4.75 rounded up! What a hit!!! Reese, new fav author for sure!
These three had me in love.
Caleb was the sweet golden retriever of a man Rilee needed; he was the first into the scene, and he knew her heart would hurt if she had to contain herself around the others. He was so selfless and caring. I loved him and his heart.
Grayson...my favorite. I know im not supposed to play favorites, but his silent, caring, looking-but-not-talking ass got me. Plus, that man has a mouth on him...and a huge D...Heart.
Hunter was complicated; he had been in her life the longest, but always held himself back, to the point he started treating her like an inconvenience. I thought the fact that he had to see her happy with Gray and Caleb before joining was perfect; he deserved the time to suffer a little, and once he came in, the whole vibe felt perfect.
Rilee was incredible; she took the messy feelings in stride, and when she stopped overthinking and realized the guys and she were in it all the way, she thrived. Proud of her for doing what she had to do, what was right for her future, not proud because she didn’t do it for all the right reasons. But in the end, she's flawed, and I loved her more for feeling real.
Also…fuck Lexi, switching up when it’s not just funny-joke-haha anymore. Fuck you.
I did feel like Fletcher added nothing to the story, but he seemed nice.
Quotes:
Three hockey players. One tiny kitchen. Zero personal space.
Hunger isn't the word for it. It's need.
"I'm tired of pretending I don't want this. I want you."
The sweetness is still there, but it's layered now—under something rougher. Hungrier.
"Grayson doesn't care if I kiss you. Do you, Gray?" "Not at all,"
"You have no idea how sexy you looked riding me with your mouth full of Grayson's cock."
"Do you understand how hard it is for me? Being the guy who watches you fall, but not the one who gets to pick you back up again?"
Rilee isn't just a fleeting connection. She's becoming something more—for all of us.
The way they look at me like I'm something worth orbiting.
A kiss forged in years of longing, months of holding back, and weeks of watching her fall for people who weren't me.
"You're mine. Which means you'll take all of me."
"You said no touching. I'm just following the rules." "Fuck it,"
She's the girl who stole my hoodie, kissed me breathless, and made me believe in things I swore I didn't need She's my future.
If you need story that has any kind of continuity, this is going to be a massive disappointment. If you want a sports feel, that would be a hell no. Hockey is used as flimsy background point at best. When Rilee and her entourage are interacting, it’s high spice and warm & fuzzies with so much chippy banter. But everything that makes you vested in the story will disappoint at some point. The nonchalant, dismissive way mental health is represented is offensive and irresponsible. Rilee’s brother Fletcher gets a lot of head space but is only present for about 10 pages, and in a shady way, his story is super vague and really never comes to light. But he’s in a lockdown facility that revokes his visitation privileges but allows a weekend pass like 2 weeks later. Ri’s bff Lexi is the worst besties ever, she’s has no respect or compassion for Ri’s feelings, mental health, or well being. She’s brash, abrasive, and absent. The guys families are a bright spot, but Gray’s never make an appearance or explanation. There’s boatload of careless, lazy writing that’s just sad. Just a few irritating gems- The team goes to a road game, and student athletes are on their own to find individual hotel accommodations - Ri’s exhausted and crashing after finals, then 15 pgs later she’s trying to keep up class work and taking her last final. That’s not how any college works EVER- Hunter is under pressure to prove he can make it in the NHL, his dad was a 1 season crash & burn turned insurance agent. Then when they meet his family, they live like old money. There’s a lot of emphasis on chaos and that rings true, this is one chaotic mess with a few bright spots
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed the story of Rilee, Caleb, Hunter and Gray. There wasn't any dramatic angst, it was just a girl falling for three of her brother's ex-teammates while trying to keep her head above water during her nursing degree. I enjoyed the different pace for each guy's relationship, it made it more personal. The plot kept me interested and was a nice standalone read overall. Can recommend this as a nice standalone if you want a break from series!
You could feel the tension between Rilee and Hunter all the way through and loved that build up for their relationship development! Caleb's and Rilee's relationship was more attraction at first sight with it getting deeper meaning the more they were around each other. Grayson definitely snuck up on Rilee much like his personality, it was sweet and appeared out of nowhere. Hunter and Rilee definitely had the tension building between them for years and as someone who likes control, Hunter hated not being able to control himself around Rilee. Caleb fits the golden retriever personality perfectly and enjoyed his light, fun ways to make situations less tense within the book. Grayson definitely has the silent, speaks very little but meaningful and knows what he wants personality and it was really well done. I enjoyed each guy's personality equally and they complimented each other well.
First things first, what I liked. I really liked the characters. Sometimes in RH books it can be hard to differentiate between the characters, but it was really well done here. Each character feels like a separate person with their owns traits and such. If you've read a RH where that wasn't the case, you know what I mean. Also, the plot was great. I especially like towards the end where they had to really discuss how the relationship was going to work, not just that it magically did. It brought a sense of realism to the novel that I'm not sure I ever really thought about. Now to the not so great, the timeline. It got really mixed up in places. Her brother's coming to visit that weekend, but suddenly it's Thanksgiving, then her brother's visiting the next weekend. Then, they're at Christmas together, but afterwards were finals, then a trip to a cabin. It all read like the timeline was hopping around. And unfortunately it really took me out of the story. Also towards the end with what happens to her (spoiler so not saying) but then the guys have graduation. Again, timeline was messed up. It might be a little thing to some people, but it really took away from my focus on the story. Overall 4 stars because I really liked the characters and the plot but had to ding a star for timeline.
This story is quadruple POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy, college hockey players/nursing student, forced proximity, reverse harem, contemporary romantic comedy. I empathised with Rilee’s stress levels and overload. I chuckled at her attempt to ignore how she felt for all the male leads and enjoyed seeing her relax into the relationship(s). I enjoyed Caleb’s relaxed, golden retriever approach to life, and his joy in the budding relationship and loyalty to Rilee. I enjoyed Grayson’s intensity and empathised with his historical trauma. I enjoyed the way he was so mentally and emotionally present once he committed. I empathised with Hunter’s complicated feelings, and enjoyed seeing him choose to engage with the others and his own feelings. I enjoyed the multiple intimate scenes with various male leads and Rilee. I enjoyed the building intimacy and the deepening bonds. I enjoyed the ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reese Calloway delivers a chaotic cocktail of romance, sass, and secondhand embarrassment so potent it should come with a warning label. “Well, That Happened” is basically the literary equivalent of accidentally sending a text meant for your best friend to your crush—and then doubling down with a meme.
The main character? A lovable disaster. The love interest? A walking temptation with emotional depth and abs. The banter? So sharp it could slice through your emotional baggage. This book is for anyone who’s ever tripped over their own dignity and landed headfirst into love (or at least into someone’s lap at a wedding).
Calloway nails the awkward, the adorable, and the absolutely unhinged moments of modern romance with humor that makes you snort-laugh in public and then pretend you’re just allergic to your feelings.
In short: It’s funny, flirty, and delightfully messy—just like real life. 5 out of 5 “Well, sh*t” moments.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
DNF 15%. It takes a LOT for me to DNF a book. But I just couldn’t do it. The story might be good, the characters are… fine, but the writing is SO choppy it’s painful.
Example (with formatting) excerpt from page 47:
And it’s a problem. Because she’s having fun. And I am absolutely not. I stand near the kitchen, watching, nursing my beer. Until I see Luke’s hands slip a little lower. Too low. My jaw tightens. I’m moving before I even decide to. But Hunter gets there first.
Is like this about 90% of the time even if there is no tension in a scene.
For example (with formatting) excerpt page 6.
“Hey.” I turn. It’s Caleb. He jogs beside me. “Are you headed out?” I nod once. “Let me walk you.”
There as almost no paragraphs in this book… there are some, sorta, during the first few chapters but they taper of to the point it’s cringy. And if you’re listing to it like I was? Oh boy… it’s 🙈. So, yeah, I couldn’t take it. Hopefully others enjoy it, but it’s a pass for me-which sucks cause I love hockey why choose 🥺
This was so much more fun than I expected. Never read this author before, but really enjoyed their style. The story/plot was easy to follow, the characters had real and distinct personalities. I think I loved most how their polycule developed. It didn't feel forced. I felt like the real development of a relationship. The communication between them was great; you could never make this type of poly relationship work without talking to each other and making sure everyone is on the same page.
This isn't advertised as a rom-com but I was laugh out loud regularly. refreshing. Not all books can be reread, some you just read for the experience and move on. This is one I'll definitely come back to.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a why choose, slow burn romance involving MMMF. If you are expecting a fast read, this is not the book for you but I promise if you stay for the plot, it will not disappoint. Rilee is in nursing school and at the beginning of the semester when shes trying to get her life together, the worst thing happens, her apartment floods leaving her homeless. Her brother pulls connections for her to stay in the hockey house leaving her with Hunter, Caleb, and Grayson. Hunter being the most resistant at first because in his eyes she is the one he wants most but cannot have. However, Grayson and Caleb, begin to form a relationship with her and once Hunter finally gives in all bets are off. They know one thing, they would do anything to make her happy.
this book was so fun! i was giggling and kicking my feet🤭 the characters had so much chemistry i could literally feel it. i wish there was MM cause i thought that the guys also had such chemistry and i think it could’ve work really well in their dynamic. i also wish we had deep dived more into each of the characters back stories. if this book was maybe 50-100 pages longer i would’ve enjoyed it just a bit more because it would’ve hopefully been more details about the characters and their pasts. overall a 3.5⭐️ book i would definitely recommend! i received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! Just WOW! Hang on sec - I need to go take a cold shower. Whew! Decadent and oh, so HOT!! Seriously, if I'd had that kind of situation in college, it wouldn't have taken 6 years and 4 majors to graduate. The guys are straight white knight hunks, heroes vanquishing period foes, and just so damned perfect! Is it just me, or might there be a pandemic of hot, hunky hockey sweethearts out there? Get thee to a comfy spot and get ready to be utterly swept away. And I inly wanted to slap Rilee a couple of times, so yeah! Superb execution. (biting lip emoji) SO GOOD!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rilee is a nursing student trying to graduate. The last thing she needs is for her apartment to flood and be forced into living with her brother's ex hockey teammates. Hunter, Caleb and Gray are focused on hockey but Rilee throws a wrench in those plans. The book is good about equal time with each boy and seeing them as individuals. Caleb is such a goofball, Gray is the quiet serious one and Hunter wants to stay away from Rilee. How can they live peacefully with so much sexual tension? This book broke my book slump and had me enthralled.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a nice, low stakes, why choose college hockey romance.
If you don’t go into this with expectations you will be pleasantly surprised.
There are some issues with continuity which a good edit would help. Like Rilee finishing two sets of finals, Grayson knowing about Rilee moving in then the next page was unaware.
I’d have liked to know more about Rilee’s brother as he seemed to be such a focal point of Rilee’s story but you don’t really get to know anything about him.
There could have been more character growth with Hunter.
This book was such a fun read. The loyalty and dedication to Rilee is so sweet. I wish it would have been longer. The characters were developed and described perfectly. Brooding, golden retriever, affable. This is a great read and spicy enough it could make a person blush. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
#whychoose #hockeysmut #forcedproximity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
loved it !! love Rilee and the guys... Caleb, Hunter and Grayson... this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama... Rilee is in nursing school and almost finished.. so close.... when, her apartment gets flooded... she ends up across the street living with the three hockey players that her brother knows ... and things get hot fast.... so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This fun page turner is a perfect sexy romance read for summer vacation (if you couldn’t tell from the cover art). Reese gives us that perfect level of plot to help Rilee, Hunter, Grayson and Caleb develop their relationships without it becoming to heavy to take you out of that relaxed vacation mindset.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Every girls dream right? Your apartment flooded and ending up with three hot hockey players? Caleb is such an amazing guy and he knows Rilee needs stability, love and he is gonna provide that. One way or the other. There are a few things I'd change myself but nothing that keeps from a very entertaining story. Loved it.
A little long but worth the read. Rilee and her boys will lead you on an adventure, Caleb is the golden retriever who will make you laugh all the time. Grayson is the quiet one, in the corner taking everything in. And Hunter is the last to fall, but when does it is all bets off.
It's no secret that I love a good hockey romance. And if you add a 'why choose' situation, I'm kicking-my-feet giddy! Rilee has Grayson, Caleb, and Hunter to keep her company—one house, full of unspoken (but felt) attraction, even if Rilee wants to pretend that it doesn't exist.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This could have been a four star read but for the last half of the book the timeline went way off track. This was a major issue to me because things just stopped adding up. My favorite part about this book was the realistic ness that everyone was just up for it to automatically be a why choose situation. Everyone needed time to process and that to me was very realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I want more of these characters! I wasn't ready for the book to end. The chemistry between everyone was just spicy! The love between them was beautiful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was so great, I loved the characters so much. The spicy scenes were well written and descriptive. It was an overall entertaining book, and I enjoyed it very much.
I received the copy free, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Rilee is awesome. I love that she lives a pretty simple life and then everything just starts going wrong and she finds herself in the middle of 3 guys who pretty much rock her world. Its got lots of drama, and spice and it was super fun and kept my attention. Really enjoy.
Wow oh wow! I fell in love with this book and the characters within them. The plot was fantastic, I was unable to put the book down from start to finish! 10/10.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.75 - I really liked this book! All the characters were great and lovable—especially Caleb. Even though the relationship was mostly built around smut scenes, their personalities still shone through. I wish that part had been explored a bit more, but I liked it anyway. I did miss a bit of drama, yet the dialogues were really enjoyable and made the story fun to read.
3.5 stars. i enjoyed it, don’t get me wrong- i love a high spice, low angst romance. but this was ONLY spice. 400+ pages of just spice, zero plot. i still ate it up though ngl