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Necessary Roughness
I almost hooked up with the two most popular football players on campus.
And just when I think I’ll never see them again, they show up in my classes the next day.
But instead of making fun of me, they offer me the deal of a lifetime.
The three of us.
No strings attached.
All semester long.
Our extracurricular activities help keep them focused on the football season,
While letting me blow off steam so I can study for my master’s degree.
And soon their roommate becomes my third athlete lover.
Can we keep it physical long enough for them to win the Conference Championship?
Or is love more than just a team game?
NECESSARY ROUGHNESS is an extra spicy reverse harem college sports romance. There’s no cheating, no cliffhangers—and a guaranteed HEA!
And just when I think I’ll never see them again, they show up in my classes the next day.
But instead of making fun of me, they offer me the deal of a lifetime.
The three of us.
No strings attached.
All semester long.
Our extracurricular activities help keep them focused on the football season,
While letting me blow off steam so I can study for my master’s degree.
And soon their roommate becomes my third athlete lover.
Can we keep it physical long enough for them to win the Conference Championship?
Or is love more than just a team game?
NECESSARY ROUGHNESS is an extra spicy reverse harem college sports romance. There’s no cheating, no cliffhangers—and a guaranteed HEA!
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2025
505 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Cole
65 books1,224 followersCassie Cole is a romance author living in Norfolk, Virginia. A polygamist/polyamorist at heart, she thinks Romance is best when served in threes, fours, and fives!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 3, 2025
Necessary Roughness by Cassie Cole @cassiecoleromance. First off, I am a fan of Cassie’s & this book was no different!
I loved this book about Sloane, Knox, Logan & Roman! Tropes: Contemporary, Reverse Harem/No MM, College, Football, Study Partners, 3rd Act Break Up, Found Family & HEA!
I loved this book about Sloane, Knox, Logan & Roman! Tropes: Contemporary, Reverse Harem/No MM, College, Football, Study Partners, 3rd Act Break Up, Found Family & HEA!
August 24, 2025
Sloane finds herself single after being I. A long term relationship. She wants a no strings attached physical relationship because she’s insanely busy.
Knox and Logan are football stars at a small
College. They need to focus on the season. They meet Sloane at a party and when she proposes they enter into a friends with benefits situation they’re game.
The characters were likable. Quick read.
Knox and Logan are football stars at a small
College. They need to focus on the season. They meet Sloane at a party and when she proposes they enter into a friends with benefits situation they’re game.
The characters were likable. Quick read.
August 22, 2025
Just the palate cleanser I needed!
After reading some of the heavier darker RHs out there, this one was so refreshing. It was like taking a breather and delving into a FWB football plot line that really was perfect. Only a momentary lapse of angst before it ended perfectly. You cannot go wrong with multiple POVs, football playing MMCs, one with big teddy bear grumpy energy and one deluxe golden retriever and we can’t forget the BFF twins. Even the weird nerd mating chapter cracked me up and I giggled uncontrollably. So pick it up if you need something refreshing.
After reading some of the heavier darker RHs out there, this one was so refreshing. It was like taking a breather and delving into a FWB football plot line that really was perfect. Only a momentary lapse of angst before it ended perfectly. You cannot go wrong with multiple POVs, football playing MMCs, one with big teddy bear grumpy energy and one deluxe golden retriever and we can’t forget the BFF twins. Even the weird nerd mating chapter cracked me up and I giggled uncontrollably. So pick it up if you need something refreshing.
August 24, 2025
Fun Sexy Banter RH
Cassie Cole has great descriptive characters so that when they have their dialogue with each other, even via text messages, you can hear their voices and nuances.
Cassie Cole has great descriptive characters so that when they have their dialogue with each other, even via text messages, you can hear their voices and nuances.
August 20, 2025
Sizzling HOT
If you like RH then you can't go wrong with a book by Cassie Cole. Necessary Roughness is another winner from this author. The story is set in the world of college and football, with these characters having the semester of their lives. It all started when Sloane is out having some fun with her besties at a frat party. She is a senior in an accelerated masters program in education. Recently dumped by her long-term boyfriend, and having been concentrating only on school, she needs to blow off some steam and maybe sow a few wild stallions. This is where she meets Knox, the star quarterback, and also Logan, the star wide receiver. As she does not know who they are and ends up having a few too many drinks nothing happens that night. But these two men know what they want and that would be an open relationship with this intriguing woman. Then add in their other roommate, Roman, the start defensive lineman, and you have a whole lot of hitting the grid iron hard for the semester. But what will happen when the real world comes knocking, and the potential consequences of their relationship if it becomes known.
