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Even the Score #4
Against the Rules: A Coach's Daughter College Football Romance
After a famous football coach caused my parents' divorce, I have a rule against dating athletes. When I asked, the cute guy I'm talking to is adamant, no sports.
Until I met my stepdad's star defense player. Him.
Tattooed, scarred, so gorgeous, King was who I wanted to take my v-card until I saw the jersey on his back.
After a tiny clothes-ripping incident in a storage closet, it's done between us.
I'm off limits and King has a past that keeps him on his best behavior. I can't stand athletes and everyone knows King is his coach's most loyal player.
So loyal, he's asked to keep an eye on me.
My new bodyguard is there at every turn. So close. The tension between us is boiling over.
And everyone's wondering who this girl is who has their star player obsessed.
[Against the Rules is a college sports romance with tension, banter, a guaranteed happily ever after with hurt/comfort. For TW, check the author's site]
Until I met my stepdad's star defense player. Him.
Tattooed, scarred, so gorgeous, King was who I wanted to take my v-card until I saw the jersey on his back.
After a tiny clothes-ripping incident in a storage closet, it's done between us.
I'm off limits and King has a past that keeps him on his best behavior. I can't stand athletes and everyone knows King is his coach's most loyal player.
So loyal, he's asked to keep an eye on me.
My new bodyguard is there at every turn. So close. The tension between us is boiling over.
And everyone's wondering who this girl is who has their star player obsessed.
[Against the Rules is a college sports romance with tension, banter, a guaranteed happily ever after with hurt/comfort. For TW, check the author's site]
606 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
642 people are currently reading
2887 people want to read
About the author
Bree Hayden
6 books314 followersA lover of romances, it’s not unusual to find Bree Hayden curled up with a book, sobbing her eyes out. On the off chance she’s doing real-life things, she resides in Washington, tries to get birds to whistle along with her, and enjoys baking ancient recipes in the hopes one actually tastes good.
Check out Bree’s newsletter for playlists (they’re pretty good), upcoming character art (that’s way better), chances to read her books before anybody else (!!!), and free extra stories about the characters in her novels (the best!!!)
Check out Bree’s newsletter for playlists (they’re pretty good), upcoming character art (that’s way better), chances to read her books before anybody else (!!!), and free extra stories about the characters in her novels (the best!!!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
March 14, 2025
eek! this book was the definition of kicking my feet and giggling. it’s such a fun time and king is such a fine mmc 😮💨
a bad boy who’s quiet with a fmc who has a secret identity for being a singer. i was BOUND to like it. i think the tension was so well done and the banter was really great too!
i think my one personal “issue” with this book though was the pacing. i didn’t realize the book was going to be this long which is fine! but at times i felt like the book was either really slow or super fast paced. i had multiple instances where i had to have a break and then return to the book.
the side characters were hilarious and really brought the right kind of energy this book needed to liven it up 🥹 king and willow’s relationship went through so many ups and downs and the pay off was so worth it! not to mention that SPICE, like okay king i need a glass of water 😭
overall this was such a good book, i’m definitely tuning in for the rest of bree hayden’s books!
thank you so much booksirens and bree hayden for giving me an arc of against the rules 🫶🏼
a bad boy who’s quiet with a fmc who has a secret identity for being a singer. i was BOUND to like it. i think the tension was so well done and the banter was really great too!
i think my one personal “issue” with this book though was the pacing. i didn’t realize the book was going to be this long which is fine! but at times i felt like the book was either really slow or super fast paced. i had multiple instances where i had to have a break and then return to the book.
the side characters were hilarious and really brought the right kind of energy this book needed to liven it up 🥹 king and willow’s relationship went through so many ups and downs and the pay off was so worth it! not to mention that SPICE, like okay king i need a glass of water 😭
overall this was such a good book, i’m definitely tuning in for the rest of bree hayden’s books!
thank you so much booksirens and bree hayden for giving me an arc of against the rules 🫶🏼
May 26, 2025
ੈ♡˳ rating: three of five stars
ੈ♡˳ summary: against the rules by bree hayden is book four in the even the score series, and follows willow—daughter of a legendary football coach—who has made it clear she’s done with athletes. but when king, a college football player with a troubled past and something to prove, enters her life, that line starts to blur. what begins as casual run-ins and harmless banter turns into something real, complicated by secrets, expectations, and the pressure of playing by the rules—or breaking them completely.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts: this was such a fun, low-pressure read that came at the perfect time. i was deep in a reading slump, and this book pulled me out. the pacing was easy to settle into, the characters had great chemistry, and the story hit just the right amount of emotional without being too heavy.
i loved that it was a bwwm romance—i always appreciate stories that reflect more representation in the genre, especially ones that don’t make it the entire plot but still center it authentically. willow is independent and guarded, and you totally understand why. growing up with a strict, image-obsessed football coach for a father has her swearing off athletes completely… until king shows up. and king? such a soft, patient, loyal guy. he’s got a messy past, sure, but the way he opens up to willow and earns her trust was one of my favorite parts of the book.
my only gripe is that i kind of wanted more. there were a few emotional beats and plot points that felt rushed or not fully fleshed out—like things would start to build and then resolve a little too quickly. but honestly, for what this book was—a cozy, emotionally satisfying college romance—it totally worked. it didn’t reinvent the genre, but it didn’t have to. it kept me hooked, and sometimes that’s enough.
ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ bwwm romance
ꕥ coach’s daughter x athlete
ꕥ college sports romance
ꕥ slow burn
ꕥ forbidden-ish love
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
➼ “i was off-limits, and he had a past that kept him on his best behavior.”
➼ “sometimes, the rules are meant to be broken.”
➼ “he looked at me like i was the only game he ever wanted to play.”
➼ “i didn’t need a playbook to know i wanted him.”
➼ “every time i tried to push him away, he gave me a reason to pull him closer.”
ੈ♡˳ summary: against the rules by bree hayden is book four in the even the score series, and follows willow—daughter of a legendary football coach—who has made it clear she’s done with athletes. but when king, a college football player with a troubled past and something to prove, enters her life, that line starts to blur. what begins as casual run-ins and harmless banter turns into something real, complicated by secrets, expectations, and the pressure of playing by the rules—or breaking them completely.
ੈ♡˳ thoughts: this was such a fun, low-pressure read that came at the perfect time. i was deep in a reading slump, and this book pulled me out. the pacing was easy to settle into, the characters had great chemistry, and the story hit just the right amount of emotional without being too heavy.
i loved that it was a bwwm romance—i always appreciate stories that reflect more representation in the genre, especially ones that don’t make it the entire plot but still center it authentically. willow is independent and guarded, and you totally understand why. growing up with a strict, image-obsessed football coach for a father has her swearing off athletes completely… until king shows up. and king? such a soft, patient, loyal guy. he’s got a messy past, sure, but the way he opens up to willow and earns her trust was one of my favorite parts of the book.
my only gripe is that i kind of wanted more. there were a few emotional beats and plot points that felt rushed or not fully fleshed out—like things would start to build and then resolve a little too quickly. but honestly, for what this book was—a cozy, emotionally satisfying college romance—it totally worked. it didn’t reinvent the genre, but it didn’t have to. it kept me hooked, and sometimes that’s enough.
