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Mendell Hawks #3
Safety Net
Celeste
Social anxiety has been the shaky foundation on which I’ve built my life. Never be too loud, too big, or too bold.
I’ve survived like this for twenty years. But to what end?
When my parents stop helping with college costs, I need to find a way to stand on my own two feet. And the songwriting mentorship of my dreams offers the perfect solution.
There’s just one issue: I have to put together a musical that will most definitely put me in the spotlight.
Learning how to be loud, big, and bold over the course of one summer is impossible. Teaming up with a guy who naturally knows how to be all that and more...less impossible.
Lincoln
Focus and responsibility have never been my strong suits. I’ve survived (and arguably thrived) long enough to prove that they don’t always matter.
But, after a disappointing hockey season and a tough semester, I can’t ignore reality anymore.
I’m on the precipice of academic probation and scary close to being benched in my senior year. It’s long past time for me to figure out this whole future thing.
When the girl of my dreams asks for help, I join her project in a heartbeat. Not just for the volunteer credit hours or the much-needed structure it offers. But because I fell for her almost a year ago. And I ruined my chances with her a few months ago.
Working together may be what I need to understand that she’s never going to fall for someone like me.
Social anxiety has been the shaky foundation on which I’ve built my life. Never be too loud, too big, or too bold.
I’ve survived like this for twenty years. But to what end?
When my parents stop helping with college costs, I need to find a way to stand on my own two feet. And the songwriting mentorship of my dreams offers the perfect solution.
There’s just one issue: I have to put together a musical that will most definitely put me in the spotlight.
Learning how to be loud, big, and bold over the course of one summer is impossible. Teaming up with a guy who naturally knows how to be all that and more...less impossible.
Lincoln
Focus and responsibility have never been my strong suits. I’ve survived (and arguably thrived) long enough to prove that they don’t always matter.
But, after a disappointing hockey season and a tough semester, I can’t ignore reality anymore.
I’m on the precipice of academic probation and scary close to being benched in my senior year. It’s long past time for me to figure out this whole future thing.
When the girl of my dreams asks for help, I join her project in a heartbeat. Not just for the volunteer credit hours or the much-needed structure it offers. But because I fell for her almost a year ago. And I ruined my chances with her a few months ago.
Working together may be what I need to understand that she’s never going to fall for someone like me.
Unknown Binding
First published October 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
December 7, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
1 liked : 2 disliked is not a good ratio 😔
⋆˚꩜｡ Thoughts:
Maybe I should write the negative comments first and end with the positive but I have a lot to say. So let’s get what I did enjoy out of the way:
characters + writing
╰┈➤ A constant throughout this whole series so far that is amazing to read about is the relatability and realism of the characters. The actions, struggles, and emotions of these characters feel so real compared to other stories where characters might act insufferably/unrealistically just for the sake of a trope or representation. In this book, I was really connecting with and relating to these specific struggles the characters faced, making the emotion feel even heavier - which I loved!
- And the way these struggles were written, the quotes and dialogue, was so well done! It felt like when you don’t know how to word your own thoughts and then an author writes it perfectly
Now, what I didn’t enjoy:
plot + chemistry
╰┈➤ This. Was. So. Boring.
There is no main conflict to make things interesting or build tension in the story, it’s just very…stagnant. Something minimal -that could possibly grow bigger to create conflict- would happen and then they’d resolve it. Another thing happens. They would resolve it. Which is…healthy and ideal (another display of realism I guess?) but for entertainment value in a fiction book? Boringgggg 🗣️
This made the book feel verrrrrryyyyyy dragged out. What was the point if there was no building to one BIG moment? The characters overcome their emotional struggles, realise they deeply care/love each other AND wrap up their musical plot line just past the halfway point. It could’ve ended there to be honest (and I reallyyyyyyy wanted it to 😭)
⤿ Off-page, the timeline is understandable for a relationship, they’ve know each other for a whole summer so it isn’t technically insta love… BUT the story is pretty minimal so it feels like they’ve known each other for less time which makes it feel insta lovey. This insta love (even tho it isn’t, time-wise) makes the chemistry feel flat and not as prominent. I think because the book isn’t that long? Like, Lincoln literally realised he loves her at 60% ??? From that point on I just stopped believing in their relationship which is not ideal for a book WHERE THAT IS LITERALLY THE WHOLE POINT
One key factor that all books need to grasp? The audience’s interest. Maybe you can tell, but mine was LOST.
- The characters are relatable but not…interesting.
- The plot is realistic but not…interesting.
Unfortunately, with certain stories, you can’t always have both - and if you try to, it might just fall flat. Even though the individual aspects of this story (characters, emotion, writing) are great and exactly what you want to see in a book! - it’s just not… interesting.
These components of a novel need to keep the audience INTERESTED! At least something. Boring characters? That’s ok the plot is full of tension, oh no it isn’t but that’s fine the writing is great. SOMETHING!! Boring characters AND a stagnant plot? I’m sorry but even the great quotes can’t keep me interested 🥲
⋆˙⟡
I recommend the first book in this series - if you like it, maybe read the next two, if you don’t, just stop; it doesn’t get better 🧍♀️
I’m disappointed this one was so boring especially when I was really connecting with it at first :(
-I’ll probably still read any future books in this series though (I NEED Jack’s book 🙏)
───────୨ৎ───────
ᯓ★ Pre-read
I loved the first book in this series but really disliked the second so my expectations for this one are pretty neutral. But I loved the characters that this one follows in the first two books (and the cover is gorgeous 🤭) so I’m excited to finally read this one 🤞
1 liked : 2 disliked is not a good ratio 😔
⋆˚꩜｡ Thoughts:
Maybe I should write the negative comments first and end with the positive but I have a lot to say. So let’s get what I did enjoy out of the way:
characters + writing
╰┈➤ A constant throughout this whole series so far that is amazing to read about is the relatability and realism of the characters. The actions, struggles, and emotions of these characters feel so real compared to other stories where characters might act insufferably/unrealistically just for the sake of a trope or representation. In this book, I was really connecting with and relating to these specific struggles the characters faced, making the emotion feel even heavier - which I loved!
