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PCU Storm #1
Broken Play
Jaxon-
I’m months away from the NFL draft, from everything I’ve ever wanted. Except none of it matters without her.
Madison Blake has always been it for me—my best friend, my biggest what-if, the girl I’ve never stopped loving.
One drunken voicemail. That’s all it took for me to drop everything and transfer to PCU.
She doesn’t remember calling. But now that she knows the real reason I’m here? She’s running faster than ever.
Madison-
Jaxon Montgomery was never supposed to be mine.
I spent years convincing myself he was better off without me. But now I know the truth—he’s here because of me.
Because I asked for him. Because he’s never been the one to walk away.
I thought choosing him would only end in heartbreak.
But maybe the real mistake was believing he wouldn’t choose me back.
I’m months away from the NFL draft, from everything I’ve ever wanted. Except none of it matters without her.
Madison Blake has always been it for me—my best friend, my biggest what-if, the girl I’ve never stopped loving.
One drunken voicemail. That’s all it took for me to drop everything and transfer to PCU.
She doesn’t remember calling. But now that she knows the real reason I’m here? She’s running faster than ever.
Madison-
Jaxon Montgomery was never supposed to be mine.
I spent years convincing myself he was better off without me. But now I know the truth—he’s here because of me.
Because I asked for him. Because he’s never been the one to walk away.
I thought choosing him would only end in heartbreak.
But maybe the real mistake was believing he wouldn’t choose me back.
416 pages, Paperback
Published June 4, 2025
2896 people are currently reading
8848 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 830 reviews
June 15, 2025
ok, it took me a while to finish this because I was so wrapped up in finish the eod trilogy in the past week, so I couldn't get to this until now. This review is kind of late, so if this book has you intrigued, check it out because the book is out.
This cover is gorgeous btw.
Friends to Lovers isn't my preferred trope, but I still ended up liking this book, so I take it as a win overall. While I did enjoy it, I found there to be some chapters that were slower in terms of plot progression, however, it did not deter my reading experience much.
Jaxon is so sweet. He's literally willing to do anything for her, even if it comes at the cost of his football career. Quite frankly, I don't really understand sports, not do I care much about it (sorry, not sorry), but apparently he transferred from a university that had a better football program all for her. If that's not sweet, then I don't know what is. Why settle for the bare minimum when there are men like this? If there's a man willing to do something like that for you, then you have won at life, my girly!!
I couldn't relate much to Madison, but I felt so bad for her. She felt like she was broken because of all the events that happened in her life, but she is such a survivor. The mental health rep in this was done right in my opinion.
The side characters were also very exciting. ahhhhhhhh, I'm excited for Carter and Lyla!! Football coach's daughter seems like an amazing trope. I can only think of one that I've previously read and liked in that trope: Quarterback Sneak if anyone's interested in that haha.
Thank you Riley Paige and Chasing Books Pr for this arc! 💕
---------
pre-read: my first read of June, please be good!! 🙂↕️
This cover is gorgeous btw.
Friends to Lovers isn't my preferred trope, but I still ended up liking this book, so I take it as a win overall. While I did enjoy it, I found there to be some chapters that were slower in terms of plot progression, however, it did not deter my reading experience much.
Jaxon is so sweet. He's literally willing to do anything for her, even if it comes at the cost of his football career. Quite frankly, I don't really understand sports, not do I care much about it (sorry, not sorry), but apparently he transferred from a university that had a better football program all for her. If that's not sweet, then I don't know what is. Why settle for the bare minimum when there are men like this? If there's a man willing to do something like that for you, then you have won at life, my girly!!
I couldn't relate much to Madison, but I felt so bad for her. She felt like she was broken because of all the events that happened in her life, but she is such a survivor. The mental health rep in this was done right in my opinion.
The side characters were also very exciting. ahhhhhhhh, I'm excited for Carter and Lyla!! Football coach's daughter seems like an amazing trope. I can only think of one that I've previously read and liked in that trope: Quarterback Sneak if anyone's interested in that haha.
Thank you Riley Paige and Chasing Books Pr for this arc! 💕
---------
pre-read: my first read of June, please be good!! 🙂↕️
August 11, 2025
A self-victimising, insufferable FMC being a pariah on the MMC who gives her literally everything.
Trust me, I wanted nothing more than to come here with a glowing review, especially since I signed up for this ARC after watching Riley’s video and feeling the passion she spoke about the book with. I am genuinely pained to be writing a negative review, particularly for a debut novel.
That said, one book does not define an author’s style, their career, or their worth. This is just my perspective and how I experienced this story.
🚫 Maddison… Madds… Maddyy… Why?
The FMC really ruins the book, and I tried hard to find redeeming qualities, but I just couldn’t.
Maddison is insufferable. She is selfish, self-victimising, one-dimensional, emotionally immature, and childlike.
She’s a toxic red flag who demands and demands and demands from everyone around her, while giving nothing in return, hiding under the guise of:
• “Everyone left me” (they died, and she abandoned the rest)
• “I’m scared”
• “I leave before I am left”
This wasn’t a romance. It was a guide to being apologetic towards Maddison.
Everyone in her life has been nothing but supportive and constant, yet she’s so stuck in her own narrative of victimhood that she can’t see beyond it.
The worst part? Everyone enables this narrative: excusing her behaviour, forgiving her when she’s done nothing to earn that forgiveness, and allowing her to hurt people deeply without consequences.
😔 Justice for Jaxon
Poor Jaxon deserved so much more. His entire purpose in this book was to make Maddison feel safe, to get her to trust him, even though she’s the one who hurt and abandoned him over and over.
What’s the message here?
That men should carry the entire load while women act bratty and refuse to grow up?
That men like Jaxon -who love deeply and truly- deserve to have their hearts broken, stomped on, and then be expected to forgive without the bare minimum effort from their partner?
This is unacceptable and toxic.
❓ So Many Unclear Details
On top of all that, so much in this book is vague or unexplained:
• Is her father dead or in prison?
• When did the accident happen?
• How is she surviving financially?
• How has she lived up until this point?
Music is supposedly her passion, but it’s not reflected in her personality.
We don’t even find out she’s a music major until around 65% into the book, and even then, in passing.
She wants to be a music therapist but is oblivious to her own flaws. How can you make someone feel safe in therapy if you can’t do the same in your own life, and expect others to do all the emotional labour just to stay in it?
Thank you, Hambright PR and Riley Paige, for the ARC. I truly wish this story had a different impact on me, but I trust Riley will pull other strings in her next books.
