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Crystal Bay University #3
Even Exchange
Noah Caruso
I’ve always been a five-year plan kind of guy. I got through college with minimal distractions, maximum touchdowns, and zero relationships. Then I met Charlotte Benson, the woman who made me believe in wishes, and a strict set of rules was added to my routine.
Rule One: Don’t Touch Charlotte
This one was difficult from the start but made impossible once she accidentally told her ex we were dating. (Spoiler alert: we weren’t.)
Rule Two: Don’t Think About Charlotte
That was easy.
Until she got to know the real me. Learning things I hadn’t even shared with my closest friends. Secrets that if brought to the surface, could be dangerous, even deadly.
Rule Three: Don’t Text Charlotte
Turns out I’m pretty bad at rules. Who knew??
Rule Four: Definitely Don’t, Under Any Circumstance, Kiss Charlotte
When that rule was ignored, I thought it would destroy me, but instead, I began to wonder if this fake dating fling could turn into something real. Then, two words changed everything:
“I’m pregnant.”
I’ve always been a five-year plan kind of guy. I got through college with minimal distractions, maximum touchdowns, and zero relationships. Then I met Charlotte Benson, the woman who made me believe in wishes, and a strict set of rules was added to my routine.
Rule One: Don’t Touch Charlotte
This one was difficult from the start but made impossible once she accidentally told her ex we were dating. (Spoiler alert: we weren’t.)
Rule Two: Don’t Think About Charlotte
That was easy.
Until she got to know the real me. Learning things I hadn’t even shared with my closest friends. Secrets that if brought to the surface, could be dangerous, even deadly.
Rule Three: Don’t Text Charlotte
Turns out I’m pretty bad at rules. Who knew??
Rule Four: Definitely Don’t, Under Any Circumstance, Kiss Charlotte
When that rule was ignored, I thought it would destroy me, but instead, I began to wonder if this fake dating fling could turn into something real. Then, two words changed everything:
“I’m pregnant.”
490 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2025
448 people are currently reading
4115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 459 reviews
May 12, 2025
I would never have read this book if I knew the twist about the baby! I'm fuming. Second time recently an author has done this. DNF @ 60% Also it's not an accidental pregnancy if he's not the daddy!
May 16, 2025
Here's the thing.
This was a truly wild ride for a college romance with a cute cover. To be honest, it was a little too misleading for me and the way everything went down. My only other HD book is the Merry Mischief List (which I loved), so I was not at all prepared for the absolute Journey that this book took me on.
I want to start off by saying I was thoroughly entertained for about 65% of the book and enjoyed a lot of it. I just think this could have been split in two or three totally different and unrelated books. There was no meshing. It felt clunky and so much was going on that nothing ended up feeling fully resolved or in a way that was really satisfying.
I wanted way more of the relationship between Charlotte and Noah and less of literally everything else (especially all the italicization). I didn't feel like their relationship was built up in a way that made their feelings believable. After the 40ish% mark Charlotte started to act in ways that felt out of character? She unfortunately came across really immature, selfish, and manipulative at times and there was no growth. Noah was so great though. Truly. He made some mistakes but at no point did he ever need to grovel.
Also, accidental pregnancy is one of my very favorite tropes and this did not work for me. I won't say why because the spoilers are too big. But no. I honestly would not even market this book that way given the circumstances.
Gah. I didn't want this to be a negative review but a lot of this really bothered me. I'm sure a lot of people would and should enjoy it! It's honestly so chaotic and that can be fun!! There are a lot of lovable side characters and some cheesy fun facts!
If you like: college romance (with minimal college), sports romance, fake dating, a decent amount of spice, a bit of mystery and murder, and The Drama of It All then I think you could definitely enjoy this book and just have fun going along for the ride.
While this book was not ultimately for me, I do think I will enjoy continuing to read Hailey Dickert's work and I think this book could possibly be for you.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a truly wild ride for a college romance with a cute cover. To be honest, it was a little too misleading for me and the way everything went down. My only other HD book is the Merry Mischief List (which I loved), so I was not at all prepared for the absolute Journey that this book took me on.
I want to start off by saying I was thoroughly entertained for about 65% of the book and enjoyed a lot of it. I just think this could have been split in two or three totally different and unrelated books. There was no meshing. It felt clunky and so much was going on that nothing ended up feeling fully resolved or in a way that was really satisfying.
I wanted way more of the relationship between Charlotte and Noah and less of literally everything else (especially all the italicization). I didn't feel like their relationship was built up in a way that made their feelings believable. After the 40ish% mark Charlotte started to act in ways that felt out of character? She unfortunately came across really immature, selfish, and manipulative at times and there was no growth. Noah was so great though. Truly. He made some mistakes but at no point did he ever need to grovel.
Also, accidental pregnancy is one of my very favorite tropes and this did not work for me. I won't say why because the spoilers are too big. But no. I honestly would not even market this book that way given the circumstances.
Gah. I didn't want this to be a negative review but a lot of this really bothered me. I'm sure a lot of people would and should enjoy it! It's honestly so chaotic and that can be fun!! There are a lot of lovable side characters and some cheesy fun facts!
If you like: college romance (with minimal college), sports romance, fake dating, a decent amount of spice, a bit of mystery and murder, and The Drama of It All then I think you could definitely enjoy this book and just have fun going along for the ride.