If you like RH then you can't go wrong with a book by Cassie Cole. Necessary Roughness is another winner from this author. The story is set in the world of college and football, with these characters having the semester of their lives. It all started when Sloane is out having some fun with her besties at a frat party. She is a senior in an accelerated masters program in education. Recently dumped by her long-term boyfriend, and having been concentrating only on school, she needs to blow off some steam and maybe sow a few wild stallions. This is where she meets Knox, the star quarterback, and also Logan, the star wide receiver. As she does not know who they are and ends up having a few too many drinks nothing happens that night. But these two men know what they want and that would be an open relationship with this intriguing woman. Then add in their other roommate, Roman, the start defensive lineman, and you have a whole lot of hitting the grid iron hard for the semester. But what will happen when the real world comes knocking, and the potential consequences of their relationship if it becomes known.
August 22, 2025
This story grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go until the third act breakup. But thankfully that was short lived and there were still a bunch more after it was resolved to give a satisfying conclusion to this story. I found Sloane to be a breath of fresh air and I just adored her character. The men were all a hoot and each had their own distinct personality. I also loved the twins as they were great supporting characters to the story. The fun twist with Morgan had me giggling because I could see myself being as nerdy as she was about her spreadsheets.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2025
Football Feelings
What's a girl to do when her boyfriend dumps her a week before the fall semester of college starts? Go to a frat party and find a rebound. Only, Sloane gets too drunk to perform and pukes. Ugh!
Embarrassed, she spends the weekend recovering before Monday's first day of classes. Only, one of those classes has the hot QB in it from the party, leaving her even more embarrassed by what happened.
However, he begs her for five minutes after class to talk. His proposal? He, her, and Logan have a FWB during the football season. After thinking about the request, they all agree, starting a good friendship, sex, studying, group.
There's an empty room in the guy's house, so they move her in. Her roommate is a nightmare. As the season progresses, the group grows closer. After getting really drunk one night, she calls their third roommate into the mix and it's game on.
After a Saturday winning game, they attend a party, only for Roman to hear Sloane's ex harassing her in a bathroom and not letting her out. This leads Roman to bust in the door to rescue her. A fight ensues, leading to charges, A busted hand, and a potential lawsuit.
With the four of them on edge, their relationship strains, leading to shutdown emotions and drama.
What's a girl to do when her boyfriend dumps her a week before the fall semester of college starts? Go to a frat party and find a rebound. Only, Sloane gets too drunk to perform and pukes. Ugh!
Embarrassed, she spends the weekend recovering before Monday's first day of classes. Only, one of those classes has the hot QB in it from the party, leaving her even more embarrassed by what happened.
However, he begs her for five minutes after class to talk. His proposal? He, her, and Logan have a FWB during the football season. After thinking about the request, they all agree, starting a good friendship, sex, studying, group.
There's an empty room in the guy's house, so they move her in. Her roommate is a nightmare. As the season progresses, the group grows closer. After getting really drunk one night, she calls their third roommate into the mix and it's game on.
After a Saturday winning game, they attend a party, only for Roman to hear Sloane's ex harassing her in a bathroom and not letting her out. This leads Roman to bust in the door to rescue her. A fight ensues, leading to charges, A busted hand, and a potential lawsuit.
With the four of them on edge, their relationship strains, leading to shutdown emotions and drama.
August 20, 2025
Cassie does a beautiful job with every story and this book was no exception. I enjoyed getting to know all our characters, and watching their relationship blossom throughout the story. This book kept me entertained and engaged throughout its entirety and the spice was on point.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2025
Ok. Hot damn! This is a hot book! I really like that the plot and storyline don't get lost in the sex. And boy is there sex! I love how the sexual relationship was eased into. It wasn't a rushed bam! sex! Definitely a great read!
September 1, 2025
One of the better RHs I’ve read. Decent writing, easy to get lost in the story. Some of the wrap ups were a bit cheesy, but I’m okay with it.
August 25, 2025
This standalone sports themed reverse harem has lots of STEAM. There's Lots of fun, excitement, and fun. Great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2025
The plan seems simple enough but we all know what happens when you think things are simple. They all seem to be doing well and things seem like they just might work. One party later and everything changes for all of them. She thinks she is doing the right thing when she moves out. They all try to push forward but their connections are too strong. I would love to see what the future holds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2025
Good build up and then it got boring. The ending was sped through.
September 8, 2025
Sloane is in college and was dumped by her boyfriend, Troy, at the end of the summer. She is a senior but in a five-year Masters program. Her best friend Jayden is gay. Jayden and his twin, Bryson are at a party with Sloane. She is drinking and they are worried about her decision-making ability.
Knox, Logan and Roman are football players and roommates. Knox drags Logan to a party. He wants to enjoy their freedom before classes and football are their whole lives. Sloane sees Knox at the party and recognizes him from chemistry class. She flirts with both Knox and Logan and has no idea that they are big football stars. They go upstairs for a threesome, but Sloane ends up throwing up instead. Jayden, Bryson and Knox take her home while Logan cleans up the mess.
Sloane is embarrassed, especially because she didn’t know that Knox is the star quarterback and Logan is a star receiver on the football team. Sloane and Knox end up in Art History class together and Sloane and Logan end up in Creative Writing class together. On the first day of classes, Sloane is so upset, she leaves Art History class. Knox follows her with the notes from class. He tells her he will give them to her if she gives him five minutes of her time. He takes her to the football house. He suggests to her and Logan that the three of them have a friends with benefits situation. He is basing his suggestion on something Sloane said when she was drunk. She said she did not want to be tangled up in a relationship. Neither of the guys want that either especially during football season.
It was definitely an interesting Senior year for all of them even their roommate Roman. Loved the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Knox, Logan and Roman are football players and roommates. Knox drags Logan to a party. He wants to enjoy their freedom before classes and football are their whole lives. Sloane sees Knox at the party and recognizes him from chemistry class. She flirts with both Knox and Logan and has no idea that they are big football stars. They go upstairs for a threesome, but Sloane ends up throwing up instead. Jayden, Bryson and Knox take her home while Logan cleans up the mess.
Sloane is embarrassed, especially because she didn’t know that Knox is the star quarterback and Logan is a star receiver on the football team. Sloane and Knox end up in Art History class together and Sloane and Logan end up in Creative Writing class together. On the first day of classes, Sloane is so upset, she leaves Art History class. Knox follows her with the notes from class. He tells her he will give them to her if she gives him five minutes of her time. He takes her to the football house. He suggests to her and Logan that the three of them have a friends with benefits situation. He is basing his suggestion on something Sloane said when she was drunk. She said she did not want to be tangled up in a relationship. Neither of the guys want that either especially during football season.
It was definitely an interesting Senior year for all of them even their roommate Roman. Loved the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2025
Cassie Cole is the queen of RH Romance novels. Necessary Roughness is her latest and it was entertaining. I think the author did a pretty good job of capturing college social life, leading to a RH scenario that was probably more realistic than some of her other books.
The author managed to develop interesting, likable characters. The spice scenes were wild and plentiful. Although the relationship between the FMC and the MMCs started out with just casual hookups, eventually circumstances beyond just sex bonded the MCs together into a polyamorous romance. The book had a very nice HEA, too.
My only criticism was the book was about 50 pages too long. I could sense (after the 2/3rd point) that the author struggled a bit trying to move the story along and how to end it. Example given: I thought there was one frat party scene too many. However, summing up the parts, this book was a quick, spicy and fun read.
The author managed to develop interesting, likable characters. The spice scenes were wild and plentiful. Although the relationship between the FMC and the MMCs started out with just casual hookups, eventually circumstances beyond just sex bonded the MCs together into a polyamorous romance. The book had a very nice HEA, too.
My only criticism was the book was about 50 pages too long. I could sense (after the 2/3rd point) that the author struggled a bit trying to move the story along and how to end it. Example given: I thought there was one frat party scene too many. However, summing up the parts, this book was a quick, spicy and fun read.
