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Campus Confessions #3
The Comeback
They say it's hoes before bros. Too bad love never got the memo.
I knew getting tangled up with Logan was a bad idea.
Last spring he broke my best friend’s heart. But with both my friends in love and Logan back to skate for the Blizzard, we were the last two misfits left standing.
Then one of Logan’s connections lands me an interview for a gallery job with a Calgary art icon. The only problem? He’s only interested because he thinks I have a famous boyfriend. Logan Kemp.
What started as a fake-dating favour was never supposed to become public.
But secrets don’t stay buried forever.
When we’re forced to spend a PR weekend together in Banff and Logan suggests our fake relationship could benefit from…benefits? It doesn’t exactly stay fake for me, either.
Now my dream job—and my heart—are both on the line.
Because falling for Logan could cost me everything I’ve worked for…
and trusting him might be the biggest mistake I ever make.
One Click if you
Fake DatingSecret RomanceTight knit girlfriendsSlow burnSnarky banterFound FamilyBook #3 in Campus Confessions, a spin-off of the best-selling Canadian Played series. High sizzle, fade-to-black hockey romance.
I knew getting tangled up with Logan was a bad idea.
Last spring he broke my best friend’s heart. But with both my friends in love and Logan back to skate for the Blizzard, we were the last two misfits left standing.
Then one of Logan’s connections lands me an interview for a gallery job with a Calgary art icon. The only problem? He’s only interested because he thinks I have a famous boyfriend. Logan Kemp.
What started as a fake-dating favour was never supposed to become public.
But secrets don’t stay buried forever.
When we’re forced to spend a PR weekend together in Banff and Logan suggests our fake relationship could benefit from…benefits? It doesn’t exactly stay fake for me, either.
Now my dream job—and my heart—are both on the line.
Because falling for Logan could cost me everything I’ve worked for…
and trusting him might be the biggest mistake I ever make.
One Click if you
Fake DatingSecret RomanceTight knit girlfriendsSlow burnSnarky banterFound FamilyBook #3 in Campus Confessions, a spin-off of the best-selling Canadian Played series. High sizzle, fade-to-black hockey romance.
- GenresAudiobook
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
10 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 25, 2025
3.5 ARC Read
We love a redemption story 👏
I really enjoyed The Comeback, the vibes of it being set in the good old days before social media made this such a fun read and really added to the overall feel of the book. The corded handset phone calls brought back all the nostalgia for me.
I loved how funny Crystal's inner monologue was! She's a relatable and fun fmc and despite having read tons of hockey/sports romances, this book felt fresh and fun.
I'll definitely be picking up more by the author.
Thanks to Cynthia and Booksirens for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
We love a redemption story 👏
I really enjoyed The Comeback, the vibes of it being set in the good old days before social media made this such a fun read and really added to the overall feel of the book. The corded handset phone calls brought back all the nostalgia for me.
I loved how funny Crystal's inner monologue was! She's a relatable and fun fmc and despite having read tons of hockey/sports romances, this book felt fresh and fun.
I'll definitely be picking up more by the author.
Thanks to Cynthia and Booksirens for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!
November 30, 2025
Somehow this book turned me into a sympathizer... for a cheater???
Also. This is my 50th book of the year. My goal is officially met 🎉
Also. This is my 50th book of the year. My goal is officially met 🎉
January 23, 2026
Logan and Crystal's story is an amazing slow burn romance! I loved reading this book so much. I could feel the intense heat between Logan and Crystal. The feelings Crystal has toward Logan is so hard to ignore. I love reading Cynthia's books, she is such an amazing author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2026
*4,5/5*
Did I read this book in 1 sitting? You bet your fine ass I did.
I wasn't really thrilled when I read our MMC was Logan, butttt I had to change courses quickly when I started reading.
I loved Crystal's and his dynamic. And the tropes were troping. Fake dating? Only one bed? Dare I say enemies-to-lovers? And their banter and chemistry was SO good. I loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Did I read this book in 1 sitting? You bet your fine ass I did.
I wasn't really thrilled when I read our MMC was Logan, butttt I had to change courses quickly when I started reading.
I loved Crystal's and his dynamic. And the tropes were troping. Fake dating? Only one bed? Dare I say enemies-to-lovers? And their banter and chemistry was SO good. I loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2025
Alright, let’s start off by saying that this book is a closed door romance. I prefer my books with some added spice, though, the lack of spice was the least of my issues here.
Let’s get into it. This is a redemption story for the MMC Lucas who was the cheating ex-boyfriend in book one. I love a redemption story, however, this book is a single POV from the perspective of the FMC which is a total missed opportunity to gain insight into Lucas’s head space. Especially since his character has the most growth over the course of the entire series.
The story feels very immature. It feels like the target audience should be teens rather than adults. The characters talk about intimacy like middle school children. At one point Crystal, the FMC, gets really embarrassed talking about hooking up (*cough* making out) with some guy. Let me remind you, these characters are supposed to be 21 or over. Then later she’s discussing the birth of her friend’s baby with said friend and they use the word “hoo-haw” to refer to her vagina. 🙄 Are these adult women or 12 year olds? I really can’t tell.
This book is advertised as a “slow burn”. Honestly, it’s slow but I was really missing the burn. For most of the book the FMC is hostile and ashamed to be seen with the MMC. There’s no yearning. They go from not speaking to engaging in a physical relationship. The pacing of the book didn’t help anything.
There’s a complete lack of communication between these two characters. The author is relying heavily on the fact that the story takes place in the mid 90’s so they don’t have the ability to be in constant contact. However, they often go weeks at a time with zero communication. That’s a little excessive even for the pre-cellphone era.
Overall, this book was not for me.
Honest ARC review ❤️📖
Let’s get into it. This is a redemption story for the MMC Lucas who was the cheating ex-boyfriend in book one. I love a redemption story, however, this book is a single POV from the perspective of the FMC which is a total missed opportunity to gain insight into Lucas’s head space. Especially since his character has the most growth over the course of the entire series.
The story feels very immature. It feels like the target audience should be teens rather than adults. The characters talk about intimacy like middle school children. At one point Crystal, the FMC, gets really embarrassed talking about hooking up (*cough* making out) with some guy. Let me remind you, these characters are supposed to be 21 or over. Then later she’s discussing the birth of her friend’s baby with said friend and they use the word “hoo-haw” to refer to her vagina. 🙄 Are these adult women or 12 year olds? I really can’t tell.
This book is advertised as a “slow burn”. Honestly, it’s slow but I was really missing the burn. For most of the book the FMC is hostile and ashamed to be seen with the MMC. There’s no yearning. They go from not speaking to engaging in a physical relationship. The pacing of the book didn’t help anything.
There’s a complete lack of communication between these two characters. The author is relying heavily on the fact that the story takes place in the mid 90’s so they don’t have the ability to be in constant contact. However, they often go weeks at a time with zero communication. That’s a little excessive even for the pre-cellphone era.
Overall, this book was not for me.
Honest ARC review ❤️📖
December 20, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this cute hockey romance. Our MMC, Logan, is the guy you want to hate, but you just can’t because he is trying hard to be better. Crystal, the FMC, wants to kick herself for even getting involved with Logan, but can’t stop her feelings for him from growing.
I loved the nostalgic tidbits of the book that told you it didn’t take place currently, like the 2020’s. More like 1990’s. At first I wanted to dislike Logan for his past indiscretions, but I can’t help liking him as Crystal gets to know him and what really happened.
The author keeps the story moving, which is great and, along with a low page count (which I love, especially when an author can fill tell their story!), makes it a quick read. I have read other books by Cynthia Gunderson and enjoyed them as well. This is a fake relationship story with a real happy ending and low spice. It could easily be a YA read. I will likely go back to read the first two books in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the nostalgic tidbits of the book that told you it didn’t take place currently, like the 2020’s. More like 1990’s. At first I wanted to dislike Logan for his past indiscretions, but I can’t help liking him as Crystal gets to know him and what really happened.
The author keeps the story moving, which is great and, along with a low page count (which I love, especially when an author can fill tell their story!), makes it a quick read. I have read other books by Cynthia Gunderson and enjoyed them as well. This is a fake relationship story with a real happy ending and low spice. It could easily be a YA read. I will likely go back to read the first two books in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2025
I didn’t like Logan in “The Breakaway” but let me tell you this is more than just a redemption story. This is a man who was lost, had no redeeming qualities other than a pretty face, and his ability to play hockey. He took advantage of his girlfriend and his best friend, focused on himself and his own desires.
In this book he’s grown up, seen himself through the eyes of others, and found his way to who he was always meant to be. And to the woman he was meant to be with.
Crystal is an unlikely friend for Logan since she’s part of the group he left behind. His old teammates don’t begrudge him his success, but being friends with his ex, even if she’s moved on, makes him off limits. After all, there is a girl code—right?
I love how the changes in Logan show up progressively throughout the story and how Crystal’s perception of him changes as she sees who he always was.
This is an altogether great story that had me rooting for the underdog.
In this book he’s grown up, seen himself through the eyes of others, and found his way to who he was always meant to be. And to the woman he was meant to be with.
Crystal is an unlikely friend for Logan since she’s part of the group he left behind. His old teammates don’t begrudge him his success, but being friends with his ex, even if she’s moved on, makes him off limits. After all, there is a girl code—right?
I love how the changes in Logan show up progressively throughout the story and how Crystal’s perception of him changes as she sees who he always was.
This is an altogether great story that had me rooting for the underdog.
February 12, 2026
I have enjoyed all of the books from the series so far and love how the characters from the other books appear in the next books. I love the 90s nostalgia and since I’m also from Canada I find it really awesome to read a book that makes Canadian references. The banter and relationships that are created in these books is so fun. The books are well written and make me feel something…I’m often smiling or even laughing out loud at times. I can identify with the female main character and find these books to be refreshing and original. Something a little different which I love.
I will continue to read books from this author.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although I feel that out of any books I’ve reviewed so far with ARCs, that this authors books were the most enjoyable and I would pay to read her books. Her books are worth the read. :)
I will continue to read books from this author.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although I feel that out of any books I’ve reviewed so far with ARCs, that this authors books were the most enjoyable and I would pay to read her books. Her books are worth the read. :)
December 16, 2025
Another Cynthia book that I really enjoyed and I really do love a series - getting to revisit places and other characters only previously touched on in other books to find out more!
I was surprised to find myself sympathising with the MMC given his history however as you understand more about him, you can see that communication may well have been the biggest problem in his previous relationship.
I found Crystal the FMC funny and relatable and loved her inner voice!
Whilst at times it felt aimed at a younger audience, I took a moment to remember the time frame in which it is set and how language and behaviours have changed.
I think Cynthia did well to capture this time change.
I’m now eagerly await Smash Point book 2 in Cynthia’s newest series having already finished the first one!!
I was surprised to find myself sympathising with the MMC given his history however as you understand more about him, you can see that communication may well have been the biggest problem in his previous relationship.
I found Crystal the FMC funny and relatable and loved her inner voice!
Whilst at times it felt aimed at a younger audience, I took a moment to remember the time frame in which it is set and how language and behaviours have changed.
I think Cynthia did well to capture this time change.
I’m now eagerly await Smash Point book 2 in Cynthia’s newest series having already finished the first one!!
February 14, 2026
Why does this series have to end! This has been one of my favourite series since it started. All three novels in this series are fabulous. This story is a wonderful, heartfelt, angst redemption arc, and it was everything I wanted for both main characters.
It was a big call for the MMC to be calling his ex's to find out where he was going wrong with relationships but it really worked. The additional plot points around the MMC's family and how that impacted his relationships was so well interwoven. But the reconnection of the MMC with his past friends and teammates might be my favourite part. I really have missed all those guys! What a great book! Now you must go and read the Canadian Played series.
Big thanks to Book Sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for a copy of this book full stop this is my honest opinion.
It was a big call for the MMC to be calling his ex's to find out where he was going wrong with relationships but it really worked. The additional plot points around the MMC's family and how that impacted his relationships was so well interwoven. But the reconnection of the MMC with his past friends and teammates might be my favourite part. I really have missed all those guys! What a great book! Now you must go and read the Canadian Played series.
Big thanks to Book Sirens and Cynthia Gunderson for a copy of this book full stop this is my honest opinion.
November 25, 2025
I LOVE a redemption story. So very much. Logan is a man hurting. As we know, hurt people hurt people. Just because we do things we are ashamed of or wish we'd made better decisions doesn't mean that we're bed people… that we deserve [complete] ostracism… that we deserve to be judged, tried, and hung for our sins. What we do need in such circumstances is love and forgiveness, as Crystal is finally able to give Logan. Consequences are certain. But no one is beyond redemption. Logan and Crystal are a beautifully imperfect couple learning that only love is perfect. Beautiful. Well done, Cynthia. Well done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2025
It’s giving seventh heaven and sweet valley high nostalgia and wholesomeness… I genuinely enjoyed this so much! I read it in one day, and I will definitely be going back to book 1 as I appear to have joined in on the final book in this series.
Not a lot of spice but it isn’t really needed. Sometimes flirting with spice is just as nice when it’s done right! I would definitely recommend this to friends - who are all big hoes (sorry not sorry girls 🫶🏼) - I would describe the reading experience as a weighted blanket for your soul 💗
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Not a lot of spice but it isn’t really needed. Sometimes flirting with spice is just as nice when it’s done right! I would definitely recommend this to friends - who are all big hoes (sorry not sorry girls 🫶🏼) - I would describe the reading experience as a weighted blanket for your soul 💗
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
November 28, 2025
Booksirens allowed me the opportunity to be part of the review team for this Arc. I enjoyed this book about a senior college art student trying to figure out her life when an NHL hockey player who used to go to the same college comes into her life. He is able to make an incredible introduction that helps her dreams start to come together. All she can offer is help him with learning how to be in a real relationship even if they are faking it or are they? It is sweet story of growing, learning how to be an adult and leaning on your friends. It had a little spice to the story but nothing that would make you blush. I truly love reading this authors books!
January 30, 2026
⭐⭐⭐3.5
What a great redemption story!
I love a good hockey romance and this is set in Canada 🇨🇦
I love that the story line was set back to the 90's and having the corded phones and having to sit on the floor by the phones to talk to friends it brought back lots of memories ❤️
Crystal is a funny and relatable FMC. And Logan is the guy you want to hate so bad.... But just can't!
This is a fake dating story with low spice that is great for any age that wants a good love story. I enjoyed it and will be reading more of Cynthia's books
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a great redemption story!
I love a good hockey romance and this is set in Canada 🇨🇦
I love that the story line was set back to the 90's and having the corded phones and having to sit on the floor by the phones to talk to friends it brought back lots of memories ❤️
Crystal is a funny and relatable FMC. And Logan is the guy you want to hate so bad.... But just can't!
This is a fake dating story with low spice that is great for any age that wants a good love story. I enjoyed it and will be reading more of Cynthia's books
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2025
4.75 ⭐️ ARC read
I am an absolute sucker for redemption stories and this delivered. MMC is a hurt man and someone hurt will hurt people, but that doesn’t make one a bad person. Those hurt need love and forgiveness as our FMC provides. I adored how perfectly these two were imperfect and their journey of learning to love and that love can be perfect.
I love Cynthia’s writing style and am going to go binge read the rest of this series now.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am an absolute sucker for redemption stories and this delivered. MMC is a hurt man and someone hurt will hurt people, but that doesn’t make one a bad person. Those hurt need love and forgiveness as our FMC provides. I adored how perfectly these two were imperfect and their journey of learning to love and that love can be perfect.
I love Cynthia’s writing style and am going to go binge read the rest of this series now.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2025
How do you tell your former roommate you're falling in love with her ex-boyfriend. The one who broke her heart? You don't, not yet. See if it's real, if he's changed.
Loved Loved this series and the portrayal of strong female friendships between Crystal, Shar and Maddie. The relationship between Crystal and Logan begins innocently, but grows into something so much more that they ever thought they deserved. Gunderson shows their progression from enemies to friends to lovers expertly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Loved Loved this series and the portrayal of strong female friendships between Crystal, Shar and Maddie. The relationship between Crystal and Logan begins innocently, but grows into something so much more that they ever thought they deserved. Gunderson shows their progression from enemies to friends to lovers expertly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 24, 2025
I LOVE a redemption story. So very much. Logan is a man hurting. As we know, hurt people hurt people. Just because we do things we are ashamed of or wish we'd made better decisions doesn't mean that we're bed people… that we deserve [complete] ostracism… that we deserve to be judged, tried, and hung for our sins. What we do need in such circumstances is love and forgiveness, as Crystal is finally able to give Logan. Consequences are certain. But no one is beyond redemption. Logan and Crystal are a beautifully imperfect couple learning that only love is perfect.
December 25, 2025
Yes yes yessssss!!!!
Okay i liked Logan in book 1, except for when he did what he did...... yikes. And i thought no wayyyy could I ever like him again but godammmnn it!!!!
I love him and honestly I feel kind of bad for him. Everyone in his life seems to use him.
And it sucked that Crystal felt like she had to keep everything a secret from her friends but I know that pain. And i feel for her, with all of her friends just going about their lives without her. I was so happy when they all showed up for her.
And Logan!!! What a comeback
Okay i liked Logan in book 1, except for when he did what he did...... yikes. And i thought no wayyyy could I ever like him again but godammmnn it!!!!
I love him and honestly I feel kind of bad for him. Everyone in his life seems to use him.
And it sucked that Crystal felt like she had to keep everything a secret from her friends but I know that pain. And i feel for her, with all of her friends just going about their lives without her. I was so happy when they all showed up for her.
And Logan!!! What a comeback
January 1, 2026
This book was the perfect ending to the series! I love how refreshing and meaningful Cynthia’s books have been so far.
If you need a breather from the 'spice,' or if you just prefer a cleaner read, this is the perfect closed-door romance. I loved seeing Logan’s perspective on intimacy; he truly did his best to show how much he wanted to change. The chemistry between Chrystal and Logan was also incredible; it felt so much deeper than just physical attraction; it was truly emotional.
Thank you so much for the ARC!
If you need a breather from the 'spice,' or if you just prefer a cleaner read, this is the perfect closed-door romance. I loved seeing Logan’s perspective on intimacy; he truly did his best to show how much he wanted to change. The chemistry between Chrystal and Logan was also incredible; it felt so much deeper than just physical attraction; it was truly emotional.
Thank you so much for the ARC!
January 1, 2026
This book was the third in this series and I think there is a spinoff. I loved this one so much, as I did the other two. This series was set in a time before cell phones! It was kind of nice and brought back sentimental memories. I don’t long for the days before cells, but it’s nice to go back. There is some angst and a little bit of drama and it sure was a slow burn, but well worth the wait. This book was well-written and fun to read. I loved the relationship between the women in this and the other two books in this series. I loved this book and would recommend it.
December 18, 2025
Hockey romance?? Say less!!
Or…write more, because these books are my current obsession!!! I loved this book from start to finish!
