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San Francisco End Game #3
Reckless Storm
Have you read the latest headline?
“Hollywood starlet, Hayley Jackman, and Super Bowl champion, Reed Coombs, make it official.”
If only they knew it was FAKE.
Ask a friend to describe me and they’d likely tell you three things. I’m the NFL’s golden boy, I’m loyal—always seeing the best in everyone, and I’m in love with my best friend.
The last one’s a lie. I have a crush at best. A crush that’s lasted a good ten years, but who’s counting?
Either way, it’s time to move on. Which is why I find myself going along with my friend's crazy plan.
And that’s where Hayley comes in, playing the part of my new girlfriend.
She’s helping me get over my “bestie”, as she puts it, and I’m helping her tame her wild reputation for a big role. Despite believing she should be free to live her life however the heck she pleases.
Too bad it’s all a ruse.
Hayley’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. She’s fierce, free, and loves keeping me on my toes. But she’s also the first person to see the real me. To see past the golden boy label, to the guy who just wants everyone to be happy.
She’s perfect and… Dammit, I think I have a problem.
Because what happens when the fake becomes real, and the next thing I know, I’m falling in love with her.
And on top of that, I’m soon to discover… That’s the least of our worries.
Reckless Storm is book three in the San Francisco End Game interconnected standalone series. This fake dating sports romance contains adult themes and may contain content that some people find triggering. For a list of triggers, please visit Katherine's website.
“Hollywood starlet, Hayley Jackman, and Super Bowl champion, Reed Coombs, make it official.”
If only they knew it was FAKE.
Ask a friend to describe me and they’d likely tell you three things. I’m the NFL’s golden boy, I’m loyal—always seeing the best in everyone, and I’m in love with my best friend.
The last one’s a lie. I have a crush at best. A crush that’s lasted a good ten years, but who’s counting?
Either way, it’s time to move on. Which is why I find myself going along with my friend's crazy plan.
And that’s where Hayley comes in, playing the part of my new girlfriend.
She’s helping me get over my “bestie”, as she puts it, and I’m helping her tame her wild reputation for a big role. Despite believing she should be free to live her life however the heck she pleases.
Too bad it’s all a ruse.
Hayley’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met. She’s fierce, free, and loves keeping me on my toes. But she’s also the first person to see the real me. To see past the golden boy label, to the guy who just wants everyone to be happy.
She’s perfect and… Dammit, I think I have a problem.
Because what happens when the fake becomes real, and the next thing I know, I’m falling in love with her.
And on top of that, I’m soon to discover… That’s the least of our worries.
Reckless Storm is book three in the San Francisco End Game interconnected standalone series. This fake dating sports romance contains adult themes and may contain content that some people find triggering. For a list of triggers, please visit Katherine's website.
543 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2025
76 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
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September 3, 2025
❌🫸🏻SPOILERS❌🫷🏻
If this story was written like the last 25%, I would have rated it a whole lot higher than what I gave it and I wouldn’t have to criticize it, but it is what it is and so here we are…
I knew from the blurb that there would be OW drama here and maybe a triangle but naively I thought MMC just had a crush on the OW and that once FMC comes into the picture, his “crush” goes away. That’s how it SHOULD be in fictional romances, right? Yeah, didn’t happen here……
PLOT:
So we have an MMC who is a 27 year old football player who is in love with his girl BFF (OW) for over 10 years. He met her in college and they supposedly know everything about each other but he is also in lust & in love with her and has waited all these years for a sign from her that she wants more from him. They even kissed once in college all those years ago in a drunken haze and he still remembers the kiss and how it felt!
For the first 30% of the story, we have MCs already knowing each other and on friendly terms as they share a group of friends in common. MMC is a football player and FMC is an actress. Both are in the early to mid twenties. FMC likes to party, get drunk and get laid with random men often, though thankfully that is in the past and not in present time, while MMC is not a Manho but not celibate either. Not much background info is given on him other than what is listed under “Safety” below. His obsession with OW is the focus here for the first 40-50% but she is still in the background up until the end.
Since FMC and all their friends are aware of MMC’s obsession with OW, FMC decides she wants to help him and proposes a fake relationship to get OW jealous and for him to see if OW returns his feelings. However, he turns her down but when she needs a fake BF for a role that requires a clean reputation and for her to stay away from bad BF’s, they decide to go into this fake relationship to help one another.
Even with the FMC now in the picture and MCs getting close, MMC for 40%-50% of the story is still hung up on OW. The OW manipulates & plays with his feelings. An example of this is when MCs start hanging together and going on this fake relationship, OW tries to sabotage it. She acts jealous one minute, only to turn around and say she supports their relationship. She does & says one thing, only to turn around next minute and do something else. Like for example, she constantly taunts him with the fact she is going on dates with OM so she can get laid which hurts MMC. There is one scene in which he & OW go to an event (that is before MCs agree to the fake relationship) where they are in a hotel getting ready and she comes out of the bathroom naked except wearing panties and barely holding a dress in front of her to cover her privates. Then she walks away smirking (aka playing with him just to see that she can turn him on) and of course MMC is turned on. It’s not until OW sees him getting close to FMC that she attempts to shut things down.
BTW, we have several scenes in the first half of him being turned on by OW and this is where the story sucks because for 1) who needs this crap on a romance with an MMC being attracted & in love with someone else?, and 2) FMC is supposed to be very beautiful as well, yet we don’t see much attraction coming from MMC for the FMC for the first 30% - but that doesn’t stop FMC on coming on to him constantly as she is always horny but he always rejects her until around 40-50% when they start to go half-way into sex but not all the way.
At 60-70% they finally get it on and now they start to have feelings for one another since they are f****g. The OW is now not as much in the picture, though she does make an appearance now & then. Apparently MMC is no longer obsessed by OW and decides to move on with his life. (I guess all the sexy times with FMC has made him switch his horny thoughts to the one who is putting out). But even though he is getting his needs met by FMC, he decides to have a conversation with OW around 85% or 90% and finally ask her the things he wanted to know – aka, if she knew he had feelings for her all these years and if she shared them. OW says YES to both questions and that only reason she pushed him away is because she was afraid to lose their friendship if things didn’t work out with them and that she played hot & cold to see if he would go after her or fight for her (which he never did). MMC finally gets a clue how she played him (even though I don’t remember him having a light bulb moment on this) and decides it's FMC that he loves and wants to be with.
FMC learns of their conversation and decides that she wants him to go back and kiss OW to see if he still has strong feelings for her. MMC refuses. They start making out, exchange ILY’s (eventually) and HEA. This is all at the last 25% BTW.
HOWEVER, I would be remiss not to mention that in between all that dramalama, FMC has a stalker and there are 3 OM who try to do her wrong. In all 3 cases, MMC comes to the rescue to save her, MMC gets injured 2x and hospitalized on the last attack. We also have a lot of side characters (aka their friends) and some dramalama with MMC’s family). AND in case anyone is wondering about the OW, we learn in the end that MMC still values their friendship so she is still in his life and FMC is friendly with her but not friends.
MMC about OW:
For the last few years, give or take ten, I’ve had a thing for my best friend. I’m not going to call it a crush because I’m a goddamn grown man, but it’s not not a crush. Plain and simple, I want her. And not just in a physical sense. Sure, she’s fucking gorgeous, but it’s more than that. It’s always been easy between us, and I imagine our relationship would be the same. The only minor hiccup in that vision of my future is that I’m ninety percent sure the feelings are not mutual, and until now, I haven’t been prepared to find out.
But if I’m being honest with myself, our friendship is already so fragile because of my feelings that I can’t go on like this. I need to make a decision one way or another. It’s just taking longer than I thought.
---------
“I’m only annoyed because I wanted to hang out tonight,” she says, wrapping an arm around my waist, giving me a side hug. “We barely see each other anymore.”
That may be true, but other than tonight, I make sure to see her any chance I get. “Why don’t we spend the weekend together when I have a bye in a few weeks? You’re already coming to our fundraiser. We could hang out before it, maybe even spend the night in a fancy hotel.”
At that, Bria’s eyes light up, and it’s for that very reason I haven’t been able to let my feelings go. She has her own wealth—her parents are both big in the financial world—and she frequents fancy hotels. So why does the idea of a night in one excite her? I can’t help but think it’s because I’ve added myself to the equation. And yet…here we are, still friends after countless getaways together.
----------
Bria presses a kiss to my cheek, and like always, it sends a warmth right through me. She’s my comfort, my home. I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do if that ever changes. But judging by the pit forming deep in my stomach, I’d say I have about three weeks to find out. A fancy hotel seems like the perfect place to finally tell her how I feel, if that’s the way I decide to go.
With another smile, Bria heads off and I’m left to once again analyze every part of our goddamn interaction. I’m a goner, sure, but at least I’m self-aware enough to acknowledge it. Although, even if I didn’t, I’ve got my amazing friends to remind me.
---------
With her own sweet little grin, Bria turns on her heels, flashing me her ass in panties that ride halfway up her cheeks, and I groan to myself. If I didn’t know better, I’d stalk after her and throw her onto the bed, but I’m well aware that won’t bode well for me. She’s not that kind of girl.
---------
My god, she looks beautiful.
After a torturous drive to the venue—with me trying hard not to look at Bria’s breasts in her low-cut dress—we’ve barely been inside for ten minutes when she pulls me aside and smiles coyly.
SAFETY:
- No cheating after MCs are together but can’t consider it safe based on MCs feelings for OW.
- No sex scenes with OP
- MMC not a Manho. Celibate a few months in the present but he did date & have sex with many other women in the years that he & OW/BFF have known each other. She even said that she saw girls often come out of his dorm room. It was also mentioned that there were times when he & OW hung out that she slept over at his place and both slept in his bed but nothing ever happened.
- FMC had a 5 yr relationship with OM years prior, she said she likes to party, gets drunk and picks up OM for a night of sex. None though in the present but she did have a lot of OM in her past, so what’s the equivalent for female Manho?
- A little suspense towards last quarter with FMC’s stalkers.
- HEA & 2 Epilogues with two years later where they have moved in together, gotten engaged, baby on the way and making marriage plans.
PS: If you take away all the stuff away with the OW, the developing relationship with MCs was sweet. I loved the way they supported each other, had fun together and are there for each other. By the end, MMC truly is over OW but it is the FMC who pushes him to stay friends with her and not cut her out of his life. But for me, the first half of his thoughts & feelings about the OW of how attracted he was to her and how she was his "comfort" and "home" killed it. Those thoughts and feelings should be reserved for the FMC ONLY - and especially NEVER when FMC comes into the picture. Took too long for him IMO to get his head out of his ass and while we can believe in the end he loves FMC, the fact that OW is still in his/their life after how she manipulated him for over 10 years, didn't sit well with me. This is why it gets 1 star from me and that's generous on my part.