- And the way these struggles were written, the quotes and dialogue, was so well done! It felt like when you don’t know how to word your own thoughts and then an author writes it perfectly
Now, what I didn’t enjoy:
plot + chemistry
╰┈➤ This. Was. So. Boring.
There is no main conflict to make things interesting or build tension in the story, it’s just very…stagnant. Something minimal -that could possibly grow bigger to create conflict- would happen and then they’d resolve it. Another thing happens. They would resolve it. Which is…healthy and ideal (another display of realism I guess?) but for entertainment value in a fiction book? Boringgggg 🗣️
This made the book feel verrrrrryyyyyy dragged out. What was the point if there was no building to one BIG moment? The characters overcome their emotional struggles, realise they deeply care/love each other AND wrap up their musical plot line just past the halfway point. It could’ve ended there to be honest (and I reallyyyyyyy wanted it to 😭)
⤿ Off-page, the timeline is understandable for a relationship, they’ve know each other for a whole summer so it isn’t technically insta love… BUT the story is pretty minimal so it feels like they’ve known each other for less time which makes it feel insta lovey. This insta love (even tho it isn’t, time-wise) makes the chemistry feel flat and not as prominent. I think because the book isn’t that long? Like, Lincoln literally realised he loves her at 60% ??? From that point on I just stopped believing in their relationship which is not ideal for a book WHERE THAT IS LITERALLY THE WHOLE POINT
One key factor that all books need to grasp? The audience’s interest. Maybe you can tell, but mine was LOST.
- The characters are relatable but not…interesting.
- The plot is realistic but not…interesting.
Unfortunately, with certain stories, you can’t always have both - and if you try to, it might just fall flat. Even though the individual aspects of this story (characters, emotion, writing) are great and exactly what you want to see in a book! - it’s just not… interesting.
These components of a novel need to keep the audience INTERESTED! At least something. Boring characters? That’s ok the plot is full of tension, oh no it isn’t but that’s fine the writing is great. SOMETHING!! Boring characters AND a stagnant plot? I’m sorry but even the great quotes can’t keep me interested 🥲
⋆˙⟡
I recommend the first book in this series - if you like it, maybe read the next two, if you don’t, just stop; it doesn’t get better 🧍♀️
I’m disappointed this one was so boring especially when I was really connecting with it at first :(
-I’ll probably still read any future books in this series though (I NEED Jack’s book 🙏)
───────୨ৎ───────
ᯓ★ Pre-read
I loved the first book in this series but really disliked the second so my expectations for this one are pretty neutral. But I loved the characters that this one follows in the first two books (and the cover is gorgeous 🤭) so I’m excited to finally read this one 🤞
November 9, 2025
4.5/5
celeste is the sweetest girl in the whole wide world and i love her !!!!
deanna grey is out here writing college hockey romances with such real characters and people are not paying enough attention to these books. i’m serious, i love these people. celeste is dealing with social anxiety and writing her own musical, baddie. then there’s lincoln who is struggling with what to do with his life, twin, and how to focus on one thing long enough to decide, twin again, and dealing with asking for help, twin part three!! if you can’t tell i love them dearly!
seeing these two go from soft friends to the cutest couple was beautiful. the love and connection they share is so calm and i just loved reading about their happiness. i’ve been in a very big musical theater mood
lately so having this all happen with the backdrop of the show was great! lincoln had so many moments where he was speaking to his friends about his life and i just wanted to cry because i understood him so much. specifically this quote, “my identity was intrinsically tied to being someone no one had to worry about.” yeah i cried…
for some reason i haven’t read this first book in this series so i need to get on that immediately!! i loved seeing the past characters in this book because they’re all just one big family. hopefully we’re getting more books because the hints in this one… i’m so ready !!
celeste is the sweetest girl in the whole wide world and i love her !!!!
deanna grey is out here writing college hockey romances with such real characters and people are not paying enough attention to these books. i’m serious, i love these people. celeste is dealing with social anxiety and writing her own musical, baddie. then there’s lincoln who is struggling with what to do with his life, twin, and how to focus on one thing long enough to decide, twin again, and dealing with asking for help, twin part three!! if you can’t tell i love them dearly!
seeing these two go from soft friends to the cutest couple was beautiful. the love and connection they share is so calm and i just loved reading about their happiness. i’ve been in a very big musical theater mood
lately so having this all happen with the backdrop of the show was great! lincoln had so many moments where he was speaking to his friends about his life and i just wanted to cry because i understood him so much. specifically this quote, “my identity was intrinsically tied to being someone no one had to worry about.” yeah i cried…
for some reason i haven’t read this first book in this series so i need to get on that immediately!! i loved seeing the past characters in this book because they’re all just one big family. hopefully we’re getting more books because the hints in this one… i’m so ready !!