--
Pre-read:
I just received this ARC and kinda have the urge to immediately jump on it!
👩❤️👨 Childhood Friends
🏃🏻♂️He comes running
Thank you, Riley Paige and Hambright PR for the opportunity. 🥰
Trust me, I wanted nothing more than to come here with a glowing review, especially since I signed up for this ARC after watching Riley’s video and feeling the passion she spoke about the book with. I am genuinely pained to be writing a negative review, particularly for a debut novel.
That said, one book does not define an author’s style, their career, or their worth. This is just my perspective and how I experienced this story.
🚫 Maddison… Madds… Maddyy… Why?
The FMC really ruins the book, and I tried hard to find redeeming qualities, but I just couldn’t.
Maddison is insufferable. She is selfish, self-victimising, one-dimensional, emotionally immature, and childlike.
She’s a toxic red flag who demands and demands and demands from everyone around her, while giving nothing in return, hiding under the guise of:
• “Everyone left me” (they died, and she abandoned the rest)
• “I’m scared”
• “I leave before I am left”
This wasn’t a romance. It was a guide to being apologetic towards Maddison.
Everyone in her life has been nothing but supportive and constant, yet she’s so stuck in her own narrative of victimhood that she can’t see beyond it.
The worst part? Everyone enables this narrative: excusing her behaviour, forgiving her when she’s done nothing to earn that forgiveness, and allowing her to hurt people deeply without consequences.
😔 Justice for Jaxon
Poor Jaxon deserved so much more. His entire purpose in this book was to make Maddison feel safe, to get her to trust him, even though she’s the one who hurt and abandoned him over and over.
What’s the message here?
That men should carry the entire load while women act bratty and refuse to grow up?
That men like Jaxon -who love deeply and truly- deserve to have their hearts broken, stomped on, and then be expected to forgive without the bare minimum effort from their partner?
This is unacceptable and toxic.
❓ So Many Unclear Details
On top of all that, so much in this book is vague or unexplained:
• Is her father dead or in prison?
• When did the accident happen?
• How is she surviving financially?
• How has she lived up until this point?
Music is supposedly her passion, but it’s not reflected in her personality.
We don’t even find out she’s a music major until around 65% into the book, and even then, in passing.
She wants to be a music therapist but is oblivious to her own flaws. How can you make someone feel safe in therapy if you can’t do the same in your own life, and expect others to do all the emotional labour just to stay in it?
Thank you, Hambright PR and Riley Paige, for the ARC. I truly wish this story had a different impact on me, but I trust Riley will pull other strings in her next books.
--
Pre-read:
I just received this ARC and kinda have the urge to immediately jump on it!
👩❤️👨 Childhood Friends
🏃🏻♂️He comes running
Thank you, Riley Paige and Hambright PR for the opportunity. 🥰
June 17, 2025
જ⁀➴ 4.5 stars ⋆⭒˚.⋆
arc review 💌
release date: june 5
lizhugh in another life - broken girl meets boy who wants to save her (kind of - very BOT coded)
⁀➴ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
❤🩹 second chance
🏈 football romance
❤🩹 childhood friends to lovers
🏈 he falls first
❤🩹 slowburn
🏈 broken fmc
guys this book ripped me in half and healed me.
i can't even put into words what i felt while reading this 😭
madison my baby, she's been through so much and thinks pushing people away is the only answer. doesn't want to hurt jax by letting him in only for her to push him away ☹️
jaxon, the sweetest soul. we need more guys like him, just people overall. fighting for the love of your life and pushing while giving them space 🥹 most precious thing ever, sometimes it can get really hard but SO worth it.
madsjax my cuties, live laugh love them
the one scene when it's their last home game and he runs straight to her and kisses her 💘😙
this story is basically jaxon being in love with madison his whole life and he gets a voicemail from her saying she misses him, they haven't seen each other in 3?(maybe 4) years and he transfers schools to be near her. it's a push and pull at first but soon their back to their old knit tight ways and she's falling for him again. it's super messy and emotional but i love how she fights for him 😭❤️🩹
𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 🤍
this was literally the perfect end to may and i love the broken girl x boy who lovers her no matter what trope 😭
rtc + so excited for lyla and carter's book!!!!!
𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ౨ৎ
second chance + mental health rep!?! saw that and signed up bc literally my fav tropes 😩
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 may 30
thank you to chasing books pr and the author for a digital arc
arc review 💌
release date: june 5
lizhugh in another life - broken girl meets boy who wants to save her (kind of - very BOT coded)
⁀➴ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
❤🩹 second chance
🏈 football romance
❤🩹 childhood friends to lovers
🏈 he falls first
❤🩹 slowburn
🏈 broken fmc
guys this book ripped me in half and healed me.
i can't even put into words what i felt while reading this 😭
madison my baby, she's been through so much and thinks pushing people away is the only answer. doesn't want to hurt jax by letting him in only for her to push him away ☹️
jaxon, the sweetest soul. we need more guys like him, just people overall. fighting for the love of your life and pushing while giving them space 🥹 most precious thing ever, sometimes it can get really hard but SO worth it.
madsjax my cuties, live laugh love them
the one scene when it's their last home game and he runs straight to her and kisses her 💘😙
this story is basically jaxon being in love with madison his whole life and he gets a voicemail from her saying she misses him, they haven't seen each other in 3?(maybe 4) years and he transfers schools to be near her. it's a push and pull at first but soon their back to their old knit tight ways and she's falling for him again. it's super messy and emotional but i love how she fights for him 😭❤️🩹
𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 🤍
this was literally the perfect end to may and i love the broken girl x boy who lovers her no matter what trope 😭
rtc + so excited for lyla and carter's book!!!!!
𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ౨ৎ
second chance + mental health rep!?! saw that and signed up bc literally my fav tropes 😩
⤿ 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 may 30
thank you to chasing books pr and the author for a digital arc
May 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️¼ // 3.25 Stars
Let’s start with the highlight: Jaxon. He is the definition of “if he wanted to, he would.” This man literally uproots his entire life, leaves a top-tier football program, and transfers to a smaller school just to be with Madison because he knows she needs support. That level of love and devotion? Top-tier book boyfriend material. He gave and gave and gave.
Madison, though… she made this a tough ride for me. I get it, she’s been through it, and her trauma was real and valid. But the back-and-forth? The emotional whiplash? At times, it felt like she wasn’t willing to meet Jaxon halfway, and it was frustrating to watch her push him away when all he wanted was to help her carry the weight. For a good 20% of the book, I was mentally screaming at her.