ੈ♡˳ tropes:
ꕥ bwwm romance
ꕥ coach’s daughter x athlete
ꕥ college sports romance
ꕥ slow burn
ꕥ forbidden-ish love
ੈ♡˳ fave quotes:
➼ “i was off-limits, and he had a past that kept him on his best behavior.”
➼ “sometimes, the rules are meant to be broken.”
➼ “he looked at me like i was the only game he ever wanted to play.”
➼ “i didn’t need a playbook to know i wanted him.”
➼ “every time i tried to push him away, he gave me a reason to pull him closer.”
February 19, 2025
Wow this book was sooo good. It had me kicking my feet and giggling, wanting to slap King and just straight up laughing. This had everything you want including a forbidden romance which makes it so much better cause who doesn’t love that. It also went into much deeper issues that don’t show on the outside and helps remind you to not judge everyone on appearances and rumors. What Willow is going through is something that isn’t talked about enough so thank you Bree Hayden for talking about it and making it known to people. Please read this book when it is released so you can giggle and smile as much as I did reading it!!!
March 31, 2025
I definitely chose this purely for the cover and all I can say is I didn't think this story was good at any point, but omg was I entertained. This was giving Tyler Perry if he wrote a CW show. Messy and incoherent but you can't look away.
The way this is written is so choppy and ...non cohesive that it's honestly hard to keep track of what's going on. I recognize that this is the 4th book in a series of alleged standalones, but almost all of this book read like you were supposed to know what tf these characters were referring to with 0 context. Almost every character is in a relationship and has some type of connection with someone else that, to me, seemed more in depth that your usual "they were mentioned in book 1-3". Half the time I was like girl what am I looking at??
This book is straight up instalove. Like, 3 pages in and Willow the fmc is DTF hardcore and saying how she wants to get fucked. Like okay girl! King is.....an idiot that is in love which I guess is all you can ask for but I'd have liked to see him do literally anything else besides think about beating people up and being in love. This is supposed to be a college romance but they definitely read like high schoolers. So much of this drama is like....yall are adults lol. The way they talked, the way they acted....
Willow has vaginismus which, great for the rep, but I don't see how giving her that diagnoses brought anything to the plot besides her having a checklist for potential men to "stick it in" so that she wouldn't be a virgin anymore. Her being a virgin was enough drama. Did I mention she was a virgin? A very virginal virgin who's desperate to have sex so that she no longer has to be a virgin!
The plot....Willow is a singer who's grinding on the come up and for some reason she's hiding her love for music (standard fare for a black trauma plotline), and her name is Jade the Architect....Mariah would like a word lmao. King is a football player who we NEVER see play football but he's on track to be in the NFL because the book tells us so. They're supposed to be secretly dating even though they're bad at keeping it a secret, and almost every character in this story has had or is actively having a fake dating plotline at the same time as this. This book virtually has no plot. They're in love 10 seconds after they smash the first time and King is ready to put a ring on it. literally.
A lot of words are in this book and almost nothing happens and that's all I can really say lmao. I wish this would've had both more plot and a BETTER plot because 2 hotties getting together in a romance is all we're asking for but this was definitely deliciously bad. Make of that what you will.
I definitely won't be reading the other ones 😂
The way this is written is so choppy and ...non cohesive that it's honestly hard to keep track of what's going on. I recognize that this is the 4th book in a series of alleged standalones, but almost all of this book read like you were supposed to know what tf these characters were referring to with 0 context. Almost every character is in a relationship and has some type of connection with someone else that, to me, seemed more in depth that your usual "they were mentioned in book 1-3". Half the time I was like girl what am I looking at??
This book is straight up instalove. Like, 3 pages in and Willow the fmc is DTF hardcore and saying how she wants to get fucked. Like okay girl! King is.....an idiot that is in love which I guess is all you can ask for but I'd have liked to see him do literally anything else besides think about beating people up and being in love. This is supposed to be a college romance but they definitely read like high schoolers. So much of this drama is like....yall are adults lol. The way they talked, the way they acted....
Willow has vaginismus which, great for the rep, but I don't see how giving her that diagnoses brought anything to the plot besides her having a checklist for potential men to "stick it in" so that she wouldn't be a virgin anymore. Her being a virgin was enough drama. Did I mention she was a virgin? A very virginal virgin who's desperate to have sex so that she no longer has to be a virgin!
The plot....Willow is a singer who's grinding on the come up and for some reason she's hiding her love for music (standard fare for a black trauma plotline), and her name is Jade the Architect....Mariah would like a word lmao. King is a football player who we NEVER see play football but he's on track to be in the NFL because the book tells us so. They're supposed to be secretly dating even though they're bad at keeping it a secret, and almost every character in this story has had or is actively having a fake dating plotline at the same time as this. This book virtually has no plot. They're in love 10 seconds after they smash the first time and King is ready to put a ring on it. literally.
A lot of words are in this book and almost nothing happens and that's all I can really say lmao. I wish this would've had both more plot and a BETTER plot because 2 hotties getting together in a romance is all we're asking for but this was definitely deliciously bad. Make of that what you will.
I definitely won't be reading the other ones 😂
March 1, 2025
This book was just so caotic after some time I just got sick of king
February 28, 2025
DNF 1% in
“Want to rip off my panties? I’m not wearing any.”
Mind you this is my first impression of you 😀 I’m out
“Want to rip off my panties? I’m not wearing any.”
Mind you this is my first impression of you 😀 I’m out
February 25, 2025
I absolutely love this book!!! The characters are so much fun and likable that I was hooked from the very beginning. Willow is the best fmc and I couldn’t help but follow her at every turn. She’s strong, funny, sexy; and smart. Throw in King, the hot and sweet tattooed guy and you’ve got yourself a fiery duo!! I will not be giving any spoilers, so feel free to read on!!
From the beginning these two bring on the spice and this book is totally spicing!!! Don’t worry though, there’s still a great romantic plot happening as well!! And the spice happens at mostly appropriate times. Lmao!!! Mostly. Still good though. Phew, like, making sure no one is watching me reading it good. But like I said, these two are very entertaining together. Fighting, reconciling, the spice, and more!!! These two get into some really interesting situations that you can’t stop reading!!! And I laughed out loud so many times!!! It just hit me the right way.
So between the fabulous characters and the spicy fun plot, I have to give this one five stars. I’d give it more, but apparently there are only five available 😂😂… so I highly recommend this to those who enjoy spicy sports reads. But watch out for triggers, and keep in mind this is for those over 18. Otherwise, enjoy this awesome book!!!! I hope you love it as much as I do!!!
From the beginning these two bring on the spice and this book is totally spicing!!! Don’t worry though, there’s still a great romantic plot happening as well!! And the spice happens at mostly appropriate times. Lmao!!! Mostly. Still good though. Phew, like, making sure no one is watching me reading it good. But like I said, these two are very entertaining together. Fighting, reconciling, the spice, and more!!! These two get into some really interesting situations that you can’t stop reading!!! And I laughed out loud so many times!!! It just hit me the right way.
So between the fabulous characters and the spicy fun plot, I have to give this one five stars. I’d give it more, but apparently there are only five available 😂😂… so I highly recommend this to those who enjoy spicy sports reads. But watch out for triggers, and keep in mind this is for those over 18. Otherwise, enjoy this awesome book!!!! I hope you love it as much as I do!!!
December 5, 2025
ARC review
baby, Willow is bold two chapters in and I love that for her. she keep leaving King speechless.
is Adam an idiot? most definitely, but he's funny 😭
her mom is so trifling. you mean to tell me you hooked up with the surrogate uncle, most likely having an affair since they got married so quickly after the divorce, and you want her to be okay with it? please be fr
ngl, King going to shows in disguise after the whole ordeal? kind of hot if you ask me. shows he's obsessed 😭😂
she's angry. he's horny. someone above help us all please 🤦🏽♀️
oh King. our broody mmc. who's secretly, but not so secretly, pining for her.
I'm sorry, Adam is a ding dong but in the best way. I love him. the "picture" after paintball??? GAH!! ngl though, the accidental ink on his face has me cackling. Piper funny 😭
Kassie's intrigue to figure out where she knows Willow from is sending me. not realizing our girl likes to cosplay. you'll find out soon
BWUAHAHA AND SOON SHE DID. PLEASE
JASMINE IS ABOUT TO SPILL ALL THE BEANS 😭😭😭
look. I know the bar scene was kind of crazy, but please hear me out. I love the protective stalking because it he wasn't there then what would've happened?
OMFGGG!!!! HIS PASSWORD!!!! WHY THE HELL DIDN'T I DECODE THAT SOONER 😭
okay. these two are back to irritating the hell out of me. this is the one time where a slow burn is going to make me riot. they're both self sabotaging and i'm tired of seeing it 😐 AND I'M ONLY 30% into the book.
they're being children. specifically Willow and I'm not here for it. like girl you're being dense
the lack of a sense of maturity to the situation where King said a dude was going to follow her home from a show and she just makes jokes. like I get you're pissed at him, but that was a serious moment and she wasn't serious and I didn't like that.
Jasmine is my favorite character and I could literally slap King for being mean to her especially on her birthday. she is already sensitive and always thinks he's mad at her. he's making me mad rn.
Ryan is just happy to be here and we're glad to have him.
if my dislike for her mom wasn't loud and clear earlier i'm going to be crystal about it now. i don't like her mom. in the slightest.
finally got king's first name after 58 chapters, was lowkey starting to lose my mind that i didn't know it.
Elijah is really grating on my nerves. like bro give it a rest. yeah I'm not reading his book. he's too obsessed with King's past and trying to expose him to Willow. like bro y'all not even dating and she's doing you a favor. it's giving weird.
regardless of King past, that's not Elijah business to tell and he's a little b**ch for it. I don't like his character and nothing can convince me to do so otherwise.
King did nothing wrong. ONE, he was a minor. TWO, he did what he needed to do to protect his mother. I would've done the same thing. y'all are weird.
yeah her moms a cheater. no sympathy from me. my decision to dislike her is solidified. next question. Dan ain't no better. it's bad enough you contributed to ruining a marriage. then you waited years instead of moving on? I genuinely can't like either of them. I'm not sorry. idc if this is fictional.
her mom and Dan really grating my nerves. acting like Willow is two and not twenty. let her make her own decisions and mistakes. gah lee
in conclusion, I loved how the story wrapped up for these two. they quite literally went through hell and high water but they got the happily ever after they deserved. I can't wait to read the bonus epilogue and see more of their kids. I'm also glad they were able to get things situated when it came to their parents.
⭐️ 3.25
baby, Willow is bold two chapters in and I love that for her. she keep leaving King speechless.
is Adam an idiot? most definitely, but he's funny 😭
her mom is so trifling. you mean to tell me you hooked up with the surrogate uncle, most likely having an affair since they got married so quickly after the divorce, and you want her to be okay with it? please be fr
ngl, King going to shows in disguise after the whole ordeal? kind of hot if you ask me. shows he's obsessed 😭😂
she's angry. he's horny. someone above help us all please 🤦🏽♀️
oh King. our broody mmc. who's secretly, but not so secretly, pining for her.
I'm sorry, Adam is a ding dong but in the best way. I love him. the "picture" after paintball??? GAH!! ngl though, the accidental ink on his face has me cackling. Piper funny 😭
Kassie's intrigue to figure out where she knows Willow from is sending me. not realizing our girl likes to cosplay. you'll find out soon
BWUAHAHA AND SOON SHE DID. PLEASE
JASMINE IS ABOUT TO SPILL ALL THE BEANS 😭😭😭
look. I know the bar scene was kind of crazy, but please hear me out. I love the protective stalking because it he wasn't there then what would've happened?
OMFGGG!!!! HIS PASSWORD!!!! WHY THE HELL DIDN'T I DECODE THAT SOONER 😭
okay. these two are back to irritating the hell out of me. this is the one time where a slow burn is going to make me riot. they're both self sabotaging and i'm tired of seeing it 😐 AND I'M ONLY 30% into the book.
they're being children. specifically Willow and I'm not here for it. like girl you're being dense
the lack of a sense of maturity to the situation where King said a dude was going to follow her home from a show and she just makes jokes. like I get you're pissed at him, but that was a serious moment and she wasn't serious and I didn't like that.
Jasmine is my favorite character and I could literally slap King for being mean to her especially on her birthday. she is already sensitive and always thinks he's mad at her. he's making me mad rn.
Ryan is just happy to be here and we're glad to have him.
if my dislike for her mom wasn't loud and clear earlier i'm going to be crystal about it now. i don't like her mom. in the slightest.
finally got king's first name after 58 chapters, was lowkey starting to lose my mind that i didn't know it.
Elijah is really grating on my nerves. like bro give it a rest. yeah I'm not reading his book. he's too obsessed with King's past and trying to expose him to Willow. like bro y'all not even dating and she's doing you a favor. it's giving weird.
regardless of King past, that's not Elijah business to tell and he's a little b**ch for it. I don't like his character and nothing can convince me to do so otherwise.
King did nothing wrong. ONE, he was a minor. TWO, he did what he needed to do to protect his mother. I would've done the same thing. y'all are weird.
yeah her moms a cheater. no sympathy from me. my decision to dislike her is solidified. next question. Dan ain't no better. it's bad enough you contributed to ruining a marriage. then you waited years instead of moving on? I genuinely can't like either of them. I'm not sorry. idc if this is fictional.
her mom and Dan really grating my nerves. acting like Willow is two and not twenty. let her make her own decisions and mistakes. gah lee
in conclusion, I loved how the story wrapped up for these two. they quite literally went through hell and high water but they got the happily ever after they deserved. I can't wait to read the bonus epilogue and see more of their kids. I'm also glad they were able to get things situated when it came to their parents.
