Out of the Shadows: A FAKE DATING COLLEGE FOOTBALL ROMANCE

The Big Boys of BRU #1

by Sorena Graves

Some girls want the perfect guy handed to them on a silver platter. Me? I found him all on my own. But life isn’t a fairy tale, and my so-called Prince Charming is convinced he’s not good enough for me.

He’s wrong.

Colt Michaels is all quiet strength and smoldering intensity, checking every box I never knew I had. A force of nature wrapped in broad shoulders, piercing blue eyes, and a crooked grin that leaves me breathless. He was everything I wanted, wrapped up in a package that somehow went unnoticed by everyone else. There's just one Colt keeps his distance, no matter how badly I want to get close. He doesn’t see what I see—a man who’s everything I’ve ever wanted. But I’m not the type to sit back and hope for the best.

When the perfect opportunity arises, I make my move. Fake dating him might sound like a scheme, but it’s the only way to prove what I’ve known all we’re meant to be. He thinks he’s not good enough for me.
I’ll prove him wrong.

Out of the Shadows, a fake dating college football romance, is Book 1 in a series of interconnected standalones.

Genres: Football, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, College, Fake Dating, Friends To Lovers

292 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2025

About the author

Sorena Graves writes the books she loves to read and just can't seem to find enough of. She loves unconventional main characters and tropes, all wrapped up in a scorching hot package.

Her home is currently in Germany, where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog, but she plans to make Australia her home soon.

When Sorena isn't busy writing steamy love stories, she can be found either riding horses or enjoying a glass of rosé while crafting her next irresistible tale.

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

For a debut novel, it's surprisingly pretty good. But I still don't know what to rate it. So I'm leaving it as read for the meantime. 😄

It's really just about these two college students, Colt (21) and Hailey (19), who are totally obsessed with each other and, let's be real, super horny throughout the whole book. 😂

I’m all for those unhinged and obsessed MCs, and it’s usually the guys who fit that bill. But in this case, I think Hailey steals the show and wears that title like a pro. I really love that she’s a go-getter. 🤭

Tbf, I could only get into an obsessed FMC if I knew that her feelings were reciprocated by the MMC. Otherwise, it’s just a one-sided thing and that wouldn't be fun to read. 🤷‍♀️

Anyway, as for Colt, don't worry; he's just as smitten, but it took him quite a while to make his moves because he feels like she's out of his league. But when he finally got his act together, it was just so good. It's so fun to see how crazy obsessed they are about each other. 🤣

I had fun with it, honestly, buuut the spicy scenes, my gawd, were too much for my liking. 🫣 These two are the most horny and kinky not-so-long-ago virgins I've ever read this year (by far). 🥵😂 The number of times they went at it was insane, and the first half of this book comes across as the longest foreplay I've ever stumbled upon. 🤣

It's not bad by any means, but the majority of this story revolves heavily around their obsession with one another, their pent-up sexual frustration, and finally indulging in it after they finally became honest with how they feel. 🫣

Anyhoo, I thought the ending was kinda rushed, and I'm curious to know what happened to her nasty dad. Even though she’s moved on and cut ties with her parents, I can’t help but wonder what’s going on with them now. 🤔

Also, I wish we got to see more of Hailey with Colt's family, and I was looking forward to those moments because it's so obvious how they absolutely adore her. 🥹

Overall, this can totally be a fun read when you're just looking for something light and easy to enjoy. I don't think it's meant to be taken seriously at all. 😂

There's so much potential here. Can't wait to see how this series unfolds. 😄 Fingers crossed this book reaches its intended audience and gets all the attention it deserves. 🤞


Book info:
- College romance
- Football player x Cheerleader
- Dual V! 💗
- Beauty and the beast theme
- Both obsessed MCs 🤣
- Fake dating (but tbh, this makes zero sense) 🫠
- Blackmail (s*x tape)
- Controlling parents
- Stalking 🤭
- Exhibitionism-ish 🫣
- Degradation/Praise
- Kinky!
- No cheating, OW/OM, separation
- HFN (mos later, living together)


Notes:
- They met in high school; she was 16 and he was 18. It was insta-love for them both, but Colt had a lot of insecurities, and Hailey was still young. He moved to another state for college, but Hailey followed him when she graduated. 😅
- OM. Not really. Her dad set up a date with this guy. She had no interest in him, but she knew she had to play her part. She found later that the OM is Colt's teammate. He tried to create some drama, but the MCs are devoted to each other.