January 15, 2026
Safety net by Deanna Grey
-omg the way Lincoln describes Celeste 🥹 “there were stars in the corners of her eyes when I first met her…… But once I saw them, I couldn’t stop marvelling”
-Celeste is adorable, MY SHEILA and so me I feel like we’d be besties, I relate so much with her social anxiety , I feel so seen omg
-Lincoln is a whole mess but I love him lol
-I love how both of them are overthinking their interactions cause I do the same thing lol I love them so much ahhh
-“Pulitzer?… Bless you “ 🤣😭
-omg all their interactions are too cute, obsessed with the forced proximity since they are working on the project together , I also feel like this project is helping them both get closer, but also emotionally as well
-Lincoln is helping her get out of her shell and be more social
-Celeste is helping him have structure I can’t i’m obsessed with them they are too cute , i’m so giddy
-Lincoln says the most romantic shit so non chalantly I can’t I love him
-I want a calm and delicate love like theirs 🥹😭
-“Celeste everything about you makes me feel like i’m taking both my first and last breath. Every semblance of chill doesn’t exist when I hear your name”.
-the spice and tension is immaculate ouff
-“That was the moment I knew I'd never have to wonder if my quiet would continue to hinder me from belonging," I told him. "The moment I knew, despite my quiet, I'd always have someone around, ready and willing to listen."🥹😭
-wow just wow this book was everything to me I love Lincoln and Celeste so much 😭♥️♥️
-this my first 5⭐️of 2026 and going on the top books of this year list
-Deanna Grey you have done it again with this one
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-omg the way Lincoln describes Celeste 🥹 “there were stars in the corners of her eyes when I first met her…… But once I saw them, I couldn’t stop marvelling”
-Celeste is adorable, MY SHEILA and so me I feel like we’d be besties, I relate so much with her social anxiety , I feel so seen omg
-Lincoln is a whole mess but I love him lol
-I love how both of them are overthinking their interactions cause I do the same thing lol I love them so much ahhh
-“Pulitzer?… Bless you “ 🤣😭
-omg all their interactions are too cute, obsessed with the forced proximity since they are working on the project together , I also feel like this project is helping them both get closer, but also emotionally as well
-Lincoln is helping her get out of her shell and be more social
-Celeste is helping him have structure I can’t i’m obsessed with them they are too cute , i’m so giddy
-Lincoln says the most romantic shit so non chalantly I can’t I love him
-I want a calm and delicate love like theirs 🥹😭
-“Celeste everything about you makes me feel like i’m taking both my first and last breath. Every semblance of chill doesn’t exist when I hear your name”.
-the spice and tension is immaculate ouff
-“That was the moment I knew I'd never have to wonder if my quiet would continue to hinder me from belonging," I told him. "The moment I knew, despite my quiet, I'd always have someone around, ready and willing to listen."🥹😭
-wow just wow this book was everything to me I love Lincoln and Celeste so much 😭♥️♥️
-this my first 5⭐️of 2026 and going on the top books of this year list
-Deanna Grey you have done it again with this one
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 15, 2025
The butterflies
The softness
The care
The acceptance
The growth
The ease and the silly jokes
I loved every bit of this story. God. It healed something in me i didnt know was wounded.
I loved loved LOVED the other books but wow, this one is extremely special.
I had me giggling and trying to hide my stupid smile in public transportation. If I was white, I would have been BLUSHING the whole way. The butterflies were real.
Very thankful i found this author and fell into this series, very thankful i got to read this.
Deanna is a star, a very bright one.
The softness
The care
The acceptance
The growth
The ease and the silly jokes
I loved every bit of this story. God. It healed something in me i didnt know was wounded.
I loved loved LOVED the other books but wow, this one is extremely special.
I had me giggling and trying to hide my stupid smile in public transportation. If I was white, I would have been BLUSHING the whole way. The butterflies were real.
Very thankful i found this author and fell into this series, very thankful i got to read this.
Deanna is a star, a very bright one.
October 19, 2025
4.25 and their love is so SOFT but I do fear it’s strict around here and I would’ve dumped him at the end asdfghjkl but at 20 I get it girl 😭😭😭
January 1, 2026
When I say I fully trust Deanna Grey with every ounce of my soul I mean it!
I could endlessly talk praises about her writing and work but alas I am simply here to review this fabulous book.
Celeste is a sweetheart and I've fallen in love with everything about her. , She's struggled 20 years with social anxiety and is facing a difficult situation regarding college education and her passion to pursue art.
I struggle with social anxiety as well, and like Celeste it's impact on my life was very overwhelming. Especially when surrounded with people that either shame you for feeling that way or try to "fix" you.
Celeste isn't looking to be fixed. She is simply learning to embrace and express herself in a way that makes her shine. The way that Celeste opens herself up and learns to not only trust her friends but herself too was such a beautiful thing.
Another part that I enjoyed was the portrayal of Celestes Demisexual identity, there's a wide misconception of what demisexuality is and how it's expressed especially when the person struggles with social interactions in general. Celeste isn't meek nor is she a saint, she is hot and confident.
Lincoln is my guy fr, this is a man who STEPS up. The minute he met Celeste this man was downbad and he knew that she would be the one for him. This works wonderfully in the relationship build up between him and Celeste, they both acknowledge each others most vulnerable sides, balancing each other in a way that makes sense.
Celeste and Lincoln are the kind of partners that show up for each other in their hardest moments, which is such a rare and beautiful thing.
I cannot wait to reread this in my future. The magic of Deanna Grey romances lives on!
I could endlessly talk praises about her writing and work but alas I am simply here to review this fabulous book.
Celeste is a sweetheart and I've fallen in love with everything about her. , She's struggled 20 years with social anxiety and is facing a difficult situation regarding college education and her passion to pursue art.
I struggle with social anxiety as well, and like Celeste it's impact on my life was very overwhelming. Especially when surrounded with people that either shame you for feeling that way or try to "fix" you.
Celeste isn't looking to be fixed. She is simply learning to embrace and express herself in a way that makes her shine. The way that Celeste opens herself up and learns to not only trust her friends but herself too was such a beautiful thing.
Another part that I enjoyed was the portrayal of Celestes Demisexual identity, there's a wide misconception of what demisexuality is and how it's expressed especially when the person struggles with social interactions in general. Celeste isn't meek nor is she a saint, she is hot and confident.
Lincoln is my guy fr, this is a man who STEPS up. The minute he met Celeste this man was downbad and he knew that she would be the one for him. This works wonderfully in the relationship build up between him and Celeste, they both acknowledge each others most vulnerable sides, balancing each other in a way that makes sense.
Celeste and Lincoln are the kind of partners that show up for each other in their hardest moments, which is such a rare and beautiful thing.
I cannot wait to reread this in my future. The magic of Deanna Grey romances lives on!
Want to Read
October 12, 2025I’ve waited forever to read about Celeste and Lincoln 🥹
October 14, 2025
Deanna Grey, you will always be famous!
Celeste and Lincoln's story was refreshing, gentle and so, so sweet. It's the perfect reminder that you'll never be too little or too much for the right person for you.
Safety Net had everything I've learned to expect from a Deanna Grey book (found family brimming with friends who love as fiercely as they hold accountable, tantalising smut and the beginnings of love so adorable you could just burst!) and a really great connection wuth previous books in the series.
I tend to hate it when books mention couples from earlier instalments because they're usually integrated too shoddily in the narrative and they're just cringey fan service. But this book mentioned previous couples so well and so naturally and in a way that made me swoon. Finn and Noami were so cute in this! The previous stories add to Safety Net without feeling jarring or weird. It's just done so well.
Deanna treats her characters like real people with real depth and faults and desires. She treats them with such care and precision. Every single character in this series feels so unique. Reading her books gives me so much life because I get to see so many people who look like me being so similar and so different from who I am. I could sing her praises forever and ever.
I'm so excited to read more of her work and witness her success (because she's obviously going to be a super star).
I look forward to Henrik and Eden's book (seeing as I'm an insufferable romanticiser who wears gigantic shirts too hehe) but I think this one will hold a special place in my heart because Lincoln is so similar to my partner.
Can't recommend this book enough!
Celeste and Lincoln's story was refreshing, gentle and so, so sweet. It's the perfect reminder that you'll never be too little or too much for the right person for you.
Safety Net had everything I've learned to expect from a Deanna Grey book (found family brimming with friends who love as fiercely as they hold accountable, tantalising smut and the beginnings of love so adorable you could just burst!) and a really great connection wuth previous books in the series.
I tend to hate it when books mention couples from earlier instalments because they're usually integrated too shoddily in the narrative and they're just cringey fan service. But this book mentioned previous couples so well and so naturally and in a way that made me swoon. Finn and Noami were so cute in this! The previous stories add to Safety Net without feeling jarring or weird. It's just done so well.
Deanna treats her characters like real people with real depth and faults and desires. She treats them with such care and precision. Every single character in this series feels so unique. Reading her books gives me so much life because I get to see so many people who look like me being so similar and so different from who I am. I could sing her praises forever and ever.
I'm so excited to read more of her work and witness her success (because she's obviously going to be a super star).
I look forward to Henrik and Eden's book (seeing as I'm an insufferable romanticiser who wears gigantic shirts too hehe) but I think this one will hold a special place in my heart because Lincoln is so similar to my partner.
Can't recommend this book enough!
October 12, 2025
This book was everything I hoped for and more. If you’ve read Deanna’s work before, you already know her stories make you feel many things. She reminds us that self-love and the deep bonds of friendship can be just as powerful (and necessary) as romantic love.
Safety Net is also a beautiful reminder that the right person will love you exactly as you are—flaws, struggles, and all. 🤍
Prepare to laugh, cry, scream at fictional adults (lol), and swoon hard for Finn and Naomi all over again. And okay… I admit it—Sam won me over. I loved Henrik from book 1 and this book made me remember why and added more brownie points. Can’t wait for his book.
Safety Net is also a beautiful reminder that the right person will love you exactly as you are—flaws, struggles, and all. 🤍
Prepare to laugh, cry, scream at fictional adults (lol), and swoon hard for Finn and Naomi all over again. And okay… I admit it—Sam won me over. I loved Henrik from book 1 and this book made me remember why and added more brownie points. Can’t wait for his book.
February 16, 2026
Deanna Grey has done it again! She's easily cemented herself as one of my absolute favorite authors with this one (She was already a favorite)! Celeste and Lincoln are so precious to me. Lincoln specifically, he's like looking into a mirror. Grey did a spectacular job at navigating mental illness- anxiety in Celeste's case and undiagnosed ADHD in Lincoln's- in a college setting. She touched perfectly on the feeling of running out of time and imposter syndrome. Thoughtout the book our main leads got to know more about themselves whilst getting to know eachother. They got to figure out what worked and what didn't work for themselves. They were so patient, so loving. I appreciated how raw, soft and so very real the story felt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
Safety Net by Deanna Grey was such a cute romance. What I loved most about the book was the exploration of love between someone with an anxiety disorder, our FMC Celeste, and someone with ADHD, our MMC Lincoln.
Grey showed how difficult it can be to function with these disorders, but she also showed that those difficulties don’t mean you can’t find romantic or platonic love, or understanding with others.