August 22, 2025
Arrangement 5 stars. - It was supposed to be an arrangement but feelings have a way of inserting themselves - that’s just human nature according to the plot of this book. The main characters are likeable. Sloane was recently dumped when she met Knox and Logan. She didn’t know them and thought the embarrassing incident was enough to turn them off. It did not and the arrangement started. Initially it was the three of them but Roman got on board later on. It is an HEA but I was curious as to what conflicts the author will introduce and how the MCs will get past the obstacles. Their interactions are light and entertaining. Their behind closed door interactions are steamy. This author knows how to write steamy scenes with characters that have chemistry with each other. It’s an easy read if you’re looking for one. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 6, 2025
OMG. This book started out so funny. I’m only about 10% in and I’m laughing out loud. I hope the rest of the book is like that. As I read further into the book I’m finding it is like that. The FMC is funny and very witty, as are the MMCs. The secondary characters were a hoot, as well. Always on her side. I loved the relationship that was formed and developed throughout the book. It was exciting and the spice was oh, sooooo good. There was an abundance of drama and some angst toward the end of the book. I was emotional during several parts and some areas of this read broke my heart. A lot of blame to go around seemed to dominate from cruel people in the story. This story was well written and easy to read and follow. I would definitely recommend this novel.
August 27, 2025
Sports romance/ friends with benefits/ college/ MFM/ MFMM/ OM drama/ third act breakup/ found family/ forced proximity/ HEA
Trigger warning: violence/ bullying/ exhibitionalism
I wanted to like this one but it was too similar to other books I’ve read by this author. Two best friends fight over and ultimately decide to share a pretty blonde with an annoying ex boyfriend who threatens legal action because of a physical altercation involving the FMCs honor. All the while, a grumpy third MMC fights his attraction before finally admitting that he too wants to be with the FMC.
The storyline wasn’t bad but it was predictable and a bit boring. It was also very spicy
Trigger warning: violence/ bullying/ exhibitionalism
I wanted to like this one but it was too similar to other books I’ve read by this author. Two best friends fight over and ultimately decide to share a pretty blonde with an annoying ex boyfriend who threatens legal action because of a physical altercation involving the FMCs honor. All the while, a grumpy third MMC fights his attraction before finally admitting that he too wants to be with the FMC.
The storyline wasn’t bad but it was predictable and a bit boring. It was also very spicy
September 10, 2025
Okay I get it, it's just a story.
Why do the stories start out with a great storyline, then morph into angst time, then into the HEA. Is that a requirement for all stories? No relationship is perfect, doesn't matter how many people involved, and not one person is the distraction that causes the rift to end it all. Everyone involved were consenting adults that made their own decisions, too bad not one of them figured out COMMUNICATION was needed to clear up the problem by all! It seems to happen in sports related stories with a lot of self egotistical guys. I need to stay away from sports related stories for awhile! ENJOY?!
Why do the stories start out with a great storyline, then morph into angst time, then into the HEA. Is that a requirement for all stories? No relationship is perfect, doesn't matter how many people involved, and not one person is the distraction that causes the rift to end it all. Everyone involved were consenting adults that made their own decisions, too bad not one of them figured out COMMUNICATION was needed to clear up the problem by all! It seems to happen in sports related stories with a lot of self egotistical guys. I need to stay away from sports related stories for awhile! ENJOY?!
November 9, 2025
This. Book. Was. hot. Hot. HOT!!!! Good grief. I found myself fanning myself often while reading the juicy bits. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Another fun Cassie Cole book. At this point I think I've read 90% of her books. I love almost all of them. This one a little less. The meet cute was fun, I enjoyed the guys. Her roommate was hard to figure out and fun in that regard. I don't love how quickly everything was wrapped up in the end in less than 2 chapter's. With housing, their future, Zane, Troy. Just didn't make sense that after everything they went through its just all of sudden peachy.
December 14, 2025
Good book. I liked the dynamic between all four of them. They remind me of the Pucking Around couples. Different people with different personalities but they fit soo well. The way they resolved the relationship was kinda unbelievable, but whatever. The games were pretty realistic with the winning season, losing the last game and stuff. I mean it’s happened before soo. I like that Logan is going back to school too. I think that’s different bc usually the girl has to move or change for the guy and I’m this case it’s both. They’re moving for Knox, but they’re also staying close to the school for Sloane, Roman, AND Logan. Cute!