PS. I feel like the other MCs for the upcoming books are already hinted at in this one. I'm going to assume they are: Ella x Hunter and Sierra x Dominic. Sooo excited for their stories! 🤭

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loooooooooove an obsessed heroine! Authors rarely write them, so when I come across a new one I get so excited
Only complaint is that this needed a better epilogue (and by needed, I mean I want)

[Sarina Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hailey would find her place in the spotlight, where she’d be able to shine and twinkle like the star she was, while I would remain on the sidelines-in the shadows. “

5⭐️ 4🌶️

WELCOME TO YOUR BIG BOY ERA!! Colt Michaels is H-O-T!!

Hailey moved to a new town where she met Colt Michaels. He’s a football player and she’s a cheerleader. The perfect match…right? Not according to society in there affluent town. In people’s eyes she’s hot, he’s not. Colt is a big burly guy. Tall, muscular and beefy. He’s also much quieter and has a very small circle. Hailey is popular, gorgeous, short and petite. The moment Hailey laid eyes on Colt she instantly decided he will be mine. He just doesn’t know it yet. So, after a few years of Colt keeping his distance,she took matters into her own hands and came up with a scheme to fake date. He thinks ,he isn’t good enough for her. She’s ready to prove him wrong. THEY ARE END GAME…

This book is Sorena Graves debut book and it was FANTASTIC! I couldn’t put it down. The tropes in this story were chef’s kiss. I love her take on the male version of the curvy girl we all root for. Hailey is a badass boss babe. She knew what she wanted and went after it. The mutual pining with a touch of unhinged had me squealing. Y’all…the spice…H-O-T AF! Quiet Colt is a freak in the sheets, with a filthy mouth. I loved every second of it!

Tropes: college football, cheerleader, fake dating, mutual pining, opposites attract, virgin, obsessed, no third act break up, blindside vibes.

Thank you so much Sorena & Luna Literary Management for the ARC!

[Beatriz Barros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Shadows by Sorena Graves was EVERYTHING I wanted and more! 💖

🔥 Dual insta-love? Obsessed.
🔥 Fake dating with NO rules because they actually like each other? ICONIC.
🔥 Colt’s mouth?? HELL TO THE YES.
🔥 That necklace moment? I immediately folded.
🔥 No third-act breakup? BLESS.

This book gave me all the fanfic-level goodness in the best way possible—angsty, steamy, hilarious, and completely unputdownable. If you love fake dating, filthy-talking football players, and romance that delivers everything, you NEED this book in your life! 📖💋

[Cristina]

Not for me, the MCs are very young (16 & 18) when the story opens up. I couldn’t connect with either of them.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5✨️ 5/5🌶

These two we're just beyond horny for each other. That's all!

[DMATMOOBILforever · Rating 2 out of 5]

- 2.5 stars rounded down to 2
- I liked it at first, the writing style was good and it was mostly all show and not tell, but then the plot was just god awful terrible. And the spice went on and on and I just started glazing over. I almost DNFed around 80% but then I wanted to see the resolution.

My optimistic comments from early on:
- Loved that she was the one pursuing him, and she was really pretty and he was unconventionally good looking. What a change. Plot
- Also I love that they actually got caught fucking in a hallway!!! Well at least overheard. lol that never happens.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was such a fun, delightful book!
I loved Hailey and Colt, the mutual obsession was so fun to read. They really went from 0-100 so quickly but what they lacked in experience they sure made up for in obsession, devotion and their eagerness for each other.
I wish this was longer, I would have loved to see more of them together properly after they got the drama with her dad sorted out. Or even a longer epilogue but I hope we’ll see them in future books since both of their besties are going to get together too.

