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The Players of Springs U #1
Calm Before the Score
Violet Evans likes her life of predictability, like a big annotated journal, full of colorful tabs. After losing the only father figure she has ever known, Violet heads to Springs U with her best friend to escape her loss and pain. On her first day of college, the tattooed and mysterious football player derails her set out plans of a calm year.
With a troubled past, Ryan Shane likes to keep his life simple. He only cares about one football. His life is complicated enough, and there isn’t room for any more problems. After a tense first encounter and a fiery first kiss, Ryan begins to fall for Violet, hard, but he has a past with layers of secrets to uncover that Violet intends to crack.
As much as the two would rather go their separate ways, something always seems to pull them back together. Can the unlikely pair find their happiness? Or will Ryan’s mistakes be the thing that drives them apart?
When a life altering decision is made, will Violet Evans and Ryan Shane make it to their forever touchdown? Or will Ryan’s audible be the calm before the score?
With a troubled past, Ryan Shane likes to keep his life simple. He only cares about one football. His life is complicated enough, and there isn’t room for any more problems. After a tense first encounter and a fiery first kiss, Ryan begins to fall for Violet, hard, but he has a past with layers of secrets to uncover that Violet intends to crack.
As much as the two would rather go their separate ways, something always seems to pull them back together. Can the unlikely pair find their happiness? Or will Ryan’s mistakes be the thing that drives them apart?
When a life altering decision is made, will Violet Evans and Ryan Shane make it to their forever touchdown? Or will Ryan’s audible be the calm before the score?
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2024
18 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 8, 2024
Beta read 🩷
Great start to Kortney’s author journey! The breakup is unique compared to any other story I’ve read which was refreshing!
Great start to Kortney’s author journey! The breakup is unique compared to any other story I’ve read which was refreshing!
August 5, 2024
4.5 Stars
🏈 The vibes:
- collage
- Football
- Anxiety
- instalove/ Second chance
- Closed door
🏈 My thoughts:
A guy with a troubled past who only does hookups and a girl who is trying to escape loss. One kiss at a college party and everything changes.
📝 This book was unique in a few ways to me. I initially didn’t love the meet cute or the initial attraction between Ryan and Violet. I couldn’t understand why they clicked or why they were instantly into eachother. As the book went on and I saw their deeper personalities- I can see why they had a connection beyond their physical attraction to eachother but the origin did feel quick.
📝 So yes- this felt instalove but I have to dig deeper here because after I processed the entire book- I think it makes sense for an instalove situation because this isn’t just a one and done happy love story. It’s essentially a love story PLUS a second chance story and we needed time to get there and tell the second chance portion. So yes, the love comes quick but then we get pulverized by the plot and I think it all worked.
📝 I loved Ryan’s relationship with his mom. That was such a sweet element in the book and really pulled me in.
📝 I really enjoyed seeing flawed characters. Violet has her issues going on (ocd, severe anxiety) and has a lot to work through. But Ryan has a lot of issues too (his dark past and a sick mother). There’s a lot of depth here and yallllll. I was here for it. I was really invested, and I actually really enjoyed the conflict. What a devastating blow. But don’t worry, Kort will put you back together by the end.
📝 I’m keeping this vague on purpose- but there are elements in this story that really felt like addiction. And the full arc of the mess and coming out of it was done so well. It took TIME. It took energy. These characters didn’t just fix eachother. And this was so needed in a mess like this.
⭐️ I really feel like the redemption arc was so good and I couldn’t stop thinking or talking about it. This was a really strong debut novel and I cannot wait to see what else Kort has up her sleeves for the next one.
Go into this knowing it’s a college romance. So the characters feel young- because they ARE young. There’s underage drinking, twerking, and truth or dare. Basically college at its finest 😆. (Also best friend Hartley reminds me of Loren from the Addicted series by Krista and Becca Ritchie. I anxiously await his trauma in the next book).
Note- closed door; check CW if you have concerns.
Release date: September 13, 2024.
Thank you so much to Kort Combe for the gifted copy.
🏈 The vibes:
- collage
- Football
- Anxiety
- instalove/ Second chance
- Closed door
🏈 My thoughts:
A guy with a troubled past who only does hookups and a girl who is trying to escape loss. One kiss at a college party and everything changes.
📝 This book was unique in a few ways to me. I initially didn’t love the meet cute or the initial attraction between Ryan and Violet. I couldn’t understand why they clicked or why they were instantly into eachother. As the book went on and I saw their deeper personalities- I can see why they had a connection beyond their physical attraction to eachother but the origin did feel quick.
📝 So yes- this felt instalove but I have to dig deeper here because after I processed the entire book- I think it makes sense for an instalove situation because this isn’t just a one and done happy love story. It’s essentially a love story PLUS a second chance story and we needed time to get there and tell the second chance portion. So yes, the love comes quick but then we get pulverized by the plot and I think it all worked.
📝 I loved Ryan’s relationship with his mom. That was such a sweet element in the book and really pulled me in.
📝 I really enjoyed seeing flawed characters. Violet has her issues going on (ocd, severe anxiety) and has a lot to work through. But Ryan has a lot of issues too (his dark past and a sick mother). There’s a lot of depth here and yallllll. I was here for it. I was really invested, and I actually really enjoyed the conflict. What a devastating blow. But don’t worry, Kort will put you back together by the end.
📝 I’m keeping this vague on purpose- but there are elements in this story that really felt like addiction. And the full arc of the mess and coming out of it was done so well. It took TIME. It took energy. These characters didn’t just fix eachother. And this was so needed in a mess like this.
⭐️ I really feel like the redemption arc was so good and I couldn’t stop thinking or talking about it. This was a really strong debut novel and I cannot wait to see what else Kort has up her sleeves for the next one.
Go into this knowing it’s a college romance. So the characters feel young- because they ARE young. There’s underage drinking, twerking, and truth or dare. Basically college at its finest 😆. (Also best friend Hartley reminds me of Loren from the Addicted series by Krista and Becca Ritchie. I anxiously await his trauma in the next book).
Note- closed door; check CW if you have concerns.
Release date: September 13, 2024.
Thank you so much to Kort Combe for the gifted copy.
July 20, 2024
ARC Review
4,5 ⭐️
First let me start by saying how beautiful this cover is, it made me want to read the book even more.
I’m a huge fan of sports romance so my expectations were pretty high and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint, to be honest I think it exceeded my expectations.
Tropes:
☀️ closed door romance
☀️ college football romance
☀️ found family
☀️ grumpy/sunshine
I’m absolutely in love with the main characters, with the secondary characters, with the story, with the way it was written, I’m in love with everything about this book. To me the way books are written is really important, because even if the trope is perfect and the plot is good if I don’t enjoy the writing I can’t properly enjoy the book, in this one I had zero problems with the writing because it was perfect, it was simple and made me want to keep reading.
About the main characters, it was so good to read about their progress as individuals but also as a couple, they grow up so much. The way they had their secrets and own insecurities but decided to share them with each other and work on them together it was what made me like them even more. Forever thinking about Violet and Ryan.
I need to be honest about something, I loved Violet and Ryan but…Hartley and Liza had my heart since the first time they appeared! I’m so excited for the next one, I just want to keep reading books from all the characters.
Put a reminder, this book comes out September 13th and if you’re a fan of sports romance or just romances you need to read this book!!!
Thank you so much to Kort Combe for sending me this ARC and thank you for writing such an amazing book!
4,5 ⭐️
First let me start by saying how beautiful this cover is, it made me want to read the book even more.
I’m a huge fan of sports romance so my expectations were pretty high and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint, to be honest I think it exceeded my expectations.
Tropes:
☀️ closed door romance
☀️ college football romance
☀️ found family
☀️ grumpy/sunshine
I’m absolutely in love with the main characters, with the secondary characters, with the story, with the way it was written, I’m in love with everything about this book. To me the way books are written is really important, because even if the trope is perfect and the plot is good if I don’t enjoy the writing I can’t properly enjoy the book, in this one I had zero problems with the writing because it was perfect, it was simple and made me want to keep reading.
About the main characters, it was so good to read about their progress as individuals but also as a couple, they grow up so much. The way they had their secrets and own insecurities but decided to share them with each other and work on them together it was what made me like them even more. Forever thinking about Violet and Ryan.
I need to be honest about something, I loved Violet and Ryan but…Hartley and Liza had my heart since the first time they appeared! I’m so excited for the next one, I just want to keep reading books from all the characters.
Put a reminder, this book comes out September 13th and if you’re a fan of sports romance or just romances you need to read this book!!!
Thank you so much to Kort Combe for sending me this ARC and thank you for writing such an amazing book!
July 17, 2024
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Kort Combe for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 0/5🌶️
What to expect when reading Calm Before the Score;
-Academic Girlie
-Closed door romance
-Anxiety/ OCD rep
-Found family
-College football
Y’all I don’t think you’re ready for this book it gave me all the feels!
Violet takes a turn and now all she has is her structure and best friend. Starting her first year of college the last thing she thought would happen is the meeting a cute guy to drop in with his moody self.Ryan has the weight of the world on his shoulders and won’t ask for help. Juggling too many things doesn’t spell disaster right?
Violet and Ryan’s banter was so cute because even though she looks like she wouldn’t hurt a fly she gave him a run for his money! This book definitely has its twist I soo wasn’t expecting! I was on the edge on my seat because I wasn’t sure what would happen. My heart was happy then sad, then understanding, then sad and then happy and finally really happy! So get ready because I didn’t expect to cry but it definitely got me a little watery eyed. Everything flowed so perfectly, the only thing I wish for was if we got to see a little more of Vi in the book but, hopefully she and Ryan get to make guest appearances in book two 🤗
Fav Line: “you were watching me Mr. Football”
Make sure you get the book when it releases on September 13th💜
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to Kort Combe for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 0/5🌶️
What to expect when reading Calm Before the Score;
-Academic Girlie
-Closed door romance
-Anxiety/ OCD rep
-Found family
-College football
Y’all I don’t think you’re ready for this book it gave me all the feels!
Violet takes a turn and now all she has is her structure and best friend. Starting her first year of college the last thing she thought would happen is the meeting a cute guy to drop in with his moody self.Ryan has the weight of the world on his shoulders and won’t ask for help. Juggling too many things doesn’t spell disaster right?
Violet and Ryan’s banter was so cute because even though she looks like she wouldn’t hurt a fly she gave him a run for his money! This book definitely has its twist I soo wasn’t expecting! I was on the edge on my seat because I wasn’t sure what would happen. My heart was happy then sad, then understanding, then sad and then happy and finally really happy! So get ready because I didn’t expect to cry but it definitely got me a little watery eyed. Everything flowed so perfectly, the only thing I wish for was if we got to see a little more of Vi in the book but, hopefully she and Ryan get to make guest appearances in book two 🤗
Fav Line: “you were watching me Mr. Football”
Make sure you get the book when it releases on September 13th💜
#bookstagram #romance #review
August 21, 2024
3.75 but so close to 4 so gotta round up 🤭
September 9, 2024
ARC review!
It was an easy read.
Things I liked were that I felt like the OCD and anxiety was well written in the story, very life like.
I also loved how there was a guy/girl friendship, and it didn't turn into drama and a relationship. Shows how they can be friends! I still don't know how I felt about Hartley's friendship with Violet though, even knowing their back story. But, you'll have to form an opinion yourself!
But... I do like it more towards the end.
I also liked Ryan and Violet's relationship throughout the book. Ryan had a last too, which formulated to the plot of the story.
I am not a huge sports person, but there really wasn't much that kept me from understanding the plot.
I still overall generally liked the book!
I am excited to see what comes in the next book with Liza and Hartley!
Also, if you are a spice lover, this doesn't have any spice, more young adult/college book.
It was an easy read.
Things I liked were that I felt like the OCD and anxiety was well written in the story, very life like.
I also loved how there was a guy/girl friendship, and it didn't turn into drama and a relationship. Shows how they can be friends! I still don't know how I felt about Hartley's friendship with Violet though, even knowing their back story. But, you'll have to form an opinion yourself!
But... I do like it more towards the end.
I also liked Ryan and Violet's relationship throughout the book. Ryan had a last too, which formulated to the plot of the story.
I am not a huge sports person, but there really wasn't much that kept me from understanding the plot.
I still overall generally liked the book!
I am excited to see what comes in the next book with Liza and Hartley!
Also, if you are a spice lover, this doesn't have any spice, more young adult/college book.
September 1, 2024
When I first saw this book, I was definitely excited. The blurb was interesting and fun, I absolutely loved the cover it’s so beautiful, and I thought the aesthetic was fun and it drew me in.
I definitely found myself falling in love with this unique story and its characters. We get introduced to Violet first, and I absolutely fell in love with her. I found that she was relatable in so many ways. I found myself in her with her struggles with her anxiety, her panic attacks and just how she thrives on predictability over chaos. It felt like I was reading about myself a little and I really enjoyed her characters journey and her growth throughout the story. She has become one of my absolute favorite FMC’s that I’ve read!! She’s fun and sassy, and I loved getting to know her. Ryan’s character was simple on the outside, but also had so many deep layers and I loved getting to follow his journey and peel back each layer and explore his character more. His relationship with his mom is everything.
I loved them together, how they brought out the best in each other, their love and support of each other was beautiful, and just the way Ryan treats her when she’s spiraling was so beautiful. The tension and drama really felt interesting and left me emotional, and then I absolutely loved the ending. I also really enjoyed the world of Spring U, and can’t wait to explore it more and get to know our side characters even more.
I’m definitely a spice girly, but this was a closed door romance, and for me I found that it actually worked so well and really brought me in more. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything and I still felt their emotional connection to each other as well as the desire to be together. Their first meet was not the best, but it was definitely fast paced and their progression was so fluid and natural and beautiful.
Thank you so much to Kort for allowing me to be part of your team, and for sharing your story with us and allowing me to be an ARC Reader!! I’m definitely excited about this story and can’t wait for what’s next!!
I definitely found myself falling in love with this unique story and its characters. We get introduced to Violet first, and I absolutely fell in love with her. I found that she was relatable in so many ways. I found myself in her with her struggles with her anxiety, her panic attacks and just how she thrives on predictability over chaos. It felt like I was reading about myself a little and I really enjoyed her characters journey and her growth throughout the story. She has become one of my absolute favorite FMC’s that I’ve read!! She’s fun and sassy, and I loved getting to know her. Ryan’s character was simple on the outside, but also had so many deep layers and I loved getting to follow his journey and peel back each layer and explore his character more. His relationship with his mom is everything.
I loved them together, how they brought out the best in each other, their love and support of each other was beautiful, and just the way Ryan treats her when she’s spiraling was so beautiful. The tension and drama really felt interesting and left me emotional, and then I absolutely loved the ending. I also really enjoyed the world of Spring U, and can’t wait to explore it more and get to know our side characters even more.
I’m definitely a spice girly, but this was a closed door romance, and for me I found that it actually worked so well and really brought me in more. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything and I still felt their emotional connection to each other as well as the desire to be together. Their first meet was not the best, but it was definitely fast paced and their progression was so fluid and natural and beautiful.
Thank you so much to Kort for allowing me to be part of your team, and for sharing your story with us and allowing me to be an ARC Reader!! I’m definitely excited about this story and can’t wait for what’s next!!
September 11, 2024
3⭐️ARC Review: I was really anticipating this book since the moment I saw the cover reveal, and really it was a cute romance. I kept wishing I was reading about the friends, Hartley and Liza, but I know they will be getting their own book so I’m pumped for that! But we are here for Ryan and Violet.
This is the author’s debut novel and you can tell in her writing. It was juvenile and the events and characters were more cringey than swoony. I just had a really hard time with this book. No hate to this author, she will improve as she continues to write, and she should continue! I can see the potential in her stories. But ultimately, this book in particular was not for me.
Violet and Ryan were and cute and all, and they made sense together, but you just feel so bad for them. They have some serious issues and go through some tough things in this book. So you feel for them and cheer for them to succeed. What I didn’t like about them being together was the fact that the author focused way too much on their attraction. That’s all Ryan could think about during his POV was how hot Violet was. I want more than that. I want depth to these characters, but they were just very flat.
And my biggest issue was that there were no curse words other than the use of Je*** and G*d. And I was not a fan of that. She could have used any other words or none at all, and I may have rated this better.
Anyways, it was cute enough to finish, but ultimately not very memorable.
*Thank you to the author, Kort Combe, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- College football
- Opposites attract
- Dual POV
- Closed-door romance
Content 💋:
- Some language throughout (a few uses of G*d and Je***
- Kisses only
- Mild innuendo
This is the author’s debut novel and you can tell in her writing. It was juvenile and the events and characters were more cringey than swoony. I just had a really hard time with this book. No hate to this author, she will improve as she continues to write, and she should continue! I can see the potential in her stories. But ultimately, this book in particular was not for me.
Violet and Ryan were and cute and all, and they made sense together, but you just feel so bad for them. They have some serious issues and go through some tough things in this book. So you feel for them and cheer for them to succeed. What I didn’t like about them being together was the fact that the author focused way too much on their attraction. That’s all Ryan could think about during his POV was how hot Violet was. I want more than that. I want depth to these characters, but they were just very flat.
And my biggest issue was that there were no curse words other than the use of Je*** and G*d. And I was not a fan of that. She could have used any other words or none at all, and I may have rated this better.
Anyways, it was cute enough to finish, but ultimately not very memorable.
*Thank you to the author, Kort Combe, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- College football
- Opposites attract
- Dual POV
- Closed-door romance
Content 💋:
- Some language throughout (a few uses of G*d and Je***
- Kisses only
- Mild innuendo
September 13, 2024
Calm Before The Score was a good college sports romance read. It was quick and easy. I liked Violet and Ryan. They were cute together! Although, I wish we could have see more of their relationship developed before they started dating. I loved how Ryan took care of Violet. He was always caring and sweet towards her. The romance was closed door with some fade to black scenes, nothing descriptive. Violet was retable with her struggle with anxiety. I really loved Liza and Hartley! The brother/sister relationship between Violet and Hartley was adorable. Liza was a wonderful friend. If you love closed door college romance books, this is a great read.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
September 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Oh my goodness, what a gem of a read! This sweet, wholesome young adult romance touched on mental health in the most delicate and thoughtful way. You can feel the heart and soul that Kort poured into these characters — by the end, they felt like real-life friends I never knew I needed! 🥹💖 I just wanted to jump into the pages, give them both the biggest hugs, and throw a little party to celebrate their beautiful journey together! 🎉✨
Kort, I am so excited to support you in your debut! You’ve truly created something special here. Can’t wait to see what’s next! 💕
Oh my goodness, what a gem of a read! This sweet, wholesome young adult romance touched on mental health in the most delicate and thoughtful way. You can feel the heart and soul that Kort poured into these characters — by the end, they felt like real-life friends I never knew I needed! 🥹💖 I just wanted to jump into the pages, give them both the biggest hugs, and throw a little party to celebrate their beautiful journey together! 🎉✨
Kort, I am so excited to support you in your debut! You’ve truly created something special here. Can’t wait to see what’s next! 💕
August 16, 2024
4.75/5 stars honestly.
i’m a sucker for a good sports romance as it is, however this was my first football romance and i have to say, i loved it!!
please note this is a closed door romance, but i think it really suited the story.
as always check CW before reading.
i’m not typically one for the whole “omg we kissed and now he’s the love of my life” trope, but this was done in a way that didn’t feel forced. as the book progresses you get to see their actual connection.
there is some DEPTH to this book, we see a really good representation of OCD (thank you from the bottom of my heart for including this the way you did, i felt so seen). there’s some ache and pain as you’re reading but Kort won’t let you hurt long i swear.
thank you a ton to sweet Kort for the opportunity to read this beautiful story so early!!
full release date is September 13th, go preorder while you can. you’re gonna love this one!!
i’m a sucker for a good sports romance as it is, however this was my first football romance and i have to say, i loved it!!
please note this is a closed door romance, but i think it really suited the story.
as always check CW before reading.
i’m not typically one for the whole “omg we kissed and now he’s the love of my life” trope, but this was done in a way that didn’t feel forced. as the book progresses you get to see their actual connection.
there is some DEPTH to this book, we see a really good representation of OCD (thank you from the bottom of my heart for including this the way you did, i felt so seen). there’s some ache and pain as you’re reading but Kort won’t let you hurt long i swear.
thank you a ton to sweet Kort for the opportunity to read this beautiful story so early!!
full release date is September 13th, go preorder while you can. you’re gonna love this one!!
September 26, 2024
ARC Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute college sports romance. Ryan and Violet were a great couple, so real and so raw. I felt like this romance was more realistic. The MMC makes choices and pays the consequences and everything is not just forgiven right away and he doesn’t just get the girl. That being said it was still a happy and satisfying ending. I also enjoyed that the FMC had some imperfections and wasn’t just the poster child of the perfect woman. There was so much emotional growth, great friendships and more. Also, this cover is just too cute!
🏈 closed door romance
💜 broken MMC/academic FMC
🏈 college football romance
🤍 anxiety and OCD rep found family
🏈 grumpy/sunshine
💜 surprise twist
Quote:
“Once again, our eyes connect, and the mystery boy gives me a small smirk. He was definitely staring.”
Thank you to the author Kort Combe for the advanced electronic copy of the book!
This was a cute college sports romance. Ryan and Violet were a great couple, so real and so raw. I felt like this romance was more realistic. The MMC makes choices and pays the consequences and everything is not just forgiven right away and he doesn’t just get the girl. That being said it was still a happy and satisfying ending. I also enjoyed that the FMC had some imperfections and wasn’t just the poster child of the perfect woman. There was so much emotional growth, great friendships and more. Also, this cover is just too cute!
🏈 closed door romance
💜 broken MMC/academic FMC
🏈 college football romance
🤍 anxiety and OCD rep found family
🏈 grumpy/sunshine
💜 surprise twist
Quote:
“Once again, our eyes connect, and the mystery boy gives me a small smirk. He was definitely staring.”
Thank you to the author Kort Combe for the advanced electronic copy of the book!
July 25, 2024
This was an ARC review.
This is the kind of romance novel that makes you smile to yourself when reading in public. As someone with OCD, I really appreciated the very realistic peak into Violet’s life. Never any spoilers from me, but I happy cried. ❤️
This is the kind of romance novel that makes you smile to yourself when reading in public. As someone with OCD, I really appreciated the very realistic peak into Violet’s life. Never any spoilers from me, but I happy cried. ❤️
August 6, 2024
ARC Review ✨ Wow! I truly enjoyed this book and so thankful for getting an ARC copy. Thank you to Kort & her team!
The real world problems, banter, and fast pace made it so easy to read and fall in love with the characters. I am a college football girl, so I loved how a little more football terms/talk were put into the book - instead of some other sports romance barely discussing the sport itself (which that’s what makes it a sports romance in the first place 😂).
Things you can expect: found family trope, no spice (just kissing), anxiety/OCD rep, hint of grumpy/sunshine, and obviously football.
The cover art is wonderful. This book will have you smiling and kicking your feet.
Be sure to check it out when it releases on September 13th! 💙
The real world problems, banter, and fast pace made it so easy to read and fall in love with the characters. I am a college football girl, so I loved how a little more football terms/talk were put into the book - instead of some other sports romance barely discussing the sport itself (which that’s what makes it a sports romance in the first place 😂).
Things you can expect: found family trope, no spice (just kissing), anxiety/OCD rep, hint of grumpy/sunshine, and obviously football.
The cover art is wonderful. This book will have you smiling and kicking your feet.
Be sure to check it out when it releases on September 13th! 💙
July 22, 2024
These two characters growing together was such a cute read. They both had hardships to overcome. The author is a sweetheart, too. Plus, Ryan just sounded hot.
July 25, 2024
This was such a great read! Violet and Ryan’s love story is so relatable and felt very sincere. They faced real-world struggles and handled them like I would expect college-aged people to do. I appreciated the realistic occurrences in the book instead of things magically being resolved in a fairytale way (no spoilers!). It made the story much more relatable and down-to-earth. The show stealers in this book were side characters Hartley and Liza. I absolutely adored their characters and can’t wait for their stories!
I also thought the length of this book was great. It was plot-filled and I never felt like there were sections of just filler for the sake of length. I can’t recommend this enough!
Thank you for letting me be on the ARC team! 😊
I also thought the length of this book was great. It was plot-filled and I never felt like there were sections of just filler for the sake of length. I can’t recommend this enough!
Thank you for letting me be on the ARC team! 😊
August 11, 2024
3.5🌟 This book was so cute and fast paced i read it in less than a day, i thought vi and ryan were so cute together but the book had a perfect balance of romance and heavier topics such as dealing with illness in the family and the FMC having and coping with OCD i think the ending got slower but i still highly recommend this book it’s fun, short and sweet, it’s a closed door YA romance and i think the growth of the characters was very relatable and them doing things that are mistakes and learning from them overall a great read
January 15, 2025
Calm before the score
I read this book in under 12 hours, I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved Ryan and Violets love story.
I read this book in under 12 hours, I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved Ryan and Violets love story.
July 26, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
September 18, 2024
Great debut
I would recommend reading this book. I think that the author did a great job, especially considering it’s their debut novel. Great characters and an interesting and captivating storyline. I don’t know if it was intended to be a closed-door romance, since it is not described as such in the synopsis or if that part of the story, or their relationship was just never developed. Intimacy between the characters is never even alluded to. I liked how there were realistic consequences to the choices that Ryan made and that the author chose not to give that particular part of the storyline a happy ending that would have been unrealistic. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I would recommend reading this book. I think that the author did a great job, especially considering it’s their debut novel. Great characters and an interesting and captivating storyline. I don’t know if it was intended to be a closed-door romance, since it is not described as such in the synopsis or if that part of the story, or their relationship was just never developed. Intimacy between the characters is never even alluded to. I liked how there were realistic consequences to the choices that Ryan made and that the author chose not to give that particular part of the storyline a happy ending that would have been unrealistic. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 16, 2024
I was so excited when I first saw this book. This book was quite enjoyable to me. Violet and Ryan made such a cute couple, and I really like how genuine and raw their story was! There is definitely a surprise to this book that I did not anticipate! I couldn't help but fall in love with this original story and its cast of characters. Violet is the first person we meet, and I instantly fell in love with her. The way Ryan takes care of her while she's spinning is so wonderful, and I loved how they brought out the best in each other. Their love and support for one another was amazing.
Thank you very much, Kort, for inviting me to be a part of your team, for sharing this story with us, and for letting me be an ARC reader! I'm really looking forward to what happens next in this series!
Thank you very much, Kort, for inviting me to be a part of your team, for sharing this story with us, and for letting me be an ARC reader! I'm really looking forward to what happens next in this series!
September 7, 2024
Title: Calm Before The Score 🏈 📝
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 0/ 🌶️
First I want to say thank you so much to the author, Kort Combe, for allowing me to be apart of the arc team and read this book early. 🤗
I really enjoyed this story so much. Violet and Ryan are perfect for each other and really show you the ups and downs of a relationship but also life. You see so many themes and amazing moments in this book that I’ll always think about. Along with these two sweethearts, we see chemistry and something very cute bloom between their friends Hartley and Liza. This whole universe is just great! I think so many of you would truly eat this book up and claim it as your fav for this upcoming Autumn season. Please check it out on September 13th! 🍂🤎✨
Tropes ✨
• closed door romance
• college athlete
• OCD/ Anxiety rep
• found family
• football
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 0/ 🌶️
First I want to say thank you so much to the author, Kort Combe, for allowing me to be apart of the arc team and read this book early. 🤗
I really enjoyed this story so much. Violet and Ryan are perfect for each other and really show you the ups and downs of a relationship but also life. You see so many themes and amazing moments in this book that I’ll always think about. Along with these two sweethearts, we see chemistry and something very cute bloom between their friends Hartley and Liza. This whole universe is just great! I think so many of you would truly eat this book up and claim it as your fav for this upcoming Autumn season. Please check it out on September 13th! 🍂🤎✨
Tropes ✨
• closed door romance
• college athlete
• OCD/ Anxiety rep
• found family
• football
September 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!! Violet and Ryan were a super cute couple, and I loved how raw and real their story was! Violet's acceptance of her OCD and her past was such a great journey to read! And Ryan's path to self-awareness and acceptance of his circumstances just makes you want to wrap in a blanket and smother him in love! These two were so sweet and I really enjoyed their path to each other! And the side characters were so fun! I can't wait to see how Liza and Hartley's journey progresses! Overall, despite some minor pacing issues, I really loved this book!! 4.25 stars; Closed Door
Tropes:
- College Football Romance
- Closed Door
- Mental Health Rep
- He Falls First
Tropes:
- College Football Romance
- Closed Door
- Mental Health Rep
- He Falls First
August 22, 2024
I really enjoyed the book. Well penned. The topic was very current in todays world. The characters were well developed and relateable. It would seem to me that there is more to tell with this group!
Here's to hoping to see that. Kevin
Here's to hoping to see that. Kevin
September 17, 2024
Absolutely darling book - Ryan Shane was something else. Violet is your strong, independent gal who doesn’t need someone to keep her sane. Or does she? One wildly intimate kiss led to a future together and apart as both characters discovered themselves and each other through one another. While this book held some dark themes and some major heartbreak, Kort did well with bringing the story together in the end as the two went down a ridiculously bumpy path together. Themes of panic attacks, anxiety, and other heavy mental health issues persist throughout the book, but our author did a good job at having the characters help each other through to success in the end. Thank you for letting me read this one, Kort Combe! It was a definite heartstring pulling book!
September 13, 2024
💜young adult romance
🏈grumpy/sunshine
💜closed door romance
🏈broken MMC
💜academic FMC
🏈college football romance
💜anxiety and OCD rep
🏈surprise twist
💜found family
🏈closed door
Violet is a freshman in college who suffers from OCD and severe anxiety. She’s been let down by a lot of people and has only had her grandfather and Hartley (her BFF) to look after her.
Ryan is a college football player who has one goal in mind: to make it big to take care of his mom. He doesn’t do relationships or girlfriends. Until he meets Violet.
I loved these two and the cute way they met - Ryan being rude because boys get silly when they get around a cute girl. He was fighting it until he couldn’t anymore. I loved how honest and raw their story was! Violet coming to terms with her OCD and dealing with her background; and Ryan’s journey towards self-awareness and acceptance for his situation. These were actual issues that certain college students deal with. I liked how this was represented in the book. There were times in the book when I felt anxious because I knew the road Ryan was heading on wouldn’t end up well. The inner and outer conflict he was dealing with gripped me and didn’t let me go. Ryan was a good guy who was struggling with his mom’s illness and how to navigate it the right way. He was hell-bent on handling it by himself. And unfortunately, he learned the hard way, that a house with no foundation will crumble.
The side characters were a bonus addition and helped mold the story. Hartley being the overprotective best friend / big brother was cute and heartwarming. Getting to know the backstory of their friendship pulled at my heartstrings. Violet meeting Liza and ultimately becoming besties was awesome to see, every woman needs a bad *ss queen bestie they can rely on. And Liza was THAT for Violet. She was friends with Ryan and Hartly as well, but she had Vi’s back and never faltered. It was also good to see something brewing between her and the player Hartly, definitely, crumbs were dropped for a Hartly Liza Book and I am so here for it. Thank you Kort for this lovely intro into The Players of Springs U world.
🏈grumpy/sunshine
💜closed door romance
🏈broken MMC
💜academic FMC
🏈college football romance
💜anxiety and OCD rep
🏈surprise twist
💜found family
🏈closed door
Violet is a freshman in college who suffers from OCD and severe anxiety. She’s been let down by a lot of people and has only had her grandfather and Hartley (her BFF) to look after her.
Ryan is a college football player who has one goal in mind: to make it big to take care of his mom. He doesn’t do relationships or girlfriends. Until he meets Violet.
I loved these two and the cute way they met - Ryan being rude because boys get silly when they get around a cute girl. He was fighting it until he couldn’t anymore. I loved how honest and raw their story was! Violet coming to terms with her OCD and dealing with her background; and Ryan’s journey towards self-awareness and acceptance for his situation. These were actual issues that certain college students deal with. I liked how this was represented in the book. There were times in the book when I felt anxious because I knew the road Ryan was heading on wouldn’t end up well. The inner and outer conflict he was dealing with gripped me and didn’t let me go. Ryan was a good guy who was struggling with his mom’s illness and how to navigate it the right way. He was hell-bent on handling it by himself. And unfortunately, he learned the hard way, that a house with no foundation will crumble.
The side characters were a bonus addition and helped mold the story. Hartley being the overprotective best friend / big brother was cute and heartwarming. Getting to know the backstory of their friendship pulled at my heartstrings. Violet meeting Liza and ultimately becoming besties was awesome to see, every woman needs a bad *ss queen bestie they can rely on. And Liza was THAT for Violet. She was friends with Ryan and Hartly as well, but she had Vi’s back and never faltered. It was also good to see something brewing between her and the player Hartly, definitely, crumbs were dropped for a Hartly Liza Book and I am so here for it. Thank you Kort for this lovely intro into The Players of Springs U world.
August 30, 2024
📚ARC Recommendation📚
First, thank you Kourtney for allowing me to join your ARC team! I really enjoyed reading Violet and Ryan’s love story.🥰
The cover is so cute and drew me in! I’m a sucka for a pretty cover. 😆
I just have to say that I identified with Violet, the FMC, on so many levels. I really appreciated how you shared her struggles and how Ryan was so determined to be there for her in every way. We stan a supportive and protective man over here! 🤭 But that wasn’t always the case!
Ryan and Violets first encounter was tense to say the least. Oooh chal!! 😂Ryan came off as this cocky and confident guy but as the story unfolds, behind that facade, Ryan was a huge teaddybear towards Violet. I loved seeing how his personality transitioned during the story and was so proud of his growth.
I also enjoyed that Violet’s best friend, Hartley, was a guy and their relationship was strictly platonic. I loved how they looked out for one another despite the challenges they faced while growing up together. He was also very protective of Violet and for good reason. ( You’ll see why when you read.)
The buildup tension between Violet and Ryan was 🔥. I had to remind myself that this was a closed door romance cause oh my goodness! Some of those scenes!🥰 Thier chemistry 🧪 and angst was everything!
Another thing I particularly appreciated while reading was the length of the book. It was perfect! It wasn’t too long and their story was not dragged out. As a slow reader, I’m surprised myself and was able to finish reading in a day and a half! That sets a new record for myself. 😝
First, thank you Kourtney for allowing me to join your ARC team! I really enjoyed reading Violet and Ryan’s love story.🥰
The cover is so cute and drew me in! I’m a sucka for a pretty cover. 😆
I just have to say that I identified with Violet, the FMC, on so many levels. I really appreciated how you shared her struggles and how Ryan was so determined to be there for her in every way. We stan a supportive and protective man over here! 🤭 But that wasn’t always the case!
Ryan and Violets first encounter was tense to say the least. Oooh chal!! 😂Ryan came off as this cocky and confident guy but as the story unfolds, behind that facade, Ryan was a huge teaddybear towards Violet. I loved seeing how his personality transitioned during the story and was so proud of his growth.
I also enjoyed that Violet’s best friend, Hartley, was a guy and their relationship was strictly platonic. I loved how they looked out for one another despite the challenges they faced while growing up together. He was also very protective of Violet and for good reason. ( You’ll see why when you read.)
The buildup tension between Violet and Ryan was 🔥. I had to remind myself that this was a closed door romance cause oh my goodness! Some of those scenes!🥰 Thier chemistry 🧪 and angst was everything!
Another thing I particularly appreciated while reading was the length of the book. It was perfect! It wasn’t too long and their story was not dragged out. As a slow reader, I’m surprised myself and was able to finish reading in a day and a half! That sets a new record for myself. 😝
December 25, 2024
“Some things are worth letting go and some are worth trudging through the fire.
It's up to you what's most important."
Calm Before the Score is such a great College Romance Read.
The story follows the relationship between Ryan and Violet. They are absolutely adorable. They grow together and as individuals which is so refreshing to read. Their dynamic felt more authentic and more like reality than some love stories I have read.
There was no “I’m sorry.” Then “oh that’s fine. Let’s forget it ever happened.” No, there were real consequences which is how life actually works. So I loved that.
The points that stood out to me were-
the way it felt so raw, the amazing friendships, the mental health awareness and the unique way the writer dove into the importance of building trust.
First of all, the characters are well written and it feels like you know them. I wanted to be friends with Liza, the MFC BFF. Shes amazing and was exactly what our shy and in her head MFC Violet needed. The support and friendships that she has is everything.
The way that this author writes about the struggle of mental health, anxiety and OCD for Violet makes you connect and understand her. I felt myself feeling what she was feeling and relating to her struggles.
Finally, as mentioned before there were real consequences to actions. Without giving any spoilers, I will say it was nice to not see someone forgive someone right away and brush it all under the rug. That’s not always how life works. Sometimes we have to fight for our happy ending and in doing so we become the people we are meant to be.
Definitely worth the read.
It's up to you what's most important."
Calm Before the Score is such a great College Romance Read.
The story follows the relationship between Ryan and Violet. They are absolutely adorable. They grow together and as individuals which is so refreshing to read. Their dynamic felt more authentic and more like reality than some love stories I have read.
There was no “I’m sorry.” Then “oh that’s fine. Let’s forget it ever happened.” No, there were real consequences which is how life actually works. So I loved that.
The points that stood out to me were-
the way it felt so raw, the amazing friendships, the mental health awareness and the unique way the writer dove into the importance of building trust.
First of all, the characters are well written and it feels like you know them. I wanted to be friends with Liza, the MFC BFF. Shes amazing and was exactly what our shy and in her head MFC Violet needed. The support and friendships that she has is everything.
The way that this author writes about the struggle of mental health, anxiety and OCD for Violet makes you connect and understand her. I felt myself feeling what she was feeling and relating to her struggles.
Finally, as mentioned before there were real consequences to actions. Without giving any spoilers, I will say it was nice to not see someone forgive someone right away and brush it all under the rug. That’s not always how life works. Sometimes we have to fight for our happy ending and in doing so we become the people we are meant to be.
Definitely worth the read.
September 13, 2024
First of all, I LOVE this cover!!! I love the character art that absolutely captures Ryan and Violet perfectly and personally I think it made enjoying the story that much easier.
To say I was excited to jump into this read would be an understatement. The author teased their story for so long and I was in love before even reading page 1 😜
This is a closed door college romance so a little different than what I read on the regular but please don't let that deter you from reading this book!
The emotional growth, the friendships, the second chance love story! It was all well written, sweet, heart wrenching at times but overall, hopeful. If you like deep dives into characters backstories, thoughts and feels, Ryan and Violet will not disappoint.
The push and pull was also *chef's kiss* I loved that their meet cute was just the tip of the ice burg in their story. That might have been the catalyst that brought these two into the same orbit but there is so much more to these characters then their initial attraction. And that is what made this such a good book. The progression of their relationship was just perfect!
I can definitely recommend if you like college and/or sports romance, opposites attract, flawed but redeemable characters and young love!
To say I was excited to jump into this read would be an understatement. The author teased their story for so long and I was in love before even reading page 1 😜
This is a closed door college romance so a little different than what I read on the regular but please don't let that deter you from reading this book!
The emotional growth, the friendships, the second chance love story! It was all well written, sweet, heart wrenching at times but overall, hopeful. If you like deep dives into characters backstories, thoughts and feels, Ryan and Violet will not disappoint.
The push and pull was also *chef's kiss* I loved that their meet cute was just the tip of the ice burg in their story. That might have been the catalyst that brought these two into the same orbit but there is so much more to these characters then their initial attraction. And that is what made this such a good book. The progression of their relationship was just perfect!
I can definitely recommend if you like college and/or sports romance, opposites attract, flawed but redeemable characters and young love!
September 12, 2024
***Trigger Warning: Loss of a loved one***
Calm Before the Score follows Violet who goes to Springs Un and lives with her football player best friend. On her first day of college, she meets Ryan Shane. Ryan only cares about football. But soon Ryan begins to fall for Violet. The two end up dating. But Ryan has some secrets that he is hiding. Which might lead to their downfall. Will they stay together or will the be doomed?
I loved everything about this book. I loved the ALS and mental health rep. I thought Violet and Ryan were so cute. This book had a great balance of lighthearted and serious moments. Not only did this focus on Violet and Ryan but also showed the importance of family and friendship. I love sports romance books and this was one of my favorite ones I have read in a long time. I can't wait for book two I am obsessed. Also, look how stunning this cover is!!! Do yourself a favor and read this.
Calm Before the Score follows Violet who goes to Springs Un and lives with her football player best friend. On her first day of college, she meets Ryan Shane. Ryan only cares about football. But soon Ryan begins to fall for Violet. The two end up dating. But Ryan has some secrets that he is hiding. Which might lead to their downfall. Will they stay together or will the be doomed?
I loved everything about this book. I loved the ALS and mental health rep. I thought Violet and Ryan were so cute. This book had a great balance of lighthearted and serious moments. Not only did this focus on Violet and Ryan but also showed the importance of family and friendship. I love sports romance books and this was one of my favorite ones I have read in a long time. I can't wait for book two I am obsessed. Also, look how stunning this cover is!!! Do yourself a favor and read this.
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