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The Big Boys of BRU #3
Through the Flames
The first time I met Hunter Rhodes, I didn’t even know his name, but the moment I touched him, it felt like the world had tilted off its axis.
Our worlds keep colliding, and every time, he leaves me breathless. He’s everywhere. And though nothing in my life feels steady anymore, having an innocent crush on a guy so far out of my league doesn’t seem so bad… or so I thought.
Turns out, I was wrong. He’s been watching me longer than I realized, circling closer every day until escape isn’t an option. He’s a constant storm — violent, relentless, impossible to ignore. He burns hotter than anyone I’ve ever known, and somehow, he’s decided I’m the only thing he wants.
He shows up when I don’t ask. Protects me when I don’t need it. Looks at me like I’m the answer to a question he’s been asking his whole life. Possessive, protective, infuriating — and somehow, I can’t bring myself to care.
Because when Hunter chooses you, he doesn’t do it halfway. He doesn’t know how.
And even when the truth comes out — about that night, about him, about everything he’s been keeping from me — I know one thing for
Hunter Rhodes is mine.
And I’m his.
Our worlds keep colliding, and every time, he leaves me breathless. He’s everywhere. And though nothing in my life feels steady anymore, having an innocent crush on a guy so far out of my league doesn’t seem so bad… or so I thought.
Turns out, I was wrong. He’s been watching me longer than I realized, circling closer every day until escape isn’t an option. He’s a constant storm — violent, relentless, impossible to ignore. He burns hotter than anyone I’ve ever known, and somehow, he’s decided I’m the only thing he wants.
He shows up when I don’t ask. Protects me when I don’t need it. Looks at me like I’m the answer to a question he’s been asking his whole life. Possessive, protective, infuriating — and somehow, I can’t bring myself to care.
Because when Hunter chooses you, he doesn’t do it halfway. He doesn’t know how.
And even when the truth comes out — about that night, about him, about everything he’s been keeping from me — I know one thing for
Hunter Rhodes is mine.
And I’m his.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2025
46 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Sorena Graves
5 books68 followersSorena Graves writes the books she loves to read and just can't seem to find enough of. She loves unconventional main characters and tropes, all wrapped up in a scorching hot package.
Her home is currently in Germany, where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog, but she plans to make Australia her home soon.
When Sorena isn't busy writing steamy love stories, she can be found either riding horses or enjoying a glass of rosé while crafting her next irresistible tale.
Her home is currently in Germany, where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog, but she plans to make Australia her home soon.
When Sorena isn't busy writing steamy love stories, she can be found either riding horses or enjoying a glass of rosé while crafting her next irresistible tale.
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October 21, 2025Tbh, reading this feels like I'm in the same fictional world of another college series from a different author. The men from that series and the men in this one have almost the same traits. Not all, of course, but like, in general, they're all possessive and unhinged.
That said, I wasn't as into this one as I was hoping for. Idk how to explain it, other than the first half felt pretty slow, and the second half was all about them going at it like crazy bunnies. The time jumps didn't help either; these actually kind of made me lose interest bit by bit.
Also, for someone who claims he's crazy about his girl, Hunter really took his time getting Ella, and by that I meant monthsss. I was hoping for him to be possessive but not too lenient with her. However, the months he spent basically stalking her while only intervening with men who showed interest didn't excite me at all. I think that's the bare minimum if we're dealing with a possessive MMC.
Some might say the beginning felt slow because he was busy setting everything up, making sure all the pieces were in place before he finally claimed her, but idk, I wasn't really a fan of this. Sure, they interacted, but even in those moments, not much of a spark could be felt (or maybe I'm the problem?). Hunter sometimes acted distant because he didn't want her to see how unhinged he was about her, so he instead presented himself as aloof and somewhat detached. Like, I get where he's coming from, but it still didn't mean I had to like his indifferent act.
Then the second half, man, ngl, some of what they did was hot. But is there too much smut? I feel like there is, and I think this book has that. The spicy scenes were a bit excessive for me, so I ended up skipping some of them. Not much happened in the last half because again, the narrative was more focused on the physical aspect of their relationship. Tbf, other side plots exist, but a big part of it was about the sexy times.
Anyway, maybe I'm just in a mood or something. 🤷♀️ But if readers want an OTT jealous, possessive, obsessive man, look no further; Hunter is their guy.
Book info:
That said, I wasn't as into this one as I was hoping for. Idk how to explain it, other than the first half felt pretty slow, and the second half was all about them going at it like crazy bunnies. The time jumps didn't help either; these actually kind of made me lose interest bit by bit.
Also, for someone who claims he's crazy about his girl, Hunter really took his time getting Ella, and by that I meant monthsss. I was hoping for him to be possessive but not too lenient with her. However, the months he spent basically stalking her while only intervening with men who showed interest didn't excite me at all. I think that's the bare minimum if we're dealing with a possessive MMC.
Some might say the beginning felt slow because he was busy setting everything up, making sure all the pieces were in place before he finally claimed her, but idk, I wasn't really a fan of this. Sure, they interacted, but even in those moments, not much of a spark could be felt (or maybe I'm the problem?). Hunter sometimes acted distant because he didn't want her to see how unhinged he was about her, so he instead presented himself as aloof and somewhat detached. Like, I get where he's coming from, but it still didn't mean I had to like his indifferent act.
Then the second half, man, ngl, some of what they did was hot. But is there too much smut? I feel like there is, and I think this book has that. The spicy scenes were a bit excessive for me, so I ended up skipping some of them. Not much happened in the last half because again, the narrative was more focused on the physical aspect of their relationship. Tbf, other side plots exist, but a big part of it was about the sexy times.
Anyway, maybe I'm just in a mood or something. 🤷♀️ But if readers want an OTT jealous, possessive, obsessive man, look no further; Hunter is their guy.
Book info:
October 18, 2025
BETA READ - ARC REREAD
From book one in the Big Boys of BRU series I just knew that Hunter would absolutely steal my heart. What I wasn’t expecting was this story to take me on such a wild ride I would not be able to put it down for a second 😅
Ella has been the object of Hunter’s obsession without her knowing it for a while now. As he has been moving the pieces of the chess board around in her life to finally have her in his grasp she starts to realize she might also feel something for him. When she has to seek out his help time and time again and she’s finally bound to him both of them realize that this is no longer a game and the feelings they had lurking are really real.
Sorena absolutely knocked this out of the park. Dark romance is YOUR GENRE GIRL. I loved getting to see glimpses of Hunter and Ella throughout the first two books but their story DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I love Ella’s tenacity and loyalty to those closest to her. Hunter’s brooding stalker tendencies? Red flag who??? I would bark for that man. Both of these two had to rise above terrible circumstances and really found peace within each other 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From book one in the Big Boys of BRU series I just knew that Hunter would absolutely steal my heart. What I wasn’t expecting was this story to take me on such a wild ride I would not be able to put it down for a second 😅
Ella has been the object of Hunter’s obsession without her knowing it for a while now. As he has been moving the pieces of the chess board around in her life to finally have her in his grasp she starts to realize she might also feel something for him. When she has to seek out his help time and time again and she’s finally bound to him both of them realize that this is no longer a game and the feelings they had lurking are really real.
Sorena absolutely knocked this out of the park. Dark romance is YOUR GENRE GIRL. I loved getting to see glimpses of Hunter and Ella throughout the first two books but their story DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I love Ella’s tenacity and loyalty to those closest to her. Hunter’s brooding stalker tendencies? Red flag who??? I would bark for that man. Both of these two had to rise above terrible circumstances and really found peace within each other 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 19, 2025
safe no ow/om drama
he's a virgin she's not
honestly i didn't like it, yeah he was obsessed with her but too many sex scene I didn't feel they're love
he's a virgin she's not
honestly i didn't like it, yeah he was obsessed with her but too many sex scene I didn't feel they're love
October 3, 2025
Did I receive this ARC this morning? Yes. Did it stop me from devouring this book in less than 8 hours? Absolutely not. This book was EVERYTHING I wanted and MORE. I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book. Hunter and Ella's relationship is definitely my absolute favorite of the whole series so far.