If this story was written like the last 25%, I would have rated it a whole lot higher than what I gave it and I wouldn’t have to criticize it, but it is what it is and so here we are…
I knew from the blurb that there would be OW drama here and maybe a triangle but naively I thought MMC just had a crush on the OW and that once FMC comes into the picture, his “crush” goes away. That’s how it SHOULD be in fictional romances, right? Yeah, didn’t happen here……
PLOT:
So we have an MMC who is a 27 year old football player who is in love with his girl BFF (OW) for over 10 years. He met her in college and they supposedly know everything about each other but he is also in lust & in love with her and has waited all these years for a sign from her that she wants more from him. They even kissed once in college all those years ago in a drunken haze and he still remembers the kiss and how it felt!
For the first 30% of the story, we have MCs already knowing each other and on friendly terms as they share a group of friends in common. MMC is a football player and FMC is an actress. Both are in the early to mid twenties. FMC likes to party, get drunk and get laid with random men often, though thankfully that is in the past and not in present time, while MMC is not a Manho but not celibate either. Not much background info is given on him other than what is listed under “Safety” below. His obsession with OW is the focus here for the first 40-50% but she is still in the background up until the end.
Since FMC and all their friends are aware of MMC’s obsession with OW, FMC decides she wants to help him and proposes a fake relationship to get OW jealous and for him to see if OW returns his feelings. However, he turns her down but when she needs a fake BF for a role that requires a clean reputation and for her to stay away from bad BF’s, they decide to go into this fake relationship to help one another.
Even with the FMC now in the picture and MCs getting close, MMC for 40%-50% of the story is still hung up on OW. The OW manipulates & plays with his feelings. An example of this is when MCs start hanging together and going on this fake relationship, OW tries to sabotage it. She acts jealous one minute, only to turn around and say she supports their relationship. She does & says one thing, only to turn around next minute and do something else. Like for example, she constantly taunts him with the fact she is going on dates with OM so she can get laid which hurts MMC. There is one scene in which he & OW go to an event (that is before MCs agree to the fake relationship) where they are in a hotel getting ready and she comes out of the bathroom naked except wearing panties and barely holding a dress in front of her to cover her privates. Then she walks away smirking (aka playing with him just to see that she can turn him on) and of course MMC is turned on. It’s not until OW sees him getting close to FMC that she attempts to shut things down.
BTW, we have several scenes in the first half of him being turned on by OW and this is where the story sucks because for 1) who needs this crap on a romance with an MMC being attracted & in love with someone else?, and 2) FMC is supposed to be very beautiful as well, yet we don’t see much attraction coming from MMC for the FMC for the first 30% - but that doesn’t stop FMC on coming on to him constantly as she is always horny but he always rejects her until around 40-50% when they start to go half-way into sex but not all the way.
At 60-70% they finally get it on and now they start to have feelings for one another since they are f****g. The OW is now not as much in the picture, though she does make an appearance now & then. Apparently MMC is no longer obsessed by OW and decides to move on with his life. (I guess all the sexy times with FMC has made him switch his horny thoughts to the one who is putting out). But even though he is getting his needs met by FMC, he decides to have a conversation with OW around 85% or 90% and finally ask her the things he wanted to know – aka, if she knew he had feelings for her all these years and if she shared them. OW says YES to both questions and that only reason she pushed him away is because she was afraid to lose their friendship if things didn’t work out with them and that she played hot & cold to see if he would go after her or fight for her (which he never did). MMC finally gets a clue how she played him (even though I don’t remember him having a light bulb moment on this) and decides it's FMC that he loves and wants to be with.
FMC learns of their conversation and decides that she wants him to go back and kiss OW to see if he still has strong feelings for her. MMC refuses. They start making out, exchange ILY’s (eventually) and HEA. This is all at the last 25% BTW.
HOWEVER, I would be remiss not to mention that in between all that dramalama, FMC has a stalker and there are 3 OM who try to do her wrong. In all 3 cases, MMC comes to the rescue to save her, MMC gets injured 2x and hospitalized on the last attack. We also have a lot of side characters (aka their friends) and some dramalama with MMC’s family). AND in case anyone is wondering about the OW, we learn in the end that MMC still values their friendship so she is still in his life and FMC is friendly with her but not friends.
MMC about OW:
For the last few years, give or take ten, I’ve had a thing for my best friend. I’m not going to call it a crush because I’m a goddamn grown man, but it’s not not a crush. Plain and simple, I want her. And not just in a physical sense. Sure, she’s fucking gorgeous, but it’s more than that. It’s always been easy between us, and I imagine our relationship would be the same. The only minor hiccup in that vision of my future is that I’m ninety percent sure the feelings are not mutual, and until now, I haven’t been prepared to find out.
But if I’m being honest with myself, our friendship is already so fragile because of my feelings that I can’t go on like this. I need to make a decision one way or another. It’s just taking longer than I thought.
---------
“I’m only annoyed because I wanted to hang out tonight,” she says, wrapping an arm around my waist, giving me a side hug. “We barely see each other anymore.”
That may be true, but other than tonight, I make sure to see her any chance I get. “Why don’t we spend the weekend together when I have a bye in a few weeks? You’re already coming to our fundraiser. We could hang out before it, maybe even spend the night in a fancy hotel.”
At that, Bria’s eyes light up, and it’s for that very reason I haven’t been able to let my feelings go. She has her own wealth—her parents are both big in the financial world—and she frequents fancy hotels. So why does the idea of a night in one excite her? I can’t help but think it’s because I’ve added myself to the equation. And yet…here we are, still friends after countless getaways together.
----------
Bria presses a kiss to my cheek, and like always, it sends a warmth right through me. She’s my comfort, my home. I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do if that ever changes. But judging by the pit forming deep in my stomach, I’d say I have about three weeks to find out. A fancy hotel seems like the perfect place to finally tell her how I feel, if that’s the way I decide to go.
With another smile, Bria heads off and I’m left to once again analyze every part of our goddamn interaction. I’m a goner, sure, but at least I’m self-aware enough to acknowledge it. Although, even if I didn’t, I’ve got my amazing friends to remind me.
---------
With her own sweet little grin, Bria turns on her heels, flashing me her ass in panties that ride halfway up her cheeks, and I groan to myself. If I didn’t know better, I’d stalk after her and throw her onto the bed, but I’m well aware that won’t bode well for me. She’s not that kind of girl.
---------
My god, she looks beautiful.
After a torturous drive to the venue—with me trying hard not to look at Bria’s breasts in her low-cut dress—we’ve barely been inside for ten minutes when she pulls me aside and smiles coyly.
SAFETY:
- No cheating after MCs are together but can’t consider it safe based on MCs feelings for OW.
- No sex scenes with OP
- MMC not a Manho. Celibate a few months in the present but he did date & have sex with many other women in the years that he & OW/BFF have known each other. She even said that she saw girls often come out of his dorm room. It was also mentioned that there were times when he & OW hung out that she slept over at his place and both slept in his bed but nothing ever happened.
- FMC had a 5 yr relationship with OM years prior, she said she likes to party, gets drunk and picks up OM for a night of sex. None though in the present but she did have a lot of OM in her past, so what’s the equivalent for female Manho?
- A little suspense towards last quarter with FMC’s stalkers.
- HEA & 2 Epilogues with two years later where they have moved in together, gotten engaged, baby on the way and making marriage plans.
PS: If you take away all the stuff away with the OW, the developing relationship with MCs was sweet. I loved the way they supported each other, had fun together and are there for each other. By the end, MMC truly is over OW but it is the FMC who pushes him to stay friends with her and not cut her out of his life. But for me, the first half of his thoughts & feelings about the OW of how attracted he was to her and how she was his "comfort" and "home" killed it. Those thoughts and feelings should be reserved for the FMC ONLY - and especially NEVER when FMC comes into the picture. Took too long for him IMO to get his head out of his ass and while we can believe in the end he loves FMC, the fact that OW is still in his/their life after how she manipulated him for over 10 years, didn't sit well with me. This is why it gets 1 star from me and that's generous on my part.
August 5, 2025
Reckless Storm by Katherine Jay
4/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
This was such a lovely friends-to-lovers story, and I can't help but fall in love with these characters! It's a love story between an actress and a football player, and it tugged at my heartstrings. Hayley is a rising star in Hollywood—she's not only talented and beautiful but also confident and the life of every party. Then there's Reed, the NFL's golden boy. He has an impeccable reputation, is friendly, sweet, and caring. He's had a crush on his best friend for years and wants to move on, and when Hayley approaches him for a fake relationship to help with her reputation for a role, he jumps at the chance!
Reed gives off golden retriever energy. Seriously, he's one of the most lovable characters I've encountered in a while! He's always seeing the best in people, loyal to a fault, and honest. I adored how he takes care of Hayley and how thoughtful and protective he is of her. Hayley, on the other hand, is such a fun, charming, and flirty character. She's passionate about her career, but she also has her fair share of insecurities, which makes her feel more relatable and real.
Their journey together is beautifully written! They start as strangers and become friends before turning into lovers. I loved watching how comfortable they become with each other and how they lean on one another for support. Their friendship is just so precious, and I think it’s incredible how their different personalities complement each other. When they finally get together, it’s just the sweetest thing, filled with passion! Overall, this is such a great addition to the series, and I’m already looking forward to diving into the next book!
4/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️
This was such a lovely friends-to-lovers story, and I can't help but fall in love with these characters! It's a love story between an actress and a football player, and it tugged at my heartstrings. Hayley is a rising star in Hollywood—she's not only talented and beautiful but also confident and the life of every party. Then there's Reed, the NFL's golden boy. He has an impeccable reputation, is friendly, sweet, and caring. He's had a crush on his best friend for years and wants to move on, and when Hayley approaches him for a fake relationship to help with her reputation for a role, he jumps at the chance!
Reed gives off golden retriever energy. Seriously, he's one of the most lovable characters I've encountered in a while! He's always seeing the best in people, loyal to a fault, and honest. I adored how he takes care of Hayley and how thoughtful and protective he is of her. Hayley, on the other hand, is such a fun, charming, and flirty character. She's passionate about her career, but she also has her fair share of insecurities, which makes her feel more relatable and real.
Their journey together is beautifully written! They start as strangers and become friends before turning into lovers. I loved watching how comfortable they become with each other and how they lean on one another for support. Their friendship is just so precious, and I think it’s incredible how their different personalities complement each other. When they finally get together, it’s just the sweetest thing, filled with passion! Overall, this is such a great addition to the series, and I’m already looking forward to diving into the next book!
July 26, 2025
ARC Review : 5⭐️ (easily)
If you’re into fake dating, friends-to-lovers, flirty banter, slow burn, and soft emotional destruction—you need this book. Period.
Let’s talk about this story!!