-Dual pov
-Dual virgins, each others first and only everything
-h19, H21
-Fake dating
-mutual pining
-no OWD
-meaningless omd, her dad was trying to set her up on dates to help his business but she’s all about the H.
-No third act breakup
-HFN
-epilogue, at the end of her first year of college they’re moving to Nashville together because Colt got drafted. Still as in love as ever 🥰

[Cassies.EndlessReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colt and Hailey meet in High School and are (secretly) insanely attracted to each other, but it’s not until college when their fake dating turns very real.

“From the moment I first saw Colt, every inch of me belonged to him — body, mind, and soul.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was a spicy times debut novel! Colt is a bigger guy and has always been self conscious, he couldn’t even imagine that Hailey would be interested in him, so he keeps his distance much to Hailey’s disappointment. When they run into each other at college, Hailey’s room mate assumes Colt is Hailey’s boyfriend so she just runs with it. Colt agrees, and soon this doesn’t feel fake anymore.
I really enjoyed the interactions and dynamics between Hailey and Colt and all of their friends. Her father/mother dynamic was really strange to me, but didn’t ruin the book by any means.

“Don’t think we’ll make it home. I need you too much right now,” he growled. My stomach fluttered, and my breathing turned shallow as his eyes darkened. My beast was back, ready to devour me whole.”

[DG ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, congratulations to Sorena Graves on her debut novel! Thank you for the arc!!

This was my first book about a “big boy” but I absolutely loved it. Completely devoured in two days.

I will say this book did have some juvenile moments, as both MC are young college students but I feel like they were very relatable. The way both MC knew what they wanted and would do anything for each other had me hooked. The spice in this one was definitely spicy so get ready 🥵 I already can’t wait for book 2 of the series!!

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a simply crush, something else had grown, something I couldn't quite name. It had wrapped itself around me in a relentless grip, body and soul. Now I knew with unerring, unshakable certainty that Colt Michaels was my endgame.

This college romance is a little darker and grittier than I was expecting but the slightly unhinged heroine, Hailey with her focused determination to get her man easily convinced me and than there was Colt! I totally get why Hailey was so hellbent to crack his shell. He was such a sweet person that was overlooked and judged by his outer appearance. I was rooting for him so much.

When they reunite in college, things progressed rapidly but it worked for me. I liked that their relationship was a little on the crazy side, I loved the friendships that were formed and I loved watching them both stand up against her father - a truly nuts villain that deserved a visit from Karma so bad! Hailey and Colt were a whirlwind of chaos but they were so charming together. They clicked on a level they weren't really expecting since neither had ever let anyone so close before, but that didn't stop them for going for it in the end.

I can't wait to see where this series goes from here because there are so many characters with potential for their own books. I'm looking at you Hunter & Ella! Any girl that can quote HP and supports the girl gang like she does is an auto bestie! But there is also the other guys on the team too. Shout out to Jax, Asher and Knox.


Favorites Bits:
🖤 She has a type and he is big ALL over 😏
🖤 She breaks through his walls and insecurities for her chance at HEA
🖤 They get tattoos for each other and it's adorable!


SAFETY INFO:
Ages : Two year age difference. Colt is 20 and Hailey is 18.

Cheating : None.

OM/OW drama : No OW drama but mild drama from OM that Hailey's dad tries to set her up with. She shuts it down fast and he is only a mild annoyance until dealt with :)

Separation : 2 years. They both kept tabs on each other (see cyber stalking below!)

Triggers/Tropes/Content Warnings: Light Stalking/cyber stalking, emotional manipulation, fat/body shaming, struggle with body image, toxic parents, classism, blackmail, open door spice, choking, spitting, anal, use of toys, light somno, college romance, size difference, fake dating, secret relationship

HEA/HFN : HFN


#justalittlereading #sportsromance #oppositesattract #bookreview #romance

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Sorena Graves and Luna Literary for my copy of Out Of The Shadows. 🤍 I received this book for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.