October 9, 2025
ARC Review
I want to give my thanks to Sorena Graves for giving me my first opportunity for an ARC. I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THIS BOOK
Hunter....MF.....Rhodes!!!!
The number of times this man had my knees weak while reading this book is insane. Which is saying something, because I read this book while lying down. "For the girls who love their men massive, possesive, and just unhinged enough to make things interesting." Booooyyyyy, did Sorena Graves make Hunter Rhodes all of that and MORE! This mad is insane in every right way. The dedication, not to mention the commitment he gives Ella, just had me swooning the whole time. And when I say commitment...... A pretty HARD sensitive commitment. This man is ultimately the definition of a man. Whatever Ella wants, Hunter is going to make it happen. AND HE PAYS ATTENTION, LADIES!!! Hunter is every unhinged girl's dream, but he belongs to Ella.
Ella is one of the most realistic women I have read about. She is authentically herself, and I am here for it. She is the definition of loyal because once Hunter is in the room, it's only tunnel vision from there. Her unfiltered mouth brings humor to the book in the best of ways. Not to mention, she is a badass bish on the court.
This book is definitely going to be reread several times. It's just that good!
I want to give my thanks to Sorena Graves for giving me my first opportunity for an ARC. I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THIS BOOK
Hunter....MF.....Rhodes!!!!
The number of times this man had my knees weak while reading this book is insane. Which is saying something, because I read this book while lying down. "For the girls who love their men massive, possesive, and just unhinged enough to make things interesting." Booooyyyyy, did Sorena Graves make Hunter Rhodes all of that and MORE! This mad is insane in every right way. The dedication, not to mention the commitment he gives Ella, just had me swooning the whole time. And when I say commitment...... A pretty HARD sensitive commitment. This man is ultimately the definition of a man. Whatever Ella wants, Hunter is going to make it happen. AND HE PAYS ATTENTION, LADIES!!! Hunter is every unhinged girl's dream, but he belongs to Ella.
Ella is one of the most realistic women I have read about. She is authentically herself, and I am here for it. She is the definition of loyal because once Hunter is in the room, it's only tunnel vision from there. Her unfiltered mouth brings humor to the book in the best of ways. Not to mention, she is a badass bish on the court.
This book is definitely going to be reread several times. It's just that good!
October 12, 2025
Sorena has done it again!!
I am so thankful that I was considered as an ARC reader for this book. I didn't think I could love another couple as much as I did Dom and Sierra (BRU book 2). However, Hunter and Ella have proved me wrong. Ella's past and her subsequent insecurities are so relatable (unfortunately). The spice was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 But I am a complete sucker for an unhinged MMC who will literally do anything for his everything. Is he possessive? yep. unhinged? yep. perfect for her? absolutely.
I am so thankful that I was considered as an ARC reader for this book. I didn't think I could love another couple as much as I did Dom and Sierra (BRU book 2). However, Hunter and Ella have proved me wrong. Ella's past and her subsequent insecurities are so relatable (unfortunately). The spice was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 But I am a complete sucker for an unhinged MMC who will literally do anything for his everything. Is he possessive? yep. unhinged? yep. perfect for her? absolutely.
December 17, 2025
3.75
College Romance
Football Player x Tennis Player
Insta Obsessed/Love
Stalking
Obsessed, OTT J/P MMC
MMC Virgin
Touch Her & Die
No OWD/OMD
No Cheating/Sharing/Third Act Break Up
Dual POV (First Person)
HEA
College Romance
Football Player x Tennis Player
Insta Obsessed/Love
Stalking
Obsessed, OTT J/P MMC
MMC Virgin
Touch Her & Die
No OWD/OMD
No Cheating/Sharing/Third Act Break Up
Dual POV (First Person)
HEA
October 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Hunter and Ella are inevitable because he touched her once with the brush of his
arm without flinching away. His quiet, introverted, and recluse self had slinked into isolation due to his terrible past. It was easier to cut away from having a social life and no emotions than to be in the spotlight with his heart on his sleeve. He moved onto the internet and honed his hacking skills for years due to this isolation.
Ella was the one person who could actually touch his skin, and it wasn't a touch he backed down from. He immediately started to plan to be with her, and he was laying his trap online and in real life.
The things this man did 🚩🚩🚩, but oh, was it worth it. Ella needed someone like him in her life. She needed protection and a little free use from Hunter. I enjoyed all the super nerdy parts of his hacking ability and then when he became the protector getting his revenge on all who wronged her in her hometown. I couldn't put this read down the further into reading. This third book in the series was my favorite, even with spicy, naughty encounters and free use! Like...phew the red flags, but then the acceptance from Ella. 🥰🥰🥰
My little spicy nerd heart was so fulfilled.
Oh, and did I mention Hunter wasn't the typical football player position? A defensive back had a love story written. This is why this series was a breath of fresh air in the football real, whereas many books spotlight the QB, WR, or the offensive running back positions. You know there are more positions on the team, right?
⚠️ Please read trigger and content warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the arc!
Release Day: October 18, 2025
🌶🌶🌶 - Spice Level
Hunter and Ella are inevitable because he touched her once with the brush of his
arm without flinching away. His quiet, introverted, and recluse self had slinked into isolation due to his terrible past. It was easier to cut away from having a social life and no emotions than to be in the spotlight with his heart on his sleeve. He moved onto the internet and honed his hacking skills for years due to this isolation.
Ella was the one person who could actually touch his skin, and it wasn't a touch he backed down from. He immediately started to plan to be with her, and he was laying his trap online and in real life.
The things this man did 🚩🚩🚩, but oh, was it worth it. Ella needed someone like him in her life. She needed protection and a little free use from Hunter. I enjoyed all the super nerdy parts of his hacking ability and then when he became the protector getting his revenge on all who wronged her in her hometown. I couldn't put this read down the further into reading. This third book in the series was my favorite, even with spicy, naughty encounters and free use! Like...phew the red flags, but then the acceptance from Ella. 🥰🥰🥰
My little spicy nerd heart was so fulfilled.
Oh, and did I mention Hunter wasn't the typical football player position? A defensive back had a love story written. This is why this series was a breath of fresh air in the football real, whereas many books spotlight the QB, WR, or the offensive running back positions. You know there are more positions on the team, right?
⚠️ Please read trigger and content warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the arc!
Release Day: October 18, 2025
October 18, 2025
If you like your men obsessive and a little lot unhinged, this is the book for you!
Hunter and Ella are both hurt, broken people - trying to shed the trauma of their pasts. 💔
What started as a mutualattraction obsession from afar, quickly escalated to an
arrangement
to protect her brother. 👀
She doesn't know that he has been playing the long game, putting all the chess pieces in place. ♟️
He doesn't know that she is equally obsessed with him. 🖤
Favorite Quotes:
I highlighted soooooo many quotes, too many to name, but here are some of my favorites:
What I loved:
✍️dedication: “For the girls who love their men massive, possessive, and just unhinged enough to make things interesting.”
😏tropes and trigger warnings: you had me at “stalker” (and “free use” 😏)
🎵playlist
3️⃣first 3 chapters are in his POV
🔛the push-and-pull between Hunter and Ella
🥊the first rule offight f*ck club
🏈great descriptions of his football games and her tennis matches, making it a true sports romance (others are often only a sports romance in name)
📏she is over 6ft tall
😇virgin MMC, who needs to train himself to stop coming in his pants during foreplay 😅
🥵the hallway scene at his party
What I struggled with:
These are my personal thoughts, which might not apply to all readers. So I hid them for anyone who wants to in blind and create their own opinion. 😊
What you need to know:
🫂dual POV
🏈football player x tennis player
🏠forced proximity
💔both carry the weight of their own trauma
🌶️they are mutually obsessed with each other (he even skips that year’s draft for her 🥰)
🔥he calls her Blaze
🤖she calls him all kinds of things: Robot Boy, my emotionally unavailable dark-web wizard,...
🖤she loves men with tattoos and 🍆 piercings
🦸♂️he is a virgin MMC with a itchy trigger finger
💪she has a thing for licking arms 🤣
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🔥explicit sexual content
🦺
Hunter and Ella are both hurt, broken people - trying to shed the trauma of their pasts. 💔
What started as a mutual
She doesn't know that he has been playing the long game, putting all the chess pieces in place. ♟️
He doesn't know that she is equally obsessed with him. 🖤
Favorite Quotes:
I highlighted soooooo many quotes, too many to name, but here are some of my favorites:
“It’s the commitment for me,” I admitted with another dreamy sigh. “Like, ‘I bled for you.’ Literal blood offering. That’s romance.”
“Sure, come sit next to me like you’re not wearing the end of my self-control as an outfit.”
“Meanwhile, I couldn’t stop watching the freckle constellation on her collarbone.”
“The door shut with a heavy thunk that sounded like a period on the conversation we didn’t have.”
"God help me. I was in love with someone who considered chaos an interior design strategy."
What I loved:
✍️dedication: “For the girls who love their men massive, possessive, and just unhinged enough to make things interesting.”
😏tropes and trigger warnings: you had me at “stalker” (and “free use” 😏)
🎵playlist
3️⃣first 3 chapters are in his POV
🔛the push-and-pull between Hunter and Ella
🥊the first rule of
🏈great descriptions of his football games and her tennis matches, making it a true sports romance (others are often only a sports romance in name)
📏she is over 6ft tall
😇virgin MMC, who needs to train himself to stop coming in his pants during foreplay 😅
🥵the hallway scene at his party
What I struggled with:
These are my personal thoughts, which might not apply to all readers. So I hid them for anyone who wants to in blind and create their own opinion. 😊
What you need to know:
🫂dual POV
🏈football player x tennis player
🏠forced proximity
💔both carry the weight of their own trauma
🌶️they are mutually obsessed with each other (he even skips that year’s draft for her 🥰)
🔥he calls her Blaze
🤖she calls him all kinds of things: Robot Boy, my emotionally unavailable dark-web wizard,...
🖤she loves men with tattoos and 🍆 piercings
🦸♂️he is a virgin MMC with a itchy trigger finger
💪she has a thing for licking arms 🤣
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🔥explicit sexual content
🦺
October 4, 2025
“For the girls who love their men massive, possessive, and just unhinged enough to make things interesting.”
And let me tell you, Hunter made all these things interesting. This book made me smile so hard through out, my face was hurting. Who doesn’t love a man who plays the long game?
This book seriously just made me happy. Both Hunter and Ella deserved their happy ending. I knew that Hunter had a dark past but for Ella to just take it in her hands and accept him for exactly who he was, it was truly everything. And this man knew everything there was to know about Ella and still wanted her no matter what.
It was the commitment and utter devotion to Ella that really hooked me though. This man said this is what she wants, I’ll make it happen. Or how Sorena Graves put it, a shopping list, perfect lol. I just will never be over everything he did for her and made everything happen. This man stays back from the draft with Colt to stay with her one more year to make sure all his dominos fell in a row to make sure she was his.
I was cracking up in some parts so hard. Ella was such a fun character to read. She had no qualms about snapping back at Hunter bc she knew he would never hurt her… unless she wanted him to. And her conversation with other characters in this book, definitely could tell she’s Dom’s sister.
One of my favorite tropes of all time is an MMC that’s a virgin. Hunter does not like anyone’s touch but Ella’s. And when everything started falling into place, the spice was spicing. I will never be over the party scene or the beginning of their arrangement. He may not have done anything before but he knew exactly what he wanted. This man pays attention to detail so when i say he paid attention, HE PAID ATTENTION.
Tropes:
✨Morally grey antihero
✨Football player x tennis player
✨Forced proximity
✨Grumpy x sunshine
✨Obsession x manipulation
And let me tell you, Hunter made all these things interesting. This book made me smile so hard through out, my face was hurting. Who doesn’t love a man who plays the long game?
This book seriously just made me happy. Both Hunter and Ella deserved their happy ending. I knew that Hunter had a dark past but for Ella to just take it in her hands and accept him for exactly who he was, it was truly everything. And this man knew everything there was to know about Ella and still wanted her no matter what.
It was the commitment and utter devotion to Ella that really hooked me though. This man said this is what she wants, I’ll make it happen. Or how Sorena Graves put it, a shopping list, perfect lol. I just will never be over everything he did for her and made everything happen. This man stays back from the draft with Colt to stay with her one more year to make sure all his dominos fell in a row to make sure she was his.
I was cracking up in some parts so hard. Ella was such a fun character to read. She had no qualms about snapping back at Hunter bc she knew he would never hurt her… unless she wanted him to. And her conversation with other characters in this book, definitely could tell she’s Dom’s sister.
One of my favorite tropes of all time is an MMC that’s a virgin. Hunter does not like anyone’s touch but Ella’s. And when everything started falling into place, the spice was spicing. I will never be over the party scene or the beginning of their arrangement. He may not have done anything before but he knew exactly what he wanted. This man pays attention to detail so when i say he paid attention, HE PAID ATTENTION.
Tropes:
✨Morally grey antihero
✨Football player x tennis player
✨Forced proximity
✨Grumpy x sunshine
✨Obsession x manipulation
October 16, 2025
I loved this book so much!! Hunter was everything I wanted him to be since getting a glimpse of him in books 1 and 2! This boy is down bad for his girl and I’m here for it. He’s obsessed and maybe a little crazy too but the way he loves her made me melt! I loved that he called her “Blaze” and wanted her to chase her dreams!
Ella girl has a story of always being too much because of her personality and past experiences. But she was absolutely perfect! She may have brought chaos to Hunters world but it was everything he needed and more.
The chemistry between these two was perfect and the mouth on Hunter!!! 🥵 🥵
So good!! Sorena you killed it yet again my friend! Thank you for allowing me to read their story.
🏈 Forced Proximity
🎾 Touch Her and D!e
🏈 Obsession and Manipulation
🎾 Morally Grey Anti Hero
🏈 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎾 Football Player x Tennis Player
Ella girl has a story of always being too much because of her personality and past experiences. But she was absolutely perfect! She may have brought chaos to Hunters world but it was everything he needed and more.
The chemistry between these two was perfect and the mouth on Hunter!!! 🥵 🥵
So good!! Sorena you killed it yet again my friend! Thank you for allowing me to read their story.
🏈 Forced Proximity
🎾 Touch Her and D!e
🏈 Obsession and Manipulation
🎾 Morally Grey Anti Hero
🏈 Grumpy x Sunshine
🎾 Football Player x Tennis Player
October 19, 2025
“You want me to kiss you? To burn for you? Congratulations. I’ve been standing here, going up in flames, holding it all in for f*cking months.”
Through the Flames is the third and final book in the Big Boys of BRU series by Sorena Graves. If you love sports romance with a morally grey antihero, angsty, and banter….this is definitely for you.
