MMCs again. She isn’t very welcomed by 2/3 best friends but she meet another friend who will become another MMc.
There is a lot of push and pull between them all.
Everyone has trauma. So this is a very trauma and surviving trauma book. At some point felt that the author was just gifting traumas and horrible childhoods to everyone for fun.
The book was not polished. For example the fmc did not have sex with all of the MMCs by the end of the book. He slept with two and the other two just kissing. Some relationships felt rushed bc, it was the end of the book. 😆
Overall, I don’t recommend it but it isn’t garbage. So that is that.
July 30, 2024
Oh my god! This book was soooo sooo sooo good however if you are an emotional wreck like me you will be crying throughout!
It was such a heart wrenching book with each character going through their own thing.
Bailey our FMC isolates herself from her 3 friends Lachlan, Ethan and Chase due to being in a relationship with an older man who is controlling they all go their separate ways. The ex gets hurt (I won’t say how as it could spoil it) and is put into a coma. This makes Bailey want her old friends back but unfortunately it’s harder than she thought it would be. That is until she bumps into a new guy Nolan who helps reconnect her an Lachlan, she becomes part of the football team and eventually the friendship group rekindles some being more difficult than others. They learn that they were all going through their own thing which caused them to part and they help each other out with the recovery. They all become more than friends with Bailey which causes Bailey a lot of suffering.
I don’t want to say much more than that as I don’t want to ruin it for anybody! But omg I loved this book and there was never a dull moment!
It was such a heart wrenching book with each character going through their own thing.
Bailey our FMC isolates herself from her 3 friends Lachlan, Ethan and Chase due to being in a relationship with an older man who is controlling they all go their separate ways. The ex gets hurt (I won’t say how as it could spoil it) and is put into a coma. This makes Bailey want her old friends back but unfortunately it’s harder than she thought it would be. That is until she bumps into a new guy Nolan who helps reconnect her an Lachlan, she becomes part of the football team and eventually the friendship group rekindles some being more difficult than others. They learn that they were all going through their own thing which caused them to part and they help each other out with the recovery. They all become more than friends with Bailey which causes Bailey a lot of suffering.
I don’t want to say much more than that as I don’t want to ruin it for anybody! But omg I loved this book and there was never a dull moment!
August 1, 2024
Absolutely in Love with This Story
I dove into this story after reading the blurb and trigger warning with an already heavy heart and a wall up but the intensity of this story, the group of characters and the plot lines itself just crumbled them down and left me an emotional wreck about 80% of this book. The drama, trauma, heartbeak, abuse, and just all-around miscommunication left these young, impressionable kids dealing with things they should never have gone through! After an accident and years apart, Bailey finally decides enough is enough, and she wants her friends, her found family back, and this leads to such a beautiful tragic story. When all the traumas from each individual comes out and they all learn about hers it brings a closure almost for their past and brings them together for their future. It is not an easy journey for any of them, though. I cried a lot through this book, and I desperately hated a few people and wanted karma on them so bad. I was happy with the ending and them finally getting the peace they deserve. I would love to see a future book with them.
I dove into this story after reading the blurb and trigger warning with an already heavy heart and a wall up but the intensity of this story, the group of characters and the plot lines itself just crumbled them down and left me an emotional wreck about 80% of this book. The drama, trauma, heartbeak, abuse, and just all-around miscommunication left these young, impressionable kids dealing with things they should never have gone through! After an accident and years apart, Bailey finally decides enough is enough, and she wants her friends, her found family back, and this leads to such a beautiful tragic story. When all the traumas from each individual comes out and they all learn about hers it brings a closure almost for their past and brings them together for their future. It is not an easy journey for any of them, though. I cried a lot through this book, and I desperately hated a few people and wanted karma on them so bad. I was happy with the ending and them finally getting the peace they deserve. I would love to see a future book with them.
