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The Big Boys of BRU #2
Under the Lights
Dominic Kincaid can get fucked. All the way.
After a rebound one-night stand — okay, and maybe the hottest night of my entire life — I don’t expect to ever see him again.
Turns out he’s been lying to me since he first opened his mouth, which puts him squarely on my shit list. Maybe that’s thanks to my major trust issues, but after being betrayed by the people closest to me time and time again, it feels warranted.
My parents screwed me over, my boyfriend cheated on me, and oh yeah, my sorority kicked me out because I wouldn’t fall in line.
Just when I think things can’t get worse, he’s here — constantly, popping up, no matter where I go, and chasing me with a ferocity and impertinence that outright enrages me. It definitely does not make my chest flutter like a whole ass swarm of butterflies has taken up residence in there. Nope, not happening.
But he keeps showing up for me. No terms, no conditions — just pure devotion and support. My focus should be on making those who wronged me pay for their sins, but he refuses to give up.
The thought of trusting someone again scares the shit out of me… but maybe some people are worth it.
Under the Lights is a spicy MF college football romance featuring an actual Big Boy, dirty talk, all the banter, an age gap (she’s older), Grumpy FMC x Sunshine MMC, an obsessed and protective hero who dips his toes into some morally gray areas, a one-night stand, and kink exploration.
This book is intended for readers 18+, and the second installment in a series of interconnected standalones.
After a rebound one-night stand — okay, and maybe the hottest night of my entire life — I don’t expect to ever see him again.
Turns out he’s been lying to me since he first opened his mouth, which puts him squarely on my shit list. Maybe that’s thanks to my major trust issues, but after being betrayed by the people closest to me time and time again, it feels warranted.
My parents screwed me over, my boyfriend cheated on me, and oh yeah, my sorority kicked me out because I wouldn’t fall in line.
Just when I think things can’t get worse, he’s here — constantly, popping up, no matter where I go, and chasing me with a ferocity and impertinence that outright enrages me. It definitely does not make my chest flutter like a whole ass swarm of butterflies has taken up residence in there. Nope, not happening.
But he keeps showing up for me. No terms, no conditions — just pure devotion and support. My focus should be on making those who wronged me pay for their sins, but he refuses to give up.
The thought of trusting someone again scares the shit out of me… but maybe some people are worth it.
Under the Lights is a spicy MF college football romance featuring an actual Big Boy, dirty talk, all the banter, an age gap (she’s older), Grumpy FMC x Sunshine MMC, an obsessed and protective hero who dips his toes into some morally gray areas, a one-night stand, and kink exploration.
This book is intended for readers 18+, and the second installment in a series of interconnected standalones.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2025
56 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Sorena Graves
4 books60 followersSorena Graves writes the books she loves to read and just can't seem to find enough of. She loves unconventional main characters and tropes, all wrapped up in a scorching hot package.
Her home is currently in Germany, where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog, but she plans to make Australia her home soon.
When Sorena isn't busy writing steamy love stories, she can be found either riding horses or enjoying a glass of rosé while crafting her next irresistible tale.
Her home is currently in Germany, where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog, but she plans to make Australia her home soon.
When Sorena isn't busy writing steamy love stories, she can be found either riding horses or enjoying a glass of rosé while crafting her next irresistible tale.
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July 12, 2025Thank you to the author for sending me the safety wish more authors did this
Neither V
No OWD
No OMD
No OP after meeting
And no On page w others
So now I can dive into this one soon!
Would love safety on this!!!! Anyone who reads please -any deets would be great
Neither V
No OWD
No OMD
No OP after meeting
And no On page w others
So now I can dive into this one soon!
Would love safety on this!!!! Anyone who reads please -any deets would be great
July 15, 2025
So I did really enjoy this. It was a really fun, extra spicy read.
Book 1, Colt and Hailey’s book is still my fave but I’m really looking forward to Ella and Hunters book too.
Dom and Sierra meet at a club and it’s insta-lust for both of them. She had just ended a relationship literally that day, she caught her ex cheating. Unbeknownst to Sierra, Dom isn’t even a college student- yet. He’s there on a recruiting trip. He’s 19 and a couple months off graduating high school and doesn’t tell her any of this, just that he goes to school in a different state and he’s there visiting. So they have an explosive ONS, seriously for someone so young he certainly seems to know what he’s doing and the mouth on this man! (boy?)
So from here he’s absolutely obsessed with her and determined that when he comes back to start there that he’ll make her his, so then we have a few month separation while he finishes/graduates high school until he turns up at college and lucky for him Sierra turns out to be his sister Ella’s new roommate.
So when he gets there and she realises he omitted the truth about his age etc (she’s 23 so she’s bothered by the age thing at first) she tries to shut him down but he’s all in with wanting to make her his that he spends the rest of the book just being an extreme golden retriever, they start sleeping together but the entire time she’s still holding on to her ice queen persona and is constantly trying to push him away or at least keep him at arms length but he is persistent as fuck. She doesn’t give in and admit that she wants him until 88%
There’s also a whole sorority scandal plot alongside all that where she got made to leave due to discovering some shady shit and she’s trying to uncover it all while the sorority and frat try to threaten her not to expose them. The fmcs ex is tied to this too so he does pop up a couple times but I wouldn’t really count it as OMD.
-dual pov
-reverse age gap she’s 23 he’s 19
-fmc volleyball player, mmc football player
-One night stand then few month separation and both were celibate
-no virgins but no mention of H’s past at all or when he was last with someone.
-safe no owd/omd- there’s one tiny owd that’s insignificant but I know my fellow safety readers will want to know:
So the only tiny owd was when he was at an end of school year party it was around 23%, it was after the H and h’s ONS but before they’re reunited at college again. There’s a girl Lucy who he said he made out with once or twice at parties. She asks him to have ‘their own little farewell’ She leans in to kiss him and he moves away quickly then he tries to let her down gently and a little bit too nicely in my opinion because he tells her she’s amazing and that she’s gorgeous and a nice girl but he’s not interested. He tells her he met someone and when the ow is like so she’s not here so what’s the problem, that’s when he shuts her down properly.
“My words were clipped. “The problem is, I’m not interested. The only person I’m interested in is, as you said, not here.” I rose to my full height, glowering down at her.”
After their ONS he really was only all about Sierra and was 100% loyal while separate and together.
-HFN ending
-Epilogue is 5 years later on their wedding day
Book 1, Colt and Hailey’s book is still my fave but I’m really looking forward to Ella and Hunters book too.
Dom and Sierra meet at a club and it’s insta-lust for both of them. She had just ended a relationship literally that day, she caught her ex cheating. Unbeknownst to Sierra, Dom isn’t even a college student- yet. He’s there on a recruiting trip. He’s 19 and a couple months off graduating high school and doesn’t tell her any of this, just that he goes to school in a different state and he’s there visiting. So they have an explosive ONS, seriously for someone so young he certainly seems to know what he’s doing and the mouth on this man! (boy?)
So from here he’s absolutely obsessed with her and determined that when he comes back to start there that he’ll make her his, so then we have a few month separation while he finishes/graduates high school until he turns up at college and lucky for him Sierra turns out to be his sister Ella’s new roommate.
So when he gets there and she realises he omitted the truth about his age etc (she’s 23 so she’s bothered by the age thing at first) she tries to shut him down but he’s all in with wanting to make her his that he spends the rest of the book just being an extreme golden retriever, they start sleeping together but the entire time she’s still holding on to her ice queen persona and is constantly trying to push him away or at least keep him at arms length but he is persistent as fuck. She doesn’t give in and admit that she wants him until 88%
There’s also a whole sorority scandal plot alongside all that where she got made to leave due to discovering some shady shit and she’s trying to uncover it all while the sorority and frat try to threaten her not to expose them. The fmcs ex is tied to this too so he does pop up a couple times but I wouldn’t really count it as OMD.
-dual pov
-reverse age gap she’s 23 he’s 19
-fmc volleyball player, mmc football player
-One night stand then few month separation and both were celibate
-no virgins but no mention of H’s past at all or when he was last with someone.
-safe no owd/omd- there’s one tiny owd that’s insignificant but I know my fellow safety readers will want to know:
So the only tiny owd was when he was at an end of school year party it was around 23%, it was after the H and h’s ONS but before they’re reunited at college again. There’s a girl Lucy who he said he made out with once or twice at parties. She asks him to have ‘their own little farewell’ She leans in to kiss him and he moves away quickly then he tries to let her down gently and a little bit too nicely in my opinion because he tells her she’s amazing and that she’s gorgeous and a nice girl but he’s not interested. He tells her he met someone and when the ow is like so she’s not here so what’s the problem, that’s when he shuts her down properly.
“My words were clipped. “The problem is, I’m not interested. The only person I’m interested in is, as you said, not here.” I rose to my full height, glowering down at her.”
After their ONS he really was only all about Sierra and was 100% loyal while separate and together.
-HFN ending
-Epilogue is 5 years later on their wedding day
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2025
BETA READ - ARC REREAD - 4.5 ⭐️
Hows that Taylor Swift line go? “Like a big tattooed golden retriever”…I feel like she was describing Dom to a T 🥵
Dom and Sierra meet at a party and are the perfect example of a black cat and golden retriever pairing. Bad ass ice queen volleyball player Sierra just left her cheating boyfriend and decides to follow through with the age old remedy, getting over someone by getting under someone else. Dom is in town deciding whether or not to go to BRU and once he meets Sierra he knows theres no where else he would rather be. What Sierra thinks will just be one night turns into so much more when her sorority turns against her and she moves in with her new friend Ella. Come to find out Ella has a brother…a YOUNGER brother…none other than Dom.
These two were absolutely electric in all of the best ways. If you know me you know I am partial to a prickly FMC and I loved how Sierra kept Dom at arms length…unless it was the middle of night and she was half asleep 😮💨😏 Meanwhile if you look up the definition of obsessed in the dictionary I’m pretty sure you’ll see Dom’s picture making heart eyes at Sierra. I loved how he let her come to him at her pace while also not taking no for an answer and constantly placing himself in her orbit- much to her chagrin. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I absolutely CANNOT WAIT for Hunter and Ella. The tension between these two was TENSIONING just in the small glimpses we got of them 😅
Hows that Taylor Swift line go? “Like a big tattooed golden retriever”…I feel like she was describing Dom to a T 🥵
Dom and Sierra meet at a party and are the perfect example of a black cat and golden retriever pairing. Bad ass ice queen volleyball player Sierra just left her cheating boyfriend and decides to follow through with the age old remedy, getting over someone by getting under someone else. Dom is in town deciding whether or not to go to BRU and once he meets Sierra he knows theres no where else he would rather be. What Sierra thinks will just be one night turns into so much more when her sorority turns against her and she moves in with her new friend Ella. Come to find out Ella has a brother…a YOUNGER brother…none other than Dom.
These two were absolutely electric in all of the best ways. If you know me you know I am partial to a prickly FMC and I loved how Sierra kept Dom at arms length…unless it was the middle of night and she was half asleep 😮💨😏 Meanwhile if you look up the definition of obsessed in the dictionary I’m pretty sure you’ll see Dom’s picture making heart eyes at Sierra. I loved how he let her come to him at her pace while also not taking no for an answer and constantly placing himself in her orbit- much to her chagrin. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I absolutely CANNOT WAIT for Hunter and Ella. The tension between these two was TENSIONING just in the small glimpses we got of them 😅
July 28, 2025
Under the Lights by Sorena Graves eARC Review
Wow. Once I started this book, I could NOT put it down. I straight up devoured it and will be thinking about it for a VERY long time. I am now obsessed with Sorena’s writing and am worried that I am now in a book slump.😅
Dom and Sierra are IT. First off, as soon as Dom lays eyes on Sierra he is a goner. He is a man obsessed and my god was it hot. Sierra has serious trust issues and rightfully so- she has been through a lot of shit but Dom is not going to take no for an answer. Hot stalker vibes? Yes please.
Football player x volleyball star 👏🏻 I’ll take it! The absolute best banter. The spice in this book…. SO GOOD, had me sweatingggg. 🥵 The plot was incredible- the story had me itching for more with each page. I honestly cannot believe this is only her second book. I am SO impressed!!
What to expect:
Reverse age gap
He falls first
College romance
Grumpy FMC x sunshine MMC
Football player x volleyball player
One night stand
Obsessive
Kink exploration
Thank you so much Sorena for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
Wow. Once I started this book, I could NOT put it down. I straight up devoured it and will be thinking about it for a VERY long time. I am now obsessed with Sorena’s writing and am worried that I am now in a book slump.😅
Dom and Sierra are IT. First off, as soon as Dom lays eyes on Sierra he is a goner. He is a man obsessed and my god was it hot. Sierra has serious trust issues and rightfully so- she has been through a lot of shit but Dom is not going to take no for an answer. Hot stalker vibes? Yes please.
Football player x volleyball star 👏🏻 I’ll take it! The absolute best banter. The spice in this book…. SO GOOD, had me sweatingggg. 🥵 The plot was incredible- the story had me itching for more with each page. I honestly cannot believe this is only her second book. I am SO impressed!!
What to expect:
Reverse age gap
He falls first
College romance
Grumpy FMC x sunshine MMC
Football player x volleyball player
One night stand
Obsessive
Kink exploration
Thank you so much Sorena for the opportunity to read this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
November 17, 2025
tropes:
College Football
One Night Stand
Age Gap (She's older)
Football Player x Volleyball player
black cat x Golden retriever
He's Obsessed
OTT Jealous/possessive
The way I need to say this with my whole chest. Sorena Graves is criminally underrated. This book was absolutely amazing. Her writing, impeccable & spice absolutely filthy and top tier.
This book was so bingable, I literally read in one sitting, and started out with a bang.
If you love your MMCs absolutely obsessed and will do anything for their girls, Sorena writes the best of the best. This book also features both MCs as athletes which is a nice little bonus.
College Football
One Night Stand
Age Gap (She's older)
Football Player x Volleyball player
black cat x Golden retriever
He's Obsessed
OTT Jealous/possessive
The way I need to say this with my whole chest. Sorena Graves is criminally underrated. This book was absolutely amazing. Her writing, impeccable & spice absolutely filthy and top tier.
This book was so bingable, I literally read in one sitting, and started out with a bang.
If you love your MMCs absolutely obsessed and will do anything for their girls, Sorena writes the best of the best. This book also features both MCs as athletes which is a nice little bonus.
July 22, 2025
ONS, One Obsessed Golden Retriever, One Very Lucky Girl
Dedication: To every pretty thing with sharp edges — never dull your spark for someone scared of fire. And fuck anyone who ever made you feel like too much.
Sierra (FMC): 23 • Major: Public Relations (PR) • Black Cat Energy • Cautious and Careful • Organized • Reformed Mean Girl •
Dom (MMC): 19 • Major: Mechanical Engineering • Protective • Tattooed Golden Retriever • Wears a Chain •
Tropes:
🏐 Football Player x Volleyball Player
🏈 Grumpy FMC x Sunshine MMC
🏐 Age Gap (she’s older)
🏈 College Romance
🏐 ONS
🏈 Revenge Plot
🏐 Found Family
🏈 Man Obsessed
🏐 Nicknames
🏈 Banter as Flirting
🏐 Ms. Independent Meets Mr. You Wanna Bet
🏈 Touch Her and 💀
🏐 Heat to Slow Burn to Inferno
🏈 He Falls First
Rating: 🛌🛌🛌🛌 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (dirty talk, brat vibes, 👅, praise, face as a chair, lite impact play, biting, begging, 🥗 tossing, 🍑 play, hair pulling, somnophilia, 💦 play, hand necklace, spitting, soft Døm)
T/W: unwanted following (on page), infidelity (not MCs, referenced), embezzlement (on page), dubious consent (on page), violence (on page), light B & E (on page), money issues (referenced), blackmail (on page), threatening texts (on page)
If you like your book boyfriends obsessed, tattooed, and just unhinged enough to be hot, meet Dom Kincaid.
This book opens with an explosive one-night stand between Sierra, a 23-year-old volleyball star freshly cheated on, and Dom, the walking, talking definition of golden retriever energy with a filthy mouth and a secret: he’s still in high school. (Technically. But like… barely.) She thinks he’s a college guy visiting from out of town. He doesn’t correct her. Whoops.
Fast forward a few months and surprise! Dom’s back, this time as a freshman football recruit and Sierra’s new roommate’s baby brother. Cue chaos, tension, and enough sexual chemistry to melt steel.
Dom? Oh, he’s all in. From day one, this man is on a mission. He wants Sierra, and nothing—not the age gap, her emotional walls, or her constant attempts to keep him in the “bad idea” category—is going to stop him. He’s 19 going on alpha, persistent with a capital P, and every time he calls her darlin’, I forgot how to breathe.
Meanwhile, Sierra is the definition of grumpy, guarded, and not about to fall for her hookup-turned (lite) stalker situationship. Except… she kind of already has.
Their dynamic is hot, hilarious, and layered with deeper emotional beats including a revenge subplot featuring shady sororities, fake friends, and Sierra’s epic journey to reclaim her power. I only wish we’d gotten more of them out in the real world instead of just behind closed doors (even though, let’s be honest, the closed door scenes were five-chili-pepper level 🥵).
From slütty chains (new k!nk unlocked) to sweet confessions, Dom and Sierra are an opposites-attract masterclass. He falls first, falls hard, and makes sure she feels it.
A deliciously messy, spicy, emotionally satisfying ride. 10/10 would let Dom ruin me next.
Now, where’s Hunter’s book?!
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Dedication: To every pretty thing with sharp edges — never dull your spark for someone scared of fire. And fuck anyone who ever made you feel like too much.
Sierra (FMC): 23 • Major: Public Relations (PR) • Black Cat Energy • Cautious and Careful • Organized • Reformed Mean Girl •
Dom (MMC): 19 • Major: Mechanical Engineering • Protective • Tattooed Golden Retriever • Wears a Chain •
Tropes:
🏐 Football Player x Volleyball Player
🏈 Grumpy FMC x Sunshine MMC
🏐 Age Gap (she’s older)
🏈 College Romance
🏐 ONS
🏈 Revenge Plot
🏐 Found Family
🏈 Man Obsessed
🏐 Nicknames
🏈 Banter as Flirting
🏐 Ms. Independent Meets Mr. You Wanna Bet
🏈 Touch Her and 💀
🏐 Heat to Slow Burn to Inferno
🏈 He Falls First
Rating: 🛌🛌🛌🛌 (4⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (dirty talk, brat vibes, 👅, praise, face as a chair, lite impact play, biting, begging, 🥗 tossing, 🍑 play, hair pulling, somnophilia, 💦 play, hand necklace, spitting, soft Døm)
T/W: unwanted following (on page), infidelity (not MCs, referenced), embezzlement (on page), dubious consent (on page), violence (on page), light B & E (on page), money issues (referenced), blackmail (on page), threatening texts (on page)
If you like your book boyfriends obsessed, tattooed, and just unhinged enough to be hot, meet Dom Kincaid.