Hunter is aloof because of his traumatic past. He has an aversion to being touched. Until one day Ella touched him, and to Hunter’s surprise, he didn’t hate it. That one touch caused Hunter to become obsessed with her. Ella doesn’t trust many people due to an incident in high school that caused a ripple effect of gossip in her small town. Unbeknownst to Ella, Hunter is making sure she is safe from everyone and everything. No one talks to her without consequences. Hunter seems to pop up everywhere she is. Is this by design? Or coincidence?
The banter in this story had so many LOL moments. Hunter and Ella are both unhinged in different ways. Hunter has his mind set that he will stop at nothing to make Ella his. Ella loves all his unhinged ways and even helps him at times. I love how Ella is so unapologetically herself, and Hunter loves that about her. They are total opposites but yet fit so perfectly. I’m curious to see what journey Sorena is taking us on next.
Trope: college football, tennis, morally grey antihero, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, touch her and 💀, free use agreement, stalking, obsessed MMC.
Thank you so much, Sorena, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Through the Flames is the third and final book in the Big Boys of BRU series by Sorena Graves. If you love sports romance with a morally grey antihero, angsty, and banter….this is definitely for you.
Hunter is aloof because of his traumatic past. He has an aversion to being touched. Until one day Ella touched him, and to Hunter’s surprise, he didn’t hate it. That one touch caused Hunter to become obsessed with her. Ella doesn’t trust many people due to an incident in high school that caused a ripple effect of gossip in her small town. Unbeknownst to Ella, Hunter is making sure she is safe from everyone and everything. No one talks to her without consequences. Hunter seems to pop up everywhere she is. Is this by design? Or coincidence?
The banter in this story had so many LOL moments. Hunter and Ella are both unhinged in different ways. Hunter has his mind set that he will stop at nothing to make Ella his. Ella loves all his unhinged ways and even helps him at times. I love how Ella is so unapologetically herself, and Hunter loves that about her. They are total opposites but yet fit so perfectly. I’m curious to see what journey Sorena is taking us on next.
Trope: college football, tennis, morally grey antihero, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, touch her and 💀, free use agreement, stalking, obsessed MMC.
Thank you so much, Sorena, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 stars for me!
From the first chapter, I just knew I would love this book. And yep, I did! All the way to the end<3
Hunter is exactly how I imagine an obsessive man to be, and yes, I love him and Ella. They’re perfect together, no cap!!!!!! I also love how Ella handles Hunter’s obsession.
‘Welcome home, Ella’.
Overall, it’s such an easy read and I read it pretty quickly. Plus, it’s dual POV! with equal POVs between Hunter and Ella!!!!! which I love so much. I always want to know what’s going on in the mmc’s obsessive mind.
From the first chapter, I just knew I would love this book. And yep, I did! All the way to the end<3
Hunter is exactly how I imagine an obsessive man to be, and yes, I love him and Ella. They’re perfect together, no cap!!!!!! I also love how Ella handles Hunter’s obsession.
‘Welcome home, Ella’.
Overall, it’s such an easy read and I read it pretty quickly. Plus, it’s dual POV! with equal POVs between Hunter and Ella!!!!! which I love so much. I always want to know what’s going on in the mmc’s obsessive mind.
October 30, 2025
I thought this would be my favorite of the series — and while I think Dom and Sierra might still hold the title — I loved that we went fully morally grey for this one.
Hunter and Ella have been circling each other since book one, and it was great to finally jump into their story and really figure them out. Our guy took stalking to a new level, running background ops to make sure Ella never made it past a first date and our girl was so drawn to him, she just went with it 💀
Their dynamic was wild, but forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes, so I loved the chaotic way he orchestrated their roommateship — very on brand for Hunter 🤣
There’s also a very fun crossover for any SSJ fans 🐇
Sorena Graves writes unhinged devotion and emotional healing so well. The perfect finale.
Check trigger warnings 🩶
+ football player mmc
+ tennis player fmc
+ morally grey
+ forced proximity
+ roommates
+ free use arrangement
+ possessive mmc
+ revenge
+ childhood trauma
4/5 🌶️
Thanks to Sorena Graves for the ARC copy — all opinions are my own.
Hunter and Ella have been circling each other since book one, and it was great to finally jump into their story and really figure them out. Our guy took stalking to a new level, running background ops to make sure Ella never made it past a first date and our girl was so drawn to him, she just went with it 💀
Their dynamic was wild, but forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes, so I loved the chaotic way he orchestrated their roommateship — very on brand for Hunter 🤣
There’s also a very fun crossover for any SSJ fans 🐇
Sorena Graves writes unhinged devotion and emotional healing so well. The perfect finale.
Check trigger warnings 🩶
+ football player mmc
+ tennis player fmc
+ morally grey
+ forced proximity
+ roommates
+ free use arrangement
+ possessive mmc
+ revenge
+ childhood trauma
4/5 🌶️
Thanks to Sorena Graves for the ARC copy — all opinions are my own.
January 9, 2026
Loved how unhinged Hunter was and how meticulous he was. I would say he's definitely morally grey but he was always super sweet to his girl even though he went about getting her in a slightly non traditional way. She was thankfully very into it all which I loved for her. Sometimes we just need a big strong hero to fix all our problems in slightly questionable ways so that we are now beholden to him and his fantasies which also line up with ours!
February 8, 2026
Ich will echt nicht gemein sein, aber ich bin jetzt full on gemein.
Dauernd haben die beiden nur mit rhetorischen Fragen gesprochen/sich offenbart/gedirty-talked. wie auch immer. Noch dazu hat er definitiv einfach Aggressionsprobleme. Vielleicht sollte man nicht immer seinen Frust am armen Lenkrad rauslassen (jedes Kapitel gefühlt, weil er sie so krass fand). Außerdem KEINE Abwechslung in egal welchem Gebiet. Sei es im Bett, im Plot oder auch nur in den Gesprächen. Pls😭
Dauernd haben die beiden nur mit rhetorischen Fragen gesprochen/sich offenbart/gedirty-talked. wie auch immer. Noch dazu hat er definitiv einfach Aggressionsprobleme. Vielleicht sollte man nicht immer seinen Frust am armen Lenkrad rauslassen (jedes Kapitel gefühlt, weil er sie so krass fand). Außerdem KEINE Abwechslung in egal welchem Gebiet. Sei es im Bett, im Plot oder auch nur in den Gesprächen. Pls😭
October 12, 2025
I'm so thankful to be an ARC reader for this book. I loved Hunter and Ella's relationship! Her past, and insecurities, are so relatable. A MMC who will do anything for his girl? I'm in. Seeing everything Hunter did for Ella was an absolute dream. I definitely loved seeing Ella notice how obsessed he actually was, and how she didn't even shy away. I'm so happy with this book!
October 19, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
The way I have been dying for Hunter and Ella since book 1 😩😩
Hunter is just a sweet little angel baby that’s a little ✨insane✨ but that’s okay… he’s just misunderstood 😉 From the day he met Ella he became OBSESSED. I swear that man only knew the word “mine” half the time and I love that for Ella 🤣 I mean would I date a man that stalks me and forces me into an “agreement”? 👀 Absolutely not. Ella on the other hand… she said “that’s my man and I’m gonna stick beside him.” Good for you girl 👏🏼 I love that she didn’t shy away from his ✨insanity✨ and more so leaned into it. Perfect match for each other 🤭
And of course it wouldn’t be a Sorena book without top tier spice 🥵 “Fu*king scream for me. Let everyone know who you belong to.” Yupppp that’ll do it 🙂↕️
I also loved how Ella’s family welcomed Hunter in with open arms. After everything he’s been through he truly deserves all the love 🥹
Thank you so much Sorena for this ARC!! 🫶🏼
The way I have been dying for Hunter and Ella since book 1 😩😩
Hunter is just a sweet little angel baby that’s a little ✨insane✨ but that’s okay… he’s just misunderstood 😉 From the day he met Ella he became OBSESSED. I swear that man only knew the word “mine” half the time and I love that for Ella 🤣 I mean would I date a man that stalks me and forces me into an “agreement”? 👀 Absolutely not. Ella on the other hand… she said “that’s my man and I’m gonna stick beside him.” Good for you girl 👏🏼 I love that she didn’t shy away from his ✨insanity✨ and more so leaned into it. Perfect match for each other 🤭
And of course it wouldn’t be a Sorena book without top tier spice 🥵 “Fu*king scream for me. Let everyone know who you belong to.” Yupppp that’ll do it 🙂↕️
I also loved how Ella’s family welcomed Hunter in with open arms. After everything he’s been through he truly deserves all the love 🥹
Thank you so much Sorena for this ARC!! 🫶🏼
October 30, 2025
I was so freaking excited for Hunter and Ella’s story, after meeting them in book 1. There were some hints that Hunter might be obsessed with her in an unhinged level 100 way. Turns out obsessed and unhinged are not strong enough adjectives for Hunter. 😅 this man knows no boundaries when it comes to his obsession with Ella and I might have to check in with my therapist on why this was so freaking hot to me.
Ella is someone I desperately want to be best friends with. You can definitely have a good time with her, but if you have a closer look, the loud and boisterous Ella is a bit of a front for a vulnerable and sometimes insecure Ella. I can relate very much with the need to be the life of the party in order to mask all the shit that’s going on inside your head, so I really loved her. 🥰
Sorena has fast become one of my favorite authors, not only because of the absolute FILTH that comes out of this woman’s mind, but also because she’s an incredible human. 🥰
Ella is someone I desperately want to be best friends with. You can definitely have a good time with her, but if you have a closer look, the loud and boisterous Ella is a bit of a front for a vulnerable and sometimes insecure Ella. I can relate very much with the need to be the life of the party in order to mask all the shit that’s going on inside your head, so I really loved her. 🥰
Sorena has fast become one of my favorite authors, not only because of the absolute FILTH that comes out of this woman’s mind, but also because she’s an incredible human. 🥰
October 20, 2025
Obsession Looks Good Unhinged
Dedication: For the girls who love their men massive, possessive, and just unhinged enough to make things interesting.
Ella (FMC): 20• Tennis Player • Major: Marketing • Chaos Queen • Sunshine •
Hunter (MMC): 22 • Cornerback • Major: Cyber Security • Grumpy • Quiet • Organized •
Tropes:
🏈 Football Player x Tennis Player
🎾 College Romance
🏈 Small Southern College Town Setting
🎾 Morally Grey Antihero MMC
🏈 Calico Cat Vibes FMC
🎾 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏈 Forced Proximity
🎾 Roommates
🏈 Unhinged Devotion
🎾 Touch Her & 💀
🏈 Obsessed & Mind Games
🎾 Touch Aversion
🏈 Secret Tattoos
🎾 Nicknames
🏈 Found Family
🎾 Red Flags Galore
Rating: 💻💻💻.💽⌨️(3.75⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (free use, dirty talk, 👅, hair pulling, pearl necklace, spitting, 💥 in his pants, impact play, ♋️, praise, hand necklace, public play, self pleasure, biting, 🍑 play, virgin, he cleans up his mess with his mouth, mirror play)
T/W: pejorative terms for a woman (referenced), death of a parent (on page), physical violence & abüśé (on page), manipulation (referenced), blackmail (referenced), prison (on page), incarceration (on page), touch aversion (on page)
Hunter Rhodes isn’t your typical romance hero—he’s intense, possessive, and just unhinged enough to make your pulse race. Through the Flames by Sorena Graves takes the classic sports romance and dials it all the way up. Hunter doesn’t just want Ella; he’s planned, plotted, and positioned every move to make her his. It’s morally gray, darkly funny, and completely addictive.
What makes this story stand out is the balance between chaos and control. Hunter’s calculated precision clashes beautifully with Ella’s messy, loud energy. Their chemistry sparks from page one and burns hotter with every chapter. It’s obsessive, a little twisted, but filled with surprising moments of tenderness. The dual POV adds depth, showing both sides of their fixation and making it easy to understand how two broken people could find peace in each other’s madness.
While I didn’t always feel the emotional growth between them, I couldn’t look away. The writing is sharp, the tension constant, and the spice unapologetically bold. Just like a blaze, this one lingers long after you’ve finished.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
Dedication: For the girls who love their men massive, possessive, and just unhinged enough to make things interesting.
Ella (FMC): 20• Tennis Player • Major: Marketing • Chaos Queen • Sunshine •
Hunter (MMC): 22 • Cornerback • Major: Cyber Security • Grumpy • Quiet • Organized •
Tropes:
🏈 Football Player x Tennis Player
🎾 College Romance
🏈 Small Southern College Town Setting
🎾 Morally Grey Antihero MMC
🏈 Calico Cat Vibes FMC
🎾 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏈 Forced Proximity
🎾 Roommates
🏈 Unhinged Devotion
🎾 Touch Her & 💀
🏈 Obsessed & Mind Games
🎾 Touch Aversion
🏈 Secret Tattoos
🎾 Nicknames
🏈 Found Family
🎾 Red Flags Galore
Rating: 💻💻💻.💽⌨️(3.75⭐️)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (free use, dirty talk, 👅, hair pulling, pearl necklace, spitting, 💥 in his pants, impact play, ♋️, praise, hand necklace, public play, self pleasure, biting, 🍑 play, virgin, he cleans up his mess with his mouth, mirror play)
T/W: pejorative terms for a woman (referenced), death of a parent (on page), physical violence & abüśé (on page), manipulation (referenced), blackmail (referenced), prison (on page), incarceration (on page), touch aversion (on page)
Hunter Rhodes isn’t your typical romance hero—he’s intense, possessive, and just unhinged enough to make your pulse race. Through the Flames by Sorena Graves takes the classic sports romance and dials it all the way up. Hunter doesn’t just want Ella; he’s planned, plotted, and positioned every move to make her his. It’s morally gray, darkly funny, and completely addictive.
What makes this story stand out is the balance between chaos and control. Hunter’s calculated precision clashes beautifully with Ella’s messy, loud energy. Their chemistry sparks from page one and burns hotter with every chapter. It’s obsessive, a little twisted, but filled with surprising moments of tenderness. The dual POV adds depth, showing both sides of their fixation and making it easy to understand how two broken people could find peace in each other’s madness.
While I didn’t always feel the emotional growth between them, I couldn’t look away. The writing is sharp, the tension constant, and the spice unapologetically bold. Just like a blaze, this one lingers long after you’ve finished.
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
December 27, 2025
What happens when a walking red flag falls in love? Find out in Through the Flames!
Footballer Hunter had a seriously bad childhood, leaving him unable to tolerate the touch of another person…until he accidentally brushes hands with Ella. Instead of feeling sick, he feels…something else. Now he is determined to keep that feeling - keep *her*.
Ella has always felt too much - too loud, too tall, too clumsy. Carrying shame from her small town upbringing, she wants to leave her past behind and find success as a tennis player. But she’s beginning to want more than that - she wants a love that satisfies the deepest craving of her heart.
Before I get started - loved this book. It was a great read and didn’t feel over 300 pages long. Hunter is deliciously unhinged and Ella is a classic older sister.
Okay, there’s a couple of things to talk about here. Firstly, again, Ms Graves does a great job of showcasing women in sport, giving it just as much importance as their male counterparts. She also does a fabulous job *writing* sports into the story, so it really *is* a sports romance.
Secondly - I think it’s important to discuss Hunter’s behaviour. In another story, he could easily be the villain stalking the female lead. The difference is that Ella realises quite quickly that Hunter’s obsession makes her feel understood and seen, not afraid. Even though some of the things he does makes her think she shouldn’t want it, she desires to be wanted and loved in that way. She consents to behaviour that would, in a different context, be a blazing red flag.
Despite this, Hunter’s actions at times in this book are potentially triggering for some readers. The book also deals with domestic violence, on screen parental death, s1ut shaming. It is a medium burn open door romance. This is part of a series but is easily read as a standalone.
While the triggers in this book will make it a hard read for some people, it was a really good story. I have no hesitation recommending it for fans of sports romances.
Footballer Hunter had a seriously bad childhood, leaving him unable to tolerate the touch of another person…until he accidentally brushes hands with Ella. Instead of feeling sick, he feels…something else. Now he is determined to keep that feeling - keep *her*.
Ella has always felt too much - too loud, too tall, too clumsy. Carrying shame from her small town upbringing, she wants to leave her past behind and find success as a tennis player. But she’s beginning to want more than that - she wants a love that satisfies the deepest craving of her heart.
Before I get started - loved this book. It was a great read and didn’t feel over 300 pages long. Hunter is deliciously unhinged and Ella is a classic older sister.
Okay, there’s a couple of things to talk about here. Firstly, again, Ms Graves does a great job of showcasing women in sport, giving it just as much importance as their male counterparts. She also does a fabulous job *writing* sports into the story, so it really *is* a sports romance.
Secondly - I think it’s important to discuss Hunter’s behaviour. In another story, he could easily be the villain stalking the female lead. The difference is that Ella realises quite quickly that Hunter’s obsession makes her feel understood and seen, not afraid. Even though some of the things he does makes her think she shouldn’t want it, she desires to be wanted and loved in that way. She consents to behaviour that would, in a different context, be a blazing red flag.
Despite this, Hunter’s actions at times in this book are potentially triggering for some readers. The book also deals with domestic violence, on screen parental death, s1ut shaming. It is a medium burn open door romance. This is part of a series but is easily read as a standalone.
While the triggers in this book will make it a hard read for some people, it was a really good story. I have no hesitation recommending it for fans of sports romances.
October 18, 2025
OH MY GOD! If you haven't read this BRU series yet, do yourself a favor and go read the first book. If Hunter becomes your favorite character, hold on to that love and read the second book. Now that you're here, ferally read Through the Flames and see how our favorite author, Sorena Graves DOES HIM JUSTICE!! Because OMFG this book was PERFECTION!! Literally no complaints. Even the ending was perfectly told in his POV. I absolutely LOVED Hunter and Ella's story! Separately, they both had heartbreaking pasts. But with each other, they grow and overcome together!?! So swoonworthy! Not only was there sweet and heartfelt moments, but the spicy scenes were SPICING my friends! This book is full of kindle melting goodness. Hunter is so hot and absolutely unhinged. The manipulation, the control, and the obsession he has for Ella was so freaking hot!! Red flags anyone???
Hunter may do some questionable and morally grey acts to get his girl. But the things that he does for her!?!?
Trust me besties, you'll want to read this one!
Favorite excerpts:
I didn't know what to do with something so gentle, handed to someone like me. But f*ck, I wanted it anyway. When it came to Ella Kincaid, I was greedy. I'd dismantle the entire system just to f*cking make her mine.
I'd be whatever she needed me to be. The villain, the weapon, the sin she kept crawling back to.
Favorite quotes:
"Unless seeing someone's eyes being gouged out is what gets this little p*ssy of yours wet."
"You think I didn't want this? Do you still not understand, baby? I'd give you anything you want, all you gotta do is ask."
"Wanna know a secret, baby? Wanna know how f*cked up I really am?"
Hunter may do some questionable and morally grey acts to get his girl. But the things that he does for her!?!?
Trust me besties, you'll want to read this one!
Favorite excerpts:
I didn't know what to do with something so gentle, handed to someone like me. But f*ck, I wanted it anyway. When it came to Ella Kincaid, I was greedy. I'd dismantle the entire system just to f*cking make her mine.
I'd be whatever she needed me to be. The villain, the weapon, the sin she kept crawling back to.
Favorite quotes:
"Unless seeing someone's eyes being gouged out is what gets this little p*ssy of yours wet."
"You think I didn't want this? Do you still not understand, baby? I'd give you anything you want, all you gotta do is ask."
"Wanna know a secret, baby? Wanna know how f*cked up I really am?"
November 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Two words. Holy. $hit. I thought Sorena’s other MMC’s had me down bad. Hunter cut me off at the freaking knees. He’s not just a killer book boyfriend he is all things bad…possessive, obsessive, haunting, unhinged, and the definition feral – and literally everything you want… if you’re into those beautiful dark damaged men. Lucky for me…I absolutely am!
Add in his undying loyalty to our fierce FMC Ella, this girl was all freaking fire in the best ways. She was just lying in wait for the right person to come along and push her to feel free to be herself and then no one could stop her. Hunter and Ella were a lethal combo, and I was so here for it! He craved Ella in a deliciously disturbing way and was willing to do anything to make her never want to leave, little did he know Ella wanted the exact same thing.
After they come to an “agreement” that they both know is BS they hold out until they simply can’t anymore and that is the moment things start getting real hot. Hunter shows her exactly how much power she really has over him. Ella was always made to feel like she was too much and was overloaded with guilt and shame. Hunter bares it all to her and shows her that she is absolute perfection and her fire can burn however bright she will let it. Once they hook up, they both know this is endgame. And “Blaze” comes into her fiercest self – a FMC that you can’t not love and want to have it all.
Sorena, you outdid yourself with this one, it was absolute fire. I can’t wait for what’s next. Thank you for allowing me to ARC read this beautiful story, it was definitely top read for this year.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Two words. Holy. $hit. I thought Sorena’s other MMC’s had me down bad. Hunter cut me off at the freaking knees. He’s not just a killer book boyfriend he is all things bad…possessive, obsessive, haunting, unhinged, and the definition feral – and literally everything you want… if you’re into those beautiful dark damaged men. Lucky for me…I absolutely am!
Add in his undying loyalty to our fierce FMC Ella, this girl was all freaking fire in the best ways. She was just lying in wait for the right person to come along and push her to feel free to be herself and then no one could stop her. Hunter and Ella were a lethal combo, and I was so here for it! He craved Ella in a deliciously disturbing way and was willing to do anything to make her never want to leave, little did he know Ella wanted the exact same thing.
After they come to an “agreement” that they both know is BS they hold out until they simply can’t anymore and that is the moment things start getting real hot. Hunter shows her exactly how much power she really has over him. Ella was always made to feel like she was too much and was overloaded with guilt and shame. Hunter bares it all to her and shows her that she is absolute perfection and her fire can burn however bright she will let it. Once they hook up, they both know this is endgame. And “Blaze” comes into her fiercest self – a FMC that you can’t not love and want to have it all.
Sorena, you outdid yourself with this one, it was absolute fire. I can’t wait for what’s next. Thank you for allowing me to ARC read this beautiful story, it was definitely top read for this year.
October 18, 2025
Thank you Sorena Graves for my copy of Through The Flames. 🤍 I received this book for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.
Sorena ended The Big Boys of BRU series with another absolute must read. Hunter has intrigued me since book 1, Out Of The Shadows. I had so many questions about his character and was literally soo ready for his story which did not disappoint. I do recommend reading this series in order to fully understand the interconnected characters.
My heart broke for Hunter. The man was put through so much. I loved Ella. She’s one of my favorite FMCs. She was so relatable and her character just really resonated with me. I loved their chemistry. One of my favorite things about Sorena’s books is that they’re sports romance and actually include.. sports!! Shocking right? But so many sports romances don’t include scenes with the sport! You can absolutely tell that Sorena does her research and takes the time to make these sport scenes real. Do I know anything about tennis? Not a chance. Did I still enjoy the scenes where Ella is playing tennis? You bet I did. Sorena’s writing has a way of pulling me in and not only do I not want to put the book down but she leaves me wanting more.
I can’t not mention my man Dom. I loved seeing him pop up throughout this book. I enjoyed seeing the other characters as well but yall know Dom is my main man! While I am super sad to see the end of this series, I’m elated to see what Sorena has in store for the future.
Through The Flames releases 10/18.
Sorena ended The Big Boys of BRU series with another absolute must read. Hunter has intrigued me since book 1, Out Of The Shadows. I had so many questions about his character and was literally soo ready for his story which did not disappoint. I do recommend reading this series in order to fully understand the interconnected characters.
My heart broke for Hunter. The man was put through so much. I loved Ella. She’s one of my favorite FMCs. She was so relatable and her character just really resonated with me. I loved their chemistry. One of my favorite things about Sorena’s books is that they’re sports romance and actually include.. sports!! Shocking right? But so many sports romances don’t include scenes with the sport! You can absolutely tell that Sorena does her research and takes the time to make these sport scenes real. Do I know anything about tennis? Not a chance. Did I still enjoy the scenes where Ella is playing tennis? You bet I did. Sorena’s writing has a way of pulling me in and not only do I not want to put the book down but she leaves me wanting more.
I can’t not mention my man Dom. I loved seeing him pop up throughout this book. I enjoyed seeing the other characters as well but yall know Dom is my main man! While I am super sad to see the end of this series, I’m elated to see what Sorena has in store for the future.
Through The Flames releases 10/18.
October 23, 2025
I absolutely loved Hunter and Ella's story!
Ella's world was rocked the first time she met Hunter Rhodes. After that, she sees him everywhere and their chemistry is electric. What she doesn't know is that Hunter has been watching her and knows almost everything about her. He is there to protect her even when she doesn't want or need it and she is the only thing he wants. When Ella has to move suddenly, she ends up in Colt's old bedroom and quickly realizes that Hunter has been paying more attention than she knew. And now that he has her, he doesn't want to ever let her go.
I absolutely loved Hunter in the first two books and I was absolutely dying for more information about the strong, gruff man. His backstory and touch aversion made so much sense and I loved how he planned ahead and maneuvered to get Ella exactly where he wanted her. I loved the way that he was so aware of different things going on in the university and was able to reveal different secrets. Ella was such a relatable character. She wasn't quite sure about what her path was going to be and really just wanted to be loved and accepted after the trauma from her small town. The ending was fantastic and I was so happy with both of them succeeding with their chosen paths in their own ways. I also really enjoyed that we got a little bit of check in on the other characters from the first two books especially Colt and Hailey. I am a little sad that this is the last book in the series, but I am so glad that we got closure for all of the main characters.
Ella's world was rocked the first time she met Hunter Rhodes. After that, she sees him everywhere and their chemistry is electric. What she doesn't know is that Hunter has been watching her and knows almost everything about her. He is there to protect her even when she doesn't want or need it and she is the only thing he wants. When Ella has to move suddenly, she ends up in Colt's old bedroom and quickly realizes that Hunter has been paying more attention than she knew. And now that he has her, he doesn't want to ever let her go.
I absolutely loved Hunter in the first two books and I was absolutely dying for more information about the strong, gruff man. His backstory and touch aversion made so much sense and I loved how he planned ahead and maneuvered to get Ella exactly where he wanted her. I loved the way that he was so aware of different things going on in the university and was able to reveal different secrets. Ella was such a relatable character. She wasn't quite sure about what her path was going to be and really just wanted to be loved and accepted after the trauma from her small town. The ending was fantastic and I was so happy with both of them succeeding with their chosen paths in their own ways. I also really enjoyed that we got a little bit of check in on the other characters from the first two books especially Colt and Hailey. I am a little sad that this is the last book in the series, but I am so glad that we got closure for all of the main characters.
November 6, 2025
New author and series to me! Through The Flames by Sorena Graves is book 3 in The Big Boys Of BRU and I LOVED it! If you love college football romances that are spicy as hell with a possessive, protective, absolutely obsessed, relentless man and a total dark and depraved vibe, you need to read this book!!
Ella has been Hunter’s fixation for far longer than she could ever know. Since a child, due to horrible trauma, Hunter was completely adverse to touch but with Ella, the first and only person that can touch him and he burns for her. And all he wants is more of that! From the shadows, he’s been watching her, controlling every single little thing that has happened around her until the day comes that she “owes him” and his payment he wants, HER! This man takes obsession to another level! And you will be all there for it! For a girl that has always felt judged for being “too much”, this man sees her, loves every part of her. He’s so freaking possessive, protective and will burn the world down for her. He saved everything for her and I mean EVERYTHING, every one of his firsts are hers only! The slow burn, the angst, the chemistry, when these two finally come together, holy hot fire🔥🔥
“For the girls who love their men massive, possessive, and just unhinged enough to make things interesting.” Go read this book and the whole series!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔥 grumpy x sunshine
🖤 football player x tennis player
🔥 morally grey antihero
🖤 obsession & manipulation
🔥 forced proximity
🖤 touch her and 💀
Ella has been Hunter’s fixation for far longer than she could ever know. Since a child, due to horrible trauma, Hunter was completely adverse to touch but with Ella, the first and only person that can touch him and he burns for her. And all he wants is more of that! From the shadows, he’s been watching her, controlling every single little thing that has happened around her until the day comes that she “owes him” and his payment he wants, HER! This man takes obsession to another level! And you will be all there for it! For a girl that has always felt judged for being “too much”, this man sees her, loves every part of her. He’s so freaking possessive, protective and will burn the world down for her. He saved everything for her and I mean EVERYTHING, every one of his firsts are hers only! The slow burn, the angst, the chemistry, when these two finally come together, holy hot fire🔥🔥
“For the girls who love their men massive, possessive, and just unhinged enough to make things interesting.” Go read this book and the whole series!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔥 grumpy x sunshine
🖤 football player x tennis player
🔥 morally grey antihero
🖤 obsession & manipulation
🔥 forced proximity
🖤 touch her and 💀
October 7, 2025
Arc Review
Infinity ⭐
First off I would like to thank Sorena for the opportunity to read & review this gifted e-arc
Ella & Hunter
Oh boy! Y'all I'm absolutely OBSESSED with this freaking book. I feel in love with these two from the jump and the fact I've been dying for this story from book one it absolutely lived up to the hype just made me so happy. I'm obsessed with Ella & Hunter both. I loved watching Ella grow into this bad a$$ who wasn't afraid to fight for what she wanted and to make her dreams come true. Hunter my man is the definition of a walking red flag (I'm color blind when it comes to him) but he goes about it in the most unhinged ways and I absolutely ate it up. I loved watching him slowly find ways to get to Ella into his sights. He wasn't afraid to be himself with Ella and watching him growing into this man who was willing to do anything for Ella was beautiful. Ugh I just love these two so much. I miss them already and watching them get the happiness they truly deserve was great.
5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all this has to be my favorite book of Sorena and I'm not even mad about it I love this whole series and the way she just writes such obsessed men & their woman who keep them on their toes. This book does talk about some serious topics so please check the warning at the beginning other wise jump in head first and enjoy the ride (cause I sure did 🤪)
Infinity ⭐
First off I would like to thank Sorena for the opportunity to read & review this gifted e-arc
Ella & Hunter
Oh boy! Y'all I'm absolutely OBSESSED with this freaking book. I feel in love with these two from the jump and the fact I've been dying for this story from book one it absolutely lived up to the hype just made me so happy. I'm obsessed with Ella & Hunter both. I loved watching Ella grow into this bad a$$ who wasn't afraid to fight for what she wanted and to make her dreams come true. Hunter my man is the definition of a walking red flag (I'm color blind when it comes to him) but he goes about it in the most unhinged ways and I absolutely ate it up. I loved watching him slowly find ways to get to Ella into his sights. He wasn't afraid to be himself with Ella and watching him growing into this man who was willing to do anything for Ella was beautiful. Ugh I just love these two so much. I miss them already and watching them get the happiness they truly deserve was great.
5/5 Recommend this book. Y'all this has to be my favorite book of Sorena and I'm not even mad about it I love this whole series and the way she just writes such obsessed men & their woman who keep them on their toes. This book does talk about some serious topics so please check the warning at the beginning other wise jump in head first and enjoy the ride (cause I sure did 🤪)
October 13, 2025
Meeting Hunter, Ella knew she could always count on him for help. But what will she do when Hunter asks for payment for all the favors she’s asked?
From Book 1, Hunter was introduced as the silent, mysterious best friend of Colt. His aura perfectly suits what he does, being tech-savvy, and has skills and expertise that only a few possess.
For me, this is Sorena’s best writing so far. The transition between the past and the present fits the story perfectly; it didn’t confuse me as a reader. Moreover, the way the characters’ individual problems were presented was well-paced, each issue was resolved one at a time before moving to the next, making the plot feel natural and unhurried.
I love how Ella’s story was written. She’s not just an extroverted, loud, and easygoing girl. She’s much more than that. Her journey shows how she triumphed over the trauma she once carried. With Hunter, she truly radiates. As for Hunter, his past molded him into the silent and mysterious man he is.
Now, the spicy scenes, let’s just say that mysterious men like Hunter make the best surprises. Their “are we friends?” kind of relationship falls into the slow-burn category (at least for me, considering the timeline from Books 1 and 2). But love takes time, just as Sorena made her readers wait.
I’ve been waiting for this couple’s story since Book 1. Even back then, I knew they would be something special, and Sorena did not disappoint. It was absolutely worth the wait.
From Book 1, Hunter was introduced as the silent, mysterious best friend of Colt. His aura perfectly suits what he does, being tech-savvy, and has skills and expertise that only a few possess.
For me, this is Sorena’s best writing so far. The transition between the past and the present fits the story perfectly; it didn’t confuse me as a reader. Moreover, the way the characters’ individual problems were presented was well-paced, each issue was resolved one at a time before moving to the next, making the plot feel natural and unhurried.
I love how Ella’s story was written. She’s not just an extroverted, loud, and easygoing girl. She’s much more than that. Her journey shows how she triumphed over the trauma she once carried. With Hunter, she truly radiates. As for Hunter, his past molded him into the silent and mysterious man he is.
Now, the spicy scenes, let’s just say that mysterious men like Hunter make the best surprises. Their “are we friends?” kind of relationship falls into the slow-burn category (at least for me, considering the timeline from Books 1 and 2). But love takes time, just as Sorena made her readers wait.
I’ve been waiting for this couple’s story since Book 1. Even back then, I knew they would be something special, and Sorena did not disappoint. It was absolutely worth the wait.
October 18, 2025
Hunter is a man obsessed with Ella and he will do anything to have her, even if it’s a little unhinged. These two have been circling around each other, all hot delicious tension.
“He was the kind of guy who could take up space without saying a word. A little bit intense, a little bit dangerous, like a locked door you knew concealed something wild—but you’d never see it unless you found the right key.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
🥵Oh my! I’ve been waitin for this! Hunter was always this hot, broody and mysterious guy in Out of the Shadows and Under the Lights, I just couldn’t wait to see him unleashed and damn were we not disappointed! So many peppers due to frequency and the naughty talk! And Ella being a brat? Yes please and thank you!
Through the Flames is a story of a man obsessed with a girl who is also secretly obsessed with him. Hunter is making all these moves and maneuvering to get Ella in his grasp, when he didn’t have to do too much, she was ready for him! We learn about Hunters dark childhood, and how it shaped him into the man that he is, and why he doesn’t like physical touch from anyone but Ella.
“His free hand slid around my throat, fingers curling tight enough to make my pulse roar in my ears. Not choking—just issuing a warning, making a promise. “You’re mine. Say it.”
“Make me.”
“And the crazy thing was, not only did she accept my brand of love, she embraced it, craved it even. My Blaze was truly made for me.”
“He was the kind of guy who could take up space without saying a word. A little bit intense, a little bit dangerous, like a locked door you knew concealed something wild—but you’d never see it unless you found the right key.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
🥵Oh my! I’ve been waitin for this! Hunter was always this hot, broody and mysterious guy in Out of the Shadows and Under the Lights, I just couldn’t wait to see him unleashed and damn were we not disappointed! So many peppers due to frequency and the naughty talk! And Ella being a brat? Yes please and thank you!
Through the Flames is a story of a man obsessed with a girl who is also secretly obsessed with him. Hunter is making all these moves and maneuvering to get Ella in his grasp, when he didn’t have to do too much, she was ready for him! We learn about Hunters dark childhood, and how it shaped him into the man that he is, and why he doesn’t like physical touch from anyone but Ella.
“His free hand slid around my throat, fingers curling tight enough to make my pulse roar in my ears. Not choking—just issuing a warning, making a promise. “You’re mine. Say it.”
“Make me.”
“And the crazy thing was, not only did she accept my brand of love, she embraced it, craved it even. My Blaze was truly made for me.”
October 26, 2025
In book 3, we finally get to see a full look into hunter. Until now, he’s been the quiet one, the one who fixes others problems and who remains a mystery to almost all.
After a traumatic childhood which had left him with a negative,visceral reaction to touch, hunter closed off. Turning to football, hacking and holder of secrets (blackmail) his shell finally gets cracked due to meeting Ella, a tennis player and big sister to a fellow football team mate. He can stand and even enjoy her touch.
He has an instant obsession with her, and starts scheming behind the scenes to land her right where he wants her. With him. In his house, his bed and most importantly his for life.
Ella, who is just fighting towards her future, feels like the bad luck just never ends. She is an over thinker, sometimes to a severely negative point due to a traumatic event before leaving for
College in her small hometown. But somehow still manages to show a happy facade to those around her,even when drowning internally.
We watch these two fight tooth and nail with and for each other. To feel deserving and work through their trauma together. To show what it’s like to be wholly supportive of your partner, helping them stand on their own two feet but also holding them up when need be.
In this book you’ll get your grumpy x sunshine, athletes, whole lot of kinks and red hot sparks, found family, and just overall obsessions.
After a traumatic childhood which had left him with a negative,visceral reaction to touch, hunter closed off. Turning to football, hacking and holder of secrets (blackmail) his shell finally gets cracked due to meeting Ella, a tennis player and big sister to a fellow football team mate. He can stand and even enjoy her touch.
He has an instant obsession with her, and starts scheming behind the scenes to land her right where he wants her. With him. In his house, his bed and most importantly his for life.
Ella, who is just fighting towards her future, feels like the bad luck just never ends. She is an over thinker, sometimes to a severely negative point due to a traumatic event before leaving for
College in her small hometown. But somehow still manages to show a happy facade to those around her,even when drowning internally.
We watch these two fight tooth and nail with and for each other. To feel deserving and work through their trauma together. To show what it’s like to be wholly supportive of your partner, helping them stand on their own two feet but also holding them up when need be.
In this book you’ll get your grumpy x sunshine, athletes, whole lot of kinks and red hot sparks, found family, and just overall obsessions.
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