While this book was not ultimately for me, I do think I will enjoy continuing to read Hailey Dickert's work and I think this book could possibly be for you.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2025
Beta read 🤭
Yall are gunna loveeeeeeee this one.
Will update review when arcs are released 🩵
Update: Dare I say this is Hailey’s best book yet 🤭 but who am I kidding…… all her books are amazing. The chemistry between Noah and Charlie is UNMATCHED.
When it was revealed this was a surprise pregnancy trope I was weary because that just so happens to be my least favorite trope to exist. But guess who wrote it so phenomenally that I couldn’t put this book down… you guessed it, Mrs. Hailey Dickert herself.
Noah, my sweet baby.. you sir are a GEM. From the get go we knew Noah would be the perfect gentleman and he never disappointed me in the least.
And we LOVE the Elijah and Sophia cameos 😩
Now I’d like to take the time to Thank Hailey for giving me the opportunity to both Beta and Arc read her book. I had the most incredible time providing input and seeing your thought process. I always look forward to reading more from my favorite author!
Yall are gunna loveeeeeeee this one.
Will update review when arcs are released 🩵
Update: Dare I say this is Hailey’s best book yet 🤭 but who am I kidding…… all her books are amazing. The chemistry between Noah and Charlie is UNMATCHED.
When it was revealed this was a surprise pregnancy trope I was weary because that just so happens to be my least favorite trope to exist. But guess who wrote it so phenomenally that I couldn’t put this book down… you guessed it, Mrs. Hailey Dickert herself.
Noah, my sweet baby.. you sir are a GEM. From the get go we knew Noah would be the perfect gentleman and he never disappointed me in the least.
And we LOVE the Elijah and Sophia cameos 😩
Now I’d like to take the time to Thank Hailey for giving me the opportunity to both Beta and Arc read her book. I had the most incredible time providing input and seeing your thought process. I always look forward to reading more from my favorite author!
May 14, 2025
✨ friends to lovers
✨ fake dating
✨ football romance
✨ accidental pregnancy
✨ he’s obsessed
Welcome to my new personality!! This book was so FUCKING good. I had the best time in this story. I saw this book release yesterday and I knew right away that was exactly what I wanted. When I tell you I giggled and kicked my feet through this whole book. (Until the emotional damage, Hailey…we talked about this).
This was sweet, spicy, HAWT, heartwarming, a tad suspenseful, emotional, and so so so so so good from start to finish. A hot shot quarterback who speaks Italian and gives her a nick name? Who is so down bad he’s okay with being friends and her using him? Who makes sure she knows it’s not fake! Who wants to take care of her while she takes care of everyone else?!
I don’t wanna give too much away because truly it’s worth just jumping straight into this and having the best time. This is book 3 in an interconnected standalone and while I say read all of them you can definitely jump right into this because if Hailey is anything she’s responsible for my therapy 😌
But in all seriousness this book was worth the wait. Charlotte and Noah are something so special I woke up this morning STILL thinking of them and how much I loved them. Bought a signed copy, screamed in the DMs and doing nothing else until you add this to your TBR!
✨ fake dating
✨ football romance
✨ accidental pregnancy
✨ he’s obsessed
Welcome to my new personality!! This book was so FUCKING good. I had the best time in this story. I saw this book release yesterday and I knew right away that was exactly what I wanted. When I tell you I giggled and kicked my feet through this whole book. (Until the emotional damage, Hailey…we talked about this).
This was sweet, spicy, HAWT, heartwarming, a tad suspenseful, emotional, and so so so so so good from start to finish. A hot shot quarterback who speaks Italian and gives her a nick name? Who is so down bad he’s okay with being friends and her using him? Who makes sure she knows it’s not fake! Who wants to take care of her while she takes care of everyone else?!
I don’t wanna give too much away because truly it’s worth just jumping straight into this and having the best time. This is book 3 in an interconnected standalone and while I say read all of them you can definitely jump right into this because if Hailey is anything she’s responsible for my therapy 😌
But in all seriousness this book was worth the wait. Charlotte and Noah are something so special I woke up this morning STILL thinking of them and how much I loved them. Bought a signed copy, screamed in the DMs and doing nothing else until you add this to your TBR!
June 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It was a fun read!
August 3, 2025
sadly might dnf this book! I absolutely loved return policy it was just amazing and truth be told I didn’t
know it was part of a series . but when i saw this book i just knew i had to read it and I don’t really like accidental pregnancy tropes like that but just knowing it went along with return policy i had to read it. Now i get to the 60% mark and i’m just like WTF. This book was going so well and when i saw accidental pregnancy I assumed it would be between the main characters. NOPE WRONG IT WASNT! so with that being said it killed the vibe of the book for me since the baby is for her POS of an ex and I don’t enjoy that not even a little bit. what was the point of bringing a accidental pregnancy when they finally get together if you were going to have the POS be the baby daddy absolutely pointless. Once again I loved return policy by this book is a huge fat NO for me after the 60% mark. I apologize and thank you for being an author.
know it was part of a series . but when i saw this book i just knew i had to read it and I don’t really like accidental pregnancy tropes like that but just knowing it went along with return policy i had to read it. Now i get to the 60% mark and i’m just like WTF. This book was going so well and when i saw accidental pregnancy I assumed it would be between the main characters. NOPE WRONG IT WASNT! so with that being said it killed the vibe of the book for me since the baby is for her POS of an ex and I don’t enjoy that not even a little bit. what was the point of bringing a accidental pregnancy when they finally get together if you were going to have the POS be the baby daddy absolutely pointless. Once again I loved return policy by this book is a huge fat NO for me after the 60% mark. I apologize and thank you for being an author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and I’m happy to report I enjoyed every second.
This author displayed the emotions, struggles and triumph of the characters so well. If I had to use a word to describe this book it would be triumph. When the characters felt worry and anxiety I too felt that, when they experienced triumph I felt it in my soul. This book flowed well with the waterfall of emotions falling throughout the book. This book really showed what it meant to have someone in your corner and ready to jump out and help. This book also showed how it felt when reality seeped in and showed you who some people really are, “And just like that, the red roses are wilted, there are cracks in the stairs, and a front door is only an exit.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Joining me in the dark for a little while.”
“I hope we last like honey.”
“And I hope we grow like lemons.”
This author displayed the emotions, struggles and triumph of the characters so well. If I had to use a word to describe this book it would be triumph. When the characters felt worry and anxiety I too felt that, when they experienced triumph I felt it in my soul. This book flowed well with the waterfall of emotions falling throughout the book. This book really showed what it meant to have someone in your corner and ready to jump out and help. This book also showed how it felt when reality seeped in and showed you who some people really are, “And just like that, the red roses are wilted, there are cracks in the stairs, and a front door is only an exit.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Joining me in the dark for a little while.”
“I hope we last like honey.”
“And I hope we grow like lemons.”
May 4, 2025
I just finished this ARC at 2am and couldn't wait until morning to write a review.
This book has it all. I laughed, I cried, I gasped. There was romance and banter and plot twists and action and humor.. I don't know what I expected from this book, but it certainly wasn't having my socks knocked off like this.
Hailey's writing is excellent. The story is perfectly paced, the characters are easy to love and relate to, and it took no time at all for me to immediately be sucked into their world. I know it took the author quite while to get this out into the world, but it is SO worth the wait.
Also, I petition for the MMC to be the new standard we judge men by, because Noah freaking Caruso, the WHOLE MAN that you are!!!!!
It was just all so, so good, and I feel so lucky to have been able to read the ARC for it.
This book has it all. I laughed, I cried, I gasped. There was romance and banter and plot twists and action and humor.. I don't know what I expected from this book, but it certainly wasn't having my socks knocked off like this.
Hailey's writing is excellent. The story is perfectly paced, the characters are easy to love and relate to, and it took no time at all for me to immediately be sucked into their world. I know it took the author quite while to get this out into the world, but it is SO worth the wait.
Also, I petition for the MMC to be the new standard we judge men by, because Noah freaking Caruso, the WHOLE MAN that you are!!!!!
It was just all so, so good, and I feel so lucky to have been able to read the ARC for it.
April 26, 2025
I’m incredibly grateful to have gotten to read the ARC of Even Exchange. Hailey is an incredibly thoughtful author and it shows in her writing! The story had some great moments and the twists caught my interest. I really loved how she wrote Noah and how he would describe his feelings for Charlotte. However, there was a lot of dialogue that wasn’t necessary for me, as well as many micro-events that could have been left out or summarized. I think them finally getting together could have had more tension and yearning on Noah’s part since he had actually been crushing on her for a long time and would have made their first time/fake dating pact more impactful. I also felt like a lot of any decision-making seemed to happen very quickly. Overall, it was a super cute story, and I wish it was 20% shorter and 5% yearnier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2025
Rating: 10/10!!!⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶
Tropes:friends to lovers; surprise pregnancy;
Favorite Quote:“The right person will love your flaws. They’ll see them as quirks, not try to make you hide them. And they definitely won’t degrade you for your mistakes.”
this. book. was. perfect.
When I tell you I could NOT put it down. The way it was written had me wanting to fly through it to know what way it was going to go and how it was all going to pan out & the drama at the end? HOLYFORKINGSHIRTBALLZ. The way this book had me gasping and screaming but also swooning and grinning.. truly experienced every emotion with this one.
Noah Caruso was so swoon worthy. The Italian. ugh, why is it so hot when a man talks another language? idk, but it is. The way he was so gone for Charlotte. The way he pined after her for so long. The way her was there for her through everything. It was everything. Friends to lovers trope isn't usually my thing so it takes a special book to truly have me loving it and this was that book.
& idc what anyone says a surprise pregnancy trope slaps every time.
Spice: 3/5🌶
Tropes:friends to lovers; surprise pregnancy;
Favorite Quote:“The right person will love your flaws. They’ll see them as quirks, not try to make you hide them. And they definitely won’t degrade you for your mistakes.”
this. book. was. perfect.
When I tell you I could NOT put it down. The way it was written had me wanting to fly through it to know what way it was going to go and how it was all going to pan out & the drama at the end? HOLYFORKINGSHIRTBALLZ. The way this book had me gasping and screaming but also swooning and grinning.. truly experienced every emotion with this one.
Noah Caruso was so swoon worthy. The Italian. ugh, why is it so hot when a man talks another language? idk, but it is. The way he was so gone for Charlotte. The way he pined after her for so long. The way her was there for her through everything. It was everything. Friends to lovers trope isn't usually my thing so it takes a special book to truly have me loving it and this was that book.
