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Walker University Stallions #3
Strong Side
She's always been my strong side. The one I protect, the one I lean on, the one I can't stop playing for.
Because I've never wanted anything more than to earn her as mine—for real.
Noelle James is my best friend, has been for years. And we've never crossed that line, even though I've thought about it more times than I should.
But when her ex becomes a problem she can't shake, I step in as her fake boyfriend. No big deal, right?
Only it is a big deal. Because being hers, even just pretending, feels way too real and like everything I've ever wanted.
Then she drops a she wants help building confidence in the bedroom. She wants to practice…with me.
Suddenly, we're tangled in sheets, secrets, and something that feels a lot like love.
best friends-to-lovers; fake dating; friends with benefits; spicy lessons; who did this to you?; he falls first/always been you; football romance.
Because I've never wanted anything more than to earn her as mine—for real.
Noelle James is my best friend, has been for years. And we've never crossed that line, even though I've thought about it more times than I should.
But when her ex becomes a problem she can't shake, I step in as her fake boyfriend. No big deal, right?
Only it is a big deal. Because being hers, even just pretending, feels way too real and like everything I've ever wanted.
Then she drops a she wants help building confidence in the bedroom. She wants to practice…with me.
Suddenly, we're tangled in sheets, secrets, and something that feels a lot like love.
best friends-to-lovers; fake dating; friends with benefits; spicy lessons; who did this to you?; he falls first/always been you; football romance.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2025
About the author
Ava Sutton
18 books186 followersAva Sutton is a sports enthusiast and author of spicy college and professional sports romance.
When she’s not writing, you can find her nose in a book, scrolling social media or planning dream vacations she someday hopes to take. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her two dogs.
Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
@avasuttonbooks
When she’s not writing, you can find her nose in a book, scrolling social media or planning dream vacations she someday hopes to take. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her two dogs.
Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
@avasuttonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 18, 2025
For years, Casey and Noelle have been best friends, but Casey has secretly carried a torch for her, afraid to risk their friendship for a chance at more. When Noelle finally escapes a toxic relationship, her ex-boyfriend won’t leave her alone. To make him stop, she lies and says she’s moved on with Casey. Their pretend romance quickly evolves into something real and intimate, with an electric chemistry that’s impossible to ignore.
Casey King is THE definition of book boyfriend material. This sweet (and naughty) cinnamon roll had me eating up his every word. The way he treated Noelle like the Queen she was and was always able to put her needs above his own… SWOON. Where do I find myself a Casey!?
Casey’s patience and unwavering support to help Noelle heal from her past was utterly heartwarming. It was a beautiful journey to watch her realize her feelings for him have been there all along. While this is book 3 in the Walker University Stallions series, it can be read on its own, but trust me when I say you’ll want to read the whole series!
Oh, the tropes in this one are some of my very favorite, and they’re done perfectly!
🏈 College football
🏈 Friends to lovers
🏈 Friends with benefits
🏈 Teach me sex
🏈 It’s always been you
🏈 Fake dating
Casey King is THE definition of book boyfriend material. This sweet (and naughty) cinnamon roll had me eating up his every word. The way he treated Noelle like the Queen she was and was always able to put her needs above his own… SWOON. Where do I find myself a Casey!?
Casey’s patience and unwavering support to help Noelle heal from her past was utterly heartwarming. It was a beautiful journey to watch her realize her feelings for him have been there all along. While this is book 3 in the Walker University Stallions series, it can be read on its own, but trust me when I say you’ll want to read the whole series!
Oh, the tropes in this one are some of my very favorite, and they’re done perfectly!
🏈 College football
🏈 Friends to lovers
🏈 Friends with benefits
🏈 Teach me sex
🏈 It’s always been you
🏈 Fake dating
August 23, 2025
Strong Side is like falling into a pattern you already know by heart, but the Author Ava Sutton plays it with such kindness and interest that you can't help but devour it! Casey King is a handsome football player, he's the best friend who notices every fracture, every hesitation, and supports Noelle with the quiet devotion he's kept hidden for years! Noelle, caught between the shadows of a poisonous relationship and the fragile courage to recover herself, is a star in her own right, I just love how the Author gives heart and brain to her characters and develops them in such powerful and brave construct!
.
When she admits that Casey is her lover in order to keep her ex at bay, the plot opens out into something compulsive, there my heart started to beat two times faster!
.
Ava Sutton nails the exact tender of proximity, the proprioceptive awareness of someone who is always close but just out of reach, it's riveting, enchanting, and highly entertaining, the author crafts their conversation with delicacy, it's light and effortless, but with a passion that makes every look feel like a confession!
.
The fake-dating idea never stays fake for Casey his heart belonged to her long before she realised it, and it shows in the way he protects her with reverence, making every moment between them feel astonishingly alive!
.
When Noelle asks him for assistance in the bedroom, the switch from playful to romantic is thrilling while remaining delicate, each kiss and touch was packed with unspoken love! It's compelling because it's never just about physical appearance, Casey is teaching her to view herself in the same way he always has, wanted, deserving, and irreplaceable! The emotional stream in this book builds with elegance until the final third, when Ava Sutton does not hold back, and my tears don't either!
.
The stakes are constructed here with a sophisticated, gripping honesty that knocks right to the heart! Noelle's strength comes from realising that she has always had the love she deserves... and that was really inspirational to read, I couldn't stop my tears, Ava what you have done to me is unexplainable! This deserves 10 stars and I highly recommend it to every romance reader!
.
When she admits that Casey is her lover in order to keep her ex at bay, the plot opens out into something compulsive, there my heart started to beat two times faster!
.
Ava Sutton nails the exact tender of proximity, the proprioceptive awareness of someone who is always close but just out of reach, it's riveting, enchanting, and highly entertaining, the author crafts their conversation with delicacy, it's light and effortless, but with a passion that makes every look feel like a confession!
.
The fake-dating idea never stays fake for Casey his heart belonged to her long before she realised it, and it shows in the way he protects her with reverence, making every moment between them feel astonishingly alive!
.
When Noelle asks him for assistance in the bedroom, the switch from playful to romantic is thrilling while remaining delicate, each kiss and touch was packed with unspoken love! It's compelling because it's never just about physical appearance, Casey is teaching her to view herself in the same way he always has, wanted, deserving, and irreplaceable! The emotional stream in this book builds with elegance until the final third, when Ava Sutton does not hold back, and my tears don't either!
.
The stakes are constructed here with a sophisticated, gripping honesty that knocks right to the heart! Noelle's strength comes from realising that she has always had the love she deserves... and that was really inspirational to read, I couldn't stop my tears, Ava what you have done to me is unexplainable! This deserves 10 stars and I highly recommend it to every romance reader!
August 18, 2025
When I tell you I devoured this book, I mean I DEVOURED it in less than 24 hours!!! From page one I was hooked! And if you are searching for an author that knows her football? Ava is your girl!! I feel like I am in the stadium watching these games front a center!!! OBSESSED!
Casey, Casey, Casey! That man is down bad for his best friend! The love he has for Noelle is so deep that he was willing to spend forever in the friend zone just to have her in his life! But when Noelle's ex won't leave her alone she tells him she is dating Casey just to get back at him. Casey jumps at this chance and Noelle quickly realizes what she had in front of her all along! Noelle's ex did not make her feel good about herself and destroyed her confidence in every way. In steps Casey to show her how wonderful and perfect she is.
Casey was so freaking sweet and absolutely perfect for Noelle. He protected her when he could and took care of her in every part of life. Casey and Noelle's friendship was absolutely beautiful! They had the type of friendship that they could tell what the other was thinking with just one look. They always had fun with each other and could trust each other with anything. The switch from friends to more was so seamless it felt like they had always been together. And the chemistry was scorching! I absolutely loved these two together! The character growth for Noelle was so beautiful and the way Casey supported her through it all was incredible! This story was PERFECTION!
-College Football
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Fake Dating
-He falls first
-Always been you
-Spicy Lessons
-Who did this to you?
Thank you Ava and Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC!
Casey, Casey, Casey! That man is down bad for his best friend! The love he has for Noelle is so deep that he was willing to spend forever in the friend zone just to have her in his life! But when Noelle's ex won't leave her alone she tells him she is dating Casey just to get back at him. Casey jumps at this chance and Noelle quickly realizes what she had in front of her all along! Noelle's ex did not make her feel good about herself and destroyed her confidence in every way. In steps Casey to show her how wonderful and perfect she is.
Casey was so freaking sweet and absolutely perfect for Noelle. He protected her when he could and took care of her in every part of life. Casey and Noelle's friendship was absolutely beautiful! They had the type of friendship that they could tell what the other was thinking with just one look. They always had fun with each other and could trust each other with anything. The switch from friends to more was so seamless it felt like they had always been together. And the chemistry was scorching! I absolutely loved these two together! The character growth for Noelle was so beautiful and the way Casey supported her through it all was incredible! This story was PERFECTION!
-College Football
-Best Friends to Lovers
-Fake Dating
-He falls first
-Always been you
-Spicy Lessons
-Who did this to you?
Thank you Ava and Wordsmith Publicity for this ARC!
August 20, 2025
"𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹? 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲? 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄? 𝗜𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲." 𝗔 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲. "𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲."
I’m still so blown away that this is Ava’s DEBUT SERIES!!! Are you kidding me??? Every book gets better and better and this book is HANDS DOWN my favorite of the series! This is book 3 in the Walker University Stallions series, and can be read as a stand alone…but TRUST ME! Read it from the beginning…that’s when we first get to me the ultimate book boyfriend, our MMC, Casey.🩵
Noelle is our sweet FMC and Casey’s best friend. They are both in college and Noelle is FINALLY free from her walking red flag of an ex boyfriend after he cheats on her with her best friend. Literally throw them both in the bin…TRASH! But just when Noelle thinks she’s on the path to starting over, her ex shows up…harassing her…texting her…true psycho style and not in the sexy way. In a moment of panic she blurts out that she’s moved on and is dating Casey…hoping that will keep him out of her hair. Only problem? She’s not ACTUALLY dating Casey 🤭
No worries though, once Casey learns about what’s happened, he’s ALL IN…because while they are best friends and would do anything for her, he’s also secretly been in love with her since middle school. And he’s ready to have her closer…even if it is fake. But like all good fake dating scenarios, fake turns real very quickly. Noelle realises that Casey is the one and that he’s been in love with her for so long.
Casey is THE book boyfriend. The way he loves and cares for Noelle is unmatched. He’s kept his feelings tucked away, afraid of losing her and their friendship. He wanted her in his life in any way…even if that meant keeping his feelings hidden.
Noelle feels broken and unworthy of love because of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her toxic ex. But Casey loves her, broken parts and all. He’s been there for her through everything and never sees her as less than amazing. He helps build her up and remind her of just how amazing she is.
Now…the spice??? Hold on guys….we have spicy lessons and a Photo Booth scene that will make you blush every time you see one. As sweet as Casey is, he’s even more of a deviant in the bedroom in all the best ways. I’m on my knees BARKING for this man. No. Shame. 😩😩
I loved how Ava tackled the mental health issues that arise when you’re in a toxic or abusive relationship. Abuse isn’t always physical…and sometimes the verbal and emotional abuse is even more damaging than bruises. Watching Noelle grow and navigate her healing was so beautiful. Watching Casey support her through it all made me cry.
I loved seeing the found family they built and how past characters are interwoven into each book. Creating a beautiful family of friends and support.
I’m obsessed with this series. I’m obsessed with this world Ava has created and I CANNOT wait until the next book.🩵
Thank you SO MUCH to Ava Sutton for the incredible opportunity to ARC read this book and to be able to be on your team and be a part of your debut journey.🩵
🏈Sports Romance
🩵College Setting
🏈College Football Player MMC
🩵Broken FMC
🏈Best Friends to Lovers
🩵Fake Dating
🏈Friends with Benefits
🩵Spicy Lessons
🏈PHOTO BOOTH
🩵It’s Always Been You
🏈Mental Health Rep
🩵Who Did This To You?
🏈Obsessed Hero
🩵Healing Heroine
🏈He Falls First
🩵He Braids Her Hair
🏈Spit K!nk
🩵She Wears His Number
🏈Dual POV
🩵No 3rd Act Breakup
🏈HEA
I’m still so blown away that this is Ava’s DEBUT SERIES!!! Are you kidding me??? Every book gets better and better and this book is HANDS DOWN my favorite of the series! This is book 3 in the Walker University Stallions series, and can be read as a stand alone…but TRUST ME! Read it from the beginning…that’s when we first get to me the ultimate book boyfriend, our MMC, Casey.🩵
Noelle is our sweet FMC and Casey’s best friend. They are both in college and Noelle is FINALLY free from her walking red flag of an ex boyfriend after he cheats on her with her best friend. Literally throw them both in the bin…TRASH! But just when Noelle thinks she’s on the path to starting over, her ex shows up…harassing her…texting her…true psycho style and not in the sexy way. In a moment of panic she blurts out that she’s moved on and is dating Casey…hoping that will keep him out of her hair. Only problem? She’s not ACTUALLY dating Casey 🤭
No worries though, once Casey learns about what’s happened, he’s ALL IN…because while they are best friends and would do anything for her, he’s also secretly been in love with her since middle school. And he’s ready to have her closer…even if it is fake. But like all good fake dating scenarios, fake turns real very quickly. Noelle realises that Casey is the one and that he’s been in love with her for so long.
Casey is THE book boyfriend. The way he loves and cares for Noelle is unmatched. He’s kept his feelings tucked away, afraid of losing her and their friendship. He wanted her in his life in any way…even if that meant keeping his feelings hidden.
Noelle feels broken and unworthy of love because of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her toxic ex. But Casey loves her, broken parts and all. He’s been there for her through everything and never sees her as less than amazing. He helps build her up and remind her of just how amazing she is.
Now…the spice??? Hold on guys….we have spicy lessons and a Photo Booth scene that will make you blush every time you see one. As sweet as Casey is, he’s even more of a deviant in the bedroom in all the best ways. I’m on my knees BARKING for this man. No. Shame. 😩😩
I loved how Ava tackled the mental health issues that arise when you’re in a toxic or abusive relationship. Abuse isn’t always physical…and sometimes the verbal and emotional abuse is even more damaging than bruises. Watching Noelle grow and navigate her healing was so beautiful. Watching Casey support her through it all made me cry.
I loved seeing the found family they built and how past characters are interwoven into each book. Creating a beautiful family of friends and support.
I’m obsessed with this series. I’m obsessed with this world Ava has created and I CANNOT wait until the next book.🩵
Thank you SO MUCH to Ava Sutton for the incredible opportunity to ARC read this book and to be able to be on your team and be a part of your debut journey.🩵
🏈Sports Romance
🩵College Setting
🏈College Football Player MMC
🩵Broken FMC
🏈Best Friends to Lovers
🩵Fake Dating
🏈Friends with Benefits
🩵Spicy Lessons
🏈PHOTO BOOTH
🩵It’s Always Been You
🏈Mental Health Rep
🩵Who Did This To You?
🏈Obsessed Hero
🩵Healing Heroine
🏈He Falls First
🩵He Braids Her Hair
🏈Spit K!nk
🩵She Wears His Number
🏈Dual POV
🩵No 3rd Act Breakup
🏈HEA
August 17, 2025
"...do you want to kiss me because you want to taste me as much as I want to taste you?" -Casey
Noelle & Casey. They're in college, they're best friends, and she has a terrible boyfriend. And away we go! Noelle tells her terrible ex (thank goodness) boyfriend that she is now dating her best friend. She's not but he's always wanted to. He's all in and there's very little "oh let me pretend" in him. Casey is the sweetest, the kindest, the nicest...but he's sizzling hot underneath all that and girl, Noelle is in for a treat. I loved this book and these characters. This was a quick read for me because it kept my attention and kept me entertained the entire way through. The last third-ish of the book is absolute perfection and I always applaud the authors who do their MCs (male or female) so right. Mental health is important, y'all!
This is my first Ava Sutton book and won't be my last. Will be reading the first two of this series and am excited to see what the rest of the amazing characters get up to.
I received this eARC for free and my review is voluntary. Thank you to Ava Sutton for the opportunity!
"You want me to claim you, pretty girl? Right here? Right now? In front of all these people." A smile grows on his face. "Just so there's no confusion or doubting what we are."
arc review release 8/22
Noelle & Casey. They're in college, they're best friends, and she has a terrible boyfriend. And away we go! Noelle tells her terrible ex (thank goodness) boyfriend that she is now dating her best friend. She's not but he's always wanted to. He's all in and there's very little "oh let me pretend" in him. Casey is the sweetest, the kindest, the nicest...but he's sizzling hot underneath all that and girl, Noelle is in for a treat. I loved this book and these characters. This was a quick read for me because it kept my attention and kept me entertained the entire way through. The last third-ish of the book is absolute perfection and I always applaud the authors who do their MCs (male or female) so right. Mental health is important, y'all!
This is my first Ava Sutton book and won't be my last. Will be reading the first two of this series and am excited to see what the rest of the amazing characters get up to.
I received this eARC for free and my review is voluntary. Thank you to Ava Sutton for the opportunity!
"You want me to claim you, pretty girl? Right here? Right now? In front of all these people." A smile grows on his face. "Just so there's no confusion or doubting what we are."
arc review release 8/22
August 20, 2025
Ya’ll want to know why a childhood friends to lovers is my favorite?? Just go ahead and read this book and the answers are LITERALLY written on the pages.
I have wanted Casey & Noelle’s story since I read Ava’s debut and first book of this series, Counter Play.
Casey King is the man college girls dream of… but in true friends to lovers fashion he is DOWN BAD for his bestfriend and she doesn’t even realize it. We know it because books 1 & 2.. but their books starts with a bang making Noelle not only single but needing her bestfriend more than ever. Once she asks Case to be her “fake boyfriend- the giddiness I felt- had taken over my whole self because I KNEW it was about to hit.
Watching them shift from bestfriends to more… it was just chefs kiss.. the respect he shows her & vise versa. The TEAM THEY ARE… 🥹🥹
I loved the last 10 % of this book. How Ava wrote what we all need at some point but are scared to voice. HONESTLY THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN SO WELL- and is ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO LOVERS I’VE EVER READ.
amazing book, amazing series.
I have wanted Casey & Noelle’s story since I read Ava’s debut and first book of this series, Counter Play.
Casey King is the man college girls dream of… but in true friends to lovers fashion he is DOWN BAD for his bestfriend and she doesn’t even realize it. We know it because books 1 & 2.. but their books starts with a bang making Noelle not only single but needing her bestfriend more than ever. Once she asks Case to be her “fake boyfriend- the giddiness I felt- had taken over my whole self because I KNEW it was about to hit.
Watching them shift from bestfriends to more… it was just chefs kiss.. the respect he shows her & vise versa. The TEAM THEY ARE… 🥹🥹
I loved the last 10 % of this book. How Ava wrote what we all need at some point but are scared to voice. HONESTLY THIS BOOK IS WRITTEN SO WELL- and is ONE OF MY FAVORITE CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO LOVERS I’VE EVER READ.
amazing book, amazing series.
August 17, 2025
First I have to say that Ava Sutton writes perfect men! Just when I think this series can’t get any better… it sooo does! Childhood friends to lovers is my favorite. Casey & Noelle have been best friends since middle school. Casey has always felt a little more than friendship but he never wanted to risk losing her at all because she seems perfectly happy with their relationship how it is. Noelle is coming out of a terrible relationship with a guy who just can’t seem to leave her alone. On a whim to get him out of her life, she declares that she is in a very happy, serious relationship with Casey. Casey of course goes along with this situation with hopes of her seeing him as more than just her bestie. It’s all so sweet and Casey is truly a genuine good guy. Noelle is a little insecure but Casey is always there to support her and lift her up. They really are perfect for each other 🩷
August 19, 2025
I am loving this series from Ava! If you love football romance, found family, and some of the swooniest men…..you will want to head over to Walker University!
Casey and Noelle are best friends. He’s been secretly in love with her for YEARS. She catches her boyfriend cheating. Said ex decides he wants her back. She lies and tells him that her and Casey are together. So naturally she needs Casey to be her fake boyfriend. Also she might need him to help her in the bedroom.
There were moments in this book between Casey and Noelle that had me kicking my feet. One specific scene was so intimate and HOT and it had nothing to do with spice. Ava has a way of describing their connection to where you could feel the want and desire.
I absolutely devoured this book! Thank you Ava and Wordsmith Publicity for the early arc!
4.5⭐️
Casey and Noelle are best friends. He’s been secretly in love with her for YEARS. She catches her boyfriend cheating. Said ex decides he wants her back. She lies and tells him that her and Casey are together. So naturally she needs Casey to be her fake boyfriend. Also she might need him to help her in the bedroom.
There were moments in this book between Casey and Noelle that had me kicking my feet. One specific scene was so intimate and HOT and it had nothing to do with spice. Ava has a way of describing their connection to where you could feel the want and desire.
I absolutely devoured this book! Thank you Ava and Wordsmith Publicity for the early arc!
4.5⭐️
August 19, 2025
Casey and Noelle have been best friends since middle school, but Casey has always had this hidden attraction for her. He would do absolutely anything to make sure she is happy and safe including keep his feels secret as he doesn’t believe she feels the same way. But now, Noelle needs his help-be in a fake relationship to keep her awful ex-boyfriend away.
I loved Casey and Noelle together. The way they opened up to one another on a whole new level, exploring a new side to their relationship, but holding true to all the things that made them, them-was the best. I think their story played out exactly as it should. They had a fun, playful friendship, full of comfort and sweet moments.
Casey sure was head over heels for Noelle, but scared. I loved watching that man show her she was worth absolutely everything. He is done wasting time, he’s ready to go all in and show Noelle just what being with him really means.
I was all for Noelle and in her corner from the moment I read the prologue. She is the kindest, sweetest character but also funny, hard-working and unbelievably strong-I loved seeing her stand up for herself and overcome things that her ex-boyfriend made her believe. I cheered her on the entire story, finding her very relatable in the vulnerability she expressed. Like Casey I wanted nothing more than for her to get all the happiness she deserves.
The way he loved and cared for her was so swoony. He worshiped her, but also supported her in the best way. I loved that she wanted to make sure she could be all he needed as well. Casey and Noelle brought out the best in each other especially watching Noelle grow with every sweet thing Casey did for her.
Their relationship may have started out as fake and a way for Noelle to gain some confidence, but I don’t think it was ever not real for Casey! That man has loved her for as long as he can remember, and I loved her realizing that she did as well.
I very much enjoyed the little twist Ava threw in at the end, it was a jaw drop and had some emotion to it. But, what came out of it was needed and wonderful in the end.
It was great to revisit this group of. They just have such a have wonderful found family vibe and I can’t wait for Bo’s book next.
4.25⭐️
**thank you to the author the copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
I loved Casey and Noelle together. The way they opened up to one another on a whole new level, exploring a new side to their relationship, but holding true to all the things that made them, them-was the best. I think their story played out exactly as it should. They had a fun, playful friendship, full of comfort and sweet moments.
Casey sure was head over heels for Noelle, but scared. I loved watching that man show her she was worth absolutely everything. He is done wasting time, he’s ready to go all in and show Noelle just what being with him really means.
I was all for Noelle and in her corner from the moment I read the prologue. She is the kindest, sweetest character but also funny, hard-working and unbelievably strong-I loved seeing her stand up for herself and overcome things that her ex-boyfriend made her believe. I cheered her on the entire story, finding her very relatable in the vulnerability she expressed. Like Casey I wanted nothing more than for her to get all the happiness she deserves.
The way he loved and cared for her was so swoony. He worshiped her, but also supported her in the best way. I loved that she wanted to make sure she could be all he needed as well. Casey and Noelle brought out the best in each other especially watching Noelle grow with every sweet thing Casey did for her.
Their relationship may have started out as fake and a way for Noelle to gain some confidence, but I don’t think it was ever not real for Casey! That man has loved her for as long as he can remember, and I loved her realizing that she did as well.
I very much enjoyed the little twist Ava threw in at the end, it was a jaw drop and had some emotion to it. But, what came out of it was needed and wonderful in the end.
It was great to revisit this group of. They just have such a have wonderful found family vibe and I can’t wait for Bo’s book next.
4.25⭐️
**thank you to the author the copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
August 18, 2025
Tropes:
College Football
Friends-to-Lovers
Friends with Benefits
Spicy Lessons
He Falls First
Fake Dating
it was always been you
dual pov
Who did this to you
FOREPLAY HAS LASTED LIKE 3 YEARS TOO LONG. THE EDGING IS INTENSE...
THE AMOUNT OF CONTROL I HAVE RIGHT NOW?
I SHOULD GET A F*CKING MEDAL.
WHEN I MOVE MY GAZE TO HER AND LOOK AT HER FACE, HER EYES ARE CLOSED, MOUTH OPEN, CLEARLY ENJOYING THE WRECKING OF HER P*SSY.
SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN MY STRONG SIDE.
THE ONE I PROTECT, THE ONE I LEAN ON, THE ONE I CAN'T STOP PLAYING FOR BECAUSE I'VE NEVER WANTED ANYTHING MORE THAN TO MAKE HER MINE-FOR REAL.
"I swear, I couldn't love you more, then tomorrow comes, and I love you even more. Every day it's like that for me. I guess that's what happens, you fall in love with your best friend."
“You’ll be just fine pretty girl, you’ll always have me”
“My new favorite thing is making you c*me. And I’m gonna do just that every chance you give me.”
“FOR AS LONG AS YOU NEED ME TO BE YOUR BOYFRIEND, I'M YOURS.”
"RIDE MY HAND, PRETTY GIRL. LET ME FEEL YOU FALL APART ON MY FINGERS."
Casey has been best friends with Noel since they were young and has always wanted more with Noel but too afraid to take a shot and ruin their friendship.
One day, Noel and her boyfriend finally end their toxic relationship and when he starts harassing her to give him another chance and following her room, she says she’s moved on with Casey. So they fake date, and grow closer in a new way. Becoming intimate. Their chemistry was electric, he knew Noel was endgame and he when he saw his shot he went for it.
Casey was patient with her. She was dealing with insecurities and baggage from her past relationship, they were perfect together. It was the sweetest thing to see her realize that she’s always been in love with Casey.
This can be red as a standalone that is book 3 in the Walker university stallions and I’d recommend reading them all cause they’re amazing and I love them all!
I loved Casey and Noelle’s story! I can’t wait for the next couple!
College Football
Friends-to-Lovers
Friends with Benefits
Spicy Lessons
He Falls First
Fake Dating
it was always been you
dual pov
Who did this to you
FOREPLAY HAS LASTED LIKE 3 YEARS TOO LONG. THE EDGING IS INTENSE...
THE AMOUNT OF CONTROL I HAVE RIGHT NOW?
I SHOULD GET A F*CKING MEDAL.
WHEN I MOVE MY GAZE TO HER AND LOOK AT HER FACE, HER EYES ARE CLOSED, MOUTH OPEN, CLEARLY ENJOYING THE WRECKING OF HER P*SSY.
SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN MY STRONG SIDE.
THE ONE I PROTECT, THE ONE I LEAN ON, THE ONE I CAN'T STOP PLAYING FOR BECAUSE I'VE NEVER WANTED ANYTHING MORE THAN TO MAKE HER MINE-FOR REAL.
"I swear, I couldn't love you more, then tomorrow comes, and I love you even more. Every day it's like that for me. I guess that's what happens, you fall in love with your best friend."
“You’ll be just fine pretty girl, you’ll always have me”
“My new favorite thing is making you c*me. And I’m gonna do just that every chance you give me.”
“FOR AS LONG AS YOU NEED ME TO BE YOUR BOYFRIEND, I'M YOURS.”
"RIDE MY HAND, PRETTY GIRL. LET ME FEEL YOU FALL APART ON MY FINGERS."
Casey has been best friends with Noel since they were young and has always wanted more with Noel but too afraid to take a shot and ruin their friendship.
One day, Noel and her boyfriend finally end their toxic relationship and when he starts harassing her to give him another chance and following her room, she says she’s moved on with Casey. So they fake date, and grow closer in a new way. Becoming intimate. Their chemistry was electric, he knew Noel was endgame and he when he saw his shot he went for it.
Casey was patient with her. She was dealing with insecurities and baggage from her past relationship, they were perfect together. It was the sweetest thing to see her realize that she’s always been in love with Casey.
This can be red as a standalone that is book 3 in the Walker university stallions and I’d recommend reading them all cause they’re amazing and I love them all!
I loved Casey and Noelle’s story! I can’t wait for the next couple!
August 21, 2025
Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Strong Side by Ava Sutton had absolutely everything I could want in a romance and then some. Best friends to lovers, fake dating, spicy lessons, and that all-consuming “it’s always been you” energy that makes my bookish heart cringe in the best possible way. Noelle James and Casey King owned me from start to finish. I loved their friendship so much. The way it had been built over so many years of loyalty and care, and then developing into something so much more had me literally swooning throughout the entire book. Casey is just that kind of man. Strong, reliable, a total badass on the field, but what really did me in was his emotional intelligence. A hero who knows how to listen, how to love, and how to show up when it counts? Sexy AF. And Noelle… man did I relate to her on a deeper level. what she’s had to deal with in her last relationship would have been enough to break anyone, and while she never lets her ex define her, she also owns her mistakes, grows from them, and then absolutely chooses to fight for herself and for love. They have such dreamy sweet chemistry but when the “spicy lessons” kick in….ahhhhh 🥵🥵 I won’t spoil that, but I will say that those scenes don’t just add heat, they change the entire dynamic between them, taking their relationship from comfortable and known to unshakable and electric. (Fun fact: the photo booth scene has been living rent-free in my head, and I’m just fine with it.) Their banter is sharp, their romance is tender, and the ending was just beautiful van if I almost through my kindle at the wall at one point. It’s the kind of HEA that makes you want to hug your book. And the best part is that Ava Sutton is building such an incredible friend group around these characters, that I’m already so invested in each of their stories that I’m basically DYING for Bo’s book while simultaneously not ready to let this one go. Strong Side is heartfelt, spicy, swoony perfection, and a must-read for anyone who loves the best kind of best friends becoming boyfriends who just always knew.