January 22, 2026
Sloan, Knox, Logan…& Roman!
This was a good one to switch things up with. I am usually into the one girl/one guy, overly possessive couplings for my book, something about multiple partners makes it hard for me to picture a happy ending in the future. This book was full of spice and while there really wasn’t much of a plot, I guess the spice was the plot itself? With so many different characters it’s hard to get a whole lot of background on each which I guess is why I like books with one male lead and one female lead because the character development is better however this was a fun and spicy read!
This was a good one to switch things up with. I am usually into the one girl/one guy, overly possessive couplings for my book, something about multiple partners makes it hard for me to picture a happy ending in the future. This book was full of spice and while there really wasn’t much of a plot, I guess the spice was the plot itself? With so many different characters it’s hard to get a whole lot of background on each which I guess is why I like books with one male lead and one female lead because the character development is better however this was a fun and spicy read!
August 19, 2025
This story was a touchdown in the romance department. It was a hot steamy read I'd enjoyed from the beginning to the end. Our characters (Sloane, Knox, Logan, and Roman) were likable and engaging to read about. This is another well written reverse harem romance story by Cassie Cole I'd devoured. Sloane meets Logan and Knox at a college party and proposes a threesome. This night leads her to become their lucky charm girl for the football season where she also meets Roman. Will this last beyond? I'd volunteer to read and review this enjoyable copy I'd received.
August 20, 2025
College days - studying, partying and figuring out what your future holds. Its alot but having an agreement for a booty call by not one but two cute guys, this sets things up nicely for the year. There are alot of characters and I loved them all from the main ones to the twins and let's not forget the oddest, most unlikely pair in the book. The story is naturally fun, steamy and full of surprises as these characters find themselves and cement their futures. Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Sloane just wants to get laid but her first attempt is stopped. However it lays the groundwork for love with Knox, Logan and Roman. The relationship starts with just good times but becomes more. I liked how they helped each other in different ways and I'm really glad her ex didn't cause too much troubles for them.
August 26, 2025
Having been dumped by her last boyfriend Sloane decides that she might be better off with sex and no strings. So she hooks up with two hunky footballers, with a third on the sidelines waiting for his invite. Not forgetting the crazy roommate that she has it makes for a fun read.
Cassie entertains us with another hot sexy, fun story with great characters. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this via Booksprout and voluntarily leave this honest review.
Cassie entertains us with another hot sexy, fun story with great characters. Loved it.
I received a free copy of this via Booksprout and voluntarily leave this honest review.
September 6, 2025
A hot sexy and funny drama filled reverse harem story which was well written with amazingly different characters with sizzling chemistry. The book has a great storyline and is filled with steamy action, spunky one liners, addiction, misunderstanding, drama to overcome and a happily ever after. I am a big fan of Cassie Cole and was expecting great thing as usual from her stories and I was impressed, cannot wait for more books.
September 13, 2025
After her ex dumped her Sloane decided that she wanted sex without a relationship. One drunken night she meets up with Knox and Logan without realising they were college sports stars. They decide she is too drunk and take her home, but catch up with her later. Sloane suggests that they meet each others needs but their relationship quickly goes further.
An enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2025
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.
In this book we meet Slaone, Logan, Knox, & Roman. When this book opens we find Sloane in the stands as she watches the guys play. When the game is done though the real fun begins. Can they all get a HEA or will outside pressure make that impossible?
Another hit out of the park for this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone
In this book we meet Slaone, Logan, Knox, & Roman. When this book opens we find Sloane in the stands as she watches the guys play. When the game is done though the real fun begins. Can they all get a HEA or will outside pressure make that impossible?
Another hit out of the park for this author. I would highly recommend it to anyone
January 18, 2026
This reverse harem is a college romance, with plenty of steam and romance. When Sloane meets Knoxx and Logan at a party they share an amazing night. The guys suggest an arrangement that will see the three of them in a relationship for a semester but leads to a lifelong commitment, when they introduce Roman to the group. This book is well written, with great character development and a spicy story line!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews