Resurge

by Jaynhi Allen

Lainey Addo fought her way out of prison and straight onto the basketball court, chasing a WNBA dream with the Coastal Sirens. But the past doesn’t release its grip so easily, especially when Axel Lee Carson, her ex and the former captain of the Coastal Titans, still haunts every move she makes. Once high school sweethearts, now sworn rivals, their chemistry is volatile, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. Every glance is a challenge. Every game is a reminder of what they lost.

When the powerful Carson family resurfaces with threats that put Lainey’s future and her life at risk, Axel risks everything to protect the one woman he was never able to forget. Old wounds tear open. Buried feelings ignite. And a love they thought was dead begins to burn again. In a world where trust is the ultimate gamble, can they rewrite their story before it destroys them both?

Resurge is a pulse-pounding enemies-to-lovers sports romance packed with obsession, heat, and heartbreak.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Sports Romance

450 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2026

About the author

Jaynhi Allen is a passionate storyteller and author of captivating romance, fantasy, thriller, and dark romance novels. With a talent for weaving complex characters and emotionally charged narratives, she invites readers into worlds where love, danger, and passion collide.

In addition to her love for storytelling, Jaynhi has a background in airline tourism, aviation, customer service, and hospitality management. Her diverse experiences enrich her writing, bringing depth and authenticity to her characters and the worlds they inhabit.

Reviews

[Nimisha Singh]

Thank you so much NetGalley for giving me the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’ll try to keep this short!

I DNFed this book at around 40% because it felt extremely repetitive. I tried so hard to keep reading... what surprised me the most was how the same thoughts were repeated again and again in long paragraphs, sometimes just a few lines apart. Everything kept circling around the same points- I hate him, I hate her, I killed a monster, my dad is my hero, he’s not a monster, he turned me in, I regret what I did… and that’s it. Almost 40% of the book felt stuck on this loop with very little actual progress. What makes it even more disappointing is that the story had so much potential. The premise was genuinely strong, and the idea behind it was really interesting but the execution didn’t match up. It was a true enemies to lovers setup and I did enjoy those moments, but it faded out way too quickly. Also, Lainey’s hatred for Axel felt more like something written on paper rather than something you could actually feel through actions, which made it harder to enjoy anything. I can’t say much but this one just didn’t work for me. That said, it might still work for others, so you can give it a try if you’re curious. <3

[Boris Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You ever hear about love so deep it turns to hate? Like a fire that burns too hot, consuming everything—trees, homes, hearts—until it's just ash, leaving scars where warmth used to be? Like a river that runs so wild it floods, drowning what it’s meant to nurture?”

Jaynhi Allen writes pain with a kind of gentleness that does not soften it, but makes it bearable. Her dialogue feels lived-in, like it’s carrying a history underneath every word, and her pacing is just so deliberate, letting every emotion breathe without dragging the story down. That’s how I felt reading this book. From the plot, characters, and dialogue, Resurge is one of those stories that pulls at the most powerful human emotions; grief, resentment, loyalty, and the desperate hope that love might still survive the wreckage. What really struck me most was the character development. From one character who wasn’t just another victim but a person constantly struggling with the weight of their past and the hatred they’ve learned to wear like armor, to another whose life serves as a reminder that regret can be both a wound and a compass. It felt natural to me while ‘watching’ these two get vulnerable, rebuild, and face their ghosts together.
I believe this book mirrors real-life struggles in a way that’s uncomfortable but realistic: the way trauma lingers long after freedom, how family pain influences who we become, and how we often sabotage the very happiness we fight so desperately to find.
Reading it, I felt a constant thrum in my chest. The hatred between the main characters was rooted in heartbreak so deep that even I found myself torn between wanting them apart and wanting them to find their way back to each other. And when they start slowly cracking open again, it feels like watching two people relearn how to breathe.
Resurge is ultimately about choosing love over fear, even when fear feels safer. It’s about confronting the ugliest parts of yourself so you can finally be free. And by the end, I wasn’t just rooting for the characters but also for every part of myself that has ever tried to heal from hurt.

I absolutely cannot wait to grab a copy for my shelf! I hope that everyone looks forward to this book in 2026.

[Charisma (charismatic_bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!

3.5 stars.

From the beginning, I was hooked. The story was amazing. The tension?? Out of this world!! The groveling, the loving, the begging ugh sooo good! The craziness I was down!!!!

My problem came in the last 20 or so chapters when the plot got a bit convoluted and just plain confusing. Towards the end it just seemed to have drama for the sake of drama.

I hope that before the novel comes out, there is a bit more plot revision. The writing itself is flawless, that doesn’t need any touch ups in my opinion.

Overall, a good book just needs some adjusting! I’m excited for Devin and Anya’s story and will definitely be reading. I’m so glad to have read this book and I’m excited to see where Jayhni Allen goes in her career!

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly don't know what I was expecting when I picked this up... but whatever it was it 100% exceeded it lmao I honestly thought this would be your everyday sports romance novel but it was so much more!!

The drama, the tension, the groveling!!! I was full of emotions!

I will say while I loved Lainey there were a lot of moments where she just plain pissed me off lmaoo some of her decisions just didn't make sense to me, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't help play into the full drama aspect of the story.

The side characters were amazing to see! I love when stories actually include side characters into the plot and not just random one offs placed in one or two chapters. Being able to see the depth of these friendships form over time was such incredible writing!!

I'll say the only issue was that some of the story was very repetitive in the sense of the main issue. Everything kept circling back to it and it got a little tiring after a while.

But overall this was a wonderful novel!! I can't wait to read more by Jaynhi Allen!

[KindledbyKisses · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨📚 ARC REVIEW 📚✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Stars

ARC Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Jaynhi Allen for providing me with an ARC of Resurge in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I received no compensation for this review.

Resurge by Jaynhi Allen was everything I love in a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance and more.

When I first started this story, I genuinely thought there was no way Axel and Lainey would ever be able to coexist in the same room, let alone fall in love. The guilt, anger, resentment, and pain they carried at the beginning of this story felt impossible to overcome. The entire time I found myself wondering: Could love really conquer all?

And wow... these two went through literal hell.

Set against the backdrop of college life and basketball, Jaynhi takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with heartbreak, betrayal, rage, healing, and ultimately love. Her writing is so vivid that I didn’t just read the emotions;I felt them. Every ounce of hurt, every moment of anger, every betrayal, every spark of happiness practically leaped off the page.

Axel’s groveling had me rooting for him while Lainey fought with everything she had to keep her walls up. Yet every time her heart betrayed her, I couldn’t help but smile. Their journey wasn’t easy, clean, or conventional; but honestly, what love story ever is? Love can be reckless, painful, messy, and wild, and Resurge captured that beautifully.

And can we talk about the chemistry? 🥵🌶️ The passion between Axel and Lainey was undeniable. The intimate scenes were written with so much emotion and tension that I had to catch myself a few times because whew... the spice was definitely spicing! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I also have to give some love to Devin and Anya. From the moment they appeared on the page, I knew in my gut they deserved their own story. They had their own struggles, their own pain, and their own depth that made me want more. Finding out my suspicions were right made me so happy because they absolutely earned it.

At its core, Resurge is about forgiveness, healing, growth, and finding your way back to the person meant for you. The road wasn’t easy, but watching Axel and Lainey fight their way through the darkness and choose love was beautiful to witness.

Thank you, Jaynhi, for the opportunity to experience this story early. 💕❤️

#KindledByKisses #ARCReview #NetGalleyReviewer  #JaynhiAllen #Explorepage

[Alexandria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You ever hear about love so deep it twists into hate? Like a fire that burns too hot, devouring souls until only embers remain, leaving scars where warmth used to be? Like a river that runs so wild it floods, drowning what it meant to nurture?”

And babes...THAT is exactly what this book felt like.
Not because Axel and Lainey stopped loving each other. But because they never did.

Resurge is one of those romances where the heartbreak happened long before page one. The damage is already done. The wounds are already open. And now you're left watching two people who once planned forever try to survive the wreckage.

Lainey Addo fought her way out of prison and back onto the basketball court, determined to rebuild her life and chase her WNBA dreams.

Axel Carson is the man she once loved. The man who turned her in. The man she blames for everything. And somehow...The man she still can't stop loving. WHEW BABES.

Neither Axel nor Lainey are perfect.
They're messy. They're broken.
They're carrying enough pain to drown in.
The hatred between them wasn't manufactured. It came from love. The kind of love that shattered so completely neither of them knew how to put themselves back together afterward.

Lainey…My girl has been through HELL. She fought for her freedom. She fought for her future. She fought for herself.
Even when everyone else wanted her to stay buried under her past.

Her strength jumped off every single page. And while I wanted to shake her a few times for keeping secrets...I understood her.
Because trauma has a way of convincing you nobody will choose you once they know the whole truth.🥺

This is a story about healing.
About forgiveness.
About learning that sometimes surviving isn't enough.
You have to learn how to live again too.

The basketball backdrop added so much intensity because both Axel and Lainey were fighting for more than each other.
They were fighting for their futures.
Their identities.
Their dreams.

This wasn't a romance about two people falling in love.
This was a romance about two people finding their way BACK to a love they never truly let go of.
And babes...Those always hurt the most.🥹❤️🏀

[Lawlah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roller Coaster of Emotions and Romance!

Resurge is an absolutely beautiful read, packed with enemies-to-lovers, second chances, angst, sports romance, college romance, and the theme of “it’s always been you.” This book has it all!

The story follows Lainey, who accidentally kills Axel’s father. Axel, devastated, is the one who turns her over to the police. Fast forward three years, and Lainey is acquitted and discharged from all charges. The plot takes you on a wild ride as Axel discovers his father wasn’t the saint he thought he was, nor the victim he believed. The author beautifully captures the range of emotions Axel experiences as he navigates this painful truth.

Lainey’s character, however, frustrated me at times. While I understand her actions, I couldn’t quite forgive how she kept Axel in the dark about his father’s wrongdoings. She didn’t trust him enough to share the truth or believe that he would support her. The author’s writing was spot-on, though, showing the tension between their characters.

The side characters were vibrant and added so much depth to the story, though there were quite a few of them, which sometimes felt a bit overwhelming.

Overall, Resurge is a 4-star read that I highly recommend. Huge thanks to the author for the ARC!

[Brooke ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars!!

Thank you so much Netgalley for the ARC!!!

Honestly this book had me hooked from the jump- however i forogt to write my rating on this lol. This plotline was so unique??? I mean the pure burning hatred that Lainey and Axel had after everything went down for each other was weirdly refreshing- usually enemies to lovers the enemies be real lukewarm and flirty- but this was like pure "I hope you die" vibes and i lived for every second of it. I loved how Axel jumped into protect Lainey, and how his guilt began eating him ALIVEEEE LIKE YESSSSSSS BEG!!!! GROVEL!!!!! Ugh absolutely yall. This was so good and so well written.

This was my first book by Jaynhi Allen but it will NOTTTT be my last by a long shot.

[Symone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the premise of the book. Two people who went from first love to enemies? I couldn't wait to see how they found their way back to each other and watch the tension turn into passion.

The beginning had me locked in. But as I got further into the story, it started to feel repetitive. Lain was doing a little too much for me when it came to the hate. Some of it felt unnecessary, and I found myself craving more balance in that aspect of the story. I also would have liked a bit more structure to the plot.

Even with my critiques, I'd still be open to exploring more of this author's work. I could still feel the talent behind the story and im curious to see what's next.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC opportunity 🙏🏾.

[Eliza Hall]

Check out my book review: https://youtu.be/LeHr_vgfYtY

When I started Resurge, I was immediately drawn into the story. The opening is strong and engaging, and I was hooked from the very first chapter. The plot was easy to follow, and the writing flowed well, which made the story feel smooth and immersive. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its premise. The relationship between Lainey and Axel is emotionally targeted and explores themes of grief, trauma, sexual abuse and revenge, which motivated me to become more invested in the characters and their stories.

However, as the story continued, several issues made it harder to stay fully engaged. The biggest problem was the amount of internal dialogue and reflection. Both characters repeatedly revisited the same memories and past events. While these moments help explain their emotions, they are used so often that they begin to feel repetitive. Instead of adding new insight for the reader, they slow the story down and pull attention away from the present plot.

Lainey was also a challenging character to connect with. Her anger is understandable given her trauma, but she spends much of the novel emotionally stuck. She remains focused on her resentment toward Axel and struggles to move beyond it. Her feelings often shift quickly. One moment she deeply hates him, and the next she is willing to make peace. While grief can cause emotional inconsistency, this happened so often that it starts to feel repetitive rather than realistic. For example, she stays in his apartment, he fixes her breakfast and she wishes him dead. In addition, she says things like she wants to use him and will make sure in the end he kills his own mother.... What? I know that at times, a YA frontal lobe is still developing but this lacks tact.

Axel, on the other hand, shows more emotional maturity. He seems to have reached a greater level of acceptance and genuinely wants to heal and move forward. This made him feel like the more developed and grounded character.

By the halfway point, I expected the story to take a significant turn. Instead, the plot remains largely centered on Lainey’s anger and the same unresolved emotions. Because of this, the pacing feels slow and the book has become longer than necessary.

On the other hand, I still believe Resurge has a strong and meaningful story. With less repetition, fewer reflective passages, and faster plot development, the novel would have been much more engaging.

Recommended for: Readers who enjoy emotionally driven young adult stories that focus on grief, trauma, and complicated relationships.

Not recommended for: Readers who prefer faster plots and steady character development with less repetitive introspection.

[Eve Tsak · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ If PAIN and CHEMISTRY had a baby, this would be it. I knew going in that it was darker than what I normally read, and honestly, I haven’t picked up a dark romance in quite a while. But the premise alone had me hooked because I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever come across a story quite like this before. The fact that Axel and Lainey were each other’s first loves, that they shared a home, a life, and a future, only for everything to shatter after one life-altering moment, immediately pulled me in.

What I loved most about Resurge was that beneath all the darkness, tension, heartbreak, and trauma, it was still very much a story about love. Not the easy kind of love, but the kind that survives years of pain, resentment, guilt, and longing. From the very beginning, you can feel that neither of them has ever truly moved on, and that underlying ache follows them throughout the entire story.

The writing was absolutely beautiful. There’s something so poetic about the way the author writes emotion. Even when nothing dramatic was happening, I found myself highlighting passages simply because of how well the feelings were captured on the page. The pain, the grief, the guilt, the anger—it all felt incredibly vivid. I could understand both of them, even when they frustrated me.

And trust me, they frustrated me.

There were so many moments where I wanted to wrap both Axel and Lainey in blankets and force them to sit down and talk to each other. I completely understood why Lainey had built walls around herself and why she was trying to protect her own heart, but there were also so many moments where my heart absolutely broke for Axel. Once you start seeing everything from his perspective, it’s impossible not to feel for him. Beneath all the anger and heartbreak, he was still completely gone for her.

The chemistry between them was incredible. The tension was there from the very beginning, and once they finally started giving in to it, I was obsessed. Their relationship felt messy, emotional, passionate, and completely consuming in a way that fit their story perfectly.

I also loved the found family aspect of this book. Sometimes amidst all the angst and romance, it was those friendships and connections that really stood out to me. Devin and Anya completely stole my attention whenever they were on the page, and I am already desperate for their story. And honestly? I’d happily read an Ian book too because this entire group has me invested.

One of my favourite things about this story was how emotionally connected everything felt. Just when you thought one couple had found a little bit of peace, something else would happen and the tension would come rushing back. It kept me completely invested because I genuinely had no idea how everything was going to unfold.

And can we talk about that one moment where Axel wanted to disappear into his own head and Lainey basically said absolutely not, you’re texting me and you’re coming home? I loved that. For all her stubbornness and walls, she cared just as fiercely as he did, and those moments reminded me exactly why these two belonged together.

This was emotional, addictive, beautifully written, and unlike anything I’ve read recently. The storyline was so well executed, the romance was heartbreaking in the best way, and by the end I was completely invested not only in Axel and Lainey, but in everyone around them too.

Now please give me Devin and Anya immediately.

🤍 Favourite Quotes:

♡ “That to survive, I need to hate him more than he could ever hate me.”

♡ “But you didn’t, and I didn’t, and now we’re these two broken souls, drowning in hurt, unable to find our way back.”

♡ “God, how am I still this fucking obsessed with someone who hates my guts?”

♡ “I’d drain every cent I’ve got for you and sleep fine.”

♡ “I’m done drowning in the dark without you. I don’t care what it takes. I’m yours to wreck, to do whatever you want.”

♡ “There’s no after without you. There’s just… nothing. No world that makes sense.”

♡ “I’d rewrite fate, claw through the dark just to keep the light in your eyes alive.”


♡ Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the eARC ♡

[Gabi · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 73%

I love enemies to lovers trope and when I received this Arc, I was so happy and couldn't wait to dive in.
The beginning was strong not only in emotions, but in actions too. One of my first thoughts about this book was - 'Damn, this is so violent!'
This is true enemies to lovers, but in a contemporary setting (then, I think, the mafia ties get in, but not entirely sure, as I dnf-ed) and it's kind of staggering to see what it looks like in real life, or as much real a book can be.

The story follows Lainey, an orphan, taken by a rich family as a servant, that at some point kills the father. She goes to prison and 3 years later she gets out and gets exempt from the crime. She is free to continue her life as she was living it before, or at least in the eyes of the law.
Then there is Axel, the son of the killed man and Lainey's first love. With her new freedom a lot of feelings, and secrets start to resurface and bring chaos.

I think this book wasn't for me. It was very dramatic. I usually love the angst between the characters, but this felt weird. Everything just felt over the top, most of the time without a viable reason. And there was a lot of repetition going on. Maybe the first 30-40% there was no progress in the plot, just a cycle of over explanation about the hate between them.
Lainey was supposed to be this strong and fierce woman, that survived so much and is doing everything to achieve her dreams, but to me she kinda felt like a person with victim mentality, blaming everyone around, rather than except what happened and try to heal. And let me just tell you now, I'm not saying she didn't have the right to blame some of the people, but she needed to bear, even if just a little part of the responsibility, because for some things she could have done something (like maybe run from the predator after she became old enough to be on her own).

I was overwhelmed most of the time reading, not only by the characters' choices, but their thoughts and reactions too. Lainey jumped so hard on the blaming wagon, without giving the time, her story and chance to Axel to grasp with the whole picture, so then he can make an informed decision about her.

It really got too much for me and I just couldn't continue.

Thank you NetGalley and Jaynhi Allen for the ARC.






Oh my god!! The interview!!!! that was so stupid, why not just go, or break their faces? Why stay and why answer the questions? That scene was so frustrating for me I had stopped reading after every answer, I couldn't believe they indulge these idiots.... That was just not ok.

[Ecem Esen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resurge had me in an absolute chokehold from the start. Give me messy second chances, unresolved tension, obsession disguised as hatred, and two people who clearly still love each other despite trying to destroy one another emotionally? Inject it directly into my veins.
Lainey and Axel’s relationship felt so raw and emotionally charged the entire time. You can FEEL the history between them in every interaction in every argument, every stare across the court, every moment where they’re trying to act unaffected while clearly going insane inside. The enemies-to-lovers energy here is less playful banter and more “we survived heartbreak but never survived each other,” and honestly? That hit way harder.

I also loved how emotional the story felt underneath all the tension and chemistry. Lainey fighting for a future after everything she’s been through made her such an easy character to root for, and Axel being willing to risk everything for her despite their past added so much depth to the romance. Their connection felt volatile in the best possible way and was passionate, painful, and impossible to ignore.

And the SPORTS ROMANCE tension?? The rivalry between the teams, the pressure, the public image, the competitive edge woven into their relationship made everything feel even more intense. Every scene between them carried this electric push-and-pull energy that kept me completely invested.

If you love second-chance romance with high emotional stakes, obsessive chemistry, protective exes who never truly moved on, and characters carrying years of hurt and longing, Resurge absolutely delivers. It’s dramatic, addictive, emotional, and full of the kind of angst that romance readers live for

[Casey R Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Interesting Premise That Needed Stronger Execution

2.5 stars

📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf

Book: 98
Dates read: 05.18.2026
Title: The Resurge
Author: Jaynhi Allen
Format: digital ARC

#caseysbookshelf

I really wanted this one to work for me because the premise had so much potential. A second chance sports romance with high emotional stakes, family drama, revenge, and lingering chemistry? On paper, it sounds like exactly my kind of read.

But unfortunately, the execution made it difficult for me to fully connect to the story.

One of the things I value most in contemporary romance is emotional authenticity and believable character journeys. And the further I got into this book, the harder it became for me to suspend disbelief. From the basketball storyline to some of the major plot developments, too many moments felt unrealistic in ways that pulled me out of the story instead of deeper into it.

The pacing also struggled for me because so much of the narrative circled the same emotional beats repeatedly without enough forward momentum. There’s a lot of anger, resentment, and internal reflection, but not enough evolution to make the relationship feel convincing by the end.

I also think this story could have benefited from stronger developmental editing. There are interesting ideas here, but the plot and character arcs needed more refinement to fully land emotionally.

That said, I can absolutely see readers who enjoy dramatic, emotionally heavy romances connecting with this more than I did. Reading is subjective, and unfortunately this one just wasn’t for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the #giftedcopy in exchange for an honest review.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟3.75 stars!
Wow talk about intense! Jaynhi Allen certainly knows how to start off a book! Within the first paragraph I was hooked. If you enjoy a second chance romance mixed with an ‘enemies to lovers’ theme then you should definitely give this book a try!
With FMC Lainey released from prison for murdering the father of our MMC Axel, we see them find their way back to each other and fight through some hard situations and intense emotions. This book also sets you up for the second book that will follow the friends of the MCs.
The author really did a great job of making you feel how both characters felt. I found myself really sympathizing with Lainey and getting angry in her behalf, especially in the earlier chapters before Lainey fully explains to Axel why she had to kill his father. Now Axel??? It really took me some time to warm up to him. Battling between understanding his anger and also feeling like he was being to harsh with Lainey and in denial about his father. I’m
glad he ended up getting it together.
I do wish there had been more on the romance aspect and less of the back and forth between Lainey and Axel. Seemed like they spent more time fighting each other and breaking up than they actually spent together. And by the time they started to really get it together the book was close to ending. At time the drama and mystery of the backstory overshadowed the relationship between the two MCs. I would’ve like to see more of the as a couple before the epilogue. Overall a solid story! I will definitely be back for book 2 to see what happens with Anya and Devin.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC and opportunity!

[Ifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Jaynhi Allen for an advanced reader copy of this book.

4.5 stars - now THIS was a wild ride. I think this is the first time I have been convinced that enemies to lovers can exist in contemporary romance. This was REAL hatred, real tension, real toxicity, and intense angst. This book, and Lainey and Axel, put me through it. There were so many raw emotions that at many points I didn't know if their love could be salvageable.

I enjoyed how raw this was. I could feel the grief, the intensity of the emotions, and how hard it was for them to come back to each other after everything that transpired between them. Sometimes, things were glazed over and I wish I got more explanations for some events that happened, but I was hooked every page.

I love the way Allen writes. It is very poetic. The internal monologues and thoughts of the characters, as well as their confessions, were so beautifully written. I have a ton of highlights from this book because there were so many passages I wanted to remember.

This book put me through the ringer. It was a roller coaster of emotions and I couldn't decide if they should or should not be together for the longest time. But after everything that happened, I was rooting for them, and rooting for them to be happy together. I loved the journey I went on with these two, even when they stressed me!

I'm so curious about the second book now, especially after all the history that was introduced.

[Melanie E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read this ARC!
As a sports lover and an avid basketball fan, the premise of the book was strong and the synopsis truly pulled me in, but that execution fell a bit flat for me and for this reason, I rated this book 3 stars.

This book did a lot of things right. There was drama, tension, and TRUE friend to enemies to lovers emotionally charged interactions. You could literally feel the anger and hatred between the FMC and MMC jumping off the page. It was almost tangible. However, for A LOT of the first half of the book, that's all there was: ANGER. It built tension and it was palpable, but it also felt VERY repetitive with no real progression to the story. As a reader, I felt like I was circling the proverbial drain for the first 20 to 25 chapters.

Also, I was not drawn into either of the main characters and that contributed to my not being able to connect with the story fully.

With that being said, this story give dak romance in some parts and Lainey and Axel do eventually figure things out amongst themselves and the journey back to each other is QUITE the ride. One thing I really loved about this book, and I think others will too, is Lainey's friend, Anya, and Axel's best friend, Devin. I feel that these two side characters added a lot to the story.

Overall, definitely give this book a try and take a chance on Lainey and Axel!

[♡Joan Vegas♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4.25 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC.
I absolutely loved this book. The story was incredible — sports romance, murder, spice, drama, and so much more.
Lainey Addo has just been accused of murdering Axel’s dad and is on her way to prison, but deep down she wants her boyfriend to stand by her as there is more to the story . Axel was convinced she was responsible for what happened to his father, and his distaste for her grew rapidly.
What I loved most about this book was how connected I felt to the characters. There were no plot holes, and the drama throughout the story kept me fully invested, which is something I always appreciate in a book. I also loved the tension between the male and female characters because it gave the story more depth and meaning. It wasn’t just about getting back together; it was about healing, grief, anger, revenge, love, and acceptance.
Honestly, I didn’t want them to get back together at first, but at the end of the day, love always wins.
While reading this book, I didn’t notice any typographical errors. It was smooth, engaging, and very easy to read. The pictures included in the book were also really nice. This is my first time reading a book by this author, and I would definitely love to read more from her in the future. Thankfully, there’s going to be another book coming out soon, and I’m really looking forward to reading it.

[Keaundray Osborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The good:

The book started off with a really good plot. The FMC, Lainey, kills the MMC, Axel’s dad, because he is a creep and deserves to die for all the sins that he committed. This second chance romance was one that both parties needed. And the story being told was done really well to a point. The author makes you really hate the dad and Axel’s family for what they did to the women in the story. The author truly makes you feel for Lainey and all the problems that she goes through. And we do get a satisfying ending to the underlying story. This was a solid four-star book based off that. I liked certain things about this book and wish I could have loved it.

The bad:
I mentioned second chance romance, yeah, that was a good until they keep running away from each other and breaking up to “protect” the other person every 6 chapters. Also, I feel like the mystery part of the book should have been longer. Yes, you had us trying to figure out who killed her, and then like 60 percent of the book, you tell us who it is, and now it’s just okay, what do we do with the rest of the book? And that’s how the points keep getting knocked down. The author gave us them as a couple chapters of them being a regular couple and actually letting each other love each other. They are like that toxic best friend you give advice to, but they don’t listen. The book became repetitive.

[Tiahne Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Resurge was a compelling read that drew me in with its strong character relationships, emotional tension, and plenty of yearning.

One of my favourite aspects of this book was the connections between the characters. The relationships felt genuine and well-developed, and I found myself becoming invested in their journeys and the bonds they formed along the way. The yearning was particularly well done, creating a tension that kept me turning the pages and hoping for certain outcomes.

The story was engaging, and I enjoyed watching the characters navigate the challenges in front of them. There was a strong emotional core running throughout the novel that helped balance the action and conflict.

My main struggle was with the level of violence depicted. Given that the characters are college-aged, some of the violence felt surprisingly intense and, at times, quite jarring. While it served a purpose within the story, there were moments where the contrast between the characters' ages and the brutality of certain events pulled me out of the narrative.

That said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience. The character dynamics, emotional depth, and romantic tension were enough to keep me invested from beginning to end.

[Jae | Cautionary · Rating 2 out of 5]

[2.5 stars]

First things first, the cover is beautiful!

Lainey Addo and Axel Lee Carson took me on a journey. The initial chapters hooked me. Lainey was released from prison and she was intent on rebuilding her life whilst Axel was hellbent on destroying it.

Both characters were complex and being in their minds was an experience. I liked the diversity on both of Lainey and Axel’s basketball teams, their individual and collective friendships, and bits and pieces of the romance.

There are things that made this novel hard to digest though: At times, it read as though Lainey was more upset with Axel than warranted and that didn’t sit right with me. Their relationship was rocky with so many turns it was always one thing after another keeping them apart.

Axel started coming across as monologue-y, Lainey was hot and cold, and the repetition of words and lines had me rechecking which chapter I was on.

My main questions while reading were “How will Lainey heal?” and “How will they fall in love despite everything?” and the answers I got to those questions did not satisfy me.

Resurge had some good moments and maybe someone else will enjoy it better than I did.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Jaynhi Allen for this e-ARC.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Resurge by Jaynhi Allen, part of the Blackthorne Series, not knowing exactly what to expect—but it completely pulled me in. From the very beginning, the story had this intensity that kept me turning pages, and the emotional depth of the characters really stood out.

What I appreciated most was how layered the characters felt. They weren’t perfect, and that made their journeys even more compelling. You could really feel the tension, the growth, and the personal struggles they each faced. The chemistry between the main characters was strong, and the way their relationship developed felt both dramatic and meaningful.

The writing style was engaging and easy to get into, but still packed with emotion and detail. There were moments that had me frustrated, moments that made me smile, and moments that honestly surprised me. It’s the kind of book that keeps you thinking even after you’ve finished it.

Overall, Resurge is a captivating addition to the Blackthorne Series. If you enjoy stories with emotional depth, complex relationships, and a bit of intensity, this is definitely worth the read.

[Dana Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Resurge is a fantastic plot line. I think Jayhni Allen has successfully written something new that I personally haven't read thus far. I was on the border of a 3.5 to 4 star rating. This book follows Lainey and Axel in a dual POV style read. Lainey lived with axels family when her parents died. She came as help in their home and slowly fell in love with Axel. When Axel comes home and finds his father dead at the hands of Lainey he quickly has her arrested. Now all charges are dropped after 3 years of being locked up and they both are attending the same university with dreams of hitting it big in basketball. Axel hates Lainey and Lainey hates Axel for not hearing her side of the story. As information is coming out that proves Lainey was the real victim Axel is left confused and angry. Will they come back together or forever hate eachother? My hesitation on my rating is solely due to repetitive story telling. All the ideas and plot and anger and angst is there but we often are re reading things over and over again that I personally think could be left out. All together though I really enjoyed this!

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Tales & Teacups for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

Resurge has all the ingredients for a dramatic second-chance sports romance — former sweethearts turned enemies, intense chemistry, family secrets, and high-stakes basketball.

Lainey’s journey from prison to chasing her WNBA dream was easily the strongest part of the story. Her determination and resilience made her a character I wanted to root for, and the tension between her and Axel created some compelling moments. Their history was layered with pain, betrayal, and unresolved feelings, and I enjoyed seeing them slowly confront their past.

However, the romance often felt more driven by their physical attraction than by rebuilding the emotional trust they had lost. Given everything that had happened between them, I wanted more meaningful conversations and deeper development before their relationship reignited. Some of the family drama and threats also felt over-the-top at times, making certain plot points difficult to fully invest in.

Overall, Resurge is a fast-paced, emotional read with plenty of passion, angst, and sports drama.

[Jess Keast · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 23%.

I'm an avid basketball fan and when i saw this book I realised I've never read a basketball book! Thought this would be a romance from the cover but the blurb makes it clear it's not. Still thought I'd give it a try and it had a promising start.

Too many inconsistencies.
At one point Lainey gets the ball blocked and then it's not explained how she gets the ball back.
Axel is given one more chance by the coach and then walks out and does something that should 100% be his third strike! How does he get away with that?
His flatmates don't hear screaming and crying coming from his room?

Too many duplicate descriptions. A sick dread settles in Axel's bones twice in two paragraphs, the description of her hair tied up, his dead dad etc.

I didn't find either main character at all likeable. I read plenty of crime/murder mysteries and swear like a sailor but this one just isn't me.

If you like dark, dirty and dangerous might like it.



Thanks to netgalley for the advance ebook copy.

[Jael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn’t quite what I expected when I requested it. I’ve been in my sports romance era so was excited when I got accepted for this ARC last week. First off, this story has romance, has some spice, and has some sports but I wouldn’t classify it as a typical sports romance. This had so many complex layers to it all tied up in first love, major traumas, and was heavy on the enemies part of enemies to lovers. The characters are complicated and there is so much animosity between them. To me, it read more like a mafia or a slightly darker romance because there are a lot of morally gray and problematic behavior by both main characters. Normally I love a romance that makes me giddy and kick my feet. This was not that, yet I couldn’t put it down.

There were some definite cringy moments and I found the characters were repetitive in a lot of places, which didn’t land with me. I think it could have been at least 50 pages shorter with another edit to take out some of the repetition. But the story itself held my attention.

I received this book as an e-ARC.

[Cobalt's Son · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a classic case of a book that had so much potential to be excellent but ended up being just okay. The premise—with the whole setup of her killing the protagonist’s father—held so much promise. However, as the story unfolded, the plot escalated way too quickly. The characters went through some seriously heavy stuff but reacted as if it were absolutely nothing. Even so, there were a few scenes and passages that I genuinely enjoyed. While the main couple had the potential to really win me over, I have to admit that the side couple (who will star in Rebound) caught my attention way more. I wanted to get to know Ian a lot better, and I really liked Devin and wished we got more of him. The core issue with this book is that it reads like a vertical soap opera app (and a mediocre one at that). Things just keep happening, and the characters just casually accept all these horrific situations. That being said, Lainey is a queen and Axel is a total zero.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC!

[Tanesha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-ARC. Honestly this is one of those books you just have to experience because there’s no way to really describe it without giving away the plot too much.

Did I like the main characters? Yes but I also felt like at times they were both doing wayyyyy too much.

Was I flabbergasted by the amount of shit these college students were able to get into? Also yes, because where were the adults!?!

Was it a little repetitive? Yes, sometimes I just wanted to shake both Axel and Lainey because why are yall acting this way, but then I remember that they are baby adults lol

The tension, spice and most of the yearning and romance was chefs kiss for me! I was definitely invested in the story and the characters!

Overall I really enjoyed this one, but it was a bit on the longer side. I feel like towards the end I was like literally what else could possibly happen to these people? As a debut this was incredible and Jaynhi has real talent - I will be reading the next part.

[Eniola Praise Oladejo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Resurge,and this one dives into sports, second chances, and complicated love.

Lainey Addo is determined to rebuild her life after prison, chasing her WNBA dreams with the Coastal Sirens. But moving forward isn’t easy when her past especially Axel Lee Carson — still lingers.
Their history is heavy.

The man Axel loved as a father… was a nightmare for Lainey.
I really enjoyed how the story gave us a glimpse into Ghana it added depth and made everything feel more real and personal.

And can we talk about Anya and Lainey’s friendship?
That “I’ve got you no matter what” kind of bond was one of my favorite parts.
That said, some parts felt a bit repetitive, and Lainey… she was doing a bit too much at times I found myself getting slightly irritated with some of her decisions.

Overall, it’s a story about healing, growth, and learning to rise again despite everything life throws at you.

[Annetra Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc of this book.

The prologue gets you hooked wondering what led up to these events. This story was like a lifetime movie on steroids. I was drawn to it from the cover and because it is classified as a sports romance. But this book was more than just a romance book. As someone who played basketball some of the aspects of that was not realistic but it is a fiction book so there is that. The tension between the FMC, Lainey, and MMC, Axel, was wonderful and how they longed for each other.

As the story continued there were a lot of plot holes and some events that did not make sense and therefore not needed for the story to progress on. I hope some of those are cut before it makes it to publication. Also there was some repetition.

Now some of the minor/side characters stood out and now I know there was a purpose for that because I cannot wait to read about Devin and Anya’s story next.