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The Safety and the Secret
After years of auditioning, Avery Hinkley finally achieves her dream of becoming a Vista City Kings cheerleader. But the role comes with strict rules: maintain a full‑time job outside the team, never miss a practice, and absolutely no fraternizing with Kings football players. Seems simple enough… until her plant-care business flounders, putting Avery dangerously close to a breach of contract, not to mention possible homelessness. Then in waltzes the biggest breach of all—the grumpy Vista City Kings strong safety, Ty Brewster—with a forbidden offer of help that could sideline everything she’s worked for.
Ty Brewster’s invitation for Avery to be his roommate was easy, but living with her, even temporarily, may prove to be the difficult part. When she and her cat blow into his life like some unforeseen whirlwind, it takes all of Ty’s strength not to get swept up in every tiny quirk that is Avery Hinkley. Because the thing is, having Avery as a roommate defies the promise he made to both his team and himself: put his head down, follow the rules, and don’t give the Kings a reason to trade him as easily as his last team. As a Kings cheerleader living under his roof, Avery’s a walking contract violation. But just like this roommate situation, everything has a shelf life. Nothing lasts. And if anyone finds out about their arrangement, their careers won’t last either.
The Safety and the Secret is a dual POV, no spice romance. It’s the second book in The Vista City Kings series but can be read as a standalone.
Ty Brewster’s invitation for Avery to be his roommate was easy, but living with her, even temporarily, may prove to be the difficult part. When she and her cat blow into his life like some unforeseen whirlwind, it takes all of Ty’s strength not to get swept up in every tiny quirk that is Avery Hinkley. Because the thing is, having Avery as a roommate defies the promise he made to both his team and himself: put his head down, follow the rules, and don’t give the Kings a reason to trade him as easily as his last team. As a Kings cheerleader living under his roof, Avery’s a walking contract violation. But just like this roommate situation, everything has a shelf life. Nothing lasts. And if anyone finds out about their arrangement, their careers won’t last either.
The Safety and the Secret is a dual POV, no spice romance. It’s the second book in The Vista City Kings series but can be read as a standalone.
- GenresSports
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2026
21 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Cait Elise
2 books29 followersCait Elise believes in romanticizing the mundane and emphasizing the silver linings. She writes honest characters and swoony scenes, but most of all, she loves creating healthy relationships with addictive banter. Cait's living her happily ever after at a former azalea nursery in The Sunshine State with her husband, babies, and four furry rescue critters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 20, 2026
⭐️ARC READ⭐️
I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC before the book was published and it was a cute story! It had so much potential to be amazing with the plot, there were cute parts and I do love a sports romance.
I did like the character growth and it was relatable at times with Avery still finding her feet. Everything happens for a reason!
but also I did feel at times it lacked something, it was a tad in the boring side and could have been shorter as I was skipping pages.
However still a cute cheerleading x american football romance story.
Thank you to Cait Elise for letting me have this as an ARC
“A smile isn’t a solution, Avery. Don’t you forget that.”
“If something happens, you’ll make it. You always do.”
“Sometimes the things you don’t see coming turn out to be the best things.”
“She’s all things good in a world where there’s so much bad. She’s sunshine embodied.”
I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC before the book was published and it was a cute story! It had so much potential to be amazing with the plot, there were cute parts and I do love a sports romance.
I did like the character growth and it was relatable at times with Avery still finding her feet. Everything happens for a reason!
but also I did feel at times it lacked something, it was a tad in the boring side and could have been shorter as I was skipping pages.
However still a cute cheerleading x american football romance story.
Thank you to Cait Elise for letting me have this as an ARC
“A smile isn’t a solution, Avery. Don’t you forget that.”
“If something happens, you’ll make it. You always do.”
“Sometimes the things you don’t see coming turn out to be the best things.”
“She’s all things good in a world where there’s so much bad. She’s sunshine embodied.”
March 24, 2026
This was a very cute cozy romance. Living as roommates was a trope I was nervous about and it played out in an interesting way. I feel Avery got the life she needed and wanted in the end, although some character growth was needed. I imagine she got it off page XD. The romance built up well and had some very cute moments. Plant-sitting is honestly the dream job. I just need a green thumb. I have a dear sister with ADHD and it was portrayed very realistically XD
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Cait for the arc!
“Don’t ever think your stories shouldn’t be told, okay?”
5 massive stars!!✨ I absolutely loved this book so much and I feel so grateful to have been given the arc, I’ve been looking forward to its release since I first heard about it especially knowing it would have adhd rep, zero spice and zero swearing!
I loved Avery’s character so much, shes a literal ray of sunshine and I loved how open she was about herself, whether with Ty or just in her pov. As someone who is also unmedicated neurodivergent, Avery and the unmedicated ADHD representation in this book made me feel so seen and from my personal experience with it, I felt it was portrayed so well and was definitely some of the best I’ve seen in fiction. I really appreciated the way it was so subtlety brought into the story in such relatable ways and also that it stayed consistent throughout the book and never lost it once. I loved that it was never about ‘fixing’ her or just making her a ‘quirky’ character which I appreciated so much. Her friendships with Larissa and Mary were so cute and I loved how true to herself she remained throughout!
Ty was such a sweet character too (bonus points for being a reader with a large collection of books!) I loved his chemistry and banter with Avery, his sense of humour, how awkward he could be in social situations and just overall character in general. The way he always had Avery’s back was so sweet and I love how he never once made her feel bad or like she needed to change any aspect of herself. I really liked the depth his past and family relationships brought to the story and it was really nice seeing him open up more and more. The side characters are so fun too, I loved his friendship with Rami so much and I’d love to see more of Maleko in future books!
Overall I enjoyed this book so much, it was such a fun feel-good read with characters you rooted for from the very start and such a perfect ending! This book and Avery’s character genuinely meant so much to me and goes to show just how important good representation is as it’s characters like these that can truly make you feel seen and less alone when it comes to your own personal struggles. I just loved these two characters so much!! I will 100% be re-reading and hopefully picking up the physical once it’s released! I’m so glad to have found a new favourite author and I will for sure read any future releases! Once again thank you so much for the arc and best of luck to the author for release, I truly hope people pick up this book as it deserves everything!💓
“Don’t ever think your stories shouldn’t be told, okay?”
5 massive stars!!✨ I absolutely loved this book so much and I feel so grateful to have been given the arc, I’ve been looking forward to its release since I first heard about it especially knowing it would have adhd rep, zero spice and zero swearing!
I loved Avery’s character so much, shes a literal ray of sunshine and I loved how open she was about herself, whether with Ty or just in her pov. As someone who is also unmedicated neurodivergent, Avery and the unmedicated ADHD representation in this book made me feel so seen and from my personal experience with it, I felt it was portrayed so well and was definitely some of the best I’ve seen in fiction. I really appreciated the way it was so subtlety brought into the story in such relatable ways and also that it stayed consistent throughout the book and never lost it once. I loved that it was never about ‘fixing’ her or just making her a ‘quirky’ character which I appreciated so much. Her friendships with Larissa and Mary were so cute and I loved how true to herself she remained throughout!
Ty was such a sweet character too (bonus points for being a reader with a large collection of books!) I loved his chemistry and banter with Avery, his sense of humour, how awkward he could be in social situations and just overall character in general. The way he always had Avery’s back was so sweet and I love how he never once made her feel bad or like she needed to change any aspect of herself. I really liked the depth his past and family relationships brought to the story and it was really nice seeing him open up more and more. The side characters are so fun too, I loved his friendship with Rami so much and I’d love to see more of Maleko in future books!
Overall I enjoyed this book so much, it was such a fun feel-good read with characters you rooted for from the very start and such a perfect ending! This book and Avery’s character genuinely meant so much to me and goes to show just how important good representation is as it’s characters like these that can truly make you feel seen and less alone when it comes to your own personal struggles. I just loved these two characters so much!! I will 100% be re-reading and hopefully picking up the physical once it’s released! I’m so glad to have found a new favourite author and I will for sure read any future releases! Once again thank you so much for the arc and best of luck to the author for release, I truly hope people pick up this book as it deserves everything!💓
March 20, 2026
Avery is excited to finally realize her dream of being an NFL cheerleader, specifically for the Vista City Kings. But…is this really her dream? Or is this something her mother thinks should be Avery’s dream?
I will go on the record right now and say that I have unmedicated ADHD. I also have bipolar disorder, and an anxiety disorder, and WOW the amount of times a family member has told me what I “should” be doing with my life…well, I’ve lost count. Avery, I see you, girl. I SEE YOU.