⭐️ 3.25
February 19, 2025
~ 3.25 stars: ARC READ — I would first like to thank Bree Hayden for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review !!
This is the second book I have read from Bree, and I can confirm that her books and characters are ones you grow to love throughout the story. Initially, it took me a minute to become accustomed to the plot and characters. The chemistry between King and Willow was definitely apparent from the beginning and I appreciated how the book delved into their romance straight away. However, it personally became a double-edged sword as the story took an "insta-love" approach. I am ALL for immediate attraction, however, I do wish nothing more happened between them until later on in the story. It was a THICK book, and a slower burn between King and Willow DEFINITELY would've fit well into the plot, considering their relationship was a secret for majority of it.
I did enjoy how head-over-heels King was for her. His pining and internal monologue for Willow was SO FREAKING CUTE! Boy falls first will always be so adorable, and I thoroughly enjoyed that trope being incorporated into the story. This is more of a personal preference, but King at times was a little...crude for me. The book was quite 'lusty' as the plot was based around it, however, some scenes could've been a little more romantic. In some situations, especially early on, it felt too lustful to the point where I wasn't seeikng enough romantic chemistry.
HOWEVER, this is where I return to the point of Bree's books being a grower on you. Towards the middle and end, the development of Willow and King's relationship was definitely touching. I loved when they had more heartfelt conversations with one another and their banter was TRULY SO GOOD! I honestly wish that the book had MORE of their banter as it's such an amusing part of romance books. The depth of both of their characters was beautiful to read about, and I appreciate knowing that Bree spent time and effort to truly shape their personas. It's so interesting because the book was quite long, but I feel as if it was enough pages to truly flesh out their characters. And I applaud Bree for that, as it isn't easy to make a long romance book feel like a normal length.
I truthfully did enjoy this book, and I'm still contemplating between a 3.25 or 3.5 rating. I think the major shortcoming for me was the pacing of the romance. Some moments could've been waited out, whereas others definitely could've come early. Pacing is a personal make-or-break and was the main reason why the book wasn't exactly 3.75-4 stars. Still a super sweet book and definitely had a lot of fun and hilarious moments with other characters in the series!
This is the second book I have read from Bree, and I can confirm that her books and characters are ones you grow to love throughout the story. Initially, it took me a minute to become accustomed to the plot and characters. The chemistry between King and Willow was definitely apparent from the beginning and I appreciated how the book delved into their romance straight away. However, it personally became a double-edged sword as the story took an "insta-love" approach. I am ALL for immediate attraction, however, I do wish nothing more happened between them until later on in the story. It was a THICK book, and a slower burn between King and Willow DEFINITELY would've fit well into the plot, considering their relationship was a secret for majority of it.
I did enjoy how head-over-heels King was for her. His pining and internal monologue for Willow was SO FREAKING CUTE! Boy falls first will always be so adorable, and I thoroughly enjoyed that trope being incorporated into the story. This is more of a personal preference, but King at times was a little...crude for me. The book was quite 'lusty' as the plot was based around it, however, some scenes could've been a little more romantic. In some situations, especially early on, it felt too lustful to the point where I wasn't seeikng enough romantic chemistry.
HOWEVER, this is where I return to the point of Bree's books being a grower on you. Towards the middle and end, the development of Willow and King's relationship was definitely touching. I loved when they had more heartfelt conversations with one another and their banter was TRULY SO GOOD! I honestly wish that the book had MORE of their banter as it's such an amusing part of romance books. The depth of both of their characters was beautiful to read about, and I appreciate knowing that Bree spent time and effort to truly shape their personas. It's so interesting because the book was quite long, but I feel as if it was enough pages to truly flesh out their characters. And I applaud Bree for that, as it isn't easy to make a long romance book feel like a normal length.
I truthfully did enjoy this book, and I'm still contemplating between a 3.25 or 3.5 rating. I think the major shortcoming for me was the pacing of the romance. Some moments could've been waited out, whereas others definitely could've come early. Pacing is a personal make-or-break and was the main reason why the book wasn't exactly 3.75-4 stars. Still a super sweet book and definitely had a lot of fun and hilarious moments with other characters in the series!
February 21, 2025
This was so stinking cute! I absolutely LOVED King & Willow’s story.
Willow is our FMC who is an aspiring musician with a hidden double identity (think: Hannah Montana). Her stepdad is a coach for her college football team, and she’s trying to rebuild her relationship with him & her mom. Along the way, she makes friends, takes boring comm classes, and, of course, falls in love ;)
King is our MMC and he is a baddie with a PAST. The “bad boy” on the team, take-no-💩 turns total golden retriever for our beautiful Willow. He had me literally kicking my feet and giggling during this story.
This is one of my favorite sports romance books, and I’m going back to reread the entire series now bc the found family makes my heart so 🥹
Highly recommend everyone read this book!!
So thankful to have been given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💙
Bree, THANK YOU for writing their story 🤩
Willow is our FMC who is an aspiring musician with a hidden double identity (think: Hannah Montana). Her stepdad is a coach for her college football team, and she’s trying to rebuild her relationship with him & her mom. Along the way, she makes friends, takes boring comm classes, and, of course, falls in love ;)
King is our MMC and he is a baddie with a PAST. The “bad boy” on the team, take-no-💩 turns total golden retriever for our beautiful Willow. He had me literally kicking my feet and giggling during this story.
This is one of my favorite sports romance books, and I’m going back to reread the entire series now bc the found family makes my heart so 🥹
Highly recommend everyone read this book!!
So thankful to have been given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💙
Bree, THANK YOU for writing their story 🤩
February 23, 2025
First off, I would like to thank the author, Bree Hayden, for reaching out and sending me an ARC of this book! The first ARC I've received since starting my BookTok and I am eternally grateful for the chance to read this before it releases! Thank you, Bree!
If you are looking for your next spicy read and love a good sports romance and an OBSESSED!!! MMC, Against the Rules is the perfect book for you!
Willow is absolutely against mingling with athletes, especially football players.
King happens to be a football player... even though he told her he wasn't in sports.
Oh, and he plays for the college team that Willow's stepdad coaches!
He's the perfect match for Willow.. until she finds out he lied to her. But it's too late, King is already obsessed with her and won't stop until he gets the girl.. even if that means breaking the rules and dating the coach's daughter.
The banter in this story is impeccable, and the spice was top-tier (hello storage closets and hotel rooms!) This is my first book by Bree Hayden and I can now confidently say, it will not be my last! I absolutely devoured this book, and can't wait to go back and read the rest of the books in the Even the Score series!
*slight spoilers*
the FMC, Willow, has vaginismus and like her, I have also suffered from this. I have never felt so seen in a romance book before, and the thoughts that she has about sex and her body are so similar to things that I have thought. I think it is so important for there to be representation of this condition and I am so grateful that Bree included it in Willow's story.
If you are looking for your next spicy read and love a good sports romance and an OBSESSED!!! MMC, Against the Rules is the perfect book for you!
Willow is absolutely against mingling with athletes, especially football players.
King happens to be a football player... even though he told her he wasn't in sports.
Oh, and he plays for the college team that Willow's stepdad coaches!
He's the perfect match for Willow.. until she finds out he lied to her. But it's too late, King is already obsessed with her and won't stop until he gets the girl.. even if that means breaking the rules and dating the coach's daughter.
The banter in this story is impeccable, and the spice was top-tier (hello storage closets and hotel rooms!) This is my first book by Bree Hayden and I can now confidently say, it will not be my last! I absolutely devoured this book, and can't wait to go back and read the rest of the books in the Even the Score series!
*slight spoilers*
the FMC, Willow, has vaginismus and like her, I have also suffered from this. I have never felt so seen in a romance book before, and the thoughts that she has about sex and her body are so similar to things that I have thought. I think it is so important for there to be representation of this condition and I am so grateful that Bree included it in Willow's story.
February 17, 2025
I received an ARC copy and was SO excited for this book! Let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. At first I was hesitant because it’s 600 pages but I assure you, you’ll love every single one. I don’t want to post any spoilers since it’s not out for another week but my goodness. THIS is what I mean when I say I want tension, yearning, connection beyond sex,etc. King is the perfect man. I LOVED the real life problems like vaginismus, diabetes, divorce, money.. it makes the book and characters themselves so much more relatable. I can SEE myself knowing people just like this and it just makes for such a better connection and overall experience to the book. Long story short, read it! Couldn’t put it down.
March 15, 2025
I want to thank NetGalley and Bree for allowing me to receive Against the Rules as an ARC.
Unfortunately this book was not for me. The writing style was rough. The instant love was just TOO instant. How many times it was mentioned within 5% of the book that she was a virgin was wild. The way the FMC (willow) was so incessant about sex and wanting a man she’s known for literally 30 minutes to take her virginity was almost enough to have me DNF.
I liked the premise of the book, but for me personally, it wasn’t executed well. There were things I enjoyed, such as the MMC (King) being so obsessed with her, the way their relationship evolved, and their more romantic moments (which I wish there was more of).
For this being such a long (500 page) contemporary romance, I wish it would’ve been a little slower paced so we could’ve gotten more character and relationship development rather than instant lust.
Unfortunately this book was not for me. The writing style was rough. The instant love was just TOO instant. How many times it was mentioned within 5% of the book that she was a virgin was wild. The way the FMC (willow) was so incessant about sex and wanting a man she’s known for literally 30 minutes to take her virginity was almost enough to have me DNF.
I liked the premise of the book, but for me personally, it wasn’t executed well. There were things I enjoyed, such as the MMC (King) being so obsessed with her, the way their relationship evolved, and their more romantic moments (which I wish there was more of).
For this being such a long (500 page) contemporary romance, I wish it would’ve been a little slower paced so we could’ve gotten more character and relationship development rather than instant lust.
March 12, 2025
Review in Exchange for ARC.
I am just going to say that if you have something to on the 25th of February, you need to reschedule and read this instead. This book was perfect. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire way through.
I haven’t fallen in love with characters the way I have with Bree’s’ characters in a long time.
This book was fantastic. I read it in five hours, and the only reason I know the time is because I didn’t move from my spot on the couch for the entire time. That’s right, I read it in ONE sitting. Everything about this book pulls you in right from the beginning. That is something that Bree is very good at; dropping you right in on the action and taking your hand and saying, “Keep up!” and yanking you along.
Good gosh, the love I have for this book and the characters knowns no bounds. I finished this book well over 24 hours ago and I still am thinking about it. The love story that is portrayed in this book must have been infused with Class A substance the way I am fiending for more of this story and more of this world and the characters that are in it.
King is the MMC and he is a such a sweetheart. From his backstory to the story he makes with Willow – every part of him craves to love people and be loved. He falls for Willow so hard and so quick and its adorable to see him want to express that love to her. It is super fun to watch him grow as person and a lover in this story because he will do anything for his girl.
Willow is the FMC and she is such a resilient and strong willed individual. I loved her POV so much. I have never wanted someone to succeed in their goals in a romance novel the way I wanted her to get her Happily Ever After. I rotted so hard for her to get everything she wanted and more in this story. (It just so happened that she found it in King – how perfect.)
The romance between these two was filled with tension, banter, spice, and so much humor. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time I read this book. I could have read another 600 pages about these two and would have done so happily and with a smile on my face. The 600 pages of this book may seem daunting, and I get that – but please read it anyways because it flies by. It literally felt like it was 200 pages with how fast this book is.
Bree’s writing is so fun to read as well. The way she rights the tension between her characters is so well done and a as reader you can see it building. There were moments when I audibly gasped and had to take a second before I could read the next line. I found myself re-reading some pages because the writing so good on them I wanted to read it for a second time.
And the spice … phew… King, sir. I didn’t know you could talk like that.
Imma need to you to do it about fourty million more times.
Thanks.
I did not expect that from him. King in the past books has been so reserved, and finally, finally, we get to see him and he is not so reserved in his own mind and it is delicious.
I cannot express the love I have for this book and this world of characters.
Willow and King are the new standard and I don’t care what you want to say. Talk to a wall.
Thanks to Bree for the ARC of this book. I am so sad I don’t have the next book you are writing because I am so excited for a certain story (hockey… perhaps… with a down bad bruiser… maybe)
A few points
- There were some editing mistakes, but I am finding the more I read from self-published authors the more I appreciate it because it proves that AI didn’t do it. So, I am actually very appreciative of them. And in no way do they change the story or make it hard to read. It was like a letter than needed to be capitalized here, and a missed comma there. It was no big deal.
- I loved the epilogues in this story. I don’t remember epilogues that went this far in the future for the other two boys of the group and that makes me think this is the end of this particular friend groups series which makes me so sad man.
- Please read this.
I am just going to say that if you have something to on the 25th of February, you need to reschedule and read this instead. This book was perfect. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire way through.
I haven’t fallen in love with characters the way I have with Bree’s’ characters in a long time.
This book was fantastic. I read it in five hours, and the only reason I know the time is because I didn’t move from my spot on the couch for the entire time. That’s right, I read it in ONE sitting. Everything about this book pulls you in right from the beginning. That is something that Bree is very good at; dropping you right in on the action and taking your hand and saying, “Keep up!” and yanking you along.
Good gosh, the love I have for this book and the characters knowns no bounds. I finished this book well over 24 hours ago and I still am thinking about it. The love story that is portrayed in this book must have been infused with Class A substance the way I am fiending for more of this story and more of this world and the characters that are in it.
King is the MMC and he is a such a sweetheart. From his backstory to the story he makes with Willow – every part of him craves to love people and be loved. He falls for Willow so hard and so quick and its adorable to see him want to express that love to her. It is super fun to watch him grow as person and a lover in this story because he will do anything for his girl.
Willow is the FMC and she is such a resilient and strong willed individual. I loved her POV so much. I have never wanted someone to succeed in their goals in a romance novel the way I wanted her to get her Happily Ever After. I rotted so hard for her to get everything she wanted and more in this story. (It just so happened that she found it in King – how perfect.)