There is just something about an angsty start to a relationship. Fake boyfriend turns into sex ed? What?? Yep!! It happened!!
This is a must read for sure!! And keep reading all the books!! You won’t be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Or…write more, because these books are my current obsession!!! I loved this book from start to finish!
There is just something about an angsty start to a relationship. Fake boyfriend turns into sex ed? What?? Yep!! It happened!!
This is a must read for sure!! And keep reading all the books!! You won’t be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 28, 2025
*thank you to BookSirens and the author for this e-arc*
Tropes:
Hockey romance
Bestfriend’s ex
Found Family
Fake Dating
Closed Door
This book follows Crystal and Logan as they navigate a fake dating arrangement to help secure Crystal’s art career with a famous artist. I really enjoyed the conflict these two had and how they handled it. This book is a closed door romance but there is alot of allusions to what’s happening between the two. I will pick up more by this author!
Tropes:
Hockey romance
Bestfriend’s ex
Found Family
Fake Dating
Closed Door
This book follows Crystal and Logan as they navigate a fake dating arrangement to help secure Crystal’s art career with a famous artist. I really enjoyed the conflict these two had and how they handled it. This book is a closed door romance but there is alot of allusions to what’s happening between the two. I will pick up more by this author!
February 3, 2026
Uplifting and satisfying, this final installment brings growth, healing, and a strong emotional payoff. A perfect conclusion to a heartfelt trilogy.
Well, Logan is back! And Crystal is the best FMC. Her best friend was his ex, but his brother is her forever love... it wouldn't be a problem save for the fact that Crys here was there to see how Logan behaved. Things start to spiral, to get very, very complicated... but we love redemption arc, don't we?
Thanks, BookSirens!
Well, Logan is back! And Crystal is the best FMC. Her best friend was his ex, but his brother is her forever love... it wouldn't be a problem save for the fact that Crys here was there to see how Logan behaved. Things start to spiral, to get very, very complicated... but we love redemption arc, don't we?
Thanks, BookSirens!
November 27, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters, Crystal and Logan, make the book come alive. Makes you feel like part of their journey. Absolutely loved the like bantering and arguments they have.
Loved the book, and can't wait to read more by this author.
The characters, Crystal and Logan, make the book come alive. Makes you feel like part of their journey. Absolutely loved the like bantering and arguments they have.
Loved the book, and can't wait to read more by this author.
November 28, 2025
The vulnerability in the characters in this book shows how one person's life choice can have profound effects on others, especially parents' choices. Lies and their consequences are at the heart of this book and the characters work to own up with the help of their friends, to get their happy ending.
December 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Logan's character development was very heartwarming. Relationships are complex and things aren't always what they seem. I think Crystal was a very relatable character. The desperation as graduation creeps closer to get a job. I really enjoyed their story, their friendship and romance.
January 20, 2026
The third book in the Campus Confessions series is an engaging, well-written story with a compelling plot and memorable characters. Crystal and Logan are a beautifully imperfect pair whose journey demonstrates that no one is beyond redemption; the narrative elegantly shows that love and forgiveness are our true needs. I was particularly pleased with the happy ending.
December 21, 2025
This is Logan’s redemption after cheating on his girlfriend. He is now playing in the NHL and is essentially shuffled to the outer edge of the friend group. Crystal feels like she is on the fringe because everyone is in a relationship. Crystal reaches out to Logan due to loneliness. Logan has a family connection that he is able to help Crystal into the art world that is her career dream. How much is too much time spent with the guy who cheated on your best friend? I highly recommend reading this book in series order as there are so many interconnected stories and relationships that it can be confusing. As always the main storyline couple gets their HEA. Wonderful hockey romances make my Kindle Unlimited worth every penny!
November 25, 2025
great little story where the characters explore growth and forgiveness while also exploring how friendships change as you grow up.
November 26, 2025
This was the PERFECT story for Logan! 100% a Come Back story and I loved every minute of it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews