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Walker University Stallions #1
Counter Play
In the game of love, it’s hard to level the playing field when your opponent is the one who got away.
I was nine years old when I claimed Charlie King as mine. We were in love — high school sweethearts — until one devastating day when it all fell apart.
Two years later, she’s back in my life and needs a place to live. Sure, she’s infuriating, and her kissable smart mouth keeps me on my toes, but her being in my space falls into my plan to get her back.
Charlie doesn’t want anything to do with me but I’ll be damned if I let her walk out of my life again. Even if it means the dark secrets of my past will come rushing back to haunt us both.
When we’re down to the wire, it’s time to make a counter play and win my girl back for good.
I was nine years old when I claimed Charlie King as mine. We were in love — high school sweethearts — until one devastating day when it all fell apart.
Two years later, she’s back in my life and needs a place to live. Sure, she’s infuriating, and her kissable smart mouth keeps me on my toes, but her being in my space falls into my plan to get her back.
Charlie doesn’t want anything to do with me but I’ll be damned if I let her walk out of my life again. Even if it means the dark secrets of my past will come rushing back to haunt us both.
When we’re down to the wire, it’s time to make a counter play and win my girl back for good.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2025
491 people are currently reading
6594 people want to read
About the author
Ava Sutton
17 books108 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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April 15, 2025****Read for COVER DESIGN PROJECT / beta read****
April 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
counter play is the first book in the walker university stallions series, and while i didn’t fall head over heels for it, i definitely liked it. it’s a solid college sports romance with a mix of sweet, spicy, and emotional moments that kept me turning the pages, even if i wasn’t totally obsessed. the story follows charlie and beck, who were childhood best friends and clearly always had something more brewing between them. they reconnect in college after years apart, and their bond is still there—but it’s complicated.
i really liked beck. he’s been through a lot, and his quiet, soft side mixed with all that emotional baggage made him feel real. my heart broke for him at several points, especially once everything about his past came to light. charlie was likable too, but i’ll be honest—there were a few moments where she kind of annoyed me. considering how close they were for so long, it didn’t totally make sense that she didn’t know more about his family situation. i get that people keep secrets, but still. some of her reactions just felt a little off.
the romance itself is a mix of second chance, friends-to-lovers, and brother’s best friend, with a bit of forced proximity thrown in. there were definitely cute and steamy moments between them, and their chemistry was there, but i didn’t always feel as emotionally connected to them as i wanted to. sometimes it felt like something was missing, or like their relationship needed just a little more depth.
the pacing was mostly good, though it did slow down in the middle. one thing i really liked was the side characters. casey, noelle, liam, and arch—they all added personality to the story, and honestly, i’m really hoping casey gets his own book next. the college sports angle was fun, and i liked the found family vibes woven in with the friend group and support systems.
overall, this book didn’t completely blow me away, but i still enjoyed it. it had enough emotional weight to balance out the romance, and it touched on some serious stuff like trauma, addiction, and mental health in a way that felt genuine. i’m definitely curious to see where the series goes from here, and i’d read more from ava sutton.
heads up: there are some heavy topics in here—past abuse, alcoholism, grief, and emotional trauma—so keep that in mind before diving in. if you’re into second chances, a little drama, and a lot of heart, you might want to give this one a try.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review!
counter play is the first book in the walker university stallions series, and while i didn’t fall head over heels for it, i definitely liked it. it’s a solid college sports romance with a mix of sweet, spicy, and emotional moments that kept me turning the pages, even if i wasn’t totally obsessed. the story follows charlie and beck, who were childhood best friends and clearly always had something more brewing between them. they reconnect in college after years apart, and their bond is still there—but it’s complicated.
i really liked beck. he’s been through a lot, and his quiet, soft side mixed with all that emotional baggage made him feel real. my heart broke for him at several points, especially once everything about his past came to light. charlie was likable too, but i’ll be honest—there were a few moments where she kind of annoyed me. considering how close they were for so long, it didn’t totally make sense that she didn’t know more about his family situation. i get that people keep secrets, but still. some of her reactions just felt a little off.
the romance itself is a mix of second chance, friends-to-lovers, and brother’s best friend, with a bit of forced proximity thrown in. there were definitely cute and steamy moments between them, and their chemistry was there, but i didn’t always feel as emotionally connected to them as i wanted to. sometimes it felt like something was missing, or like their relationship needed just a little more depth.
the pacing was mostly good, though it did slow down in the middle. one thing i really liked was the side characters. casey, noelle, liam, and arch—they all added personality to the story, and honestly, i’m really hoping casey gets his own book next. the college sports angle was fun, and i liked the found family vibes woven in with the friend group and support systems.
overall, this book didn’t completely blow me away, but i still enjoyed it. it had enough emotional weight to balance out the romance, and it touched on some serious stuff like trauma, addiction, and mental health in a way that felt genuine. i’m definitely curious to see where the series goes from here, and i’d read more from ava sutton.
heads up: there are some heavy topics in here—past abuse, alcoholism, grief, and emotional trauma—so keep that in mind before diving in. if you’re into second chances, a little drama, and a lot of heart, you might want to give this one a try.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review!
April 14, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
5/5⭐️
I’m blown away that this is Ava’s first book. It’s amazing and I loved it.
I absolutely love how hard he loves her.🥹
They broke up, and she heard some rumors about him. She ends up “hating” him but is still completely in love with him.
Beck is best friends with her twin brother and they play on the same football team.
Well Beck and Charlie end up becoming roommates and things start to change…. For the better😝
I love their chemistry. I love how hot they are together. I love that her brother knows that Beck’s still loves her and tries to make them get along.
Charlie is feeling like she is missing something that happened in the past that Beck hasn’t told her.
Everything comes out and things get a little sad..
Becks is afraid of his happiness (Charlie) and the evil from his past colliding but he knows he is never gonna let his girl go again.
I love all the other boys so I can’t wait to read their books also!
5/5⭐️
I’m blown away that this is Ava’s first book. It’s amazing and I loved it.
I absolutely love how hard he loves her.🥹
They broke up, and she heard some rumors about him. She ends up “hating” him but is still completely in love with him.
Beck is best friends with her twin brother and they play on the same football team.
Well Beck and Charlie end up becoming roommates and things start to change…. For the better😝
I love their chemistry. I love how hot they are together. I love that her brother knows that Beck’s still loves her and tries to make them get along.
Charlie is feeling like she is missing something that happened in the past that Beck hasn’t told her.
Everything comes out and things get a little sad..
Becks is afraid of his happiness (Charlie) and the evil from his past colliding but he knows he is never gonna let his girl go again.
I love all the other boys so I can’t wait to read their books also!
April 14, 2025
3.75⭐️(Rounded up)
2.5🌶
This was a really solid debut! I'm such a sucker for Second chance romances and I ATE this one up. I loved Beckham and Charlie together. I do feel like the reason for their breakup was a little childish though 😬 Then again they are only in college. Their age is definitely reflected in this book but it's not necessary a bad thing. I really enjoyed it for the most part. The dramaaaaaa was good and made it fun to read.
Read this if you enjoy:
💗 College Football Romance
💗 Brother's Best Friend
💗 Second Chance
💗 Roommates
💗 "It's always been you"
2.5🌶
This was a really solid debut! I'm such a sucker for Second chance romances and I ATE this one up. I loved Beckham and Charlie together. I do feel like the reason for their breakup was a little childish though 😬 Then again they are only in college. Their age is definitely reflected in this book but it's not necessary a bad thing. I really enjoyed it for the most part. The dramaaaaaa was good and made it fun to read.
Read this if you enjoy:
💗 College Football Romance
💗 Brother's Best Friend
💗 Second Chance
💗 Roommates
💗 "It's always been you"
September 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️2 stars!
Bro….im not going to lie but I skimmed at least 60% of this book. It was the most boring shit I have ever read. The two mc’s had ZERO chemistry together, they sounded like robots together and the whole plot was so BORING. Maybe Im in a slump but I did not enjoy this.
Bro….im not going to lie but I skimmed at least 60% of this book. It was the most boring shit I have ever read. The two mc’s had ZERO chemistry together, they sounded like robots together and the whole plot was so BORING. Maybe Im in a slump but I did not enjoy this.
May 27, 2025
“𝙄’𝙫𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚.”
This was a really fun and sweet debut novel from Ava Sutton. Brother’s best friend…enemies to lovers…second chance AND a sports romance? Perfect!
Charlie and Beckham were high school sweethearts until rumours start swirling about Beckham, and Charlie’s love turns to hate. He becomes her enemy and vows to never speak to him again…which is kind of hard considering he’s her twin brothers best friend.
Two years later they are at the same college and fate intervenes and they are stuck…reluctantly…being roommates. Charlie tries to make her hate for him known even though deep down she knows she still loves him and he has her heart. Beckham sees this as an opportunity to win the love of his life back. Determined not to let her slip through his fingers again.
There’s an underlying darkness to Beckham. Family trauma and secrets that he’s kept hidden to protect himself and those around him that he cares about. Eventually he shares those with Charlie, knowing the only way to fix their past is with total honesty and transparency. It was heartbreaking to hear his back story and I really felt for him. Charlie was such a good support to him and their friends that surrounded them created a much needed family for both of them.
There were a few things that didn’t work for me. The relationship between Beckham and Charlie seemed surface level. For me it lacked depth. They just…seemed to connect only physically and every important conversation started after having sex. Which seemed wild to me. There’s a time and place for conversations like the serious ones they had and it just felt like in bed wasn’t it.
Also…the reason for their breakup ? It made no sense. It was a big case of miscommunication that could have easily been solved with just talking? Like asking a question ? But that never happened. She just randomly believed some friend and not her loving boyfriend. Actually she couldn’t believe him because she never talked to him! That’s where my frustration came in.
Either way…I think it was a really good first book and I’m excited to see where the rest of the series goes 🩷
Thank you Ava Sutton and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to ARC read this book 🩷
🏈Football Romance
🌸College Romance
🏈Brothers Best Friend
🌸New Adult
🏈Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🌸Second Chance
🏈Miscommunication
🌸Mental Health Rep
🏈Secrets
🌸Family Trauma
🏈Broken Boy
🌸Forced Proximity
🏈Found Family
🌸It’s Always Been You
🏈Dual POV
This was a really fun and sweet debut novel from Ava Sutton. Brother’s best friend…enemies to lovers…second chance AND a sports romance? Perfect!
Charlie and Beckham were high school sweethearts until rumours start swirling about Beckham, and Charlie’s love turns to hate. He becomes her enemy and vows to never speak to him again…which is kind of hard considering he’s her twin brothers best friend.
Two years later they are at the same college and fate intervenes and they are stuck…reluctantly…being roommates. Charlie tries to make her hate for him known even though deep down she knows she still loves him and he has her heart. Beckham sees this as an opportunity to win the love of his life back. Determined not to let her slip through his fingers again.
There’s an underlying darkness to Beckham. Family trauma and secrets that he’s kept hidden to protect himself and those around him that he cares about. Eventually he shares those with Charlie, knowing the only way to fix their past is with total honesty and transparency. It was heartbreaking to hear his back story and I really felt for him. Charlie was such a good support to him and their friends that surrounded them created a much needed family for both of them.
There were a few things that didn’t work for me. The relationship between Beckham and Charlie seemed surface level. For me it lacked depth. They just…seemed to connect only physically and every important conversation started after having sex. Which seemed wild to me. There’s a time and place for conversations like the serious ones they had and it just felt like in bed wasn’t it.
Also…the reason for their breakup ? It made no sense. It was a big case of miscommunication that could have easily been solved with just talking? Like asking a question ? But that never happened. She just randomly believed some friend and not her loving boyfriend. Actually she couldn’t believe him because she never talked to him! That’s where my frustration came in.
Either way…I think it was a really good first book and I’m excited to see where the rest of the series goes 🩷
Thank you Ava Sutton and Wordsmith Publicity for the opportunity to ARC read this book 🩷
🏈Football Romance
🌸College Romance
🏈Brothers Best Friend
🌸New Adult
🏈Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🌸Second Chance
🏈Miscommunication
🌸Mental Health Rep
🏈Secrets
🌸Family Trauma
🏈Broken Boy
🌸Forced Proximity
🏈Found Family
🌸It’s Always Been You
🏈Dual POV
May 5, 2025
What a great start to a new series! Beckham and Charlie have been best friends since childhood and always together until her senior year. Flash forward a couple years to Charlie’s sophomore year at university when, due to a housing snafu, she’s stuck living with her twin brother and his best friend Beck. Soon they realize they’re meant to be together and grow from there overcoming the problems why they split in the first place. I will say it felt like the book was 70% smut and 30%, but I still enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
May 2, 2025
Rate: 5/5 Spice: 5/5
I devoured this book! It was SO good and I can’t wait for more! This is about Charlie and Beck. You have second chance, brothers best friends, possessive MMC, and spice. This is a football romance and it starts with an enemies to lovers and the banter is soo good! He buckles her seat belt and the dirty talk is 🔥. There are some serious topics, but I loved seeing them work through it together. If you like sports romance you will love this book and I’m so excited for the rest of the series!💛
I devoured this book! It was SO good and I can’t wait for more! This is about Charlie and Beck. You have second chance, brothers best friends, possessive MMC, and spice. This is a football romance and it starts with an enemies to lovers and the banter is soo good! He buckles her seat belt and the dirty talk is 🔥. There are some serious topics, but I loved seeing them work through it together. If you like sports romance you will love this book and I’m so excited for the rest of the series!💛
April 16, 2025
What a great debut! Counter Play is a fast, sexy read that will pull you in immediately and have you eagerly anticipating more from Ava Sutton.
Charlie and Beck are childhood friends turned more, but just before leaving for college, secrets and lies tear them apart. Now Charlie is transferring to the same school her twin brother and Beck attend, and Beck is determined to make things right and win her back.
As the story unravels, you can help but get pulled into the truth behind the heartbreaking secrets Beck has been keeping. But each small gesture and truth revealed shows Charlie that Beck is still just as in love with her as she is with him. The spice in this one is so well done, and I loved how both Beck and Charlie were both vocal about their needs.
Also, if you are someone who often thinks to yourself that you want more sport in your sports romance, this gives it to you! You can tell Ava knows her football. And finally, there’s a whole found family crew that I really enjoyed, and I’m definitely looking forward to the 3 other books in the series!
Charlie and Beck are childhood friends turned more, but just before leaving for college, secrets and lies tear them apart. Now Charlie is transferring to the same school her twin brother and Beck attend, and Beck is determined to make things right and win her back.
As the story unravels, you can help but get pulled into the truth behind the heartbreaking secrets Beck has been keeping. But each small gesture and truth revealed shows Charlie that Beck is still just as in love with her as she is with him. The spice in this one is so well done, and I loved how both Beck and Charlie were both vocal about their needs.
Also, if you are someone who often thinks to yourself that you want more sport in your sports romance, this gives it to you! You can tell Ava knows her football. And finally, there’s a whole found family crew that I really enjoyed, and I’m definitely looking forward to the 3 other books in the series!
April 17, 2025
⭐️4 🌶️2 ARC Review
Well that was unexpectedly sweet! For Ava’s debut novel, I am so impressed! It was so sweet, heartfelt and at times tough when we learn the truth about Beck’s past. I love that Ava didn’t shy away from detailing a tough childhood like so many authors can, it really showed her passion for creating characters with depth and how their journeys can shape them.
I loved the relationships in this book. The friendships between the guys on the team, the sisterhood of the girls, the sibling love between twins Casey and Charlie, but most of all Beck and Charlie 😍
Beck’s love for Charlie was SO strong! And even in their time apart it was unwavering. Charlie had some forgiving to do but when she learns the truth she realises how badly she was manipulated by a so called friend. I felt for them both, but they really worked at coming back together.
This was so good for a first book and I am so glad I had the chance to review it for Ava! I’m excited to see what happens for Casey and Noelle, and also Archie and his mystery woman! Ava’s writing would be perfect for Monica Murphy fans, if she’s someone whose books you love then check this out!
Well that was unexpectedly sweet! For Ava’s debut novel, I am so impressed! It was so sweet, heartfelt and at times tough when we learn the truth about Beck’s past. I love that Ava didn’t shy away from detailing a tough childhood like so many authors can, it really showed her passion for creating characters with depth and how their journeys can shape them.
I loved the relationships in this book. The friendships between the guys on the team, the sisterhood of the girls, the sibling love between twins Casey and Charlie, but most of all Beck and Charlie 😍
Beck’s love for Charlie was SO strong! And even in their time apart it was unwavering. Charlie had some forgiving to do but when she learns the truth she realises how badly she was manipulated by a so called friend. I felt for them both, but they really worked at coming back together.
This was so good for a first book and I am so glad I had the chance to review it for Ava! I’m excited to see what happens for Casey and Noelle, and also Archie and his mystery woman! Ava’s writing would be perfect for Monica Murphy fans, if she’s someone whose books you love then check this out!
September 18, 2025
2.5 Stars. This wasn't a *bad* book exactly, but it was a book where nothing really happens and the "conflict" seems ridiculous. It's supposed to be a second chance, but it really seemed like more like a pause happened in their relationship and they basically picked it right back up. Their break-up in the first place seems over blown and unnecessary to begin with. I can't imagine breaking up over a misunderstanding that way when you've been together for 7 years and are each other's first love...and considering it was all a dumb misunderstanding that her parents knew about, how could you leave your daughter broken hearted, as I'm sure she had to be knowing it's all because he's boyfriend doesn't want to tell her he was abused as a child. That's another thing that seemed overly dramatic. Dar be it for me to tell anyone else how to handle grief or trauma, but from the way he acted, it seemed like the H was from like a horrible family who did unspeakable things, when in reality, he has a mom who was struggling with post-partum and parental stress which caused her to become an abusive alcoholic. Not saying what she did was anywhere in the ballpark of okay, but the level of trauma he seemed to have about it did not match the actual abuse described and it really doesn't make sense he was so hush-hush about it, to the point of hiding it and lying about it from his girlfriend. Which leads to the 3ed act "break" they had which made less than zero sense. His mom come unexpectedly to see him and he loses his shit. That's some what understandable, but then somehow he takes it out on the h? He gets mad at her questions and says he needs space...space to do what? I don't understand even a little bit. Then the h seems to take this to the next level and moves out of the house and gives him a "break" for 2 weeks, when all he wanted was a night so he could prepare for his game or some shit? It made no sense at all other than that there had been zero REAL conflict or struggle, so I guess the author just wanted to insert some of that in. Overall this was a boring book that had decent writing, but overall just seemed like a slice of life of these college sweethearts. I definitely don't plan to read this author anytime soon.
December 12, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book! I can’t believe it’s a debut! If you live for the brother’s best friend and forced proximity tropes, then you need to drop everything and pick up this series starter immediately. Beck and Charlie have been obsessed with each other since they were nine years old, but one devastating misunderstanding in high school tore them apart. Now, two years later, Charlie is transferring to Walker University to be near her twin brother, only to realize that escaping her past (and her first love, Beck!) is going to be impossible.
When Charlie’s housing plans literally go up in flames, she ends up moving into her brother’s place, but there’s a massive catch: the only available space is sharing a room with Beck. The tension is absolute fire! Beck is on a mission to win back the girl who got away, and he is not holding back. Watching him fight so hard for her made me melt. Their chemistry is effortless and the way they understand each other is completely second nature.
While the romance is front and center, the emotional depth of this story caught me completely off guard. Beck carries a tragic past that he’s kept guarded for years and seeing him finally open up to Charlie was so incredibly moving. Beyond the romance, the found family vibes at Walker are top-tier! The group of guys is chaotic and fun, and watching Charlie finally find her place and thrive made me so happy. This is an incredible start to a new series!
When Charlie’s housing plans literally go up in flames, she ends up moving into her brother’s place, but there’s a massive catch: the only available space is sharing a room with Beck. The tension is absolute fire! Beck is on a mission to win back the girl who got away, and he is not holding back. Watching him fight so hard for her made me melt. Their chemistry is effortless and the way they understand each other is completely second nature.
While the romance is front and center, the emotional depth of this story caught me completely off guard. Beck carries a tragic past that he’s kept guarded for years and seeing him finally open up to Charlie was so incredibly moving. Beyond the romance, the found family vibes at Walker are top-tier! The group of guys is chaotic and fun, and watching Charlie finally find her place and thrive made me so happy. This is an incredible start to a new series!
April 16, 2025
Quick Summary: A NA college sports romance
My Review: Counter Play by Ava Sutton is book #1 in the Walker University Stallions series. It is scheduled for release on 5/2/25.
About the Book: "In the game of love, it’s hard to level the playing field when your opponent is the one who got away.
Charlie doesn’t want anything to do with me but I’ll be damned if I let her walk out of my life again.
When we’re down to the wire, it’s time to make a counter play and win my girl back for good. "
In My Own Words: Two former best friends turned lovers split and take steps to make their way back to each other.
About the Premise & Hook: The premise of this book was compelling enough to draw my interest. The win or lose scenario did what it does and got my attention. The more I read, the more I wanted to read.
About the Cast of Characters: The setup of characters in this book was done so effortlessly that it was easy to fall in like with them. From the players to the partners, I wanted to know what was what. They were all so interesting, particularly Casey and Noelle, as well as Liam. (It's a toss up tie for fav between Pitz and Arch, actually.)
About the Conflict: There were a number of issues in this story, but the main one concerning Beck was devastating. My heart hurt for him and his family. How do you come back from that? Thank goodness for the love and support that he and his family found.
About the Sports Angle: Go, Stallions!
My Final Say: I really enjoyed this NA romance. There was a lot to it. The story offered sweetness, spiciness, and the bitterness of the sour challenges that come with living life. The characters were charming and relatable. They all seemed to be at an in between stage of life - growing yet still in need of maturation. They did the best they could, under the circumstances. All in all, the ending and the epilogue took it there...to the place of HEA and new beginnings.
I'm totally ready for book #2. Let's go!
Readers who enjoy the following tropes will adore this read:
College Sports Romance
Brother's Best Friend
Close Proximity
Second Chance
Found family
Overcoming Tragedy
Friends to Enemies to Lovers
Dual POV
Other: I appreciated the mental health representation. It was definitely needed. The distinguishable elements were necessary for this story and for those who were involved.
Trigger: Potential readers are advised to read all author & publisher notes related to this book. There is an indication of violence and abuse, as well as alcoholism & addiction.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA
Status/Level: 💕
Pacing: M
Plot: Character-driven
Triggers: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Compass Press LLC | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful for the opportunity to voluntarily share my thoughts and opinions on this title. I look forward to continuing this series, as well as reading more from this writer.
My Review: Counter Play by Ava Sutton is book #1 in the Walker University Stallions series. It is scheduled for release on 5/2/25.
About the Book: "In the game of love, it’s hard to level the playing field when your opponent is the one who got away.
Charlie doesn’t want anything to do with me but I’ll be damned if I let her walk out of my life again.
When we’re down to the wire, it’s time to make a counter play and win my girl back for good. "
In My Own Words: Two former best friends turned lovers split and take steps to make their way back to each other.
About the Premise & Hook: The premise of this book was compelling enough to draw my interest. The win or lose scenario did what it does and got my attention. The more I read, the more I wanted to read.
About the Cast of Characters: The setup of characters in this book was done so effortlessly that it was easy to fall in like with them. From the players to the partners, I wanted to know what was what. They were all so interesting, particularly Casey and Noelle, as well as Liam. (It's a toss up tie for fav between Pitz and Arch, actually.)
About the Conflict: There were a number of issues in this story, but the main one concerning Beck was devastating. My heart hurt for him and his family. How do you come back from that? Thank goodness for the love and support that he and his family found.
About the Sports Angle: Go, Stallions!
My Final Say: I really enjoyed this NA romance. There was a lot to it. The story offered sweetness, spiciness, and the bitterness of the sour challenges that come with living life. The characters were charming and relatable. They all seemed to be at an in between stage of life - growing yet still in need of maturation. They did the best they could, under the circumstances. All in all, the ending and the epilogue took it there...to the place of HEA and new beginnings.
I'm totally ready for book #2. Let's go!
Readers who enjoy the following tropes will adore this read:
College Sports Romance
Brother's Best Friend
Close Proximity
Second Chance
Found family
Overcoming Tragedy
Friends to Enemies to Lovers
Dual POV
Other: I appreciated the mental health representation. It was definitely needed. The distinguishable elements were necessary for this story and for those who were involved.
Trigger: Potential readers are advised to read all author & publisher notes related to this book. There is an indication of violence and abuse, as well as alcoholism & addiction.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA
Status/Level: 💕
Pacing: M
Plot: Character-driven
Triggers: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Compass Press LLC | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful for the opportunity to voluntarily share my thoughts and opinions on this title. I look forward to continuing this series, as well as reading more from this writer.
April 29, 2025
Counter Play makes you feel the plot in every each chapter, every conversation between Beck and Charlie! Ava Sutton's debut is magnificent in structure, emotional in design, and so addictive in pace that I almost forgot to breathe, the atmosphere is flourishing, charged with a magnetic pull between two people who were always meant to orbit each other, regardless of the damage left behind! The deep anguish of past mistakes parallels in the background like faint thunder, poised to rupture!!!
.
Ava reveals Beck as a romantic lead, but also as a yearning, flesh-and-blood youngster with a past that is constructed into the very essence of who he is, his past is a storm that shakes the pages as it unravels, this book's emotional weight is resonant, Beck's secrets exist not for dramatic reasons, but because pain penetrates deep and reshapes you, and Charlie was a strong woman who doesn't just fall into Beck's circle, she makes him work for it! Their banter flames with fire, their chemistry boils, and the tension is so intense. Watching them fall again, this time accompanied by the ghosts of their history, is therapeutic and bittersweet!
.
The found family energy was magnificent, from the wild excitement of game-day scenes to the riveting closeness of the Walker University team, Ava delivers something original and entertaining, you can feel the boys' undying commitment, the girls' sisterhood, and Casey and Charlie's twin relationship, all of which make the wonderful backbone of the story. The sport prevails the individuals' personalities, and Beck's relationship to the field is saturated with emotion, purpose, and the anguish of someone who has carried too much too soon, every locker-room joke, every soul-shaking play is delivered with grace and intelligence, further adding complexity to the already compulsion story!
.
Charlie and Beck fight tooth and claw for their love and their gain feels deserved, the way Ava Sutton handles forgiveness is hauntingly beautiful—raw, imperfect, but very real, and the ending gave me a shiver, like something magnificent had just unfolded and left a piece of itself behind! Counter Play is the debut that makes you sit up and pay attention, it's fascinating, powerful, and sad in all the right ways. Ava Sutton is an Author to watch, and I, for one, am already obsessed with her outstanding writing, this is my favourite sports romance of the Year so far and I highly recommend it to every Tessa Bailey, Ana Huang and Chelsea Curto fans!
.
Ava reveals Beck as a romantic lead, but also as a yearning, flesh-and-blood youngster with a past that is constructed into the very essence of who he is, his past is a storm that shakes the pages as it unravels, this book's emotional weight is resonant, Beck's secrets exist not for dramatic reasons, but because pain penetrates deep and reshapes you, and Charlie was a strong woman who doesn't just fall into Beck's circle, she makes him work for it! Their banter flames with fire, their chemistry boils, and the tension is so intense. Watching them fall again, this time accompanied by the ghosts of their history, is therapeutic and bittersweet!
.
The found family energy was magnificent, from the wild excitement of game-day scenes to the riveting closeness of the Walker University team, Ava delivers something original and entertaining, you can feel the boys' undying commitment, the girls' sisterhood, and Casey and Charlie's twin relationship, all of which make the wonderful backbone of the story. The sport prevails the individuals' personalities, and Beck's relationship to the field is saturated with emotion, purpose, and the anguish of someone who has carried too much too soon, every locker-room joke, every soul-shaking play is delivered with grace and intelligence, further adding complexity to the already compulsion story!
.
Charlie and Beck fight tooth and claw for their love and their gain feels deserved, the way Ava Sutton handles forgiveness is hauntingly beautiful—raw, imperfect, but very real, and the ending gave me a shiver, like something magnificent had just unfolded and left a piece of itself behind! Counter Play is the debut that makes you sit up and pay attention, it's fascinating, powerful, and sad in all the right ways. Ava Sutton is an Author to watch, and I, for one, am already obsessed with her outstanding writing, this is my favourite sports romance of the Year so far and I highly recommend it to every Tessa Bailey, Ana Huang and Chelsea Curto fans!
April 20, 2025
This was a wonderful debut novel and I’m happy I got the chance to read it. Beck and Charlie were great together and my heart went out to them for the time and reason they were apart for. This was a sweet read, with some emotion, raw feelings and showcased the trauma and hard childhood Beck endured well.
Beck let Charlie walk out of his life once, and he is not doing it again. She is the love of his life and is determined to make it up to her. His love for her was so deep, he was protective, possessive and so adorable.
These two have a great connection but there is also a lot of hurt and some secrets. Now they are back in the same place, forced to share a living space-they fall easily back into the comfort of being together and don’t waste a moment making up for the time they lost. Charlie and Beck are hot and steam up the pages well and often! But there is still so much left unsaid that they know they have to talk about, and some things Charlie needs to know. Once everything came out, it was difficult-maybe even a little frustrating at times-but they did a good job working through it together and coming out stronger.
I loved the friendships in this story, even though our characters were close with their families they also had a wonderful friend group and found family vibe.
The football scenes were detailed showing the author was both knowledgeable and a fan. You could feel the emotions Beck had while playing and Charlie while watching.
I very much enjoyed the introduction into the Walker University world. The side characters were fantastic and a fun addition. I look forward to seeing more of them and what comes from the little teases.
This was a great second-chance, brother’s best friend, college sports romance.
4⭐️
**thank you to the author for a copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
EDIT
Beck let Charlie walk out of his life once, and he is not doing it again. She is the love of his life and is determined to make it up to her. His love for her was so deep, he was protective, possessive and so adorable.
These two have a great connection but there is also a lot of hurt and some secrets. Now they are back in the same place, forced to share a living space-they fall easily back into the comfort of being together and don’t waste a moment making up for the time they lost. Charlie and Beck are hot and steam up the pages well and often! But there is still so much left unsaid that they know they have to talk about, and some things Charlie needs to know. Once everything came out, it was difficult-maybe even a little frustrating at times-but they did a good job working through it together and coming out stronger.
I loved the friendships in this story, even though our characters were close with their families they also had a wonderful friend group and found family vibe.
The football scenes were detailed showing the author was both knowledgeable and a fan. You could feel the emotions Beck had while playing and Charlie while watching.
I very much enjoyed the introduction into the Walker University world. The side characters were fantastic and a fun addition. I look forward to seeing more of them and what comes from the little teases.
This was a great second-chance, brother’s best friend, college sports romance.
4⭐️
**thank you to the author for a copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own
EDIT
May 8, 2025
Counter Play is the first novel in the Walker University Stallions series and I thought that it was a strong start.
I really love the Childhood friends-to-"strangers"-to-lovers trope and Ava does a really good job at developing this connection and giving us their past as she develops their present. I loved the prologue. The brief cliffhanger kept me turning the pages. That is the mark of a great storyteller.
I loved Beck, this slightly broken boy, who has tried real hard to keep his family's past close to his chest. His love for Charlie is tangible and it is powerful.
Charlie, she is a fantastic FMC, trying to navigate feelings she thought were long buried but hit her full force the moment Beck re-entered her orbit. We can see, that this fight will not last, but she gives it that " good ol' college try."
I loved the fact that his friends just accepted her (granted, one of them is her twin) and made her part of their family. The playfulness between all of these secondary characters created more depth for the MCs but also set the groundwork for the next novels in the series.
For me, there are two reasons I didn't rate this as 5, and this is just my personal opinion. (1) sometimes there were just overly descriptive moments. I think that for me, when that happened, it severed my connection with the characters and lost the momentum of the story. and (2) having important conversations during (spicy) moments. It felt like all of their breakthroughs were during a sexual moment, and I personally do not think that those moments were the time for those conversations (regardless of how well written.)
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and a strong start to the series! I am excited see who is up next and where this series goes (I have so many questions about Casey and Noelle).
Thank you, Ava Sutton and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC in return for an honest review.
I really love the Childhood friends-to-"strangers"-to-lovers trope and Ava does a really good job at developing this connection and giving us their past as she develops their present. I loved the prologue. The brief cliffhanger kept me turning the pages. That is the mark of a great storyteller.
I loved Beck, this slightly broken boy, who has tried real hard to keep his family's past close to his chest. His love for Charlie is tangible and it is powerful.
Charlie, she is a fantastic FMC, trying to navigate feelings she thought were long buried but hit her full force the moment Beck re-entered her orbit. We can see, that this fight will not last, but she gives it that " good ol' college try."
I loved the fact that his friends just accepted her (granted, one of them is her twin) and made her part of their family. The playfulness between all of these secondary characters created more depth for the MCs but also set the groundwork for the next novels in the series.
For me, there are two reasons I didn't rate this as 5, and this is just my personal opinion. (1) sometimes there were just overly descriptive moments. I think that for me, when that happened, it severed my connection with the characters and lost the momentum of the story. and (2) having important conversations during (spicy) moments. It felt like all of their breakthroughs were during a sexual moment, and I personally do not think that those moments were the time for those conversations (regardless of how well written.)
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and a strong start to the series! I am excited see who is up next and where this series goes (I have so many questions about Casey and Noelle).
Thank you, Ava Sutton and Wordsmith Publicity for the ARC in return for an honest review.
August 31, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was the first book I’ve by Ava and it wasn’t bad. There were some moments I felt like I was losing interest and a couple things that didn’t really make sense, but all in all this was a good read. One thing I’ll say is I didn’t want to put it down.
But I found it a little hard to believe that in all the years that Casey and Charlie were friends with Beck, neither questioned the scar on his hand. Or even asked where his mom was. What happened to Beck and his sister was absolutely horrible, but I found it hard to believe that neither him or nor his friends would never once bring up his mom. Even if it was for him to shut the questions down, I would still think Casey and Charlie would have questions. And I found it difficult to believe that Casey and his and Charlie’s mom knew the truth about Britney and never told Charlie. Everyone allowed her to think Beck cheated on her, even he did. It made no sense.
I did however agree with Beck when Charlie asked why he never broke her door down and fought for her. Why should he have when she thought the absolute worst in him.
Final thoughts… good read. Great characters, even the side characters were entertaining and enjoyable. And I’m looking forward to immediately reading book 2 next.
This was the first book I’ve by Ava and it wasn’t bad. There were some moments I felt like I was losing interest and a couple things that didn’t really make sense, but all in all this was a good read. One thing I’ll say is I didn’t want to put it down.
But I found it a little hard to believe that in all the years that Casey and Charlie were friends with Beck, neither questioned the scar on his hand. Or even asked where his mom was. What happened to Beck and his sister was absolutely horrible, but I found it hard to believe that neither him or nor his friends would never once bring up his mom. Even if it was for him to shut the questions down, I would still think Casey and Charlie would have questions. And I found it difficult to believe that Casey and his and Charlie’s mom knew the truth about Britney and never told Charlie. Everyone allowed her to think Beck cheated on her, even he did. It made no sense.
I did however agree with Beck when Charlie asked why he never broke her door down and fought for her. Why should he have when she thought the absolute worst in him.
Final thoughts… good read. Great characters, even the side characters were entertaining and enjoyable. And I’m looking forward to immediately reading book 2 next.
September 28, 2025
4.5⭐️ I ate this one up in a day!! Beck has loved Charlie since he was 9 years old but one misunderstanding escalated to a break up back in high school. It’s been two years since and now she’s finally back at the same school as him and he’s determined to win her back. Charlie got lost her senior year and ended up going to a different school than her twin brother. After an awful freshman she’s transferring to Walker. She knew she would have to face Beck eventually but coming face to face with him on their roadtrip there was not what she imagined. When her housing plans go up in flames she ends up at her brother’s house but unfortunately the only room with space for hers just so happens to be Becks. Will this arrangement go up in flames or will this be exactly what Beck needs to start to win back the girl who got away.
What an amazing debut! I can already tell I’m going to enjoy each book in this series. The group of guys is so fun! I cannot get over Beck and Charlie though I just love them together and the fact that they’ve loved each other since they were little is just so sweet. Beck has been through so much in his life. My heart broke for him and his sister. I can understand why he’s guarded but I love how he finally opens up to Charlie. You can tell they both never stopped loving the other despite everything that went down. The found family vibes here were amazing! Not just with the guys either. Charlie truly finds her place at walker and it made my heart so happy to see them all thrive together!!
Tropes:
✨Second Chance Romance
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Football Romance
✨Roommates/Forced Proximity
✨Found Family
What an amazing debut! I can already tell I’m going to enjoy each book in this series. The group of guys is so fun! I cannot get over Beck and Charlie though I just love them together and the fact that they’ve loved each other since they were little is just so sweet. Beck has been through so much in his life. My heart broke for him and his sister. I can understand why he’s guarded but I love how he finally opens up to Charlie. You can tell they both never stopped loving the other despite everything that went down. The found family vibes here were amazing! Not just with the guys either. Charlie truly finds her place at walker and it made my heart so happy to see them all thrive together!!
Tropes:
✨Second Chance Romance
✨Brother’s Best Friend
✨Football Romance
✨Roommates/Forced Proximity
✨Found Family
April 23, 2025
This was such a sweet and emotional debut. I’m so glad I got the chance to read it! Beck and Charlie had incredible chemistry, and their second-chance romance hit all the right notes. From the moment they were back in each other’s lives, the sparks flew, and it was impossible not to root for them.
Beck may have let Charlie go once, but he’s determined not to make that mistake again. His love for her runs deep, protective, possessive, and completely devoted. Their connection is undeniable, and while the steam is definitely there, so are the feelings, the hurt, and the secrets they still need to face.
I appreciated how the story tackled Beck’s childhood trauma with care. His struggle to open up and let people in felt raw and real, and it added depth to the romance. The miscommunications were frustrating at times, but watching them work through it and grow stronger together made it worth it.
The friendships and found family vibe were such a great addition, and the football scenes were detailed and full of heart, you could really feel the passion behind them. The Walker University setting was fun, and the side characters added so much life to the story. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of this world!
A heartfelt, steamy, second-chance, brother’s best friend college romance done right.
Beck may have let Charlie go once, but he’s determined not to make that mistake again. His love for her runs deep, protective, possessive, and completely devoted. Their connection is undeniable, and while the steam is definitely there, so are the feelings, the hurt, and the secrets they still need to face.
I appreciated how the story tackled Beck’s childhood trauma with care. His struggle to open up and let people in felt raw and real, and it added depth to the romance. The miscommunications were frustrating at times, but watching them work through it and grow stronger together made it worth it.
The friendships and found family vibe were such a great addition, and the football scenes were detailed and full of heart, you could really feel the passion behind them. The Walker University setting was fun, and the side characters added so much life to the story. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of this world!
A heartfelt, steamy, second-chance, brother’s best friend college romance done right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2025
I absolutely love Beck and Charlie’s Chemistry and how they completely understood each other. They break up because of a rumor and Charlie was hurt especially after Beck decides not to talk about it which didn’t help. But deep down she knows the truth, so when Charlie moves back and goes to the same university as her twin brother (also Becks best friend) there is some complications with her room situation and she ends up moving in with the guys, but ultimately having to share a room with Beck. And so his plans to win her back began! I loved how hard Beck fought for Charlie, how hard he loves her so beautiful
Beck has a tragic past that he never told Charlie or her brother details about his past and his past and present collide for a minute causing some drama.
But Charlie and Beck ultimately handle it together and it was so sweet to see them work though that together and they were mature. I love all the boys I absolutely can’t wait for their stories. Zone Protection book 2 can’t come soon enough!!
Tropes:
💗Second Chance
🏈Brother’s Best Friend
💗Found Family
🏈Secret Past
💗It’s Always Been You
🏈First Love
💗Emotional Scars
🏈Childhood Friends to lovers to enemies
💗Forced Proximity
🏈College Football Romance
Beck has a tragic past that he never told Charlie or her brother details about his past and his past and present collide for a minute causing some drama.
But Charlie and Beck ultimately handle it together and it was so sweet to see them work though that together and they were mature. I love all the boys I absolutely can’t wait for their stories. Zone Protection book 2 can’t come soon enough!!
Tropes:
💗Second Chance
🏈Brother’s Best Friend
💗Found Family
🏈Secret Past
💗It’s Always Been You
🏈First Love
💗Emotional Scars
🏈Childhood Friends to lovers to enemies
💗Forced Proximity
🏈College Football Romance
May 1, 2025
This is such a sweet childhood crush story — with a dash of heavy emotional baggage!
I fell in love from the very first chapter. I mean… a little boy having a crush on a little girl??!!! That totally ate me up!
Charlie King and Beckham Linson have a history that runs deep — from first love to heartbreak.
Their chemistry is undeniable, and every banter, glance, and unresolved tension had me absolutely hooked.
Their feelings never really went away, but with everything they’ve both been through, what mattered most was how they worked their way back to each other.
I loved how Beckham refused to give up — how he fought so hard to win Charlie back.
And his secret?? My heart broke for him. HOW did he get through all of that?! 😢😢
And can we talk about Casey?? He gives such strong bro energy in the best way. I really hope he gets his own happily-ever-after — he deserves it so much!
If you love:
• Childhood sweethearts reconnecting
• Found family vibes
• First love nostalgia
• And enough forced proximity to make you scream “JUST KISS ALREADY!” —
then you’re definitely going to enjoy Counter Play.
Thank you to Ava Sutton and Wordsmith Publicity for the e-ARC!
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I fell in love from the very first chapter. I mean… a little boy having a crush on a little girl??!!! That totally ate me up!
Charlie King and Beckham Linson have a history that runs deep — from first love to heartbreak.
Their chemistry is undeniable, and every banter, glance, and unresolved tension had me absolutely hooked.
Their feelings never really went away, but with everything they’ve both been through, what mattered most was how they worked their way back to each other.
I loved how Beckham refused to give up — how he fought so hard to win Charlie back.
And his secret?? My heart broke for him. HOW did he get through all of that?! 😢😢
And can we talk about Casey?? He gives such strong bro energy in the best way. I really hope he gets his own happily-ever-after — he deserves it so much!
If you love:
• Childhood sweethearts reconnecting
• Found family vibes
• First love nostalgia
• And enough forced proximity to make you scream “JUST KISS ALREADY!” —
then you’re definitely going to enjoy Counter Play.
Thank you to Ava Sutton and Wordsmith Publicity for the e-ARC!
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
May 1, 2025
This was such a great read! The sweet romance, the solid friendships, the fun banter, and the sizzling tension made this book an absolute joy to read. Beckham, the MMC, is so far gone for Charlie, the FMC, and it's completely adorable. They were endearing and so obviously meant to be together. I was swooning over every single shared moment. It really was one of the sweetest second chance/ childhood friends to lovers books I’ve ever read. The found family/ community amongst these characters tugged at my heartstrings. 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮 was truly a fantastic read. It was my first book by Ava Sutton and it definitely will not be my last. I am hooked and SO ready for book two in the 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 series!
”𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.”
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ:
💕 Second Chance
🥹 Childhood Friends to Lovers to Enemies
📚 College Age
🏈 Sports Romance
💕 Brother’s Best Friend
🫶🏼 Found Family
✨ Forced Proximity
A huge thank you to Ava Sutton for providing me with an ARC of 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮!
”𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦.”
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ:
💕 Second Chance
🥹 Childhood Friends to Lovers to Enemies
📚 College Age
🏈 Sports Romance
💕 Brother’s Best Friend
🫶🏼 Found Family
✨ Forced Proximity
A huge thank you to Ava Sutton for providing me with an ARC of 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮!
April 18, 2025
Second chance is my favorite trope, and when the guy is determined to get back his girl? Yes, sign me up please!
Beck fell in love with Charlie when they were just 9 years old. They were best friends, then high school sweethearts, but then it all fell apart. Two years later, she's back at his college and she's staying in his house. He'd already planned to win her back, so he's not really upset about it, but he may have his work cut out for him.
Not only are second chances my favorite, but Beck is also my favorite kind of hero. He's sweet, possessive, and is totally obsessed with Charlie. He's not about to let her get away a second time, but he's also got some secrets that he needs to come clean about. Charlie is determined to protect her heart, but she also can't deny that Beck is the one who has always held it. I loved the chemistry between these two. They have banter, plenty of romance and steam, and just enough drama to keep me turning the pages.
This a college football romance and there is a fair amount of game time plus a great group of players that I can't wait to read more about. Counter Play is a debut novel and it's a great start to this series. I personally cannot wait to read the next book!
Beck fell in love with Charlie when they were just 9 years old. They were best friends, then high school sweethearts, but then it all fell apart. Two years later, she's back at his college and she's staying in his house. He'd already planned to win her back, so he's not really upset about it, but he may have his work cut out for him.
Not only are second chances my favorite, but Beck is also my favorite kind of hero. He's sweet, possessive, and is totally obsessed with Charlie. He's not about to let her get away a second time, but he's also got some secrets that he needs to come clean about. Charlie is determined to protect her heart, but she also can't deny that Beck is the one who has always held it. I loved the chemistry between these two. They have banter, plenty of romance and steam, and just enough drama to keep me turning the pages.
This a college football romance and there is a fair amount of game time plus a great group of players that I can't wait to read more about. Counter Play is a debut novel and it's a great start to this series. I personally cannot wait to read the next book!
April 15, 2025
4.5 STARS
I was instantly captured by the characters that Ava has created in this second chance romance with some misunderstandings, college sports romance. The way the story flows and keeps you siezed into the book until the very end.
Beck and Charlie have that love that is bigger than the two of them. They found it at a young age and even though they spent a couple of years apart. That love still stands strong.
Beck is playing the game he loves with his best friend, but something is missing.
Charlie is transferring to the college she was supposed to go to. Due to some issues, she finds herself in a situation she didn't think would happen.
Both characters have depth and things that make them who they are.
I enjoyed this book and the way it made me feel. I am excited to see what happens with the next couple.. I love the way it was set up so you are itching for more!
I was instantly captured by the characters that Ava has created in this second chance romance with some misunderstandings, college sports romance. The way the story flows and keeps you siezed into the book until the very end.
Beck and Charlie have that love that is bigger than the two of them. They found it at a young age and even though they spent a couple of years apart. That love still stands strong.
Beck is playing the game he loves with his best friend, but something is missing.
Charlie is transferring to the college she was supposed to go to. Due to some issues, she finds herself in a situation she didn't think would happen.
Both characters have depth and things that make them who they are.
I enjoyed this book and the way it made me feel. I am excited to see what happens with the next couple.. I love the way it was set up so you are itching for more!
April 16, 2025
#ARCREADER
Ava Sutton’s book Counter Play is a must-read for romance novel lovers, especially those who enjoy college romance and sports romance. The story of Beck and Charlie will make you smile, laugh, feel curious, and even get a little hot with their intimacy😍🔥🤭
In a twist on the typical narrative, when a sister dates her brother’s best friend, the brother usually disapproves. However, Casey is different; he wholeheartedly supports Charlie and Beck’s relationship.
What I truly appreciate and love is the solid and humorous friendship among Casey, Beck, Archie, and Liam🤩🫡🙌. Their camaraderie adds a delightful layer to the story. There are many parts that became my favorites, but the standout for me is Beck’s love for Charlie💗. Even though they went through a breakup due to miscommunication, their love for each other never faded❤️🔥.
Thank you for this beautiful story, and I can’t wait for your second book!👏❤️
Ava Sutton’s book Counter Play is a must-read for romance novel lovers, especially those who enjoy college romance and sports romance. The story of Beck and Charlie will make you smile, laugh, feel curious, and even get a little hot with their intimacy😍🔥🤭
In a twist on the typical narrative, when a sister dates her brother’s best friend, the brother usually disapproves. However, Casey is different; he wholeheartedly supports Charlie and Beck’s relationship.
What I truly appreciate and love is the solid and humorous friendship among Casey, Beck, Archie, and Liam🤩🫡🙌. Their camaraderie adds a delightful layer to the story. There are many parts that became my favorites, but the standout for me is Beck’s love for Charlie💗. Even though they went through a breakup due to miscommunication, their love for each other never faded❤️🔥.
Thank you for this beautiful story, and I can’t wait for your second book!👏❤️
May 3, 2025
I did not want this to end! & I see it's Avas debut-lies! 😂 I loved this so much,and cannot wait for the other guys stories!
Charlie( Charlene) and Beck are so damn perfect for each other and I broke my heart to see what really happened that tore them apart. Beck claimed Charlie as his as a little boy, with a terrible home life. She. her brother, their parents and football made his days better. & then there is a fall out between them and they're done.
Charlie is transferring schools to be with her twin brother again, and when the room for her at school is not available, she has to move in with her brother's house with 3 other football players-including her ex.
Ahh, smell that forced proximity. 🙏
and second chance- Beck has a plan-he wants his girl back.
There's obviously still strong feelings between them, and Charlie is sassy and Beck loves it. He shows up for her, leaves her flowers, she grabs his favorite cheat snacks and they make a mess of brownie batter 😏. It's all so good-the banter, the spice, and the roommates make this such a fun and heartfelt read
Charlie( Charlene) and Beck are so damn perfect for each other and I broke my heart to see what really happened that tore them apart. Beck claimed Charlie as his as a little boy, with a terrible home life. She. her brother, their parents and football made his days better. & then there is a fall out between them and they're done.
Charlie is transferring schools to be with her twin brother again, and when the room for her at school is not available, she has to move in with her brother's house with 3 other football players-including her ex.
Ahh, smell that forced proximity. 🙏
and second chance- Beck has a plan-he wants his girl back.
There's obviously still strong feelings between them, and Charlie is sassy and Beck loves it. He shows up for her, leaves her flowers, she grabs his favorite cheat snacks and they make a mess of brownie batter 😏. It's all so good-the banter, the spice, and the roommates make this such a fun and heartfelt read
May 6, 2025
3.75⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
This was such a cute read & and a solid debut!
Charlie and Beck were childhood sweethearts. I loved that they reconnected so quickly after a few years apart. I really that Charlie’s older brother (and Beck’s best friend) was totally supportive of their relationship.
My heart hurt for Beck after we learn about his traumatic childhood. The impact this caused on him & him having kept it to himself for so long was truly heartbreaking 😭
My biggest struggle with the book was staying fully engaged throughout. The backstory about their breakup two years prior didn’t land for me. It felt like an overblown miscommunication that weakened the emotional connection building up between these characters.
I do look forward to reading more in this series!
Thank you so much Ava Sutton for this ARC🤍
This was such a cute read & and a solid debut!
Charlie and Beck were childhood sweethearts. I loved that they reconnected so quickly after a few years apart. I really that Charlie’s older brother (and Beck’s best friend) was totally supportive of their relationship.
My heart hurt for Beck after we learn about his traumatic childhood. The impact this caused on him & him having kept it to himself for so long was truly heartbreaking 😭
My biggest struggle with the book was staying fully engaged throughout. The backstory about their breakup two years prior didn’t land for me. It felt like an overblown miscommunication that weakened the emotional connection building up between these characters.
I do look forward to reading more in this series!
Thank you so much Ava Sutton for this ARC🤍
May 12, 2025
The fact that this is a debut is absolutely astounding. Ava truly crushed this. I was immediately invested in Beck and Charlie and their friends to enemies to lovers story. I have said this before and I will say it a million times over, friends to lovers is an immediate and aggressive YES for me and it is a totally underrated trope. I will forever stan and devour friends to lovers. Beck and Charlie were the definition of meant to be. From the second Beck arrived they were thick as thieves and the three musketeers, along with Charlie's twin brother Casey, and he just knew she was meant to be his. The claiming at the racing tree had me absolutely captured because ohmygosh how stinking cute! My favorite part of this book was the cast of supporting characters. From Archie and the boys to Arbor and the girls, I just loved each and every piece of this puzzle. The found family trope hits so good in this one, to the point where I seriously cannot wait for everyone else's books. I am genuinely salivating at Casey and you know whos! Gimme, gimme, gimme. My one and ONLY minor criticism, as a true and total tomboy and all sports FANATIC, is when reading a sports romance and terminology is used incorrectly and is untrue to the game. It also came during a perspective of the character who is playing the sport which bummed me out a bit. Other than that, I would say this was a raging success for a debut and I cannot wait to continue the series. Thank you Ava, for allowing me to read your book baby! 4.25/5 stars!!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
*College football romance
*friends to enemies to lovers
*Found family
*It's always been you
*Secret Tattoo
*Forced proximity
WHAT TO EXPECT:
*College football romance
*friends to enemies to lovers
*Found family
*It's always been you
*Secret Tattoo
*Forced proximity
April 17, 2025
What a banger of a debut! This book was so good and lately I've been such a sucker for a second chance romance with a childhood friends to lovers moment and this book satisfied that perfectly.
This man LOVES his girl - HARD. He was obsessed with her and would've done anything to write the wrongs of his past mistakes and the end of their relationship. I loved that this book was full of a groveling and obsession from our MMC.
The story had me hooked from the beginning - the last line of the prologue sucked me in and kept me turning the pages trying to learn where their relationship went wrong the first time around.
I love the mix of romance and sports throughout this book and I cannot wait for more from this college group!
💜College Football Romance
💜Brother's Best Friend
💜 Second Chance
💜 Roommates
💜 "It's always been you"
This man LOVES his girl - HARD. He was obsessed with her and would've done anything to write the wrongs of his past mistakes and the end of their relationship. I loved that this book was full of a groveling and obsession from our MMC.
The story had me hooked from the beginning - the last line of the prologue sucked me in and kept me turning the pages trying to learn where their relationship went wrong the first time around.
I love the mix of romance and sports throughout this book and I cannot wait for more from this college group!
💜College Football Romance
💜Brother's Best Friend
💜 Second Chance
💜 Roommates
💜 "It's always been you"
April 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a pleasant surprise!
Sometimes second chance romance can get get repetitive or the miscommunication trope can drive me bonkers to the point where I end up stop reading it. Not this one!!!
This brother's best friend and second romance has such a great mixture of everything! Also their reason for breaking up totally made sense. While heartbreaking it could very well happen and would definitely required some therapy or counseling. I also loved how in this story it wasn't about hiding the relationship from the brother is was solely on their own issues.
This had me in all my feeling and spice was spicing! I highly recommend this one and I cant wait for the next one!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a pleasant surprise!
Sometimes second chance romance can get get repetitive or the miscommunication trope can drive me bonkers to the point where I end up stop reading it. Not this one!!!
This brother's best friend and second romance has such a great mixture of everything! Also their reason for breaking up totally made sense. While heartbreaking it could very well happen and would definitely required some therapy or counseling. I also loved how in this story it wasn't about hiding the relationship from the brother is was solely on their own issues.
This had me in all my feeling and spice was spicing! I highly recommend this one and I cant wait for the next one!
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