As someone with both GAD and ADHD, it was so refreshing to see that expressed on the page in such a fully realized way. You can have a full life in spite of, and watching Celeste and Lincoln realize this and find their safe spaces with each other, made for a wonderful read.
Grey showed how difficult it can be to function with these disorders, but she also showed that those difficulties don’t mean you can’t find romantic or platonic love, or understanding with others.
As someone with both GAD and ADHD, it was so refreshing to see that expressed on the page in such a fully realized way. You can have a full life in spite of, and watching Celeste and Lincoln realize this and find their safe spaces with each other, made for a wonderful read.
October 28, 2025
*sight* I wanted more from this book I fear, I think it was boring, especially the beginning, too much sidestory not enough chemistry building.
November 5, 2026
I listened to the audiobook. The third book in this Mendell Hawks series and the best one so far.
It's the summer and after the events of Team Players where the secret about the atheletic director came out, the hockey team has to do community service type things and Lincoln ends up helping out Celeste put on a musical by being her assistant director to include in her application for a chance to work with her idol. Lincoln has been interested in Celeste since he first laid eyes on her in Sunny Disposition. Celeste is extremely shy with major social anxiety so doing anything with people who aren't her family or Naomi, is difficult but she finds it's becoming easier with Lincoln.
I was looking forward to this one (my friend too!) because Lincoln has consistently been the best character in the series. This one is also better written. Since the idea of Lincoln and Celeste was planted in the first book, I think that helps it a lot. It has a nice foundation that the others lacked even though there was history between those characters. I wouldn't be surprised if Lincoln is Deanna Gray's favorite character. I mean, just the amount of personality reflection and backstory we get for Lincoln compared to Sam and Finn? Crazy work. I actually liked Finn in this one, not being in his head makes him likable. Sam is still just there. Henrik is still an interesting character and I guess I AM curious but the seeds for his romance were planted in Team Players and continues with a through line in this one.
Celeste and Lincoln are just who they are, there's nothing that feels fake between them and I appreciated that. This book is the MOST hockey has been talked about I think, which is funny since Team Players was literally about two hockey captains lol. I also think Deanna Gray is more interested in the things Celeste is interested in which is why there's way more information shared about her interests compared to Naomi's gaming (still have no idea what she plays) and whatever Aderyn was interested in outside of hockey. If you care a big deal about "smut", then yeah it's here, I was curious how it would be handled with Celeste's personality and I did like how she described how she felt with longing since that's not her. I wouldn't have minded though if it didn't happen. I did make the Tiffany Pollard "BEYONCE" face towards the end though lol.
With some negatives, it did take me a minute to get into it, which I feel like it's because I was lowkey surprised that was already reading better and I wasn't fueled by immediate annoyance lol. I don't mind not having MAJOR conflict in romances but I do think having one sooner would've benefitted the story. Or at least the pacing could've been handled better. A conflict happens so close to the end that if it DIDN'T happen, I wouldn't have known. I also think some moments pass by too quickly? When the conflict does happen it's finished. There are a few times where someone would say something about Lincoln's personality but we've been shown the opposite. I think he says he's not an emotional person but I think he is? Especially compared to Finn and Sam. We don't need this friend group to just be reskinned copies of each other.
I don't think the book is necessarily shallow compared to the others, which was a constant crticism but there is something missing because if there wasn't... it would be 5 stars but it's not. It's not even 4 stars lol.
I like listening to audiobooks and it works for the dual perspective thing since it's two narrators. They both were good but while I don't really know how these things work before they're published, but they've really got to make sure they're getting the best take. The narrator for Celeste (Dani Downey) flubbed a few words "get ahead" is the phrase but she said "get of head", I mean I hope it's not written like that in the book because the context is "get ahead". She also constantly said Henrik's name wrong, she kept saying HenDRICK. I can't remember if she was doing that at the start but at one point I noticed and never stopped noticing. Why didn't anyone correct her? But outside of that, they both were really good. Oh, I also need them to figure out HOW they want to say Aderyn's name. This one and Sunny Disposition pronounced it the same and Team Players said it differently.
But anyways, while I didn't really state many negatives and I actually liked it... I don't think I can go higher than 3 stars lol
It's the summer and after the events of Team Players where the secret about the atheletic director came out, the hockey team has to do community service type things and Lincoln ends up helping out Celeste put on a musical by being her assistant director to include in her application for a chance to work with her idol. Lincoln has been interested in Celeste since he first laid eyes on her in Sunny Disposition. Celeste is extremely shy with major social anxiety so doing anything with people who aren't her family or Naomi, is difficult but she finds it's becoming easier with Lincoln.
I was looking forward to this one (my friend too!) because Lincoln has consistently been the best character in the series. This one is also better written. Since the idea of Lincoln and Celeste was planted in the first book, I think that helps it a lot. It has a nice foundation that the others lacked even though there was history between those characters. I wouldn't be surprised if Lincoln is Deanna Gray's favorite character. I mean, just the amount of personality reflection and backstory we get for Lincoln compared to Sam and Finn? Crazy work. I actually liked Finn in this one, not being in his head makes him likable. Sam is still just there. Henrik is still an interesting character and I guess I AM curious but the seeds for his romance were planted in Team Players and continues with a through line in this one.
Celeste and Lincoln are just who they are, there's nothing that feels fake between them and I appreciated that. This book is the MOST hockey has been talked about I think, which is funny since Team Players was literally about two hockey captains lol. I also think Deanna Gray is more interested in the things Celeste is interested in which is why there's way more information shared about her interests compared to Naomi's gaming (still have no idea what she plays) and whatever Aderyn was interested in outside of hockey. If you care a big deal about "smut", then yeah it's here, I was curious how it would be handled with Celeste's personality and I did like how she described how she felt with longing since that's not her. I wouldn't have minded though if it didn't happen. I did make the Tiffany Pollard "BEYONCE" face towards the end though lol.
