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Red Card Romance
Bend & Break
Blake Aster didn’t ask to be dragged into some underground battle-of-the-sexes soccer war, but here she is—shin-deep in sabotage, one bad prank away from being benched for the season, and very aware that her worst enemy is also the hottest guy on campus.
As Northgate’s star forward, she’s used to pressure. But nothing could’ve prepared her for Madsen Keller—goalie, egomaniac, and walking bad decision—who’s apparently made her his personal mission for the season. Every time she turns around, he’s there: smirking, provoking, and somehow still looking unfairly good while doing it.
Mads has been half in love with Blake since the moment she stepped on the field. Teasing her is just an excuse to stay close—something he tells himself is harmless, even as the stakes keep rising.
Blake thought it was just a game. Trash talk, sabotage, a petty rivalry with a hot asshole who doesn’t know when to quit. But now someone’s crossed a line, and whatever she just stepped into? It’s not a prank war anymore.
With reputations, scholarships, and pride on the line, Blake and Mads are about to find out that playing dirty has consequences—and that the biggest threat might not be each other.
Because at Northgate, everything has a breaking point.
And someone’s determined to make them bend until they do.
As Northgate’s star forward, she’s used to pressure. But nothing could’ve prepared her for Madsen Keller—goalie, egomaniac, and walking bad decision—who’s apparently made her his personal mission for the season. Every time she turns around, he’s there: smirking, provoking, and somehow still looking unfairly good while doing it.
Mads has been half in love with Blake since the moment she stepped on the field. Teasing her is just an excuse to stay close—something he tells himself is harmless, even as the stakes keep rising.
Blake thought it was just a game. Trash talk, sabotage, a petty rivalry with a hot asshole who doesn’t know when to quit. But now someone’s crossed a line, and whatever she just stepped into? It’s not a prank war anymore.
With reputations, scholarships, and pride on the line, Blake and Mads are about to find out that playing dirty has consequences—and that the biggest threat might not be each other.
Because at Northgate, everything has a breaking point.
And someone’s determined to make them bend until they do.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2025
37 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 28, 2025
Mads? ARF ARF! 🤪 🥵
The second I met him I knew I’d let him ruin my life and thank him for it afterwards. I absolutely loved him and Blake so much I didn’t want the story to end. The mystery? The smut?? OBSESSED! Once again, Genna had me kicking my feet and falling in love, she can do no wrong. 🧡
The second I met him I knew I’d let him ruin my life and thank him for it afterwards. I absolutely loved him and Blake so much I didn’t want the story to end. The mystery? The smut?? OBSESSED! Once again, Genna had me kicking my feet and falling in love, she can do no wrong. 🧡
October 5, 2025
Beta Read
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - physical violence / assault, football related injuries, accidental murder, dead bodies, threats of safety, characters pursued and restrained against their will, alcohol consumption, drug use (weed, mentioned, scs), panic / anxiety attack, claustrophobia (implied), near-accident involving a stove leak and malfunctioning CO detector, drugging or the FMC (by a sc), unsafe sex, knife violence, blood (minor)
CW - restraints, primal play, light fear play, masks, public play
Tropes - murder mystery, sports romance, college romance, obsessed, possessive, jealous, he falls first and harder, dark romcom, forced proximity
Representation - ADHD MMC
Mads (MMC) has such golden retriever energy which made me find him so endearing in a different way to the MMCs in Foul & Fake and Strike & Score.
It is so obvious that Genna loves murder mystery and has found her writing niche, I really enjoyed that aspect of the plot in this one and it's made me more excited for The Evidence of Us.
This was such a fun read for me and I enjoyed it cover to cover 🤩 no notes.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - physical violence / assault, football related injuries, accidental murder, dead bodies, threats of safety, characters pursued and restrained against their will, alcohol consumption, drug use (weed, mentioned, scs), panic / anxiety attack, claustrophobia (implied), near-accident involving a stove leak and malfunctioning CO detector, drugging or the FMC (by a sc), unsafe sex, knife violence, blood (minor)
CW - restraints, primal play, light fear play, masks, public play
Tropes - murder mystery, sports romance, college romance, obsessed, possessive, jealous, he falls first and harder, dark romcom, forced proximity
Representation - ADHD MMC
Mads (MMC) has such golden retriever energy which made me find him so endearing in a different way to the MMCs in Foul & Fake and Strike & Score.
It is so obvious that Genna loves murder mystery and has found her writing niche, I really enjoyed that aspect of the plot in this one and it's made me more excited for The Evidence of Us.
This was such a fun read for me and I enjoyed it cover to cover 🤩 no notes.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
October 10, 2025
The third book in the Red Card Romance Series. A dark, spicy, soccer romance with some murder mystery and investigation sprinkled in there. This was my favorite of the series. Can we talk about and appreciate Mads Keller here? I am obsessseddddd with this man. Obsessed with his accent, his thigh tats and his slutty crop tops. The push and pull between him and Blake was addictive. They had such a fun dynamic and their banter and Rites pranks on each other were top tier. Although I do have to say, as a hairstylist, the koolaid hair had me cringing 😆 Between the hot as hell chemistry with these two and the murder mystery aspect, I couldn’t put this book down and devoured it like it was my job.
Thank you to Genna, for the ARC! This series has been so fun.
read if you love:
soccer romance, black cat x golden retriever, he falls first and harder, college, murder mystery, primal/mask play, forced proximity, thigh tats and crop tops
Thank you to Genna, for the ARC! This series has been so fun.
read if you love:
soccer romance, black cat x golden retriever, he falls first and harder, college, murder mystery, primal/mask play, forced proximity, thigh tats and crop tops
November 1, 2025
Red Card Romance
Bend & Break by Genna Black
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Because at Northgate, everything has a breaking point.
And someone’s determined to make them bend until they do.
The Red Card Romance series features a ritual called “The Rites”, which typically consist of months of pranks when the senior warriors of the men’s soccer team select a victim from the junior ranks of the women’s team. The final book, book 3, features Blake and Madsen, a forced proximity dark soccer romance that perfectly wrapped up the Red Card Romance series.
Mads is a HOT golden retriever MMC, that falls first and HARDER (with thigh tats, a delicious accent, and crop tops too) .
Blake is a black cat FMC, that takes no BS, and is always ready to fight back. She’s ready to make a man WORK for her. 😏
You want a murder mystery? Check. A man yearning and pining? Check. Masks and primal play? Double check.
The BANTER! The SPICE! The MYSTERY! The PINING!!! The back and forth between Mads and Blake was so compelling and I was completely obsessed.
soccer dark romcom
thigh tats (& crop tops)
masks & chasing
forced proximity
murder mystery
black cat x golden retriever
he falls first & harder
Bend & Break by Genna Black out now! Available on KU! Thank you so much to Genna for this ARC.
Blake Aster didn’t ask to be dragged into some underground battle-of-the-sexes soccer war, but here she is—shin-deep in sabotage, one bad prank away from being benched for the season, and very aware that her worst enemy is also the hottest guy on campus.
As Northgate’s star forward, she’s used to pressure. But nothing could’ve prepared her for Madsen Keller—goalie, egomaniac, and walking bad decision—who’s apparently made her his personal mission for the season. Every time she turns around, he’s there: smirking, provoking, and somehow still looking unfairly good while doing it.
Mads has been half in love with Blake since the moment she stepped on the field. Teasing her is just an excuse to stay close—something he tells himself is harmless, even as the stakes keep rising.
Blake thought it was just a game. Trash talk, sabotage, a petty rivalry with a hot asshole who doesn’t know when to quit. But now someone’s crossed a line, and whatever she just stepped into? It’s not a prank war anymore.
With reputations, scholarships, and pride on the line, Blake and Mads are about to find out that playing dirty has consequences—and that the biggest threat might not be each other.
Because at Northgate, everything has a breaking point.
And someone’s determined to make them bend until they do.
Bend & Break by Genna Black
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Because at Northgate, everything has a breaking point.
And someone’s determined to make them bend until they do.
The Red Card Romance series features a ritual called “The Rites”, which typically consist of months of pranks when the senior warriors of the men’s soccer team select a victim from the junior ranks of the women’s team. The final book, book 3, features Blake and Madsen, a forced proximity dark soccer romance that perfectly wrapped up the Red Card Romance series.
Mads is a HOT golden retriever MMC, that falls first and HARDER (with thigh tats, a delicious accent, and crop tops too) .
Blake is a black cat FMC, that takes no BS, and is always ready to fight back. She’s ready to make a man WORK for her. 😏
You want a murder mystery? Check. A man yearning and pining? Check. Masks and primal play? Double check.
The BANTER! The SPICE! The MYSTERY! The PINING!!! The back and forth between Mads and Blake was so compelling and I was completely obsessed.
soccer dark romcom
thigh tats (& crop tops)
masks & chasing
forced proximity
murder mystery
black cat x golden retriever
he falls first & harder
Bend & Break by Genna Black out now! Available on KU! Thank you so much to Genna for this ARC.
Blake Aster didn’t ask to be dragged into some underground battle-of-the-sexes soccer war, but here she is—shin-deep in sabotage, one bad prank away from being benched for the season, and very aware that her worst enemy is also the hottest guy on campus.
As Northgate’s star forward, she’s used to pressure. But nothing could’ve prepared her for Madsen Keller—goalie, egomaniac, and walking bad decision—who’s apparently made her his personal mission for the season. Every time she turns around, he’s there: smirking, provoking, and somehow still looking unfairly good while doing it.
Mads has been half in love with Blake since the moment she stepped on the field. Teasing her is just an excuse to stay close—something he tells himself is harmless, even as the stakes keep rising.
Blake thought it was just a game. Trash talk, sabotage, a petty rivalry with a hot asshole who doesn’t know when to quit. But now someone’s crossed a line, and whatever she just stepped into? It’s not a prank war anymore.
With reputations, scholarships, and pride on the line, Blake and Mads are about to find out that playing dirty has consequences—and that the biggest threat might not be each other.
Because at Northgate, everything has a breaking point.
And someone’s determined to make them bend until they do.
October 2, 2025
ARC Review 📖
Bend & Break
Red Card Romance
Written by Genna Black
Yes! Golden retriever MMC who is in love with the black cat FMC. The push and pull between these two right from the start I'm here for it!
I am a huge fan of Mads and Blake! The fun dynamic and banter between them and not to mention the super hot chemistry is too good not to eat this book right up. To add to all of that the murder mystery and spooky vibes had me turning the pages like a mad woman needing answers and wanting more of them too. A match made in hell and I devoured this book like it was nobody’s business.
#Sportsromance
#soccerromance
#forcedproximity
#murdermystery
#revenge
#collegeromance
#blackcat
#goldenretriever
#primal
#masksanschasing
#thightats
#croptops
#hefallsfirstandharder
#pranks
#blue
#hatetolove
#prettylittleviolentthing
#soccerdarkromcom
#sharedworldthreebooks
#setduringHalloween
#therites
#mine
#baby
Bend & Break
Red Card Romance
Written by Genna Black
Yes! Golden retriever MMC who is in love with the black cat FMC. The push and pull between these two right from the start I'm here for it!
I am a huge fan of Mads and Blake! The fun dynamic and banter between them and not to mention the super hot chemistry is too good not to eat this book right up. To add to all of that the murder mystery and spooky vibes had me turning the pages like a mad woman needing answers and wanting more of them too. A match made in hell and I devoured this book like it was nobody’s business.
#Sportsromance
#soccerromance
#forcedproximity
#murdermystery
#revenge
#collegeromance
#blackcat
#goldenretriever
#primal
#masksanschasing
#thightats
#croptops
#hefallsfirstandharder
#pranks
#blue
#hatetolove
#prettylittleviolentthing
#soccerdarkromcom
#sharedworldthreebooks
#setduringHalloween
#therites
#mine
#baby
October 10, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ | arc review
"What's left is this: his arms around me, the warmth of his body against mine, and the quiet certainty that whatever comes next, we'll face it together."
I really enjoyed Blake & Mads their little story.
It was steamy, it was exciting and it had its fair share of 'spooky' elements! Seeing these two grow towards each other, with the help of some forced proximity? Yeah, loved it!
The elements surrounding the secret they were carrying and trying to find answers really added to the story and their reason to be in each other's life so much.
Really well written and very enjoyable 🥰
"What's left is this: his arms around me, the warmth of his body against mine, and the quiet certainty that whatever comes next, we'll face it together."
I really enjoyed Blake & Mads their little story.
It was steamy, it was exciting and it had its fair share of 'spooky' elements! Seeing these two grow towards each other, with the help of some forced proximity? Yeah, loved it!
The elements surrounding the secret they were carrying and trying to find answers really added to the story and their reason to be in each other's life so much.
Really well written and very enjoyable 🥰
October 1, 2025
Madsen + Blake
-soccer dark romcom
-murder mystery
-black cat x golden retriever
-he falls first & harder
-thigh tats & crop tops
woah!! this series was actually sooo good & i love how they all kinda had the same character trait set ups (DOWN BAD boys & girls that are FED UP with their shit) but they were all executed so differently yet equally as good! & then alsoooo lets talk about how all the girls had masculine names?? LOVEDDD THATTTT!! but there was just something about mads & the way he has been pining for his girl FOREVERRR!! & it made it SO GOOD!!
-soccer dark romcom
-murder mystery
-black cat x golden retriever
-he falls first & harder
-thigh tats & crop tops
woah!! this series was actually sooo good & i love how they all kinda had the same character trait set ups (DOWN BAD boys & girls that are FED UP with their shit) but they were all executed so differently yet equally as good! & then alsoooo lets talk about how all the girls had masculine names?? LOVEDDD THATTTT!! but there was just something about mads & the way he has been pining for his girl FOREVERRR!! & it made it SO GOOD!!
October 18, 2025
5 ⭐ 3 🌶️
Beta Read Quick Review: Hilarious, Swoony and Thrilling; Mads and Blake had me smiling non-stop and I couldn't get enough.
Full Review: Seriously though, I can't get enough of these two or this shared world series. I loved this one just as much, if not more, on my second full read through. Mads is so freaking down bad for Blake and I just adored his goofy butt. He was constantly making me laugh with how he ribbed Blake, he was ridiculous and oh so cute. She was a freaking spitfire and kept up with him so well too. I loved how anytime she got mad at him he fell harder for her, it was perfect.
The mystery and suspense was fantastic; I loved how uneasy it made me when I felt something bad coming... The third act was exciting and thrilling and the perfect conclusion for our bad guy(s).
And the spice was phenomenal, especially our epilogue scene (which has amazing art you should check out too BTW). I loved the banter and the love these two shared so much.
Thank you Genna for the advanced copy!!
Beta Read Quick Review: Hilarious, Swoony and Thrilling; Mads and Blake had me smiling non-stop and I couldn't get enough.
Full Review: Seriously though, I can't get enough of these two or this shared world series. I loved this one just as much, if not more, on my second full read through. Mads is so freaking down bad for Blake and I just adored his goofy butt. He was constantly making me laugh with how he ribbed Blake, he was ridiculous and oh so cute. She was a freaking spitfire and kept up with him so well too. I loved how anytime she got mad at him he fell harder for her, it was perfect.
The mystery and suspense was fantastic; I loved how uneasy it made me when I felt something bad coming... The third act was exciting and thrilling and the perfect conclusion for our bad guy(s).
And the spice was phenomenal, especially our epilogue scene (which has amazing art you should check out too BTW). I loved the banter and the love these two shared so much.
Thank you Genna for the advanced copy!!
November 14, 2025
♥ “Calm down, blue. My pretty, violent little thing.” ⚽
Even though this was the only book in the interconnected series that I’ve read, I never felt lost, so I think it’s safe to say each installment can be read in any order. What I wasn’t expecting, however, was a murder mystery woven into a sports romance; but that’s exactly what this turned into, and it certainly kept things interesting. Mads and Blake’s dynamic was one of the highlights for me; their banter was fun, even if Mads occasionally gave off “elementary school boy pulling a girl’s pigtails because he likes her” energy.
⚽ “I’m more trouble than I’m worth.” ♥
Based on the ad that originally caught my attention, I went in expecting a much spicier read, but the romance ended up being surprisingly mild. Their connection leaned more toward the emotional than the physical, which wasn’t a bad thing: just different from what I anticipated. The suspense, however, was hit-or-miss. Some moments delivered strong tension, but others completely missed the mark, creating a feeling of inconsistency. At times, it almost felt like the romance and mystery belonged to separate books that had been stitched together, resulting in a few jarring transitions.
⚽ “Gonna ruin you. Slow if you let me…fast if you beg for it.” ♥
Overall, it was a solid and enjoyable read, but it definitely would’ve benefited from a bit of fine tuning to better align the mystery and romance elements.
Stars: 3.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
Tropes:
♥ He Falls First ⚽
⚽ “Rivals” to Lovers ♥
♥ Forced Proximity ⚽
⚽ Mask Play ♥
♥ “She’s the one thing that would make any place worth staying. I’d wreck myself a hundred different ways if she ever gave me a chance.” ⚽
Even though this was the only book in the interconnected series that I’ve read, I never felt lost, so I think it’s safe to say each installment can be read in any order. What I wasn’t expecting, however, was a murder mystery woven into a sports romance; but that’s exactly what this turned into, and it certainly kept things interesting. Mads and Blake’s dynamic was one of the highlights for me; their banter was fun, even if Mads occasionally gave off “elementary school boy pulling a girl’s pigtails because he likes her” energy.
⚽ “I’m more trouble than I’m worth.” ♥
♥“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you’re my kind of trouble.”⚽
Based on the ad that originally caught my attention, I went in expecting a much spicier read, but the romance ended up being surprisingly mild. Their connection leaned more toward the emotional than the physical, which wasn’t a bad thing: just different from what I anticipated. The suspense, however, was hit-or-miss. Some moments delivered strong tension, but others completely missed the mark, creating a feeling of inconsistency. At times, it almost felt like the romance and mystery belonged to separate books that had been stitched together, resulting in a few jarring transitions.
⚽ “Gonna ruin you. Slow if you let me…fast if you beg for it.” ♥
Overall, it was a solid and enjoyable read, but it definitely would’ve benefited from a bit of fine tuning to better align the mystery and romance elements.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stars: 3.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tropes:
♥ He Falls First ⚽
⚽ “Rivals” to Lovers ♥
♥ Forced Proximity ⚽
⚽ Mask Play ♥
♥ “She’s the one thing that would make any place worth staying. I’d wreck myself a hundred different ways if she ever gave me a chance.” ⚽
October 11, 2025
It still amazes me how I ended up reading this series. It baffles me how it randomly showed up on my Instagram Explore page, and somehow I landed on it. This series has been such a fun and enjoyable read that I’m genuinely sad to leave this world behind—or in other words, sad that I won’t get to experience it for the first time again.
Genna did an amazing job crafting the plot of this book. It felt fresh and different from other books I’ve read. Within the series, this book struck a perfect balance between plot and spice—half and half, which is a total win for me. I was genuinely shocked by how much I loved it. The ending? Unexpected and jaw-dropping.
Now, let’s talk about the characters. It was so nice to revisit the couples from the previous two books. And can we talk about Mads for a second? This man is the definition of the “falls first and falls harder” trope. I had a certain image of him from the earlier books, but wow—he surprised me. He was absolutely whipped. And when I say whipped, I mean whipped like sweet whipped cream. His obsession with and devotion to his girl, to the point where he’d die for her, had me blushing and craving his POV every time.
Blake, on the other hand, was someone I connected with on a deeper level. Her emotional walls and complexity felt so raw and real. I think that’s exactly why Mads was perfect for her. She was the moon, and he was the sun. They balanced each other beautifully, and watching them fall in love was magical.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable ride. To everyone who helped bring this series to life—amazing job!
If you're looking for a book with a gripping plot, sizzling romance, swoon-worthy love, witty banter, juicy secrets, and a heartwarming found family, this one’s for you!
Genna did an amazing job crafting the plot of this book. It felt fresh and different from other books I’ve read. Within the series, this book struck a perfect balance between plot and spice—half and half, which is a total win for me. I was genuinely shocked by how much I loved it. The ending? Unexpected and jaw-dropping.
Now, let’s talk about the characters. It was so nice to revisit the couples from the previous two books. And can we talk about Mads for a second? This man is the definition of the “falls first and falls harder” trope. I had a certain image of him from the earlier books, but wow—he surprised me. He was absolutely whipped. And when I say whipped, I mean whipped like sweet whipped cream. His obsession with and devotion to his girl, to the point where he’d die for her, had me blushing and craving his POV every time.
Blake, on the other hand, was someone I connected with on a deeper level. Her emotional walls and complexity felt so raw and real. I think that’s exactly why Mads was perfect for her. She was the moon, and he was the sun. They balanced each other beautifully, and watching them fall in love was magical.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable ride. To everyone who helped bring this series to life—amazing job!
If you're looking for a book with a gripping plot, sizzling romance, swoon-worthy love, witty banter, juicy secrets, and a heartwarming found family, this one’s for you!
October 10, 2025
Their prank war forced them together. Solving a hazing mürd3r mystery kept them close.
Mads is Northgate’s star goalie, and his Rites target is Blake, the women’s’ team’s junior striker. When their prank war gets off to a tumultuous start and starts affecting others around them, their coaches require them to live together to sort their differences out.
Blake becomes involved in outing a rival school’s brutal hazing, but what she doesn’t realize is just how determined those involved are to make sure the proof she has never sees the light of day. After some emotional and intense events occur (check TW/CW), she finally lets Mads in on what she knows, and the two of them work together to figure out who the culprits are.
This book started off really strong! The tension between Mads and Blake had me turning the pages FAST- their banter and chemistry were top tier. Mads has been pining after Blake for so long, and he finally gets his chance. BOY DOES HE DELIVER!! 🔥🥵
There are some dark elements that made the story so much more interesting, and the final spicy scene between them was 🤌🏼✨My only qualm was the ending was a bit abrupt. I was expecting…more. I WANTED more!!
🖤 Forced proximity
🧡 Black cat/golden retriever
🖤 Dark college romance
🧡 Banter
🖤 Mask/primal play
🧡 Public $ex & bondage
🖤 He falls first & harder
Thank you Genna for the ARC!
⭐️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
Mads is Northgate’s star goalie, and his Rites target is Blake, the women’s’ team’s junior striker. When their prank war gets off to a tumultuous start and starts affecting others around them, their coaches require them to live together to sort their differences out.
Blake becomes involved in outing a rival school’s brutal hazing, but what she doesn’t realize is just how determined those involved are to make sure the proof she has never sees the light of day. After some emotional and intense events occur (check TW/CW), she finally lets Mads in on what she knows, and the two of them work together to figure out who the culprits are.
This book started off really strong! The tension between Mads and Blake had me turning the pages FAST- their banter and chemistry were top tier. Mads has been pining after Blake for so long, and he finally gets his chance. BOY DOES HE DELIVER!! 🔥🥵
There are some dark elements that made the story so much more interesting, and the final spicy scene between them was 🤌🏼✨My only qualm was the ending was a bit abrupt. I was expecting…more. I WANTED more!!
🖤 Forced proximity
🧡 Black cat/golden retriever
🖤 Dark college romance
🧡 Banter
🖤 Mask/primal play
🧡 Public $ex & bondage
🖤 He falls first & harder
Thank you Genna for the ARC!
⭐️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
October 4, 2025
Such a genius concept for these books!!
🧡Strike & Score by Madi Danielle
🧡Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen
🧡Bend & Break by Genna Black
3 books
3 different authors
The same event and time line with 3 different couples POV
The Rites is the perfect excuse for the men's soccer team to pull some pranks on the women´s team, but these ladies are not taking their shit without a good fight 😈
Brilliantly done and you need to read all 3 only because they are incredibly well done and such a fun read - I finished all 3 in less than 24 hours - I just could not stop!!
🧡Bend & Break
Murder Mystery, soccer dark romcom, thigh tats & crop tops 😉
Madsen is the hottest guy on campus, goalie, egomaniac, and walking bad decision who has decided that the Rites is the perfect opportunity to get the girl of his dreams
Blake is one tough cookie, focused on her future but every time she turns around Mads is there - smirking, teasing and provoking her - all while looking drop dead gorgeous
The banter and chemistry between these two is super hot and fun - but then someone crosses a line and this is no longer just a prank war but a murder mystery 🎃
Go grab your copy ASAP!!
Thank you Genna Black for the opportunity to ARC read this great book 📚
🧡Strike & Score by Madi Danielle
🧡Foul & Fake by Octavia Jensen
🧡Bend & Break by Genna Black
3 books
3 different authors
The same event and time line with 3 different couples POV
The Rites is the perfect excuse for the men's soccer team to pull some pranks on the women´s team, but these ladies are not taking their shit without a good fight 😈
Brilliantly done and you need to read all 3 only because they are incredibly well done and such a fun read - I finished all 3 in less than 24 hours - I just could not stop!!
🧡Bend & Break
Murder Mystery, soccer dark romcom, thigh tats & crop tops 😉
Madsen is the hottest guy on campus, goalie, egomaniac, and walking bad decision who has decided that the Rites is the perfect opportunity to get the girl of his dreams
Blake is one tough cookie, focused on her future but every time she turns around Mads is there - smirking, teasing and provoking her - all while looking drop dead gorgeous
The banter and chemistry between these two is super hot and fun - but then someone crosses a line and this is no longer just a prank war but a murder mystery 🎃
Go grab your copy ASAP!!
Thank you Genna Black for the opportunity to ARC read this great book 📚
October 14, 2025
This was the conclusion of a 3 part series by 3 different authors, but followed the same friends group- a girls and men’s college soccer teams as they both participated in the Red Rites. We got sneak peaks at Mads and Blake’s relationship in the first 2 books of the series, so I was super excited to finally see how their story played out. How Mads pranked Blake for the Rites and how Blake retaliated was something that I looked forward to seeing play out based on the small snippets from the first 2 books and it did not disappoint!
The banter, irritation, and tension between Mads and Blake was so thick and drew you into the book. Then the added suspense of an actual murder investigation and the suspects trying to get ahold of Blake to get the evidence she has on them was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. And I read this book in less than 24 hours because I NEEDED to know what happened!
However, the spice and actual relationship part of this book feel short compared to the first 2 books in the series. The romance wasn’t as jaw dropping and the spice was just okay. Definitely not on the same level as the first 2 books. Especially with how much hype Mads and Blake got.
But it was still a good read!
The banter, irritation, and tension between Mads and Blake was so thick and drew you into the book. Then the added suspense of an actual murder investigation and the suspects trying to get ahold of Blake to get the evidence she has on them was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. And I read this book in less than 24 hours because I NEEDED to know what happened!
However, the spice and actual relationship part of this book feel short compared to the first 2 books in the series. The romance wasn’t as jaw dropping and the spice was just okay. Definitely not on the same level as the first 2 books. Especially with how much hype Mads and Blake got.
But it was still a good read!
October 15, 2025
ARC Review: 4⭐️
Bend & Break is the third and final book in the Red Card Romance Series featuring Mads Keller & Blake Aster.
Mads picks Blake for the Red Card Rites and the two have been going back and forth on pranks ever since. When the pranks get severe Doc, the coach of the men’s soccer team decides enough is enough and makes them move into a isolation flat together.
Mads is giddy at the thought of being near her, but Blake is less than thrilled. Being forced to live together in the same place will certainly be a challenge, but when strange things continue to happen to Blake & her things, Mads & Blake must work together to get to the bottom of it.
They set out on discovering the truth behind another school’s pranks gone wrong, will they manage to solve it before they end up in major trouble?
This book really kept me invested from the start, determined to figure out what was going on and it kept me hooked with the banter and spice between Mads & Blake.
This series can be read in any order without ruining anything from the previous/future books, but I liked the order in which I read them.
Thank you Genna for the ARC opportunity, all 3 red card romance books are available now!
Bend & Break is the third and final book in the Red Card Romance Series featuring Mads Keller & Blake Aster.
Mads picks Blake for the Red Card Rites and the two have been going back and forth on pranks ever since. When the pranks get severe Doc, the coach of the men’s soccer team decides enough is enough and makes them move into a isolation flat together.
Mads is giddy at the thought of being near her, but Blake is less than thrilled. Being forced to live together in the same place will certainly be a challenge, but when strange things continue to happen to Blake & her things, Mads & Blake must work together to get to the bottom of it.
They set out on discovering the truth behind another school’s pranks gone wrong, will they manage to solve it before they end up in major trouble?
This book really kept me invested from the start, determined to figure out what was going on and it kept me hooked with the banter and spice between Mads & Blake.
This series can be read in any order without ruining anything from the previous/future books, but I liked the order in which I read them.
Thank you Genna for the ARC opportunity, all 3 red card romance books are available now!
October 12, 2025
Madsen is a goofy, not serious goalie for the men’s soccer team. He is the kind of guy who loves getting under people skin with pranks and is always making jokes. Blake is on the women’s soccer team and is more of a serious person, following rules and doing what she is supposed to, but also loves pranks. Northgate’s tradition of the Red Card Rites leave senior Madsen in a prank war with junior Blake, and these two take it very serious, constantly getting each other back. Enough so, they are moved into, essentially, the tower of punishment, where the two are forced to get along.
Not only does Blake constantly express her hate for Madsen, who is secretly in love with her, but she got herself into something deeper. For someone so serious, how did she end up with a murder mystery?
These two are a soft enemies to lovers, and coincidentally the perfect counterparts in a romance. The mystery aspect intertwined with a blossoming love that turns intense very quickly, is the perfect shorter story for this season. Did I mention mask play?
Not only does Blake constantly express her hate for Madsen, who is secretly in love with her, but she got herself into something deeper. For someone so serious, how did she end up with a murder mystery?
These two are a soft enemies to lovers, and coincidentally the perfect counterparts in a romance. The mystery aspect intertwined with a blossoming love that turns intense very quickly, is the perfect shorter story for this season. Did I mention mask play?
October 15, 2025
“Every time you look at me, it feels like another nail in my coffin. And if I’m being honest, I’d let you bury me smiling.”
Bend & Break is the third interconnected standalone in the Red Card Romance trilogy, three books by three different authors.
Characters:
Madsen (Mads) Keller
Blake Aster
Mads is the definition of obsessed and is so down bad. He’s a protector and you could see how much he cared about Blake. Also, shout out to the man with an accent, slutty crop tops, and thigh tattoos.
Mads and Blake have great banter and the pranks are pretty good.
The murder mystery was an interesting twist, but didn’t have enough for me. The resolution didn’t leave me totally fulfilled. The ending of the book felt very abrupt. It very much gave me a happy for now vibe.
What to Expect:
College Romance
Soccer romance
Forced proximity
Murder mystery
He falls first
Golden retriever MMC
Black cat FMC
HFN ending
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Genna Black for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
Bend & Break is the third interconnected standalone in the Red Card Romance trilogy, three books by three different authors.
Characters:
Madsen (Mads) Keller
Blake Aster
Mads is the definition of obsessed and is so down bad. He’s a protector and you could see how much he cared about Blake. Also, shout out to the man with an accent, slutty crop tops, and thigh tattoos.
Mads and Blake have great banter and the pranks are pretty good.
The murder mystery was an interesting twist, but didn’t have enough for me. The resolution didn’t leave me totally fulfilled. The ending of the book felt very abrupt. It very much gave me a happy for now vibe.
What to Expect:
College Romance
Soccer romance
Forced proximity
Murder mystery
He falls first
Golden retriever MMC
Black cat FMC
HFN ending
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you Genna Black for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
September 29, 2025
Listen, I wanted this book to be longer. The set up and plot to this book was EVERYTHING but like, I wanted… more.
🧡 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🧡They both play soccer
🧡Forced Proximity
🧡He Falls First
🧡Soccer / Dark Romance
The Rites is getting out of hand, and now Madsen and Blake are suffering the consequences. AKA to the isolation cabin they go. It’s just as bad as you’re envisioning. Rundown and generally miserable. Mads is determined to take this opportunity to get Blake out of her bed, and into his. But things start getting… weird. Like things go missing, and then well, you’ll have to read it because I refuse to give a spoiler, but Blake is.. Detained from getting to soccer on time and Mads is determined to make sure she’s safe and cared for. He may have broken her bed to inconvenience her at the beginning, but now, if it kept her in his bed, he wasn’t going to worry about getting it replaced.
🧡 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🧡They both play soccer
🧡Forced Proximity
🧡He Falls First
🧡Soccer / Dark Romance
The Rites is getting out of hand, and now Madsen and Blake are suffering the consequences. AKA to the isolation cabin they go. It’s just as bad as you’re envisioning. Rundown and generally miserable. Mads is determined to take this opportunity to get Blake out of her bed, and into his. But things start getting… weird. Like things go missing, and then well, you’ll have to read it because I refuse to give a spoiler, but Blake is.. Detained from getting to soccer on time and Mads is determined to make sure she’s safe and cared for. He may have broken her bed to inconvenience her at the beginning, but now, if it kept her in his bed, he wasn’t going to worry about getting it replaced.
October 14, 2025
What to expect
#Sportsromance #soccerromance #forcedproximity #Murdermystery #revenge #collegeromance #blackcat #goldenretriever #primal #masksandchasing #thightats #croptops #hefallsfirstandharder #pranks #blue #hatetolove #prettylittleviolentthing #soccerdarkromcom #sharedworldthreebooks #setduringHalloween #thirties #mine #baby #thightats #croptops
The third book in the Red Card Romance Series. A dark, spicy, soccer romance, trying to investigate a murder mystery. I am obsessseddddd with this man. Obsessed with his accent, his thigh tattoos so hot!! and his slutty crop tops. Made me blush! The push and pull between him and Blake was electric and addictive. They had such a fun dynamic and their banter and pranks on each other were fun and exhilarating.
I love this series and will 1000% recommend this read! I’m obsessed and plan on reading these again! I loved this author writing style will be looking forward to more books from her!
#Sportsromance #soccerromance #forcedproximity #Murdermystery #revenge #collegeromance #blackcat #goldenretriever #primal #masksandchasing #thightats #croptops #hefallsfirstandharder #pranks #blue #hatetolove #prettylittleviolentthing #soccerdarkromcom #sharedworldthreebooks #setduringHalloween #thirties #mine #baby #thightats #croptops
The third book in the Red Card Romance Series. A dark, spicy, soccer romance, trying to investigate a murder mystery. I am obsessseddddd with this man. Obsessed with his accent, his thigh tattoos so hot!! and his slutty crop tops. Made me blush! The push and pull between him and Blake was electric and addictive. They had such a fun dynamic and their banter and pranks on each other were fun and exhilarating.
I love this series and will 1000% recommend this read! I’m obsessed and plan on reading these again! I loved this author writing style will be looking forward to more books from her!
October 30, 2025
Enemies, Pranks, & Soccer Shenanigans
Alright Besties... let’s talk "Bend & Break". So Blake and Mads? They’ve got that cute love-hate energy that makes you root for them even while they’re sabotaging each other. The banter? Gold. The pranks? Chef’s kiss. It’s giving “Black Cat x Golden Retriever” chaos with a dash of s€xual tension simmering just under the surface.
But fair warning... this one is a very slow burn with mild spice. And while the murder mystery twist had me so ready for a jaw-drop moment… it kind of fizzled out instead of exploding. Still, the chemistry between these two and the soccer rivalry drama kept me entertained.
So yeah, it’s not my top-tier read, but if you’re in the mood for flirty rivalry, sporty tension, and a dash of sabotage, give this one a shot. ⚽🔥
My Ratings: ⭐ 3.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 2/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Alright Besties... let’s talk "Bend & Break". So Blake and Mads? They’ve got that cute love-hate energy that makes you root for them even while they’re sabotaging each other. The banter? Gold. The pranks? Chef’s kiss. It’s giving “Black Cat x Golden Retriever” chaos with a dash of s€xual tension simmering just under the surface.
But fair warning... this one is a very slow burn with mild spice. And while the murder mystery twist had me so ready for a jaw-drop moment… it kind of fizzled out instead of exploding. Still, the chemistry between these two and the soccer rivalry drama kept me entertained.
So yeah, it’s not my top-tier read, but if you’re in the mood for flirty rivalry, sporty tension, and a dash of sabotage, give this one a shot. ⚽🔥
My Ratings: ⭐ 3.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 2/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
September 27, 2025
The Rites is the perfect excuse for the men´s soccer tram to pull some pranks on the women´s tram, but for Madsen it is also the perfect way to get near Blake. He has been in love with her since day one.
Blake is feisty, determined and strong and isn´t letting Madsen get his way without fighting back.
Their pranks escalate and as a punishment by both their coaches, they are forced to live together for a while.
Madsen and Blake are suddenly involved in something much more serious than the Rites and the stupid pranks. They get involved in something dark, dangerous and that puts their lives at risk.
Living under one roof, sharing the same space, sharing secrets and secret missions will bring them closer and ignite their attraction.
A dangerous love story that will ignite a fire in you to read it in one go.
Thank you for the ARC.
Blake is feisty, determined and strong and isn´t letting Madsen get his way without fighting back.
Their pranks escalate and as a punishment by both their coaches, they are forced to live together for a while.
Madsen and Blake are suddenly involved in something much more serious than the Rites and the stupid pranks. They get involved in something dark, dangerous and that puts their lives at risk.
Living under one roof, sharing the same space, sharing secrets and secret missions will bring them closer and ignite their attraction.
A dangerous love story that will ignite a fire in you to read it in one go.
Thank you for the ARC.
October 1, 2025
Well this one was a hell of a surprise!
I been reading this series very hooked up with all the vibe, and meanwhile the vibe of the college, the campus, the football team and of course, the hazing is still there… this one take us in mysterious journey, with a lot of secrets, stalking and even murder… I was so invested in that storyline! My only wish would’ve been for it to be a little more explored, I feel like that plot has some much potential to develop!
Related to Mads and Blake, I like how they balance each other, Mads a big ball of energy, flirty comments and a lot of comic remarks … and Blake who’s not impressed by that always put him in his place haha
And I have to say I loved how Mads was pinning all over Blake, like she could have slap him and he would have thank her for it!
It was an entertaining mix of mystery vibes with the fun and charm of their relationship.
I been reading this series very hooked up with all the vibe, and meanwhile the vibe of the college, the campus, the football team and of course, the hazing is still there… this one take us in mysterious journey, with a lot of secrets, stalking and even murder… I was so invested in that storyline! My only wish would’ve been for it to be a little more explored, I feel like that plot has some much potential to develop!
Related to Mads and Blake, I like how they balance each other, Mads a big ball of energy, flirty comments and a lot of comic remarks … and Blake who’s not impressed by that always put him in his place haha
And I have to say I loved how Mads was pinning all over Blake, like she could have slap him and he would have thank her for it!
It was an entertaining mix of mystery vibes with the fun and charm of their relationship.
October 4, 2025
Bend and break is the final book in the Red Card Romance series.
The book follows Mads and Blake, who I couldn’t help but cheer on as their relationship developed.
Bend and brake had me giggling, kicking my feet and swooning over Mads.
If you love spicy dark romance romcoms this is the perfect Halloween read for you. The banter between Mads and Blake is incredible and the way they just work is fab, everyone deserves to feel loved the way Mads loves Blake. The only downside to this book is I wanted so much more I need to know that these two made it into old age, happily married and continuing to solve mysteries.
This is the first time I’ve read anything by Genna Black and now I want to read everything by her!
⚽️soccer dark romcom
⚽️shared world (3 books!)
⚽️set during Halloween
⚽️THIGH TATS (& CROP TOPS)
⚽️masks & chasing
⚽️forced proximity
⚽️murder mystery
The book follows Mads and Blake, who I couldn’t help but cheer on as their relationship developed.
Bend and brake had me giggling, kicking my feet and swooning over Mads.
If you love spicy dark romance romcoms this is the perfect Halloween read for you. The banter between Mads and Blake is incredible and the way they just work is fab, everyone deserves to feel loved the way Mads loves Blake. The only downside to this book is I wanted so much more I need to know that these two made it into old age, happily married and continuing to solve mysteries.
This is the first time I’ve read anything by Genna Black and now I want to read everything by her!
⚽️soccer dark romcom
⚽️shared world (3 books!)
⚽️set during Halloween
⚽️THIGH TATS (& CROP TOPS)
⚽️masks & chasing
⚽️forced proximity
⚽️murder mystery
October 9, 2025
Who doesn’t love a romance book with side of murder mystery. I loved blake and Mads story. This is the 3rd book in the Red Card series. This book can be read as stand alone but I highly recommend reading the other 2 books first.
Tropes:
Soccer Romance
Fake dating
Opposite Attract
Primal/mask play
Golden Retriever with Red Flags
Multi-cultured
Blake and Mads find themselves trapped in an elevator and their soccer coaches think that it has something to do with soccer pranks. When Mads and Blake both deny it the coaches don’t believe them. They make Blake and Mads move into an apartment together as a punishment.
Weird things keep happening around the apartment and at first it just odd things then Mads comes home to find something has happened to Blake.
** I want to thank Genna Black for giving me the chance to read Bend & Break as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.***
Tropes:
Soccer Romance
Fake dating
Opposite Attract
Primal/mask play
Golden Retriever with Red Flags
Multi-cultured
Blake and Mads find themselves trapped in an elevator and their soccer coaches think that it has something to do with soccer pranks. When Mads and Blake both deny it the coaches don’t believe them. They make Blake and Mads move into an apartment together as a punishment.
Weird things keep happening around the apartment and at first it just odd things then Mads comes home to find something has happened to Blake.
** I want to thank Genna Black for giving me the chance to read Bend & Break as an ARC. In exchange for my honest review and thoughts.***
October 18, 2025
Bend and Break is a spicy, dark college soccer romance where rival players Blake and Mads must confront their fierce attraction while trying to uncover a mystery before their escalating feud gets them both killed.
I absolutely loved this book! The best part was the characters—Blake and Mads were so much fun, and their constant banter was brilliant. The spice was spicy, definitely living up to my expectation after reading Strike and Score. While the storyline was gritty and dark, the strong and compelling connection between the two main characters made the whole book even better. I highly recommend it!
• Enemies-to-Lovers 😠➡️❤️
• Sports Romance ⚽️🏆
• Forced Proximity 🔒
• Dark Romance / Suspense 🔪🤫
• High-Heat Spice 🔥🥵
TRIGGERS
• Dark Themes 🖤
• High Spice (Open Door) 🌶️🌶️🌶️
• Violence/Murder 🔪🩸
• Stalking 👀
• Trauma/Assault Mention 🫂
I absolutely loved this book! The best part was the characters—Blake and Mads were so much fun, and their constant banter was brilliant. The spice was spicy, definitely living up to my expectation after reading Strike and Score. While the storyline was gritty and dark, the strong and compelling connection between the two main characters made the whole book even better. I highly recommend it!
• Enemies-to-Lovers 😠➡️❤️
• Sports Romance ⚽️🏆
• Forced Proximity 🔒
• Dark Romance / Suspense 🔪🤫
• High-Heat Spice 🔥🥵
TRIGGERS
• Dark Themes 🖤
• High Spice (Open Door) 🌶️🌶️🌶️
• Violence/Murder 🔪🩸
• Stalking 👀
• Trauma/Assault Mention 🫂
October 30, 2025
Madsen Keller has it bad for Blake Aster and has since the first time he met her. The problem is he’s barely a blip on her radar, until the Northgate University Rites when senior boy soccer players spend the season tormenting junior girl soccer players with endless pranks. Not one to back down from a confrontation, Blake gives as good as she gets in their prank war until the coaches force the pair to live together to work out their issues.
Mads has the most adorable golden retriever vibe as he continues to push Blake’s buttons until the chemistry they share combusts. Add in a murder mystery to solve and some thrilling k!nk exploration and you have a smashing conclusion to the Red Card Romance series…oh wait, did I forget to mention that Mads is British…
Tropes:
Murder mystery
Black cat & golden retriever
Forced proximity
Primal & mask play
He falls first & harder
Mads has the most adorable golden retriever vibe as he continues to push Blake’s buttons until the chemistry they share combusts. Add in a murder mystery to solve and some thrilling k!nk exploration and you have a smashing conclusion to the Red Card Romance series…oh wait, did I forget to mention that Mads is British…
Tropes:
Murder mystery
Black cat & golden retriever
Forced proximity
Primal & mask play
He falls first & harder
October 6, 2025
A great addition to this series.
It had darker themes across the story (but not the relationship) than the other books with the murder mystery being the main plot point, but the romance of the two main characters was still at the forefront.
They were so cute! Crushing on each other for ages but neither doing anything about it until they’re thrown in the same space, then the sweetness comes out to play.
Sure there’s some primal stuff in there but it felt generally vanilla and really lovely.
This felt less spicy than the others but was no less enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this series so if you’re looking for an interconnected series, with football (soccer) as the sport of choice, with some fun relationship dynamics and banter, this is a great choice.
It had darker themes across the story (but not the relationship) than the other books with the murder mystery being the main plot point, but the romance of the two main characters was still at the forefront.
They were so cute! Crushing on each other for ages but neither doing anything about it until they’re thrown in the same space, then the sweetness comes out to play.
Sure there’s some primal stuff in there but it felt generally vanilla and really lovely.
This felt less spicy than the others but was no less enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this series so if you’re looking for an interconnected series, with football (soccer) as the sport of choice, with some fun relationship dynamics and banter, this is a great choice.
October 7, 2025
This is the third and final book in the red card romance series. Also my first read by Genna Black. This book follows Mads and Blake and I was so excited to read their story. Wrapped in the Rites battle, Blake and Mads find themselves living in a shared apartment. They are one prank away from being benched as they both play soccer. I immediately wanted to read more of the book. If I didn’t have to work, I would have finished this in one sitting. I love the back and forth banter. I loved Mads protectiveness of Blake even though she was so sassy to him. I also really enjoyed the suspense aspect of this book. 3/5 🌶️
⚽️ Soccer dark romcom
⚽️ Forced proximity
⚽️ shmurder mystery
⚽️ He falls first and harder
⚽️ Soccer dark romcom
⚽️ Forced proximity
⚽️ shmurder mystery
⚽️ He falls first and harder
October 9, 2025
MADS being a man obsessed right from the jump had me so obsessed and hooked. The way he loves to piss Blaire off because “she’s hot when she’s angry”. I’m out here like “my man, my man, my man” 🤭🥵🤤
This was my favourite in the series.
It was so suspenseful. I am a sucker for a man who’s obsessed with her and a golden retriever while she appears cold as 🧊.
The underling story was perfectly connected, and made this so good. It was suspenseful and so mysterious!!!
Blaire is very spiteful between them, and their prank wars were awesome! Watching her turn to Mads for support was a beautiful journey.
Tropes
Forced Proximity
Black Cat x Golden Retriever
Primal Masks
He falls first & harder
Rivals to Lovers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This was my favourite in the series.
It was so suspenseful. I am a sucker for a man who’s obsessed with her and a golden retriever while she appears cold as 🧊.
The underling story was perfectly connected, and made this so good. It was suspenseful and so mysterious!!!
Blaire is very spiteful between them, and their prank wars were awesome! Watching her turn to Mads for support was a beautiful journey.
Tropes
Forced Proximity
Black Cat x Golden Retriever
Primal Masks
He falls first & harder
Rivals to Lovers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
October 13, 2025
ARCish Review:
5/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️
-Murder Mystery
-Forced Proximity
-First Person POV: Dual
-He Falls First & Harder
-College Soccer
Genna Black has done it again. Closing out the Red Card Romance Series with a literal bang. I was hooked from the start. Nothing could have torn me away once I started getting further into the book. The mystery vibes had me on the edge of my seat. But just Mads and Blake had me giggling along the whole time. They have such a strangely sweet relationship that blossoms into something beautiful. I loved every second of them. The twists and turns are the real deal. I could never have guessed what was going to happen.
Like the rest of the series, check the TW’s prior to reading!
Otherwise I highly recommend!!
5/5⭐️, 3/5🌶️
-Murder Mystery
-Forced Proximity
-First Person POV: Dual
-He Falls First & Harder
-College Soccer
Genna Black has done it again. Closing out the Red Card Romance Series with a literal bang. I was hooked from the start. Nothing could have torn me away once I started getting further into the book. The mystery vibes had me on the edge of my seat. But just Mads and Blake had me giggling along the whole time. They have such a strangely sweet relationship that blossoms into something beautiful. I loved every second of them. The twists and turns are the real deal. I could never have guessed what was going to happen.
Like the rest of the series, check the TW’s prior to reading!
Otherwise I highly recommend!!
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