That said, this is a very strong debut. The writing was solid, the pacing kept me hooked, and the characters (especially the side ones) brought so much life to the story. I’m already looking forward to book 2. Carter is a hot mess, and I just know I’m going to fall for him completely.
If you love sports romance, emotional healing arcs, and swoony male leads who go all in, definitely give this one a shot.
Let’s start with the highlight: Jaxon. He is the definition of “if he wanted to, he would.” This man literally uproots his entire life, leaves a top-tier football program, and transfers to a smaller school just to be with Madison because he knows she needs support. That level of love and devotion? Top-tier book boyfriend material. He gave and gave and gave.
Madison, though… she made this a tough ride for me. I get it, she’s been through it, and her trauma was real and valid. But the back-and-forth? The emotional whiplash? At times, it felt like she wasn’t willing to meet Jaxon halfway, and it was frustrating to watch her push him away when all he wanted was to help her carry the weight. For a good 20% of the book, I was mentally screaming at her.
That said, this is a very strong debut. The writing was solid, the pacing kept me hooked, and the characters (especially the side ones) brought so much life to the story. I’m already looking forward to book 2. Carter is a hot mess, and I just know I’m going to fall for him completely.
If you love sports romance, emotional healing arcs, and swoony male leads who go all in, definitely give this one a shot.
June 5, 2025
literally dnf it 76% way through the fmc is unbearable and the biggest victim complex like i could not deal. mmc deserves a million times better
May 30, 2025
First, thank you to Chasing Books PR and Riley Paige for the ARC 💖 I wish my review could have been better but I feel the need to be honest in here.
I really didn’t enjoy this book. The characters were just too flat to hold my interest. The female protagonist, in particular, is entirely defined by her traumas — and that’s all we really learn about her. Her behavior often felt completely irrational, and honestly, I kept thinking the whole situation could’ve been resolved years ago with a good therapist. It’s absolutely possible to write damaged, complex characters without reducing their entire personality to their pain, but that wasn’t the case here.
The male lead was bland and entirely unremarkable. Finishing this book felt like a relief — I’m just glad it’s over. Even though the ending was really unsatisfying.
I really didn’t enjoy this book. The characters were just too flat to hold my interest. The female protagonist, in particular, is entirely defined by her traumas — and that’s all we really learn about her. Her behavior often felt completely irrational, and honestly, I kept thinking the whole situation could’ve been resolved years ago with a good therapist. It’s absolutely possible to write damaged, complex characters without reducing their entire personality to their pain, but that wasn’t the case here.
The male lead was bland and entirely unremarkable. Finishing this book felt like a relief — I’m just glad it’s over. Even though the ending was really unsatisfying.
June 16, 2025
DNF
I give up. He’s a v and saved him for her, so bonus-point. And I usually loves that the h didn’t wait for the H, but the H become best friends with her former fwb/hookup. AND this hookup buddy is the hero of the next book, with the h best friend and roommate. To much sharing between these friends. Can’t stand this any longer.
H is a virgin.
h have been with other guys, some of the, like her former fwb - is a little to close friends for my taste
I give up. He’s a v and saved him for her, so bonus-point. And I usually loves that the h didn’t wait for the H, but the H become best friends with her former fwb/hookup. AND this hookup buddy is the hero of the next book, with the h best friend and roommate. To much sharing between these friends. Can’t stand this any longer.
H is a virgin.
h have been with other guys, some of the, like her former fwb - is a little to close friends for my taste
Want to read
June 21, 2025HEHEHEHE he's a virgin and waited for her, she didn't.
Welcome back Luna Rexroth and Knight Cole 😶🌫️
These tropes are unfair as long as mmc is a good guy, but i'll eat it anyway. If you have any recommendations, let me know 😌😌😌
note: i won't read second book
Welcome back Luna Rexroth and Knight Cole 😶🌫️
These tropes are unfair as long as mmc is a good guy, but i'll eat it anyway. If you have any recommendations, let me know 😌😌😌
note: i won't read second book
August 28, 2025
Broken Play by Riley Paige
4,5/5⭐
2/5🌶️
From the very beginning, I had a feeling this book would tug at my heartstrings, and it absolutely did! The pining, yearning, and angst were right on point, making my heart squeeze with every turn of the page. Jaxon, a football star, receives a drunken voicemail from his childhood best friend, who says she misses him, prompting him to transfer back to her school.
Jaxon is such a wonderful character—truly the definition of a green flag. I loved him instantly! He’s been in love with Madison for years and has stood by her without wavering. His support and care for her are just heartwarming. He knows Madison has faced a lot in her life, so he never pushes her. Instead, he continually shows her that she can trust him and that he’ll always be there for her.
Madison is a complex character, and while some of her choices can be a bit frustrating, I understand where she’s coming from. There were times I just wanted to shake her to see how much Jaxon loved and cared for her. She’s been through so much since she was a kid, and my heart goes out to her. I totally get her instinct to protect herself and how she might tend to run away. The back-and-forth in their relationship can be tough, but it’s also really relatable.
Jaxon and Madison's love story is filled with challenges. I appreciated how, towards the end, Jaxon set some boundaries and wanted Madison to take the first step. I also loved that she started seeing a psychiatrist again and wanted to get better for herself. The supporting characters were fantastic, and it was great to see how they rallied around Jaxon and Madison. Overall, this was an amazing debut novel, and I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
4,5/5⭐
2/5🌶️
From the very beginning, I had a feeling this book would tug at my heartstrings, and it absolutely did! The pining, yearning, and angst were right on point, making my heart squeeze with every turn of the page. Jaxon, a football star, receives a drunken voicemail from his childhood best friend, who says she misses him, prompting him to transfer back to her school.
Jaxon is such a wonderful character—truly the definition of a green flag. I loved him instantly! He’s been in love with Madison for years and has stood by her without wavering. His support and care for her are just heartwarming. He knows Madison has faced a lot in her life, so he never pushes her. Instead, he continually shows her that she can trust him and that he’ll always be there for her.
Madison is a complex character, and while some of her choices can be a bit frustrating, I understand where she’s coming from. There were times I just wanted to shake her to see how much Jaxon loved and cared for her. She’s been through so much since she was a kid, and my heart goes out to her. I totally get her instinct to protect herself and how she might tend to run away. The back-and-forth in their relationship can be tough, but it’s also really relatable.
Jaxon and Madison's love story is filled with challenges. I appreciated how, towards the end, Jaxon set some boundaries and wanted Madison to take the first step. I also loved that she started seeing a psychiatrist again and wanted to get better for herself. The supporting characters were fantastic, and it was great to see how they rallied around Jaxon and Madison. Overall, this was an amazing debut novel, and I can’t wait to dive into the next one!
June 3, 2025
Thank you Chasing Books PR & Riley Paige for an eARC of Broken Play!
It was hard for me to rate this one. There were several things I LOVED. Our MMC, Jaxon. The epitome of down bad for her, giving strong “it’s always been you” vibes. I also loved the two main side characters, Lyla & Carter. They were INCREDIBLE friends to Jaxon & Madison!
Now, I’m not usually one to get bent out of shape over details of a book. But when I actually notice things that don’t add up, then I start to struggle to see past those things. For example… (SPOILERS AHEAD)
.
.
.
- I could not get a clear indication about Madison’s dad. Did he die in the car accident? Or is he alive/in prison? It’s never verified either way. In one instance in a flashback to the accident: “He’s slumped over the wheel, unmoving. ‘Dad?’ My voice is barely there. No response.” Now I realize that doesn’t indicate death. But nothing is explicitly stated. Then later she says (when recounting the accident) “My dad was in handcuffs, and I was alone.” & she goes on to say that Jaxon’s family took her in. Again, that’s fine, but nothing is mentioned about her dad again.
- When Madison & Jaxon met. She tells Carter “He was my best friend for 15 years” … “Since we were toddlers, basically.” Okay, since she stopped talking to them at the end of high school — 18-15 = 3. So that makes sense. But then…
- HOW did her mom never meet Jaxon?! When visiting her grave she says “I hate that you didn’t get to see me grow up, that you never got to meet Jaxon.” She died when Madison was 12. It’s said that they “lived down the street” from each other. Unless her parents were actually divorced & it was her dad that lived down the street..but again, that isn’t stated. The only indication that her parents may have been unhappy: “Love is my dad giving up his dreams to support my mom and me when I was a surprise to them both, only for him to resent me for it later.” Maybe they were never married.. but Madison never mentions what her home life really looked like when she was younger. Speaking of things not talked about…
- The whole reason Madison & Jaxon don’t speak for 3 years is because she didn’t follow him to Michigan State like they planned. Because she didn’t get accepted..and she overhear his mom tell him to put himself first & not to put his future in jeopardy in case they both don’t get in. So okay, that’s fine. She recounts this story to Carter. BUT THAT’S IT. I get that it’s in the past & doesn’t change anything now.. but Jaxon never ONCE asks her what happened? Why she didn’t go to Michigan State like they planned? & she doesn’t tell him that she never got in? She kind of mentions she overhead is conversation with his mom, but even that didn’t feel accurate because she says he told his mom he was in love with Madison.. but when she recalls the story that’s literally not at all what Jaxon actually says to his mom?
.
.
.
Okay.. so clearly I had some issues with this one. Again, I truly did enjoy so much of it! But the lack of a fleshed out backstory for Madison really bothered me. & like I said, I’m usually not one to nitpick over details.. but if I noticed these discrepancies, they were definitely there.
I also completely feel Madison’s past trauma is 100% valid, but I just wish she would have came to her senses about Jaxon a bit sooner.
All this being said.. I assume the next book will be Carter & Lyla’s & I do want to read it despite my issues with this one.
It was hard for me to rate this one. There were several things I LOVED. Our MMC, Jaxon. The epitome of down bad for her, giving strong “it’s always been you” vibes. I also loved the two main side characters, Lyla & Carter. They were INCREDIBLE friends to Jaxon & Madison!
Now, I’m not usually one to get bent out of shape over details of a book. But when I actually notice things that don’t add up, then I start to struggle to see past those things. For example… (SPOILERS AHEAD)
.
.
.
- I could not get a clear indication about Madison’s dad. Did he die in the car accident? Or is he alive/in prison? It’s never verified either way. In one instance in a flashback to the accident: “He’s slumped over the wheel, unmoving. ‘Dad?’ My voice is barely there. No response.” Now I realize that doesn’t indicate death. But nothing is explicitly stated. Then later she says (when recounting the accident) “My dad was in handcuffs, and I was alone.” & she goes on to say that Jaxon’s family took her in. Again, that’s fine, but nothing is mentioned about her dad again.
- When Madison & Jaxon met. She tells Carter “He was my best friend for 15 years” … “Since we were toddlers, basically.” Okay, since she stopped talking to them at the end of high school — 18-15 = 3. So that makes sense. But then…
- HOW did her mom never meet Jaxon?! When visiting her grave she says “I hate that you didn’t get to see me grow up, that you never got to meet Jaxon.” She died when Madison was 12. It’s said that they “lived down the street” from each other. Unless her parents were actually divorced & it was her dad that lived down the street..but again, that isn’t stated. The only indication that her parents may have been unhappy: “Love is my dad giving up his dreams to support my mom and me when I was a surprise to them both, only for him to resent me for it later.” Maybe they were never married.. but Madison never mentions what her home life really looked like when she was younger. Speaking of things not talked about…
- The whole reason Madison & Jaxon don’t speak for 3 years is because she didn’t follow him to Michigan State like they planned. Because she didn’t get accepted..and she overhear his mom tell him to put himself first & not to put his future in jeopardy in case they both don’t get in. So okay, that’s fine. She recounts this story to Carter. BUT THAT’S IT. I get that it’s in the past & doesn’t change anything now.. but Jaxon never ONCE asks her what happened? Why she didn’t go to Michigan State like they planned? & she doesn’t tell him that she never got in? She kind of mentions she overhead is conversation with his mom, but even that didn’t feel accurate because she says he told his mom he was in love with Madison.. but when she recalls the story that’s literally not at all what Jaxon actually says to his mom?
.
.
.
Okay.. so clearly I had some issues with this one. Again, I truly did enjoy so much of it! But the lack of a fleshed out backstory for Madison really bothered me. & like I said, I’m usually not one to nitpick over details.. but if I noticed these discrepancies, they were definitely there.
I also completely feel Madison’s past trauma is 100% valid, but I just wish she would have came to her senses about Jaxon a bit sooner.
All this being said.. I assume the next book will be Carter & Lyla’s & I do want to read it despite my issues with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
This book was a good college friends to lovers story. It was easy to read, and I finished it quickly because the MMC drew me in. I also really love friends to lovers and Jaxon and Madison had the best connection.
There is also just something about college sports that draws me in, and this was a great debut.
✨ College Football
✨ Broken FMC
✨ Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨ He Falls First
I love the premise of the story and how sweet and patient Jaxon was as Madison worked through her trauma of the past. He was gone since they were kids and he would do anything to prove it to her.
If you like cute friend groups and college settings, this is a strong debut.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
This book was a good college friends to lovers story. It was easy to read, and I finished it quickly because the MMC drew me in. I also really love friends to lovers and Jaxon and Madison had the best connection.
There is also just something about college sports that draws me in, and this was a great debut.
✨ College Football
✨ Broken FMC
✨ Childhood Friends to Lovers
✨ He Falls First
I love the premise of the story and how sweet and patient Jaxon was as Madison worked through her trauma of the past. He was gone since they were kids and he would do anything to prove it to her.
If you like cute friend groups and college settings, this is a strong debut.
July 10, 2025
Such a perfect lighthearted, yet spicy college sports romance!
Childhood best friends who grew apart, find each other again in college and it’s chefs kiss! Finished it in 12 hours!
Childhood best friends who grew apart, find each other again in college and it’s chefs kiss! Finished it in 12 hours!
May 30, 2025
Alright let’s dive in to Broken Play.
This had promise especially being a debut, collage football, emotional rollercoaster, big feelings, and the most patient man of all who will do anything for this girl sounds really good right? Almost as if it’s gonna scratch that itch just like every other sports romance. But I was left with confusion and more questions than answers and mostly just frustrated.
Firstly- Riley did so well in bringing these characters to light but I fell like things were just missing. There was no tension or longing between Jaxon and Madison, you knew the chemistry was there but I didn’t feel anything.
I understand getting the whole mental health rep across is hard, but paragraph after paragraph of anxiety thoughts was a bit frustrating and kind of put out that chemistry flame for me.
And I know we are all thinking it after finishing it, but where is her dad? What happened did he die or did her go to prison nothing was confirmed (unless I entirely missed something?) how’d she make a living, afford collage, what happened once Jaxon went to collage did she stay with his parents??????? So much was missed and I wish we got that clarity because I feel like that would have made the book so much better rather than skimming over the important parts for character growth.
Broken Play had so much potential and there was definitely a vision and a love for these characters but the execution was just missed for me.
thank you to chasingboys pr for the Arc
This had promise especially being a debut, collage football, emotional rollercoaster, big feelings, and the most patient man of all who will do anything for this girl sounds really good right? Almost as if it’s gonna scratch that itch just like every other sports romance. But I was left with confusion and more questions than answers and mostly just frustrated.
Firstly- Riley did so well in bringing these characters to light but I fell like things were just missing. There was no tension or longing between Jaxon and Madison, you knew the chemistry was there but I didn’t feel anything.
I understand getting the whole mental health rep across is hard, but paragraph after paragraph of anxiety thoughts was a bit frustrating and kind of put out that chemistry flame for me.
And I know we are all thinking it after finishing it, but where is her dad? What happened did he die or did her go to prison nothing was confirmed (unless I entirely missed something?) how’d she make a living, afford collage, what happened once Jaxon went to collage did she stay with his parents??????? So much was missed and I wish we got that clarity because I feel like that would have made the book so much better rather than skimming over the important parts for character growth.
Broken Play had so much potential and there was definitely a vision and a love for these characters but the execution was just missed for me.
thank you to chasingboys pr for the Arc
July 2, 2025
I reallly really wanted to love this but Madison pisssssed me off. Jaxon baby deserved better 🥺 He is the most perfect MMC I've probably ever read. I understand that Madison had been through a lot but the way she threw away everything she had with Jaxon, ignored him, then slept and drank her way through life really bothered me. I also don't think she ever told him about the conversation she overheard or that she didn't get into his school which caused her to not follow him. He forgave her way too quickly.
I also feel like I know nothing about her. I assume her dad died in that accident but when did that happen? How does she make her money? Does she not have any family left? Where did she plan on going after graduation? So many questions left unanswered.
The last 20% was my favorite part of the book. She finally came around and opened up to him. I really wanted to enjoy this but I just couldn't connect with Madison. 🥺
I also feel like I know nothing about her. I assume her dad died in that accident but when did that happen? How does she make her money? Does she not have any family left? Where did she plan on going after graduation? So many questions left unanswered.
The last 20% was my favorite part of the book. She finally came around and opened up to him. I really wanted to enjoy this but I just couldn't connect with Madison. 🥺
June 13, 2025
— ARC Review : 2 stars ✰
This one took me awhile to finish and for me, that’s usually not a good sign. I kinda had high hopes especially as a fan of second chance and friends-to-lovers tropes, but unfortunately it didn’t quite deliver well. There were a few moments I liked, but overall the story felt slow and I kinda got bored. The plot barely moved and the character development just wasn’t there. I kept waiting for something to pull me in, but it never quite happened. Not to mention, the fmc is my least favourite thing in this book. I just got frustrated with her alot.
────୨ৎ────
Thank you to Riley Paige & Chasing Books PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This one took me awhile to finish and for me, that’s usually not a good sign. I kinda had high hopes especially as a fan of second chance and friends-to-lovers tropes, but unfortunately it didn’t quite deliver well. There were a few moments I liked, but overall the story felt slow and I kinda got bored. The plot barely moved and the character development just wasn’t there. I kept waiting for something to pull me in, but it never quite happened. Not to mention, the fmc is my least favourite thing in this book. I just got frustrated with her alot.
────୨ৎ────
Thank you to Riley Paige & Chasing Books PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
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April 8, 2025Beta read <3
Jaxon & Madison >>>>
Jaxon & Madison >>>>
July 12, 2025
Spoilers❗️
It reminded me too much of the Icebreaker and i hated that book so🤷🏼
Two childhood best friends Madison and Jaxon, separated when they finished high school and went to college. They made plans to go to the same college but Madison didn’t get in and after that she overheard his mom telling him not to throw his future away for her she runs away basically. Now 3 years later she drunkenly sends him a voice message telling him she misses him and he transfers colleges to go be with her.
Ngl this was angsty as hell and cause of my anxiety I couldn’t enjoy it so i just skimmed the last 40%. Jax was perfect and a little naive and she just kept pushing him away to the point where I wanted him to just let her go and find someone else because hes the type to know what he wants and she was just annoying. Like i love fmcs who are emotionally unavailable but she honestly did not deserve him. Not to mention the break up when they were separated for 3 or 4 MONTHS. The book was already too long and it was just unnecessary.
Safety:H is a virgin,never even looked at another girl nor thought about being with smn else cause he always knew the fmc was it for him. No ow/owd there was just a girl at the beginning that was more friendly than anything and the fmc got jealous but he tells right away he isn’t interested in anyone but her. Also when they breakup he goes to the bar with Lyla and Carter ( the mcs in the next book) and there is this girl that flirts with him. Again he isn’t interested but the fmc sees it and thinks that he moved on.
h not a virgin, she slept around and the fuck buddy Carter is a good friend to her and the mmc also the ML in the next book. They’re just good friends no feelings there.
The book was completely safe just angsty as hell.
It reminded me too much of the Icebreaker and i hated that book so🤷🏼
Two childhood best friends Madison and Jaxon, separated when they finished high school and went to college. They made plans to go to the same college but Madison didn’t get in and after that she overheard his mom telling him not to throw his future away for her she runs away basically. Now 3 years later she drunkenly sends him a voice message telling him she misses him and he transfers colleges to go be with her.
Ngl this was angsty as hell and cause of my anxiety I couldn’t enjoy it so i just skimmed the last 40%. Jax was perfect and a little naive and she just kept pushing him away to the point where I wanted him to just let her go and find someone else because hes the type to know what he wants and she was just annoying. Like i love fmcs who are emotionally unavailable but she honestly did not deserve him. Not to mention the break up when they were separated for 3 or 4 MONTHS. The book was already too long and it was just unnecessary.
Safety:H is a virgin,never even looked at another girl nor thought about being with smn else cause he always knew the fmc was it for him. No ow/owd there was just a girl at the beginning that was more friendly than anything and the fmc got jealous but he tells right away he isn’t interested in anyone but her. Also when they breakup he goes to the bar with Lyla and Carter ( the mcs in the next book) and there is this girl that flirts with him. Again he isn’t interested but the fmc sees it and thinks that he moved on.
h not a virgin, she slept around and the fuck buddy Carter is a good friend to her and the mmc also the ML in the next book. They’re just good friends no feelings there.
The book was completely safe just angsty as hell.
June 6, 2025
Not enough depth or story to it. 400 pages of the same crap between the fmc and mmc
August 16, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
🌶️ 🌶️.5/5
It was hard to convince me while reading this that this was Riley’s first debut novel. Her writing is beautiful. Detailed. She makes you feel every word she writes. Passion is behind her writing. This made her an immediate auto buy author for me.
I appreciate this story because it gives you the real. The trauma some go through of believing they don’t deserve happiness. The back and forth. The emotions being everywhere. Sabotaging it before it gets a chance to start. Always running. That’s exactly where the main FMC Madison is. She’s got a past and been through some things that make her keep everyone at a distance, she’ll run when it gets real and she’s convinced herself she doesn’t deserve happiness because it’ll never last.
Jaxon on the other hand. You don’t have to convince him. He’s been in love with Madison since he’s laid eyes on her. He’s known it’s her. It’s always been her for him. So much so that he transfers schools based on a voicemail she left him that she doesn’t remember.
There are bumps Madison and Jaxon face as their story progresses. Ultimately, Madison must come to the decision of what she deserves and how to deal/cope with her past. Jaxon has to learn not to chase after her which is the hardest thing he has to do.
The comedic genius throughout this story was hands down Lyla and I cannot wait for her story in Red Zone. So, pick this one up if you understand that trauma can leave its scars and not treat you pretty but that despite that trauma you deserve a love so fearlessly it’ll chase you then even if it hurts walk away until your ready and still be there waiting for you.
🌶️ 🌶️.5/5
It was hard to convince me while reading this that this was Riley’s first debut novel. Her writing is beautiful. Detailed. She makes you feel every word she writes. Passion is behind her writing. This made her an immediate auto buy author for me.
I appreciate this story because it gives you the real. The trauma some go through of believing they don’t deserve happiness. The back and forth. The emotions being everywhere. Sabotaging it before it gets a chance to start. Always running. That’s exactly where the main FMC Madison is. She’s got a past and been through some things that make her keep everyone at a distance, she’ll run when it gets real and she’s convinced herself she doesn’t deserve happiness because it’ll never last.
Jaxon on the other hand. You don’t have to convince him. He’s been in love with Madison since he’s laid eyes on her. He’s known it’s her. It’s always been her for him. So much so that he transfers schools based on a voicemail she left him that she doesn’t remember.
There are bumps Madison and Jaxon face as their story progresses. Ultimately, Madison must come to the decision of what she deserves and how to deal/cope with her past. Jaxon has to learn not to chase after her which is the hardest thing he has to do.
The comedic genius throughout this story was hands down Lyla and I cannot wait for her story in Red Zone. So, pick this one up if you understand that trauma can leave its scars and not treat you pretty but that despite that trauma you deserve a love so fearlessly it’ll chase you then even if it hurts walk away until your ready and still be there waiting for you.
May 31, 2025
Warming the Bench for Love
One Call Changed Everything… She Just Didn’t Know It Yet.
Dedication: To those who feel broken, lost, or unworthy of love—this book is for you. May you find healing in the pages and remember that you are worthy, whole, and loved, exactly as you are.
Madison (FMC): 21 • Music Therapy Major • Hates Math • Broken • Loves Peppermint Mochas, Sweet Treats and Comfy Clothes • Scared of Relationships •
Jaxon (MMC): 21 • College Wide Receiver • Likely #1 Draft Pick • Loves Twix and Tutoring His Bestie in Math • Madly in Love with His Best Friend •
Tropes:
🏈 Childhood friends to Strangers to Lovers
🌊 He Falls First and Harder
🏈 College Setting
🌊 Football Romance
🏈 Trauma to Healing
🌊 Mental Health Rep
🏈 “It’s Always Been You”
🌊 Slow Burn
🏈 Nicknames
🌊 Found Family
🏈 Virgin MMC
Rating: 🍫🍫🍫(3⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️. 🫑🫑(self pleasure, virgin,💥 in his pants, 👅)
T/W: depression (on page), anxiety (on page), parental death (referenced), cancer (referenced), alcohol consumption (on page), DV (referenced), grief (on page), drunk driving (referenced), car accident (referenced), hospital scenes (on page)
If you’ve ever wanted a football romance where the tight end falls first and falls hard—welcome to Broken Play. Jaxon Montgomery gives “down bad” a whole new definition when he transfers colleges because of one drunken voicemail from his childhood best friend/secret crush, Madison. She doesn’t even remember leaving it. He doesn’t bring it up. So.Much.Angst.
Madison is broken, burdened by grief and guilt, convinced that loving someone means eventually losing them. And while that explains some of the emotional push-pull, girl… it’s giving “trauma response” not “romantic tension.” Forty percent in and we’re still playing emotional dodgeball. I wanted to hand her a therapy punch card and a hug.
That said, Jaxon is 10/10 no notes. Gentle, grounded, and the gold standard for respectful book boyfriends. He gives space when she needs it and is willing to wait until she’s ready to fight for herself and for them.
This debut packs serious heart, solid pacing, swoony football vibes, and a commendable nod to mental health. While Madison’s emotional whiplash left me more frustrated than invested at times, I still rooted for her healing and for Jaxon to get his much deserved HEA. I may not reread this one, but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Riley Paige’s roster. Book 2? I’m already warming the bench. 🏈
Swoony Line:
"She’s my best friend. My safe place. The person who makes me feel seen in a way no one else ever has."
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
One Call Changed Everything… She Just Didn’t Know It Yet.
Dedication: To those who feel broken, lost, or unworthy of love—this book is for you. May you find healing in the pages and remember that you are worthy, whole, and loved, exactly as you are.
Madison (FMC): 21 • Music Therapy Major • Hates Math • Broken • Loves Peppermint Mochas, Sweet Treats and Comfy Clothes • Scared of Relationships •
Jaxon (MMC): 21 • College Wide Receiver • Likely #1 Draft Pick • Loves Twix and Tutoring His Bestie in Math • Madly in Love with His Best Friend •
Tropes:
🏈 Childhood friends to Strangers to Lovers
🌊 He Falls First and Harder
🏈 College Setting
🌊 Football Romance
🏈 Trauma to Healing
🌊 Mental Health Rep
🏈 “It’s Always Been You”
🌊 Slow Burn
🏈 Nicknames
🌊 Found Family
🏈 Virgin MMC
Rating: 🍫🍫🍫(3⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️. 🫑🫑(self pleasure, virgin,💥 in his pants, 👅)
T/W: depression (on page), anxiety (on page), parental death (referenced), cancer (referenced), alcohol consumption (on page), DV (referenced), grief (on page), drunk driving (referenced), car accident (referenced), hospital scenes (on page)
If you’ve ever wanted a football romance where the tight end falls first and falls hard—welcome to Broken Play. Jaxon Montgomery gives “down bad” a whole new definition when he transfers colleges because of one drunken voicemail from his childhood best friend/secret crush, Madison. She doesn’t even remember leaving it. He doesn’t bring it up. So.Much.Angst.
Madison is broken, burdened by grief and guilt, convinced that loving someone means eventually losing them. And while that explains some of the emotional push-pull, girl… it’s giving “trauma response” not “romantic tension.” Forty percent in and we’re still playing emotional dodgeball. I wanted to hand her a therapy punch card and a hug.
That said, Jaxon is 10/10 no notes. Gentle, grounded, and the gold standard for respectful book boyfriends. He gives space when she needs it and is willing to wait until she’s ready to fight for herself and for them.
This debut packs serious heart, solid pacing, swoony football vibes, and a commendable nod to mental health. While Madison’s emotional whiplash left me more frustrated than invested at times, I still rooted for her healing and for Jaxon to get his much deserved HEA. I may not reread this one, but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Riley Paige’s roster. Book 2? I’m already warming the bench. 🏈
Swoony Line:
"She’s my best friend. My safe place. The person who makes me feel seen in a way no one else ever has."
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
August 16, 2025
kindle: 3.25⭐️ I think I wanted to like this more than I actually did. Madison is just unfortunately unlikable and Jaxon deserves better :/
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July 15, 2025A solid debut with lots of elements that definitely should be my catnip. College, sports romance, a down bad hero, and plenty of mental health rep. We have a broken heroine who is grieving and struggling with a lot, a pitch perfect hero who is reconnecting with a childhood bestie and is the epitome of golden retriever, down bad energy, and quite a bit of angst between them. Overall, there's plenty to enjoy here. Our heroine gives us a lot of emotional whiplash, which made the pacing of this feel frustrating, inconsistent, and at times even belabored. Fortunately our hero is a little more patient than I am LOL- and he waits patiently for our heroine to work through her trauma and inconsistency. There are also some elements that felt underdeveloped and unclear, which may just be me wanting more/neater details or might just be a newer author working out the kinks. Curious to see what Riley does next. The cover is definitely excellent and the secondary characters were most definitely worth reading more about.
🏈Football
🏈 Childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🏈 He Falls First and Harder
🏈 College
🏈 Mental Health Rep
🏈 “It’s Always Been You”
🏈Slower Burn
🏈 Found Family
🏈 Virgin Hero
🏈Football
🏈 Childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🏈 He Falls First and Harder
🏈 College
🏈 Mental Health Rep
🏈 “It’s Always Been You”
🏈Slower Burn
🏈 Found Family
🏈 Virgin Hero
July 25, 2025
2.75⭐️
A fluffy emotional book that was not for me unfortunately. The chemistry was okay not mind boggling, the guy was such a giver and lover but the girl was giving me nothing she was only pushing him away.. and I wish more plot was present.
A fluffy emotional book that was not for me unfortunately. The chemistry was okay not mind boggling, the guy was such a giver and lover but the girl was giving me nothing she was only pushing him away.. and I wish more plot was present.
July 23, 2025
Needed a really dumb book and this was on my fyp. Wasn’t bad actually but seriously humiliated by the cover so
did-not-finish
July 29, 2025DNF 30%
Maddy is insufferable
Maddy is insufferable
September 21, 2025
Sometimes I'm wondering how or why a book gets to be published when there is basically nothing happening throughout the story. No character development, zero plot design, and absolutely lack of depth in general. Unfortunately, this book turned out to be a 400+ pages of nothingness to me. :/
To begin with, Broken Play had me at childhood-friends-turned-lovers at first sight. It was and would always be my ultimate favorite trope of all time so naturally, I had high expectations from this book. However, I could not believe there were pretty much no actual plot points in the entire span of the story. This book focused solely on the toxic relationship between Jaxon and Madison ("Mads"), and how Madison couldn't get past her own personal demons during the whole friendship/relationship.
Let's start with Jaxon. He was such a golden boy, our cinnamon roll boyfriend, and hands-down one of the sweetest guys I'd ever seen. He was considerate, exceptionally thoughtful when it came to Mads, and apparently was a saint himself for saving his first time for her as there was nobody else. He even gave up huge opportunities to get drafted by the most prestigious NFL team(s) for her just because of a drunk call which neither of them explained further after reuniting after she ghosted him three years ago.
Enter our unbearable female main character, Mads, who couldn't stop victimizing herself and feeling like the whole world abandoned her. She kept mentioning how the people she loved left her and that no one understood her pain, blah blah blah, but at the same time, we also saw how persistent her roommate, Lyla, had been there for her the entire time and gave her the same comfort speech over and over again. Whenever Mads had an emotional breakdown, Lyla would be there telling her the same thing and finding excuses to forgive her or to justify her immature behavior again and again. It was EXHAUSTING, particularly when there was nothing else going on in their lives aside from taking algebra classes and occasionally getting drunk/partying.
Why was Jaxon and Mads' relationship toxic? Well, apparently Jaxon put 110% efforts in their love life and Mads did absolutely NOTHING besides self-sabotaging, feeling sorry for herself, and in a nutshell, being extremely selfish as she only cared about herself. Jaxon deserved someone so much better than Mads, especially when Mads even had the audacity to sleep around while Jaxon saved his V card for her. Ugh, I just couldn't even.
All in all, I didn't enjoy this book at all for its lack of main plot, no real storyline aside from boring and repetitive non-existent existential crisis from a narcissistic female main character who only paid attention to herself and constantly pushed people away and then blamed on her misfortune. Oh, and don't get me started on the unnecessary third-act breakup at the end of the book, which was wrapped up with an even more terribly unsatisfying "happy ending" that led me nowhere. Anyways, the rest of this series will be a hard pass for me and of course, I will NOT recommend this book at all. The only reason this one got a two-star from me was because I felt bad for giving a debut novel a one-star. *shrugs*
***Thanks to the author and Hambright PR for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
To begin with, Broken Play had me at childhood-friends-turned-lovers at first sight. It was and would always be my ultimate favorite trope of all time so naturally, I had high expectations from this book. However, I could not believe there were pretty much no actual plot points in the entire span of the story. This book focused solely on the toxic relationship between Jaxon and Madison ("Mads"), and how Madison couldn't get past her own personal demons during the whole friendship/relationship.
Let's start with Jaxon. He was such a golden boy, our cinnamon roll boyfriend, and hands-down one of the sweetest guys I'd ever seen. He was considerate, exceptionally thoughtful when it came to Mads, and apparently was a saint himself for saving his first time for her as there was nobody else. He even gave up huge opportunities to get drafted by the most prestigious NFL team(s) for her just because of a drunk call which neither of them explained further after reuniting after she ghosted him three years ago.
Enter our unbearable female main character, Mads, who couldn't stop victimizing herself and feeling like the whole world abandoned her. She kept mentioning how the people she loved left her and that no one understood her pain, blah blah blah, but at the same time, we also saw how persistent her roommate, Lyla, had been there for her the entire time and gave her the same comfort speech over and over again. Whenever Mads had an emotional breakdown, Lyla would be there telling her the same thing and finding excuses to forgive her or to justify her immature behavior again and again. It was EXHAUSTING, particularly when there was nothing else going on in their lives aside from taking algebra classes and occasionally getting drunk/partying.
Why was Jaxon and Mads' relationship toxic? Well, apparently Jaxon put 110% efforts in their love life and Mads did absolutely NOTHING besides self-sabotaging, feeling sorry for herself, and in a nutshell, being extremely selfish as she only cared about herself. Jaxon deserved someone so much better than Mads, especially when Mads even had the audacity to sleep around while Jaxon saved his V card for her. Ugh, I just couldn't even.
All in all, I didn't enjoy this book at all for its lack of main plot, no real storyline aside from boring and repetitive non-existent existential crisis from a narcissistic female main character who only paid attention to herself and constantly pushed people away and then blamed on her misfortune. Oh, and don't get me started on the unnecessary third-act breakup at the end of the book, which was wrapped up with an even more terribly unsatisfying "happy ending" that led me nowhere. Anyways, the rest of this series will be a hard pass for me and of course, I will NOT recommend this book at all. The only reason this one got a two-star from me was because I felt bad for giving a debut novel a one-star. *shrugs*
***Thanks to the author and Hambright PR for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
November 22, 2025
3 stars only for Jaxon (MMC). Aside from him, everything was chaotic.
And Madison— or whatever her name is — needs to grow the fuck upppp!
Omg, the whole damn book is just her being scared of a relationship with Jaxon. Like girl… that man was a virgin! He loved her so much he never even entertained the idea of another woman.
And they’re childhood friends, so imagine him being obsessed with her his entire life, only for her to suddenly be scared of a future with him— like she hasn’t literally been in his life for, hmmm let me think? YES, for forever!
And Madison— or whatever her name is — needs to grow the fuck upppp!
Omg, the whole damn book is just her being scared of a relationship with Jaxon. Like girl… that man was a virgin! He loved her so much he never even entertained the idea of another woman.
And they’re childhood friends, so imagine him being obsessed with her his entire life, only for her to suddenly be scared of a future with him— like she hasn’t literally been in his life for, hmmm let me think? YES, for forever!
May 30, 2025
Broken Play is a beautifully written story about finding yourself and accepting you are worthy of love. This childhood friends to lovers sports romance had me invested from the beginning. Jaxon and Madison were simply perfect together however their quest to get there takes you on a wave of emotions especially with Madison’s past. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and for a debut novel by the author simply wow and congratulations on a fantastic book. I received a complementary copy from Chasing Books PR.
June 11, 2025
Ok so I’ve officially decided the childhood/best friend trope is not for me. I think I’d rather read accidental pregnancy at this point. I cannot handle the repetitiveness of the “I can’t be with him/her because I can’t risk the friendship” angst for 300+ pages. The FMC was absolutely insufferable even after finding out the MMC completely uprooted his life for her and it still wasn’t enough to convince her.
Rating it 3 stars because it’s not the books fault I don’t like the trope but it’s also very repetitive so minus points
Rating it 3 stars because it’s not the books fault I don’t like the trope but it’s also very repetitive so minus points
September 17, 2025
Broken Play, book 1 in the PCU Storm series checked off a few of my “must haves” for a sports romance, but nothing really stood out. The two MC’s were just alright and the supporting cast was ok, as well. I just wanted more from all of it, except page count. For leaving me so wanting you’d think this had a short page count, but nope. Planning to continue to next book in series hoping the characters are fleshed out a bit more.
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