This book opens with an explosive one-night stand between Sierra, a 23-year-old volleyball star freshly cheated on, and Dom, the walking, talking definition of golden retriever energy with a filthy mouth and a secret: he’s still in high school. (Technically. But like… barely.) She thinks he’s a college guy visiting from out of town. He doesn’t correct her. Whoops.
Fast forward a few months and surprise! Dom’s back, this time as a freshman football recruit and Sierra’s new roommate’s baby brother. Cue chaos, tension, and enough sexual chemistry to melt steel.
Dom? Oh, he’s all in. From day one, this man is on a mission. He wants Sierra, and nothing—not the age gap, her emotional walls, or her constant attempts to keep him in the “bad idea” category—is going to stop him. He’s 19 going on alpha, persistent with a capital P, and every time he calls her darlin’, I forgot how to breathe.
Meanwhile, Sierra is the definition of grumpy, guarded, and not about to fall for her hookup-turned (lite) stalker situationship. Except… she kind of already has.
Their dynamic is hot, hilarious, and layered with deeper emotional beats including a revenge subplot featuring shady sororities, fake friends, and Sierra’s epic journey to reclaim her power. I only wish we’d gotten more of them out in the real world instead of just behind closed doors (even though, let’s be honest, the closed door scenes were five-chili-pepper level 🥵).
From slütty chains (new k!nk unlocked) to sweet confessions, Dom and Sierra are an opposites-attract masterclass. He falls first, falls hard, and makes sure she feels it.
A deliciously messy, spicy, emotionally satisfying ride. 10/10 would let Dom ruin me next.
Now, where’s Hunter’s book?!
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
August 4, 2025
“It started with sparks and ended under the lights- drenched and breathless, and completely his.”
Sorena Graves hooked me from the very beginning! Give me an unhinged obsessive MMC and I’m a puddle at his feet.
The moment Dominick Kincaid laid eyes on Sierra, he knew she was it for him. They met at a bar and Sierra thought it would be a one night thing. Well, Dom didn’t see it that way. This man took obsessed to another level and it was hot AF! Sierra is strong and independent. She has some trust issues, since she only had herself to rely on and every person she ever cared for betrayed her. Dom showed up in every way possible for her. The banter between them was chef’s kiss. And Dominick MFk’n Kincaid is a definitely a dom in the sheets. Whew this man’s mouth left your lady bits tingling. This story also had some suspense. Sorena delivered on every front. I’m so intrigued for book 3.
Tropes: college, football, volleyball, reverse age gap, ONS, obsessive mmc, kink exploration.
Thank you so much Sorena for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sorena Graves hooked me from the very beginning! Give me an unhinged obsessive MMC and I’m a puddle at his feet.
The moment Dominick Kincaid laid eyes on Sierra, he knew she was it for him. They met at a bar and Sierra thought it would be a one night thing. Well, Dom didn’t see it that way. This man took obsessed to another level and it was hot AF! Sierra is strong and independent. She has some trust issues, since she only had herself to rely on and every person she ever cared for betrayed her. Dom showed up in every way possible for her. The banter between them was chef’s kiss. And Dominick MFk’n Kincaid is a definitely a dom in the sheets. Whew this man’s mouth left your lady bits tingling. This story also had some suspense. Sorena delivered on every front. I’m so intrigued for book 3.
Tropes: college, football, volleyball, reverse age gap, ONS, obsessive mmc, kink exploration.
Thank you so much Sorena for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 30, 2025
BOOK 2 in the Big Boys of BRU series follows Dom and Sierra - opposites but the new IT couple! Football player meets volleyball player in this spicy, plot driven college romance.
Dom and Sierra are EVERYTHING. I loved these two together so much. The contrast between Dom's looks and his personality were probably one of my favourite things about this book. He is wise beyond his years, a tattooed big boyyyy with a slutty chain but he's the ultimate golden retriever. Sierra is THAT girl; she's ambitious, takes no shit but is cautious and protective of her heart. She has learnt to rely only on herself and really tries so hard to resist Dom's charms.
Dom takes "possessive" and "obsessed" to new levels and he really would do anything for his girl. The spice was next level and honestly had me sweating! These two had a really lovely genuine relationship; Dom worked hard to earn Sierra's trust and love and the constant communication between them was really good. I loved everything about them and their connection - the moment she put on that chain had me SWOONING. It really showed their growth together!
I'm so excited for book 3 - Ella and Hunter REALLY came through at the end of this book so I'm excited to see where their story takes us!
Thank you for having me on this journey with you, Sorena. I'm so proud of you. I loved working on this book with you!!! 4.5 stars / 3.5
Dom and Sierra are EVERYTHING. I loved these two together so much. The contrast between Dom's looks and his personality were probably one of my favourite things about this book. He is wise beyond his years, a tattooed big boyyyy with a slutty chain but he's the ultimate golden retriever. Sierra is THAT girl; she's ambitious, takes no shit but is cautious and protective of her heart. She has learnt to rely only on herself and really tries so hard to resist Dom's charms.
Dom takes "possessive" and "obsessed" to new levels and he really would do anything for his girl. The spice was next level and honestly had me sweating! These two had a really lovely genuine relationship; Dom worked hard to earn Sierra's trust and love and the constant communication between them was really good. I loved everything about them and their connection - the moment she put on that chain had me SWOONING. It really showed their growth together!
I'm so excited for book 3 - Ella and Hunter REALLY came through at the end of this book so I'm excited to see where their story takes us!
Thank you for having me on this journey with you, Sorena. I'm so proud of you. I loved working on this book with you!!! 4.5 stars / 3.5
July 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW
5/5 stars
3.5/5 spice
HOLY SHIT SORENA!!! YOU DID YOUR SHIT ON THIS ONE! I am so proud of you and so grateful to be on this journey with you!
This is Sorena's second book and the second book in the BRU series, and it's one of my favorite books of the year. I finished this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down; it was that good. Everything about this book was amazing, Sierra and Dom, chef's kiss. The plot had me guessing about what would happen, the spice had me sweating, and Dom being unhinged is my new obsession.
Sierra is that GIRLLL! She is a badass, feisty, and independent. She doesn't take shit from anyone; her trust issues keep her from allowing others to get too close, especially after she gets burned by her sorority sisters and best friend. She is hurting and determined to bring down the people who not only hurt her but also the charities she loves. I loved her determination and the strength to stand up for what she believed in despite everything falling apart around her. I related to Sierra on so many levels, especially feeling like you only have yourself to count on and struggling with trusting people when you only get let down time and time again. Sierra truly meant the world to me as a character, and I loved how she slowly let Dom get closer to her, but at her own pace. She knew she was stuck with him, but still made him work to earn her love and trust.
Dom, oh baby, Dom, I love you so much. Who knew I would simp for a red head, but here we are. That man was so unhinged in the sweetest way possible. He saw Sierra once and knew he would never want another woman ever. He knew exactly how to push the right buttons to make her tick, but did it in such a golden retriever way that she couldn't stay mad at him. This man worships the ground Sierra walks on and would do anything for her. Despite him never leaving her alone, he still didn't push her to talk about the things she wasn't ready for; he was patient and so kind. He didn't stop proving himself to her even after he knew how she felt (even if she didn't vocalize it). Dom would do anything Sierra needed without hesitation, and once he saw that she understood, he was truly the happiest man. The love I felt radiating off the pages from the second he saw Sierra put that necklace on had me tearing up with happiness. Dom and Sierra are truly endgame and meant to be together for life.
Onto the side characters, they are everything! Jax was so funny, I love him so bad. Knox reminds me of a puppy who is just here for the vibes. ELLA, MY GIRL, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! She is a girl's best friend and will do whatever it takes for the ones she loves. Also, the small scenes with Hunter were everything to me. I've loved that man since book 1. I'm so excited for what's to come with these characters.
The spice in this book was so hot, I was blushing. Dom was a daddy in this book despite being younger. I loved how Dom would check in with Sierra in his way to make sure she was good with what was happening, and Sierra trusted Dom enough to explore her fantasies.
I will forever shout from the roof for others to read this book and book 1 in the BRU because I swear you will love it.
Sorena, thank you so much for allowing me to love this series and you. I'm so lucky to call you a friend and see you succeed on this journey. Thank you for trusting me with this ARC.
Tropes:
- He falls first
- College romance
- Reverse grumpy x sunshine
- Obsessive and protective MMC
- Reverse age gao
- Football player x volleyball player
- One night stand
- No OMD/OWD
5/5 stars
3.5/5 spice
HOLY SHIT SORENA!!! YOU DID YOUR SHIT ON THIS ONE! I am so proud of you and so grateful to be on this journey with you!
This is Sorena's second book and the second book in the BRU series, and it's one of my favorite books of the year. I finished this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down; it was that good. Everything about this book was amazing, Sierra and Dom, chef's kiss. The plot had me guessing about what would happen, the spice had me sweating, and Dom being unhinged is my new obsession.