Out Of The Shadows is Sorena’s debut but holy smokes you wouldn’t know it. It’s book one in her Blue Ridge University series. She brought the spice! I devoured this book, I couldn’t read fast enough, but also didn’t want it to end. This is a college football romance w some opposites attract, fake dating, mutual pining and obsession sprinkled in. This book was deliciously good. I can’t wait for what she delivers us moving forward.

Colt and Hailey are total opposites. Colt is a big boy and Hailey is a tiny little thing but she has her sights set on him from day one. It takes some personal development and growth on Colt’s part to believe she’d be into him for real. I liked how Hailey really helped build up Colt’s confidence and helped him become comfortable in his own skin. I enjoyed the side characters as well and have some questions about them so I’m excited to see what’s next in this series.

Out Of The Shadows releases February 17! 🎉

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid debut novel! Colt is a big, beefy football player, while Hailey is a small, petite cheerleader, and they are completely OBSESSED with each other from day 1.

This was entertaining to read and pretty easy to follow. I enjoyed the fresh take on a college romance.

The spice... was SPIIIICY AF. I definitely was not doing things like that when I was their age thats for sure 🫠 Colt has a serious mouth on him!

If you're looking for a college football romance with mutual pining, DUAL virgins, and no third act break up, then give this one a try!

[Clairsreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my girl Sorena reached out and let me know she was releasing her debut novel I could not have been more excited and signed up faster to able to arc read her first ever book baby. I am so proud of you and so honored to have been part of your journey!

Hailey and Colt meet for the first time at an event that their parents dragged them to. Once that first interaction both teens realize that their lives will never be the same and that they want the other as part of it. While both Hailey and Colt think theres no way the other would feel the same way, years later at another event the two have a tryst that ends with more obsession on both sides.

When Hailey manages to get into the same college Colt goes to she has one goal- to make him hers. When Colt realizes that Hailey will be in reach for the foreseeable future he has one goal- to make her his. The mutual pining and hidden agendas and feelings between these two built the foundation for they relationship that while fast- was truly meant to be. Both Hailey and Colt are the sweetest baby angels. While their union was quick, their feelings were deeper and more complex than I was expecting.

For being a debut novel this book was very well written. Both Colt and Hailey had their strengths and weaknesses and the way they sought each other out and relied on each other was adorable. While I personally was not banging the way these two were banging at 18-21….the spice was SPICINGGGG.

Thank you so much Sorena + Luna Literary Management for the eARC for review! I am honored to have been part of your journey and can’t wait to see whats in store next for this world you’ve created!!

[TTP · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Second chance
- It’s always been you
- Dual V
- College romance
- Fake dating
- Blackmail (their sex tape)
- Smut (so much spice)

They met in high school and both were insta attracted to each other, but the H self esteem was so low that he pushed h away.

h follows H to college (one year separation), and asks him to be her fake boyfriend so she don’t have to keep all the boys away. Yes, she’s a popular cheerleader so as much at it sound like a bitchy attitude it actually made sense in this. H agrees bc he will use this chance to win her over, something that h plan to.

The seperation:
In this book I felt the separation in the beginning when he went to college was nessesary because he had so low confidence that he needed that time to grow. Also didn’t help that they both kept being obsessed with each other and that the H never thought about touching another girl.

Safety:
- they are their first and only
- h father forces her to go on dates with men he finds appropriate, G fallows h on these, it never happens anything on the dates. H teammate is one of them, he causes some drama, but h is not interested and never was.


Also really liked how it wasn’t portrayed any manwhores in this book - so if there are any, it wasn’t mentioned at all, something that was so refreshing.
Really excited for the next book, but mostly Hunter (and hopefully Ella)

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For every girl who’s ever thought, “The bigger, the better,” and meant it in more ways than one — This one is for you.
Welcome to your Big Boy era.”

Ok, so listen, I love an obsessed man but when they are both obsessed with each other, yes please. Their crazies matched perfectly.

Hailey just moved into a new town after her family becomes rich. She meets Colt has his family home and is instantly like, yes he’s going to be mine, he just doesn’t know it yet.

Colt is a football player and described as a big boy for sure, he’s for sure over 6’5” and muscular and beefy. He’s also insecure about this. He sees Hailey for the first time, becomes obsessed with her and doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. Not knowing that she would like to climb him like a tree. Colt is shy and so freaking cute.

After they are both at the same college, they start fake dating, for their own reasons, one of the main ones on both of their mind (unknowing to each other) is to make it into a real relationship.

When I tell you, Hailey is one of my favorite FMC bc she goes for what she wants and totally owns the fact that she wants Colt. In the very beginning, she talks about wanting a big boy if you will and then boom, there’s Colt.

Oh and when it gets spicy, it gets spicy. I would never expect Colt to talk as dirty as he does to Hailey, chefs kiss. It’s always the quiet shy ones. And let me tell you, Hailey eats that up. Not only that, she also has a filthy mouth and Colt is obsessed with that too. My favorite microtrope happens, he spits in her mouth. Not just once and I am here for it.

This book had me hooked from the beginning and I finished it in a day. I need a Hunter book with a certain female character 😏.

[Kassie (toalltheboooksiveloved) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, thank you so much to the Sorena Graves and Luna Literary for the ARC! 😍 Congratulations on your debut novel!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was so good! I ATE IT UP!
**Minor Spoilers**

I loved how they are equally unhinged for each other. I also loved how Hailey was slightly more unhinged than Colt. IYKYK😉😏😝
The spice in this was *chefs kiss* just what I was looking for!
I loved how they had such great chemistry and matched each other so well. I love them so much. The side characters were also great and I can't wait to see more of them!
Her parents are absolute trash and I LOVED Colt's mom! She made up for how shitty Hailey's parents were.

Sorena has become an instant buy for me and I can't wait to see what else she comes up with!
I loved how easy the writing was and how there were just enough details throughout the story. At least for me, I don't like excess details.

Releases on February 17th! Can't wait to add this one to my shelf!

[Hannah Ladd · Rating 5 out of 5]

When she’s just as obsessed with him as he is with her, if not more? Just yes. Spectacular. Give me 14 of them right now.
I am loving these debut novels here lately and this one was written so well!
These two were so cute and SO hot all at once 🤭
I was literally not prepared for the mouth on this quiet man.
“You’re dripping. Is that because you liked the way I used your mouth or because you can’t wait for my fat c*ck to plug that little hole?” Like okay sir. 😮‍💨
I can’t wait for the next book with Dom and Sierra, but Hunter and Ella have caught my attention!! Because ma’am I fear I know why you can’t get a man 👀
Sorena has become an auto read author for me after killing it with Hailey and Colt 😍

[Tabitha Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Captivated From Page One

Out of the Shadows by Sorena Graves grabbed me from the start with its unforgettable blend of fake-dating, college football vibes, and sizzling mutual pining. Hailey is a force—bold, funny, and unapologetically herself. Colt? He’s quiet, brooding, and blissfully oblivious to how amazing he is—until Hailey shows him otherwise. Watching them navigate their fake dating scheme and slowly melt each other’s walls down was utterly compelling.

The banter is sharp, the tension builds beautifully, and the emotional payoff is oh-so satisfying. It’s a passionate, heartfelt debut that had me cheering for the underdog and swooning at every turn. Five stars for authentic character journeys and romance that truly ignites.

[Chelsea Mansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely read this series out of order so I knew I needed to go back and read book 1. Colt and Hailey did not disappoint. I devoured this book in a day and am still shocked this is Sorena’s debut novel.

Hailey is the pretty, popular girl and Colt is tall, broody, football player that tries to keep to himself. Hailey is instantly drawn to him and she is going to make it her mission to make him her man. What she doesn’t know is that he has the same idea.

I couldn’t put this book down once I started. I truly ate it up and left no crumbs. Sorena is the queen of spice and this book is HOT.

What to expect:
College football
Popular FMC & Shy MMC
Dual V cards
Mutual pining
Fake dating
Public play

[Jess • bestiebookshelf_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEBUT NOVEL - HELLO!

I have had the pleasure and the privilege of beta reading and arc reading this debut novel by my girl, Sorena! It has been such a wonderful experience getting to know her as an author and a friend. I can't wait to see where this journey takes you. I'm so proud of you, and I'll be cheering for you as long as you'll have me on your team!!

Colt and Hailey though. The big boy and the cheerleader. Think, "Blindside" if Michael and Collins were a couple. They give off the BEST energy honestly, and I loved them both so much. The mutual obsession was SO real, and I loved how forward Hailey was with taking what she wanted. She refused to take "no" for an answer but let's be real - Colt wouldn't have said it anyway. I loved how the mutual pining and obsession played such a crucial part in the foundation of their relationship. Yes, they were obsessed with each other but their feelings were actually beautifully genuine, heartfelt and so, so deep.

I loved these two so much and their chemistry just poured through Sorena's words and off the page. The spice was hot, man. Like - scorching. Colt, yeah he's an enigma. His mouth though- it caught me off guard and I wasn't expecting it, at all but I loved it so much. He screams 'self-conscious gentleman in the streets, but dirty talking m'fUcker in the sheets! Damn.

I'm so thankful to be on this journey with you, Sorena and I can't wait for what is next in this world!! Proud of you, lady!

[Kirsty Gudmundsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For every girl who's ever thought - the bigger the better and meant it in more ways than one - this one's for you. Welcome to your big boy era."

I loved how equally obsessed and unhinged they were for each other. I did not expect Colt to talk as dirty as he did, but I ate it up! The spice was chef's kiss 😏. I absolutely despised Hailey's parents and feel her dad deserved worse than he got.

Really need a Hunter book 🥹

[faye ✮ · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf @ 15%

I really liked the tropes in this book, but unfortunately I had to dnf it. The timeline felt confusing. I also struggled to connect with the characters, and before I even reached a quarter of the book, they had already done something that felt rushed and uncomfortable to me. I wish I could have enjoyed it more, but it just wasn’t for me.

────୨ৎ────
Thank you to Sorena Graves & Luna Literary for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[jada]

dnf 78%

picked it up bc DUAL VIRGIN 😍 and they were both OBSESSED with each other!!!

i was dealing with her shitty father UNTIL the author pulled the “blackmailing with my daughters sex tape” ew it’s gross and i just couldn’t continue i hate that!!

also i think i would have preferred if they hadn’t been like so good at sex??? like i would have liked to see them fumble a little and not just some how be sex gods their very first times

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

College Romance
Cheerleader x Football Player
Equal Obsessed MCs
Fake dating
Ages (19 & 21)
Dual Virgins
No OWD
No Real OMD
No Cheating/Sharing/Intimate scenes with op
No Third Act Break Up
Light Stalking
Blackmail (Not by MCs
Dual POV (First Person)
HEA
Spice at 13%
No condoms
Ass Play
Anal Sex
Dirty Talk
Degradation/Praise

[Romance_book_obsessed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super spicy football romance, where the two main characters are absolutely obsessed with each other!

[Carla]

eh 56%... it wasn't for me... too much spice without any really content..

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorena absolutely knocked it out of the park with her debut novel. The mutual pining between these two had me kicking my feet and giggling with every page turn. They genuinely support and protect each other, looking out for each other’s best interests. Their chemistry is absolutely explosive and the spice? Let’s just say you should invest in a fan. If you’re a girlie who loves the big boys, I HIGHLY recommend this book.

[sef · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 stars.


never thought i’d say something like too much smut but… this was definitely up there.

[elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

+ equally obsessed main characters, a cinnamon roll MMC

- the cringy sex talk was on another level. top contender for the worst line was, “gape that pussy open for you.” using the word “GAPE” during a sex scene should be illegal 😭