The plot doesn't pickup until the last 50 pages and it wasn't even that good in the first place so maybe don't waste your time, at least until the second book is out if you're really interested. Oh yeah, that's because it's a series and not a fucking standalone like I thought it was🤦♀️. Annoyed doesn't even begin to cover the depth and breadth of my frustration upon realizing that this is a series. I only kept reading because I thought it was a standalone. Anyway, spoilers ahead!
This book has mad misogynistic energy in it, while somehow also being pro LGBTQ+ and pro-women??? The male characters take women hating to an uncomfortable degree, even when it's used as a plot point or stereotype. For example, two of the MMCs have been cheated on by past girlfriends and one in particular, Keene, is divorced due to a cheating wife; these characters speak about women being "the devil" (multiple times), "crazy" and "fickle creatures that are mentally unstable and unable to keep a promise". According to them, women are only good for one thing and that's a warm body that will have sex with them and leave afterward. Female side characters, also, discuss puck bunnies and how the "gold digging leaves a bad taste in their mouth". Conversely, Jamie, the "man-whore" character is very pro-women, when he offers them the one night special and respects their choices to hook up with whomever they wish. He would never call any woman a slut, but will let his boy degrade women as a whole. He will sit idly by and let his friend and teammate talk shit about "anywhere I turn, I see women lying, cheating and scheming to get their way without any regard for who they hurt" (direct quote from Keene to other MMCs and Bex's brother). These characters are not redeemable, they give "I'm on incel forums and listen to Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate" vibes. Being hurt by a past partner's actions is valid but becoming a misogynist because of it ain't it. If I heard a male friend speaking about women this way after being cheated on, we'd have a real come to Jesus moment and probably a referral to a therapist. I would've loved to see the other MMCs speak up and tell these idiots to cut the bullshit. Especially Luke, Bex's brother, he is gay and in a relationship with one of his teammates. Not that the onus of responsibility should be on the character that is in a minority group, but his father was an active homophobe that disowned his son because he caught him in flagrante with another boy. He understands how having so much disdain and hate toward a group of people can be hurtful and harmful. So it would make sense that he would tell his boys to grow TF up and stop spouting bullshit. Would love for this author to rework and make Luke a greater part of the book, maybe even cut out the first 200 some pages and start at the end. That is where the story really starts and gets interesting and could be reworked to flow better. Alas, it is most likely not in the cards. Good luck to all who read it 💙🩵