& idc what anyone says a surprise pregnancy trope slaps every time.
May 25, 2025
rating : 2⭐️ - edited
Thank you to Haley dickert for this arc!!!
So I have positives and negatives about this book. I did enjoy it ( somewhat ) but it’s not on my fave book of the year list - unfortunately.
The positives are : I loved the characters, it was overall a fun book - I enjoyed the friends to lovers & fake dating aspect to this book. I liked the relationship and the chemistry between Noah and Charlotte !! They were cute!! The Italian in this book is hot!!
The negatives : this book felt too long , some of the plot twists didn’t have to happen , I feel like along of small conflicts happened 50% + into the book that it got less exciting - & the final conflict felt a little too much like a romantic suspense book ( which would be fine ) if that was established later on. - a lot of the sub plots didn’t have to happen
I did enjoy the pregnancy trope - just not the things that came after it ( the drama ) + the multiple conflicts !! I don’t want to seem like a hater because I’m not but I think this book could have done with less conflict & could’ve been shorter .
Thank you to Haley dickert for this arc!!!
So I have positives and negatives about this book. I did enjoy it ( somewhat ) but it’s not on my fave book of the year list - unfortunately.
The positives are : I loved the characters, it was overall a fun book - I enjoyed the friends to lovers & fake dating aspect to this book. I liked the relationship and the chemistry between Noah and Charlotte !! They were cute!! The Italian in this book is hot!!
The negatives : this book felt too long , some of the plot twists didn’t have to happen , I feel like along of small conflicts happened 50% + into the book that it got less exciting - & the final conflict felt a little too much like a romantic suspense book ( which would be fine ) if that was established later on. - a lot of the sub plots didn’t have to happen
I did enjoy the pregnancy trope - just not the things that came after it ( the drama ) + the multiple conflicts !! I don’t want to seem like a hater because I’m not but I think this book could have done with less conflict & could’ve been shorter .
May 8, 2025
Absolutely positively OBSESSED. Full review to come 💕
May 8, 2025
"Loving you is easy. Like breathing. Like gravity. Like home.”
•friends to lovers
•fake dating
•cheerleader X college/NFL
•accidental pregnancy (w/ a twist)
•suspenseful
•dual POV
•open door X spice lessons
•a really down bad MMC
•he speaks Italian
•found family
•3/5 🌶️
First things first, a huge thank you to the author for an early ARC copy of this book. I'm so grateful and happy that I had the opportunity to read this story early!
Now I get to be here on release day shouting about how much I adored this book and need you to download and read it asap! This will for sure fall in my favorite books of the year.
I was a bit nervous going in because it's on the longer side and technically the third book in a series. But rest assured you do not need to read the first two to read and love this. Hailey's writing and the story completely sucked me and I didn't want to stop reading. I could have read another 200 pages or a whole other book following Noah and Charlotte.
I get sometimes why accidental pregnancy isn't everyone's favorite. But when it comes to this book.... TRUST ME. It works so well.
Noah is definitely a top tier MMC. Easily became one of my favorites and is the ultimate golden retriever. Charlotte was very relatable for me from the beginning. It was beautiful to watch her evolution over the story and it does span quite a bit of time! They both have their own issues and trauma, but they mesh so well together in every way possible.
It is on Kindle Unlimited, and also has two gorgeous covers. I laughed, swooned, gasped, cried. Every emotion you can imagine, I probably felt it in this story. I can't recommend it enough!
•friends to lovers
•fake dating
•cheerleader X college/NFL
•accidental pregnancy (w/ a twist)
•suspenseful
•dual POV
•open door X spice lessons
•a really down bad MMC
•he speaks Italian
•found family
•3/5 🌶️
First things first, a huge thank you to the author for an early ARC copy of this book. I'm so grateful and happy that I had the opportunity to read this story early!
Now I get to be here on release day shouting about how much I adored this book and need you to download and read it asap! This will for sure fall in my favorite books of the year.
I was a bit nervous going in because it's on the longer side and technically the third book in a series. But rest assured you do not need to read the first two to read and love this. Hailey's writing and the story completely sucked me and I didn't want to stop reading. I could have read another 200 pages or a whole other book following Noah and Charlotte.
I get sometimes why accidental pregnancy isn't everyone's favorite. But when it comes to this book.... TRUST ME. It works so well.
Noah is definitely a top tier MMC. Easily became one of my favorites and is the ultimate golden retriever. Charlotte was very relatable for me from the beginning. It was beautiful to watch her evolution over the story and it does span quite a bit of time! They both have their own issues and trauma, but they mesh so well together in every way possible.
It is on Kindle Unlimited, and also has two gorgeous covers. I laughed, swooned, gasped, cried. Every emotion you can imagine, I probably felt it in this story. I can't recommend it enough!
April 24, 2025
Had to drop all my other books when I got my very first ARC.
I know I’m not popular in the book community but I felt so special for this one and it has not disappointed. At. All. I didn’t even know this author before I got chosen for the ARC (I literally stumbled on a threads post and said why not) but I prepared myself I read all the other books she published for this series and now I’m literally about to finish the epilogue and I don’t even want to cause I don’t want to leave Noah and Charlie’s world 😔 scratch that I want to stay with the whole of Crystal Bay.
This series (so far I’m manifesting another few books because I see the side characters in their little worlds and stories) has literally been so cute so sweet soooo spicy and so unpredictable. Even moments where I knew what was gonna happen (I read book two before book 1 and then obviously the accidental pregnancy trope) this author found a way to really get me emotional. And I love it. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
I know I’m not popular in the book community but I felt so special for this one and it has not disappointed. At. All. I didn’t even know this author before I got chosen for the ARC (I literally stumbled on a threads post and said why not) but I prepared myself I read all the other books she published for this series and now I’m literally about to finish the epilogue and I don’t even want to cause I don’t want to leave Noah and Charlie’s world 😔 scratch that I want to stay with the whole of Crystal Bay.
This series (so far I’m manifesting another few books because I see the side characters in their little worlds and stories) has literally been so cute so sweet soooo spicy and so unpredictable. Even moments where I knew what was gonna happen (I read book two before book 1 and then obviously the accidental pregnancy trope) this author found a way to really get me emotional. And I love it. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
May 12, 2025
Read it as an ARC & I couldn’t put it down. I’m not always one to read sports romances, mostly because I can’t understand scenes from games. But this one was such a great read. It was cute, romantic, and FULL of yearning. One of my favorite characteristics in a book. This is my first Hailey Dickert read but I WILL DEFINITELY be back for more. If you want a read with an absolutely devoted man, pick this one up!
May 3, 2025
Thank you Hailey for the ARC—such an honor 🫶🏽💅🏻💕 I found Hailey on social media somewhere (threads maybe?) and immediately hoped she’d consider me for an ARC and here we are. Even Exchange is my first book of hers but I immediately have all her others on my TBR. This was so good! Incredible character growth, twists and turns you don’t see coming, an amazing MMC, and a FMC that learns just how much love she deserves. And don’t get me started on the spice 🌶️Absolutely obsessed and also hoping for my own Noah one day 🥵❤️🤪
April 29, 2025
*sighs* WOW this book was great. This was my first book of Hailey’s and safe to say I will be reading more. The way the characters grew together and supported each other through literally some of the best & worst times of their lives is inspiring for relationships. The underlying tone of assisting domestic violence survivors adds a touch to the story that makes my heart flutter, because survivors deserves more support and attention.
Absolutely a 10/10 read !
Absolutely a 10/10 read !
May 6, 2025
Normally I’m not a surprise pregnancy trope lover but this was written so well. I also love that the pregnancy isn’t the main focus but adds to the storyline. I love Charlotte & Noah, their growth & chemistry. The way Hailey Dickert gave us all the information and tied up every loose end was so refreshing. The plot twists at the end were beautifully executed and the HEA is probably one of the best that I’ve read in a while.
May 3, 2025
ARC Review: This was a great story! Intense storyline with a good focus on character development. I wish I had read earlier books in the series first, but I don’t think I lacked any knowledge from prior books to misunderstand details here. I’d love to learn more about Charlotte and Noah’s earlier lives, and would love a sequel
May 6, 2025
I'm so grateful I got an E-ARC of Even Exchange. This is the first book I read from Hailey Dickert. I'm not that big of a fan for the surprise pregnancy trope, but she does it so well. It was so hard to put the book down. When I wasn't reading, I was thinking of the book. I had the best time reading the book.
May 24, 2025
Wow!
It was my first book by Hailey, and I absolutely love it.
The characters, the story, all of it was perfectly aligned.
the emotional connection between Char and Noah made it more incredible.
I loved reading how everything ended up. it was beautiful. the friendly bond that started it all made my heart melt. I've always been fond of friends to lovers trope, and this book did justice😍
It was my first book by Hailey, and I absolutely love it.
The characters, the story, all of it was perfectly aligned.
the emotional connection between Char and Noah made it more incredible.
I loved reading how everything ended up. it was beautiful. the friendly bond that started it all made my heart melt. I've always been fond of friends to lovers trope, and this book did justice😍
July 15, 2025
5⭐️ okay…noah caruso???? 🥵🥵🥵 i am completely and utterly in love with him and he was just the right book boyfriend that i needed. i literally couldn’t put this down, it was so cute and wow did he ruin men for me further bc buddy’s communication was ELITE!!! anyways ill miss noah please excuse me while i mourn
May 10, 2025
Friends to fake lovers to surprise pregnancy, with a HEA? This up was definitely a great read. It was so easy to connect to the characters and see how they develop over time.
ARC
ARC
April 29, 2025
Thank you Hailey for providing me with an ARC of Even Exchange.
Even Exchange is a college sports romance story that follows Noah and Charlotte. Both characters have really well thought out backstories. Noah is a college senior and football team captain who has been hyperfocused on his five year plan and ultimate goal of entering the NFL. His main driver is securing a high paying contract to secure the financial future for himself and his mom, after getting away from his father who was physically and emotionally abusive. Noah’s mom is also from Italy, so there are many Italian words, pet names, and phrases peppered throughout the novel. We meet Noah as he is wrapping up his senior year in college and entering the NFL draft.
Charlotte is on the opposite end of her college career as a freshman who has just declared an early childhood education major, despite her mother’s wishes for her to declare pre-law and follow in her footsteps to become an attorney. Charlotte’s mother is the mayor of their town, very focused on her political aspirations and holds the family’s finances in a tight fist. Charlotte loses all of her mother’s financial support when she refuses to bend to her will and maintain her early childhood education major. Charlotte’s father is a pilot who is absent for most of the story, and she also has two 6 year old twin siblings named Denver and Nashville who pop in and out.
Following a breakup with her boyfriend of four years, Charlotte goes to her friend Noah, who quickly becomes her main source of comfort and BFF. Noah has been in love with Charlotte from the moment he saw her. When everyone ends up at the same summer camp, Charlotte and Noah begin fake dating to make her ex jealous. Their relationship quickly progresses from there and Charlotte finds out at the end of the summer that she is pregnant. Noah takes to his role as a serious boyfriend and dad immediately, Charlotte moves in with them, and they plan their happily every after.
The plot so far would have been sufficient for a sports romance book; however the author threw in a political aspiration/who’s the real daddy/blackmail/murder/crime plot involving Charlotte, Noah, the ex, Noah’s dad, and the district attorney of their town that totally took away from the rest of the book. The last third of the book had me staring at my Kindle like, what just happened? And in my opinion this lowered the entire experience of the book. I would have much preferred that the author streamline story as this started to feel like a ‘throw it against the wall’ book towards the end.
Even Exchange is a college sports romance story that follows Noah and Charlotte. Both characters have really well thought out backstories. Noah is a college senior and football team captain who has been hyperfocused on his five year plan and ultimate goal of entering the NFL. His main driver is securing a high paying contract to secure the financial future for himself and his mom, after getting away from his father who was physically and emotionally abusive. Noah’s mom is also from Italy, so there are many Italian words, pet names, and phrases peppered throughout the novel. We meet Noah as he is wrapping up his senior year in college and entering the NFL draft.
Charlotte is on the opposite end of her college career as a freshman who has just declared an early childhood education major, despite her mother’s wishes for her to declare pre-law and follow in her footsteps to become an attorney. Charlotte’s mother is the mayor of their town, very focused on her political aspirations and holds the family’s finances in a tight fist. Charlotte loses all of her mother’s financial support when she refuses to bend to her will and maintain her early childhood education major. Charlotte’s father is a pilot who is absent for most of the story, and she also has two 6 year old twin siblings named Denver and Nashville who pop in and out.
Following a breakup with her boyfriend of four years, Charlotte goes to her friend Noah, who quickly becomes her main source of comfort and BFF. Noah has been in love with Charlotte from the moment he saw her. When everyone ends up at the same summer camp, Charlotte and Noah begin fake dating to make her ex jealous. Their relationship quickly progresses from there and Charlotte finds out at the end of the summer that she is pregnant. Noah takes to his role as a serious boyfriend and dad immediately, Charlotte moves in with them, and they plan their happily every after.
The plot so far would have been sufficient for a sports romance book; however the author threw in a political aspiration/who’s the real daddy/blackmail/murder/crime plot involving Charlotte, Noah, the ex, Noah’s dad, and the district attorney of their town that totally took away from the rest of the book. The last third of the book had me staring at my Kindle like, what just happened? And in my opinion this lowered the entire experience of the book. I would have much preferred that the author streamline story as this started to feel like a ‘throw it against the wall’ book towards the end.
May 25, 2025
With this being the first book I've read by this author (and starting in the middle of a series), I had such a good time with this story!
It follows Noah and Charlotte, who start off friends, even though he's had a crush on her for a while, and she's dating someone else. That is until everything implodes.
This book had so many fun tropes: fake dating, surprise pregnancy, friends to lovers...the list goes on! Fake dating is a favorite of mine, and I enjoyed how it was incorporated in this story.
Even though I started with book three, the author did a wonderful job setting up the characters and previous relational connections without it feeling like too much or too little information. Very easy to jump in since this story truly stood on its own.
I definitely recommend if you love:
🌊Splash of suspense
🌶️ spicy scenes in all the places
🍋 So much heart
💪 Men who would do anything for their ladies
🏈 Sports romance
It follows Noah and Charlotte, who start off friends, even though he's had a crush on her for a while, and she's dating someone else. That is until everything implodes.
This book had so many fun tropes: fake dating, surprise pregnancy, friends to lovers...the list goes on! Fake dating is a favorite of mine, and I enjoyed how it was incorporated in this story.
Even though I started with book three, the author did a wonderful job setting up the characters and previous relational connections without it feeling like too much or too little information. Very easy to jump in since this story truly stood on its own.
I definitely recommend if you love:
🌊Splash of suspense
🌶️ spicy scenes in all the places
🍋 So much heart
💪 Men who would do anything for their ladies
🏈 Sports romance
May 12, 2025
So good
June 15, 2025
So bad. Very cringe… DNF at 86%
June 29, 2025
Even exchange
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
My most anticipated book of Hailey is finally here, when I first received the ARC as part of her street team, I was so fucking happy to start reading it knowing that it took some time, but the wait was definitely worth it, and time flew by so fast. 😍
“Even in the darkest of days, he’s my light. Now I understand why Luna calls him sole mio.” 😩☀️✨
“Charlotte, I love you. I love everything about you. I love you so much it makes me crazy. Mi fai impazzire. I’ve loved you since I watched you wishing on dandelions, wildflowers in your hair, and every day since. I love you.” 😭🫠
“Loving you is easy.
Like breathing.
Like gravity.
Like home.”
“Because it’s not. You and I are the real deal, and I can’t pretend any longer.“ 😮💨🔥😩😩 THIS MAN.
🔥 Noah Caruso
Noah is everything I looked for and more — a hot, quarterback with seven figures in his bank account, a dirty mouth, a sculpted body, and he speaks Italian? The man literally ticked all the boxes. 😮💨😩 He’s the guy who swears he won’t do relationships, I mean the guy literally has five year plan and a list— until well Charlotte. His strict rules? They crumble when charlotte enters his life.
Noah proved he’s a literal GEM. From the start, he’s a gentleman, protective, hot as hell, Italian, charming yet shockingly vulnerable. He navigates trauma, family secrets, and intense emotions with a fragile tenderness that just wrecks you in the best way.
💥 Charlotte Benson
Charlotte is a badass cheerleader. She speaks her mind unapologetically, juggling shitty parents and two adorable twin siblings she absolutely rocks raising.
Her resilience and sassy humor had me giggling and kicking my feet through the whole book! Until… the emotional damage hit hard. 😭 Charlie’s got a tough exterior but a heart of gold, and that made me really root for her. She’s witty, resilient, and navigating personal heartbreak all the while stepping into unexpected adulthood.
⸻
The chemistry between Noah and Charlie is UNMATCHED, I haven’t really read a lot of books on the accidental pregnancy trope, but Hailey wrote it so well that I loved it.
The way the slow burn in this book burned is crazy 😭but all worth it. The way Noah was “okay with being friends and her using him to make her get rid of her ex and make him jealous, definitely was something I loved in the book. He makes sure she knows it’s not fake, that he’s real. He steps up to take care of her while she cares for everyone else. 👏👏 The way he makes sure she feels loved and protected by him? I fell hard. And the things he does for her? Like when he recently bought a house, he gives her access to the house keys, if that doesn’t make you fall for him, I don’t know what will.
😭😭
The banter? Sharp, playful, and hot as hell. Italian nicknames, and cheesy puns that hit me in all the right way. And I LIVED for the silly yet amazing facts that Noah always brought up in their conversations 🤣🤭
Didn’t realize I missed Elijah and Sophia as we see more of their banter, loved their cameos and it gave off such a nostalgic feeling. And Noah’s friends? Their banter had me laughing out loud, smiling like a moron. They bring that found‑family vibe that warms your soul.
Hailey dickert didn’t shy away from heavy stuff — domestic abuse, guns, even murder. Yet she balanced it with sweetness, spice, humor, and heart until it hurt in all the very best ways. I was wrecked in the best possible way and needed tissues, therapy—but damn it was worth it.
If you want messy‑in‑the‑best‑way, hot‑as‑hell football romance with a perfect gentleman who’s also Italian‑speaking and filthy‑mouthed, a badass heroine who cares fiercely, cameos that warm your heart, Jump straight in and enjoy every damn moment. We needed this therapy session, Hailey and hell yes, it delivered. 😭🤧🤧💛🔥
__
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
My most anticipated book of Hailey is finally here, when I first received the ARC as part of her street team, I was so fucking happy to start reading it knowing that it took some time, but the wait was definitely worth it, and time flew by so fast. 😍
“Even in the darkest of days, he’s my light. Now I understand why Luna calls him sole mio.” 😩☀️✨
“Charlotte, I love you. I love everything about you. I love you so much it makes me crazy. Mi fai impazzire. I’ve loved you since I watched you wishing on dandelions, wildflowers in your hair, and every day since. I love you.” 😭🫠
“Loving you is easy.
Like breathing.
Like gravity.
Like home.”
“Because it’s not. You and I are the real deal, and I can’t pretend any longer.“ 😮💨🔥😩😩 THIS MAN.
🔥 Noah Caruso
Noah is everything I looked for and more — a hot, quarterback with seven figures in his bank account, a dirty mouth, a sculpted body, and he speaks Italian? The man literally ticked all the boxes. 😮💨😩 He’s the guy who swears he won’t do relationships, I mean the guy literally has five year plan and a list— until well Charlotte. His strict rules? They crumble when charlotte enters his life.
Noah proved he’s a literal GEM. From the start, he’s a gentleman, protective, hot as hell, Italian, charming yet shockingly vulnerable. He navigates trauma, family secrets, and intense emotions with a fragile tenderness that just wrecks you in the best way.
💥 Charlotte Benson
Charlotte is a badass cheerleader. She speaks her mind unapologetically, juggling shitty parents and two adorable twin siblings she absolutely rocks raising.
Her resilience and sassy humor had me giggling and kicking my feet through the whole book! Until… the emotional damage hit hard. 😭 Charlie’s got a tough exterior but a heart of gold, and that made me really root for her. She’s witty, resilient, and navigating personal heartbreak all the while stepping into unexpected adulthood.
⸻
The chemistry between Noah and Charlie is UNMATCHED, I haven’t really read a lot of books on the accidental pregnancy trope, but Hailey wrote it so well that I loved it.
The way the slow burn in this book burned is crazy 😭but all worth it. The way Noah was “okay with being friends and her using him to make her get rid of her ex and make him jealous, definitely was something I loved in the book. He makes sure she knows it’s not fake, that he’s real. He steps up to take care of her while she cares for everyone else. 👏👏 The way he makes sure she feels loved and protected by him? I fell hard. And the things he does for her? Like when he recently bought a house, he gives her access to the house keys, if that doesn’t make you fall for him, I don’t know what will.
😭😭
The banter? Sharp, playful, and hot as hell. Italian nicknames, and cheesy puns that hit me in all the right way. And I LIVED for the silly yet amazing facts that Noah always brought up in their conversations 🤣🤭
Didn’t realize I missed Elijah and Sophia as we see more of their banter, loved their cameos and it gave off such a nostalgic feeling. And Noah’s friends? Their banter had me laughing out loud, smiling like a moron. They bring that found‑family vibe that warms your soul.
Hailey dickert didn’t shy away from heavy stuff — domestic abuse, guns, even murder. Yet she balanced it with sweetness, spice, humor, and heart until it hurt in all the very best ways. I was wrecked in the best possible way and needed tissues, therapy—but damn it was worth it.
If you want messy‑in‑the‑best‑way, hot‑as‑hell football romance with a perfect gentleman who’s also Italian‑speaking and filthy‑mouthed, a badass heroine who cares fiercely, cameos that warm your heart, Jump straight in and enjoy every damn moment. We needed this therapy session, Hailey and hell yes, it delivered. 😭🤧🤧💛🔥
__
May 31, 2025
ARC REVIEW
As someone who quite literally stumbled upon this arc through threads ,, im throughly surprised by how much I enjoyed this!!
the pregnancy trope is without a doubt my least favourite - but credit where credit is due , it was done really well in this. The last 100ish pages felt a little all over the place to me but aside from that it was great!!
Noah speaking Italian = folded.
And then there's this line:
"The right person will love your flaws. They'll see them as quirks, not try to make you hide them. And they definitely won't degrade you for your mistakes."
LIKE CMON !!!
Noah & Charlotte’s story was the perfect combination of heartfelt, feel-good moments but also moments of pure raw emotion.
As someone who quite literally stumbled upon this arc through threads ,, im throughly surprised by how much I enjoyed this!!
the pregnancy trope is without a doubt my least favourite - but credit where credit is due , it was done really well in this. The last 100ish pages felt a little all over the place to me but aside from that it was great!!
Noah speaking Italian = folded.
And then there's this line:
"The right person will love your flaws. They'll see them as quirks, not try to make you hide them. And they definitely won't degrade you for your mistakes."
LIKE CMON !!!
Noah & Charlotte’s story was the perfect combination of heartfelt, feel-good moments but also moments of pure raw emotion.
May 7, 2025
Noah Caruso has had his eye on Charlotte “Charlie” Benson since he set eyes on her at Camp Dickson. Too bad she’s taken– but it doesn’t mean that they can’t be friends. After Charlie and Jonathan break up, Charlie has to lie to make his blood boil, and what is better is to make him believe that she had moved on to her best friend, aka his rival, aka who he thought she cheated on him with? All is fun and games with pretending until the words “I’m pregnant.”
ARC Review- This was a wild book, in all the good ways. First of all, OH MY GOD, NOAH CARUSO, the man that you are. He’s so strong and a comforting presence for Charlie, and that just makes their relationship all the more realistic. The Italian phrases– are you kidding me? I am strong, but I am not THAT strong. love u noah fr. I am usually not the biggest fan of best friends to lovers, but THE TENSION. Could cut it with a knife. TOP TIER. I was giggling and kicking my feet, hoping to slow it down to revel in the cuteness, but also speed it up because they are end game!! The found family in this was also chef’s kiss. I loved the boys’ group chat. They made me giggle a couple of times. Look at a bunch of grown men acting like children with each other (BECAUSE THEY FEEL SAFE!!)
Why this wasn’t a five-star read for me is because Charlie has the moments. I don’t understand why she did some things, and I had to remind myself that she is just a girl in college who doesn’t know any better than to act the way she does. They are best friends to lovers, but I didn’t see that. I could see the friends-to-lovers, but like, how are they best friends when she had a bf (a bad one but like?????) And did she drop out of school when she was pregnant?
I would like to thank the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was my first Hailey Dickert book, and I loved it. She’s on my auto-read list.
ARC Review- This was a wild book, in all the good ways. First of all, OH MY GOD, NOAH CARUSO, the man that you are. He’s so strong and a comforting presence for Charlie, and that just makes their relationship all the more realistic. The Italian phrases– are you kidding me? I am strong, but I am not THAT strong. love u noah fr. I am usually not the biggest fan of best friends to lovers, but THE TENSION. Could cut it with a knife. TOP TIER. I was giggling and kicking my feet, hoping to slow it down to revel in the cuteness, but also speed it up because they are end game!! The found family in this was also chef’s kiss. I loved the boys’ group chat. They made me giggle a couple of times. Look at a bunch of grown men acting like children with each other (BECAUSE THEY FEEL SAFE!!)
Why this wasn’t a five-star read for me is because Charlie has the moments. I don’t understand why she did some things, and I had to remind myself that she is just a girl in college who doesn’t know any better than to act the way she does. They are best friends to lovers, but I didn’t see that. I could see the friends-to-lovers, but like, how are they best friends when she had a bf (a bad one but like?????) And did she drop out of school when she was pregnant?
I would like to thank the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was my first Hailey Dickert book, and I loved it. She’s on my auto-read list.
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