The first chapter threw me for a second—I just found out Reckless Storm is the third in a series (each following different couples) and it drops you right into the middle of things. Reed is in love (okay, crushing hard) on his best friend Bria and decides it’s time to either make a move or move on. Enter: fake dating.
Then the next chapter jumps back in time, which admittedly confused me at first—but there’s just enough context about the other couples that once I got my footing, it totally worked. The structure builds anticipation while letting their friendship and characters develop naturally. I loved seeing how Reed and Hayley’s dynamic unfolded.
⸻
Now. REED.
He’s sweet, thoughtful, protective—definitely golden retriever coded… but honestly? More like a Newfoundland. Big, loyal, soft, and goofy, but fully capable of wrecking anyone who messes with his people.
(I will not be accepting feedback on this. I am correct.)
⸻
And Hayley?
A chaotic, hilarious, spontaneous Aussie queen. I was laughing out loud more times than I can count. Her banter with Reed?? Chef’s kiss. That girl could make a brick wall blush—and Reed basically does.
⸻
Some of my favorite things?
Their problems felt real. I’m not an actress or an NFL player (tragic, I know), but their personal struggles, miscommunications, and emotional walls felt grounded and believable. No manufactured drama just for the sake of plot—just two people figuring out how to be honest with themselves and each other.
Also? The way Reed is protective of his friends never veers into toxic masculinity. It doesn’t come out of nowhere just to prove a point—it’s woven into his character. It’s sweet.
(And let’s be honest… HOT.)
This was my first read by Katherine Jay, and it won’t be my last. I immediately want to go back and devour the others.
If you’re into fake dating, friends-to-lovers, flirty banter, slow burn, and soft emotional destruction—you need this book. Period.
Let’s talk about this story!!
The first chapter threw me for a second—I just found out Reckless Storm is the third in a series (each following different couples) and it drops you right into the middle of things. Reed is in love (okay, crushing hard) on his best friend Bria and decides it’s time to either make a move or move on. Enter: fake dating.
Then the next chapter jumps back in time, which admittedly confused me at first—but there’s just enough context about the other couples that once I got my footing, it totally worked. The structure builds anticipation while letting their friendship and characters develop naturally. I loved seeing how Reed and Hayley’s dynamic unfolded.
⸻
Now. REED.
He’s sweet, thoughtful, protective—definitely golden retriever coded… but honestly? More like a Newfoundland. Big, loyal, soft, and goofy, but fully capable of wrecking anyone who messes with his people.
(I will not be accepting feedback on this. I am correct.)
⸻
And Hayley?
A chaotic, hilarious, spontaneous Aussie queen. I was laughing out loud more times than I can count. Her banter with Reed?? Chef’s kiss. That girl could make a brick wall blush—and Reed basically does.
⸻
Some of my favorite things?
Their problems felt real. I’m not an actress or an NFL player (tragic, I know), but their personal struggles, miscommunications, and emotional walls felt grounded and believable. No manufactured drama just for the sake of plot—just two people figuring out how to be honest with themselves and each other.
Also? The way Reed is protective of his friends never veers into toxic masculinity. It doesn’t come out of nowhere just to prove a point—it’s woven into his character. It’s sweet.
(And let’s be honest… HOT.)
This was my first read by Katherine Jay, and it won’t be my last. I immediately want to go back and devour the others.
July 28, 2025
This was another perfect installment in this series. Reed and Hayley were simply amazing!
I loved their banter and their chemistry. Their relationship was just what they needed. And that little twist had me reeling 🤯.
Briar though - actually couldn't stand her. It was good being back in this world and I'll be sad to leave it. Reed is up there with the best book husband. Ever.
Another great book by @katherinejayauthor
I loved their banter and their chemistry. Their relationship was just what they needed. And that little twist had me reeling 🤯.
Briar though - actually couldn't stand her. It was good being back in this world and I'll be sad to leave it. Reed is up there with the best book husband. Ever.
Another great book by @katherinejayauthor
July 29, 2025
The anticipation I had leading up to this book was next level! I absolutely loved how Katherine shook things up with Reed's story... especially since we had been introduced to his friendship/dynamic with Bria. So everyone assumed friends to lovers and she delivered BUT with Hayley. Amelia's BFF and Australia's sweetheart...and soon to be America's!
The dynamic between these two was pure fire...even in the early days of their friendship the banter was topnotch and you could just feel things progressing, even if they both tried to deny it.
As always Katherine effortlessly adds a suspense element in...and I never see it coming!!
I can't wait for Zane.
The dynamic between these two was pure fire...even in the early days of their friendship the banter was topnotch and you could just feel things progressing, even if they both tried to deny it.
As always Katherine effortlessly adds a suspense element in...and I never see it coming!!
I can't wait for Zane.
July 25, 2025
ARC REVIEW
4⭐️
2🌶
I got a little nervous when I first started reading because of how "in love" Reed was with his best friend but i ended up really loving this. I love how Reed & Hayley's relationship started as a friendship and grew into someone so much more, even if it started as fake. It had me cracking up and kicking my feet through out the whole book.
Reeeed is a DREAM man. His secret filthy AF mouth paired with his Golden Retriever personality, yeah 10/10 immediately.
I loved Hayley. She was hilarious and independent and so was sweet with Reed.
Im really enjoying this entire series so i cant wait for the next book!
Tropes:
✨️ Fake Dating
✨️ Friends to lovers
✨️ Football Player x Australian Actress
✨️ He Falls First
✨️ Golden Retriever x Wildcat
4⭐️
2🌶
I got a little nervous when I first started reading because of how "in love" Reed was with his best friend but i ended up really loving this. I love how Reed & Hayley's relationship started as a friendship and grew into someone so much more, even if it started as fake. It had me cracking up and kicking my feet through out the whole book.
Reeeed is a DREAM man. His secret filthy AF mouth paired with his Golden Retriever personality, yeah 10/10 immediately.
I loved Hayley. She was hilarious and independent and so was sweet with Reed.
Im really enjoying this entire series so i cant wait for the next book!
Tropes:
✨️ Fake Dating
✨️ Friends to lovers
✨️ Football Player x Australian Actress
✨️ He Falls First
✨️ Golden Retriever x Wildcat
July 19, 2025
Reed and Hayley, oh where do I even begin with these two. When a friends to lovers arc meets fake dating and then wraps it all up with real, swoon-worthy feels? Oooo baby, I am so here for it. These two completely stole my heart.
We’ve got Hayley, an up and coming Hollywood starlet from Australia, full of charm and sass, unfiltered and unapologetically herself. She’s sweet, hilarious, and determined to make it big, all while trying to keep everyone around her happy. And then there’s Reed the golden retriever energy football player who looks like a total tough guy but is secretly all mush on the inside. He is such a simp (in the best way possible), and the way he wears his heart on his sleeve for the people he loves? Absolute perfection. He’s a complete doll, honestly.
Their friendship is everything, pure, precious, and filled with that slow-burn magic that makes you grin like an idiot. Watching it blossom into something deeper, something real was just the sweetest thing. The chemistry? Off the charts. The banter? So much fun. And the way they care for each other, even when it’s all supposed to be pretend, just made my heart melt.
And let’s not forget the twist of suspense woven into the story I was gasping, clutching my Kindle, muttering “oh my god” to myself like a madwoman. It added the perfect dose of thrill to an already heartwarming story.
I inhaled this book. It was that good. Reed’s protectiveness over Hayley, the way he stands by her and sees her for who she truly is. Katherine you just nailed this story . And that ending , oo la la that ending, yup I'm jonsing for more .This book was sweet, romantic, funny, and unexpectedly emotional in the best way. Absolutely perfect. You are awesome Katherine.
We’ve got Hayley, an up and coming Hollywood starlet from Australia, full of charm and sass, unfiltered and unapologetically herself. She’s sweet, hilarious, and determined to make it big, all while trying to keep everyone around her happy. And then there’s Reed the golden retriever energy football player who looks like a total tough guy but is secretly all mush on the inside. He is such a simp (in the best way possible), and the way he wears his heart on his sleeve for the people he loves? Absolute perfection. He’s a complete doll, honestly.
Their friendship is everything, pure, precious, and filled with that slow-burn magic that makes you grin like an idiot. Watching it blossom into something deeper, something real was just the sweetest thing. The chemistry? Off the charts. The banter? So much fun. And the way they care for each other, even when it’s all supposed to be pretend, just made my heart melt.
And let’s not forget the twist of suspense woven into the story I was gasping, clutching my Kindle, muttering “oh my god” to myself like a madwoman. It added the perfect dose of thrill to an already heartwarming story.
I inhaled this book. It was that good. Reed’s protectiveness over Hayley, the way he stands by her and sees her for who she truly is. Katherine you just nailed this story . And that ending , oo la la that ending, yup I'm jonsing for more .This book was sweet, romantic, funny, and unexpectedly emotional in the best way. Absolutely perfect. You are awesome Katherine.
July 27, 2025
ARC Review
Okay where can I begin. I was hesitant I hadn’t read the prior two books. But Reed and Hayley’s Story is to die for. But I found it very easy to pick the plot up despite.
Hayley is Aussie and I adore how Katherine used Aussie English as it is quite different slang to American (said as a proud New Zealander). I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this book.
I took my time to really grasp the concept and was hesitant with his in love Reed was but the loyalty and character growth was to die for, I can’t wait to read this book again after going back and reading the first two, that follows other couples.
Reed, is thoughtful, sweet and so caring, always looking out for his friends and those he considers important.
Hayley is almost the complete opposite, she’s spontaneous, hilarious and blunt. She can make anyone blush with how blunt and open she is.
The plot felt like I was really experiencing the chaos of their lives as actress and NFL player respectively, and how they over come their personal struggles and communication issues, just how they figured out how to be honest with who they are and want to remain.
I am so grateful Reckless Storm was my first read by Katherine Jay and I have already gone back and purchased all her other reads so I can enjoy them and Reckless Storm again.
One of my favourite reads of the year so far!
Okay where can I begin. I was hesitant I hadn’t read the prior two books. But Reed and Hayley’s Story is to die for. But I found it very easy to pick the plot up despite.
Hayley is Aussie and I adore how Katherine used Aussie English as it is quite different slang to American (said as a proud New Zealander). I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this book.
I took my time to really grasp the concept and was hesitant with his in love Reed was but the loyalty and character growth was to die for, I can’t wait to read this book again after going back and reading the first two, that follows other couples.
Reed, is thoughtful, sweet and so caring, always looking out for his friends and those he considers important.
Hayley is almost the complete opposite, she’s spontaneous, hilarious and blunt. She can make anyone blush with how blunt and open she is.
The plot felt like I was really experiencing the chaos of their lives as actress and NFL player respectively, and how they over come their personal struggles and communication issues, just how they figured out how to be honest with who they are and want to remain.
I am so grateful Reckless Storm was my first read by Katherine Jay and I have already gone back and purchased all her other reads so I can enjoy them and Reckless Storm again.