Spice:🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Strong Side by Ava Sutton had absolutely everything I could want in a romance and then some. Best friends to lovers, fake dating, spicy lessons, and that all-consuming “it’s always been you” energy that makes my bookish heart cringe in the best possible way. Noelle James and Casey King owned me from start to finish. I loved their friendship so much. The way it had been built over so many years of loyalty and care, and then developing into something so much more had me literally swooning throughout the entire book. Casey is just that kind of man. Strong, reliable, a total badass on the field, but what really did me in was his emotional intelligence. A hero who knows how to listen, how to love, and how to show up when it counts? Sexy AF. And Noelle… man did I relate to her on a deeper level. what she’s had to deal with in her last relationship would have been enough to break anyone, and while she never lets her ex define her, she also owns her mistakes, grows from them, and then absolutely chooses to fight for herself and for love. They have such dreamy sweet chemistry but when the “spicy lessons” kick in….ahhhhh 🥵🥵 I won’t spoil that, but I will say that those scenes don’t just add heat, they change the entire dynamic between them, taking their relationship from comfortable and known to unshakable and electric. (Fun fact: the photo booth scene has been living rent-free in my head, and I’m just fine with it.) Their banter is sharp, their romance is tender, and the ending was just beautiful van if I almost through my kindle at the wall at one point. It’s the kind of HEA that makes you want to hug your book. And the best part is that Ava Sutton is building such an incredible friend group around these characters, that I’m already so invested in each of their stories that I’m basically DYING for Bo’s book while simultaneously not ready to let this one go. Strong Side is heartfelt, spicy, swoony perfection, and a must-read for anyone who loves the best kind of best friends becoming boyfriends who just always knew.
August 18, 2025
The way I have fallen in love with this series! I have been dying for Casey and Noelle’s book! Ava has been teasing their story for the last two books and I was feral for it by the time it hit my Kindle! Which is why I read it in one sitting, and then went back and pretty much reread it so I could savor all of my favorite parts (basically the whole book)!
Casey and Noelle have been friends since middle school and he has been in love with her ever since. She never gave him a reason to think the feeling was mutual so he resigned himself to being forever in the friend zone…until Noelle needs him to fake date her to keep her ex away!
Finally Casey has the chance to show her exactly how she deserves to be treated and that maybe they are destined to be more than friends. Then that gets taken up a notch, when she asks him for some spicy lessons!
Y'all let me tell you, the way this man loves her.... He's so constant and patient and loves every bit of her exactly as she is. She was it for him, and he made sure she knew that. I was seriously a puddle on the floor by the end!
It was so fun watching him woo her and to realize right alongside him that she feels the same way he does! This book is so sweet, very emotional at times, so hot, and has the best found family vibes! Also, there is a bomb in the last third that I was NOT expecting! But it brought about something that needed to happen.
I also LOVE that we got to see so much of Beck and Charlie, and we even got a few visits from Archie and Emma! I was seriously giddy to see the LOML Archie Griffith!
Ava sets us up perfectly for book four and I cannot wait for Bo’s story!
I’m so glad I found Ava! I’m so impressed with her debut series and can’t wait to follow her work going forward!
Casey and Noelle have been friends since middle school and he has been in love with her ever since. She never gave him a reason to think the feeling was mutual so he resigned himself to being forever in the friend zone…until Noelle needs him to fake date her to keep her ex away!
Finally Casey has the chance to show her exactly how she deserves to be treated and that maybe they are destined to be more than friends. Then that gets taken up a notch, when she asks him for some spicy lessons!
Y'all let me tell you, the way this man loves her.... He's so constant and patient and loves every bit of her exactly as she is. She was it for him, and he made sure she knew that. I was seriously a puddle on the floor by the end!
It was so fun watching him woo her and to realize right alongside him that she feels the same way he does! This book is so sweet, very emotional at times, so hot, and has the best found family vibes! Also, there is a bomb in the last third that I was NOT expecting! But it brought about something that needed to happen.
I also LOVE that we got to see so much of Beck and Charlie, and we even got a few visits from Archie and Emma! I was seriously giddy to see the LOML Archie Griffith!
Ava sets us up perfectly for book four and I cannot wait for Bo’s story!
I’m so glad I found Ava! I’m so impressed with her debut series and can’t wait to follow her work going forward!
August 23, 2025
Noelle James and Casey King have been friends since they were kids. They now go to Walker University together and hang out all the time. The two have never dated, and both have always wanted to keep their friendship safe so they never did anything more. Casey has had a crush on Noelle since forever, but Noelle at first never saw her best friend as anything more. Well, that is, until she caught her boyfriend and roommate together last year, then she called for Casey to come and help save her.
Casey has had feelings for Noelle for a long time, but has always cared more to keep their friendship intact. He would rather have her as a friend over anything else, so he never wanted to push the subject. After how terribly Noelle’s ex (Trey) treated her, Casey is set on helping Noelle get back to her regular self. Trey starts to follow and wait for Noelle around campus, and when she finally confronts him, she lets Trey know that Casey is now her boyfriend and Trey needs to leave her alone. When Noelle tells Casey she fibbed to get Trey off her back, Casey is thrilled to be her boyfriend, pretend or not.
Fake or not, the relationship between the two starts to progress, especially after Noelle tells Casey about how awful Trey used to treat her, and the fake relationship lines get crossed and everything starts to feel very real for both Casey and Noelle.
This is the perfect example of childhood friends to lovers. Casey is a classic example of a book boyfriend, and he treated Noelle in the most amazing ways. He was so supportive of anything she wanted to try or do, but also loved her in every way she needed to be loved. I have loved this series so much, I cannot wait to see what is next!
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity as well as Ava Sutton for the ARC opportunity!
Casey has had feelings for Noelle for a long time, but has always cared more to keep their friendship intact. He would rather have her as a friend over anything else, so he never wanted to push the subject. After how terribly Noelle’s ex (Trey) treated her, Casey is set on helping Noelle get back to her regular self. Trey starts to follow and wait for Noelle around campus, and when she finally confronts him, she lets Trey know that Casey is now her boyfriend and Trey needs to leave her alone. When Noelle tells Casey she fibbed to get Trey off her back, Casey is thrilled to be her boyfriend, pretend or not.
Fake or not, the relationship between the two starts to progress, especially after Noelle tells Casey about how awful Trey used to treat her, and the fake relationship lines get crossed and everything starts to feel very real for both Casey and Noelle.
This is the perfect example of childhood friends to lovers. Casey is a classic example of a book boyfriend, and he treated Noelle in the most amazing ways. He was so supportive of anything she wanted to try or do, but also loved her in every way she needed to be loved. I have loved this series so much, I cannot wait to see what is next!
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity as well as Ava Sutton for the ARC opportunity!
August 20, 2025
If you’re a football romance fan, Ava Sutton’s Walker University Stallions series is an absolute must-read. The first two books were already special, but from the very first page of the prologue in Strong Side—book three in the series—I knew this story was going to be something truly unforgettable.
If you love the best friends-to-lovers trope, then get ready for a touchdown with Casey and Noelle’s story. Ms Sutton doesn’t stop there though—she layers in fake dating, friends-with-benefits, spicy lessons, and heartfelt emotional depth that had me smiling one moment and reaching for the tissues the next.
Casey and Noelle have been best friends for what feels like forever. But while Noelle has always seen him as her rock, Casey has secretly carried deeper feelings for her, unwilling to risk their bond. When Noelle’s toxic ex becomes an issue, Casey steps in as her pretend boyfriend—and that one decision sets them on a path where friendship blurs, sparks ignite, and passion refuses to stay hidden.
What makes this book shine is how Ava Sutton takes the familiar best friends-to-lovers setup and elevates it with layers of emotional storytelling. She doesn’t just give us swoon and spice (though there’s plenty of that!). She also explores Noelle’s complicated past with her ex, the unshakable foundation of trust between her and Casey, and the camaraderie that makes the Stallions series so addictive.
From laughter to heat, friendship to heartbreak, Strong Side has it all. Ava Sutton has scored another win, proving once again why the Walker University Stallions series deserves a place at the very top of every sports romance fan’s TBR.
If you love the best friends-to-lovers trope, then get ready for a touchdown with Casey and Noelle’s story. Ms Sutton doesn’t stop there though—she layers in fake dating, friends-with-benefits, spicy lessons, and heartfelt emotional depth that had me smiling one moment and reaching for the tissues the next.
Casey and Noelle have been best friends for what feels like forever. But while Noelle has always seen him as her rock, Casey has secretly carried deeper feelings for her, unwilling to risk their bond. When Noelle’s toxic ex becomes an issue, Casey steps in as her pretend boyfriend—and that one decision sets them on a path where friendship blurs, sparks ignite, and passion refuses to stay hidden.
What makes this book shine is how Ava Sutton takes the familiar best friends-to-lovers setup and elevates it with layers of emotional storytelling. She doesn’t just give us swoon and spice (though there’s plenty of that!). She also explores Noelle’s complicated past with her ex, the unshakable foundation of trust between her and Casey, and the camaraderie that makes the Stallions series so addictive.
From laughter to heat, friendship to heartbreak, Strong Side has it all. Ava Sutton has scored another win, proving once again why the Walker University Stallions series deserves a place at the very top of every sports romance fan’s TBR.
August 17, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️
If you love a warm cinnamon roll hero who is absolutely GONE for his girl, you’re going to love Casey King! 😍 This man has been in love with his best friend for years and is there anything hotter than a man who’s been pining for years finally getting his chance with his dream girl?!
When Noelle James’ ex won’t leave her alone, her best friend is there to be her “fake” boyfriend and help resolve her insecurities in the bedroom…hello spicy lessons! 🤭😍 Noelle definitely got herself an UPGRADE in Casey.
I absolutely love friends to lovers and ‘it’s always been you’ and Casey & Noelle’s story was so sweet and full of mutual pining and love. The Walker University found family is amazing and I’m already so excited about Bo’s story, Silent Count (expected in October)! 😍
Favorite Quotes:
“I swear, I couldn’t love you more, then tomorrow comes, and I love you even more. Every day it’s like that for me. I guess that’s what happens, when you fall in love with your best friend.”
“It’s my honor and privilege to love you and be loved by you. Never, ever, question that. You are mine, and I am yours. Always.”
“It’s easy when you worship someone the way I worship you. You are everything to me. Every. Thing. I want you to see what I see, love what I love. Because it’s pretty f*cking incredible.”
What to expect:
🏈College Football/Sport
🏈Friends to Lovers
🏈Friends with Benefits
🏈Spicy Lessons
🏈He Falls First/Always You
🏈Fake Dating
🏈Who did this to you?
*Thank you to Ava Sutton and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
2.5 🌶️
If you love a warm cinnamon roll hero who is absolutely GONE for his girl, you’re going to love Casey King! 😍 This man has been in love with his best friend for years and is there anything hotter than a man who’s been pining for years finally getting his chance with his dream girl?!
When Noelle James’ ex won’t leave her alone, her best friend is there to be her “fake” boyfriend and help resolve her insecurities in the bedroom…hello spicy lessons! 🤭😍 Noelle definitely got herself an UPGRADE in Casey.
I absolutely love friends to lovers and ‘it’s always been you’ and Casey & Noelle’s story was so sweet and full of mutual pining and love. The Walker University found family is amazing and I’m already so excited about Bo’s story, Silent Count (expected in October)! 😍
Favorite Quotes:
“I swear, I couldn’t love you more, then tomorrow comes, and I love you even more. Every day it’s like that for me. I guess that’s what happens, when you fall in love with your best friend.”
“It’s my honor and privilege to love you and be loved by you. Never, ever, question that. You are mine, and I am yours. Always.”
“It’s easy when you worship someone the way I worship you. You are everything to me. Every. Thing. I want you to see what I see, love what I love. Because it’s pretty f*cking incredible.”
What to expect:
🏈College Football/Sport
🏈Friends to Lovers
🏈Friends with Benefits
🏈Spicy Lessons
🏈He Falls First/Always You
🏈Fake Dating
🏈Who did this to you?
*Thank you to Ava Sutton and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
August 22, 2025
This series has truly won me over! By the moment it reached my Kindle, I was bursting with excitement for the narrative that Ava had been alluding to in the previous two books! I read it all in one go so that I could savor all my favorite parts, and then revisited it afterward.
Since middle school, Casey and Noelle have been friends, and he has loved her since that time. He acknowledged that he would forever remain in the friend zone since she never gave him any indication that her feelings were mutual. Until Noelle's ex departs and she requires him to feign being her boyfriend!
Finally, Casey has the chance to show her how she deserves to be treated and that maybe their bond is meant to evolve beyond mere friendship. When she requests some hot lessons, it elevates things to another level!
I can't convey the extent to which this man loves her. He adores every part of her as she is, and he shows remarkable patience and reliability. He ensured she realized that she was the one for him. By the conclusion, I was truly a pool on the floor!
Seeing him charm her and understanding that she reciprocates his emotions was incredibly enjoyable! This book exudes wonderful family vibes and is extremely passionate, endearing, and occasionally very moving. Furthermore, I did not expect the explosion in the last segment! Nevertheless, it resulted in an essential occurrence.
We spent plenty of time with Beck and Charlie, and even had some visits from Archie and Emma, whom I absolutely love!
Bo's story has me thrilled, and Ava prepares us well for success in book four!
Since middle school, Casey and Noelle have been friends, and he has loved her since that time. He acknowledged that he would forever remain in the friend zone since she never gave him any indication that her feelings were mutual. Until Noelle's ex departs and she requires him to feign being her boyfriend!
Finally, Casey has the chance to show her how she deserves to be treated and that maybe their bond is meant to evolve beyond mere friendship. When she requests some hot lessons, it elevates things to another level!
I can't convey the extent to which this man loves her. He adores every part of her as she is, and he shows remarkable patience and reliability. He ensured she realized that she was the one for him. By the conclusion, I was truly a pool on the floor!
Seeing him charm her and understanding that she reciprocates his emotions was incredibly enjoyable! This book exudes wonderful family vibes and is extremely passionate, endearing, and occasionally very moving. Furthermore, I did not expect the explosion in the last segment! Nevertheless, it resulted in an essential occurrence.
We spent plenty of time with Beck and Charlie, and even had some visits from Archie and Emma, whom I absolutely love!
Bo's story has me thrilled, and Ava prepares us well for success in book four!
August 23, 2025
ARC review
⭐4.5/5
🌶️2.5/5
Ava Sutton really knows how to deliver! Not only does she write fun, lighthearted romances, but she also weaves in just the right amount of football detail to make you feel like you’re right there in the stands, cheering on the Stallions.
And let’s talk about the Walker boys—each book just gets better, and Casey might be the swooniest of them all.
I’ll admit, I was a little unsure about Noelle at first. From what we saw of her in the first two books, I thought she might be taking advantage of Casey’s friendship. But I couldn’t have been more wrong! She turned out to be such a sweet, genuine character who had been mistreated and cheated on by her ex. Thankfully, she had Casey—the best friend who had quietly loved her for years.
So, when Noelle needs a fake boyfriend to keep her ex at bay, Casey steps in without hesitation. For him, it’s more than just pretending—it’s finally a chance to show her how much she means to him and how deeply she deserves to be loved.
The pining in this book? Absolute chef’s kiss. And I loved that it didn’t drag into a slow burn. Because Casey and Noelle grew up together, their history, connection, and undeniable chemistry were already there—just waiting to bloom into something beautiful.
If you’re a fan of sports romances, swoony heroes, found family, and stories that feel like a warm breeze, you need this book—and this series—on your shelf!
Thank you so much to Ava and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this great book.
⭐4.5/5
🌶️2.5/5
Ava Sutton really knows how to deliver! Not only does she write fun, lighthearted romances, but she also weaves in just the right amount of football detail to make you feel like you’re right there in the stands, cheering on the Stallions.
And let’s talk about the Walker boys—each book just gets better, and Casey might be the swooniest of them all.
I’ll admit, I was a little unsure about Noelle at first. From what we saw of her in the first two books, I thought she might be taking advantage of Casey’s friendship. But I couldn’t have been more wrong! She turned out to be such a sweet, genuine character who had been mistreated and cheated on by her ex. Thankfully, she had Casey—the best friend who had quietly loved her for years.
So, when Noelle needs a fake boyfriend to keep her ex at bay, Casey steps in without hesitation. For him, it’s more than just pretending—it’s finally a chance to show her how much she means to him and how deeply she deserves to be loved.
The pining in this book? Absolute chef’s kiss. And I loved that it didn’t drag into a slow burn. Because Casey and Noelle grew up together, their history, connection, and undeniable chemistry were already there—just waiting to bloom into something beautiful.
If you’re a fan of sports romances, swoony heroes, found family, and stories that feel like a warm breeze, you need this book—and this series—on your shelf!
Thank you so much to Ava and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of this great book.
August 17, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
🏈College Football
🩵Friends-to-Lovers
🏈Friends with Benefits
🩵Spicy Lessons
🏈He Falls First
🩵Fake Dating
🏈it was always you
🩵dual pov
Strong Side by author Ava Sutton is book 3 in the Walker University Stallions series. It can be read as a complete standalone but for a better reading experience it’s best read in order for the side characters and stories. Book 3 gives us the story of Casey and Noelle.
Casey King, we met him in book 1 with his sister Charlie’s story. Now it’s his turn. Casey has been best friends with Noelle since they were younger. Casey has always wanted more but afraid to take the shot and ruin their friendship. Noelle, has finally ended her disastrous relationship with her narcissistic boyfriend, Trey. But now he won’t leaver her alone.. texting, following her, etc. When he corners her she says she’s moved on… with Casey.
Casey was basically perfect for Noelle. Not only has he been there for her with Everything, but because of Trey, Noelle has a lot of emotional baggage and insecurities and he loved her through it all. Can They get their HEA or will this ruin their friendship?? Will Noelle FINALLY realize that Casey is her soul mate and he’s been there all along loving her…
This was such a nice addition to the Walker University series we even got some cameos from previous characters. I can’t wait to read Bo’s story next.
Highly recommend reading this series.
Tropes:
🏈College Football
🩵Friends-to-Lovers
🏈Friends with Benefits
🩵Spicy Lessons
🏈He Falls First
🩵Fake Dating
🏈it was always you
🩵dual pov
Strong Side by author Ava Sutton is book 3 in the Walker University Stallions series. It can be read as a complete standalone but for a better reading experience it’s best read in order for the side characters and stories. Book 3 gives us the story of Casey and Noelle.
Casey King, we met him in book 1 with his sister Charlie’s story. Now it’s his turn. Casey has been best friends with Noelle since they were younger. Casey has always wanted more but afraid to take the shot and ruin their friendship. Noelle, has finally ended her disastrous relationship with her narcissistic boyfriend, Trey. But now he won’t leaver her alone.. texting, following her, etc. When he corners her she says she’s moved on… with Casey.
Casey was basically perfect for Noelle. Not only has he been there for her with Everything, but because of Trey, Noelle has a lot of emotional baggage and insecurities and he loved her through it all. Can They get their HEA or will this ruin their friendship?? Will Noelle FINALLY realize that Casey is her soul mate and he’s been there all along loving her…
This was such a nice addition to the Walker University series we even got some cameos from previous characters. I can’t wait to read Bo’s story next.
Highly recommend reading this series.
October 2, 2025
❤️♾️🔥
Strong aside
By: Ava Sutton
“I accept.”
“You accept?” “
“You bet your *ss I accept. You told him I’m your boyfriend because Trey is a manipulative motherf*cker. Anything I can do to make him squirm, I’m game. What do you need from me then?”
“I don’t need a pity f*ck.”
“Trust me when I say, you’re the one who is doing me the favor here.”
“I swear, I couldn’t love you more. Then tomorrow comes, and I love you even more. Every day, it’s like that for me. I guess that’s what happens when you fall in love with your best friend.”
Casey and Noelle’s story is book 3 in the series and I am falling more in love with the series with each book! The books just keep getting better! There’s no unnecessary conflict, drama or second guessing. These characters know what they want and go for it and communicate, and I love it! Ava writes mean that are so devoted to their women, and eager to please which is so sexy!
Casey and Noelle have been best friends for a long time. Casey has always loved Noelle and been protective of her. So when Noelle comes to Casey about her ex boyfriend bothering her, Casey didn’t hesitate to agree to “date” her. But feelings quickly evolve and Casey has so problems sharing them with Casey, which I love!
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Friends With Benefits
Spicy Lessons
Football Romance
Spice Starts at: 38%
Spice: 3/4
Stars:5/5
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Strong aside
By: Ava Sutton
“I accept.”
“You accept?” “
“You bet your *ss I accept. You told him I’m your boyfriend because Trey is a manipulative motherf*cker. Anything I can do to make him squirm, I’m game. What do you need from me then?”
“I don’t need a pity f*ck.”
“Trust me when I say, you’re the one who is doing me the favor here.”
“I swear, I couldn’t love you more. Then tomorrow comes, and I love you even more. Every day, it’s like that for me. I guess that’s what happens when you fall in love with your best friend.”
Casey and Noelle’s story is book 3 in the series and I am falling more in love with the series with each book! The books just keep getting better! There’s no unnecessary conflict, drama or second guessing. These characters know what they want and go for it and communicate, and I love it! Ava writes mean that are so devoted to their women, and eager to please which is so sexy!
Casey and Noelle have been best friends for a long time. Casey has always loved Noelle and been protective of her. So when Noelle comes to Casey about her ex boyfriend bothering her, Casey didn’t hesitate to agree to “date” her. But feelings quickly evolve and Casey has so problems sharing them with Casey, which I love!
Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Friends With Benefits
Spicy Lessons
Football Romance
Spice Starts at: 38%
Spice: 3/4
Stars:5/5
Available on Kindle Unlimited
August 22, 2025
This book carried such a steady, comforting vibe from start to finish.
Casey King’s story is the one I’ve been waiting for since the very first book, and finally seeing him get his happily-ever-after with Noelle was so satisfying.
I truly felt for Noelle and everything she had been through, but what made this story so beautiful was the undeniable chemistry between her and Casey. As childhood best friends — with Casey’s feelings rooted all the way back in high school — their connection felt natural, deep, and impossible not to root for.
The last plot twist completely shocked me. It was unexpected, but also necessary, and added so much to their growth as a couple. It hit harder than I anticipated, and the way it was written left me impressed.
From the first page, you know you’re heading toward a happy ending (they’re childhood friends, duh 🤣), but the magic is in the journey. Watching Noelle slowly realize just how down bad Casey is for her was heartwarming. He is undeniably sweet, and she’s equally kind and gentle — together, they create a love story that feels built on true friendship, love, and deep understanding.
Strong Side is a tender, heartfelt, steady romance that delivered everything I wanted for Casey and Noelle — a childhood-friends-to-lovers story that proves sometimes the best love stories really do begin with friendship.
Thankyou Ava Sutton for the eARC!
Casey King’s story is the one I’ve been waiting for since the very first book, and finally seeing him get his happily-ever-after with Noelle was so satisfying.
I truly felt for Noelle and everything she had been through, but what made this story so beautiful was the undeniable chemistry between her and Casey. As childhood best friends — with Casey’s feelings rooted all the way back in high school — their connection felt natural, deep, and impossible not to root for.
The last plot twist completely shocked me. It was unexpected, but also necessary, and added so much to their growth as a couple. It hit harder than I anticipated, and the way it was written left me impressed.
From the first page, you know you’re heading toward a happy ending (they’re childhood friends, duh 🤣), but the magic is in the journey. Watching Noelle slowly realize just how down bad Casey is for her was heartwarming. He is undeniably sweet, and she’s equally kind and gentle — together, they create a love story that feels built on true friendship, love, and deep understanding.
Strong Side is a tender, heartfelt, steady romance that delivered everything I wanted for Casey and Noelle — a childhood-friends-to-lovers story that proves sometimes the best love stories really do begin with friendship.
Thankyou Ava Sutton for the eARC!
August 22, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/ 5
•Casey & Noelle
Walker U Stallions book 3
*I was provided an ARC of this book by the the author and their promotion team
Casey & Noelle’s story is probably one of my new friends-to-lovers stories of all time! 🙌🏽
After meeting Casey in book 1, I knew I’d love him when we finally got his story and Ava 100000% delivered! The way be continuously SHOWED UP for Noelle was so admirable, and his patience with her was so incredibly sweet and swoony! 🥹 Their journey from “friends”, to fake dating, to FINALLY giving into their feelings was fun and genuinely so heart warming to read. These two also had incredibly chemistry *chefs kiss* 🤌🏼 which was just the cherry on top of this amazing story!
Throughout the story, I really saw Casey as the hero, but was really blown away by Noelle’s bravery in facing her mental heath struggles head on. She proved to be the hero in her own story and once again, Casey’s unwavering support literally brought me to tears! 🥹🫶🏼 Even though this story is fast paced, it still served the perfect blend of character development, story progression, banter, and emotion! I still cannot believe this is Ava’s debut series, because she has not missed yet! This is another amazing addition and I cannot wait to return to Walker U for the next story! 🖤
*available on KU
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/ 5
•Casey & Noelle
Walker U Stallions book 3
*I was provided an ARC of this book by the the author and their promotion team
Casey & Noelle’s story is probably one of my new friends-to-lovers stories of all time! 🙌🏽
After meeting Casey in book 1, I knew I’d love him when we finally got his story and Ava 100000% delivered! The way be continuously SHOWED UP for Noelle was so admirable, and his patience with her was so incredibly sweet and swoony! 🥹 Their journey from “friends”, to fake dating, to FINALLY giving into their feelings was fun and genuinely so heart warming to read. These two also had incredibly chemistry *chefs kiss* 🤌🏼 which was just the cherry on top of this amazing story!
Throughout the story, I really saw Casey as the hero, but was really blown away by Noelle’s bravery in facing her mental heath struggles head on. She proved to be the hero in her own story and once again, Casey’s unwavering support literally brought me to tears! 🥹🫶🏼 Even though this story is fast paced, it still served the perfect blend of character development, story progression, banter, and emotion! I still cannot believe this is Ava’s debut series, because she has not missed yet! This is another amazing addition and I cannot wait to return to Walker U for the next story! 🖤
*available on KU
August 23, 2025
Casey and Noelle’s story is the perfect blend of heart, heat, and all the best friends-to-lovers vibes. They’ve been inseparable since middle school, but Casey has been hiding how much he truly loves her for years. When Noelle finally breaks free from a toxic relationship and needs a fake boyfriend to keep her ex at bay, Casey doesn’t hesitate because for him, it’s never been fake.
What I loved most about this book is how natural their transition from friendship to something deeper felt. Casey is patient, protective, and completely devoted to Noelle, but he never tries to overshadow her. He lifts her up, helps her heal, and shows her exactly what she deserves. And Noelle? She’s strong, funny, and so relatable in her insecurities. Watching her grow into the kind of love that’s been right in front of her all along was incredibly satisfying.
The chemistry between them is to die for, sweet, tender moments seamlessly balanced with passion that will have you kicking your feet. Add in a vibrant college football backdrop, found family warmth, and just the right amount of drama, and you’ve got a story that’s impossible to put down.
If you love fake dating, friends-to-lovers, or a hero who has been all in from day one, this book will steal your heart. It’s everything I wanted for these two and more.
What I loved most about this book is how natural their transition from friendship to something deeper felt. Casey is patient, protective, and completely devoted to Noelle, but he never tries to overshadow her. He lifts her up, helps her heal, and shows her exactly what she deserves. And Noelle? She’s strong, funny, and so relatable in her insecurities. Watching her grow into the kind of love that’s been right in front of her all along was incredibly satisfying.
The chemistry between them is to die for, sweet, tender moments seamlessly balanced with passion that will have you kicking your feet. Add in a vibrant college football backdrop, found family warmth, and just the right amount of drama, and you’ve got a story that’s impossible to put down.
If you love fake dating, friends-to-lovers, or a hero who has been all in from day one, this book will steal your heart. It’s everything I wanted for these two and more.
August 28, 2025
“I swear, I couldn’t love you more. Then tomorrow comes, and I love you even more. Every day it’s like that for me. I guess that’s what happens: you fall in love with your best friend.”
Casey has been best friends with Noelle since they were young. He has been pining over her for all those years. Casey was afraid to risk his friendship if he pursued more. Now, Noelle is trying to escape a toxic relationship. In order to get her ex-boyfriend to leave her alone, she lies and tells him she’s now dating Casey. When Casey finds out ,he decides to show her what it is like to be treated properly! Casey and Noelle’s relationship rapidly evolves into something real and explosive. Who knows you better than your bestie?
I swooned so hard for Casey King! He’s the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend. Give me a cinnamon roll with a side of spicy, and I’m a goner. He treated Noelle like the queen she deserved to be. I loved watching the progression of their relationship evolving into something intimate. Ava has a gift for writing swoony MC’s. This series found family is one of my favorites. I’m excited to see what she has coming next for us.
Tropes: football, college, friends to lovers, fake dating, friends with benefits, teach me, it’s always been you.
Thank you so much, Ava, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Casey has been best friends with Noelle since they were young. He has been pining over her for all those years. Casey was afraid to risk his friendship if he pursued more. Now, Noelle is trying to escape a toxic relationship. In order to get her ex-boyfriend to leave her alone, she lies and tells him she’s now dating Casey. When Casey finds out ,he decides to show her what it is like to be treated properly! Casey and Noelle’s relationship rapidly evolves into something real and explosive. Who knows you better than your bestie?
I swooned so hard for Casey King! He’s the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend. Give me a cinnamon roll with a side of spicy, and I’m a goner. He treated Noelle like the queen she deserved to be. I loved watching the progression of their relationship evolving into something intimate. Ava has a gift for writing swoony MC’s. This series found family is one of my favorites. I’m excited to see what she has coming next for us.
Tropes: football, college, friends to lovers, fake dating, friends with benefits, teach me, it’s always been you.
Thank you so much, Ava, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2025
4.5⭐️ Loved this friends to lovers story!! Casey has been in love with Noelle for years but he doesn’t want to cross that line and lose his best friend. He can’t stand Noelle’s current boyfriend and knows she deserves better. After Noelle stumbles upon her boyfriend in a less than ideal position she finally had enough but he won’t let her go. Casey steps in as her fake boyfriend to get her ex to leave her alone. Noelle can’t get past what she saw and what little experience she has in the bedroom so she takes this as a prime opportunity to learn and Casey would be the perfect teacher. Casey is more than happy to accommodate her request. What could possibly go wrong with in this situation? Well except for blurring lines and growing feelings.
I have been waiting for Casey’s story since the beginning and I loved it!! The dynamic between these two was amazing and it felt so natural for them to cross that line. I cannot stand Noelle’s ex…he made me SO ANGRY! She deserves nothing less than the way Casey treats her and it makes my heart so happy for her to finally have that. He is so protective of her. This series has been so fun and I love seeing all the characters from prior books. Defitniely add this one to your tbr!!
Tropes:
✨Football Romance
✨Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨Spicy Lessons
✨Fake Dating
✨He Falls First
I have been waiting for Casey’s story since the beginning and I loved it!! The dynamic between these two was amazing and it felt so natural for them to cross that line. I cannot stand Noelle’s ex…he made me SO ANGRY! She deserves nothing less than the way Casey treats her and it makes my heart so happy for her to finally have that. He is so protective of her. This series has been so fun and I love seeing all the characters from prior books. Defitniely add this one to your tbr!!
Tropes:
✨Football Romance
✨Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨Spicy Lessons
✨Fake Dating
✨He Falls First
February 15, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Narrating: 🎧🎧🎧🎧.25
Casey King & Noelle Jame's Story
This is the 3rd book in the Walker U Stallions series. We've got the teasers in book 1 and 2 about how Casey has feelings for his best friend, Noelle, but she always had a boyfriend. Well, this is there story and it's filled with all kinds of feelings coming to light. I was ready for these 2, and the author brought her A game for this book!
Tropes:
🏈 College Sports Romance (Football)
🩵 Best Friends to Lovers
🏈 Fake Dating
🩵 It's Always Been You
🏈 He Falls First & Hard
🩵 Teach Me/Spicy Lessons
🏈 Hidden Feelings
🩵 Protective/Possessive MMC
Narrators: Thomas Oakley & Sarah McEwan
These two narrators did a good job. I actually enjoyed their voices as a whole and the way they sounded. I just wished there would have been more emotion/action behind certain parts. Like during the spicy lessons/spicy times, when there was moaning the person's name or gasping words, they just read the parts with very little emotion behind it. More so her than him, but that's just because he didn't have to read those moments often.
Also, I say this often but stand firmly behind my words; I wish this book was done in duet narrating. It's hard to find a great narrator that that can sound both male and female during this line. Visa versa as well. Since duet narration came out, it's changed audiobooks 100%. All books should be done that way now. The female narrator in this book didn't do a great job sounding male. It was ok, but not great like others I've heard.
This book is about best friends Casey and Noelle and their junior year at Walker U. They have been best friends since middle school and pretty much un-sepreable since then.
Casey feels more for Noelle than just friendship. He's been in love with her since he was old enough to actually understand what love was. He wants more than friendship with her, but is scared that she doesn't feel the same and that he's just going to be friend zoned forever.
Noelle is going through a breakup in this book to get loser ex, Trey. She caught him cheating with her roommate, Zoey at the end of sophomore year. So she turned to the only person that's always been there for her, Casey to help her.
Trey is a narcissist and such a terrible person. Even though he was cheater, he pretty much blamed Noelle and her lack of skills in the bedroom. He was always putting her down and making snide comments to her about her looks, her friends, pretty much everything in her life. Noelle ended up believing a lot of those things and it tore her down.
Now starting their junior year at Walker, Trey won't leave Noelle alone. He's following her around campus and waiting on her after her classes. Doesn't matter if she blocked him on social media and phone, Trey text her from unknown numbers. Saying that she is his and she'll come running back like always.
Noelle is done now, and won't take him back. So she blurted out to him one day after he followed her from class that she was dating someone else now and have hot, wild and raunchy s3x with him. When Treyv blew up wanting to know who, she blurted the first person that came to get mind, Casey.
Now Noelle thinks she'll have to talk Casey into fake dating her, but he jumped at the opportunity. He thought this was his one chance to actually convince her that they will be perfect together and show her how a real man should treat his woman.
Casey is the perfect boyfriend and I loved how he loved Noelle. He wasn't scared to show her and when Noelle asked him if he'd teach her s3x lessons, it took their relationship to the next level.
She believed Trey when he said she was bad in bed, but he was just a selfish lover. She described their love life as vanilla. Pretty much a wham bam thank you ma'am kind of situation. He never even given her an O before. But when she caught him cheating with her roommate, the way he was doing it with her was very different than with her. So she thought he could be right about her being bad in bed. Casey shut that down real quick.
The more that Noelle is in this fake relationship with Casey, the more it doesn't feel fake between them. She starts having all these big feelings for her best friend. Everyone tells her Casey has had a thing for her and they could see and witness it all the time. But it's like she didn't believe or just didn't hear what others told her.
Casey was her protector and always wanted to fix her problems for her. She figured out this wasn't healthy for them or their relationship. Trey pretty much down some major things to her way of thinking and feeling about herself. And when she sees Trey at the ball field one day... let's just say that this part will blow your mind. I did not see this past coming at all.
After seeing what she did, Noelle realized just how much damage he'd done to her and wanted counciling to help her self esteem and to be the best partner to Casey that he needed. I agree with her seeking help, because she did see herself in such a negative light. Even if Casey made her feel perfect everyday, deep inside she had these insecurities because of her ex.
I don't necessarily agree with what she did when she decided to get help. I always thought you were supposed to surround yourself with positive people during times like this. Only have people in your life that love you and want the best for you. But that's not what happened. Poor Casey during this time. Just when he thinks he's got the girl, something else happens to separate them.
I loved this book and the real life issues in it. It had real world issues in it that I'm sure a lot of people could relate to. I'm glad Noelle was able to overcome her ex and wise he done to her. It was more damage that she led her family and Casey to believe. When she decided to get help to be the best partner to Casey, I love her mindset and her reasons behind everything. I'm also happy her blinders were lifted and she could see and feel the love from Casey in more than friendship way.
This is a must-read book. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend the series. It doesn't matter what order you read them in either. I started out with book 4, then book 2, then book 1, then book 5 and ended with this one. It's a pretty easy time line to follow along with in the books.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Narrating: 🎧🎧🎧🎧.25
Casey King & Noelle Jame's Story
This is the 3rd book in the Walker U Stallions series. We've got the teasers in book 1 and 2 about how Casey has feelings for his best friend, Noelle, but she always had a boyfriend. Well, this is there story and it's filled with all kinds of feelings coming to light. I was ready for these 2, and the author brought her A game for this book!
Tropes:
🏈 College Sports Romance (Football)
🩵 Best Friends to Lovers
🏈 Fake Dating
🩵 It's Always Been You
🏈 He Falls First & Hard
🩵 Teach Me/Spicy Lessons
🏈 Hidden Feelings
🩵 Protective/Possessive MMC
Narrators: Thomas Oakley & Sarah McEwan
These two narrators did a good job. I actually enjoyed their voices as a whole and the way they sounded. I just wished there would have been more emotion/action behind certain parts. Like during the spicy lessons/spicy times, when there was moaning the person's name or gasping words, they just read the parts with very little emotion behind it. More so her than him, but that's just because he didn't have to read those moments often.
Also, I say this often but stand firmly behind my words; I wish this book was done in duet narrating. It's hard to find a great narrator that that can sound both male and female during this line. Visa versa as well. Since duet narration came out, it's changed audiobooks 100%. All books should be done that way now. The female narrator in this book didn't do a great job sounding male. It was ok, but not great like others I've heard.
This book is about best friends Casey and Noelle and their junior year at Walker U. They have been best friends since middle school and pretty much un-sepreable since then.
Casey feels more for Noelle than just friendship. He's been in love with her since he was old enough to actually understand what love was. He wants more than friendship with her, but is scared that she doesn't feel the same and that he's just going to be friend zoned forever.
Noelle is going through a breakup in this book to get loser ex, Trey. She caught him cheating with her roommate, Zoey at the end of sophomore year. So she turned to the only person that's always been there for her, Casey to help her.
Trey is a narcissist and such a terrible person. Even though he was cheater, he pretty much blamed Noelle and her lack of skills in the bedroom. He was always putting her down and making snide comments to her about her looks, her friends, pretty much everything in her life. Noelle ended up believing a lot of those things and it tore her down.
Now starting their junior year at Walker, Trey won't leave Noelle alone. He's following her around campus and waiting on her after her classes. Doesn't matter if she blocked him on social media and phone, Trey text her from unknown numbers. Saying that she is his and she'll come running back like always.
Noelle is done now, and won't take him back. So she blurted out to him one day after he followed her from class that she was dating someone else now and have hot, wild and raunchy s3x with him. When Treyv blew up wanting to know who, she blurted the first person that came to get mind, Casey.
Now Noelle thinks she'll have to talk Casey into fake dating her, but he jumped at the opportunity. He thought this was his one chance to actually convince her that they will be perfect together and show her how a real man should treat his woman.
Casey is the perfect boyfriend and I loved how he loved Noelle. He wasn't scared to show her and when Noelle asked him if he'd teach her s3x lessons, it took their relationship to the next level.
She believed Trey when he said she was bad in bed, but he was just a selfish lover. She described their love life as vanilla. Pretty much a wham bam thank you ma'am kind of situation. He never even given her an O before. But when she caught him cheating with her roommate, the way he was doing it with her was very different than with her. So she thought he could be right about her being bad in bed. Casey shut that down real quick.
The more that Noelle is in this fake relationship with Casey, the more it doesn't feel fake between them. She starts having all these big feelings for her best friend. Everyone tells her Casey has had a thing for her and they could see and witness it all the time. But it's like she didn't believe or just didn't hear what others told her.
Casey was her protector and always wanted to fix her problems for her. She figured out this wasn't healthy for them or their relationship. Trey pretty much down some major things to her way of thinking and feeling about herself. And when she sees Trey at the ball field one day... let's just say that this part will blow your mind. I did not see this past coming at all.
After seeing what she did, Noelle realized just how much damage he'd done to her and wanted counciling to help her self esteem and to be the best partner to Casey that he needed. I agree with her seeking help, because she did see herself in such a negative light. Even if Casey made her feel perfect everyday, deep inside she had these insecurities because of her ex.
I don't necessarily agree with what she did when she decided to get help. I always thought you were supposed to surround yourself with positive people during times like this. Only have people in your life that love you and want the best for you. But that's not what happened. Poor Casey during this time. Just when he thinks he's got the girl, something else happens to separate them.
I loved this book and the real life issues in it. It had real world issues in it that I'm sure a lot of people could relate to. I'm glad Noelle was able to overcome her ex and wise he done to her. It was more damage that she led her family and Casey to believe. When she decided to get help to be the best partner to Casey, I love her mindset and her reasons behind everything. I'm also happy her blinders were lifted and she could see and feel the love from Casey in more than friendship way.
This is a must-read book. It can be read as a standalone, but I recommend the series. It doesn't matter what order you read them in either. I started out with book 4, then book 2, then book 1, then book 5 and ended with this one. It's a pretty easy time line to follow along with in the books.
August 20, 2025
The books in these series keep getting better. This was the perfect (best)friends to lovers and sprinkle a little fake dating.
Noelle James and Casey King have been besties forever. Even when Noelle had a boyfriend, Case was ALWAYS there! Was more of a boyfriend then her ex ever was! They had the best playful and I will always be there for you vibes. I love that there was no hesitation with these two and their friends and even though everyone around them could see they were ment to be together, it needed to happen on their own time.
The way they get themselves in the "fake dating" just proved that Noelle felt more but "didn't know where that was coming from".
Casey was utter perfection. I do not think there is one single thing wrong with him. He was protective, confident and new what he wanted.
Noelle grew throughout the book. Live and learn.
Together, how they loved each other was there and not going anywhere. They were each others other halves. The chemistry radiates off the page and gahhh, when they finally cross that line to friends to forever was so satisfying.
If you like:
Best Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Spicy Lessons
He falls first
Always Been You
Football Romance (College)
Noelle James and Casey King have been besties forever. Even when Noelle had a boyfriend, Case was ALWAYS there! Was more of a boyfriend then her ex ever was! They had the best playful and I will always be there for you vibes. I love that there was no hesitation with these two and their friends and even though everyone around them could see they were ment to be together, it needed to happen on their own time.
The way they get themselves in the "fake dating" just proved that Noelle felt more but "didn't know where that was coming from".
Casey was utter perfection. I do not think there is one single thing wrong with him. He was protective, confident and new what he wanted.
Noelle grew throughout the book. Live and learn.
Together, how they loved each other was there and not going anywhere. They were each others other halves. The chemistry radiates off the page and gahhh, when they finally cross that line to friends to forever was so satisfying.
If you like:
Best Friends to Lovers
Fake Dating
Spicy Lessons
He falls first
Always Been You
Football Romance (College)
August 22, 2025
ARC Review: 5⭐️
Strong Side is book 3 in the Walker University Stallions series featuring Casey King & Noelle James.
Casey & Noelle are best friends and spend a lot of time together. Casey has always wanted Noelle for himself but has never wanted to risk their friendship to explore what it could be.
Noelle goes home one night to find her boyfriend hooking up with her roommate. She breaks up with him immediately but he doesn’t seem to get the hint. After months of Noelle avoiding and blocking him, she finally breaks down and tells him that she’s dating Casey.
When Noelle tells Casey what she said he’s totally down to be her pretend boyfriend, especially with the hopes that he can convince her they can be something real.
Noelle’s ex however won’t go down without a fight. When Noelle finds out he’s been keeping many secrets, she finally realizes how much she allowed her self to be manipulated by him and needs to take time for herself to heal, sabotaging her relationship with Casey.
Will Noelle be able to find herself before she loses her shot at everything with Casey?
I adored this book so much, Noelle & Casey were perfect for one another and I was so in love with them from the start ! I can’t wait for more stories in this world!
Thank you Ava for the ARC !
Strong Side is book 3 in the Walker University Stallions series featuring Casey King & Noelle James.
Casey & Noelle are best friends and spend a lot of time together. Casey has always wanted Noelle for himself but has never wanted to risk their friendship to explore what it could be.
Noelle goes home one night to find her boyfriend hooking up with her roommate. She breaks up with him immediately but he doesn’t seem to get the hint. After months of Noelle avoiding and blocking him, she finally breaks down and tells him that she’s dating Casey.
When Noelle tells Casey what she said he’s totally down to be her pretend boyfriend, especially with the hopes that he can convince her they can be something real.
Noelle’s ex however won’t go down without a fight. When Noelle finds out he’s been keeping many secrets, she finally realizes how much she allowed her self to be manipulated by him and needs to take time for herself to heal, sabotaging her relationship with Casey.
Will Noelle be able to find herself before she loses her shot at everything with Casey?
I adored this book so much, Noelle & Casey were perfect for one another and I was so in love with them from the start ! I can’t wait for more stories in this world!
Thank you Ava for the ARC !
August 17, 2025
Sports romances are at times one of my favorite genres, especially college football because I'm a huge college football fan myself. This one was absolute gold! I loved that this story was so well balanced. We get the collegiate sports aspect, as well as the romance without the one overriding the other. Casey and Noelle are just perfect for each other. This is a best friend's to lovers romance done exceptionally well. The chemistry was there. The sparks were flying. And I loved how seamlessly they moved from best friends to more. Casey was book boyfriend goals through and through. This man knew Noelle was it for him, and when that door to more was cracked open this man kicked it down. I loved Noelle's character too. The way she was self-aware of the trauma that a past relationship did to her, and her desire to better herself was really well done. I loved Casey's patience with her. The way Ava wrote that whole situation was just really beautiful. I loved that there was no 3rd act break up or any unnecessary drama or angst. This was a wonderful sports romance that I would highly recommend.
August 19, 2025
Oh goodness Ava, each book in this series gets better and better. I straight up devoured this in one day. She has been keeping us feral for Casey and Noelle since book one and I was here for every moment of their story. These Stallion boys are so down bad for their girls, but I think this time I’m down bad for Casey. I have no words for how much I love him, no words, no notes….he’s just perfect. He has been pretty much in love with Noelle since they were young and not knowing how she felt he placed himself in the best friend role. When Noelle’s ex starts harassing her and following her all over campus, he steps in to help her. AND help her out he did. These two are hot, hot, hot. I mean that photo-booth scene will live in my mind for a very long time. Casey and Noelle’s story is such a beautiful friends to lovers journey that is so sweet and sexy. I love that we had all our fav characters back and how Ava got us ready for Bo. I know one thing, I’m so not ready for this series to end.
Thank you so much Ava and Wordsmith Publicity for the arc to one of my fav series.
Thank you so much Ava and Wordsmith Publicity for the arc to one of my fav series.
August 23, 2025
Strong Side is another great story from this author. It is a great friends to lovers romance. This series keeps getting better and better.
Casey and Noelle have been friends for years. Casey has always loved her but didn't want to risk their friendship for something more. Noelle escapes a bad relationship and her ex refuses to leave her alone. She tells him that she is now dating her friend Casey. Casey agrees to the fake relationship but there is no fake to him.
I loved how Casey and Noelle's friendship evolved to a relationship. Their chemistry was so good and I fell in love with these characters. I loved how Casey saw his chance with her and wanted to show her how she deserved to be treated by a man. I loved Noelle and how strong she was. I look forward to more from this series and from this very talented author. Highly recommended.
Reasons you will love this story:
* Friends to lovers
* Sports romance
* Fake dating
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Casey and Noelle have been friends for years. Casey has always loved her but didn't want to risk their friendship for something more. Noelle escapes a bad relationship and her ex refuses to leave her alone. She tells him that she is now dating her friend Casey. Casey agrees to the fake relationship but there is no fake to him.
I loved how Casey and Noelle's friendship evolved to a relationship. Their chemistry was so good and I fell in love with these characters. I loved how Casey saw his chance with her and wanted to show her how she deserved to be treated by a man. I loved Noelle and how strong she was. I look forward to more from this series and from this very talented author. Highly recommended.
Reasons you will love this story:
* Friends to lovers
* Sports romance
* Fake dating
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
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