I did the same things that Avery does in this book. I did my best not to rock the boat, to take up too much space, to keep myself from disappointing people. But the endgame is that I was not being my true self. I apologized SO many times for who I actually was.
When her plans for a place to live fall through, Avery is caught sleeping in her car by strong safety Ty Brewster, who is not about to let her continue sleeping in said car. He’s got a big house. She needs a place to stay. So what if their contracts say that they can’t fraternize?
Okay, I get non-fraternization clauses. But if a player is caught with a cheerleader, the player gets a fine, and the cheerleader gets fired? Seriously? There is no equality in that standard. Seems to me that both parties should face the same consequences, but what do I know, right?
I loved watching Ty go from “this girl is unhinged” to “I want to marry her” in the course of the book. He’s not the best communicator, though, and some misunderstandings happen. I also love how Avery finally sees herself through his eyes, and for the first time, she feels like she doesn’t have to be anyone but herself.
The story has a happily ever after, of course, and overall, I found this book very satisfying. I do love sports romances (my first preference is hockey, but I love all sports), and I appreciate the light shone on the inequalities between players and cheerleaders. I don’t know if you know this, but those cheerleaders work extremely hard. For every routine you see, every cheerleader has spent years in dance training, is able to learn precise choreography, and practices that routine over and over until it’s perfect. So, next time you see NFL cheerleaders, give them some props, because they are worth it!
I will go on the record right now and say that I have unmedicated ADHD. I also have bipolar disorder, and an anxiety disorder, and WOW the amount of times a family member has told me what I “should” be doing with my life…well, I’ve lost count. Avery, I see you, girl. I SEE YOU.
I did the same things that Avery does in this book. I did my best not to rock the boat, to take up too much space, to keep myself from disappointing people. But the endgame is that I was not being my true self. I apologized SO many times for who I actually was.
When her plans for a place to live fall through, Avery is caught sleeping in her car by strong safety Ty Brewster, who is not about to let her continue sleeping in said car. He’s got a big house. She needs a place to stay. So what if their contracts say that they can’t fraternize?
Okay, I get non-fraternization clauses. But if a player is caught with a cheerleader, the player gets a fine, and the cheerleader gets fired? Seriously? There is no equality in that standard. Seems to me that both parties should face the same consequences, but what do I know, right?
I loved watching Ty go from “this girl is unhinged” to “I want to marry her” in the course of the book. He’s not the best communicator, though, and some misunderstandings happen. I also love how Avery finally sees herself through his eyes, and for the first time, she feels like she doesn’t have to be anyone but herself.
The story has a happily ever after, of course, and overall, I found this book very satisfying. I do love sports romances (my first preference is hockey, but I love all sports), and I appreciate the light shone on the inequalities between players and cheerleaders. I don’t know if you know this, but those cheerleaders work extremely hard. For every routine you see, every cheerleader has spent years in dance training, is able to learn precise choreography, and practices that routine over and over until it’s perfect. So, next time you see NFL cheerleaders, give them some props, because they are worth it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🤎 Standalone (The Vista City Kings)
🤎 Contemporary Sports Romance
🤎 Forbidden Romance
🤎 Grumpy x Sunshine
🤎 ADHD Rep
🤎 Releases March 20, 2026
🤎 Find it on KU + Amazon
❤️🔥 No-Spice Romance: descriptive kissing, yearning
🤬 Language: none
⚔️ Violence: none
This is my first introduction to the world of the Vista City Kings and I thoroughly enjoyed it! In many ways, Avery is caught between pursuing what she loves and settling for what she thinks she should love. Her chaotic energy makes her so loveable as a character (and dare I say relatable), and I admire the openness of heart that her character brings to the story. In contrast to her sunshine is our resident grump, Ty. For a guy who seems to like playing it safe, he sure takes quite the risk with Avery. His many romantic plant-centered gestures cracked me up, and you know he just needed something to show him that expression (and open arms) can lead to a whole new world of good things. As a pair, they were easy to root for – even Dollyboy agrees! I only wish there was more football in the story (though I get that the concentration elsewhere has a point to make about their characters).
Thank you to Cait Elise for the ARC!
🤎 Contemporary Sports Romance
🤎 Forbidden Romance
🤎 Grumpy x Sunshine
🤎 ADHD Rep
🤎 Releases March 20, 2026
🤎 Find it on KU + Amazon
❤️🔥 No-Spice Romance: descriptive kissing, yearning
🤬 Language: none
⚔️ Violence: none
This is my first introduction to the world of the Vista City Kings and I thoroughly enjoyed it! In many ways, Avery is caught between pursuing what she loves and settling for what she thinks she should love. Her chaotic energy makes her so loveable as a character (and dare I say relatable), and I admire the openness of heart that her character brings to the story. In contrast to her sunshine is our resident grump, Ty. For a guy who seems to like playing it safe, he sure takes quite the risk with Avery. His many romantic plant-centered gestures cracked me up, and you know he just needed something to show him that expression (and open arms) can lead to a whole new world of good things. As a pair, they were easy to root for – even Dollyboy agrees! I only wish there was more football in the story (though I get that the concentration elsewhere has a point to make about their characters).
Thank you to Cait Elise for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This gave me all the romantic feels this month! I liked this better than the first book actually, eventhough I did like that one too. This was so easy to read, but the chemistry was oozing from the page! I loved, loved the neurodivergent rep, and this had a slower burn than the previous book.
I loved the characters! Avery is just so cute! Her expressions, her plant- and cat-loving nature, her people-pleasing personality, and especially her sunshiny optimism, it broke my heart because she hides behind those smiles when she's hurting inside. And she accepts the bare minimum from people, always apologizing for herself when she shouldn't have to because nothing is wrong with her. And Ty is such a green flag boyfriend. Find you a man that doesn't get mad at the little mistakes you make! He's actually rare and totally unreal haha. And he reads 😍 I love them together, I enjoyed the development of their romance. I did prefer a different ending, but I see why it had to happen that way. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and there were some quotes in there that kinda hit me a bit. I highly recommend to those wanting a light, clean romance that will give you all the giddy feels 🥰
Rating: 4.5/5
This gave me all the romantic feels this month! I liked this better than the first book actually, eventhough I did like that one too. This was so easy to read, but the chemistry was oozing from the page! I loved, loved the neurodivergent rep, and this had a slower burn than the previous book.
I loved the characters! Avery is just so cute! Her expressions, her plant- and cat-loving nature, her people-pleasing personality, and especially her sunshiny optimism, it broke my heart because she hides behind those smiles when she's hurting inside. And she accepts the bare minimum from people, always apologizing for herself when she shouldn't have to because nothing is wrong with her. And Ty is such a green flag boyfriend. Find you a man that doesn't get mad at the little mistakes you make! He's actually rare and totally unreal haha. And he reads 😍 I love them together, I enjoyed the development of their romance. I did prefer a different ending, but I see why it had to happen that way. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and there were some quotes in there that kinda hit me a bit. I highly recommend to those wanting a light, clean romance that will give you all the giddy feels 🥰
Rating: 4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.25 ⭐️
thank you to the author for this arc!
this was adorable! i really enjoyed the setup for this story along with the characters and the world we were introduced to! ty and avery were so cute! i loved their dynamic and banter. i also enjoyed the writing a lot! something about the way the author structures her sentences with the perfect amount of detail made me satisfied while reading. also neurodivergency representation!!! yes!!! woo!!!! i appreciated that complicated family dynamics were introduced as well as multiple interesting side characters were involved throughout the book; it added a lot to the story without overshadowing the main characters. the ending was so adorable and thought it was perfectly done and was a perfect representation of both ty and avery and their relationship. my only critic would be that there were certain points in the story that felt a bit repetitive and only their for the sake of furthering the story. it felt like i was having deja vu even though i had only read it a few chapters earlier. other than that, i really loved these characters and this story! go read this when it comes out ASAP!
thank you to the author for this arc!
this was adorable! i really enjoyed the setup for this story along with the characters and the world we were introduced to! ty and avery were so cute! i loved their dynamic and banter. i also enjoyed the writing a lot! something about the way the author structures her sentences with the perfect amount of detail made me satisfied while reading. also neurodivergency representation!!! yes!!! woo!!!! i appreciated that complicated family dynamics were introduced as well as multiple interesting side characters were involved throughout the book; it added a lot to the story without overshadowing the main characters. the ending was so adorable and thought it was perfectly done and was a perfect representation of both ty and avery and their relationship. my only critic would be that there were certain points in the story that felt a bit repetitive and only their for the sake of furthering the story. it felt like i was having deja vu even though i had only read it a few chapters earlier. other than that, i really loved these characters and this story! go read this when it comes out ASAP!
March 22, 2026
ARC Review! ✨🎀
I’d like to thank Cait very much for the wonderful opportunity of allowing me back to her ARC team! (Apologies for the slightly delayed posting of the review, I was running waaaaay behind schedule.)
A few bits of info of what you could look forward to from this book:
💖 No Spice.
💖 No Swearing.
💖 Sports Romance.
💖 ADHD Representation.
💖 Just a clean story of two sweethearts falling in love with each other.
Avery and the absolute yapper she is actually made me giggle quite a bit, and Ty the grumpy and protective sweetheart that he is, bless his heart. I wish I could see more of them!!
I absolutely adore how Ty makes Avery feel so seen and cared for, I also adore how steady he takes everything despite being somewhat socially awkward.
Also, he wears glasses!!
Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars.
I’d like to thank Cait very much for the wonderful opportunity of allowing me back to her ARC team! (Apologies for the slightly delayed posting of the review, I was running waaaaay behind schedule.)
A few bits of info of what you could look forward to from this book:
💖 No Spice.
💖 No Swearing.
💖 Sports Romance.
💖 ADHD Representation.
💖 Just a clean story of two sweethearts falling in love with each other.
Avery and the absolute yapper she is actually made me giggle quite a bit, and Ty the grumpy and protective sweetheart that he is, bless his heart. I wish I could see more of them!!
I absolutely adore how Ty makes Avery feel so seen and cared for, I also adore how steady he takes everything despite being somewhat socially awkward.
Also, he wears glasses!!
Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It is so wonderful to say that I loved this more than Player and the Popstar. Both Avery and Ty were so much more realistic and relatable as characters and I was able to connect with them on a completely different level.
With Avery having ADHD, she reminds me of my husband. And Ty reminds me a lot of myself when sometimes im just so socially awkward that I blurt some things out because my brain can't make up what to say.
The epilogue made me tear up really bad, and the story overall was sweet. I will always prefer a slow burn over insta love or attraction.
I can't wait to see who she comes up with next.
With Avery having ADHD, she reminds me of my husband. And Ty reminds me a lot of myself when sometimes im just so socially awkward that I blurt some things out because my brain can't make up what to say.
The epilogue made me tear up really bad, and the story overall was sweet. I will always prefer a slow burn over insta love or attraction.
I can't wait to see who she comes up with next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Avery and Ty are adorable as the sunshine/grumpy duo they are.
Avery is all over the mess and who some might call a hot mess but Ty just sees her. He is kind and wants to help her in her time of need.
Through time together they each learn a bit about life and how change can be good, how to grow as a person, and also how sometimes how you are is ok.
Check out Cait’s book if you like sports romcoms, grumpy/sunshine, and a little neurodivergence.
*Not sure I’ve ever been seen so much as when I read about Avery. ;)
**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review
voluntarily.
Avery is all over the mess and who some might call a hot mess but Ty just sees her. He is kind and wants to help her in her time of need.
Through time together they each learn a bit about life and how change can be good, how to grow as a person, and also how sometimes how you are is ok.
Check out Cait’s book if you like sports romcoms, grumpy/sunshine, and a little neurodivergence.
*Not sure I’ve ever been seen so much as when I read about Avery. ;)
**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review
voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Safety and the Secret was such a wholesome and relatable read.
Ty and Avery were a great couple—he’s a football player with a sense of humor but socially awkward, and Avery is a cheerleader who finally makes the team after trying multiple times.
I especially loved the neurodivergent representation with Avery. It felt authentic and showed her challenges without trying to change or “fix” her, which made her character feel very real.
This is more of a soft, character-driven romance with low spice but a strong emotional connection.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.75/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 1/5
💧Emotional Impact: 3/5
Ty and Avery were a great couple—he’s a football player with a sense of humor but socially awkward, and Avery is a cheerleader who finally makes the team after trying multiple times.
I especially loved the neurodivergent representation with Avery. It felt authentic and showed her challenges without trying to change or “fix” her, which made her character feel very real.
