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The Equation of Us
From author Reese Calloway, comes a steamy college hockey romance about a brilliant neuroscience student who breaks all her carefully calculated rules when she falls for her best friend's commanding ex-boyfriend. Smart, emotional, and undeniably hot.
Nora Shaw doesn’t lose control. Not in labs, not in lectures, and definitely not in her personal life. She’s got a strict plan: ace her neuroscience program, avoid unnecessary drama, and steer clear of athletes—especially the ones with reputations.
Dean Carter? Very much a reputation.
The campus knows him as the brooding center with a very specific bedroom preference—one that’s whispered about in locker rooms, dorm rooms, and, unfortunately, very thin-walled study halls. Nora doesn’t mean to overhear. But once she does… she can’t stop thinking about it. About him. About what it might feel like to shut her brain off for once and let someone else take over.
When the university assigns her to tutor Dean, their chemistry threatens to upend everything. She was supposed to keep it professional. He was supposed to keep his hands to himself.
But the smartest girl on campus is about to break her own rules—because falling for your best friend’s ex? That’s not logical. It’s inevitable.
Perfect for fans of The Deal and Deep End, this slow-burn, high-heat college hockey romance explores power, vulnerability, and what happens when you let someone all the way in.
Nora Shaw doesn’t lose control. Not in labs, not in lectures, and definitely not in her personal life. She’s got a strict plan: ace her neuroscience program, avoid unnecessary drama, and steer clear of athletes—especially the ones with reputations.
Dean Carter? Very much a reputation.
The campus knows him as the brooding center with a very specific bedroom preference—one that’s whispered about in locker rooms, dorm rooms, and, unfortunately, very thin-walled study halls. Nora doesn’t mean to overhear. But once she does… she can’t stop thinking about it. About him. About what it might feel like to shut her brain off for once and let someone else take over.
When the university assigns her to tutor Dean, their chemistry threatens to upend everything. She was supposed to keep it professional. He was supposed to keep his hands to himself.
But the smartest girl on campus is about to break her own rules—because falling for your best friend’s ex? That’s not logical. It’s inevitable.
Perfect for fans of The Deal and Deep End, this slow-burn, high-heat college hockey romance explores power, vulnerability, and what happens when you let someone all the way in.
Published June 12, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 15, 2025
this was cute, but very lacking 🤷🏼♀️ and it gave Deep End vibes, but worse 👀
The dialogue was repetitive, and the dominance of the hero was a joke🙈 he was a regular guy. Still, everyone around him claimed he was so "intense, domineering, etc.", with no reason. Plus, the MCs decide to enter into a sexual relationship, but the amount of "stuff" they did was non-existent. And their first time happened after the 65% mark, kind of late, considering that was the whole point of their encounters in the first place.
There were also silly plot mistakes, such as incorrect dates and information or even impossible seating arrangements. It wasn't at all important, but it subtracted from the general enjoyment with the story.
Also, the way the author interchanged the terms "tutor" and "academic advisor" as if they're remotely the same thing 🤦♀️
The dialogue was repetitive, and the dominance of the hero was a joke🙈 he was a regular guy. Still, everyone around him claimed he was so "intense, domineering, etc.", with no reason. Plus, the MCs decide to enter into a sexual relationship, but the amount of "stuff" they did was non-existent. And their first time happened after the 65% mark, kind of late, considering that was the whole point of their encounters in the first place.
There were also silly plot mistakes, such as incorrect dates and information or even impossible seating arrangements. It wasn't at all important, but it subtracted from the general enjoyment with the story.
Also, the way the author interchanged the terms "tutor" and "academic advisor" as if they're remotely the same thing 🤦♀️
May 29, 2025
4.5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Oh my god this book is SO good!!!! 😍😍😍
I loved it from page 1, because "The Equation of Us" seems like your typical college hockey romance with the nerd girl tutoring the hockey jock and it kinda is, yes, but it is also so much more!
First of all, the writing style! I love it, it feels so intense, it feels deep, it feels emotional. The prose of this book is beautiful to read, so this definitely won't be my last book from that author!
And then the characters!!! 😩🩷🩷🩷
I mean yes, they're doing something that could feel a little off, simply because Nora's friend Daphne is really sweet and kind and even though she and Dean didn't work out, she isn't really a b**ch about it. Instead she shows remorse and really seems to regret the way she handled things. So Nora kinda sneaking around with Dean behind her back does feel a little meh, but that's simply the trope. ☹️
But Dean and Nora? These two have chemistry. They make sense and they are so so good together. There's this intensity that you can feel between the lines. The inner monologues make the characters come alive and feel so real, so full of emotion, so deep that I have been entranced sind the first line really.
Both of them have this kind of brokenness to them, because they feel like noone really gets them. Both of them had to bend over backwards for other people in the past just so they didn't feel like they were too much for others and when these two came together? They clicked. They so perfectly fit together that it is just beautiful to see them interact with each other and slowly fall for each other!! 😩
Honestly, this book hits hard and I think it's wonderful - I would definitely recommend this to all romance lovers, bonus points if you're as obsessed with hockey romance as I am! 😂❤️🔥
Oh and also, this whole thing about him wanting her surrender and his lines!!! 😩😩😩 I'm a puddle on the floor. 🫠
P.S. Minus half a star, because I do think there are quite a few repetitions throughout that I don't think are strictly necessary, but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment at all. 🥰
Oh my god this book is SO good!!!! 😍😍😍
I loved it from page 1, because "The Equation of Us" seems like your typical college hockey romance with the nerd girl tutoring the hockey jock and it kinda is, yes, but it is also so much more!
First of all, the writing style! I love it, it feels so intense, it feels deep, it feels emotional. The prose of this book is beautiful to read, so this definitely won't be my last book from that author!
And then the characters!!! 😩🩷🩷🩷
I mean yes, they're doing something that could feel a little off, simply because Nora's friend Daphne is really sweet and kind and even though she and Dean didn't work out, she isn't really a b**ch about it. Instead she shows remorse and really seems to regret the way she handled things. So Nora kinda sneaking around with Dean behind her back does feel a little meh, but that's simply the trope. ☹️
But Dean and Nora? These two have chemistry. They make sense and they are so so good together. There's this intensity that you can feel between the lines. The inner monologues make the characters come alive and feel so real, so full of emotion, so deep that I have been entranced sind the first line really.
Both of them have this kind of brokenness to them, because they feel like noone really gets them. Both of them had to bend over backwards for other people in the past just so they didn't feel like they were too much for others and when these two came together? They clicked. They so perfectly fit together that it is just beautiful to see them interact with each other and slowly fall for each other!! 😩
Honestly, this book hits hard and I think it's wonderful - I would definitely recommend this to all romance lovers, bonus points if you're as obsessed with hockey romance as I am! 😂❤️🔥
Oh and also, this whole thing about him wanting her surrender and his lines!!! 😩😩😩 I'm a puddle on the floor. 🫠
P.S. Minus half a star, because I do think there are quite a few repetitions throughout that I don't think are strictly necessary, but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment at all. 🥰
May 26, 2025
4.5 rounded up!!
He doesn't just want sex. He wants surrender.
The academic aspect was so damn interesting. I, a biology-averse student (even though I find it super interesting), was invested, wanting to see how these two brilliant minds reached their goals and complemented each other’s thinking. Also, seeing them get happy for each other's accomplishments instead of resenting that one got a grant or that the other's project got interest was so sweet, and it showed how much respect and appreciation they both had for the other's passion in their work.
So happy Daphne didn’t want Dean’s intensity, because it would have been a waste of potential on her. On our girl Nora, tho? She was immediately intrigued by Dean’s nature, and I was glad to be along for the ride.
Dean, being intelligent and a hockey player with a hot body to match, is like the perfect package…throw in his dominance, and he’s the blueprint for the perfect man, in my opinion. He was also a little too nice sometimes. I liked how he could allow Nora to be leading sometimes, but in the end, his being the more intense in that aspect of their relationship was one of my favorite things.
And Nora, she had her goals clear, but the rest of her life was a little in shambles, from past experiences, making her shy away from being herself. I loved seeing her grow and find more confidence, and, even with that wobble at the end, she was such a caring and loyal friend I couldn't fault her or her feelings. So glad she came to her senses and did more than the bare minimum to fix things.
I do have to say, fuck Daphne. What she did, not only to Nora, but the way she broke up with Dean…she’s not a good person, and she doesn’t deserve any kind of redemption arc.
I did adore the epilogue. It was such a sweet detail, and fit both of their futures, but now meshed together to make a better one.
Quotes:
Because what if I'm not broken? What if I just haven't been with someone who actually wanted me that way?
I've never wanted to kiss someone more in my entire life.
Now I know that beneath her careful control is a hunger that matches my own. Now I know that she sees my intensity not as a flaw, but as a promise.
"You knew I was there?"
"Of course I knew. I always know when you're near."
"That's it. Take me deeper. Such a good fucking girl,"
Six hours until Nora. Six hours until I can stop pretending I'm thinking about anything else.
All I can think about is Dean. Dean's hands. Dean's mouth. Dean's voice telling me exactly what he wants and how he wants it.
"I've been studying you for seven days. Every expression. Every movement. Every sound you make when you're trying not to react to me looking at you."
Thank you, Chaotic and Reese, for the e-arc!
He doesn't just want sex. He wants surrender.
The academic aspect was so damn interesting. I, a biology-averse student (even though I find it super interesting), was invested, wanting to see how these two brilliant minds reached their goals and complemented each other’s thinking. Also, seeing them get happy for each other's accomplishments instead of resenting that one got a grant or that the other's project got interest was so sweet, and it showed how much respect and appreciation they both had for the other's passion in their work.
So happy Daphne didn’t want Dean’s intensity, because it would have been a waste of potential on her. On our girl Nora, tho? She was immediately intrigued by Dean’s nature, and I was glad to be along for the ride.
Dean, being intelligent and a hockey player with a hot body to match, is like the perfect package…throw in his dominance, and he’s the blueprint for the perfect man, in my opinion. He was also a little too nice sometimes. I liked how he could allow Nora to be leading sometimes, but in the end, his being the more intense in that aspect of their relationship was one of my favorite things.
And Nora, she had her goals clear, but the rest of her life was a little in shambles, from past experiences, making her shy away from being herself. I loved seeing her grow and find more confidence, and, even with that wobble at the end, she was such a caring and loyal friend I couldn't fault her or her feelings. So glad she came to her senses and did more than the bare minimum to fix things.
I do have to say, fuck Daphne. What she did, not only to Nora, but the way she broke up with Dean…she’s not a good person, and she doesn’t deserve any kind of redemption arc.
I did adore the epilogue. It was such a sweet detail, and fit both of their futures, but now meshed together to make a better one.
Quotes:
Because what if I'm not broken? What if I just haven't been with someone who actually wanted me that way?
I've never wanted to kiss someone more in my entire life.
Now I know that beneath her careful control is a hunger that matches my own. Now I know that she sees my intensity not as a flaw, but as a promise.
"You knew I was there?"
"Of course I knew. I always know when you're near."
"That's it. Take me deeper. Such a good fucking girl,"
Six hours until Nora. Six hours until I can stop pretending I'm thinking about anything else.
All I can think about is Dean. Dean's hands. Dean's mouth. Dean's voice telling me exactly what he wants and how he wants it.
"I've been studying you for seven days. Every expression. Every movement. Every sound you make when you're trying not to react to me looking at you."
Thank you, Chaotic and Reese, for the e-arc!
February 22, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded down for goodreads.
I made a reddit post asking for BDSM books similar to Deep End, but spicier, and was recommended this. While I enjoyed it for the most part, it is not spicier than Deep End, and in actuality, is almost exactly the same as the book, down to the other woman drama, pretty much.
Writing wise, this book needed an editor. The MMC talks about his friend and why he's in his program earlier on in the book and then after 50% (or close to), the whole thing is reiterated like the FMC didn't already know. It was off-putting.
Things I Liked:
- The MMC. He was pretty much a green flag, all over, even when he had to go in and help the ex-girlfriend, because he communicated.
Things I Did Not Like: (Spoilery, as always)
- The other woman drama. Sure, the MMC and FMC should have admitted to the relationship earlier on, but the pregnancy scare? Unnecessary. Especially since I'm pretty sure the OW had been sleeping with a new guy after the break-up. And then for said other woman to try and ruin the FMC's career? Oooof, instant dislike. And just like Deep End, I did not like how the FMC was so...afraid? Of the other woman.
- The length. This could've been over at 300 pages, and not 330.
- Kink light. Seriously.
Sex Stuff:
- MMC tells FMC to do things, to 'lose control'.
- Ties her hands up with hockey laces once.
- Public sex a couple of times, to the point that that's probably the most prominent kink
- 3/4 sex scenes, explicit.
I made a reddit post asking for BDSM books similar to Deep End, but spicier, and was recommended this. While I enjoyed it for the most part, it is not spicier than Deep End, and in actuality, is almost exactly the same as the book, down to the other woman drama, pretty much.
Writing wise, this book needed an editor. The MMC talks about his friend and why he's in his program earlier on in the book and then after 50% (or close to), the whole thing is reiterated like the FMC didn't already know. It was off-putting.
Things I Liked:
- The MMC. He was pretty much a green flag, all over, even when he had to go in and help the ex-girlfriend, because he communicated.
Things I Did Not Like: (Spoilery, as always)
- The other woman drama. Sure, the MMC and FMC should have admitted to the relationship earlier on, but the pregnancy scare? Unnecessary. Especially since I'm pretty sure the OW had been sleeping with a new guy after the break-up. And then for said other woman to try and ruin the FMC's career? Oooof, instant dislike. And just like Deep End, I did not like how the FMC was so...afraid? Of the other woman.
- The length. This could've been over at 300 pages, and not 330.
- Kink light. Seriously.
Sex Stuff:
- MMC tells FMC to do things, to 'lose control'.
- Ties her hands up with hockey laces once.
- Public sex a couple of times, to the point that that's probably the most prominent kink
- 3/4 sex scenes, explicit.
May 23, 2025
4 stars.
This book is fast-paced. I enjoyed it. Actually, I devoured in one sitting even I was busy with uni stuff. I love how the chapters are short. I love the side characters. They’re were well done. I can’t wait to read their books if in the future they have. 🤭 I adore Nora’s character but some scenes she got on my nerves. I could never apologise to someone who tried to hurt my future even if it is a friend. I could never. Dean. HOW I LOVE HIM. He’s literally perfect. He’s the GREEN FLAG.
The storyline is entertaining. I love the angst about MMC being the FMC’s ex. Sometimes girls love drama 👉🏻👈🏻.
I didn’t give 5 stars because some scenes were boring and it wasn’t a life changing book! Just enjoyable and good book 💛
Thank you Chaotic Creative and the author for the ARC 💛
This book is fast-paced. I enjoyed it. Actually, I devoured in one sitting even I was busy with uni stuff. I love how the chapters are short. I love the side characters. They’re were well done. I can’t wait to read their books if in the future they have. 🤭 I adore Nora’s character but some scenes she got on my nerves. I could never apologise to someone who tried to hurt my future even if it is a friend. I could never. Dean. HOW I LOVE HIM. He’s literally perfect. He’s the GREEN FLAG.
The storyline is entertaining. I love the angst about MMC being the FMC’s ex. Sometimes girls love drama 👉🏻👈🏻.
I didn’t give 5 stars because some scenes were boring and it wasn’t a life changing book! Just enjoyable and good book 💛
Thank you Chaotic Creative and the author for the ARC 💛
June 26, 2025
It was a nice, fun college hockey romance. It’s her friend’s ex-boyfriend and she’s tutoring him. I feel like the level of spice was overpromised, there aren’t a lot of spicy scenes in the book. In one of the first few chapters she thinks about a time she slept with a previous partner “The night we hooked up, I tried something I’d never done before. Nothing big. Just… intentional. Present. I wanted to feel something. The next week, I heard from someone in his dorm that I was “surprisingly wild for a nerd.”…. And then we never hear about what she did that was wild. They act like Dean has this dark controlling side when it comes the the bedroom, the synopsis saying “The campus knows him as the brooding center with a very specific bedroom preference—one that’s whispered about in locker rooms, dorm rooms, and, unfortunately, very thin-walled study halls.” But it’s all very vanilla. Good read, pregnancy scare (not the FMC), MCs have good communication, easy summer read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
Was probably the most "set in the real world" book I have read in a long time. There were consequences for actions and people actually had realistic reactions to things.
January 3, 2026
it was semi solid failed in character development
Similar to deep end . And I’m bummed the fml forgave the “best friend” didn’t suit her character. She was stronger than that.
Similar to deep end . And I’m bummed the fml forgave the “best friend” didn’t suit her character. She was stronger than that.
January 31, 2026
this is the worst.
reads like it’s written by ai. 0 chemistry between Nora and Dean. endless repetitions.
waste of time.
reads like it’s written by ai. 0 chemistry between Nora and Dean. endless repetitions.
waste of time.
July 16, 2026
Feels ai too ai the cover looks ai and the things basically insta live feels arse
December 31, 2025
i read this bc someone said it was like deep end but i did not like it very much. the side characters somehow always knew what had just happened well enough so they could ask questions perfect for the mc to self reflect or move the plot forward. and some plot points were annoying
January 21, 2026
Read this because I thought it’d be like deep end except it was literally the same, but worse. Also ended like it was going to have a sequel for two characters and then that’s not what the sequel is?? Why does every epilogue have to have kids??
July 20, 2025
Deep end dupe
September 29, 2025
just no.
Did Not Finish
February 25, 2026DNF @ 46% def AI slop
June 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the first book I have read by Reese Calloway and I absolutely love the way she writes. The Equation of Us is fast paced, perfectly spiced, and well written. Our MCs have an instant attraction that continues to grow as the story progresses. I couldn’t stop reading about these two as when their slow burn ignited, I was all smiles. Alongside the MCs, the side characters in this story add so much to the pacing of this story. They were as well written as our MCs, held purpose, weren’t just filler, and I am excited to see if they will get their own stories or not.
Nora is assigned to tutor Dean as he needs help in a subject. They are familiar with each other as Dean is her friend’s ex. Nora is well aware of Dean’s reputation both through the gossip train among college students and very thin walls. She doesn’t mean to keep listening through the walls, but once she starts, she can’t stop. She is a smart woman with a strict plan to get through college. However, Dean is always on her mind now and she gets lost in what it would be like to let her brain shut off and just have fun. When their tutoring begins she can’t get this thought out of her head either.
Dean is a total green flag once we get to know him. Yes, he has a reputation, but he is so much more than what people think and say about him. When the need for tutoring arises, he is grateful to get someone he knows, but being his ex’s friend does make things tense from the beginning. Once he and Nora spend time together, he can’t get enough. He is beyond attracted to this girl. She challenges him, pushes him, and turns him on beyond anyone he’s ever met before. But he knows she has a plan for her life, one that doesn’t include him. As they grow closer and closer, he isn’t ready to give her up and is determined to find a way to make them work. But what if letting her go is the only way?
I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful story Reese has given readers. As stated earlier the MCs are easy to relate and connect to. I adored watching their relationship flourish and the chemistry that sparked between them. The theme of what are you willing to give up for love is evident, but I also loved that no one expected the other to give up on their dreams. I will definitely be reading more of Reese in the future and I am so glad I discovered her through this book!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💙Hockey Captain
🔥Unavoidable Proximity
💙Cinnamon Roll MMC
🔥Smart Girl x Jock Guy
💙Dom Vibes
This is the first book I have read by Reese Calloway and I absolutely love the way she writes. The Equation of Us is fast paced, perfectly spiced, and well written. Our MCs have an instant attraction that continues to grow as the story progresses. I couldn’t stop reading about these two as when their slow burn ignited, I was all smiles. Alongside the MCs, the side characters in this story add so much to the pacing of this story. They were as well written as our MCs, held purpose, weren’t just filler, and I am excited to see if they will get their own stories or not.
Nora is assigned to tutor Dean as he needs help in a subject. They are familiar with each other as Dean is her friend’s ex. Nora is well aware of Dean’s reputation both through the gossip train among college students and very thin walls. She doesn’t mean to keep listening through the walls, but once she starts, she can’t stop. She is a smart woman with a strict plan to get through college. However, Dean is always on her mind now and she gets lost in what it would be like to let her brain shut off and just have fun. When their tutoring begins she can’t get this thought out of her head either.
Dean is a total green flag once we get to know him. Yes, he has a reputation, but he is so much more than what people think and say about him. When the need for tutoring arises, he is grateful to get someone he knows, but being his ex’s friend does make things tense from the beginning. Once he and Nora spend time together, he can’t get enough. He is beyond attracted to this girl. She challenges him, pushes him, and turns him on beyond anyone he’s ever met before. But he knows she has a plan for her life, one that doesn’t include him. As they grow closer and closer, he isn’t ready to give her up and is determined to find a way to make them work. But what if letting her go is the only way?
I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful story Reese has given readers. As stated earlier the MCs are easy to relate and connect to. I adored watching their relationship flourish and the chemistry that sparked between them. The theme of what are you willing to give up for love is evident, but I also loved that no one expected the other to give up on their dreams. I will definitely be reading more of Reese in the future and I am so glad I discovered her through this book!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💙Hockey Captain
🔥Unavoidable Proximity
💙Cinnamon Roll MMC
🔥Smart Girl x Jock Guy
💙Dom Vibes
June 20, 2025
This was cute! So this college romance follows Nora Shaw, a disciplined neuroscience student who thrives on structure, and Dean Carter, the intense and charming hockey player with a messy history—most notably, he's her best friend's ex. Their worlds collide when Nora becomes Dean’s tutor, and they start feeling this connection/ tension between them. Especially after Nora hearing stuff about Dean, his “intense” personality in the bedroom. They decide to explore this dynamic, where she lets go, and he controls. This friends with benefits during the night and tutor/student during the day goes on for while, until obviously they catch feelings, and Nora’s friends(Dean’s ex) knows about them and things turn a bit messy.
I honestly immediately started reading this after learning that he’s her friend’s ex. Sue me, i wanted something messy🤷♀️ and while obviously what Nora did was wrong and should have been honest from the start, it was this forbidden aspect that was good. Daphne(the friend and the ex) was honestly annoying at times, like make up your mind, do you want him or not. And the thing she did for “revenge” was too childish.
I liked Nora and Dean’s chemistry at the start more, before they started messing around. And the “intensity” of Dean was honestly not *that* intense. And they do not fully(iykyk) get together past the 60% mark i think. Plus, there was a lot of repetitive dialogue/ scenes, i’m not sure if it was a typo or something else.
I honestly immediately started reading this after learning that he’s her friend’s ex. Sue me, i wanted something messy🤷♀️ and while obviously what Nora did was wrong and should have been honest from the start, it was this forbidden aspect that was good. Daphne(the friend and the ex) was honestly annoying at times, like make up your mind, do you want him or not. And the thing she did for “revenge” was too childish.
I liked Nora and Dean’s chemistry at the start more, before they started messing around. And the “intensity” of Dean was honestly not *that* intense. And they do not fully(iykyk) get together past the 60% mark i think. Plus, there was a lot of repetitive dialogue/ scenes, i’m not sure if it was a typo or something else.
June 5, 2025
Nora and Dean will absolutely live in my heart forever. I went into this book expecting a standard spicy romance, but what I got was so much more. Yes, there’s spice — not five-alarm chili pepper spice, but enough to turn up the heat — and it’s beautifully balanced with emotional intelligence and layered character development.
What really sets this story apart is how smart both of the main characters are. Nora is driven, methodical, and scientifically minded. She lives her life with structure and a plan — always. Dean, on the other hand, is a quiet, broody hockey player with a brilliant mind of his own. His layers are revealed slowly and heartbreakingly, and every new piece of his story made me love him more.
One of the things I deeply appreciated was the dynamic between them. Nora is actively trying to escape the confines of her own overthinking, and she seeks out Dean’s control — but only in safe, consensual spaces. The dominant/submissive element is contained to the bedroom, and outside of it, they are absolute equals. Especially in the workplace, they challenge, support, and respect each other like true partners.
Reese Calloway absolutely nailed this story — emotionally complex, intellectually satisfying, and undeniably steamy. This was my first book by her, and she’s now a must-buy author for me. I can’t wait to see what she does next.
June 23, 2025
📖 ᴛʜᴇ ᴇǫᴜᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏꜰ ᴜꜱ – ʀᴇᴇꜱᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟᴏᴡᴀʏ
🖥️ ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: ᴇʙᴏᴏᴋ (ᴀʀᴄ)
👄 ᴘᴏᴠ: ᴅᴜᴀʟ 1ꜱᴛ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴ (ɴᴏʀᴀ & ᴅᴇᴀɴ)
✍🏻 ʟᴇɴɢᴛʜ: 316 ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ
👐 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴍᴀᴢɪɴɢ ʀᴇᴇꜱᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟᴏᴡᴀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀᴏᴛɪᴄ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴏʀ ᴘʀ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ᴅɪɢɪᴛᴀʟ ᴄᴏᴘʏ!
I'm still absolutely captivated! This book delivered everything I look for in a romance – it’s smart, genuinely funny, incredibly heartfelt, and the chemistry is just electric. If you appreciate a contemporary romance that truly clicks and draws you in, then you'll want to add this to your list!
📝 ɴᴏᴡ ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴇɴᴇᴀᴛʜ ʜᴇʀ ᴄᴀʀᴇꜰᴜʟ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ ɪꜱ ᴀ ʜᴜɴɢᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴛᴄʜᴇꜱ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ. ɴᴏᴡ ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴇꜱ ᴍʏ ɪɴᴛᴇɴꜱɪᴛʏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ꜰʟᴀᴡ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪꜱᴇ.📝
This book offers more than just romance; it's a journey of self-discovery and understanding what you're truly willing to risk for love. The pacing is engaging, the spice is perfect, and the writing is so well-executed, blending lighter, swoon-worthy moments with deeper, relatable themes.
If you're looking for a college romance that feels authentic, filled with passion, and leaves you with a truly satisfying feeling, this one is an absolute standout.
ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
🏒 ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ʜᴏᴄᴋᴇʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🧠 ʙʀᴀɪɴʏ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ x ᴊᴏᴄᴋ ʜᴇʀᴏ
🚫 ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ (ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ'ꜱ ᴇx)
📚 ᴛᴜᴛᴏʀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ / ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
🔥 ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ & ɪɴᴛᴇɴꜱᴇ ᴄʜᴇᴍɪꜱᴛʀʏ
4⭐
🖥️ ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: ᴇʙᴏᴏᴋ (ᴀʀᴄ)
👄 ᴘᴏᴠ: ᴅᴜᴀʟ 1ꜱᴛ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴ (ɴᴏʀᴀ & ᴅᴇᴀɴ)
✍🏻 ʟᴇɴɢᴛʜ: 316 ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ
👐 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴍᴀᴢɪɴɢ ʀᴇᴇꜱᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟᴏᴡᴀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀᴏᴛɪᴄ ᴄʀᴇᴀᴛᴏʀ ᴘʀ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴀʀʟʏ ᴅɪɢɪᴛᴀʟ ᴄᴏᴘʏ!
I'm still absolutely captivated! This book delivered everything I look for in a romance – it’s smart, genuinely funny, incredibly heartfelt, and the chemistry is just electric. If you appreciate a contemporary romance that truly clicks and draws you in, then you'll want to add this to your list!
📝 ɴᴏᴡ ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴇɴᴇᴀᴛʜ ʜᴇʀ ᴄᴀʀᴇꜰᴜʟ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ ɪꜱ ᴀ ʜᴜɴɢᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍᴀᴛᴄʜᴇꜱ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ. ɴᴏᴡ ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴇꜱ ᴍʏ ɪɴᴛᴇɴꜱɪᴛʏ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ꜰʟᴀᴡ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ᴘʀᴏᴍɪꜱᴇ.📝
This book offers more than just romance; it's a journey of self-discovery and understanding what you're truly willing to risk for love. The pacing is engaging, the spice is perfect, and the writing is so well-executed, blending lighter, swoon-worthy moments with deeper, relatable themes.
If you're looking for a college romance that feels authentic, filled with passion, and leaves you with a truly satisfying feeling, this one is an absolute standout.
ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
🏒 ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ʜᴏᴄᴋᴇʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🧠 ʙʀᴀɪɴʏ ʜᴇʀᴏɪɴᴇ x ᴊᴏᴄᴋ ʜᴇʀᴏ
🚫 ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ (ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ'ꜱ ᴇx)
📚 ᴛᴜᴛᴏʀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ / ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
🔥 ꜱʟᴏᴡ ʙᴜʀɴ & ɪɴᴛᴇɴꜱᴇ ᴄʜᴇᴍɪꜱᴛʀʏ
4⭐
October 14, 2025
I felt as though this book had potential to be way better than it was. I was quite confused throughout the entire thing because the story felt very choppy and angular, instead of flowing together nicely. There were quite a few mistakes that I noticed in punctuation and even mixing up of days mentioned in the book, and just inconsistencies throughout. Another large part of the writing I noticed was how repetitive everything was. Intense, beautiful, the staring, the worry about the same things every time.
However, my biggest takeaway was character development. The characters seemed very underdeveloped. The entire book I was hoping for more context about characters, main and side characters.
The main notion that MMC ‘Dean’ is “intense” throughout the entire story but no elaboration as to why was a let down. Especially when brother ‘Logan’ showed up and mentioned their dad, but we never learned anything further.
As for FMC ‘Nora’ I kept getting vibes that she was more on the spectrum than needing to be in control of her life so much. Wasn’t very impressed with that part of the character development as it just didn’t seem deep enough.
However, my biggest takeaway was character development. The characters seemed very underdeveloped. The entire book I was hoping for more context about characters, main and side characters.
The main notion that MMC ‘Dean’ is “intense” throughout the entire story but no elaboration as to why was a let down. Especially when brother ‘Logan’ showed up and mentioned their dad, but we never learned anything further.
As for FMC ‘Nora’ I kept getting vibes that she was more on the spectrum than needing to be in control of her life so much. Wasn’t very impressed with that part of the character development as it just didn’t seem deep enough.
June 19, 2025
Nora has a plan keep her head down and in the game - with the end being finishing her Neuroscience program with flying colors and hopefully being selected for the fully funded research assistantship. When she is assigned to tutor her best friend's ex-boyfriend and finds out that he seems to be everything she's been looking for, her carefully laid plans start to unravel.
This book was well-written and kept me interested throughout the story. Between tutoring sessions and a joint project, Nora and Dean are forced to spend quite a bit of time together and I loved watching the chemistry between the two heat up. Both have a lot of emotional baggage to work through and it was refreshing to see them open up to each other. When their secret relationship explodes spectacularly, choices are made and it's up to Nora and Dean to figure out if their relationship is worth saving. This is my first book by Reese Calloway and I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.
Thank you to Chaotic Influencers for the advanced readers copy.
This book was well-written and kept me interested throughout the story. Between tutoring sessions and a joint project, Nora and Dean are forced to spend quite a bit of time together and I loved watching the chemistry between the two heat up. Both have a lot of emotional baggage to work through and it was refreshing to see them open up to each other. When their secret relationship explodes spectacularly, choices are made and it's up to Nora and Dean to figure out if their relationship is worth saving. This is my first book by Reese Calloway and I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.
Thank you to Chaotic Influencers for the advanced readers copy.
May 30, 2025
From the moment Nora overhears that conversation, everything shifts. She is focused, disciplined, and determined to succeed in her neuroscience program. Dean Carter is the last kind of distraction she needs, but the pull between them is impossible to ignore.
What really stood out was how their connection went beyond attraction. The academic side of this story was fascinating, and I loved seeing two brilliant minds support each other instead of competing. Every time they celebrated the other’s wins, it showed how deep their respect ran.
Dean is the total package. Smart, athletic, and quietly intense in all the best ways. His patience and strength made him such a standout. Nora's growth was another highlight. She was already driven, but watching her learn to embrace her full self and trust someone again was incredibly rewarding.
This is more than a steamy college romance. It is a story about trust, ambition, and finding someone who matches your energy and respects your dreams. The epilogue was the perfect final note, showing a future built on mutual love and purpose.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What really stood out was how their connection went beyond attraction. The academic side of this story was fascinating, and I loved seeing two brilliant minds support each other instead of competing. Every time they celebrated the other’s wins, it showed how deep their respect ran.
Dean is the total package. Smart, athletic, and quietly intense in all the best ways. His patience and strength made him such a standout. Nora's growth was another highlight. She was already driven, but watching her learn to embrace her full self and trust someone again was incredibly rewarding.
This is more than a steamy college romance. It is a story about trust, ambition, and finding someone who matches your energy and respects your dreams. The epilogue was the perfect final note, showing a future built on mutual love and purpose.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2025
I really enjoyed The Equation of Us. Dean and Nora are realistic, likable characters and I was very immersed in their story. I found myself caring about what happened to them and how they each evolved in their relationship. I also enjoyed the technical details of their research. It was interesting without being boring or tedious, and gave an extra insight into their dynamic.
It’s obvious that Reese Calloway put a lot of effort into all aspects of her characters’ lives. Even the spicy scenes are interwoven with their personalities, not just stuck in for plot advancement.
With a very satisfying resolution and a happily-ever-after epilogue, I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s obvious that Reese Calloway put a lot of effort into all aspects of her characters’ lives. Even the spicy scenes are interwoven with their personalities, not just stuck in for plot advancement.
With a very satisfying resolution and a happily-ever-after epilogue, I will definitely be reading more of this author’s work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2025
Dark romance
Mafia
Age gap
Morally gray MMC
Enemies to lovers
Second chance
Single parent
Forced marriage
Touch her and perish
Characters
Zeke(Ezekiel)
Eve(Evelyn)
He is a former mob enforcer and she is a SVU police officer. Opposites attract in this debut novel filled with tension. Lives are threatened, danger is eminent and trusting someone can get you killed.
Eve and Zeke have major chemistry. The also have a past which left her hurt and confused. Ow he is the only person standing between her and death. Zeke will scorch the earth for her and kill anyone in his way.
Interesting plot, relatable characters and spicy scenes.
Mafia
Age gap
Morally gray MMC
Enemies to lovers
Second chance
Single parent
Forced marriage
Touch her and perish
Characters
Zeke(Ezekiel)
Eve(Evelyn)
He is a former mob enforcer and she is a SVU police officer. Opposites attract in this debut novel filled with tension. Lives are threatened, danger is eminent and trusting someone can get you killed.
Eve and Zeke have major chemistry. The also have a past which left her hurt and confused. Ow he is the only person standing between her and death. Zeke will scorch the earth for her and kill anyone in his way.
Interesting plot, relatable characters and spicy scenes.
February 5, 2026
This one wasn’t for me. It needed an editor (there were some easily spotted timeline errors and repetitions a beta reader could’ve flagged), more character depth, and the spice didn’t live up to the description of the MML’s bedroom interests.
I also just didn’t like the MFL that much and thought it was fucked up that she was lying to her friend and hooking up with her friend’s ex behind her back?? And then acting like she was the victim? Nope.
It markets itself as similar to Deep End, but there was so much more depth, reasoning and character growth/development in Deep End that was lacking here.
I also just didn’t like the MFL that much and thought it was fucked up that she was lying to her friend and hooking up with her friend’s ex behind her back?? And then acting like she was the victim? Nope.
It markets itself as similar to Deep End, but there was so much more depth, reasoning and character growth/development in Deep End that was lacking here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
Dean and Nora are the hockey version of Lukas and Scarlett.
And I don’t think that I could honestly say which couple was hotter, as hot damn Dean is filthy!! But he is the sweetest and most adorable book boyfriend.
I loved how the tutoring slash academic rivalry was handled. It was so hot with the forbidden aspect, especially when you remind yourself that he is her best friends ex! It was certainly a hot steamy mess at some points, but steamy nonetheless!!
Thank you Reese and Chaotic for an advanced copy.
And I don’t think that I could honestly say which couple was hotter, as hot damn Dean is filthy!! But he is the sweetest and most adorable book boyfriend.
I loved how the tutoring slash academic rivalry was handled. It was so hot with the forbidden aspect, especially when you remind yourself that he is her best friends ex! It was certainly a hot steamy mess at some points, but steamy nonetheless!!
Thank you Reese and Chaotic for an advanced copy.
June 9, 2025
Dean and Nora . . .
Nora Shaw is a brilliant student who is asked to tutor her best friend’s ex-boyfriend, Dean Carter. Dean is a hockey player with a reputation that makes Nora curious. The two quickly find that they have chemistry together and Nora is curious enough to be willing to explore. Despite Dean’s dominance, he is not forceful and is the perfect partner for Nora. They are putting much on the line, including friendships. Will they take the risk of a relationship or walk away from each other after her curiosity is sated?
Nora Shaw is a brilliant student who is asked to tutor her best friend’s ex-boyfriend, Dean Carter. Dean is a hockey player with a reputation that makes Nora curious. The two quickly find that they have chemistry together and Nora is curious enough to be willing to explore. Despite Dean’s dominance, he is not forceful and is the perfect partner for Nora. They are putting much on the line, including friendships. Will they take the risk of a relationship or walk away from each other after her curiosity is sated?
June 12, 2025
"Because the equation of us-messy, complicated, unexpected as it is-might still balance after all."
I started off really enjoying this book, but as it went on it felt very repetitive. Dean only calls Nora beautiful throughout the entire book...which was like 30 times. Find another word Dean. 😅 I also felt like some details in the book wasn't fully explained. Won't get into that because of the spoilers, but one is the situation with Daphne.
❤️Sports Romance
❤️Student/Tutor
❤️Best Friend's ex
❤️Dom MMC
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
I started off really enjoying this book, but as it went on it felt very repetitive. Dean only calls Nora beautiful throughout the entire book...which was like 30 times. Find another word Dean. 😅 I also felt like some details in the book wasn't fully explained. Won't get into that because of the spoilers, but one is the situation with Daphne.
❤️Sports Romance
❤️Student/Tutor
❤️Best Friend's ex
❤️Dom MMC
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
January 25, 2026
This book was really cute, I liked the theme of it. It was different & not so cliche( which there’s nothing wrong with a cliche story. Sign me right up ) but it was a nice switch up from my usual reads. Nora Shaw was a good FMC but there were times in her friendship with Daphne that I felt she was too timid and worried way too much about her than about her relationship with Dean. Speaking of.. Dean Carter, yes please. The intensity, the realness to his character. That is my kind of man. The ending was a little run on for me but everything else I loved ! A really good book. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2026
This was a light, but overall, fun book to read. There were repetitive lines of thoughts and actions (this book badly needs an editor to correct the repetitions - some were just 2 or 3 pages apart!), and it was also light in the dominace department, too. A MUCH lighter version of "Deep End." I also didn't like a plot line later in the book (involving the former gf) - it wasn't necessary to the story. That said, if you want a fluffy, college romance, this isn't bad... just nothing too exciting.
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