The romance between these two was filled with tension, banter, spice, and so much humor. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time I read this book. I could have read another 600 pages about these two and would have done so happily and with a smile on my face. The 600 pages of this book may seem daunting, and I get that – but please read it anyways because it flies by. It literally felt like it was 200 pages with how fast this book is.
Bree’s writing is so fun to read as well. The way she rights the tension between her characters is so well done and a as reader you can see it building. There were moments when I audibly gasped and had to take a second before I could read the next line. I found myself re-reading some pages because the writing so good on them I wanted to read it for a second time.
And the spice … phew… King, sir. I didn’t know you could talk like that.
Imma need to you to do it about fourty million more times.
Thanks.
I did not expect that from him. King in the past books has been so reserved, and finally, finally, we get to see him and he is not so reserved in his own mind and it is delicious.
I cannot express the love I have for this book and this world of characters.
Willow and King are the new standard and I don’t care what you want to say. Talk to a wall.
Thanks to Bree for the ARC of this book. I am so sad I don’t have the next book you are writing because I am so excited for a certain story (hockey… perhaps… with a down bad bruiser… maybe)
A few points
- There were some editing mistakes, but I am finding the more I read from self-published authors the more I appreciate it because it proves that AI didn’t do it. So, I am actually very appreciative of them. And in no way do they change the story or make it hard to read. It was like a letter than needed to be capitalized here, and a missed comma there. It was no big deal.
- I loved the epilogues in this story. I don’t remember epilogues that went this far in the future for the other two boys of the group and that makes me think this is the end of this particular friend groups series which makes me so sad man.
- Please read this.
February 18, 2025
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Oh. Boy, was this fun.
I think there's a certain excellence in getting me to finish a book in two days. This is yet another one that hooked me throughout and didn't let me put the book down.
PLOT:
Willow and King have their meet cute at a bar, where Willow secretly performs her songs under a pseudonym. They hit it off right away, keeping in touch with each other not knowing the drama that's about to unfold. Ah, you see... Willow is King's football coach's step daughter. While our boy is obsessed, and I MEAN, Obsessed with a capital O, he's forced to maintain his distance because his future depends on not pissing his coach off (King might've hurt Willow's feelings once or twice)
As fate and attraction would have it, they can't stay away from each other, which can only be problematic.
LIKED:
I absolutely loved Willow and King's characters. They were generous, interesting and totally in love with each other. Reading their separate POVs kept things intriguing throughout, and their character motivations are well laid out. Willow's journey as a musician and King's journey as an athlete are well incorporated and I found myself very much invested in their journey.
The tension in this story is absolutely chef's kiss. I spent my time holding onto dear life, because there are multiple moments where I was like, OH NO, IT'S GOING TO END! It's like having jumpscares for their relationship that kept me wanting more and more.
THE LOST ONE STAR:
So, for me, there are a few issues with how their romance developed. In this very first chapter, we see Willow and King hit it off, and unfortunately, while Willow's feelings for King develop slowly, King's are almost instantaneous. While I did love seeing the man pine, it felt just a little bit unrealistic and I hoped there was some more emphasis on the growth in some places.
Sometimes, I found it hard to tell whose POV I was reading from their character voices. I think this was most evident in the sex scenes and the dramatic scenes where the POV jumps quickly. But, these were only issues that popped up in small places and didn't take away too much from the reading experience.
Bottomline: A very fun, spicy, sports romance that is super enjoyable!
Oh. Boy, was this fun.
I think there's a certain excellence in getting me to finish a book in two days. This is yet another one that hooked me throughout and didn't let me put the book down.
PLOT:
Willow and King have their meet cute at a bar, where Willow secretly performs her songs under a pseudonym. They hit it off right away, keeping in touch with each other not knowing the drama that's about to unfold. Ah, you see... Willow is King's football coach's step daughter. While our boy is obsessed, and I MEAN, Obsessed with a capital O, he's forced to maintain his distance because his future depends on not pissing his coach off (King might've hurt Willow's feelings once or twice)
As fate and attraction would have it, they can't stay away from each other, which can only be problematic.
LIKED:
I absolutely loved Willow and King's characters. They were generous, interesting and totally in love with each other. Reading their separate POVs kept things intriguing throughout, and their character motivations are well laid out. Willow's journey as a musician and King's journey as an athlete are well incorporated and I found myself very much invested in their journey.
The tension in this story is absolutely chef's kiss. I spent my time holding onto dear life, because there are multiple moments where I was like, OH NO, IT'S GOING TO END! It's like having jumpscares for their relationship that kept me wanting more and more.
THE LOST ONE STAR:
So, for me, there are a few issues with how their romance developed. In this very first chapter, we see Willow and King hit it off, and unfortunately, while Willow's feelings for King develop slowly, King's are almost instantaneous. While I did love seeing the man pine, it felt just a little bit unrealistic and I hoped there was some more emphasis on the growth in some places.
Sometimes, I found it hard to tell whose POV I was reading from their character voices. I think this was most evident in the sex scenes and the dramatic scenes where the POV jumps quickly. But, these were only issues that popped up in small places and didn't take away too much from the reading experience.
Bottomline: A very fun, spicy, sports romance that is super enjoyable!
February 22, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for the early arc! Wow I was so surprised by this book. First off the cover drew me in immediately because it’s actually the cutest thing I’ve ever seen but also the romance between our two main characters absolutely blew me away. This story follows willow and king and from the very moment they meet they are heavily attracted to each other but each time the go to hookup something happens and prevents them from meeting up so they from this relationship through FaceTime and texts and it’s just so cute. When they do finally get time together they have to keep it a secret so what they do when no one is watching had me PANTING!!! Yall king is absolutely filthy and willow is down to learn. Besides the spice I just fell in love with this love story and definitely will be reading the rest of these books.
February 27, 2025
4⭐️ | 3.5🌶
this was so good. heavy, but good. There was a lot of drama and while I wanted to pull my out at some points, it just added to the intrigue of the story. King and Willow. They were it for each other. In spite of the challenges, they were it.
Willow's parents, brothers and Jazz and Lorelai were all so sweet. I loved Jazz. Wanted to hug and protect her and Lorelai. I was iffy on Dan and Joyce, iykyk. But that's them. This was long but it was beautifully written and I loved the friendship between Willow, King, Piper and everyone else. Did not care for Elijah one bit though. What he did was messed up. But anyway, thank you to Netgalley and Bree for the arc.
this was so good. heavy, but good. There was a lot of drama and while I wanted to pull my out at some points, it just added to the intrigue of the story. King and Willow. They were it for each other. In spite of the challenges, they were it.
Willow's parents, brothers and Jazz and Lorelai were all so sweet. I loved Jazz. Wanted to hug and protect her and Lorelai. I was iffy on Dan and Joyce, iykyk. But that's them. This was long but it was beautifully written and I loved the friendship between Willow, King, Piper and everyone else. Did not care for Elijah one bit though. What he did was messed up. But anyway, thank you to Netgalley and Bree for the arc.
March 10, 2025
DNF at 52% (which btw is still 300 pages so)
Sure the concept of this was something I’d usually eat the hell up. Boy on the football team, girl who hates athletes. But please they fell for each other in the first page and every other chapter it’s “ugh I love you so much I want you right here right now” and then “I hate you you’re the worst thing to ever happen to me do not speak to me”. I cannot do 600 pages of that! Chapters were short which is great but genuinely cut it in half it was dragging fr. Hate to DNF a book especially this far in but it is seriously putting me in a slump.
Sure the concept of this was something I’d usually eat the hell up. Boy on the football team, girl who hates athletes. But please they fell for each other in the first page and every other chapter it’s “ugh I love you so much I want you right here right now” and then “I hate you you’re the worst thing to ever happen to me do not speak to me”. I cannot do 600 pages of that! Chapters were short which is great but genuinely cut it in half it was dragging fr. Hate to DNF a book especially this far in but it is seriously putting me in a slump.
June 22, 2025
If you’re reading this just for the smut okay 3-4 stars bc this book is filthy. But outside of that, the plot is just gutter!!!!! And not in a good way. The on again, off again jealousy stuff was too much & this is why I avoid these college romance type books because this is how they all turn out.
February 25, 2025
3,5 ⭐️ ARC
First of all I would like to thank Bree Hayden for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
In this book you'll follow the love story between Willow and King. It was an insta-love trope, which I don't think I have read before. I actually found it surprisingly entertaining!
The book is 600 pages and at first I couldn't understand how a romance could be that long. But I actually flew throuw the book. It kept me entertained, because of the short chapters and quick pace. I had a lot of fun reading this book.
However, I did give this book 3,5 ⭐️ because I noticed it was not really for me. Normally I don't mind spice in books, but this one had a lot of spice. More than I usually read and I simply noticed that that is not for me, which is fine. I'm also not a big fan of praising during spice, which happened a lot. But if you like those things, this book definitely is for you!
First of all I would like to thank Bree Hayden for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
In this book you'll follow the love story between Willow and King. It was an insta-love trope, which I don't think I have read before. I actually found it surprisingly entertaining!
The book is 600 pages and at first I couldn't understand how a romance could be that long. But I actually flew throuw the book. It kept me entertained, because of the short chapters and quick pace. I had a lot of fun reading this book.
However, I did give this book 3,5 ⭐️ because I noticed it was not really for me. Normally I don't mind spice in books, but this one had a lot of spice. More than I usually read and I simply noticed that that is not for me, which is fine. I'm also not a big fan of praising during spice, which happened a lot. But if you like those things, this book definitely is for you!
February 23, 2025
Against The Rules is the fourth book in the Even The Score series featuring Willow and King. It’s a college football romance with Willow being the step daughter of King’s football coach. King definitely falls hard and fast even though their relationship is forbidden. This is a really long book and at times I struggled with the length as I seemed to get lost with some chapters and scenes will what was going on and I was the same with some conversations. I liked the banter between the friendship groups and the way King supported Willow. It was a good read. I received a complementary copy from the author and Booksirens.
February 24, 2025
This story was such a deeply heartfelt and emotional read. King, a dedicated football player, is irresistibly drawn to Willow, even though she’s off limits, especially with her stepdad as his coach. Their connection is undeniable, but both carry past wounds that make their journey anything but easy. Through every challenge, their love grows stronger, and watching them heal and find solace in each other was truly beautiful. This is a story full of love, healing, and resilience, one you won’t want to miss!
Thank you, Bree Hayden for the ARC.
Thank you, Bree Hayden for the ARC.
February 22, 2025
Read this book as an ARC
I loved the beginning, the instant connection but the end felt rushed.
For a 600 page book it seemed to drag through random plots but wrapped up their main problem in less then 1 chapter.
I loved them as a couple and the spice was nice.
I loved the beginning, the instant connection but the end felt rushed.
For a 600 page book it seemed to drag through random plots but wrapped up their main problem in less then 1 chapter.
I loved them as a couple and the spice was nice.
February 20, 2025
I highly suggest picking up the first three books in this series before starting this one. I didn’t, so I felt disconnected from the friend group at the beginning not knowing enough about them. You do get more backstory on them as the story progresses just not enough in my opinion to read Against the Rules as a stand alone. This was a pretty long book which I didn’t realize going into it but it has very nice pacing that kept me wanting to read. This book is very dialogue heavy which I enjoy! The two main characters, king and Willow, were super cute and I loved reading their story. I will most likely pick up the previous books and any future books in this series. I want to thank NetGalley and Bree Hayden for providing me with this Arc! It will be available for everyone to enjoy on February 25th, 2025!
February 23, 2025
4.25 stars ⭐️ - ARC Read - Thank you Bree Hayden for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is my second book by this author and first ever ARC READ, and it did not disappoint. The characters were well developed and the story lines were super relatable. Stories that almost every reader could relate to or know someone that had experienced or seen any of the following: teen mom, broken family, abusive family, self doubt, friendships and peer group dynamics, college years, expectations that we put upon ourselves or by others, and most importantly the importance of communication.
Bravo 👏🏼
This is my second book by this author and first ever ARC READ, and it did not disappoint. The characters were well developed and the story lines were super relatable. Stories that almost every reader could relate to or know someone that had experienced or seen any of the following: teen mom, broken family, abusive family, self doubt, friendships and peer group dynamics, college years, expectations that we put upon ourselves or by others, and most importantly the importance of communication.
Bravo 👏🏼
February 25, 2025
ARC Review
I wish I could rate this more than five stars! I love this book, it didn’t follow the regular layout of a romance book and had a few twists that I loved! I am obsessed with Willow, she is such a strong FMC and she is so confident, funny, and sarcastic! The devotion that King shows her is possibly my favorite part of this book. He is the definition of man obsessed! I cannot say how much I loved this book!
I wish I could rate this more than five stars! I love this book, it didn’t follow the regular layout of a romance book and had a few twists that I loved! I am obsessed with Willow, she is such a strong FMC and she is so confident, funny, and sarcastic! The devotion that King shows her is possibly my favorite part of this book. He is the definition of man obsessed! I cannot say how much I loved this book!
February 27, 2025
— First I’d like to give a HUGE thank you to Bree for allowing me to be an ARC reader!!
I LOVED this story. The dynamics in the beginning caught me off guard because not only was it an insta love approach, which usually isn’t my type of thing, but Willow was so quick to try and jump King’s bones, however her reasoning was explained (my poor baby) and the way Bree executed it made up for my hesitations on how things would play out. I absolutely loved the quiet x yapper relationship they had and It was so adorable how down bad King was for Willow right off the bat. I genuinely had such a good time reading and it was so fun seeing how the drama unfolded in the end!
I LOVED this story. The dynamics in the beginning caught me off guard because not only was it an insta love approach, which usually isn’t my type of thing, but Willow was so quick to try and jump King’s bones, however her reasoning was explained (my poor baby) and the way Bree executed it made up for my hesitations on how things would play out. I absolutely loved the quiet x yapper relationship they had and It was so adorable how down bad King was for Willow right off the bat. I genuinely had such a good time reading and it was so fun seeing how the drama unfolded in the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2025
4.5 / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ARC Review✨
I’m new to Bree Hayden’s work and was lucky enough to be selected to be one of her ARC readers. As someone who loves the sports romance genre, I’m not sure how this is my first time reading her work, but after reading this book, I’m going to go back and read the rest of the series!
I absolutely LOVED this book! I burned through the pages at a breakneck speed. This book was emotional, funny, and had some of the best banter and spice I’ve read in a long time. It struck the perfect balance between spicy and sweet and I ate it all up.
King and Willow were both lovable, unique, and interesting characters. Their relationship was a wild ride; evolving from strangers to lovers, to enemies (but not really), to lovers again with a whole lot of drama, banter, and yearning mixed in.
One of my favorite tropes is when the guy falls first and harder, and let me tell you, no one falls harder than King. I loved his POV because he was just so earnest and obsessed, while also being jealous and self-conscious, and literally couldn’t hide his yearning.
Say it with me class: we 👏love👏a 👏man👏who👏yearns.
King embodies the phrase “If he wanted to, he would”.
Willow was a delightful FMC; she’s smart, kind, talented, and just radiates good vibes. As loveable as this couple was, their relationship was a little too “insta-lovey” for me. I removed a half star from my rating because of this, and the fact that the story leaned a little too heavily into the miscommunication trope.
The ending was a little too rushed in my opinion. There were revelations about King that I wanted more details on, there were some events that were mentioned but not shown that I would have liked to have read about, and the epilogue had a trope that I didn’t particularly care for.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and I can’t recommend this book enough!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am providing
my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and my rating reflects my genuine experience with the book.
4 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ARC Review✨
I’m new to Bree Hayden’s work and was lucky enough to be selected to be one of her ARC readers. As someone who loves the sports romance genre, I’m not sure how this is my first time reading her work, but after reading this book, I’m going to go back and read the rest of the series!
I absolutely LOVED this book! I burned through the pages at a breakneck speed. This book was emotional, funny, and had some of the best banter and spice I’ve read in a long time. It struck the perfect balance between spicy and sweet and I ate it all up.
King and Willow were both lovable, unique, and interesting characters. Their relationship was a wild ride; evolving from strangers to lovers, to enemies (but not really), to lovers again with a whole lot of drama, banter, and yearning mixed in.
One of my favorite tropes is when the guy falls first and harder, and let me tell you, no one falls harder than King. I loved his POV because he was just so earnest and obsessed, while also being jealous and self-conscious, and literally couldn’t hide his yearning.
Say it with me class: we 👏love👏a 👏man👏who👏yearns.
King embodies the phrase “If he wanted to, he would”.
Willow was a delightful FMC; she’s smart, kind, talented, and just radiates good vibes. As loveable as this couple was, their relationship was a little too “insta-lovey” for me. I removed a half star from my rating because of this, and the fact that the story leaned a little too heavily into the miscommunication trope.
The ending was a little too rushed in my opinion. There were revelations about King that I wanted more details on, there were some events that were mentioned but not shown that I would have liked to have read about, and the epilogue had a trope that I didn’t particularly care for.
Overall, this was a fantastic read and I can’t recommend this book enough!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am providing
my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and my rating reflects my genuine experience with the book.
February 17, 2025
*ARC READ*
Against the rules by @breehaydenauthor | Book 4 in the Even the Score series
📚 : ebook
📚: sport romance
📚: Dual Pov, Found Family, forbidden love, little bit of black mail, Hannah Montanna x College Sports, slow burn, fake dating (in a surprising way),
📚: comes out in 9 days
⭐️: 5
🌶: 3
Thoughts:
Wow!
This book has quickly become one of my favourite books for 2025. I dont want to say a lot and spoil it ...
But what I will say is,
🏈 Bree had me feeling all the feels - from wanting to ball my eyes out to the warm and fuzzies
🏈 Willow & King are one of my fav books couples
🏈 Both King's & Willow's stories hit close to home and I was able to deeply relate to them (and I know so many others will be too), because of the awarness these characters bring & she does it justice in the ways that she does
🏈 I love the found family trope in this book
🏈This book is one of the spiciest which Bree has written but she has integrated the spice + plot so fantastically which i don't see alot of authors do.
~ Some of my reactions ~
13% ~ I am shooketh
Page 108 - Omg 😲😂
Once this book comes out I'll probably do an more indepth post about the whole series, but for the time being I dont want to spoil much because the plot twists are insane (in a good way)
📚: dates reads ~ 16th of Feb to 17th of Feb (I finished the book not even 5 mins ago)
Against the rules by @breehaydenauthor | Book 4 in the Even the Score series
📚 : ebook
📚: sport romance
📚: Dual Pov, Found Family, forbidden love, little bit of black mail, Hannah Montanna x College Sports, slow burn, fake dating (in a surprising way),
📚: comes out in 9 days
⭐️: 5
🌶: 3
Thoughts:
Wow!
This book has quickly become one of my favourite books for 2025. I dont want to say a lot and spoil it ...
But what I will say is,
🏈 Bree had me feeling all the feels - from wanting to ball my eyes out to the warm and fuzzies
🏈 Willow & King are one of my fav books couples
🏈 Both King's & Willow's stories hit close to home and I was able to deeply relate to them (and I know so many others will be too), because of the awarness these characters bring & she does it justice in the ways that she does
🏈 I love the found family trope in this book
🏈This book is one of the spiciest which Bree has written but she has integrated the spice + plot so fantastically which i don't see alot of authors do.
~ Some of my reactions ~
13% ~ I am shooketh
Page 108 - Omg 😲😂
Once this book comes out I'll probably do an more indepth post about the whole series, but for the time being I dont want to spoil much because the plot twists are insane (in a good way)
📚: dates reads ~ 16th of Feb to 17th of Feb (I finished the book not even 5 mins ago)
February 19, 2025
I’d like to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review!
I could not put this book down! I was truly upset when I had to pause to attend to real life. Willow and King are great characters on their own, and their ARC is just too good to walk away from.
My number one appreciation for this book is the real life scenarios that each MC battled and how the other showed up and supported them. Willow’s medical condition and King’s patience and demeanor with it? SWOON!
I wish the last 10% of the book was a little more developed, but I enjoyed the mention of “a new introduction” prior to the epilogue!
The spice factor is definitely there so if open door romance is not your thing, I’d wait until someone creates a guide on which pages to skip ;)
I could not put this book down! I was truly upset when I had to pause to attend to real life. Willow and King are great characters on their own, and their ARC is just too good to walk away from.
My number one appreciation for this book is the real life scenarios that each MC battled and how the other showed up and supported them. Willow’s medical condition and King’s patience and demeanor with it? SWOON!
I wish the last 10% of the book was a little more developed, but I enjoyed the mention of “a new introduction” prior to the epilogue!
The spice factor is definitely there so if open door romance is not your thing, I’d wait until someone creates a guide on which pages to skip ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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