This is more of a soft, character-driven romance with low spice but a strong emotional connection.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.75/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 1/5
💧Emotional Impact: 3/5
March 31, 2026
I really loved the first book and this one too but the pacing made it hard to stay emotionally invested. Personally I feel as though it took too long for them to tell each other how they really feel about each other but this is also because of their background. Like how ty is more reserved and perhaps thought if he told her he'd be in the same category as his mom and sisters boyfriends. But all in all there were amazing moments and I especially loved the scene were they were in a dark hallway during her and ryan's second date. I feel like that opened their eyes more to the fact that they love each other. A big KUDOS to Cait for the amazing book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had such a great time reading this book. The writing style was smooth and easy to get into, and the story kept me engaged the entire time ✨📚
I wished the MMC had opened up about his feelings a bit sooner. Still, I really enjoyed the overall story and had a wonderful reading experience 💌❣️
Another book from this series has been on my TBR for a while, and now I’m even more excited to read it. I definitely recommend giving this book a try! 💯
For more book reviews, you can find me on Instagram: @read.witheden
I wished the MMC had opened up about his feelings a bit sooner. Still, I really enjoyed the overall story and had a wonderful reading experience 💌❣️
Another book from this series has been on my TBR for a while, and now I’m even more excited to read it. I definitely recommend giving this book a try! 💯
For more book reviews, you can find me on Instagram: @read.witheden
March 20, 2026
Help, the nose scrunches?!?! Melting my heart completely🥰 I absolutely love Avery and the chaotic information dumps she does! I felt like I related so well to her character🫢♥️ also the yearning on Ty’s part?!?! He was a goner so fast😂 I love how Avery slipped right through his grumpy demeanor so quickly! Overall this was a fun read and a great addition to The Vista City Kings Series! It make me excited for future books💖
🏈ADHD Rep
✨Grumpy/Sunshine
🏈Sports Romance
✨Opposites Attract
🏈Roommates
✨Forbidden Romance
🏈He Falls First
🌶️: Kisses Only
🤬: None
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🏈ADHD Rep
✨Grumpy/Sunshine
🏈Sports Romance
✨Opposites Attract
🏈Roommates
✨Forbidden Romance
🏈He Falls First
🌶️: Kisses Only
🤬: None
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This book was so cute!! The writing was so immersive and really made me feel like I was there!
I absolutely ADORED Avery! She was so cute and I love the way Cait was able to show her ADHD, I think it’s good for people to have that representation in a book! I love how her character developed over the story!
Ty was so sweet and caring and I LOVE him! I loved how he was kinda grumpy towards others but so sweet and soft with her!
Overall this was such a cute story and it’s out today so you should go buy it!!
This book was so cute!! The writing was so immersive and really made me feel like I was there!
I absolutely ADORED Avery! She was so cute and I love the way Cait was able to show her ADHD, I think it’s good for people to have that representation in a book! I love how her character developed over the story!
Ty was so sweet and caring and I LOVE him! I loved how he was kinda grumpy towards others but so sweet and soft with her!
Overall this was such a cute story and it’s out today so you should go buy it!!
March 21, 2026
Before anyone gets worried, I did really enjoy this book. It was cute, the characters had a lot of chemistry, and I loved the forbidden aspect of it. I did not have any problems with it, I just wanted a little bit more. I wish the other characters were a little more involved, and I also wish Avery had grown a little bit more. The romance was sweet and I really enjoyed the text bubbles. I loved how Ty got angry every time someone treated Avery wrong, and I loved how they were both so nervous to be around each other. Overall, I would recommend this book to people who want a cute, cozy romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this story, I loved how real the 2 MCs are. The unmedicated ADHD aspect of this story held my attention. The scatterbrain jumping of ideas and tasks was so true to life and explained so well! I didn't realise this was book 2 in a series when I signed up to be an ARC reader but this book absolutely reads as a standalone.
Now I'm off to watch the Dallas cowboy cheerleaders and boo the low wages these elite athletes get to do their jobs!
Now I'm off to watch the Dallas cowboy cheerleaders and boo the low wages these elite athletes get to do their jobs!
March 17, 2026
*ARC review* I typically love a slow burn so the fact that we really got to see the relationship form between Ty and Avery is something that I enjoyed. I’ll say I didn’t love Ty in the beginning but I think it’s because his character was so much more realistic than many MMCs in romance books. However, I thought it was almost refreshing to see and made the story progression that much better. Overall was an enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
This was such a fun read and I didn’t want to put this book down. I loved the grumpy sunshine dynamic between Ty and Avery. They both grew as characters together and that was so sweet throughout the story. Both of them realizing what they really wanted out of life and what made them happy.
Things I loved
- roommates
- dollyboy the cat
- Avery always wanting to make the best of a situation
- protective Ty
- Avery teaching Ty how to dance
This was such a fun read and I didn’t want to put this book down. I loved the grumpy sunshine dynamic between Ty and Avery. They both grew as characters together and that was so sweet throughout the story. Both of them realizing what they really wanted out of life and what made them happy.
Things I loved
- roommates
- dollyboy the cat
- Avery always wanting to make the best of a situation
- protective Ty
- Avery teaching Ty how to dance
March 21, 2026
I got an arc copy of this book! It was a fun read. FMC is finally a cheerleader after years of trying out and MMC is a football player for the same team. Kinda a forbidden romance. My only problem with this book is MMC wanted to just used his money to fix every problem. I haven’t read the first one in the series but that wasnt a problem for understanding this book. I am excited to go back and read it
March 24, 2026
ARC Review: Thank you Cait Elise for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of your novel! I really really enjoyed “The Safety and the Secret” and Avery and Ty’s love story throughout the book! I loved the sunshine-grumpy trope and how Ty knew Avery and allowed her to be herself around him even from the start. The story plot was amazing and I couldn’t put the book down! PLEASE GO AND READ THIS BOOK!! YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC from the author. This is the first book I’ve read by her but I really enjoyed it. Avery and Ty were so cute and there were so many swoony moments.
You’ll like this if you enjoy:
- adult contemporary sports romances
- forbidden romance
- yearning, but no spice
- dual POV
I loved it so much!! Thank you to the author for the ARC 🫶
You’ll like this if you enjoy:
- adult contemporary sports romances
- forbidden romance
- yearning, but no spice
- dual POV
I loved it so much!! Thank you to the author for the ARC 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was such a lighthearted rom-com! I loved the banter between Ty (MMC) and Avery (FMC). Avery’s alternatives to swearing were also endearing. I really enjoyed the wholesome vibe the book had. The story between Ty and Avery was one that is seen in a lot of rom-coms where if communication was used and there were less face palm moments, there would’ve been less heartache. However, Cait put her own twist into the story. Avery was a very relatable character, as someone who is super spacy and talks way too much. I think that Cait did a really phenomenal job with making both Avery and Ty relatable to her readers and not just characters on the page.
Cait made the story come to life and I really enjoyed reading this HEA!! It’s a dual POV with
😠☀️Grumpy x sunshine
🚫Forbidden romance
🏠Temporary roommates
🏈📣Football player x cheerleader
🤫No swearing
🥰All swoon, no spice
Cait made the story come to life and I really enjoyed reading this HEA!! It’s a dual POV with
😠☀️Grumpy x sunshine
🚫Forbidden romance
🏠Temporary roommates
🏈📣Football player x cheerleader
🤫No swearing
🥰All swoon, no spice
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book!!! the ADHD representation was refreshing. Ty and Avery are THE couple. football romance is my fave, and you throw in cheerleading/dance! Cait has done it again. I hope this series keeps going because I have such a good time reading them. this book just made me smile the whole time I read it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is so freaking cute. I loved the chaos that is Avery. immediately liked her personality, and how she described her ADHD. Ty is the perfect balance for her, which I loved. Overall, it's the sweetest little sports story that I'll definitely read again!
March 21, 2026
The chemistry and banter between Ty and Avery had me kicking my feet the entire time I read. I love a good rom-com sports romance, and this did not disappoint! I feel like Ty understanding Avery really helped her grow through the story. She definitely needed that support on her side.
March 22, 2026
Thank you so much for the eARC! Such a cute sports romance read. Strangers to lovers and closed door. If you're looking for something with no spice but will make your heart flutter, this is definitely the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cute modern romance. I can relate to the FMC Avery. The ADHD rep was on point! Ty is totally book boyfriend goals!!!
March 21, 2026
✨ ARC READ ✨
This book was such a cute story! I loved the banter between Ty and Avery! The storyline was great and easy to read. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author!
This book was such a cute story! I loved the banter between Ty and Avery! The storyline was great and easy to read. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author!
April 3, 2026
ARC Read
Very slow burn roommates to lovers book. The FMC was very relatable to me which I loved. I do feel like the story could have been deeper but overall it was a very cute story.
Very slow burn roommates to lovers book. The FMC was very relatable to me which I loved. I do feel like the story could have been deeper but overall it was a very cute story.
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