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Bexley U
Weak Side: Edition Française (Bexley U)
L’auteure à succès distinguée par USA Today, SJ Sylvis, arrive en France avec cette campus hockey romance new adult !
Impossible d’ignorer Theo Brooks. Avec son sourire en coin, ses abdos en béton et son statut de star du hockey, il est aussi le plus arrogant des sportifs du campus. Et malheureusement pour moi, quand l’administration confond mon prénom et mon nom de famille, il devient mon nouveau colocataire et je sais que ça va mal tourner… surtout avec Theo, qui n’est pas du genre « arrangeant » ! Enfin, jusqu’à ce qu’il ait besoin de moi.
Il me propose un arrangement surprenant : devenir sa fausse petite amie pour échapper aux attaques incessantes des groupies qui le distraient de son objectif ultime : signer avec la meilleure équipe de la NHL.
Je serais bien folle d’accepter, surtout avec sa main autour de ma taille qui provoque en moi des sensations insoupçonnées... car tout cela est pour de faux, pas vrai ?
Impossible d’ignorer Theo Brooks. Avec son sourire en coin, ses abdos en béton et son statut de star du hockey, il est aussi le plus arrogant des sportifs du campus. Et malheureusement pour moi, quand l’administration confond mon prénom et mon nom de famille, il devient mon nouveau colocataire et je sais que ça va mal tourner… surtout avec Theo, qui n’est pas du genre « arrangeant » ! Enfin, jusqu’à ce qu’il ait besoin de moi.
Il me propose un arrangement surprenant : devenir sa fausse petite amie pour échapper aux attaques incessantes des groupies qui le distraient de son objectif ultime : signer avec la meilleure équipe de la NHL.
Je serais bien folle d’accepter, surtout avec sa main autour de ma taille qui provoque en moi des sensations insoupçonnées... car tout cela est pour de faux, pas vrai ?
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2023
3160 people are currently reading
29014 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Sylvis
43 books2,834 followersS.J. Sylvis is an Amazon top 50 and USA Today bestselling author who is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two small kiddos, and dog. She is obsessed with coffee, becomes easily attached to fictional characters, and spends most of her evenings buried in a book.
For upcoming info on new releases, join her Facebook reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21537...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,143 reviews
May 3, 2023
I liked the idea of the book, but not the execution.
Plot: The pacing was off. It took forever for Claire to find out her boyfriend was cheating on her and even longer for Claire and Theo to fake date. It was billed as a fake dating romance, but that didn’t happen until over half of the book. It seemed like a small plot point rather than an integral part of the book. Their feelings seemed to come out of nowhere. Claire’s family issues were glossed over and tied up too quickly.
OW/OM:
I wish it'd been done better because Theo was great the last half of the book. It does have great reviews, so maybe it's a me thing!
Plot: The pacing was off. It took forever for Claire to find out her boyfriend was cheating on her and even longer for Claire and Theo to fake date. It was billed as a fake dating romance, but that didn’t happen until over half of the book. It seemed like a small plot point rather than an integral part of the book. Their feelings seemed to come out of nowhere. Claire’s family issues were glossed over and tied up too quickly.
OW/OM:
I wish it'd been done better because Theo was great the last half of the book. It does have great reviews, so maybe it's a me thing!
May 28, 2023
Suffice to say, I wasn’t enthused. Here’s why, in no particular order:
1. Dislikable main characters and a cartoonish two-dimensional villain: Claire is a weak pushover and a disappointing heroine. Little to no character development there, since her internal conflicts are pretty much, and conveniently, resolved by the motions of the plot, instead of her actually learning anything at all. Theo looks down on puck bunnies, claims he dislikes them and has no respect for them, and yet he doesn’t seem to have any issues hooking up with them almost daily? Bruh, get off your damn moral high horse. Chad is a two-dimensional villain. There is no nuance to his cheating ass character that he almost feels like a Disney villain, and worse, Claire lets this dude walk all over her. Also, don’t get me started on the leech that Claire’s mother is. There’s only one word to describe that quick and easy resolution to the conflict between Claire and her mother at the end: pointless.
2. Creative liberty is one thing, but some stuff in this book make me wonder if the author actually had done any research at all? College hockey players don’t get to try-out for NHL teams. They go through a draft, and if the team that drafts them is not the team they want to sign with, well, tough luck. They have to either get that team to trade their rights away OR they need to quit playing college hockey and wait a certain amount of time before (or if) another NHL team will approach them.
3. Remember kids, if you ever get to rent your own place someday, major repairs like plumbing, water leak and floor damage are not your responsibilities to fix. They’re your landlord’s/landlady’s. Again, I wonder how much life experience does this author actually have that she doesn’t even know this?
4. Claire and Theo have unprotected sex even though Claire just broke up with Chad, who’s been cheating on her with multiple partners, and Theo has been fucking several puck bunnies. If you don’t see what’s wrong with this, then I don’t know what to tell you besides please educate yourself.
5. The fake dating actually didn’t start until the halfway mark in the book. I like slow burn—heck, Mariana Zapata is one of my fave authors—but only when it’s done right. This, right here, feels more like an over cooked, tough, chewy, dried out mess of a meat.
1. Dislikable main characters and a cartoonish two-dimensional villain: Claire is a weak pushover and a disappointing heroine. Little to no character development there, since her internal conflicts are pretty much, and conveniently, resolved by the motions of the plot, instead of her actually learning anything at all. Theo looks down on puck bunnies, claims he dislikes them and has no respect for them, and yet he doesn’t seem to have any issues hooking up with them almost daily? Bruh, get off your damn moral high horse. Chad is a two-dimensional villain. There is no nuance to his cheating ass character that he almost feels like a Disney villain, and worse, Claire lets this dude walk all over her. Also, don’t get me started on the leech that Claire’s mother is. There’s only one word to describe that quick and easy resolution to the conflict between Claire and her mother at the end: pointless.