August 14, 2024
This is so worth more than 5 star's with how good this was, and loonngg. I wouldn't change a word as this story had to play out like it did. This is about 4 best friend's Lachlan, Chase and Ethan who did everything together with the ringleader being a girl called Bailey. This girl is one smart cookie, trustworthy, fierce protector for those she loved until 1 day everything changed as one of the boy's Lachlan went away and left the other 3 lost to what had happened and Bailey turned to someone she thought was a friend only to realize they weren't. Each of these 4 all go through something that at the age of 14 is traumatic and decide to suffer in silence and they lose their way, but now it's senior yr in high school and Bailey is going to have a good year she tells herself and it starts with getting her friends back, but before she can do that she meets Nolan who is just a sweetheart. That's all I'm saying you just need to read this book, and have tissues close by.
This arthur just blew me away with the way this story flowed it was like watching a movie with how engrossed I was in this book. What these character's went through just broke my heart as well as made me laugh with some of their antics... like playing in the pitts, loved it. Grab this book you won't be disappointed.
This arthur just blew me away with the way this story flowed it was like watching a movie with how engrossed I was in this book. What these character's went through just broke my heart as well as made me laugh with some of their antics... like playing in the pitts, loved it. Grab this book you won't be disappointed.
August 16, 2024
I was nervous about how this book was going to go mostly because a lot of authors use trauma as a plot device and gets forgotten further in the story. No, this story had been written beautifully with different traumas, and the way Aly literally handled it with care makes me want many more to read this masterpiece. All these characters had shown that life happens differently for everyone. Sometimes, it separates you from the people you love and even yourself. I’m glad this book wasn’t focused on spice because it didn’t take away from what was going on. I do wish we got a spicy scene with Nolan and Lach, but I feel like it also emphasized how each of the guys were focused on consent and pacing themselves. Again, in other books dealing with certain types of trauma, they have the fmc or mmc characters forgetting it as soon as they set their sights on each other. I know trauma is seen and handled differently by each person, but it’s also saying that romantic love can fix all. I just really loved all the main characters, and I want to bundle them up in bubble wrap. I’m sure Lachlan has that taken care of lol
August 3, 2024
Oh my god….this story, this story had me fighting tears.
Bailey is just a young girl trying to find herself again after suffering through something terrible, something only she knows about. Hoping that the start of her senior year will be the start of something good, she goes into it not expecting much but hoping for it. That is until she crosses paths with her ex-friend Chase.
They drifted apart years before & now he looked at her with hate in his eyes. But then she meets the new quarterback, Nolan, and finds a bit of solace in his company. When she then runs into her other ex friend, Lachlan, she is already expecting him to be just as mean but he isn’t causing her hope to soar more. Her third ex friend, Ethan, just ignores her whilst also watching her.
Her senior year then takes a turn when she decides to join the football team & has to be around all of those boys almost all day long.
To add to the stress of finding herself after what she went through, she also has to deal with bullies who are out to get her.
Through all of this she learns more about her new friend & her ex friends. She realizes that every single one of them had their own traumas they had to deal with the same time she dealt with hers. Finding out each of the boys traumas was absolutely heartbreaking, especially with Chase & with how it affected everyone as well 😭
Eventually Bailey finally tells her parents the truth of what she went through & I about cried at my desk at work. But it was something that needed to be done & I felt for her.
The last few chapters had me anxious to see what would happen but man 😮💨 it was intense.
I was so happy to see them get that peace at the end but a part of me wanted to see more, more of their future together.
Otherwise, I absolutely loved this book! You did an amazing job ❤️
Bailey is just a young girl trying to find herself again after suffering through something terrible, something only she knows about. Hoping that the start of her senior year will be the start of something good, she goes into it not expecting much but hoping for it. That is until she crosses paths with her ex-friend Chase.
They drifted apart years before & now he looked at her with hate in his eyes. But then she meets the new quarterback, Nolan, and finds a bit of solace in his company. When she then runs into her other ex friend, Lachlan, she is already expecting him to be just as mean but he isn’t causing her hope to soar more. Her third ex friend, Ethan, just ignores her whilst also watching her.
Her senior year then takes a turn when she decides to join the football team & has to be around all of those boys almost all day long.
To add to the stress of finding herself after what she went through, she also has to deal with bullies who are out to get her.
Through all of this she learns more about her new friend & her ex friends. She realizes that every single one of them had their own traumas they had to deal with the same time she dealt with hers. Finding out each of the boys traumas was absolutely heartbreaking, especially with Chase & with how it affected everyone as well 😭
Eventually Bailey finally tells her parents the truth of what she went through & I about cried at my desk at work. But it was something that needed to be done & I felt for her.
The last few chapters had me anxious to see what would happen but man 😮💨 it was intense.
I was so happy to see them get that peace at the end but a part of me wanted to see more, more of their future together.
Otherwise, I absolutely loved this book! You did an amazing job ❤️
August 6, 2024
Bailey is starting to reclaim herself after the trauma of the past. She wants herself back, she wants her friends back, but most of all, she wants joy back. After making a new (and hot) friend, she decides to try out for the football team, which is filled with her former friends. With everything between her and her closest friends feeling shattered beyond repair, can they find their way back again?
Aly Westman pulls no punches with this book. If you are expecting a light hearted football story, this is not the book for you. Filled with pain, grit, trauma and triumph, this book handles a multitude of painful and tough subjects with the respect and acknowledgement they deserve. I utterly loved this book. Each character is real and raw and you just want to hold and slap them at alternating times depending on how they are acting. I love that things were not just magically fixed with a bandaid. I love how this story broke my heart over and over again. And I very much love that its all worth it. Definitely check the trigger warnings, but 110% worth the read!
Aly Westman pulls no punches with this book. If you are expecting a light hearted football story, this is not the book for you. Filled with pain, grit, trauma and triumph, this book handles a multitude of painful and tough subjects with the respect and acknowledgement they deserve. I utterly loved this book. Each character is real and raw and you just want to hold and slap them at alternating times depending on how they are acting. I love that things were not just magically fixed with a bandaid. I love how this story broke my heart over and over again. And I very much love that its all worth it. Definitely check the trigger warnings, but 110% worth the read!
August 7, 2024
Amazing!
This story was absolutely amazing! I would give more then five stars if I could. I was hooked right from the start, completely drawn in and didn't want to stop reading. The character development is fantastic. I'm not usually a fan of any romance where the main characters are still in high school or college because the characters are either too childish or too mature but Bailey and her guys felt right, right young people just coming into adulthood, and maybe a little too early in some ways but that was due to their past traumas and didn't feel forced.
Speaking of their trauma, I love how you can see their inner strength despite the different things they've bee through and how they build each other up and are so protective of each other. The slow build romance fits perfectly for the story and she has great chemistry with the guys.
Please check for triggers because this book can get dark and definitely will take your mentions in a wild ride. If you can handle the dark moments this book is a must read!
This story was absolutely amazing! I would give more then five stars if I could. I was hooked right from the start, completely drawn in and didn't want to stop reading. The character development is fantastic. I'm not usually a fan of any romance where the main characters are still in high school or college because the characters are either too childish or too mature but Bailey and her guys felt right, right young people just coming into adulthood, and maybe a little too early in some ways but that was due to their past traumas and didn't feel forced.
Speaking of their trauma, I love how you can see their inner strength despite the different things they've bee through and how they build each other up and are so protective of each other. The slow build romance fits perfectly for the story and she has great chemistry with the guys.
Please check for triggers because this book can get dark and definitely will take your mentions in a wild ride. If you can handle the dark moments this book is a must read!
July 26, 2024
What a first chapter. Dark, and real for so many of us.
This book is heartbreaking in so many ways. But it also showed so much healing and growth in almost all of the characters. I absolutely loved everything about this book. I could not put it down - Bailey, our FMC, is an amazingly strong character who has deal with so much in her teen years. But she’s not the only one - our MMCs, Lachlan, Nolan, Chase and Ethan have all had their fair share of traumatic experiences as well. None of them are fully okay, even if they try to show the world that they are. After having drifted away a few years past, the group slowly starts mending bridges between each other through communication and football.
This books is genuinely a work of art. Check your trigger warnings, readers, because this books does not shy away from difficult topics. But it handles it in a very realistic way. This author is new to me, but based on this book, I will absolutely be reading more of her work.
This book is heartbreaking in so many ways. But it also showed so much healing and growth in almost all of the characters. I absolutely loved everything about this book. I could not put it down - Bailey, our FMC, is an amazingly strong character who has deal with so much in her teen years. But she’s not the only one - our MMCs, Lachlan, Nolan, Chase and Ethan have all had their fair share of traumatic experiences as well. None of them are fully okay, even if they try to show the world that they are. After having drifted away a few years past, the group slowly starts mending bridges between each other through communication and football.
This books is genuinely a work of art. Check your trigger warnings, readers, because this books does not shy away from difficult topics. But it handles it in a very realistic way. This author is new to me, but based on this book, I will absolutely be reading more of her work.
August 9, 2024
This is a new author to me, and this is one well written storyline that pulls the heartstrings. I will caution those with triggers to proceed with care. From the beginning the author’s writing style pulls you in as readers meet the cast of characters. Bailey is a young woman who is learning how to reengage in her life as she is set to start her senior year of high school with some boys that she has known since her childhood and a new edition. Each character has experienced his/her own form of trauma, abuse, heartbreak and complicating everything is a miscommunication that forced young children to deal with the drama that never should have been their burden to carry. When all of the characters’ traumas finally come out, it leads to the closure that is so desperately needed. This is one journey fraught with trials and tribulations but one that was hard won and, in the end, gave them all the peace that they richly deserved.
August 18, 2024
Check TW please
While not the darkest RH highschool book I've read this is definitely one the loneliest books I've read in 2024.
This is the story of five teenage people that through extreme trauma, grief and isolation were separated from each other, themselves, their families and putting their own mental and physical wellness put in jeopardy.
This book is long and was slow to pick up and I didn't understand Bailey was female for the first 2 chapters.
The book had a lot of unanswered questions for me like 'what is up with Bailey's parents and their business?' 'What happened to Hadley?' what is their new business exactly?' 'Are the relationships between the five ever defined?' ' How is the collective recovery/ therapy for each of the main characters?'
I appreciated that one small action, a tiny moment in time can change fate, rewrite history, save a life and this book describes this perfectly.
While not the darkest RH highschool book I've read this is definitely one the loneliest books I've read in 2024.
This is the story of five teenage people that through extreme trauma, grief and isolation were separated from each other, themselves, their families and putting their own mental and physical wellness put in jeopardy.
This book is long and was slow to pick up and I didn't understand Bailey was female for the first 2 chapters.
The book had a lot of unanswered questions for me like 'what is up with Bailey's parents and their business?' 'What happened to Hadley?' what is their new business exactly?' 'Are the relationships between the five ever defined?' ' How is the collective recovery/ therapy for each of the main characters?'
I appreciated that one small action, a tiny moment in time can change fate, rewrite history, save a life and this book describes this perfectly.
June 13, 2025
Such emotional trauma for those so young…
I’ll get the pleasantries out of the way first. This is a RH, no MM, high school aged kids in their senior year. Multiple POVs and it’s a standalone.
I have never read a book where every single one of the main characters have such emotional trauma. Read your triggers before wading into this ocean. It’s an awakening of what you may see one way at a young age is not what it seems as you grow older. How people can twist around what you went through. Gaslight you. Manipulate the situation. This book put you through it all in ways you didn’t even see coming. I cried more tears than I expected to. The emotional and physical toll taken on kids is heartbreaking. I don’t typically read books from the high school aspect as it is hard to relate to, but this got recommended and it was definitely well written and an emotional journey. I will admit the epilogue wasn’t exactly what I had hoped to read but it sure was satisfying.
I’ll get the pleasantries out of the way first. This is a RH, no MM, high school aged kids in their senior year. Multiple POVs and it’s a standalone.
I have never read a book where every single one of the main characters have such emotional trauma. Read your triggers before wading into this ocean. It’s an awakening of what you may see one way at a young age is not what it seems as you grow older. How people can twist around what you went through. Gaslight you. Manipulate the situation. This book put you through it all in ways you didn’t even see coming. I cried more tears than I expected to. The emotional and physical toll taken on kids is heartbreaking. I don’t typically read books from the high school aspect as it is hard to relate to, but this got recommended and it was definitely well written and an emotional journey. I will admit the epilogue wasn’t exactly what I had hoped to read but it sure was satisfying.
December 15, 2025
-why choose
-sports (football)
-found family
-second chance
I usually dont like high-school romance, but this book was so The book was exceptionally well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would like to note that this book addresses sensitive subjects, so please be mindful of potential triggers.
This book offered a profound emotional experience. Each character grappled with their own challenges, and as young adults, they often found it difficult to seek assistance or had been disappointed by those who should have offered support. The narrative centers on Bailey, a young woman who was manipulated by someone she believed she could trust. She became estranged from her friends and felt isolated. Then there are her former friends, the young men she knew before Ed:
Chase, Nolan, Lachlan, and Ethan. Each of them is contending with their own personal struggles, and they will need each other to survive and to overcome so much.
This book is a top read for me this year.
-sports (football)
-found family
-second chance
I usually dont like high-school romance, but this book was so The book was exceptionally well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would like to note that this book addresses sensitive subjects, so please be mindful of potential triggers.
This book offered a profound emotional experience. Each character grappled with their own challenges, and as young adults, they often found it difficult to seek assistance or had been disappointed by those who should have offered support. The narrative centers on Bailey, a young woman who was manipulated by someone she believed she could trust. She became estranged from her friends and felt isolated. Then there are her former friends, the young men she knew before Ed:
Chase, Nolan, Lachlan, and Ethan. Each of them is contending with their own personal struggles, and they will need each other to survive and to overcome so much.
This book is a top read for me this year.
July 28, 2024
Bailey and her guys.
My heart hurt so much for Bailey. She was definitely groomed and it took the guys showing her how someone should be treated for her to truly know everything that was wrong in that relationship. I hated at first how Chase was but you start to understand where he was coming from. Everyone in this book had a story and you really got to know each person. Sometimes that’s heard in a reverse harem. You feel like you know one more than another and in this book it feels pretty equal. They make a new family with all their broken pieces. I loved Baileys mom and dad and how the took in the guys and made them family. So much happens for them all in between. So much you won’t want to miss. You must read. Great, original story. Aly broke my heart and then slowly put it back together in the best way.
My heart hurt so much for Bailey. She was definitely groomed and it took the guys showing her how someone should be treated for her to truly know everything that was wrong in that relationship. I hated at first how Chase was but you start to understand where he was coming from. Everyone in this book had a story and you really got to know each person. Sometimes that’s heard in a reverse harem. You feel like you know one more than another and in this book it feels pretty equal. They make a new family with all their broken pieces. I loved Baileys mom and dad and how the took in the guys and made them family. So much happens for them all in between. So much you won’t want to miss. You must read. Great, original story. Aly broke my heart and then slowly put it back together in the best way.
July 31, 2024
Aly Westman is a new author to me, and I read this book as an ARC for my honest review.
Read the author's note and content warnings. Plenty of triggers are here, and some of them will hurt. I personally am a smut l0ver. So I did miss that extra sp!ce in this one, but that is my only complaint. (Although it is in a high school setting, which is often written icky. Not here.)
I don't like to give spoilers in reviews, and my favorite quotes from this one come close. Bailey has trauma and secrets. Like the foolishness child, most of us are at 18, she thinks she's the only one. Lachlan, Chase, Ethan, and Nolan all have their own stories to tell. Have a tissue ready because the tears will flow, some happy, some sad, and some in anger.
This book is about a lot of things, but mainly family. Here's proof that family is what you make it. Don't let anyone tell you different
Read the author's note and content warnings. Plenty of triggers are here, and some of them will hurt. I personally am a smut l0ver. So I did miss that extra sp!ce in this one, but that is my only complaint. (Although it is in a high school setting, which is often written icky. Not here.)
I don't like to give spoilers in reviews, and my favorite quotes from this one come close. Bailey has trauma and secrets. Like the foolishness child, most of us are at 18, she thinks she's the only one. Lachlan, Chase, Ethan, and Nolan all have their own stories to tell. Have a tissue ready because the tears will flow, some happy, some sad, and some in anger.
This book is about a lot of things, but mainly family. Here's proof that family is what you make it. Don't let anyone tell you different
August 1, 2024
Saving The Halfback is contemporary stand alone written by Aly Westman.
💜 FMC finding herself
💜 second chances
💜 old memories
💜 hidden stories
💜 why choose
Bailey was going to do things differently this year. It was her senior year after all. She was going to choose what she wanted to wear and she was going to make friends. She wanted to be free to make her own decisions. Would they forgive her for not talking to them for so long? Would this work? Will she be able to make friends and rekindle old friendships?
This was a good contemporary story. There were so many hidden stories for each of the characters. They each had to face their own truths and try to work through them. The world building and character building in this story was well done. I really enjoyed this book.
💜 FMC finding herself
💜 second chances
💜 old memories
💜 hidden stories
💜 why choose
Bailey was going to do things differently this year. It was her senior year after all. She was going to choose what she wanted to wear and she was going to make friends. She wanted to be free to make her own decisions. Would they forgive her for not talking to them for so long? Would this work? Will she be able to make friends and rekindle old friendships?
This was a good contemporary story. There were so many hidden stories for each of the characters. They each had to face their own truths and try to work through them. The world building and character building in this story was well done. I really enjoyed this book.
August 26, 2024
This book was definitely an emotional read. To hear the way all of them suffered individually, which only made them close themselves off from each other, is heartbreaking. Everything they each went through are all things that happen in everyday life. It just really tugs at your heart strings to read in explicit detail. 😒 Once they all realized that they were better together as a unit is the true highlight of the book. You never really know what someone is going through. This book was very well written. It helps open your eyes to real-life mental health situations because this subject is honestly not talked about enough! I loved it and the fact that it broke my heart but mended all the pieces back together again at the end!
November 25, 2024
I really liked this book, it was emotional and heart breaking, and I loved how the characters ended up helping each other piece themselves back together.
I can’t give it 5 stars because I just felt like there was so much missing. I felt like the relationship between the FMC and all the MMCs could have been more developed. I also felt like there was spice just for the sake of spice. I wish we would have gotten to see the FMC connect with each of the MMCs individually but we only saw the connection with 2 out of the 4. I also wish we would have gotten a more in depth epilogue. I felt like the epilogue we got didn’t really make sense, like we could have been given something better.
I did enjoy the book though. If it had that little bit more it could have been 5 ⭐️
I can’t give it 5 stars because I just felt like there was so much missing. I felt like the relationship between the FMC and all the MMCs could have been more developed. I also felt like there was spice just for the sake of spice. I wish we would have gotten to see the FMC connect with each of the MMCs individually but we only saw the connection with 2 out of the 4. I also wish we would have gotten a more in depth epilogue. I felt like the epilogue we got didn’t really make sense, like we could have been given something better.
I did enjoy the book though. If it had that little bit more it could have been 5 ⭐️
July 31, 2024
A beautiful standalone RH story about teenagers/young adults in their senior year of high school.
They all have dark pasts and are trying to overcome them.
The FMC Bailey is a strong woman who fights for her live and for those she loves.
The Boys are beautifully written and are so different.
I loved this book. It was gritty, heartshattering, heartwarming and soo different.
Please beware the triggers, there are a lot of them. This book is very dark.
I loved how everything unfolded, I couldn’t put it down.
Definitely recommend if you like dark romance and MCs with hard pasts and their journey to overcome them.
They all have dark pasts and are trying to overcome them.
The FMC Bailey is a strong woman who fights for her live and for those she loves.
The Boys are beautifully written and are so different.
I loved this book. It was gritty, heartshattering, heartwarming and soo different.
Please beware the triggers, there are a lot of them. This book is very dark.
I loved how everything unfolded, I couldn’t put it down.
Definitely recommend if you like dark romance and MCs with hard pasts and their journey to overcome them.
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