Sierra is that GIRLLL! She is a badass, feisty, and independent. She doesn't take shit from anyone; her trust issues keep her from allowing others to get too close, especially after she gets burned by her sorority sisters and best friend. She is hurting and determined to bring down the people who not only hurt her but also the charities she loves. I loved her determination and the strength to stand up for what she believed in despite everything falling apart around her. I related to Sierra on so many levels, especially feeling like you only have yourself to count on and struggling with trusting people when you only get let down time and time again. Sierra truly meant the world to me as a character, and I loved how she slowly let Dom get closer to her, but at her own pace. She knew she was stuck with him, but still made him work to earn her love and trust.
Dom, oh baby, Dom, I love you so much. Who knew I would simp for a red head, but here we are. That man was so unhinged in the sweetest way possible. He saw Sierra once and knew he would never want another woman ever. He knew exactly how to push the right buttons to make her tick, but did it in such a golden retriever way that she couldn't stay mad at him. This man worships the ground Sierra walks on and would do anything for her. Despite him never leaving her alone, he still didn't push her to talk about the things she wasn't ready for; he was patient and so kind. He didn't stop proving himself to her even after he knew how she felt (even if she didn't vocalize it). Dom would do anything Sierra needed without hesitation, and once he saw that she understood, he was truly the happiest man. The love I felt radiating off the pages from the second he saw Sierra put that necklace on had me tearing up with happiness. Dom and Sierra are truly endgame and meant to be together for life.
Onto the side characters, they are everything! Jax was so funny, I love him so bad. Knox reminds me of a puppy who is just here for the vibes. ELLA, MY GIRL, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! She is a girl's best friend and will do whatever it takes for the ones she loves. Also, the small scenes with Hunter were everything to me. I've loved that man since book 1. I'm so excited for what's to come with these characters.
The spice in this book was so hot, I was blushing. Dom was a daddy in this book despite being younger. I loved how Dom would check in with Sierra in his way to make sure she was good with what was happening, and Sierra trusted Dom enough to explore her fantasies.
I will forever shout from the roof for others to read this book and book 1 in the BRU because I swear you will love it.
Sorena, thank you so much for allowing me to love this series and you. I'm so lucky to call you a friend and see you succeed on this journey. Thank you for trusting me with this ARC.
Tropes:
- He falls first
- College romance
- Reverse grumpy x sunshine
- Obsessive and protective MMC
- Reverse age gao
- Football player x volleyball player
- One night stand
- No OMD/OWD
July 31, 2025
**ARC Review – *Under Lights* by Sorena Graves**
I *loved* this story—it was packed full of drama, spice, and emotional growth.
Sierra's life is flipped upside down when she discovers her long-term boyfriend has been cheating. Heartbroken but determined, she heads out for a night to commiserate, celebrate, and maybe meet someone new. That’s when she locks eyes with Dom, our swoony MMC, who's out celebrating his spot on the football team. Neither of them looks away, and the tension is instant. They end up spending the night together, a one-night stand… or so Sierra thinks.
What she doesn’t know is that Dom is moving to town permanently—and he’s not letting her go that easily. He’s sweet, persistent, and romantic (taking her to the rooftop pool when she says she's never been to the beach? Swoon). But Sierra sneaks out before sunrise, and they both go their separate ways, though neither can stop thinking about that night.
In the fallout from her breakup, Sierra’s entire world unravels. Enter Ella—a sweet new friend from the library who offers to move in together. When Ella eventually arrives with her brother to move in, Sierra is shocked to see it’s Dom. Of course. Because that’s the chaotic energy her life is giving right now.
Dom hadn’t exactly told her the whole truth about who he was, and given Sierra’s history with betrayal, she doesn’t know if she can trust him. But Dom? He’s determined. He’s everywhere—offering rides, showing up when she needs help, quietly protecting her. It’s not quite stalkerish, but it’s definitely persistent. And it works.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Sierra is stubborn. Thankfully, Dom is even more so. Sharing a house with his sister means he’s always close by, slowly working his way under Sierra’s skin—in the best way. He supports her, challenges her, and believes in her, even when she’s pushing him away.
The way he helped her knock down the walls she built around her heart from the inside out? Beautiful. And watching Sierra grow and *choose* to let someone in again—someone who truly sees and values her? *Chef’s kiss.*
The ending was empowering, emotional, and left me with a huge smile on my face. I can’t wait to read more from Sorena Graves!
I *loved* this story—it was packed full of drama, spice, and emotional growth.
Sierra's life is flipped upside down when she discovers her long-term boyfriend has been cheating. Heartbroken but determined, she heads out for a night to commiserate, celebrate, and maybe meet someone new. That’s when she locks eyes with Dom, our swoony MMC, who's out celebrating his spot on the football team. Neither of them looks away, and the tension is instant. They end up spending the night together, a one-night stand… or so Sierra thinks.
What she doesn’t know is that Dom is moving to town permanently—and he’s not letting her go that easily. He’s sweet, persistent, and romantic (taking her to the rooftop pool when she says she's never been to the beach? Swoon). But Sierra sneaks out before sunrise, and they both go their separate ways, though neither can stop thinking about that night.
In the fallout from her breakup, Sierra’s entire world unravels. Enter Ella—a sweet new friend from the library who offers to move in together. When Ella eventually arrives with her brother to move in, Sierra is shocked to see it’s Dom. Of course. Because that’s the chaotic energy her life is giving right now.
Dom hadn’t exactly told her the whole truth about who he was, and given Sierra’s history with betrayal, she doesn’t know if she can trust him. But Dom? He’s determined. He’s everywhere—offering rides, showing up when she needs help, quietly protecting her. It’s not quite stalkerish, but it’s definitely persistent. And it works.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Sierra is stubborn. Thankfully, Dom is even more so. Sharing a house with his sister means he’s always close by, slowly working his way under Sierra’s skin—in the best way. He supports her, challenges her, and believes in her, even when she’s pushing him away.
The way he helped her knock down the walls she built around her heart from the inside out? Beautiful. And watching Sierra grow and *choose* to let someone in again—someone who truly sees and values her? *Chef’s kiss.*
The ending was empowering, emotional, and left me with a huge smile on my face. I can’t wait to read more from Sorena Graves!
August 11, 2025
Are you kidding me with this book! Right off the bat we jump head first into some of the most incredible spice ever! Their banter and interactions had be cackling!
Dom gives off a cocky but safe vibe. He knows what he wants and he will get it, but he is patient about it. For someone in the situation he is in, he didn’t ever shy away from being there for Sierra. Always showing up, supporting her, having her back. Even when she contributed to push him away. He made the decision on the first night they spent together she was his. END OF DISCUSSION!!
Sierra is a strong, stubborn and cautious. She has been burned far too many times in her life by her parents, then her sorority and her boyfriend. Who she finds it only dates her because the sorority convinced him too. After finding out about some shady events they were involved in she was kicked out. But wasn’t going down without a fight.
There were at two times my jaw hit the floor.
1- When I found out what school Dom went to and how old he was.
2- His relation to Sierras new roommate.
I was completely entranced with Dom. He knew Sierra didn’t want help or need it really but wanted her to know he had her back. He wasn’t going anywhere no matter how hard she pushed. He is the true definition of supportive with a heafty side of possessive.
I don’t think it was any one thing that had her finally let her walls down and stop running from him but a multitude of actions. How could she let him go when he wanted the best for her. He cheered her on, on and off the volleyball court. He had her back every damn time. He believed in her. And the sex…well it’s was hot as hell. This was sweet and spicy and a good plot to go with it!
-college romance
-volleyball player x football player
-obsessed MMC
July 30, 2025
A huge thank you to the author for sending me an early copy for eARC review!!
I was pleasantly surprised how hooked I was with this book. It is a college setting but I did not feel that it was a juvenile read. The characters first meet in a bar and spend the night together and then go there separate ways, however Dominic (who is not yet a college freshman) cannot wait to start school so he can see Sierra again. Sierra is a college sophomore when they first meet who plays volleyball and was part of a sorority. She ends up finding out the truth about him when she rooms with his sister her next year at school and that shit was hilarious 😂
Dominic is a man *obsessed* and *tatted* (say less). I was here for it every page. This man took every opportunity to be with Sierra and support her in whichever way she needed. He showed her time and time again what it is to have someone in your corner you can rely on which is not something she knows. Her never gave up on her or their relationship.
Overall, this book was refreshing. It had romance, mystery, and growth in the characters. Who wouldn’t enjoy that??
Thank you again, Sorena for the opportunity to read a copy early!!
Tropes:
- college romance
- football player x volleyball player
- one night stand
- golden retriever x black cat
- obsessed/possessive mmc (don’t forget tatted)
-he falls first (and hard!!)
I was pleasantly surprised how hooked I was with this book. It is a college setting but I did not feel that it was a juvenile read. The characters first meet in a bar and spend the night together and then go there separate ways, however Dominic (who is not yet a college freshman) cannot wait to start school so he can see Sierra again. Sierra is a college sophomore when they first meet who plays volleyball and was part of a sorority. She ends up finding out the truth about him when she rooms with his sister her next year at school and that shit was hilarious 😂
Dominic is a man *obsessed* and *tatted* (say less). I was here for it every page. This man took every opportunity to be with Sierra and support her in whichever way she needed. He showed her time and time again what it is to have someone in your corner you can rely on which is not something she knows. Her never gave up on her or their relationship.
Overall, this book was refreshing. It had romance, mystery, and growth in the characters. Who wouldn’t enjoy that??
Thank you again, Sorena for the opportunity to read a copy early!!
Tropes:
- college romance
- football player x volleyball player
- one night stand
- golden retriever x black cat
- obsessed/possessive mmc (don’t forget tatted)
-he falls first (and hard!!)
November 11, 2025
What started off as an explosive one night stand transforms into a love story so strong it threatens the very foundation Sierra has built her life on, and teaches her that not everyone in her life is the same. After being betrayed by the very people she thought would protect her, Sierra slowly learns to trust herself and reluctantly accepts that Dom isn’t going to let her down the way everyone else has. The love that blooms between them as Sierra slowly let’s go of her preconceived notions about Dom will have you flying through the second book in the Big Boys of BRU series by Sorena Graves and cheering the both of them on as they conquer everything stacked against them!!
August 28, 2025
Dominic Kincaid has officially altered my chemistry! This man is down bad and has “if he wanted to he would” written all over him!! This book was perfection! The banter was top tier, The spice was spicin’ and Dom was the perfect Golden Retriever MMC! Sierra, my ice Queen! 👑
You took no 💩 from anyone and stood up for yourself and your beliefs! I loved watching her come out of her shell get her HEA!!! If spicy college football romances featuring a golden retriever MMC who is a dirty talker is your thing, this book is for you.
You took no 💩 from anyone and stood up for yourself and your beliefs! I loved watching her come out of her shell get her HEA!!! If spicy college football romances featuring a golden retriever MMC who is a dirty talker is your thing, this book is for you.
November 18, 2025
I really loved the chemistry that Dom + Sierra had. Their banter was very sweet. I loved every response he had to her. The smut was pretty good as well. 👀
HOWEVER, the plot was so lame. There’s no way to make financial fraud that exciting lmfao. And the way it was all of a sudden brought up again and wrapped up in 10 pages was so rushed feeling. I really wish the story was more exciting because I loved the characters and their relationship.
HOWEVER, the plot was so lame. There’s no way to make financial fraud that exciting lmfao. And the way it was all of a sudden brought up again and wrapped up in 10 pages was so rushed feeling. I really wish the story was more exciting because I loved the characters and their relationship.
August 1, 2025
Could Dom be anymore perfect?!?! Seriously!!!! I was absolutely obsessed with Sierra and Dom from the very beginning! I loved their push and pull… and the banter!!! So much banter I loved it!!! I’m also so intrigued for the next book! I love when authors leave you all the breadcrumbs that you are already feral for more ♥️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 1, 2025
I’ve got mixed feelings on this one…
the banter? LOVE IT!
The spice? Just the right amount!
The golden retriever mmc who will 💀 for her? Chefs kiss!
There were some weird inconsistencies that didn’t quite add up in my head that really took me out of it though (like… how old IS sierra actually?) and the way some of the spicy dialogue was written just made me uncomfy. 100% just a personal preference!
Overall it was pretty well written and sucked me in. I would absolutely try the others in this series!
the banter? LOVE IT!
The spice? Just the right amount!
The golden retriever mmc who will 💀 for her? Chefs kiss!
There were some weird inconsistencies that didn’t quite add up in my head that really took me out of it though (like… how old IS sierra actually?) and the way some of the spicy dialogue was written just made me uncomfy. 100% just a personal preference!
Overall it was pretty well written and sucked me in. I would absolutely try the others in this series!
August 1, 2025
This book literally had me in a chokehold I couldn’t stop reading! I am OBSESSED with Dom. He truly maybe the MMC I compare all future book boyfriends too. Under the lights had me hooked beginning to end. it was such a phenomenal read!!!
August 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I felt the sorority drama plot was unnecessary to the romance.
I felt the sorority drama plot was unnecessary to the romance.
July 14, 2025
Holy Smokes. I need more book boyfriends like Dom. That man is dedicated to Sierra on an unhinged level but in the most toe curling awe-inducing way. Also...I loved that Dom was a beefy tattooed Red-head...umm yes please!
I love Dom and I love Sierra with Dom. Thank you Sorena for trusting me with an ARC of this masterpiece. ❤️
I love Dom and I love Sierra with Dom. Thank you Sorena for trusting me with an ARC of this masterpiece. ❤️
July 29, 2025
Under the Lights is the second book in The Big Boys of Blue Ridge University (BRU) series and is an interconnected standalone. Very minimal cross over to the first book, absolutely no need to read book one first unless you want to enrich minimally mentioned side characters.
Characters:
Sierra Johansson- 23 years old, volleyball player. Major: Public Relations
Dominic (Dom) Kincaid- 19 years old, defensive center football player. Major: Mechanical Engineering
The story starts out at a bar that Sierra has come to with her friends/sorority sisters after she finds out her boyfriend was cheating on her. She is looking for a distraction and finds one with Dominic (Dom), who we later learn is on his college recruiting trip. There’s insta-lust and Dom has some soft dom vibes. She sneaks away after their encounter. He has to head home and wait for one chapter of his life to close, as he is still in high school! He starts cyberstalking her but doesn’t have the courage to do anything about it.
Dom’s sister, Ella, attends BRU and before the semester starts she is moving into a new place with a new roommate whose first name is Sierra. Dom hopes it’s the same person and on move in day, it turns out that fate has brought Sierra back to him.
Dom is an overbearing asshole who doesn’t stop when he puts his mind to something. And his end game is Sierra. Sierra doesn’t trust anyone due to events explained in the book. Dom just keeps showing up for her in small and big ways and wearing down her shields. There’s a revenge and justice storyline that he steps up into and providing her support she didn’t expect.
I thought the book was great! It was an easy read and I inhaled it. My one complaint is the “Goddess” as a pet name. I just couldn’t get into it. I can’t wait for Ella and Hunter’s book!
What to Expect:
🏈 Dual POV
🏐 College Romance
🏈 Football player x volleyball player
🏐 Insta-lust
🏈 Reverse Age Gap
🏐 One night stand
🏈 Black Cat v Morally Gray Golden Retriever
🏐 Obsessed/protective MMC
🏈 He falls first
🏐 Kink exploration
🏈 Happy For Now Ending
🏐 Epilogue 5 years in the future
Please be sure to check the triggers before reading this book. There’s a lot of sex.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Microtropes:
“Spit on it”
“You’re mine”
Somno
Make her 💦
Makes her beg
Hand necklaces
Face sitting
Slutty chain
Thank you Sorena Graves for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
Characters:
Sierra Johansson- 23 years old, volleyball player. Major: Public Relations
Dominic (Dom) Kincaid- 19 years old, defensive center football player. Major: Mechanical Engineering
The story starts out at a bar that Sierra has come to with her friends/sorority sisters after she finds out her boyfriend was cheating on her. She is looking for a distraction and finds one with Dominic (Dom), who we later learn is on his college recruiting trip. There’s insta-lust and Dom has some soft dom vibes. She sneaks away after their encounter. He has to head home and wait for one chapter of his life to close, as he is still in high school! He starts cyberstalking her but doesn’t have the courage to do anything about it.
Dom’s sister, Ella, attends BRU and before the semester starts she is moving into a new place with a new roommate whose first name is Sierra. Dom hopes it’s the same person and on move in day, it turns out that fate has brought Sierra back to him.
Dom is an overbearing asshole who doesn’t stop when he puts his mind to something. And his end game is Sierra. Sierra doesn’t trust anyone due to events explained in the book. Dom just keeps showing up for her in small and big ways and wearing down her shields. There’s a revenge and justice storyline that he steps up into and providing her support she didn’t expect.
I thought the book was great! It was an easy read and I inhaled it. My one complaint is the “Goddess” as a pet name. I just couldn’t get into it. I can’t wait for Ella and Hunter’s book!
What to Expect:
🏈 Dual POV
🏐 College Romance
🏈 Football player x volleyball player
🏐 Insta-lust
🏈 Reverse Age Gap
🏐 One night stand
🏈 Black Cat v Morally Gray Golden Retriever
🏐 Obsessed/protective MMC
🏈 He falls first
🏐 Kink exploration
🏈 Happy For Now Ending
🏐 Epilogue 5 years in the future
Please be sure to check the triggers before reading this book. There’s a lot of sex.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Microtropes:
“Spit on it”
“You’re mine”
Somno
Make her 💦
Makes her beg
Hand necklaces
Face sitting
Slutty chain
Thank you Sorena Graves for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
August 1, 2025
💜 ARC Review 💜
Under the Lights
by @sorenagravesauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Sports Romance
One Night Stand
Black Cat x Golden Retriever
Obsessed/Possessive MMC
He Falls First
Reverse Age Gap
I’m down so freaking bad for Dom… this guy is ALL THE THINGS! A book boyfriend of your freaking dreams. And add in the age gap with Sierra being older and Dom only being 19!! The mouth on 19-year-old Dom had me breaking a sweat.
Give me a possessive, obsessive, touch her and die MMC ALL DAY LONG, I am so here for it. Sorena knows how to write a dirty mouthed man of our freaking dreams. I loved everything about this book from the pacing to the depth of the characters.
Dom’s unwavering dedication to proving Sierra was his was something else. Dom and Sierra meet on a night out where he is out with football guys he met on his college recruiting trip when he spots Sierra. Literally time stops, talk about insta love… this man was all in immediately but was trying to keep his cards close. Sierra is there fresh off a breakup to spend time with friends and have fun when she is pulled over to a group of guys and comes face to face with Dom. My favorite part about Dom was that he knew exactly how to tackle Sierra to get her to be his and he was not afraid to say it. He was careful, calculated, and didn’t rush it to prevent her from shutting down.
Sierra is all the things you want to be, fierce, confident as hell, beautiful, and dedicated to what she wants. Where she struggles is that people have let her down and tend not to always show up for her and she has built walls up that are like a fortress. But let’s be serious, who doesn’t want a man that is desperate for you and dedicated to proving it to you?
My favorite part about Dom was that he knew exactly how to tackle Sierra to get her to be his. He was careful, calculated, and didn’t rush it to prevent her from scaring easily.
And Sorena can write a spicy scene; she is not playing around. I cannot wait for more books from her. She is now hands down an auto read author for me, I absolutely loved her writing style.
Thank you so much for selecting me to ARC read Under the Lights, I LOVED it!
Under the Lights
by @sorenagravesauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Sports Romance
One Night Stand
Black Cat x Golden Retriever
Obsessed/Possessive MMC
He Falls First
Reverse Age Gap
I’m down so freaking bad for Dom… this guy is ALL THE THINGS! A book boyfriend of your freaking dreams. And add in the age gap with Sierra being older and Dom only being 19!! The mouth on 19-year-old Dom had me breaking a sweat.
Give me a possessive, obsessive, touch her and die MMC ALL DAY LONG, I am so here for it. Sorena knows how to write a dirty mouthed man of our freaking dreams. I loved everything about this book from the pacing to the depth of the characters.
Dom’s unwavering dedication to proving Sierra was his was something else. Dom and Sierra meet on a night out where he is out with football guys he met on his college recruiting trip when he spots Sierra. Literally time stops, talk about insta love… this man was all in immediately but was trying to keep his cards close. Sierra is there fresh off a breakup to spend time with friends and have fun when she is pulled over to a group of guys and comes face to face with Dom. My favorite part about Dom was that he knew exactly how to tackle Sierra to get her to be his and he was not afraid to say it. He was careful, calculated, and didn’t rush it to prevent her from shutting down.
Sierra is all the things you want to be, fierce, confident as hell, beautiful, and dedicated to what she wants. Where she struggles is that people have let her down and tend not to always show up for her and she has built walls up that are like a fortress. But let’s be serious, who doesn’t want a man that is desperate for you and dedicated to proving it to you?
My favorite part about Dom was that he knew exactly how to tackle Sierra to get her to be his. He was careful, calculated, and didn’t rush it to prevent her from scaring easily.
And Sorena can write a spicy scene; she is not playing around. I cannot wait for more books from her. She is now hands down an auto read author for me, I absolutely loved her writing style.
Thank you so much for selecting me to ARC read Under the Lights, I LOVED it!
August 3, 2025
🏈ARC Review🏈🏐
Thank you Sorena Graves for this ARC copy of Under the Lights!
Yes, YEs, YES!
I LOVED Out of the Shadows (Book 1) and OMG Under the Lights (Book 2) was mind blowingly FANTASTIC! I was hopeful that it would be good, but you know when you have such high expectations after reading something so phenomenal you just are 🤞 that the next one will live up to the expectations? Well this one 🤯obliterated any question I might have had!
The FMC Sierra was so kick ass! From going for it with Dom in the beginning to always being strong when standing up for what she believes in and fighting for the truth in the most elegant fashion and demolishing anyone who thought the was a pushover! The way she fought for what she wanted, whether it was Volleyball or annihilating her so called sisters when she learned the truth of all their lies and deception. The way she tried to NOT let Dom into the fortress that she built around herself, and he just charged through and broke down her walls!
Dom was a special MMC! Big, tall, tatted, intimidating and down bad for Sierra 🫶 Will there ever be an MMC as perfectly quirky, stalkery and obsessive in the best way as Dom? I think not! The way he NEEDED Sierra like he needed to breathe and listened to her wants, needs and dreams. How he never put his football dreams ahead of her or her dreams of going pro playing Volleyball, how he cheered and encouraged her and was there for her!
The sports theme of this book in particular was a breath of fresh air! Two MCs both playing college sports with the opportunity to go pro, and the amount of focus that was put on Sierras sport (Volleyball) and how women’s sports was represented in Under the Lights was beautiful! Not that Dom playing football wasn’t just as important, it was just refreshing for the focus to center around a female athlete and her fighting for her career rather than settle for giving it up and just falling into living in the shadows of the MMCs career.
I CANNOT wait for book 3!
Tropes:
🏐One Night Stand
🏈He Falls First
🏐She’s 3 years older
🏈He’s Obsessed with her
🏐Mystery side Plot
🏈Touch her and Die
🏐Roommate’s Brother
🏈No Third Act Break-up
Thank you Sorena Graves for this ARC copy of Under the Lights!
Yes, YEs, YES!
I LOVED Out of the Shadows (Book 1) and OMG Under the Lights (Book 2) was mind blowingly FANTASTIC! I was hopeful that it would be good, but you know when you have such high expectations after reading something so phenomenal you just are 🤞 that the next one will live up to the expectations? Well this one 🤯obliterated any question I might have had!
The FMC Sierra was so kick ass! From going for it with Dom in the beginning to always being strong when standing up for what she believes in and fighting for the truth in the most elegant fashion and demolishing anyone who thought the was a pushover! The way she fought for what she wanted, whether it was Volleyball or annihilating her so called sisters when she learned the truth of all their lies and deception. The way she tried to NOT let Dom into the fortress that she built around herself, and he just charged through and broke down her walls!
Dom was a special MMC! Big, tall, tatted, intimidating and down bad for Sierra 🫶 Will there ever be an MMC as perfectly quirky, stalkery and obsessive in the best way as Dom? I think not! The way he NEEDED Sierra like he needed to breathe and listened to her wants, needs and dreams. How he never put his football dreams ahead of her or her dreams of going pro playing Volleyball, how he cheered and encouraged her and was there for her!
The sports theme of this book in particular was a breath of fresh air! Two MCs both playing college sports with the opportunity to go pro, and the amount of focus that was put on Sierras sport (Volleyball) and how women’s sports was represented in Under the Lights was beautiful! Not that Dom playing football wasn’t just as important, it was just refreshing for the focus to center around a female athlete and her fighting for her career rather than settle for giving it up and just falling into living in the shadows of the MMCs career.
I CANNOT wait for book 3!
Tropes:
🏐One Night Stand
🏈He Falls First
🏐She’s 3 years older
🏈He’s Obsessed with her
🏐Mystery side Plot
🏈Touch her and Die
🏐Roommate’s Brother
🏈No Third Act Break-up
August 4, 2025
ARC Review
🏐 Under the Lights 🏈
Book 2 in the Big Boys of BRU Series
Written By: @sorenagravesauthor
Overall: 4/5
Overall plot: 4/5
Character development: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
World building: 4/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
Thank you, Sorena, for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team and read Under the Lights ahead of its release date.
This was a great follow up to Out of the Shadows! The second book to the series but a standalone. Sorena couldn’t have written a more stubborn pair with Sierra Johansson and Dominic Kincaid.
Sierra’s integrity is solid and not sure where she gets it from since her parents have screwed her over when she had worked so hard to play for UCLA only for that to be ripped away from her because they spent her college fund and then to find that her sorority kicked her out and threatened her because she wouldn’t fall in line with their schemes. Sierra learned early on to only rely on herself.
Dominic Kincaid had met Sierra when he was touring and getting wined and dined by BRU and it “...rewired [his] entire f*cking being.” “[He]... wanted to be the one who kept her sane. Anchored her. Ravaged her when she needed to feel something real after that one night. He had her in his sights and wouldn’t let go.
Now this kind of devotion/obsession that Dom had with Sierra was all consuming in a golden retriever way and because of his insistence it was a battle of wills and to see if he could knock down Sierra’s carefully constructed walls. I think everything felt so real between them. Dominic’s character development felt like he was already at a 10 and stayed there and I wanted to know more about his back story.
If you love a spice college football romance featuring a golden retriever x black cat MF who dirty talks and has great banter, this book is for you.
Tropes:
🏈 College Romance
🏐 Football Player x Volleyball Player
🏈 One Night Stand
🏐 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🏈 Obsessed / protective MMC
🏐 He falls first
🏈 Kink Exploration
🏐 Under the Lights 🏈
Book 2 in the Big Boys of BRU Series
Written By: @sorenagravesauthor
Overall: 4/5
Overall plot: 4/5
Character development: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
World building: 4/5
Spice 🌶️: 2/5
Thank you, Sorena, for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team and read Under the Lights ahead of its release date.
This was a great follow up to Out of the Shadows! The second book to the series but a standalone. Sorena couldn’t have written a more stubborn pair with Sierra Johansson and Dominic Kincaid.
Sierra’s integrity is solid and not sure where she gets it from since her parents have screwed her over when she had worked so hard to play for UCLA only for that to be ripped away from her because they spent her college fund and then to find that her sorority kicked her out and threatened her because she wouldn’t fall in line with their schemes. Sierra learned early on to only rely on herself.
Dominic Kincaid had met Sierra when he was touring and getting wined and dined by BRU and it “...rewired [his] entire f*cking being.” “[He]... wanted to be the one who kept her sane. Anchored her. Ravaged her when she needed to feel something real after that one night. He had her in his sights and wouldn’t let go.
Now this kind of devotion/obsession that Dom had with Sierra was all consuming in a golden retriever way and because of his insistence it was a battle of wills and to see if he could knock down Sierra’s carefully constructed walls. I think everything felt so real between them. Dominic’s character development felt like he was already at a 10 and stayed there and I wanted to know more about his back story.
If you love a spice college football romance featuring a golden retriever x black cat MF who dirty talks and has great banter, this book is for you.
Tropes:
🏈 College Romance
🏐 Football Player x Volleyball Player
🏈 One Night Stand
🏐 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🏈 Obsessed / protective MMC
🏐 He falls first
🏈 Kink Exploration
July 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️- 5 Stars
🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Dominic "Dom" Kincaid and Sierra Johnasson were an unlikely match except his Big D1ck Energy engulfed her spunky, sass attitude enough that she thought he was already in college. Dom is stacked and knows what he wants from the moment he watches her interact at a local bar the college kids hang at. His older, matured high school age of 19 didn't stop him from shooting above his age and mature ladies (we'll assume he started school early and may have been held back even though it was not explained completely). He signs an immediate contract to play college football with BRU because, in his words, "Sierra is going to be his forever." I wish I had half that confidence at that age 😉.
Dom worms his way in, but it's not sleezy after their 1 hot night together. He shows up for Sierra big time in all the ways she needed, especially after betrayal at her sorority house. She rooms with Dom's sister after being kicked out, and it's on. In fact, he overhears her talking about somnophila and consent/nonconsent. This MF*er made a plan to give her that wish.
Holy smokes a stalker, but he has the keys to her place and her heart eventually. Yes, please.
When Sierra finally gets the memo that he isn't going anywhere, it's like a switch flipped, and she started to get to know him better with comfort to let her guard down. I absolutely enjoyed their story and devoured it as he's not the typical position that is spotlighted in sport romances. Ya'll, can I have this big teddy bear protector for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert?
Like I said earlier, it's Big D1ck energy at a younger age than most, but I see the cocky, take no prisoners, and a little fluffy center at the heart of Dom. I hope there are more Bigger Players in this series left. 🙏
⚠️ Read content and trigger warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: August 1, 2025
🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Dominic "Dom" Kincaid and Sierra Johnasson were an unlikely match except his Big D1ck Energy engulfed her spunky, sass attitude enough that she thought he was already in college. Dom is stacked and knows what he wants from the moment he watches her interact at a local bar the college kids hang at. His older, matured high school age of 19 didn't stop him from shooting above his age and mature ladies (we'll assume he started school early and may have been held back even though it was not explained completely). He signs an immediate contract to play college football with BRU because, in his words, "Sierra is going to be his forever." I wish I had half that confidence at that age 😉.
Dom worms his way in, but it's not sleezy after their 1 hot night together. He shows up for Sierra big time in all the ways she needed, especially after betrayal at her sorority house. She rooms with Dom's sister after being kicked out, and it's on. In fact, he overhears her talking about somnophila and consent/nonconsent. This MF*er made a plan to give her that wish.
Holy smokes a stalker, but he has the keys to her place and her heart eventually. Yes, please.
When Sierra finally gets the memo that he isn't going anywhere, it's like a switch flipped, and she started to get to know him better with comfort to let her guard down. I absolutely enjoyed their story and devoured it as he's not the typical position that is spotlighted in sport romances. Ya'll, can I have this big teddy bear protector for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert?
Like I said earlier, it's Big D1ck energy at a younger age than most, but I see the cocky, take no prisoners, and a little fluffy center at the heart of Dom. I hope there are more Bigger Players in this series left. 🙏
⚠️ Read content and trigger warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the ARC!
Release Date: August 1, 2025
July 27, 2025
5 ⭐️ 3.5 🌶️
Thank you so so much to Sorena for providing me with an advance copy of Under the Lights!! As always my opinions are my own. ☺️
“God, you’re so fucking full of yourself.”
“Well, one of us will be full of me in a minute. Spoiler alert, it’s not me.”
After being cheated on by her frat boy bf, Sierra goes out with her sorority sisters to have a night where she can let loose and do something for herself. This is where she meets Dom, and is met with instant attraction and tension and decides goes back to his hotel for what she assumed was a one night stand!
After a night of high heat and passion, Dom returns to Georgia to finish out his year and Sierra continues her life as normal.. or so she thinks. When planning for a sorority event, she starts to realize the numbers don’t add up.. there’s large miscellaneous expenses that aren’t making sense and she discovers her sorority sisters and her exes fraternity are stealing from donations and funds for their own gain. Sierra will not let it go and is kicked from the sorority house and moves in with Ella, a new found friend.. and Dom’s sister?! And to top it off, Dom has returned.. and will not let her go.
Battling her attraction to Dom, the anonymous texts she’s receiving and the not so subtle intimidation tactics her ex-sorority sisters are throwing her way and her chance to go pro.. Sierra has a lot on her plate! Can she balance all of this, keep her heart safe and reveal the secrets her sorority has been hiding?
————————————————————————
YES!! Holy shit yes. This book was fabulous and so well executed. The obsessive and possessive nature of Dom is scorching, and the tension between Sierra and him is palpable. You can feel it!! Add in the high stakes with the sorority and the anonymous threats, and Sierra’s determination to go pro, there’s just so much going on and it keeps you hooked and reeling and needing to know what will happen next!! 😍
Thank you so so much to Sorena for providing me with an advance copy of Under the Lights!! As always my opinions are my own. ☺️
“God, you’re so fucking full of yourself.”
“Well, one of us will be full of me in a minute. Spoiler alert, it’s not me.”
After being cheated on by her frat boy bf, Sierra goes out with her sorority sisters to have a night where she can let loose and do something for herself. This is where she meets Dom, and is met with instant attraction and tension and decides goes back to his hotel for what she assumed was a one night stand!
After a night of high heat and passion, Dom returns to Georgia to finish out his year and Sierra continues her life as normal.. or so she thinks. When planning for a sorority event, she starts to realize the numbers don’t add up.. there’s large miscellaneous expenses that aren’t making sense and she discovers her sorority sisters and her exes fraternity are stealing from donations and funds for their own gain. Sierra will not let it go and is kicked from the sorority house and moves in with Ella, a new found friend.. and Dom’s sister?! And to top it off, Dom has returned.. and will not let her go.
Battling her attraction to Dom, the anonymous texts she’s receiving and the not so subtle intimidation tactics her ex-sorority sisters are throwing her way and her chance to go pro.. Sierra has a lot on her plate! Can she balance all of this, keep her heart safe and reveal the secrets her sorority has been hiding?
————————————————————————
YES!! Holy shit yes. This book was fabulous and so well executed. The obsessive and possessive nature of Dom is scorching, and the tension between Sierra and him is palpable. You can feel it!! Add in the high stakes with the sorority and the anonymous threats, and Sierra’s determination to go pro, there’s just so much going on and it keeps you hooked and reeling and needing to know what will happen next!! 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
After enjoying an intense one-night stand with a stranger, Sierra doesn't expect to see Dominic Kincaid again. However, when he arrives on her campus months later, Sierra feels betrayed as her world is already on unstable ground and making strust only a five letter word in her mind. As Dominic continues to show up for her, Sierra must confront her fears of trusting again and who is worthy of her trust.
The FMC, Sierra, is such a badass woman. A volleyball superstar that is capable on many levels. From throwing caution to the wind the first night she met Dom in the beginning to the cruel hand of betrayal that was dealt by her sorority sisters, she never loses who she is. Sierra stands up for what she believes in and fighting for the truth, making sure no one doubts her capabilities. Sierra is anything but a pushover, fighting for what she wanted; even if that fight had to be done on her own.
Dom was a special MMC. Big, tall, tatted, intimidating and so head over heels for Sierra, he is the perfect pairing for Sierra. As we read Dom's chapters, both before his arrival on the BRU campus and after, we find out that there is a lot more to him than muscles and a gold chain. Dom is quirky, wtalkery, and a little obsessive in the best way possible. After the first night with Sierra, he needs her so much. Dominic never put his football dreams ahead of Sierra's dreams or her goal of going pro with volleyball; he's there to cheer her on and encourage her every step of the way.
The sports theme reminds me why I love sports romance. Both characters playing college sports was refreshing, but I loved the focus on Sierra's love of playing volleyball because it's rare that women's sports is given this much representation and I hope that this is just the spark for more books like this. Dominic and Sierra are an amazing pairing with an electric dynamic, both in and out of the bedroom. There were times that I thought Dom would take control and help her solve her problems, but he didn't and let Sierra know that he's there for her as she fights for the truth.
Under the Lights is a beautiful novel that's layered with deep emotional beats that's mess spicy, but overall an emotionally satisfying read. Thank you to Sorena Graves for the opportunity to ARC read your novel!
The FMC, Sierra, is such a badass woman. A volleyball superstar that is capable on many levels. From throwing caution to the wind the first night she met Dom in the beginning to the cruel hand of betrayal that was dealt by her sorority sisters, she never loses who she is. Sierra stands up for what she believes in and fighting for the truth, making sure no one doubts her capabilities. Sierra is anything but a pushover, fighting for what she wanted; even if that fight had to be done on her own.
Dom was a special MMC. Big, tall, tatted, intimidating and so head over heels for Sierra, he is the perfect pairing for Sierra. As we read Dom's chapters, both before his arrival on the BRU campus and after, we find out that there is a lot more to him than muscles and a gold chain. Dom is quirky, wtalkery, and a little obsessive in the best way possible. After the first night with Sierra, he needs her so much. Dominic never put his football dreams ahead of Sierra's dreams or her goal of going pro with volleyball; he's there to cheer her on and encourage her every step of the way.
The sports theme reminds me why I love sports romance. Both characters playing college sports was refreshing, but I loved the focus on Sierra's love of playing volleyball because it's rare that women's sports is given this much representation and I hope that this is just the spark for more books like this. Dominic and Sierra are an amazing pairing with an electric dynamic, both in and out of the bedroom. There were times that I thought Dom would take control and help her solve her problems, but he didn't and let Sierra know that he's there for her as she fights for the truth.
Under the Lights is a beautiful novel that's layered with deep emotional beats that's mess spicy, but overall an emotionally satisfying read. Thank you to Sorena Graves for the opportunity to ARC read your novel!
July 13, 2025
Infinity ⭐
First off i would like to thank Sorena for the opportunity to read & review this gifted E-Arc.
Sierra & Dom
Oh. Gosh. Y'all this book is LIFE! IM OBSESSED SO BAD WITH THEM! Ugh i already miss them and i legit just finished them 😭. The chemistry between them is off the freaking chart and the banter and tension between them is so hot 🤤😈. I love how perfect these two are for each other. I love that Dom is Sierra's biggest hype man & is so patient with her but pushes her for the better. I love how Sierra is feisty but softens for Dom & loves to push him to his limit. I loved Sierra and that fact she wasn't shy about who ahe was and what she wanted in life and could stand her ground with out hesitations. I loved that after everything she went through she came out stronger. I loved that Dom knew exactly what he wanted and constantly went after it and wasn't afraid to push and make it work. I loved that he wasn't afraid to be himself and never hesitated to be exactly who he was unapologetically. I love how he constantly showed up for Sierra & proved they was end game, I loved seeing Sierra soften and become comfortable around Dom to be herself and show her vulnerably side. I really enjoyed the revenge plot it was chiefs freaking kiss. Also the mouth on him & the spice between them will seriously melt freaking ice 🤭.
5/5 Recommend this book. Sorena put some serious Magic and Soul into this book. It's absolutely beautiful and makes me want more. It does deal with some sensitive topics so please check the content warnings. I cannot wait for book three i need it NOW! 😂.
First off i would like to thank Sorena for the opportunity to read & review this gifted E-Arc.
Sierra & Dom
Oh. Gosh. Y'all this book is LIFE! IM OBSESSED SO BAD WITH THEM! Ugh i already miss them and i legit just finished them 😭. The chemistry between them is off the freaking chart and the banter and tension between them is so hot 🤤😈. I love how perfect these two are for each other. I love that Dom is Sierra's biggest hype man & is so patient with her but pushes her for the better. I love how Sierra is feisty but softens for Dom & loves to push him to his limit. I loved Sierra and that fact she wasn't shy about who ahe was and what she wanted in life and could stand her ground with out hesitations. I loved that after everything she went through she came out stronger. I loved that Dom knew exactly what he wanted and constantly went after it and wasn't afraid to push and make it work. I loved that he wasn't afraid to be himself and never hesitated to be exactly who he was unapologetically. I love how he constantly showed up for Sierra & proved they was end game, I loved seeing Sierra soften and become comfortable around Dom to be herself and show her vulnerably side. I really enjoyed the revenge plot it was chiefs freaking kiss. Also the mouth on him & the spice between them will seriously melt freaking ice 🤭.
5/5 Recommend this book. Sorena put some serious Magic and Soul into this book. It's absolutely beautiful and makes me want more. It does deal with some sensitive topics so please check the content warnings. I cannot wait for book three i need it NOW! 😂.
August 1, 2025
Thank you to author Sorena Graves for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
__________________________________________
Too Young to Know Better? Try Too Hot to Handle
Dom and Sierra’s story starts with fireworks—and somehow only gets hotter. One look across a club, and BOOM: it's insta-lust, one wild night, and a lot of secrets smoldering beneath the sheets. Sierra’s fresh off a breakup (cheating ex = trash), and Dom? Well, he forgot to mention he's not technically in college yet. Oops.
What follows is a steamy, chaotic, deliciously wrong-but-so-right ride. Dom is younger, a few months from graduation and already obsessed. Sierra’s 23, a total ice queen and volleyball superstar, who does not do younger guys—but Dom's golden retriever energy and filthy mouth wear her down real quick. And girl, when I say this boy is persistent? He practically majors in "Worship Her 101."
Throw in a scandal-ridden sorority, secret investigations, and ex-drama that never quite steals the show (thankfully), and you've got a fast-paced, dual POV gem that’s as flirty as it is fiery. The spice is A+, the tension is torturously good, and Dom is a walking, talking fantasy with a six-pack and a soft spot for his sister’s hot roommate.
If you like your book boyfriends young, obsessed, and relentlessly devoted, this one’s going to ruin you—in the best way.
Warning: You will blush. You will yell at Sierra to give in. And you will want your own Dom.
My one tiny, sparkly pet peeve? The whole "Goddess" nickname thing. It made me do a mini cringe—but hey, that's totally a me thing, not a mark against the book at all!
Definitely worth the read!
__________________________________________
Too Young to Know Better? Try Too Hot to Handle
Dom and Sierra’s story starts with fireworks—and somehow only gets hotter. One look across a club, and BOOM: it's insta-lust, one wild night, and a lot of secrets smoldering beneath the sheets. Sierra’s fresh off a breakup (cheating ex = trash), and Dom? Well, he forgot to mention he's not technically in college yet. Oops.
What follows is a steamy, chaotic, deliciously wrong-but-so-right ride. Dom is younger, a few months from graduation and already obsessed. Sierra’s 23, a total ice queen and volleyball superstar, who does not do younger guys—but Dom's golden retriever energy and filthy mouth wear her down real quick. And girl, when I say this boy is persistent? He practically majors in "Worship Her 101."
Throw in a scandal-ridden sorority, secret investigations, and ex-drama that never quite steals the show (thankfully), and you've got a fast-paced, dual POV gem that’s as flirty as it is fiery. The spice is A+, the tension is torturously good, and Dom is a walking, talking fantasy with a six-pack and a soft spot for his sister’s hot roommate.
If you like your book boyfriends young, obsessed, and relentlessly devoted, this one’s going to ruin you—in the best way.
Warning: You will blush. You will yell at Sierra to give in. And you will want your own Dom.
My one tiny, sparkly pet peeve? The whole "Goddess" nickname thing. It made me do a mini cringe—but hey, that's totally a me thing, not a mark against the book at all!
Definitely worth the read!
August 3, 2025
A college sports romance where they are both athletes? I didn’t realise I needed this.
So let’s talk women’s sports for a moment. Chronically underfunded, treated as second rate, nowhere near as celebrated as men’s sports. Unfortunately this has spilled over into romance novels, where the vast majority of sports novels focus on the MMC’s sporting prowess.
Enter Under the Lights. He is a footballer, she plays volleyball. While it isn’t rubbed in your face, there are subtle reminders across the book that women’s sports aren’t seen as important compared to men’s. That perfectly sets up Dom, our MMC, to shine as Not Like Other Guys. He never once makes Sierra (the FMC) feel like her sporting dreams are less than his.
That’s just who he is. After their initial meeting, Dom is obsessed with Sierra. He’s not the first MMC to be obsessed, sure. But he is mostly a green flag guy - he shows up, he supports, he does not undermine her. For a woman who has learned not to trust, that is…hard to comprehend.
Okay, the nitty gritty - this is a reverse age gap, black cat x golden retriever romance. I’d argue it’s a forced proximity too, simply because Dom just keeps showing up. It’s an instalust, open door book that involves discussions of various kinks. The book has a lot to say about trust, control and disappointment. There are jokes about stalking, and there is also a sinister presence in the background sending unsigned messages.
This is book two in a series, but I read it as a stand alone with no difficulty. Fans of sports/college romance would enjoy this book and I have no hesitation recommending it.
So let’s talk women’s sports for a moment. Chronically underfunded, treated as second rate, nowhere near as celebrated as men’s sports. Unfortunately this has spilled over into romance novels, where the vast majority of sports novels focus on the MMC’s sporting prowess.
Enter Under the Lights. He is a footballer, she plays volleyball. While it isn’t rubbed in your face, there are subtle reminders across the book that women’s sports aren’t seen as important compared to men’s. That perfectly sets up Dom, our MMC, to shine as Not Like Other Guys. He never once makes Sierra (the FMC) feel like her sporting dreams are less than his.
That’s just who he is. After their initial meeting, Dom is obsessed with Sierra. He’s not the first MMC to be obsessed, sure. But he is mostly a green flag guy - he shows up, he supports, he does not undermine her. For a woman who has learned not to trust, that is…hard to comprehend.
Okay, the nitty gritty - this is a reverse age gap, black cat x golden retriever romance. I’d argue it’s a forced proximity too, simply because Dom just keeps showing up. It’s an instalust, open door book that involves discussions of various kinks. The book has a lot to say about trust, control and disappointment. There are jokes about stalking, and there is also a sinister presence in the background sending unsigned messages.
This is book two in a series, but I read it as a stand alone with no difficulty. Fans of sports/college romance would enjoy this book and I have no hesitation recommending it.
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