One of my favourite reads of the year so far!
July 26, 2025
Katherine has absolutely done it again and gave us the pure magic that is Reed and Hayley’s story
I loved being back with the Storm family and seeing all my fave characters again.
I was completely immersed in this book, I couldn’t put it down!
Hayley and Reed had such a magnetic connection, from the moment they became friends to the moment they became true lovers it was clear they were each others person in every aspect of their lives. Reckless Storm showed the exact reason why friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes!
The personal journeys both Reed and Hayley went on made them so so relatable and easy to fall in love with.
Be prepared for a swoony, fun, HOT, emotional ride with some twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seats and epilogues that will have your heart bursting ❤️
I am so excited for what is next from the San Francisco Storm, give it all to me 😍
I loved being back with the Storm family and seeing all my fave characters again.
I was completely immersed in this book, I couldn’t put it down!
Hayley and Reed had such a magnetic connection, from the moment they became friends to the moment they became true lovers it was clear they were each others person in every aspect of their lives. Reckless Storm showed the exact reason why friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes!
The personal journeys both Reed and Hayley went on made them so so relatable and easy to fall in love with.
Be prepared for a swoony, fun, HOT, emotional ride with some twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seats and epilogues that will have your heart bursting ❤️
I am so excited for what is next from the San Francisco Storm, give it all to me 😍
November 7, 2025
To be honest, it was kinda boring to me. I found Hayley's character a little childish. Reed was also confused about his feeling for his bestie for half of the book. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would....
July 24, 2025
these two i was obsessed! Reed and Hayley are everything I loved the rollercoaster these two took us on and couldn't put the book down!
loved catching up with the rest of the gang as well! x
loved catching up with the rest of the gang as well! x
July 31, 2025
Do you like fake dating romance between ridiculously hot people? If so, you’re going to want to read Reckless Storm ASAP
Reed is the most golden of all golden retriever MMC’s, he is nothing but green flags, abs, compassion and dirty utterings - ultimate book boyfriend material 🤩
Hayley is quite possibly my favourite of her FMC's to date. She is sassy, fun, driven, considerate and caring. She’s also Australian, a nod to Katherine’s home
The dynamic between them was so good, friendship that turned to love, with plenty of banter and spice in between
Speaking of, also Katherine’s spiciest book to date IMO 🔥
She also adds an element of suspense to the sports romance, with Hayley an up and coming actress having some unwanted attention and since I’m all about romantic suspense these days, I loved that part of the storyline
Also, there’s a cameo from a Truly Madly Deeply character!
Reed is the most golden of all golden retriever MMC’s, he is nothing but green flags, abs, compassion and dirty utterings - ultimate book boyfriend material 🤩
Hayley is quite possibly my favourite of her FMC's to date. She is sassy, fun, driven, considerate and caring. She’s also Australian, a nod to Katherine’s home
The dynamic between them was so good, friendship that turned to love, with plenty of banter and spice in between
Speaking of, also Katherine’s spiciest book to date IMO 🔥
She also adds an element of suspense to the sports romance, with Hayley an up and coming actress having some unwanted attention and since I’m all about romantic suspense these days, I loved that part of the storyline
Also, there’s a cameo from a Truly Madly Deeply character!
July 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What a roller coaster ride!! This was a beautiful, sweet, spicy, funny, banter filled adventure of a love story! I enjoyed and felt comforted and embraced by seeing them grow into friends first, then grow into fake dating into lovers for real, I felt surrounded by their love, connection and joy and protectiveness and happiness they found in each other. Kept me on my toes a bit too in this one which is something I do enjoy. Romantic suspense is one of my faves and I enjoyed the parts of it, that were in this one. You truly go on a journey with them, as individuals, friends, and as lovers, and as their own support systems get tested and go through their own rough experiences. Loved that Reed was a golden retriever until it came down to being dirty talking in the bedroom hehe obsessed with Hayley and her pleasure, to being a protective, strong, tough bad ass. Hayley, a sweet, funny, cheeky, wild child of a woman, perfect match for Reed. This truly didn’t feel like 500+ pages, in the best way. Thank you to Katherine and team for the ARC in exchange for honest review.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What a roller coaster ride!! This was a beautiful, sweet, spicy, funny, banter filled adventure of a love story! I enjoyed and felt comforted and embraced by seeing them grow into friends first, then grow into fake dating into lovers for real, I felt surrounded by their love, connection and joy and protectiveness and happiness they found in each other. Kept me on my toes a bit too in this one which is something I do enjoy. Romantic suspense is one of my faves and I enjoyed the parts of it, that were in this one. You truly go on a journey with them, as individuals, friends, and as lovers, and as their own support systems get tested and go through their own rough experiences. Loved that Reed was a golden retriever until it came down to being dirty talking in the bedroom hehe obsessed with Hayley and her pleasure, to being a protective, strong, tough bad ass. Hayley, a sweet, funny, cheeky, wild child of a woman, perfect match for Reed. This truly didn’t feel like 500+ pages, in the best way. Thank you to Katherine and team for the ARC in exchange for honest review.
July 25, 2025
Welcome to Book 3 of San Francisco End Game series!
I'm so stoked I received an ARC copy!
You must be ready for great banter, a swoonworthy golden retriever MMC, Hollywood wildcat FMC, heartwarming characters and of course...fake dating!
We also touch base with our favourites from Beautiful Storm and Reckless Storm.
I love Katherine's writing style. I stay up way too late reading with each new release. It's a balance as I don't want to rush it and then I'm sad it's over. 😅
Tropes:
Faking dating
Friends to lovers
Sports romance
Banter
Protective MMC
Spicy scenes with suspense
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars rounded up and 3 🌶🌶🌶
I'm so stoked I received an ARC copy!
You must be ready for great banter, a swoonworthy golden retriever MMC, Hollywood wildcat FMC, heartwarming characters and of course...fake dating!
We also touch base with our favourites from Beautiful Storm and Reckless Storm.
I love Katherine's writing style. I stay up way too late reading with each new release. It's a balance as I don't want to rush it and then I'm sad it's over. 😅
Tropes:
Faking dating
Friends to lovers
Sports romance
Banter
Protective MMC
Spicy scenes with suspense
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars rounded up and 3 🌶🌶🌶
August 3, 2025
Reed has been in love with his best friend for what feels like forever and he's hoping she'll finally see him in a new light. To stir things up, he teams up with Hayley in a fake dating scheme meant to spark some jealousy. Hayley, in turn, is looking for an image makeover, so the arrangement is mutually beneficial. But as they pretend, something real begins to grow between them. Feelings deepen, and suddenly their temporary deal starts to feel anything but fake. Now, they must confront what their connection truly means and whether they’re brave enough to chase something real. This was a cute swoony read and one you'll want to add to your TBR.
Thank you, Katherine Jay for the ARC.
Thank you, Katherine Jay for the ARC.
December 22, 2025
(I received an ARC for this book)
a more detailed list of trigger warnings will be at the bottom of this review, to avoid spoilers
attempted sexual assault on page, the icky parts of being a female ‘in the industry’, stalker behavior, narcissistic behavior, discussions of verbal and emotional abuse, depression, on page violence (none of these occur between MCs)
a list can also be found on the author’s website
I was starting to think I was reading the first Katherine Jay book that didn’t make me emotional. WRONG! She made Reed and Hayley so easy to fall in love with, that by the time I was thrown for a LOOP, I was attached enough to ugly cry on a dime. There is so much emotion and heart tucked into this book full of banter and super fun characters, that you don’t even realize how heavy it actually is! (Until it’s too late and your heart can’t handle it anymore.) Reed and Hayley become fast friends naturally. I loved every bit of it. The silly jokes, the flirty banter, the comfort of having someone by your side without judgement or hesitation. Everything felt so genuine. They’re both selfless in all (ALL) aspects. Their chemistry was a bonus! Reed Coombs is definitely a golden retriever. With a bite…and a bark. I will choose Reed for Hayley in every universe. Plus, the friendships between side characters and the found family that’s been built. This book had everything I love about Katherine’s books!
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Never change. You’re perfect exactly as you are.”
• “You are going to be the death of me.”
• “Give it to me. I want it all. I want to hear you scream my name as you come for me.”
• “You’re too sexy for your own good. I’m only human.”
• “In this moment, I’m yours. Do with me what you will.”
• “This isn’t about you. It’s all for me.”
• “Take me down with you. I’m ready to fall.”
• “Tell me this is mine and I’ll give you what you want.”
• “That’s it. F!ck my face. I need it. Let me feel how much you want me.”
• “You’re the one I want.”
• “I want you to take everything from me. Destroy me. I need this.”
• “All I see is you.”
• “It’s just you and me. It’s always been you and me.”
• “I plan to spend all my days showing you exactly how you deserve to be loved.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
6/10 Fake Relationship
8/10 Friends to Lovers
7/10 Sports Romance
6/10 Tearjerker (personal attachment)
7/10 Series
This is my review for Beautiful Storm
This is my review for Delicate Storm
This is my review for Careless Storm
Trigger Warnings include:
The violence (involving MCs but not between) causes physical harm to multiple characters. This includes life threatening injuries.
a more detailed list of trigger warnings will be at the bottom of this review, to avoid spoilers
attempted sexual assault on page, the icky parts of being a female ‘in the industry’, stalker behavior, narcissistic behavior, discussions of verbal and emotional abuse, depression, on page violence (none of these occur between MCs)
a list can also be found on the author’s website
I was starting to think I was reading the first Katherine Jay book that didn’t make me emotional. WRONG! She made Reed and Hayley so easy to fall in love with, that by the time I was thrown for a LOOP, I was attached enough to ugly cry on a dime. There is so much emotion and heart tucked into this book full of banter and super fun characters, that you don’t even realize how heavy it actually is! (Until it’s too late and your heart can’t handle it anymore.) Reed and Hayley become fast friends naturally. I loved every bit of it. The silly jokes, the flirty banter, the comfort of having someone by your side without judgement or hesitation. Everything felt so genuine. They’re both selfless in all (ALL) aspects. Their chemistry was a bonus! Reed Coombs is definitely a golden retriever. With a bite…and a bark. I will choose Reed for Hayley in every universe. Plus, the friendships between side characters and the found family that’s been built. This book had everything I love about Katherine’s books!
My Favorite Quotes:
• “Never change. You’re perfect exactly as you are.”
• “You are going to be the death of me.”
• “Give it to me. I want it all. I want to hear you scream my name as you come for me.”
• “You’re too sexy for your own good. I’m only human.”
• “In this moment, I’m yours. Do with me what you will.”
• “This isn’t about you. It’s all for me.”
• “Take me down with you. I’m ready to fall.”
• “Tell me this is mine and I’ll give you what you want.”
• “That’s it. F!ck my face. I need it. Let me feel how much you want me.”
• “You’re the one I want.”
• “I want you to take everything from me. Destroy me. I need this.”
• “All I see is you.”
• “It’s just you and me. It’s always been you and me.”
• “I plan to spend all my days showing you exactly how you deserve to be loved.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
6/10 Fake Relationship
8/10 Friends to Lovers
7/10 Sports Romance
6/10 Tearjerker (personal attachment)
7/10 Series
This is my review for Beautiful Storm
This is my review for Delicate Storm
This is my review for Careless Storm
Trigger Warnings include:
The violence (involving MCs but not between) causes physical harm to multiple characters. This includes life threatening injuries.
July 28, 2025
📚ARC Review – Reckless Storm by Katherine Jay📚
•Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💙Happy Release Day💙
✨About the characters:
Hayley:
To say that I love her would be absolutely correct. She is just so freaking adorable, and the way she carries herself through the whole book completely got my heart. Hayley is funny, adventurous, sweet, and kind. She’s also a little wild—in the best way—and she doesn’t hold back from doing what she wants, no matter what people might think. I also found her impatience in certain moments weirdly adorable.
She’s amazing at her job and gives her whole heart to it, which I really admired. You can tell how much it means to her, and how hard she’s worked for it. What hit me even more was everything she’s been through: a long-term boyfriend who was cheating on her for most of their relationship, and a pretty weird relationship with her parents. Because of all that, she sees love as something confusing, maybe even scary. She’s unsure if it’s something real—or if it’s something meant for her.
But with Reed by her side, everything starts to shift. He’s patient and caring, and with the support she receives from him and the people around her, Hayley starts to believe that maybe love does exist… and maybe, just maybe, she can have it too. Watching that change in her was so soft and emotional. I loved every second of it.
Reed:
He is SO sweet and genuine. And honestly? I want him.
Reed is that golden boy—except with a dirty mouth—and when I say the way he is in bed… yeah. Damn.
At the beginning, he thinks he’s in love with his best friend and just wants to make her see what she’s missing. But that plan quickly takes a turn, and before he knows it, he’s starting to catch real feelings for Hayley. And it’s not just attraction—it’s deeper. You can feel it.
Reed is the kind of guy who cares deeply about the people in his life, so much so that he sometimes forgets to care about himself. But Hayley brings out this new side of him. With her, he’s more relaxed, more himself, and he starts realizing things he hadn’t allowed himself to feel before. She’s there for him when he’s happy, sure—but also when he’s struggling, and that kind of support? It hit me hard.
Their connection was just so genuine and warm. And honestly, I was swooning over Reed the entire book. He’s not just hot—he’s thoughtful, supportive, and the way he falls for Hayley is everything.
✨My thoughts:
I ATE THIS UP.
Like, the second I got my hands on it, I dove right in—and I have zero regrets. I honestly don’t know what Katherine is putting in her books, but this one? Pure perfection.
The entire story was beautiful and full of so many emotions. Even though I wasn’t physically there, I felt everything. The way it was written just pulled me in completely. I smiled, I laughed, and yes—I cried (happy tears, mostly).
Hayley and Reed’s relationship was incredible to read. I don’t even know what exactly made it so special, but something about their dynamic just clicked. The banter? On point. The tension? So good. The way they supported and cared for each other? Heart-melting. And when they finally gave in? The spice and the love? Chef’s kiss.
But it wasn’t just them—every single character added something to the story. The team, their girlfriends, wives, and friends… I adored them all. They brought such strong found family vibes, and that love and support between them? It made me so happy. Plus, they had me laughing more than once.
This book had everything I wanted—romance, emotion, humor, tension, and just the right amount of spice. It was written in a way that made everything feel real, and I connected with it so much more than I expected.
So, do I recommend it? Yes. With both hands.
Will I read the next books Katherine writes? Absolutely. No hesitation.
•Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💙Happy Release Day💙
✨About the characters:
Hayley:
To say that I love her would be absolutely correct. She is just so freaking adorable, and the way she carries herself through the whole book completely got my heart. Hayley is funny, adventurous, sweet, and kind. She’s also a little wild—in the best way—and she doesn’t hold back from doing what she wants, no matter what people might think. I also found her impatience in certain moments weirdly adorable.
She’s amazing at her job and gives her whole heart to it, which I really admired. You can tell how much it means to her, and how hard she’s worked for it. What hit me even more was everything she’s been through: a long-term boyfriend who was cheating on her for most of their relationship, and a pretty weird relationship with her parents. Because of all that, she sees love as something confusing, maybe even scary. She’s unsure if it’s something real—or if it’s something meant for her.
But with Reed by her side, everything starts to shift. He’s patient and caring, and with the support she receives from him and the people around her, Hayley starts to believe that maybe love does exist… and maybe, just maybe, she can have it too. Watching that change in her was so soft and emotional. I loved every second of it.
Reed:
He is SO sweet and genuine. And honestly? I want him.
Reed is that golden boy—except with a dirty mouth—and when I say the way he is in bed… yeah. Damn.
At the beginning, he thinks he’s in love with his best friend and just wants to make her see what she’s missing. But that plan quickly takes a turn, and before he knows it, he’s starting to catch real feelings for Hayley. And it’s not just attraction—it’s deeper. You can feel it.
Reed is the kind of guy who cares deeply about the people in his life, so much so that he sometimes forgets to care about himself. But Hayley brings out this new side of him. With her, he’s more relaxed, more himself, and he starts realizing things he hadn’t allowed himself to feel before. She’s there for him when he’s happy, sure—but also when he’s struggling, and that kind of support? It hit me hard.
Their connection was just so genuine and warm. And honestly, I was swooning over Reed the entire book. He’s not just hot—he’s thoughtful, supportive, and the way he falls for Hayley is everything.
✨My thoughts:
I ATE THIS UP.
Like, the second I got my hands on it, I dove right in—and I have zero regrets. I honestly don’t know what Katherine is putting in her books, but this one? Pure perfection.
The entire story was beautiful and full of so many emotions. Even though I wasn’t physically there, I felt everything. The way it was written just pulled me in completely. I smiled, I laughed, and yes—I cried (happy tears, mostly).
Hayley and Reed’s relationship was incredible to read. I don’t even know what exactly made it so special, but something about their dynamic just clicked. The banter? On point. The tension? So good. The way they supported and cared for each other? Heart-melting. And when they finally gave in? The spice and the love? Chef’s kiss.
But it wasn’t just them—every single character added something to the story. The team, their girlfriends, wives, and friends… I adored them all. They brought such strong found family vibes, and that love and support between them? It made me so happy. Plus, they had me laughing more than once.
This book had everything I wanted—romance, emotion, humor, tension, and just the right amount of spice. It was written in a way that made everything feel real, and I connected with it so much more than I expected.
So, do I recommend it? Yes. With both hands.
Will I read the next books Katherine writes? Absolutely. No hesitation.
August 4, 2025
Reckless Storm by Katherine Jay
5/5 Stars
Katherine Jay delivers a sizzling, heart-melting fake dating romance with Reckless Storm, the third book in the San Francisco End Game Series, and a perfect blend of slow burn tension, swoony moments, and emotionally charged revelations that make this novel impossible to put down.
At first glance, the premise is pure Hollywood drama: NFL golden boy Reed Coombs and scandal-stirring starlet Hayley Jackman make headlines with their “official” relationship. The catch? It’s all fake. Or at least, it’s supposed to be.
Reed agrees to the ruse in an attempt to move on from his long-standing (and unrequited) crush on his best friend. Hayley’s in it for her own reasons, reputation rehab and a shot at a serious acting role. But as they step into the spotlight together, pretending starts to feel dangerously real.
Reed is the kind of cinnamon roll hero readers will fall hard for: loyal, emotionally grounded, and hopelessly smitten before he even realizes it. He’s the first to fall, and watching him spiral deeper into genuine feelings while trying to keep up the charade is equal parts charming and heartbreaking. Hayley, on the other hand, is fierce, unapologetically herself, and a perfect foil for Reed’s steady warmth. Together, their chemistry crackles, building slowly but surely into something undeniably steamy.
What sets Reckless Storm apart is its emotional depth. It’s not just a fake dating trope, it’s a story about seeing and being seen. About falling in love not with a curated image, but with the real, messy, vulnerable version of someone. Reed and Hayley challenge each other, heal each other, and in the process, discover that love, real love, is far from simple.
Expect top shelf banter, sexual tension that will leave you fanning yourself, and a romance that grows from playful deception into something raw and unforgettable. There’s also some A+ dirty talk from our golden boy that absolutely earns its spice rating.
Tropes: Fake dating, celebrity romance, slow burn, he falls first, best friend crush, emotional growth
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ : Steamy and delicious with top-tier dirty talk from the NFL’s golden boy
5/5 Stars
Katherine Jay delivers a sizzling, heart-melting fake dating romance with Reckless Storm, the third book in the San Francisco End Game Series, and a perfect blend of slow burn tension, swoony moments, and emotionally charged revelations that make this novel impossible to put down.
At first glance, the premise is pure Hollywood drama: NFL golden boy Reed Coombs and scandal-stirring starlet Hayley Jackman make headlines with their “official” relationship. The catch? It’s all fake. Or at least, it’s supposed to be.
Reed agrees to the ruse in an attempt to move on from his long-standing (and unrequited) crush on his best friend. Hayley’s in it for her own reasons, reputation rehab and a shot at a serious acting role. But as they step into the spotlight together, pretending starts to feel dangerously real.
Reed is the kind of cinnamon roll hero readers will fall hard for: loyal, emotionally grounded, and hopelessly smitten before he even realizes it. He’s the first to fall, and watching him spiral deeper into genuine feelings while trying to keep up the charade is equal parts charming and heartbreaking. Hayley, on the other hand, is fierce, unapologetically herself, and a perfect foil for Reed’s steady warmth. Together, their chemistry crackles, building slowly but surely into something undeniably steamy.
What sets Reckless Storm apart is its emotional depth. It’s not just a fake dating trope, it’s a story about seeing and being seen. About falling in love not with a curated image, but with the real, messy, vulnerable version of someone. Reed and Hayley challenge each other, heal each other, and in the process, discover that love, real love, is far from simple.
Expect top shelf banter, sexual tension that will leave you fanning yourself, and a romance that grows from playful deception into something raw and unforgettable. There’s also some A+ dirty talk from our golden boy that absolutely earns its spice rating.
Tropes: Fake dating, celebrity romance, slow burn, he falls first, best friend crush, emotional growth
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ : Steamy and delicious with top-tier dirty talk from the NFL’s golden boy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
Thank you so much to the author, for gifting me with an eARC. ❤️
The time has finally come for book three of the San Francisco End Game, and this time we get to accompany golden boy Reed and our wild and wonderful friend Hayley.
Hayley is an aspiring Australian actress who has just landed her breakthrough role in Hollywood. Through her best friend Amelia and her husband Luke, she meets the football players of the SF Storms, and a secret friendship develops with Reed, which somehow no one except Amelia knows about.
Hayley loves to party and enjoys her freedom. Unfortunately, this seems to be a thorn in the side of the production team of her next film. Enter Golden Boy Reed Coombs, always nice and polite. He has been in love with his best friend Bria for 10 years. To change Hayley's public image and Bria what she could be missing, the two decide to fake date 😉. Considering that no one knows they are friends, this is not difficult to sell to the public.
What I liked about Hayley and Reed is that they were very open with each other, there was actual conversation 🤗. This is something, I often miss with the fake dating trope, and it was very well done here. From the beginning, even during their friendship, both were clear that the other was pretty or very attractive and had their occasional flirt. They also tried to set clear boundaries and were not surprised by situations in which they “had” to hug or kiss each other.
Besides the fake dating, there are two aspects that keep us on our toes. On the one hand, we have Bria, the other best friend, and Hayley seems to have a "special" fan.
For me, the whole Bria thing was a bit unnecessary. I'm not the biggest fan when “the other woman” has to be portrayed as a bitch right away. On the other hand, there was a solution to the story with the fan, but then it had to be dramatized again. I don't know, maybe it's because of my current mood, but I didn't buy it.
Nevertheless, it's a funny fake dating romance, and Reed's dirty mouth makes up for a lot. 🥵
What to expect
- friends to lovers
- fake dating
- sports romance
- romantic suspense
The time has finally come for book three of the San Francisco End Game, and this time we get to accompany golden boy Reed and our wild and wonderful friend Hayley.
Hayley is an aspiring Australian actress who has just landed her breakthrough role in Hollywood. Through her best friend Amelia and her husband Luke, she meets the football players of the SF Storms, and a secret friendship develops with Reed, which somehow no one except Amelia knows about.
Hayley loves to party and enjoys her freedom. Unfortunately, this seems to be a thorn in the side of the production team of her next film. Enter Golden Boy Reed Coombs, always nice and polite. He has been in love with his best friend Bria for 10 years. To change Hayley's public image and Bria what she could be missing, the two decide to fake date 😉. Considering that no one knows they are friends, this is not difficult to sell to the public.
What I liked about Hayley and Reed is that they were very open with each other, there was actual conversation 🤗. This is something, I often miss with the fake dating trope, and it was very well done here. From the beginning, even during their friendship, both were clear that the other was pretty or very attractive and had their occasional flirt. They also tried to set clear boundaries and were not surprised by situations in which they “had” to hug or kiss each other.
Besides the fake dating, there are two aspects that keep us on our toes. On the one hand, we have Bria, the other best friend, and Hayley seems to have a "special" fan.
For me, the whole Bria thing was a bit unnecessary. I'm not the biggest fan when “the other woman” has to be portrayed as a bitch right away. On the other hand, there was a solution to the story with the fan, but then it had to be dramatized again. I don't know, maybe it's because of my current mood, but I didn't buy it.
Nevertheless, it's a funny fake dating romance, and Reed's dirty mouth makes up for a lot. 🥵
What to expect
- friends to lovers
- fake dating
- sports romance
- romantic suspense
August 7, 2025
I loved Reckless Storm; it was pure PERFECTION. I seriously cannot get enough of this author's writing. With every new book, I fall harder. The characters? Stellar. The plot? So engaging. But instead of writing a full essay on my love for this story (because trust me, I could), here are my Top 10 Reasons why I adored Reckless Storm — and why you will too! 💖📚
1. Relatable Main Characters
Despite being an NFL player and a famous actress, both main characters are surprisingly real. I connected with Hayley on several levels. Her personality just clicked with me. She’s strong but so human. 🥹
2. Amazing Supporting Cast
The side characters truly elevate the story. That group text chain? ICONIC. It’s the kind of ride-or-die support system we all wish we had. 🙌📱
3. Top-Tier Humor
I smiled and laughed a lot. The humor in this book was spot on. 😂✨
4. Tropes Galore!
If you're a trope lover, buckle up: we've got sports romance, fake dating, friends-to-lovers, and more — aka, some of my personal catnip. 🏈💕
5. Intriguing Plot
The fake dating setup was fun, but the added suspense of someone potentially stalking Hayley? Chef’s kiss. I did not see the twist coming! 🔍😱
6. Reed’s Tattoo Scene
That moment between Reed and his mom, when she explains the meaning of his tattoos? So powerful. It gave so much depth to his character. It felt a bit like an ah-ha moment for him... and me too. 🖤
7. Hayley’s Vulnerability
We see her as this strong, confident force. A rock for everyone around her. But her vulnerable side? Wow. It felt like such a gift to experience that as a reader. 💔🌟
8. Sizzling Chemistry
The banter, the sass, the flirting, the tension... WHEW. These two lit the pages on fire. 🔥💋
9. Reed’s Dirty Talk 🤭
I did not expect it from him, but WOW, did I love it. That man can talk. YES, Reed. 👏😏
10. The Ending (x2!)
The epilogues, yes, plural, were everything I hoped for and more. I finished the book with the happiest heart. 🥰📖
If you haven't read Reckless Storm yet, what are you waiting for?! You’re in for a fun, emotional, and unforgettable ride. 💕
1. Relatable Main Characters
Despite being an NFL player and a famous actress, both main characters are surprisingly real. I connected with Hayley on several levels. Her personality just clicked with me. She’s strong but so human. 🥹
2. Amazing Supporting Cast
The side characters truly elevate the story. That group text chain? ICONIC. It’s the kind of ride-or-die support system we all wish we had. 🙌📱
3. Top-Tier Humor
I smiled and laughed a lot. The humor in this book was spot on. 😂✨
4. Tropes Galore!
If you're a trope lover, buckle up: we've got sports romance, fake dating, friends-to-lovers, and more — aka, some of my personal catnip. 🏈💕
5. Intriguing Plot
The fake dating setup was fun, but the added suspense of someone potentially stalking Hayley? Chef’s kiss. I did not see the twist coming! 🔍😱
6. Reed’s Tattoo Scene
That moment between Reed and his mom, when she explains the meaning of his tattoos? So powerful. It gave so much depth to his character. It felt a bit like an ah-ha moment for him... and me too. 🖤
7. Hayley’s Vulnerability
We see her as this strong, confident force. A rock for everyone around her. But her vulnerable side? Wow. It felt like such a gift to experience that as a reader. 💔🌟
8. Sizzling Chemistry
The banter, the sass, the flirting, the tension... WHEW. These two lit the pages on fire. 🔥💋
9. Reed’s Dirty Talk 🤭
I did not expect it from him, but WOW, did I love it. That man can talk. YES, Reed. 👏😏
10. The Ending (x2!)
The epilogues, yes, plural, were everything I hoped for and more. I finished the book with the happiest heart. 🥰📖
If you haven't read Reckless Storm yet, what are you waiting for?! You’re in for a fun, emotional, and unforgettable ride. 💕
July 24, 2025
📚BOOK REVIEW📚
Reckless Storm - @katherinejayauthor
Wow! Where has this author been all my life?! And a huge thank you to @nweatonauthor for introducing me into the world of Reed and Hayley!
Oh my goodness, I absolutely ate this book up. It's a beefy read being over 500 pages but I felt every word needed to be there and I was so sad when the book ended because I was completely immersed in this story.
Reed, the football star, has been in love with his best friend Bria for a long time but he is well and truly in the friend zone. However, when he meets Hayley, he is completely drawn to her. She's an aspiring actress and a free spirit who is always living life to the fullest.
They strike up a friendship and soon they are fake dating so she can work on her reputation in the limelight and he can work out his feelings once and for all for Bria.
I absolutely loved how this book was written. We really got great insight to the characters. There was a lot of dialogue that really built up their friendship and connection as we got to know the characters. They both had personal things to deal with and so it felt like they went on a journey of self discovery before they truly took the step into friends to lovers. It was gradual and the author got the the timing spot on which made the story believable.
I swooned so hard over Reed. He was just utter perfection and Hayley was an amazing FMC. She was refreshingly honest and I loved their little game or two truths and lie to communicate. It was so cute. And Reed may be known as the golden boy but beneath the sheets he proved he could be a different type of golden.
I felt like a lot happened in the book and there were also twists and turns that I didn't see coming and so the book gave me everything. It was an absolute pleasure to have read these words. And I'm definitely going to read more by this author. I loved it and that cover is just Beautiful with a capital B! ❤️
Reckless Storm - @katherinejayauthor
Wow! Where has this author been all my life?! And a huge thank you to @nweatonauthor for introducing me into the world of Reed and Hayley!
Oh my goodness, I absolutely ate this book up. It's a beefy read being over 500 pages but I felt every word needed to be there and I was so sad when the book ended because I was completely immersed in this story.
Reed, the football star, has been in love with his best friend Bria for a long time but he is well and truly in the friend zone. However, when he meets Hayley, he is completely drawn to her. She's an aspiring actress and a free spirit who is always living life to the fullest.
They strike up a friendship and soon they are fake dating so she can work on her reputation in the limelight and he can work out his feelings once and for all for Bria.
I absolutely loved how this book was written. We really got great insight to the characters. There was a lot of dialogue that really built up their friendship and connection as we got to know the characters. They both had personal things to deal with and so it felt like they went on a journey of self discovery before they truly took the step into friends to lovers. It was gradual and the author got the the timing spot on which made the story believable.
I swooned so hard over Reed. He was just utter perfection and Hayley was an amazing FMC. She was refreshingly honest and I loved their little game or two truths and lie to communicate. It was so cute. And Reed may be known as the golden boy but beneath the sheets he proved he could be a different type of golden.
I felt like a lot happened in the book and there were also twists and turns that I didn't see coming and so the book gave me everything. It was an absolute pleasure to have read these words. And I'm definitely going to read more by this author. I loved it and that cover is just Beautiful with a capital B! ❤️
September 9, 2025
Reckless Storm by Katherine Jay
I have no words for how much i absolutely adored these two! First of all Katherine has been one of my favorites since the very beginning when I fell in love with Dylan & Summer and she pulled at all our heartstrings! (See what i did there?!) But she's been stuck with me since!
This series has been something super special. The growth in Katherine's writing is amazing. And the way her characters come to life is truly amazing.
Reckless Storm is book 3 in the San Francisco End Game series follows our favorite running back Reed Coombs and our favorite Aussie actress, Hayley Jackman. Fake dating, friends to lovers and an amazing book that i could not put down!
I absolutely adored Hayley and her no BS attitude. The way she was unapologetically her. And Reed! Our golden boy with all the golden retriever cinnamon roll vibes! And that mouth! This man is special and I could not love him anymore!
The quick and easy bond. The off the charts chemistry. There is no denying their attraction. I loved the foundation of friendship they laid. The way they became best friends. In a way they hadn't had before. And when things shifted and their relationship changed you could understand the hesitation, you could feel the anxiety and fear.
This one gave all the feels! With their characters separately, and then together. Reeds family dynamics, but also Hayley’s.
It brought the drama. Bria. It brought the Finding yourself moments. The spice. The banter. Between our two main characters but also between their friends. I'm a big fan of the group text banter! There was a whole lot of character growth which we all know i love. And the healing! It brings the happy and the sad. The angst with the pish and pull. And everything in between. Butnmost importantly you get a hea that is so well deserved! This book was just so damn good! A must read!
I have no words for how much i absolutely adored these two! First of all Katherine has been one of my favorites since the very beginning when I fell in love with Dylan & Summer and she pulled at all our heartstrings! (See what i did there?!) But she's been stuck with me since!
This series has been something super special. The growth in Katherine's writing is amazing. And the way her characters come to life is truly amazing.
Reckless Storm is book 3 in the San Francisco End Game series follows our favorite running back Reed Coombs and our favorite Aussie actress, Hayley Jackman. Fake dating, friends to lovers and an amazing book that i could not put down!
I absolutely adored Hayley and her no BS attitude. The way she was unapologetically her. And Reed! Our golden boy with all the golden retriever cinnamon roll vibes! And that mouth! This man is special and I could not love him anymore!
The quick and easy bond. The off the charts chemistry. There is no denying their attraction. I loved the foundation of friendship they laid. The way they became best friends. In a way they hadn't had before. And when things shifted and their relationship changed you could understand the hesitation, you could feel the anxiety and fear.
This one gave all the feels! With their characters separately, and then together. Reeds family dynamics, but also Hayley’s.
It brought the drama. Bria. It brought the Finding yourself moments. The spice. The banter. Between our two main characters but also between their friends. I'm a big fan of the group text banter! There was a whole lot of character growth which we all know i love. And the healing! It brings the happy and the sad. The angst with the pish and pull. And everything in between. Butnmost importantly you get a hea that is so well deserved! This book was just so damn good! A must read!
July 23, 2025
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
💙fake dating
🏈sports romance
💙Hollywood actress heroine
🏈NFL hero
💙golden retriever x wildcat
🏈strangers to friends to lovers
💙banter
🏈steam
💙mild suspense
Reckless Storm from author Katherine Jay is book 3 in her San Francisco End game series and gives us Reed and Hayley story. Let’s see where do i start with them I loved everything about them that i literally stayed up finishing this book till 1 am.
Hayley, our FMC, is a new to Hollywood scene, and is an Australian actress. She is very career focused but at the same time fun, sassy, a damn wildcat but at the same time sweet and loyal too. She was your typical girl and just like any other girl showed she had her own way but could be insecure at times too but she was loyal to a T and loved fiercely.
Reed, our MMC, mannnnnn i absolutely loved Reed. Here you have this tough football player, but underneath his outer layer he was a teddy bear. A dirty teddy bear. He is very protective of those in his life who he cares about and I loved how much he showed his support for Hayley and her career and dreams. He is a top book boyfriend for sure.
Their friendship became everything and more and then as we watched it change into something different, well a full on REAL relationship, well that was a sight to behold. They had a true bond and the chemistry was off the charts. They truly balanced each other.
There is some mild suspense or a twist in this book that kept me engaged wondering what the heck was going on and what would happen and imo just added to this story.
This is a great addition from Katherine and it was worth my lack of sleep. I can’t wait for more in this world and thank you so much for this arc and letting me be on your team
Tropes:
💙fake dating
🏈sports romance
💙Hollywood actress heroine
🏈NFL hero
💙golden retriever x wildcat
🏈strangers to friends to lovers
💙banter
🏈steam
💙mild suspense
Reckless Storm from author Katherine Jay is book 3 in her San Francisco End game series and gives us Reed and Hayley story. Let’s see where do i start with them I loved everything about them that i literally stayed up finishing this book till 1 am.
Hayley, our FMC, is a new to Hollywood scene, and is an Australian actress. She is very career focused but at the same time fun, sassy, a damn wildcat but at the same time sweet and loyal too. She was your typical girl and just like any other girl showed she had her own way but could be insecure at times too but she was loyal to a T and loved fiercely.
Reed, our MMC, mannnnnn i absolutely loved Reed. Here you have this tough football player, but underneath his outer layer he was a teddy bear. A dirty teddy bear. He is very protective of those in his life who he cares about and I loved how much he showed his support for Hayley and her career and dreams. He is a top book boyfriend for sure.
Their friendship became everything and more and then as we watched it change into something different, well a full on REAL relationship, well that was a sight to behold. They had a true bond and the chemistry was off the charts. They truly balanced each other.
There is some mild suspense or a twist in this book that kept me engaged wondering what the heck was going on and what would happen and imo just added to this story.
This is a great addition from Katherine and it was worth my lack of sleep. I can’t wait for more in this world and thank you so much for this arc and letting me be on your team
July 26, 2025
Reckless Storm is easily my favorite in the series so far. Reed and Hayley just work. From the very beginning, I was hooked on their chemistry… I mean the tension, the slow burn, the way they orbit each other with this perfect mix of yearning and teasing. I loved how Reed was quietly protective, always looking out for Hayley without EVER dimming her light, and how unapologetically herself Hayley was: bold, electric, and refreshingly real.
Their flirty banter was so uniquely theirs, but what really stole it for me were the texts. I loved reading the messages between Hayley and Reed, full of wit and charm, and honestly, Reed’s texts with the boys were a whole other highlight. They added levity, friendship, and gave such a warm glimpse into his world outside of her.
The drama element in this one felt totally legit. With Hayley’s rising fame, the attention on her as a beautiful and enigmatic up-and-coming actress, along with the scrutiny and pressure.. Ugh it all made their stakes feel real. You could feel how much they both needed each other to stay grounded, and the trust they slowly built made their connection feel solid and lasting.
Also? I hated Reed’s Bria (you will understand why I worded it that was upon reading). Absolutely could not stand her. Honestly, I wish she had more page time just so I could hate her more thoroughly. The good thing though was that her presence made Reed’s growth and loyalty to Hayley that much more satisfying.
This felt MORE than the previous books if that makes sense. It was about two characters finding balance in each other, and building something real despite the chaos around them. Their friendship was beautiful, their banter electric, and their love story gave me everything I was hoping for. I already want to reread it.
Their flirty banter was so uniquely theirs, but what really stole it for me were the texts. I loved reading the messages between Hayley and Reed, full of wit and charm, and honestly, Reed’s texts with the boys were a whole other highlight. They added levity, friendship, and gave such a warm glimpse into his world outside of her.
The drama element in this one felt totally legit. With Hayley’s rising fame, the attention on her as a beautiful and enigmatic up-and-coming actress, along with the scrutiny and pressure.. Ugh it all made their stakes feel real. You could feel how much they both needed each other to stay grounded, and the trust they slowly built made their connection feel solid and lasting.
Also? I hated Reed’s Bria (you will understand why I worded it that was upon reading). Absolutely could not stand her. Honestly, I wish she had more page time just so I could hate her more thoroughly. The good thing though was that her presence made Reed’s growth and loyalty to Hayley that much more satisfying.
This felt MORE than the previous books if that makes sense. It was about two characters finding balance in each other, and building something real despite the chaos around them. Their friendship was beautiful, their banter electric, and their love story gave me everything I was hoping for. I already want to reread it.
July 28, 2025
Okay, plain and simple REED IS MINE!! Oh my that man is not just the perfect best friend and genuinely the nicest guy, when he is in the bedroom.....OMFG my panties go up in flames and I put Niagara Falls to shame. Katherine knows how to deliver beautiful couples peppered with emotional angst, romantic suspense, and leave you breathless and satiated.
If you have read the first two books in this series, you will have met Reed and Hayley. And these two are those fringe besties on the outside looking on as their friends find love. Hayley is an actor hailing (see what I did there) from Australia. These two hit if off as besties, but Reed pines for his childhood friend who sees him as nothing more, and Hayley has had not the best relationships and shuffles between one night stands.
The chemistry and banter between these two truly makes this a fun read, and they are there for each other, and Mr Golden Retriever Reed with all his deliciousness and nice guy attitude, is so much more than that when it comes to those he holds close.....and that shit is sexy AF. Who wouldn't want that in their friend? So, when it becomes more than a friendship, this took everything to a whole new level of "HOT DAMN". Of course, its not a Katherine book with out suspense and twists you think you can pick and.....nope, didn't see that coming. I had to send a voice note to Katherine to say how much I love Reed (and personally stake my claim), how I loved the twist, and that it is one of my top reads for the year. Afriggenmazing, worth all the stars and I cannot wait for Book #4 in this series. They are all interconnected standalones, but for context and understanding of all the characters, better read in order IMO.
If you have read the first two books in this series, you will have met Reed and Hayley. And these two are those fringe besties on the outside looking on as their friends find love. Hayley is an actor hailing (see what I did there) from Australia. These two hit if off as besties, but Reed pines for his childhood friend who sees him as nothing more, and Hayley has had not the best relationships and shuffles between one night stands.
The chemistry and banter between these two truly makes this a fun read, and they are there for each other, and Mr Golden Retriever Reed with all his deliciousness and nice guy attitude, is so much more than that when it comes to those he holds close.....and that shit is sexy AF. Who wouldn't want that in their friend? So, when it becomes more than a friendship, this took everything to a whole new level of "HOT DAMN". Of course, its not a Katherine book with out suspense and twists you think you can pick and.....nope, didn't see that coming. I had to send a voice note to Katherine to say how much I love Reed (and personally stake my claim), how I loved the twist, and that it is one of my top reads for the year. Afriggenmazing, worth all the stars and I cannot wait for Book #4 in this series. They are all interconnected standalones, but for context and understanding of all the characters, better read in order IMO.
August 5, 2025
I didn’t think I could love this series anymore than I already did, but I was totally wrong, Katherine Jay did it again and absolutely delivered with this instalment!
Reckless Storm is book#3 in the San Francisco End Game series and you guessed it…..I absolutely loved it!
After becoming firm friends, NFL football player Reed and aspiring actress Hayley come up with an idea to fake a relationship in order to help each other out. Reed needs to move on after crushing on his best friend for years and Hayley needs to tame her wild reputation for a new role, but what starts as fake soon becomes very real for the both of them.
I loved both Hayley and Reed’s characters! Reed was so freaking sweet, he was thoughtful, loyal, supportive and so protective of the people around him, he was definitely perfect book boyfriend material that’s for sure. Hayley is hilarious, fierce, full of sass, a little bit chaotic and I just loved how unapologetically herself she was, she knew exactly how to keep Reed on his toes.
The connection between the two was definitely strong, their flirty banter and Hayley’s bluntness had me laughing throughout and their chemistry was so overwhelmingly hot.
The way their relationship developed from friends to something much deeper felt so natural, it was so good to see it all unfold, they were exactly what each other needed…it was pure perfection!
The snippets we got of the friendship groups we met in the previous books was just brilliant, I can honestly say I adore them all.
Reed and Hayley’s story had me completely engaged from beginning to end, and that twist we got was so unexpected, it was so amazingly good.
I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Reckless Storm is book#3 in the San Francisco End Game series and you guessed it…..I absolutely loved it!
After becoming firm friends, NFL football player Reed and aspiring actress Hayley come up with an idea to fake a relationship in order to help each other out. Reed needs to move on after crushing on his best friend for years and Hayley needs to tame her wild reputation for a new role, but what starts as fake soon becomes very real for the both of them.
I loved both Hayley and Reed’s characters! Reed was so freaking sweet, he was thoughtful, loyal, supportive and so protective of the people around him, he was definitely perfect book boyfriend material that’s for sure. Hayley is hilarious, fierce, full of sass, a little bit chaotic and I just loved how unapologetically herself she was, she knew exactly how to keep Reed on his toes.
The connection between the two was definitely strong, their flirty banter and Hayley’s bluntness had me laughing throughout and their chemistry was so overwhelmingly hot.
The way their relationship developed from friends to something much deeper felt so natural, it was so good to see it all unfold, they were exactly what each other needed…it was pure perfection!
The snippets we got of the friendship groups we met in the previous books was just brilliant, I can honestly say I adore them all.
Reed and Hayley’s story had me completely engaged from beginning to end, and that twist we got was so unexpected, it was so amazingly good.
I can’t wait for the next instalment.
July 27, 2025
Immediate 5 stars!!
Katherine, I don’t know what you put in this book but it was addictive and absolutely incredible. I could not put this down.
Hayley and Reed’s story was so beautiful to experience (I wish I could go back and feel all those emotions again for the first time)
I’ll be honest here, the Friends to Lovers trope is one of my least favourite tropes but this was done right, actually no it was done freaking perfectly!! 10/10 no notes.
Something about Hayley and Reed's relationship just felt so genuine and relatable. Watching them grow from strangers, to friends, to best friends, and then eventually lovers was so special, and I actually really loved their friendship parts just as much as when they turned into lovers!
Now Reed, Reed is literally the most perfect man, he’s an actual Dream, there is no way men like him exist outside of fictional books because DAMNNNN he had me giggling and kicking my feet, the mouth on that man was filthy as heck but he’s also so patient and caring at the same time - the most perfect golden retriever energy.
Hayley was such a fun time, I looooved how she fully embraces her Australian roots despite being an actress in America, she was so true to herself.
Oh, and did I mention this is kind of a slow burn? Yeah, and it's everything you could want, the tension was pouring off the pages, and there's also an aspect of suspense I did not see coming but loved since it kept me on the edge of my seat.
Anyway, if you have not added Reckless Storm to your TBR yet, please get onto that!!
Katherine, I don’t know what you put in this book but it was addictive and absolutely incredible. I could not put this down.
Hayley and Reed’s story was so beautiful to experience (I wish I could go back and feel all those emotions again for the first time)
I’ll be honest here, the Friends to Lovers trope is one of my least favourite tropes but this was done right, actually no it was done freaking perfectly!! 10/10 no notes.
Something about Hayley and Reed's relationship just felt so genuine and relatable. Watching them grow from strangers, to friends, to best friends, and then eventually lovers was so special, and I actually really loved their friendship parts just as much as when they turned into lovers!
Now Reed, Reed is literally the most perfect man, he’s an actual Dream, there is no way men like him exist outside of fictional books because DAMNNNN he had me giggling and kicking my feet, the mouth on that man was filthy as heck but he’s also so patient and caring at the same time - the most perfect golden retriever energy.
Hayley was such a fun time, I looooved how she fully embraces her Australian roots despite being an actress in America, she was so true to herself.
Oh, and did I mention this is kind of a slow burn? Yeah, and it's everything you could want, the tension was pouring off the pages, and there's also an aspect of suspense I did not see coming but loved since it kept me on the edge of my seat.
Anyway, if you have not added Reckless Storm to your TBR yet, please get onto that!!
July 26, 2025
We’re back with the Storm team, and it’s Reed’s turn - our golden boy.
This man is book husband material from the very first page. But he’s confused… about the feelings he has for his best friend. Feelings he’s been holding onto for a long time.
Enter ‘Reed’s support group’.
Luke will forever be that guy who has me doubled over, laughing until I cry. We all need a Luke in our lives.
Reed and actress Hayley have an instant, effortless friendship. Her wild, carefree energy is infectious, and Reed starts spending more and more time with her. He finds someone he can actually confide in. And Hayley? She gets to be completely herself with him.
When both of their situations call for fake dating, it’s a no brainer. They set a few ground rules and think they’ve got it all figured out… until it doesn’t feel fake anymore.
The progression from friendship to something more felt so natural, so perfect. Katherine’s writing is beautiful. I think by the halfway point, I was already head over heels in love with Reed myself. Our golden boy was protective, supportive, and oh my god .. that mouth had me biting my knuckles and wishing I was the one who could jump into his arms.
The playful, honest banter was a breath of fresh air, and I smiled the entire way through… until the end. Because then Katherine hit me with a plot twist that knocked me flat on my ass and left me bawling.
Another incredible read by Katherine. She’s a one-click author for me - always.
This man is book husband material from the very first page. But he’s confused… about the feelings he has for his best friend. Feelings he’s been holding onto for a long time.
Enter ‘Reed’s support group’.
Luke will forever be that guy who has me doubled over, laughing until I cry. We all need a Luke in our lives.
Reed and actress Hayley have an instant, effortless friendship. Her wild, carefree energy is infectious, and Reed starts spending more and more time with her. He finds someone he can actually confide in. And Hayley? She gets to be completely herself with him.
When both of their situations call for fake dating, it’s a no brainer. They set a few ground rules and think they’ve got it all figured out… until it doesn’t feel fake anymore.
The progression from friendship to something more felt so natural, so perfect. Katherine’s writing is beautiful. I think by the halfway point, I was already head over heels in love with Reed myself. Our golden boy was protective, supportive, and oh my god .. that mouth had me biting my knuckles and wishing I was the one who could jump into his arms.
The playful, honest banter was a breath of fresh air, and I smiled the entire way through… until the end. Because then Katherine hit me with a plot twist that knocked me flat on my ass and left me bawling.
Another incredible read by Katherine. She’s a one-click author for me - always.
July 28, 2025
Thank you for the ARC, Katherine!
Sports romance • Fake dating • Strangers to lovers to friends
“It’s always been you and me. It just took us both far too long to see it.”
Reed is the epitome of a green flag golden retriever. He is selfless and kind. Always putting others first, especially his mom. But he knows a lot is missing. Reed wants the happily ever after. The wife. Kids. He just needs some help getting there. Step one: getting over the bestie he thinks he’s in love with.
Cue Hayley Jackman. Hayley is one of my favorite FMC ever. Her confidence and empathy shine. She’s is hilarious and the way she tortures Reed had me on the floor kicking my feet. Somewhat of a role reversal here because she definitely makes the moves and brings the temptation.
This is a slow burn but it is worth the wait. All the little moments leading up are done so well. I’m still thinking about that airport kiss Katherine! The best is when you love characters individually and then even more when they’re together. That’s what we have here with Reed and Hayley. So much to love. How they help each other, the playful banter, sizzling chemistry. The way Katherine blurred that line, of when friends become so much more, chef’s kiss. Definitely another win for the San Francisco End Game series.
“Somewhere along the way, my heart became yours. I became yours, and if I lose you, I lose a piece of myself. I’ll never be the same again.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🔥🔥
Sports romance • Fake dating • Strangers to lovers to friends
“It’s always been you and me. It just took us both far too long to see it.”
Reed is the epitome of a green flag golden retriever. He is selfless and kind. Always putting others first, especially his mom. But he knows a lot is missing. Reed wants the happily ever after. The wife. Kids. He just needs some help getting there. Step one: getting over the bestie he thinks he’s in love with.
Cue Hayley Jackman. Hayley is one of my favorite FMC ever. Her confidence and empathy shine. She’s is hilarious and the way she tortures Reed had me on the floor kicking my feet. Somewhat of a role reversal here because she definitely makes the moves and brings the temptation.
This is a slow burn but it is worth the wait. All the little moments leading up are done so well. I’m still thinking about that airport kiss Katherine! The best is when you love characters individually and then even more when they’re together. That’s what we have here with Reed and Hayley. So much to love. How they help each other, the playful banter, sizzling chemistry. The way Katherine blurred that line, of when friends become so much more, chef’s kiss. Definitely another win for the San Francisco End Game series.
“Somewhere along the way, my heart became yours. I became yours, and if I lose you, I lose a piece of myself. I’ll never be the same again.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🔥🔥
July 28, 2025
Reckless storm is book 3 in the San Francisco End Game series. It can be read as a complete standalone but trust me, you want to read the rest because they have all been 5 stars! Reed and Hayley are couple goals! I was so captivated by this story that I couldn’t put it down, even when I was supposed to be getting things ready for my son’s birthday party.
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔: Reed Coombs & Hayley Jackman
𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: San Francisco Storm
We have Hayley who is an actress from Australian. She was such a fun character, very sassy and hilarious and full of life, she was always having a good time. She also had moments where she was a bit more vulnerable, and I loved how she showed that to Reed more than anyone. Reed is a football player who is in love with his best friend. He is sweet and caring and I don’t know why Bria never felt anything for him because he was very much swoony. Hayley comes around when Reed is trying to distance himself from Bria and their friendship is everything he was missing.
This was such a slow burn, with a lot of seggsual tension along the way. Everything felt very real between them. The way their relationship evolved from friends to lovers but continued with the same banter and fun just clicked. And then we are hit with some suspense that just topped it off with making this story unforgettable.
𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔: Reed Coombs & Hayley Jackman
𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝑵𝒂𝒎𝒆: San Francisco Storm
We have Hayley who is an actress from Australian. She was such a fun character, very sassy and hilarious and full of life, she was always having a good time. She also had moments where she was a bit more vulnerable, and I loved how she showed that to Reed more than anyone. Reed is a football player who is in love with his best friend. He is sweet and caring and I don’t know why Bria never felt anything for him because he was very much swoony. Hayley comes around when Reed is trying to distance himself from Bria and their friendship is everything he was missing.
This was such a slow burn, with a lot of seggsual tension along the way. Everything felt very real between them. The way their relationship evolved from friends to lovers but continued with the same banter and fun just clicked. And then we are hit with some suspense that just topped it off with making this story unforgettable.
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