With some negatives, it did take me a minute to get into it, which I feel like it's because I was lowkey surprised that was already reading better and I wasn't fueled by immediate annoyance lol. I don't mind not having MAJOR conflict in romances but I do think having one sooner would've benefitted the story. Or at least the pacing could've been handled better. A conflict happens so close to the end that if it DIDN'T happen, I wouldn't have known. I also think some moments pass by too quickly? When the conflict does happen it's finished. There are a few times where someone would say something about Lincoln's personality but we've been shown the opposite. I think he says he's not an emotional person but I think he is? Especially compared to Finn and Sam. We don't need this friend group to just be reskinned copies of each other.
I don't think the book is necessarily shallow compared to the others, which was a constant crticism but there is something missing because if there wasn't... it would be 5 stars but it's not. It's not even 4 stars lol.
I like listening to audiobooks and it works for the dual perspective thing since it's two narrators. They both were good but while I don't really know how these things work before they're published, but they've really got to make sure they're getting the best take. The narrator for Celeste (Dani Downey) flubbed a few words "get ahead" is the phrase but she said "get of head", I mean I hope it's not written like that in the book because the context is "get ahead". She also constantly said Henrik's name wrong, she kept saying HenDRICK. I can't remember if she was doing that at the start but at one point I noticed and never stopped noticing. Why didn't anyone correct her? But outside of that, they both were really good. Oh, I also need them to figure out HOW they want to say Aderyn's name. This one and Sunny Disposition pronounced it the same and Team Players said it differently.
But anyways, while I didn't really state many negatives and I actually liked it... I don't think I can go higher than 3 stars lol
March 9, 2026
5/5
I been wanting to read this book for a bit and I’m finally glad I got to it. Going into it I knew I would like this book a lot but I loved this book so more. Celeste battling her social anxiety is so relatable. However, she tries to not let it doesn’t let it stop her when she can which I found inspiring. I just saw so much of her in myself when it came to a lot of things. She is so kind and deserving of the love that Lincoln gave her throughout the book. Lincoln is someone I didn’t pay much attention to in the previous books in the series. So when I started this book I was curious about him in a way. I grew to love his character so much. Unlike other male characters he learned from his many mistakes and grew as a character. I always love a he fell first type of book. The way they grew their relationship was so cute and beautiful. It wasn’t rushed and it was no stupid third act break up. Such a beautiful story and I’m excited for the next book in this series.
I been wanting to read this book for a bit and I’m finally glad I got to it. Going into it I knew I would like this book a lot but I loved this book so more. Celeste battling her social anxiety is so relatable. However, she tries to not let it doesn’t let it stop her when she can which I found inspiring. I just saw so much of her in myself when it came to a lot of things. She is so kind and deserving of the love that Lincoln gave her throughout the book. Lincoln is someone I didn’t pay much attention to in the previous books in the series. So when I started this book I was curious about him in a way. I grew to love his character so much. Unlike other male characters he learned from his many mistakes and grew as a character. I always love a he fell first type of book. The way they grew their relationship was so cute and beautiful. It wasn’t rushed and it was no stupid third act break up. Such a beautiful story and I’m excited for the next book in this series.
March 18, 2026
Deanna Grey can do no wrong. A story as cute as it’s cover! I loved that the female main character doesn’t change to match the energy of this outgoing hockey boy. He meets her exactly where she’s at, social anxiety and all! Though he’s far from perfect, he takes interest in all the things that make her shine. Their community of friends turned to found family, is one of my favorite bookish worlds to exist.
September 19, 2026
4.75⭐️
What a sweet love these characters have 🥹 I really resonated with Celeste as a shy girly myself I felt so seen through her character and experiences. Both main characters were so sweet and deeply cared for each other & were so supportive of each other’s dreams and passions. Lincoln had me giggling & kicking my feet because why was he so down bad for her ugh I love that for her. Protect them at all costs <3
What a sweet love these characters have 🥹 I really resonated with Celeste as a shy girly myself I felt so seen through her character and experiences. Both main characters were so sweet and deeply cared for each other & were so supportive of each other’s dreams and passions. Lincoln had me giggling & kicking my feet because why was he so down bad for her ugh I love that for her. Protect them at all costs <3
October 25, 2025
This was a soft, but fun read! Celeste was everything. She reminded me a lot of myself, so I loved seeing her growth throughout the story. And I loved Lincoln as well. They were such a great match. This is truly one of, if not my absolute favorite, series of all time! I can’t wait for the next one!
4.5 stars rounded up
4.5 stars rounded up
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October 24, 2025I really enjoyed this book! It’s such a soft-love kind of story, and I loved how it explored anxiety and personal growth. I have to admit, it was just a teeny bit longer than I would have liked, but I still genuinely enjoyed it.
Celeste was such an interesting character; I really resonated with her journey. Lincoln being completely head over heels for her was so cute, and the book is full of wholesome moments. At times, it even gave me major High School Musical vibes with Gabriella and Troy, which I thought was adorable. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, soft romance that left me smiling.💕
side note, the found family trope is my favourite!!!!
Celeste was such an interesting character; I really resonated with her journey. Lincoln being completely head over heels for her was so cute, and the book is full of wholesome moments. At times, it even gave me major High School Musical vibes with Gabriella and Troy, which I thought was adorable. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, soft romance that left me smiling.💕
side note, the found family trope is my favourite!!!!
November 17, 2025
DEANNA I WILL READ EVERY BOOK YOU PUBLISH
This book was once again A BANGGEERRR I loved it with my entire soul, every character every SENTENCE was so well written. I loved it so much !
Can't wait for Henrik's book ! 💚
This book was once again A BANGGEERRR I loved it with my entire soul, every character every SENTENCE was so well written. I loved it so much !
Can't wait for Henrik's book ! 💚
October 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
i love this series
i love this series
March 15, 2026
2.5 ☆
cute, but very one-note and a little too “everything wraps up super neatly with little conflict” for me.
deanna grey is one of my favorite indie authors publishing right now, and i have really enjoyed seeing her progress as a writer throughout the series. lincoln and celeste have been teased as a couple from the first book, and i was excited to see how their dynamic shaped up—celeste’s crippling social anxiety versus lincoln’s boisterous and impulsive personality.
but both lincoln and celeste, bizarrely, felt like less developed characters than who they were in the earlier books. i think part of this is how clear the trajectory of the couple was even within the previous books, taking some of the tension out of their own novel. but i also wish that we had gotten to see more of the characters as individuals, rather than flattening them to the major conflicts in their lives. the lack of detail that we got with respect to their dreams and aspirations was also confusing, especially given what a huge role celeste’s musical plays in the novel—at no point do we even know what its name is, let alone what it’s about.
the dialogue was also kind of stilted in a way that really clashes with the ages of the characters. lincoln’s supposed to be maybe 21 or 22 at the oldest, and king is out here dropping “myriad” when he’s flirting with his crush of two years.
again, it was cute! and a relatively quick read if you want a somewhat predictable and saccharine romance. but undeniably a little bit disappointing for me.
cute, but very one-note and a little too “everything wraps up super neatly with little conflict” for me.
deanna grey is one of my favorite indie authors publishing right now, and i have really enjoyed seeing her progress as a writer throughout the series. lincoln and celeste have been teased as a couple from the first book, and i was excited to see how their dynamic shaped up—celeste’s crippling social anxiety versus lincoln’s boisterous and impulsive personality.
but both lincoln and celeste, bizarrely, felt like less developed characters than who they were in the earlier books. i think part of this is how clear the trajectory of the couple was even within the previous books, taking some of the tension out of their own novel. but i also wish that we had gotten to see more of the characters as individuals, rather than flattening them to the major conflicts in their lives. the lack of detail that we got with respect to their dreams and aspirations was also confusing, especially given what a huge role celeste’s musical plays in the novel—at no point do we even know what its name is, let alone what it’s about.
the dialogue was also kind of stilted in a way that really clashes with the ages of the characters. lincoln’s supposed to be maybe 21 or 22 at the oldest, and king is out here dropping “myriad” when he’s flirting with his crush of two years.
again, it was cute! and a relatively quick read if you want a somewhat predictable and saccharine romance. but undeniably a little bit disappointing for me.
June 12, 2026
2.0
idk i liked the first two but realized while reviewing them that i was being generous. but this… this was bad like genuinely so bad it pissed me off 😭
many things to complain about but most importantly her basically being cured from her anxiety after falling in love with a guy is just so lame
once again realized i’m getting so old i’m outgrowing college romance books but i will most likely forget about this until the next time i pick one of these up
idk i liked the first two but realized while reviewing them that i was being generous. but this… this was bad like genuinely so bad it pissed me off 😭
many things to complain about but most importantly her basically being cured from her anxiety after falling in love with a guy is just so lame
once again realized i’m getting so old i’m outgrowing college romance books but i will most likely forget about this until the next time i pick one of these up
October 20, 2025
beginning was fun, I was really excited we got their story. I really resonated with link’s struggles with wanting things and self sabotaging. But honestly they were quite boring. Took me 5 DAYS to finish it. Also, we all love our fictional men but dudeee, who talks like that??? no oneee! Also, I feel like two of them are a couple who just didn’t need explicit smut… it was just unnecessary.
December 20, 2025
these two are cuties and I have been waiting since book 1 for their story… just wish the writing was better to support it
some decisions (🌶️) seem totally out of left field for them but all in all it was a cute and easy head-empty read
some decisions (🌶️) seem totally out of left field for them but all in all it was a cute and easy head-empty read
August 8, 2026
*Safety Net* by Deanna Grey
Mendell Hawks #3
Spice Level: 🌶🌶
2 scenes across 3 chapters
This was a fun end to the series! I had been excited for Lincoln’s story.
Celeste and Lincoln hit it off a while ago, but Celeste has pretty crippling social anxiety, so after exchanging a few texts, she ghosted him. They are still in each other’s lives because they have a lot of friends in common, but anything romantic hasn’t come to fruition, much to Lincoln’s dismay. Months later, Celeste is determined to work on her anxiety and discover ways to cope with it, and Lincoln needs to take summer courses and do some additional schoolwork to avoid academic probation. Which ends up putting them back in each other’s orbits. Lincoln is thrilled! Celeste still has feelings for him, and with the work she’s put into herself, she’s hoping now can be their time. Some roadblocks get in their way, but these two are so sweet, and I love how much Lincoln supports her and tries to make her feel comfortable.
It’s quite the slow burn. Only 2 scenes and nothing happened until pretty late in the book, but it was a sweet read!
Want to know where all the spice takes place?
Find me on Instagram Whereisthespice
Or visit my website! Whereisthespice.com
Mendell Hawks #3
Spice Level: 🌶🌶
2 scenes across 3 chapters
This was a fun end to the series! I had been excited for Lincoln’s story.
Celeste and Lincoln hit it off a while ago, but Celeste has pretty crippling social anxiety, so after exchanging a few texts, she ghosted him. They are still in each other’s lives because they have a lot of friends in common, but anything romantic hasn’t come to fruition, much to Lincoln’s dismay. Months later, Celeste is determined to work on her anxiety and discover ways to cope with it, and Lincoln needs to take summer courses and do some additional schoolwork to avoid academic probation. Which ends up putting them back in each other’s orbits. Lincoln is thrilled! Celeste still has feelings for him, and with the work she’s put into herself, she’s hoping now can be their time. Some roadblocks get in their way, but these two are so sweet, and I love how much Lincoln supports her and tries to make her feel comfortable.
It’s quite the slow burn. Only 2 scenes and nothing happened until pretty late in the book, but it was a sweet read!
Want to know where all the spice takes place?
Find me on Instagram Whereisthespice
Or visit my website! Whereisthespice.com
January 21, 2026
first book of 2026 and it's a good one.
personally the best books for me a those where i see myself in the characters. in this book i didn't just see myself in Celeste but in Lincoln as well.
the way Celestes social anxiety was portrayed was almost exactly the way i feel especially when meeting new people. feeling the need to curate every response to make sure that i'm not seen as rude or stuck.
Lincoln may be a yapper (unlike me) but his ADHD is described so well. the way Lincoln never fully commits himself to anything unless he believes he'll excel is my lived experience.
but enough about me. i loved this book! Celeste and Lincolns story was beautifully written. the time and steady pace of their relationship is so realistic and we'll written. the care they each have for one another is soon cute! their actions and the way the speak life into one another is everything.
all in all, i loved this book. and it's always good seeing characters from previous books still being happy and in love in this book.
personally the best books for me a those where i see myself in the characters. in this book i didn't just see myself in Celeste but in Lincoln as well.
the way Celestes social anxiety was portrayed was almost exactly the way i feel especially when meeting new people. feeling the need to curate every response to make sure that i'm not seen as rude or stuck.
Lincoln may be a yapper (unlike me) but his ADHD is described so well. the way Lincoln never fully commits himself to anything unless he believes he'll excel is my lived experience.
but enough about me. i loved this book! Celeste and Lincolns story was beautifully written. the time and steady pace of their relationship is so realistic and we'll written. the care they each have for one another is soon cute! their actions and the way the speak life into one another is everything.
all in all, i loved this book. and it's always good seeing characters from previous books still being happy and in love in this book.
November 4, 2026
“To be loved is to be known.” Celeste and Lincoln radiant this so so much. I love the message of them technically being polar opposites yet have similar internal conflicts, making them so relatable to anyone reading. They’re so adorable and I honestly see so much of myself in both of them, particularly Celeste. We need more representation of socially anxious black girls and Celeste’s internal dialogue and interactions felt so authentic and true to my own experience.
My only critique we would be some parts of Celeste’s personal journey (e.g her suddenly being sure of herself) felt rushed. I think if the book had at least 50-100 more pages, it could’ve fleshed it out more. But overall, I loved this book and Deanna’s writing style, which I found simple yet effective. By the 20% mark, I was already mourning leaving these characters/the world behind. Please give us another Celeste and Lincoln book!
My only critique we would be some parts of Celeste’s personal journey (e.g her suddenly being sure of herself) felt rushed. I think if the book had at least 50-100 more pages, it could’ve fleshed it out more. But overall, I loved this book and Deanna’s writing style, which I found simple yet effective. By the 20% mark, I was already mourning leaving these characters/the world behind. Please give us another Celeste and Lincoln book!
January 6, 2026
And when i say i want relatable black girls THIS IS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT HELLO!!.
to my shy, chronically anxious, musical lovers black girls RISEEE this is the book for the hive. I think I’ll never forget the characterization of Celsete. Deanna Grey wrote her perfectly. I have 100 highlights of her inner monologue where i am like “that’s so real”. To my anxious girls this book shows how you how much you deserve love 🥹 and will receive love no matter how much you might run from it. Lincoln was so patient and so down bad for herrrr i love it. I love books where the guy is already down bad for her>>> meet cute chapters. Would i recommend absolutely if you like life in itself. Sweet relatable and funny MY ROMANCE BOOK TYPE.
to my shy, chronically anxious, musical lovers black girls RISEEE this is the book for the hive. I think I’ll never forget the characterization of Celsete. Deanna Grey wrote her perfectly. I have 100 highlights of her inner monologue where i am like “that’s so real”. To my anxious girls this book shows how you how much you deserve love 🥹 and will receive love no matter how much you might run from it. Lincoln was so patient and so down bad for herrrr i love it. I love books where the guy is already down bad for her>>> meet cute chapters. Would i recommend absolutely if you like life in itself. Sweet relatable and funny MY ROMANCE BOOK TYPE.
January 9, 2026
Celeste and Lincoln was very cute. Celeste was very relatable and to see her overwhelm her anxiety to fulfill her dreams was wonderful. Lincoln was a great mmc that was in love with Celeste. I hadn’t read the first book of the series but I am glad it wasn’t insta love between the two characters. It was very fluffy and cute, the ending however… could’ve did without THAT scene but the follow up was a nice ending.
March 22, 2026
I really was excited to read about Lincoln since he was so funny throughout the series and excited about Celeste since she was so cute! I love how the author went into detail about Celeste’s social anxiety and great representation! I thought they were so cute but I just feel like something was missing
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