2. Creative liberty is one thing, but some stuff in this book make me wonder if the author actually had done any research at all? College hockey players don’t get to try-out for NHL teams. They go through a draft, and if the team that drafts them is not the team they want to sign with, well, tough luck. They have to either get that team to trade their rights away OR they need to quit playing college hockey and wait a certain amount of time before (or if) another NHL team will approach them.
3. Remember kids, if you ever get to rent your own place someday, major repairs like plumbing, water leak and floor damage are not your responsibilities to fix. They’re your landlord’s/landlady’s. Again, I wonder how much life experience does this author actually have that she doesn’t even know this?
4. Claire and Theo have unprotected sex even though Claire just broke up with Chad, who’s been cheating on her with multiple partners, and Theo has been fucking several puck bunnies. If you don’t see what’s wrong with this, then I don’t know what to tell you besides please educate yourself.
5. The fake dating actually didn’t start until the halfway mark in the book. I like slow burn—heck, Mariana Zapata is one of my fave authors—but only when it’s done right. This, right here, feels more like an over cooked, tough, chewy, dried out mess of a meat.
August 16, 2023
3.25 stars
This book had so much potential. The writing was good overall and I loved the premise, but there were some things that didn’t work for me. I felt like some big things were unresolved … I also didn’t love that the main characters were with other people through so much of the first half. Just not my favorite thing. I did end up loving the hero and I would definitely try another book by this author. Hockey books are always a good time!
This book had so much potential. The writing was good overall and I loved the premise, but there were some things that didn’t work for me. I felt like some big things were unresolved … I also didn’t love that the main characters were with other people through so much of the first half. Just not my favorite thing. I did end up loving the hero and I would definitely try another book by this author. Hockey books are always a good time!
December 23, 2023
one of my favourite sports romance books ever.
i love sj and there is no surprise she killed her first sports romance, it was everything. so well written, the plot was amazing, the characters were loveable, it was perfect !!!
if you want
- roommates
- fake dating
- college hockey romance
- best friend group
READ THIS !!!!
i love sj and there is no surprise she killed her first sports romance, it was everything. so well written, the plot was amazing, the characters were loveable, it was perfect !!!
if you want
- roommates
- fake dating
- college hockey romance
- best friend group
READ THIS !!!!
May 30, 2023
2.25 ⭐️ They called Girls “females” I don’t need to say anything else about that
June 29, 2025
— 1 get this book away from me ★
it hasn't even been a week and I already barely remember anything from it except for it cringing me out as hell & the characters having sex without protection all the time. I'm pretty sure my brain blocked it out from its memory because there's simply no more space for trashy books 😀
it hasn't even been a week and I already barely remember anything from it except for it cringing me out as hell & the characters having sex without protection all the time. I'm pretty sure my brain blocked it out from its memory because there's simply no more space for trashy books 😀
April 24, 2023
4.5 stars! Weak Side is a new hockey contemporary romance with fake dating that was so much fun and had great forced proximity when the heroine and hero accidentally become roommates in college! This was my first read from this author and I’m definitely excited to read more now!
“For the second time, our mouths sealed, but this time, the kiss was undeniably soul-wrecking, and that was when I knew that Claire Bryant was about to become my weak side.”
Claire is a 3rd year dance major at Bexley University and on move-in day she finds out there was a mixup with her name and she got assigned as a roommate in the boys floor of the athletic dorms! When no other rooms are available to move to, Claire has to kind of deal with her new living situation with hockey player, Theo. Theo, known as “Wolf” on and off the ice, is captain of the team and a senior. He first assumes Claire is a puck bunny who snuck into his room and can’t believe they have to be roommates.
I liked how they kind of start with animosity about their living situation but come to be friends and eventually more. I loved seeing Theo and his teammates be supportive and protective over Claire and their whole friend group was so great! The story does start off with Claire in a four-year relationship with her boyfriend (don’t worry, you’ll want him gone lol) and Theo does have lots of brief random hookups/puck bunny action (doesn’t bother me when the couple have side things when they aren’t into each other together like that in the book yet, but I know some don’t like it at all). But I loved the way things play out and they coming together with the fake relationship that leads to more. There is some drama with both her ex and her mom, borrowing money/having to work through college supporting her mom’s bills, and I liked the depth that brought to Claire’s character. The first half was definitely my favorite and I just had a good time with this one!
“For the second time, our mouths sealed, but this time, the kiss was undeniably soul-wrecking, and that was when I knew that Claire Bryant was about to become my weak side.”
Claire is a 3rd year dance major at Bexley University and on move-in day she finds out there was a mixup with her name and she got assigned as a roommate in the boys floor of the athletic dorms! When no other rooms are available to move to, Claire has to kind of deal with her new living situation with hockey player, Theo. Theo, known as “Wolf” on and off the ice, is captain of the team and a senior. He first assumes Claire is a puck bunny who snuck into his room and can’t believe they have to be roommates.
I liked how they kind of start with animosity about their living situation but come to be friends and eventually more. I loved seeing Theo and his teammates be supportive and protective over Claire and their whole friend group was so great! The story does start off with Claire in a four-year relationship with her boyfriend (don’t worry, you’ll want him gone lol) and Theo does have lots of brief random hookups/puck bunny action (doesn’t bother me when the couple have side things when they aren’t into each other together like that in the book yet, but I know some don’t like it at all). But I loved the way things play out and they coming together with the fake relationship that leads to more. There is some drama with both her ex and her mom, borrowing money/having to work through college supporting her mom’s bills, and I liked the depth that brought to Claire’s character. The first half was definitely my favorite and I just had a good time with this one!
June 11, 2023
Fake Dating. What fake dating? This book was set up so weird. Nothing between them until 60% and then he's in love and willing to risk his future by 80%.
Secrest dad and a mom who lied for 22 years and then just gets off the hook with 1 conversation... this story was full of holes.
And let's not even get started on Chad.
I did like that they were both athletes.
3 stats
2.5 on the spice scale
Secrest dad and a mom who lied for 22 years and then just gets off the hook with 1 conversation... this story was full of holes.
And let's not even get started on Chad.
I did like that they were both athletes.
3 stats
2.5 on the spice scale
May 24, 2023
why do i keep trusting tiktok.
August 26, 2023
3.5 stars
I wanted to really love this book, and I was enjoying it in the beginning! There was definitely chemistry between the two characters even though they both had their reasons for not wanting to be together. This book, though, is marketed as a fake dating romance to get back at a cheating ex, but we wait over 40% of the book for the heroine to catch her ex cheating and then almost 60% of the book for the fake dating to happen. Even then, it's not really fake dating because they mostly hookup when they're alone. I felt like it took way too long for the heroine to realize her boyfriend was cheating on her when we knew from the start and the hero knew shortly after. And then there was some odd drama at the end with the heroine's parents that were brushed over and her mom was forgiven way too easily for what she did. I wanted to also know more about the heroine and who she was and what she wanted to be. The hero had an obvious passion, but nothing she did she really did for herself, and I would have loved more depth to her.
Overall, the idea of this one was great, but I was left wanting a bit more.
I wanted to really love this book, and I was enjoying it in the beginning! There was definitely chemistry between the two characters even though they both had their reasons for not wanting to be together. This book, though, is marketed as a fake dating romance to get back at a cheating ex, but we wait over 40% of the book for the heroine to catch her ex cheating and then almost 60% of the book for the fake dating to happen. Even then, it's not really fake dating because they mostly hookup when they're alone. I felt like it took way too long for the heroine to realize her boyfriend was cheating on her when we knew from the start and the hero knew shortly after. And then there was some odd drama at the end with the heroine's parents that were brushed over and her mom was forgiven way too easily for what she did. I wanted to also know more about the heroine and who she was and what she wanted to be. The hero had an obvious passion, but nothing she did she really did for herself, and I would have loved more depth to her.
Overall, the idea of this one was great, but I was left wanting a bit more.
April 21, 2023
I really tried, it couldn’t make it through. At 50% didn’t even get to the fake dating part.
Claire is weak and Theo, while getting better was eye roll worthy in most of this first half. Childish humor and behavior. 🙄
Claire is weak and Theo, while getting better was eye roll worthy in most of this first half. Childish humor and behavior. 🙄
April 23, 2023
Couple plot points that were, eh, but overall I really enjoyed this.
How does the office of a college "accidently" switch your name around (first/last) and think you area boy- for your 3rd year at the school..... 🤔🙄 yeah, no.
Otherwise, the story flowed well and I enjoyed all the feels.
F- Off Chad ✌️
How does the office of a college "accidently" switch your name around (first/last) and think you area boy- for your 3rd year at the school..... 🤔🙄 yeah, no.
Otherwise, the story flowed well and I enjoyed all the feels.
F- Off Chad ✌️
May 22, 2023
DNF
this shit was incredibly misogynistic
this shit was incredibly misogynistic
October 15, 2023
4.5⭐️ — RTC
May 7, 2023
2.5 stars
the amount of time i spent hating this book is fairly equal with the amount of time i spent enjoying this book
i almost gave up on it multiple times, but it got consistently good at around 70%
i have to say, i’m really not here for her mom’s redemption arc.. like i know parents make mistakes too but the mistake being her leaving her husband/bf whom she’s about to have a child with because he was paralyzed and then proceeding to fill said child’s mind with the idea that he abandoned them and that jocks are the root of all evil for 20+ years is CRAZYY
and then there’s the part where she relied on her daughter to pay her bills whilst the daughter was paying for her own college?????
that woman was the villain of this story, more so than chad bc chad wouldn’t have been an issue if it weren’t for the mother!!!
then little miss villain got a happy spotlight in the epilogue???? DID WE READ THE SAME BOOK?? why is this women not begging her daughter and ex for forgiveness???
i think i could’ve gave this book 3 or 3.5 stars if the mother would’ve gotten her ass ate up
the amount of time i spent hating this book is fairly equal with the amount of time i spent enjoying this book
i almost gave up on it multiple times, but it got consistently good at around 70%
i have to say, i’m really not here for her mom’s redemption arc.. like i know parents make mistakes too but the mistake being her leaving her husband/bf whom she’s about to have a child with because he was paralyzed and then proceeding to fill said child’s mind with the idea that he abandoned them and that jocks are the root of all evil for 20+ years is CRAZYY
and then there’s the part where she relied on her daughter to pay her bills whilst the daughter was paying for her own college?????
that woman was the villain of this story, more so than chad bc chad wouldn’t have been an issue if it weren’t for the mother!!!
then little miss villain got a happy spotlight in the epilogue???? DID WE READ THE SAME BOOK?? why is this women not begging her daughter and ex for forgiveness???
i think i could’ve gave this book 3 or 3.5 stars if the mother would’ve gotten her ass ate up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
DNF @ chapter 15: this was shockingly bad🤡👀💀
from the unbelievability of the premise and weird pacing to the unprofessional Coach's behavior, and lack of chemistry between the main characters... this story gave me NOTHING except boredom and irritation 👉👈🤬
from the unbelievability of the premise and weird pacing to the unprofessional Coach's behavior, and lack of chemistry between the main characters... this story gave me NOTHING except boredom and irritation 👉👈🤬
January 1, 2026
Weak side? Sounds about right cuz this book was weak. The substance that was somewhat present was squandered and left unexplored.
September 29, 2023
4.75/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Tropes:
~ College hockey romance
~ Fake dating
~ He falls first
~ Roommates/forced proximity
~ Slow burn
Ohhh the way I fell so hard for this man!
The college ends up screwing up with the FMC's name and thinks she is a guy because they switch her first and last name around and mistakenly put her on the men's floor in the dorms. Her roommate ends up being the captain of the hockey team - Theo.
Claire ends up finding out that her boyfriend was cheating on her so as her and Theo become closer friends/roommates they form a plan for revenge and decide to fake date. This not only is a ploy to get back at her cheating ex but also helps Theo in keeping the puck bunnies off of his back.
These two had tons of banter and the tension was at an all time high!
I really loved this one and highly recommend it.
2/5 🌶️
Tropes:
~ College hockey romance
~ Fake dating
~ He falls first
~ Roommates/forced proximity
~ Slow burn
Ohhh the way I fell so hard for this man!
The college ends up screwing up with the FMC's name and thinks she is a guy because they switch her first and last name around and mistakenly put her on the men's floor in the dorms. Her roommate ends up being the captain of the hockey team - Theo.
Claire ends up finding out that her boyfriend was cheating on her so as her and Theo become closer friends/roommates they form a plan for revenge and decide to fake date. This not only is a ploy to get back at her cheating ex but also helps Theo in keeping the puck bunnies off of his back.
These two had tons of banter and the tension was at an all time high!
I really loved this one and highly recommend it.
May 31, 2024
This one was a little tough to rate because honestly I hated the first 40% or so of the book. The premise starts with our FMC Claire Bryant mistakenly placed in a dorm with our MMC, Theo, because her first and last name were switched on the paperwork. The number of times the words “male” and “female” instead of “man” and “woman” were used was out of control! It felt so stilted too - who actually says “I’ve never lived with a female” instead of “I’ve never lived with a woman”? It just sounds super unnatural to me. I don’t know what it is, but it just comes across so cringy to me. Maybe it’s because generally men who refer to women as “females” often do it in a disrespectful way. Anyway, that was pet peeve number one.
Number 2 was that our MMC was constantly talking about all of the women he sleeps with, and continued to sleep with even after meeting the FMC. She walked in on him with other women twice in just a short period of time. I know they weren’t dating at that point but I prefer stories where there aren’t other men/women paraded around in front of the love interest. I end up thinking about them once they end up together.
At just under halfway through, the fake dating plot actually kicks in and from there out I enjoyed the book much more. Theo was so sweet to Claire and really helped her see her worth as a person, and stood up for her every single time. He was always in her corner, and I thought that was very sweet, especially since he talked about how he’d never let a woman (although technically he said “female” 😂) distract him from his career goals and would drop women the second they started showing interest in seeing him outside of the bedroom. He totally backtracked on that once he fell for Claire!
Anyway, because I didn’t like the first half but liked the second half of the book a lot, I ended up rating this one right in the middle at 3 stars. Also, Claire’s mom sucks, even though they tried to make her redeemable. That is all.
Number 2 was that our MMC was constantly talking about all of the women he sleeps with, and continued to sleep with even after meeting the FMC. She walked in on him with other women twice in just a short period of time. I know they weren’t dating at that point but I prefer stories where there aren’t other men/women paraded around in front of the love interest. I end up thinking about them once they end up together.
At just under halfway through, the fake dating plot actually kicks in and from there out I enjoyed the book much more. Theo was so sweet to Claire and really helped her see her worth as a person, and stood up for her every single time. He was always in her corner, and I thought that was very sweet, especially since he talked about how he’d never let a woman (although technically he said “female” 😂) distract him from his career goals and would drop women the second they started showing interest in seeing him outside of the bedroom. He totally backtracked on that once he fell for Claire!
Anyway, because I didn’t like the first half but liked the second half of the book a lot, I ended up rating this one right in the middle at 3 stars. Also, Claire’s mom sucks, even though they tried to make her redeemable. That is all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2023
theo’s a sweetheart but this is so boring 😭 losing faith that its possible to write new adult romance without misogynistic undertones
phrase puck bunny/bunnies used 63 times btw
phrase puck bunny/bunnies used 63 times btw
May 4, 2024
4/5⭐️ Definitivamente estoy en mi era de hockey romance y este libro es una lectura obligatoria para todas las amantes de este deporte!
Este libro fue muy divertido de leer! no podía parar y todo lo que quería hacer era seguir leyendo por lo bueno que era la verdad Dios mío✨✨
Theo Brooks es el popular jugador de hockey conocido en el campus, mientras que Claire Bryant es una bailarina de ballet que está tratando de sobrevivir en el campus mientras mantiene un trabajo y ayuda a su madre. ¡Cuando las admisiones arruinan el nombre de Claire ahora está viviendo en el piso de hombres y adivina quién es su compañero de cuarto el único e incomparable Theo Brooks!
Theo y Claire obviamente no empiezan con el mejor pie, ambos no se soportan, sobre todo Claire que odia a los deportistas pero cuando ocurre una situación entre Claire y su ex novio. Theo se enfrenta a convertirse en el novio falso de Claires para cabrear a su ex👊🏻
Y cuanto más Theo y Claire están cerca el uno del otro, más se dan cuenta de que sus suposiciones sobre el otro son erróneas.
꧁༒☬𝓣𝓡𝓞𝓟𝓔𝓢☬༒꧂
🏒 hockey player x Bailarina
🏒Él cae primero
🏒Fake dating
🏒Roommates
🏒Proximidad forzada
🏒Haters to lovers
꧁༒☬𝓜𝓘𝓢 𝓟𝓔𝓝𝓢𝓐𝓜𝓘𝓔𝓝𝓣𝓞𝓢☬༒꧂
Me enamoré de estos dos cuanto más me succionaba en su historia. Claire es fuerte, decidida y la mejor amiga que una chica puede tener, ella es una girls girl💘
Theo Brooks lo es todo! Es determinado, dulce, cariñoso y me encantó su química con Claire. Su conexión fue increíble y la forma en que él la protegió tanto y haría cualquier cosa por ella es lo mejor del mundo🥹
El grupo de amigos es increíble y sus bromas entre ellos me hicieron reír tantas veces, estoy deseando leer la historia de los demás chicos!!!
Este libro fue muy divertido de leer! no podía parar y todo lo que quería hacer era seguir leyendo por lo bueno que era la verdad Dios mío✨✨
Theo Brooks es el popular jugador de hockey conocido en el campus, mientras que Claire Bryant es una bailarina de ballet que está tratando de sobrevivir en el campus mientras mantiene un trabajo y ayuda a su madre. ¡Cuando las admisiones arruinan el nombre de Claire ahora está viviendo en el piso de hombres y adivina quién es su compañero de cuarto el único e incomparable Theo Brooks!
Theo y Claire obviamente no empiezan con el mejor pie, ambos no se soportan, sobre todo Claire que odia a los deportistas pero cuando ocurre una situación entre Claire y su ex novio. Theo se enfrenta a convertirse en el novio falso de Claires para cabrear a su ex👊🏻
Y cuanto más Theo y Claire están cerca el uno del otro, más se dan cuenta de que sus suposiciones sobre el otro son erróneas.
꧁༒☬𝓣𝓡𝓞𝓟𝓔𝓢☬༒꧂
🏒 hockey player x Bailarina
🏒Él cae primero
🏒Fake dating
🏒Roommates
🏒Proximidad forzada
🏒Haters to lovers
꧁༒☬𝓜𝓘𝓢 𝓟𝓔𝓝𝓢𝓐𝓜𝓘𝓔𝓝𝓣𝓞𝓢☬༒꧂
Me enamoré de estos dos cuanto más me succionaba en su historia. Claire es fuerte, decidida y la mejor amiga que una chica puede tener, ella es una girls girl💘
Theo Brooks lo es todo! Es determinado, dulce, cariñoso y me encantó su química con Claire. Su conexión fue increíble y la forma en que él la protegió tanto y haría cualquier cosa por ella es lo mejor del mundo🥹
El grupo de amigos es increíble y sus bromas entre ellos me hicieron reír tantas veces, estoy deseando leer la historia de los demás chicos!!!
July 6, 2023
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3.5 stars!! I was annoyed that the fake dating didn't happen until much later in the story. Despite the fact that it was implied throughout the book that it would revolve around fake dating, nothing of the such actually occurred until perhaps 60 or 50 percent of the way through. The turmoil between Chad and Claire was another item that really irritated me. Although it was obvious that Chad was cheating on Claire, the fact that Claire was so dim-witted and blind as to not see this enraged me even more. It was as if the author had created her out of fragile glass. I had some limited sympathy for Theo. He was ok and romantic at moments, and I wanted to punch him in the face at other times. I can't wait to learn about the other hockey team members, who were all very outstanding. I don't know what else to say about this book, but I was caught off guard when it was revealed that Tom was Claire's father. Anyway, farewell.
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3.5 stars!! I was annoyed that the fake dating didn't happen until much later in the story. Despite the fact that it was implied throughout the book that it would revolve around fake dating, nothing of the such actually occurred until perhaps 60 or 50 percent of the way through. The turmoil between Chad and Claire was another item that really irritated me. Although it was obvious that Chad was cheating on Claire, the fact that Claire was so dim-witted and blind as to not see this enraged me even more. It was as if the author had created her out of fragile glass. I had some limited sympathy for Theo. He was ok and romantic at moments, and I wanted to punch him in the face at other times. I can't wait to learn about the other hockey team members, who were all very outstanding. I don't know what else to say about this book, but I was caught off guard when it was revealed that Tom was Claire's father. Anyway, farewell.
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May 30, 2023
This book is the answer to the question: how many times can you fit the word ‘male’ into one book?
April 26, 2026
Accidentally Roommates, Obviously in Trouble
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷💚❤️💙
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂😁😛🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
Character backgrounds and Plot Summary
In Weak Side, S.J. Sylvis builds a college sports romance around two very different personalities forced into close quarters.
Claire is starting fresh at Bexley University, hoping for a clean slate and a typical college experience. Instead, a housing mix-up lands her in a sports dorm room with Theo, the campus hockey star. Claire is relatable and grounded. She arrives with a boyfriend back home, only to quickly discover he has been cheating on her. That betrayal becomes a turning point, pushing her to reevaluate both her relationship and her own self-worth.
Theo is the opposite of Claire in almost every way. He is confident, disciplined, and hyper-focused on hockey. As one of the most popular guys on campus, he constantly deals with attention from “puck bunnies” who are more interested in his status than who he actually is. Beneath that exterior, Theo is more controlled and thoughtful than expected, especially when it comes to protecting his goals and reputation.
Their situation evolves into a classic fake dating setup. Theo proposes that he and Claire pretend to be in a relationship to keep other girls away from him, while also helping Claire make her cheating ex jealous. What begins as a convenient arrangement slowly shifts as they develop real chemistry, emotional vulnerability, and a deeper understanding of each other.
Highlights and Limitations
One of the strongest highlights is the forced proximity and fake dating trope combination. The shared dorm room creates natural tension, humor, and intimacy without feeling overly contrived. Watching Claire and Theo navigate boundaries while pretending to be a couple adds a steady build of romantic tension.
The character development is another strength. Claire’s arc from hurt and insecure to more self-assured feels satisfying. Theo’s growth is quieter but just as important, especially as he learns to let someone in without losing focus on his ambitions. Their dynamic balances emotional moments with lighter, playful interactions.
The college hockey setting also adds energy to the story. It gives Theo a clear identity beyond just being the love interest, and it grounds the plot in something structured and competitive.
As for limitations, the premise leans heavily on familiar romance tropes. Readers who are well-versed in sports romance will likely predict many of the story beats early on. The cheating ex storyline, while effective, does not offer much nuance and serves more as a catalyst than a fully developed subplot.
At times, the conflict resolution can feel a bit rushed, especially toward the end when emotional stakes are wrapped up quickly. Some readers may also wish for deeper exploration of side characters or the broader college environment.
Narration
Michael Gallagher and Sarah McEwan deliver a solid dual narration that enhances the listening experience.
Michael Gallagher captures Theo’s controlled confidence well, giving him a voice that feels both authoritative and subtly layered. He handles Theo’s quieter, more introspective moments effectively, which helps round out the character beyond the stereotypical athlete persona.
Sarah McEwan brings warmth and emotional authenticity to Claire. Her performance makes Claire’s vulnerability and growth feel genuine, particularly during moments of heartbreak and self-reflection. She also handles the lighter, more humorous scenes with good timing and tone.
Together, their performances create a believable chemistry that supports the fake dating dynamic and helps sell the transition into something real. The pacing is smooth, and both narrators maintain distinct character voices that are easy to follow. Neither of these are on my list of favorite narrators, so this definitely isn’t in my list of the best audiobooks, but they did a fine job either way.
Final Opinion
Weak Side is an engaging and easy-to-listen-to college sports romance that leans into familiar tropes while still delivering emotional payoff. The chemistry between Theo and Claire carries the story, supported by a fun premise and strong narration.
While it does not reinvent the genre, it executes its core elements well. If you enjoy fake dating, forced proximity, and hockey romance with a mix of angst and sweetness, this audiobook is a satisfying start to the Bexley U series.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷💚❤️💙
Spice/Steam: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂😁😛🥰
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
Character backgrounds and Plot Summary
In Weak Side, S.J. Sylvis builds a college sports romance around two very different personalities forced into close quarters.
Claire is starting fresh at Bexley University, hoping for a clean slate and a typical college experience. Instead, a housing mix-up lands her in a sports dorm room with Theo, the campus hockey star. Claire is relatable and grounded. She arrives with a boyfriend back home, only to quickly discover he has been cheating on her. That betrayal becomes a turning point, pushing her to reevaluate both her relationship and her own self-worth.
Theo is the opposite of Claire in almost every way. He is confident, disciplined, and hyper-focused on hockey. As one of the most popular guys on campus, he constantly deals with attention from “puck bunnies” who are more interested in his status than who he actually is. Beneath that exterior, Theo is more controlled and thoughtful than expected, especially when it comes to protecting his goals and reputation.
Their situation evolves into a classic fake dating setup. Theo proposes that he and Claire pretend to be in a relationship to keep other girls away from him, while also helping Claire make her cheating ex jealous. What begins as a convenient arrangement slowly shifts as they develop real chemistry, emotional vulnerability, and a deeper understanding of each other.
Highlights and Limitations
One of the strongest highlights is the forced proximity and fake dating trope combination. The shared dorm room creates natural tension, humor, and intimacy without feeling overly contrived. Watching Claire and Theo navigate boundaries while pretending to be a couple adds a steady build of romantic tension.
The character development is another strength. Claire’s arc from hurt and insecure to more self-assured feels satisfying. Theo’s growth is quieter but just as important, especially as he learns to let someone in without losing focus on his ambitions. Their dynamic balances emotional moments with lighter, playful interactions.
The college hockey setting also adds energy to the story. It gives Theo a clear identity beyond just being the love interest, and it grounds the plot in something structured and competitive.
As for limitations, the premise leans heavily on familiar romance tropes. Readers who are well-versed in sports romance will likely predict many of the story beats early on. The cheating ex storyline, while effective, does not offer much nuance and serves more as a catalyst than a fully developed subplot.
At times, the conflict resolution can feel a bit rushed, especially toward the end when emotional stakes are wrapped up quickly. Some readers may also wish for deeper exploration of side characters or the broader college environment.
Narration
Michael Gallagher and Sarah McEwan deliver a solid dual narration that enhances the listening experience.
Michael Gallagher captures Theo’s controlled confidence well, giving him a voice that feels both authoritative and subtly layered. He handles Theo’s quieter, more introspective moments effectively, which helps round out the character beyond the stereotypical athlete persona.
Sarah McEwan brings warmth and emotional authenticity to Claire. Her performance makes Claire’s vulnerability and growth feel genuine, particularly during moments of heartbreak and self-reflection. She also handles the lighter, more humorous scenes with good timing and tone.
Together, their performances create a believable chemistry that supports the fake dating dynamic and helps sell the transition into something real. The pacing is smooth, and both narrators maintain distinct character voices that are easy to follow. Neither of these are on my list of favorite narrators, so this definitely isn’t in my list of the best audiobooks, but they did a fine job either way.
Final Opinion
Weak Side is an engaging and easy-to-listen-to college sports romance that leans into familiar tropes while still delivering emotional payoff. The chemistry between Theo and Claire carries the story, supported by a fun premise and strong narration.
While it does not reinvent the genre, it executes its core elements well. If you enjoy fake dating, forced proximity, and hockey romance with a mix of angst and sweetness, this audiobook is a satisfying start to the Bexley U series.
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May 2, 2026
3.5 Stars — #2nd Read
Oh, good books are back.
RTC
—
cons
- honestly it’s the beginning that fucked me up because she was overtly angry all the time and always in a mood about him and the writing kept referring to the genders as female and males—which was mad annoying
- also like when the men talk about women, especially on the team, it felt demeaning—not necessarily sexist, but just demeaning in away
- also slut-shaming? it wasn’t as aggressive like other hockey sports romance but definitely hinted there
pros
- honestly their communication it’s so refreshing and i really love how they communicated all of their issues without dancing on the line and passively saying it
- theo is an amazing boyfriend—not because he, of claire is telling u so, but because of the things he does. it’s literally ACTIONS over words and he’s shown that several times—sure it got more heavy-handed at the end but honestly an amazing boyfriend
- claire became more tolerable towards the end and u can’t hold her attitude u felt for her in the beginning for the rest of the book. u also become acutely aware of her decisions and choices and why she makes them — even if it makes u upset— because that’s her character and she follows through on her characterization. i found that incredible
- also the tension and the situations they get themselves in were realistic and not seemly handed to us to cause drama but made SENSE sure a plot point or two was definitely like pulled out of ur ass to get the entire storyline together but still-very nice touch especially with the ex boyfriend, the coach in the shower scene
- also the friendships - the group of hockey players who were so protective of claire was incredible and her best friend. it genuinely felt good to read and have shine a light on platonic friendships
- also the characters FELT like college students ESPECIALLY for me, the men, because often the men acts more wiser than they are in sports romance but no, they made sense for me. it wasn’t overtly overdone or too on the nose, it was subtle and casual and smooth i really enjoyed how authentic the feel of the book was throughout
- also it reminds me of kdramas and slowburn? especially when he carrie’s her on his back or nurse her wounds, or hopped in the shower w her—it felt like k-drama coded which was funny to me and the book gets into fake dating like halfway through - like it was a slowburn
- but i feel like the establishment of their relationship outside of romance in the beginning was so good looking back retrospectively because it showed how they changed and how their interactions shifts and the dynamic of their relationship before and after getting together
- also the fake dating premise — if u come in looking for fake dating trope in the capacity of how it’s usually handled prepared to be disappointed BUT i like how it was handled in this book IF u enter with no expectations. it wasn’t using the usual miscommunication and/or ex drama but it was a device for them to understand each other rather than a ploy that keeps them apart. i love fake dating as the next girl, but this book still holds heavy with ANGST and DRAMA even if it didn’t go it’s usual routes
- honestly, i rate it a 5/5 bc i finished in one night and because it was a FUN read. i’m not going to dissect the politics because i feel like when reading romance u should suspend ur reality for a moment
- also there was some problems in the characterization feeling more… patriarchal and slut-shamed, but it’s gets better as the book goes on. it’s almost like the author started off with an intent to mimic or follow the genre’s storyline then developed her own sense of style with sports romance (which i appreciate)
- i just.. i just really enjoyed it and is very grateful to be reading this and have found this
writing wise
- it was good it flowed and i didn’t gag at any of the speeches, it definitely is more flowery and more prose than what i’m used to in sports romance but i get past it and enjoyed the writing
Oh, good books are back.
RTC
—
cons
- honestly it’s the beginning that fucked me up because she was overtly angry all the time and always in a mood about him and the writing kept referring to the genders as female and males—which was mad annoying
- also like when the men talk about women, especially on the team, it felt demeaning—not necessarily sexist, but just demeaning in away
- also slut-shaming? it wasn’t as aggressive like other hockey sports romance but definitely hinted there
pros
- honestly their communication it’s so refreshing and i really love how they communicated all of their issues without dancing on the line and passively saying it
- theo is an amazing boyfriend—not because he, of claire is telling u so, but because of the things he does. it’s literally ACTIONS over words and he’s shown that several times—sure it got more heavy-handed at the end but honestly an amazing boyfriend
- claire became more tolerable towards the end and u can’t hold her attitude u felt for her in the beginning for the rest of the book. u also become acutely aware of her decisions and choices and why she makes them — even if it makes u upset— because that’s her character and she follows through on her characterization. i found that incredible
- also the tension and the situations they get themselves in were realistic and not seemly handed to us to cause drama but made SENSE sure a plot point or two was definitely like pulled out of ur ass to get the entire storyline together but still-very nice touch especially with the ex boyfriend, the coach in the shower scene
- also the friendships - the group of hockey players who were so protective of claire was incredible and her best friend. it genuinely felt good to read and have shine a light on platonic friendships
- also the characters FELT like college students ESPECIALLY for me, the men, because often the men acts more wiser than they are in sports romance but no, they made sense for me. it wasn’t overtly overdone or too on the nose, it was subtle and casual and smooth i really enjoyed how authentic the feel of the book was throughout
- also it reminds me of kdramas and slowburn? especially when he carrie’s her on his back or nurse her wounds, or hopped in the shower w her—it felt like k-drama coded which was funny to me and the book gets into fake dating like halfway through - like it was a slowburn
- but i feel like the establishment of their relationship outside of romance in the beginning was so good looking back retrospectively because it showed how they changed and how their interactions shifts and the dynamic of their relationship before and after getting together
- also the fake dating premise — if u come in looking for fake dating trope in the capacity of how it’s usually handled prepared to be disappointed BUT i like how it was handled in this book IF u enter with no expectations. it wasn’t using the usual miscommunication and/or ex drama but it was a device for them to understand each other rather than a ploy that keeps them apart. i love fake dating as the next girl, but this book still holds heavy with ANGST and DRAMA even if it didn’t go it’s usual routes
- honestly, i rate it a 5/5 bc i finished in one night and because it was a FUN read. i’m not going to dissect the politics because i feel like when reading romance u should suspend ur reality for a moment
- also there was some problems in the characterization feeling more… patriarchal and slut-shamed, but it’s gets better as the book goes on. it’s almost like the author started off with an intent to mimic or follow the genre’s storyline then developed her own sense of style with sports romance (which i appreciate)
- i just.. i just really enjoyed it and is very grateful to be reading this and have found this
writing wise
- it was good it flowed and i didn’t gag at any of the speeches, it definitely is more flowery and more prose than what i’m used to in sports romance but i get past it and enjoyed the writing
April 18, 2023
THIS… This is a hockey romance👏🏼
Theo & Claire are everything in this story, I loved how supportive Theo became and Claire’s character progression was incredible. How she realised that you don’t have to be a people pleaser. That it’s ok to slow down, It’s ok to put yourself first. Her journey realising her worth was everything.
I loved all of the side characters here too. Who doesn’t love it when the whole hockey team falls in love with the FMC & gets protective “our girl” 😏
The banter, the tension, the sweet moments, the friendships built and the love they find. I loved this book.
~ Forced proximity
~ Fake dating
~ He falls first
~ Protective MMC
~ Slow burn BUT THE GOOD ANGSTY KIND!
I can’t wait for ICE BET. Aashers story is next and I have a feeling it’s going to be just as epic🔥
Theo & Claire are everything in this story, I loved how supportive Theo became and Claire’s character progression was incredible. How she realised that you don’t have to be a people pleaser. That it’s ok to slow down, It’s ok to put yourself first. Her journey realising her worth was everything.
I loved all of the side characters here too. Who doesn’t love it when the whole hockey team falls in love with the FMC & gets protective “our girl” 😏
The banter, the tension, the sweet moments, the friendships built and the love they find. I loved this book.
~ Forced proximity
~ Fake dating
~ He falls first
~ Protective MMC
~ Slow burn BUT THE GOOD ANGSTY KIND!
I can’t wait for ICE BET. Aashers story is next and I have a feeling it’s going to be just as epic🔥
July 16, 2023
I've enjoyed English Prep series by S.J. Sylvis so I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, it couldn't hold my interest at all and I didn't really care about the MCs or their relationship. 2 ⭐
May 2, 2023
the only thing that made me wanna cry was the amount of run-on sentences and grammar mistakes
June 29, 2023
if you dance i’ll dance and if you don’t, i’ll dance anyway
April 20, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book has my heart. ♥ Theo & Claire own my heart!
I loved everything about it. If you are a fan of Sports Romance, Forced Proximity, Fake Dating, Found Family, Slow Burn - this book is for you! 💯
Theo and Claire had me from the start. One a Hockey Player. One a Ballet Dancer. Both complete opposites (or so we think), brought together by a dorm room mix-up. They started off on rocky grounds. Going from not really liking one another, to a mutually beneficial favor, to friends. And then to an endearing couple, with lots of chemistry. They complimented and completed one another perfectly.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship blossom throughout the book, as well as both of them, individually. They are both more than meets the eye. Sj Sylvis did a wonderful job laying the groundwork and background for each of them. It really helped you understand who they were and how they became that way. What shaped and molded them. It gave them depth. They both have gone through and are going through a lot in life. They both have struggles. Seeing Claire come into her own was so gratifying. And seeing how overprotective Theo was with Claire was swoon-worthy.
Add in engaging side characters that we adore & need more of, as much humor as there is angst & banter, and a relationship that evolves in perfect timing. And then throw in a major plot twist, on top of it all. And you have an Amazing story.
I am used to reading a darker side of SJ Sylvis. But she proved her versatility and wrote a wonderful Sports Romance. I can’t wait to read more from Bexley U. Aasher’s coming…
This book has my heart. ♥ Theo & Claire own my heart!
I loved everything about it. If you are a fan of Sports Romance, Forced Proximity, Fake Dating, Found Family, Slow Burn - this book is for you! 💯
Theo and Claire had me from the start. One a Hockey Player. One a Ballet Dancer. Both complete opposites (or so we think), brought together by a dorm room mix-up. They started off on rocky grounds. Going from not really liking one another, to a mutually beneficial favor, to friends. And then to an endearing couple, with lots of chemistry. They complimented and completed one another perfectly.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship blossom throughout the book, as well as both of them, individually. They are both more than meets the eye. Sj Sylvis did a wonderful job laying the groundwork and background for each of them. It really helped you understand who they were and how they became that way. What shaped and molded them. It gave them depth. They both have gone through and are going through a lot in life. They both have struggles. Seeing Claire come into her own was so gratifying. And seeing how overprotective Theo was with Claire was swoon-worthy.
Add in engaging side characters that we adore & need more of, as much humor as there is angst & banter, and a relationship that evolves in perfect timing. And then throw in a major plot twist, on top of it all. And you have an Amazing story.
I am used to reading a darker side of SJ Sylvis. But she proved her versatility and wrote a wonderful Sports Romance. I can’t wait to read more from Bexley U. Aasher’s coming…
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