What do you think?
Rate this book
The University of Gatica #1
The Recruiting Trip
Book 1 in the University of Gatica Series
Aspiring college athlete Aileen Nessa is finding the recruiting process beyond daunting. Being ranked #10 in the world for the 100m hurdles at the age of eighteen is not a fluke, even though she believes that one race, where everything clinked magically together, might be. American universities don’t seem to think so. Letters are pouring in from all over the country.
As she faces the challenge of differentiating between a college’s genuine commitment to her or just empty promises from talent-seeking coaches, Aileen heads to Gatica State University, a Division One school, on a recruiting trip.
The university’s athletic program boasts one of the top sprint coaches in the country. The beautiful old buildings on campus and Ivy League smarts seems so above her little Ohio town upbringing. All Aileen needs to convince her to sign her letter of intent is a recruiting trip that takes her breath away.
Tyler Jensen is the school’s NCAA champion in the hurdles and Jim Thorpe recipient for top defensive back in football. His incredible ocean blue eyes and confident smile make Aileen stutter and forget why she is visiting GSU. His offer to take her under his wing, should she choose to come to Gatica, is a temping proposition that has her wondering if she might be making a deal with an angel or the devil himself.
* This is NOT erotica* It is a new adult & college sport romance.
For mature readers only. There are sexual situations, but no graphic sex.
Aspiring college athlete Aileen Nessa is finding the recruiting process beyond daunting. Being ranked #10 in the world for the 100m hurdles at the age of eighteen is not a fluke, even though she believes that one race, where everything clinked magically together, might be. American universities don’t seem to think so. Letters are pouring in from all over the country.
As she faces the challenge of differentiating between a college’s genuine commitment to her or just empty promises from talent-seeking coaches, Aileen heads to Gatica State University, a Division One school, on a recruiting trip.
The university’s athletic program boasts one of the top sprint coaches in the country. The beautiful old buildings on campus and Ivy League smarts seems so above her little Ohio town upbringing. All Aileen needs to convince her to sign her letter of intent is a recruiting trip that takes her breath away.
Tyler Jensen is the school’s NCAA champion in the hurdles and Jim Thorpe recipient for top defensive back in football. His incredible ocean blue eyes and confident smile make Aileen stutter and forget why she is visiting GSU. His offer to take her under his wing, should she choose to come to Gatica, is a temping proposition that has her wondering if she might be making a deal with an angel or the devil himself.
* This is NOT erotica* It is a new adult & college sport romance.
For mature readers only. There are sexual situations, but no graphic sex.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2014
182 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Lexy Timms
758 books1,296 followersLexy Timms is a mom, business woman, dreamer and writer. She finally decided to write her first romance novel and Saving Forever is her debut story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 31, 2015
Aileen is a hurdling champion and Universities are practically lining up to get her signed with them. She's pretty much decided to go with Stanford, but it wouldn't really make a difference to stop by the University of Gatica to catch a glimpse of Tyler Jensen, right?
The Recruiting Trip was promising at the start but with the appearance of the love interest, the story started to go downhill. The romance was unconvincing, forced and a snore! The entire romance was predictable! It was nice to gain insight into what recruiting trips were and the process involved but other than that, this book is a miss.
The Recruiting Trip was promising at the start but with the appearance of the love interest, the story started to go downhill. The romance was unconvincing, forced and a snore! The entire romance was predictable! It was nice to gain insight into what recruiting trips were and the process involved but other than that, this book is a miss.
March 30, 2015
This wasn't a bad little story. The writing was enjoyable overall and the characters were likable, just not always believable. I didn't find the relationship between the two leads very believable and it was very rushed. Aileen also lacked development. One minute she would be shy and stuttering and the next bold and confident. It just didn't seem to fit.
Overall this wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. The length didn't allow for much development of the characters or story.
Overall this wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. The length didn't allow for much development of the characters or story.
November 25, 2014
What a great start
omg I knew I wouldn't be disappointed in this book. I can tell that Tyler is going to be hot as sin. Aileen is down home girl who loves track , she is trying to decide what's best for her future. She takes a trip to university of Gatica and while there she meets Tyler who is sexy,charming and a NCAA in track. Tyler seems like a well rounded guy, but I've got a feeling he has some demons. The chemistry these two have is strong and the way lexy leads up to is so real you feel apart of it. I can't wait to see how their connection goes. I want more,more, This was a great start to this series, it just wasn't long enough but the good ones never are.
omg I knew I wouldn't be disappointed in this book. I can tell that Tyler is going to be hot as sin. Aileen is down home girl who loves track , she is trying to decide what's best for her future. She takes a trip to university of Gatica and while there she meets Tyler who is sexy,charming and a NCAA in track. Tyler seems like a well rounded guy, but I've got a feeling he has some demons. The chemistry these two have is strong and the way lexy leads up to is so real you feel apart of it. I can't wait to see how their connection goes. I want more,more, This was a great start to this series, it just wasn't long enough but the good ones never are.
January 13, 2015
Not my usual type of book but I really enjoyed it, far too short but a cracking story line.
I really think Aileen and Jani are going to be hilarious together.
Roll on book 2
I really think Aileen and Jani are going to be hilarious together.
Roll on book 2
May 9, 2021
Good start. The foundation is down ready for the storyline to start. Looking forward to the next book to see what will happen next.
March 7, 2015
This book is more a prequel to me but still a great start to the series. Aileen is being scouted by lots of colleges to be part of their track team. University of Gatica will be the last school takes a tour of. She is only going because their is a guy their that she thinks is cute and has a crush on. He plays football and is also on the track team. She doesn't intend to actually attend Gatica. That is until she gets their and meets him. The school has a great track program and she really seems to hit it off with the other people on the track team. It helps that the person she has a small crush on, Tyler, is being nice to her and maybe has some interest in her as well. This book was a nice change of pace. There wasn't any sex. I am a huge fan of sex in books so don't get me wrong on that. It was just that this book didn't need it. She is a senior in high school and while we all know what we were like at that age it was nice to not have that aspect in this book. It was nice to see how they connected and wanted to maybe see where things went with out going right to that. They both have this sweet, innocence to them that I really liked. I want to read more about these characters and see where they go. You are left with her full ride letter of intent and if she will sign it or not. We can all kind of guess about that since this is book one. I liked how just because she had a crush on him that it didn't automatically mean she would go there. She still toured other schools and in fact was almost positive she wasn't going to go to Gatica. I think she has a good head on her shoulders and won't do anything to crazy. I am excited to read the next book in this series.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
February 22, 2015
The Recruiting trip is a NA American college sport romance and the first book in the Gatica series. Aileen Nessa is an eighteen year old 100m hurdles champion and she's currently looking at which University she'd like to attend to continue her sport and her studies.
As she's ranked tenth in the world talent seeking coaches and colleges are keen to offer her a place in their athletics programs. A visit to Gatica State University is the last one on her list and one she's not seriously considering because of it's position in New York state meaning it has cold winters which aren't great for track training.
However coach Anderson is keen to woo her to his college team and he goes out of his way to make her feel welcome, he even rolls out Tyrone Jensen the schools NCAA hurdle champion to entice Aileen. Tyrone is a hunk and great eye candy and Aileen is surprised he's willing to spend time with her over the recruiting weekend. Despite his popularity Tyrone is impressed with Aileen's sporting achievements and her own beauty, there's a spark between them which promises of much more to come in the following books in the series.
I enjoyed reading about the US University system for sport which differs from the UK admissions systems, the book was well paced and the teaser of romance was enough to keep me interested and left me wanting to know more when the book ended.
As she's ranked tenth in the world talent seeking coaches and colleges are keen to offer her a place in their athletics programs. A visit to Gatica State University is the last one on her list and one she's not seriously considering because of it's position in New York state meaning it has cold winters which aren't great for track training.
However coach Anderson is keen to woo her to his college team and he goes out of his way to make her feel welcome, he even rolls out Tyrone Jensen the schools NCAA hurdle champion to entice Aileen. Tyrone is a hunk and great eye candy and Aileen is surprised he's willing to spend time with her over the recruiting weekend. Despite his popularity Tyrone is impressed with Aileen's sporting achievements and her own beauty, there's a spark between them which promises of much more to come in the following books in the series.
I enjoyed reading about the US University system for sport which differs from the UK admissions systems, the book was well paced and the teaser of romance was enough to keep me interested and left me wanting to know more when the book ended.
March 20, 2016
The recruiting trip follows a very promising athlete, Aileen, on her weekend visit to the University of Gatica. She heads there with no intention of committing to this school, but rather, she hopes to meet one of the university's stars, Tyler.
The Good: I liked the characters, there were so many great characters. Tyler was the golden boy and Aileen was just the right combination of sassy, confident and insecure. I greatly enjoyed their interactions. Though, my favorite character was one of the supporting characters, Jani. She was quite amusing and I hope to see more of her in the books that follow. The story was also very promising. I was a runner in high school, so I loved when Aileen would wax poetic about track and field. You could really feel how much she loved the sport and all it did for her.
This is a really short read, I more or less finished it on my commute home. BUT it did take place in one weekend, so how long could it be without the storyline suffering. I think this is a promising start to a great new series.
The Good: I liked the characters, there were so many great characters. Tyler was the golden boy and Aileen was just the right combination of sassy, confident and insecure. I greatly enjoyed their interactions. Though, my favorite character was one of the supporting characters, Jani. She was quite amusing and I hope to see more of her in the books that follow. The story was also very promising. I was a runner in high school, so I loved when Aileen would wax poetic about track and field. You could really feel how much she loved the sport and all it did for her.
This is a really short read, I more or less finished it on my commute home. BUT it did take place in one weekend, so how long could it be without the storyline suffering. I think this is a promising start to a great new series.
March 4, 2015
sweet first part
I really enjoyed this book. I am a huge fan of romance books with sports and this one seemed so realistic when it came to the sports and how the trip played out. I really liked Aileen she seems like a sweet girl from her small town and Tyler my lord he is...wow!!!
Aileen is on her last recruiting trip, trying to decide where she should continue her running career. Her friend dares her to go to Gatica for one reason, Tyler! Tyler is also on the football team and track team and he has taken it upon himself to show Aileen the ropes. But will Aileen really base her choice on a guy? Should her heart chose or her head?
This is a sweet, short read. The characters are like able and the story moves right along. I will for sure be reading the rest of the series. Can't wait to see what happened a for theses two.
I really enjoyed this book. I am a huge fan of romance books with sports and this one seemed so realistic when it came to the sports and how the trip played out. I really liked Aileen she seems like a sweet girl from her small town and Tyler my lord he is...wow!!!
Aileen is on her last recruiting trip, trying to decide where she should continue her running career. Her friend dares her to go to Gatica for one reason, Tyler! Tyler is also on the football team and track team and he has taken it upon himself to show Aileen the ropes. But will Aileen really base her choice on a guy? Should her heart chose or her head?
This is a sweet, short read. The characters are like able and the story moves right along. I will for sure be reading the rest of the series. Can't wait to see what happened a for theses two.
March 3, 2015
Everyone has something they are amazing at, and sometimes that amazing talent gets noticed by someone great. Whether it be a producer, talent scout, or a big time university; it all comes down to the one question: where will you go? For Aileen Nessa, this seems to be the case for her. 18 years old, a senior in high school from a small town in Ohio, and she has already had numerous colleges or universities begging for her to consider attending their school. This would have to do with the fact that she is ranked number 10 for hurdles in the state. Thus, the beginning of her recruiting trips, which will end with her visiting Gatica State University home of the Red Coats! During her visit, she meets new friends and very handsome hurdler named Tyler Jensen. With so many options for her to choose, who will she decide?
February 23, 2015
This was a fast, easy read. It was light and not too deep. It's a story about a young girl who is trying to decide what college she wants to go to and she and her friend decide she needs to go one one college visit based solely on the boys. So she chooses one where she saw a fellow runner at a race the previous summer. This book tells of her visit and of her meeting with said boy. It's cute and a little spicy. Nothing too hot. I am curious as to what happens next. I will probably be reading the other books.
March 6, 2015
This was a very light easy read. With a little bit of romance thrown in.
I can't say that I've ever read a sports romance where track was the sport. It was very interesting and I learned a little bit more about it.
The characters were likable. Aileen was scouting colleges and it was really neat seeing that process too.
Tyler is a sweet heart. He's supposed to be the big typical hot shot jock but I like that he wasn't all macho. He was very playful and sweet.
It was an enjoyable read overall and I look forward to reading the rest.
I can't say that I've ever read a sports romance where track was the sport. It was very interesting and I learned a little bit more about it.
The characters were likable. Aileen was scouting colleges and it was really neat seeing that process too.
Tyler is a sweet heart. He's supposed to be the big typical hot shot jock but I like that he wasn't all macho. He was very playful and sweet.
It was an enjoyable read overall and I look forward to reading the rest.
February 9, 2015
this book was a really good book. i like how this book did not take place while they were in college but on what recruiting trip looks like. it throw a unique twist in to the story. this book show us what is like to go on scouting trips for college. there are some hot and steamy scenes that will get you all hot and bothered. this book shows that anything can happen no matter what. this book left you with a cliffhanger. i cant wait till for the next book.
March 7, 2015
Great lead in book for this series. The pull between Aileen and Tyler is jumping off the pages of this book. Written beautifully that when you are done with this book you will be one clicking the next book. Aileen is a high school hurdler being recruited by the school Tyler attends. Tyler is a hurdler champion and an future NFL prospect for football. Upon meeting these two have a sparks flying. Great read.
March 9, 2015
This is a great first book for this series and very well written. Aileen is looking for the university she will attend next school year. University of Gatica, is her last recruiting trip. What she finds there will make all the difference in her choice, especially finding Tyler Jensen the boy she has crushed on from afar. I look forward to reading the rest of this series and even more from Lexy Timms.
March 30, 2015
The love story was the main focus of this book. It was however rushed and chemistry between the the leads was non-existent. I didn't like how Aileen labelled people according to their sport and never really tried to get to know them. Apparently her predictions of what sport they play is always right and she inwardly congratulates herself =_=. I was disappointed as the beginning was engaging but my interest waned when all Aileen thought about was Tyler Jensen.
January 17, 2015
Great start definitely a quick read can't wait to read the next book definitely wanna read more about Aileen and Tyler
January 22, 2015
Fast read but okay
March 6, 2015
Tyler and Aileen rules
Love it love it love it lol seriously thou it could of been a bit longer lol can't get enough of their story
Love it love it love it lol seriously thou it could of been a bit longer lol can't get enough of their story
September 4, 2015
Aileen is a good athlete who thinks there's a fluke in her hurdle rank but no one else thinks so
Hurricane readers book review gave me the book for a honest review
Hurricane readers book review gave me the book for a honest review
September 15, 2017
3.5
Sport Romance??? MIO!!
Spero solo si affrettino con le traduzioni, solo questo.
Sport Romance??? MIO!!
Spero solo si affrettino con le traduzioni, solo questo.
February 15, 2017
A great start to the The University of Gatica Series. Aileen Nessa is an up and coming Track Hurdles Star and is visiting The UofG Athletics department on a recruiting trip. Really, she has her mind set on Stanford already, but she's there because of NCAA Track Star Tyler Jensen. He's gorgeous and she just wants to meet him!
What starts as mindless flirting turns into something more between Aileen and Tyler. Enough so, that she has him in knots and he has her wanting more. The chemistry between Aileen and Tyrone have her breathless and blushing. The dynamics between these two, make you relive your first crush, first kiss, first time and first love all over again.
As her trip comes to an end, Aileen has a decision to make...go to Stanford with her chances of becoming and NCAA star are golden or take UofG up on their offer and experience more than just track and field.
A sweet start to the series, and I can't wait to read the next book "Faster" where Aileen's and Tyler's story continues!
What starts as mindless flirting turns into something more between Aileen and Tyler. Enough so, that she has him in knots and he has her wanting more. The chemistry between Aileen and Tyrone have her breathless and blushing. The dynamics between these two, make you relive your first crush, first kiss, first time and first love all over again.
As her trip comes to an end, Aileen has a decision to make...go to Stanford with her chances of becoming and NCAA star are golden or take UofG up on their offer and experience more than just track and field.
A sweet start to the series, and I can't wait to read the next book "Faster" where Aileen's and Tyler's story continues!
July 18, 2023
What’s it like to be one of the most sought after athletes in the country? Well Aileen is about to find out while visiting a small college in northern New York. While there her best friend advised her to become loose and free so she embarks on trying to meet the star athlete at University of Gattica. The star athlete caught her fancy when she was running at the junior level the summer before. Tyler seems to be interested in her too but the thing is is he trying to get her to come there cause he likes her or because the school wants her there? This is just the start of an interesting love story maybe!
August 5, 2024
2.7
Not a bad story, but a bit rushed and the kiss ruined it all. There was no need to have a kiss in the first book when it’s this short, if she focused on connection and tension would prob be more enjoyable.
A bit unrealistic with the mc personality switches from stuttering shy to suddenly confident flirt is a bit of a whip lash.
I got this for free when I was looking for a running story since I’m into that right now but this was more focused on an infatuation than running.
Not a bad story, but a bit rushed and the kiss ruined it all. There was no need to have a kiss in the first book when it’s this short, if she focused on connection and tension would prob be more enjoyable.
A bit unrealistic with the mc personality switches from stuttering shy to suddenly confident flirt is a bit of a whip lash.
I got this for free when I was looking for a running story since I’m into that right now but this was more focused on an infatuation than running.
August 7, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audio book of this title from within the series set box . (Audible.com)
A hurdler had visited three other universities, and her friend convinced her to go to the forth as something for herself, not as her future.
However, the actual reception of school amenities and students made her feel very much at home. The hot guy who previously had crossed her path at a couple of track meets didn't deter her thoughts either.
A hurdler had visited three other universities, and her friend convinced her to go to the forth as something for herself, not as her future.
However, the actual reception of school amenities and students made her feel very much at home. The hot guy who previously had crossed her path at a couple of track meets didn't deter her thoughts either.
June 25, 2017
Meh. Read as part of the Love & College anthology.
Aileen Nessa is scouting out colleges, the champion hurdler really only travelled to the University of Gatica to see hottie Tyler Jensen up close.
Not a cliffhanger, but no resolve either, not sure I'll bother with the follow up.
Aileen Nessa is scouting out colleges, the champion hurdler really only travelled to the University of Gatica to see hottie Tyler Jensen up close.
Not a cliffhanger, but no resolve either, not sure I'll bother with the follow up.
September 18, 2018
This was a very short book. 90 pages. Not much happens. Aileen visits this university because she has the hots for 1 of the track stars. There are a few other books in the series, but it’s not a good enough story to spend money on more books to get the full story
September 22, 2019
I was not really impressed with the narrator. She sounded like she couldn't read. Kept pausing over words. SMH. The story was ok but did NOT appreciate have the post lude. It was unnecessary and something else could've been put on its place. Hope the next one is better. 🤔🤔
July 13, 2020
A sweet easy reading weekend story, It has so many references to Track... i kind of skimmed all that talk as i have no idea... American sports and the british sports have so many major differences i cant begin to understand... still was nice.
March 22, 2022
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review
3 star listen
Good first book in the series. Sets the scene, really short but gives the listener a bit of a background on the fmc.
Hurdle jumper and a football star. Odd combo but I like odd.
3 star listen
Good first book in the series. Sets the scene, really short but gives the listener a bit of a background on the fmc.
Hurdle jumper and a football star. Odd combo but I like odd.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews