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Dirty Roulette
Dirty Roulette – it’s stealing booze, playing strip poker, and spinning a bottle that decides who ends up in whose bed. Once you’re in, there is no way out. Back out, and social media will ruin you.
Ryder Henderson – star running back and campus heartbreaker – knows the game too well. He has played it before and swore he would never let his little sister get caught in it. But when Ryder crashes a party to drag her out, he instead finds Payton, his sister’s best friend, standing there in nothing but lingerie with the bottle pointed at him.
Payton never planned to play Dirty Roulette. She’s a music-obsessed cheerleader with big dreams and an even bigger fear of losing everything she has worked for. One bad decision and now her reputation, her future, and her heart are all on the line.
What starts as a forced choice to protect her reputation turns into something Ryder never saw coming. Lines blur. Feelings shift. And with every secret kiss and stolen touch, Ryder and Payton realize Dirty Roulette may have started their story, but it will not be the one to finish it.
Ryder Henderson – star running back and campus heartbreaker – knows the game too well. He has played it before and swore he would never let his little sister get caught in it. But when Ryder crashes a party to drag her out, he instead finds Payton, his sister’s best friend, standing there in nothing but lingerie with the bottle pointed at him.
Payton never planned to play Dirty Roulette. She’s a music-obsessed cheerleader with big dreams and an even bigger fear of losing everything she has worked for. One bad decision and now her reputation, her future, and her heart are all on the line.
What starts as a forced choice to protect her reputation turns into something Ryder never saw coming. Lines blur. Feelings shift. And with every secret kiss and stolen touch, Ryder and Payton realize Dirty Roulette may have started their story, but it will not be the one to finish it.
467 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2025
8 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
September 16, 2025
***ARC Review***
Who would have thought a traditional college experience strip poker game would have been total social suicide? Forced to play the game to join the GCU cheering, Payton soon realizes it’s not just stripping, she would lose more of herself than she ever thought the game would consist.
Ryder Henderson - soon to be NFL drafted running back is an overprotective big brother to Charlie and her childhood friend Payton. In attempt to keep them out of the Roulette and failing. His only option now is to save Payton and her reputation by joining the game with her.
Falling for each other just so happened along the way, and although it was inevitable. They won’t let the game destroy them.
I lost sleep over this book - that’s a huge love language for me when it comes to an amazing book! I was so engaged to the story and the amazing characters. I had to know what the end result was! It was intriguing, rough, and thrilling!
Please be mindful- there are TWs.
Forced relations. She falls first. Best friends brother. Overprotective MMC.
Who would have thought a traditional college experience strip poker game would have been total social suicide? Forced to play the game to join the GCU cheering, Payton soon realizes it’s not just stripping, she would lose more of herself than she ever thought the game would consist.
Ryder Henderson - soon to be NFL drafted running back is an overprotective big brother to Charlie and her childhood friend Payton. In attempt to keep them out of the Roulette and failing. His only option now is to save Payton and her reputation by joining the game with her.
Falling for each other just so happened along the way, and although it was inevitable. They won’t let the game destroy them.
I lost sleep over this book - that’s a huge love language for me when it comes to an amazing book! I was so engaged to the story and the amazing characters. I had to know what the end result was! It was intriguing, rough, and thrilling!
Please be mindful- there are TWs.
Forced relations. She falls first. Best friends brother. Overprotective MMC.
October 8, 2025
Loved this book good storytelling and defo worth a read
Blurb
Dirty Roulette – it’s stealing booze, playing strip poker, and spinning a bottle that decides who ends up in whose bed. Once you’re in, there is no way out. Back out, and social media will ruin you.
Ryder Henderson – star running back and campus heartbreaker – knows the game too well. He has played it before and swore he would never let his little sister get caught in it. But when Ryder crashes a party to drag her out, he instead finds Payton, his sister’s best friend, standing there in nothing but lingerie with the bottle pointed at him.
Payton never planned to play Dirty Roulette. She’s a music-obsessed cheerleader with big dreams and an even bigger fear of losing everything she has worked for. One bad decision and now her reputation, her future, and her heart are all on the line.
What starts as a forced choice to protect her reputation turns into something Ryder never saw coming. Lines blur. Feelings shift. And with every secret kiss and stolen touch, Ryder and Payton realize Dirty Roulette may have started their story, but it will not be the one to finish it.
Blurb
Dirty Roulette – it’s stealing booze, playing strip poker, and spinning a bottle that decides who ends up in whose bed. Once you’re in, there is no way out. Back out, and social media will ruin you.
Ryder Henderson – star running back and campus heartbreaker – knows the game too well. He has played it before and swore he would never let his little sister get caught in it. But when Ryder crashes a party to drag her out, he instead finds Payton, his sister’s best friend, standing there in nothing but lingerie with the bottle pointed at him.
Payton never planned to play Dirty Roulette. She’s a music-obsessed cheerleader with big dreams and an even bigger fear of losing everything she has worked for. One bad decision and now her reputation, her future, and her heart are all on the line.
What starts as a forced choice to protect her reputation turns into something Ryder never saw coming. Lines blur. Feelings shift. And with every secret kiss and stolen touch, Ryder and Payton realize Dirty Roulette may have started their story, but it will not be the one to finish it.
October 12, 2025
“I’m going to cram all the awful things about tonight into a tiny little box and slap a padlock on the latch just like Mum taught me. Say nothing. Forget. And remember–nobody gives a shit because it never happened.” - Payton
We meet Payton - 18, and Ryder 21. Football player - cheerleader. They grew up together because of his little sister / her best friend Charlie.
Charlie and Payton have been best friends for 15 years. He always saw her as his sister’s best friend. Untill an initiation game takes a turn and it lands on him when he bursts in looking for his sister and her at the party. That moment changes everything in his eyes.
It’s like she fell first he fell harder vibes and it’s amazing!!!
“I want her!” Like grains of sand in the ocean, the feelings are surfacing with the waves crashing in my chest. “I love Payton. I always have.”
I ate this book up the moment it was released and I’ve been reccomending to so many people already!
“Sometimes I think landing on her was God’s way of humoring me.” “He’s got a weird sense of humor...” She hands over the single rose to me. I grasp it as Charlie dips a hand into her front jean pocket, digging around. “Here, I have something else for you.” - not spoiling this bit I need a second book ASAP😭
I have so much I want to say but you’ll just need to read it for yourself!!! Also 🌶️🌶️🤭 I was giggling crying and kicking my feet when reading this genuinely couldn’t put it down!!!
We meet Payton - 18, and Ryder 21. Football player - cheerleader. They grew up together because of his little sister / her best friend Charlie.
Charlie and Payton have been best friends for 15 years. He always saw her as his sister’s best friend. Untill an initiation game takes a turn and it lands on him when he bursts in looking for his sister and her at the party. That moment changes everything in his eyes.
It’s like she fell first he fell harder vibes and it’s amazing!!!
“I want her!” Like grains of sand in the ocean, the feelings are surfacing with the waves crashing in my chest. “I love Payton. I always have.”
I ate this book up the moment it was released and I’ve been reccomending to so many people already!
“Sometimes I think landing on her was God’s way of humoring me.” “He’s got a weird sense of humor...” She hands over the single rose to me. I grasp it as Charlie dips a hand into her front jean pocket, digging around. “Here, I have something else for you.” - not spoiling this bit I need a second book ASAP😭
I have so much I want to say but you’ll just need to read it for yourself!!! Also 🌶️🌶️🤭 I was giggling crying and kicking my feet when reading this genuinely couldn’t put it down!!!
October 14, 2025
College life is supposed to be fun, experiencing life and making new friends. Not at GCU, you want to be part of the football team or the cheer squad, you have to play the game. Dirty Roulette is about Payton, who is 18 years old, a virgin, a freshman at GCU and Ryder's little sister, Charlie best friend since childhood. He is a senior at GCU and on the football team.
He has always had a thing for Payton but never acted on it. He dated a girl, Brittni, for 3 years and broke up with her after he caught her with his sister's boyfriend. He finds out his sister and Payton are at a party and about to be hazed. He steps in to save both of them. When he finds Payton he plays the game, he can't let the bottle land on his sister's ex, Brody. When it lands on Ryder, he knows the rules, he has to film him and Payton being intimate or they can be ruined by Brody, who has pull due to his father and their wealth.
Brody has a website that he post videos and pictures of football players and cheerleaders and uses it as blackmail. He wants both Charlie and Payton along with ruining Ryder. Ryder's ex, Brittni is obsessed with him and can't get the hint he doesn't want her back. She and Brody bullies Payton and makes her out to look like the biggest slut on campus.
Ryder is in love with Payton and doesnt want to rush her into anything. The both have communication and trust issues, which brings about a lot of misunderstandings, heartaches and arguements. Ryder is dealing with his mom's mental breakdown, paying bills, school, football, and now roulette. Brody continues to pressure Ryder for the sex video of him and Payton and continues to threaten that he'll release photos to ruin Payton. Ryder's feelings are real towards Payton and he's going to do anything to protect her.
Payton and Charlie get into a huge fight over Payton keeping what is going on between her and Ryder away from Charlie and lying to her. This puts them both into serious danger. Lines get blurry, feelings are at their highest, betrayal and threats get real.
It had me on edge, yelling at at all the characters. The suspense was everything I didn't know I needed and want. Ryder and Payton are so perfect together. The ending left me wantinging more. This story will pull you in from the first chapter and hold on to you until the last word ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice doesn't hit right away, but when Payton and Ryder finally gives into each other, he is so sweet, putting her first. Ryder is just goals when it comes to being Payton's boyfriend. They even have a saying they say to each other in French, and he always does find her. 🌶🌶🌶🌶.
He has always had a thing for Payton but never acted on it. He dated a girl, Brittni, for 3 years and broke up with her after he caught her with his sister's boyfriend. He finds out his sister and Payton are at a party and about to be hazed. He steps in to save both of them. When he finds Payton he plays the game, he can't let the bottle land on his sister's ex, Brody. When it lands on Ryder, he knows the rules, he has to film him and Payton being intimate or they can be ruined by Brody, who has pull due to his father and their wealth.
Brody has a website that he post videos and pictures of football players and cheerleaders and uses it as blackmail. He wants both Charlie and Payton along with ruining Ryder. Ryder's ex, Brittni is obsessed with him and can't get the hint he doesn't want her back. She and Brody bullies Payton and makes her out to look like the biggest slut on campus.
Ryder is in love with Payton and doesnt want to rush her into anything. The both have communication and trust issues, which brings about a lot of misunderstandings, heartaches and arguements. Ryder is dealing with his mom's mental breakdown, paying bills, school, football, and now roulette. Brody continues to pressure Ryder for the sex video of him and Payton and continues to threaten that he'll release photos to ruin Payton. Ryder's feelings are real towards Payton and he's going to do anything to protect her.
Payton and Charlie get into a huge fight over Payton keeping what is going on between her and Ryder away from Charlie and lying to her. This puts them both into serious danger. Lines get blurry, feelings are at their highest, betrayal and threats get real.
It had me on edge, yelling at at all the characters. The suspense was everything I didn't know I needed and want. Ryder and Payton are so perfect together. The ending left me wantinging more. This story will pull you in from the first chapter and hold on to you until the last word ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice doesn't hit right away, but when Payton and Ryder finally gives into each other, he is so sweet, putting her first. Ryder is just goals when it comes to being Payton's boyfriend. They even have a saying they say to each other in French, and he always does find her. 🌶🌶🌶🌶.
September 2, 2025
I had the awesome, unique experience to both beta read Dirty Roulette, and receive the final product as an ARC. I’m not usually a sports romance girly, but this one had me really intrigued and fully invested in it.
First off let me say, if you are looking for the picture perfect romance with a pretty bow, this book is not it. There is legit heartbreak, angst, pining, questionable choices, bad decisions, will they/won’t they, some dark themes and some situations that could be really triggering to some.
Our two main characters, Payton and Ryder come from pretty rough backgrounds, with a very toxic homelife and absent parents. Payton has been best friends with Charlie, Ryder’s sister for most of her life, and now they’re about to go off to college together on a cheerleading scholarship. The only hitch is, in order for them to be truly accepted into their sorority, they have to participate in a hazing game called Dirty Roulette.
A scandalous strip poker game mixed with spin the bottle that lands the girls in the various beds of the football team. The A-hole quarterback, Brody, AKA Charlie’s ex who cheated on her with Brittni, AKA the cheerleading captain, AKA Ryder’s ex, runs the whole game, records everything and uses it as blackmail if the girls try to back out. Essentially he's a POS who’s only quarterback because of his rich lawyer daddy. The relationships in this book are a tangled web of betrayal, a lot of emotions, and raging hormones.
The rest of this review contains major spoilers!
.
.
.
.
.
.
So Payton is a music loving dreamer who proves emo is not dead. She’s not the popular girl, and somewhat lives in Charlie’s shadow. Ryder is the broody running back who has been taking care of his Mom and Sister after their Dad left over the summer, and has been nursing his broken heart with weed and Hennesy.
Charlie has always been the gorgeous popular girl who every guy wants a piece of, and has been rebelling hard since their Dad left and Ryder has had a hell of a time trying to rein her in.
Ryder has already been through Dirty Roulette and when he finds out Payton and Charlie are playing the game, he sees red. In the worst timing possible, he busts in to see Payton stripped down to her black underwear, with the bottle pointed right at him. Ryder makes the split decision to protect his childhood friend’s reputation and “claims” her to end the game before Brody can do anything to hurt Payton.
This is where all the lines begin to blur. Of course they keep this a secret from Charlie which we know is gonna blow up epicly in their faces later. Payton and Ryder clearly have some mixed feelings for each other, both denying the legit attraction they have for each other. Add in the fact that she’s her best friend’s brother and the lines begin to blur.
Charlie and Payton move into the dorms at GCU together and while Charlie is liked by all, Payton has to contend with Brittni and her Mean Girl Cheerleaders who hate her. With the constant worry of Brody making good on his promise of leaking salacious material of her, and the pressure for her and Ryder to make good on their Dirty Roulette sex tape for even more blackmail, Payton begins to slowly lose her sanity a bit. Her relationship with Charlie becomes strained with the secrets between them. Meanwhile her and Ryder have a push-pull relationship. And they’re not the only ones.
Charlie begins to see Noah, local metal singer who looks big and bad but is sweet and caring, something Charlie is not used to. She’s caught between Noah who genuinely cares about her, and Brody who only cares about getting in her pants. And now her best friend and brother are acting weird and keeping something from her.
Ryder is this ball of emotions between his hatred of Brody, Brittni’s betrayal, and his feelings for Payton. Add on the pressure of paying the bills for his mom, and he begins to spiral. Payton begins to pull him out of this darkness, but he keeps self sabotaging with alcohol. He pushes Payton away at the times he should be pulling her closer.
Things begin to go all wrong when Payton and Charlie’s friendship falls apart once Charlie finds out she’s been lying to her about Ryder. Brody spikes Charlie’s drink at a party and sexually assaults her, then she goes missing shortly after. Ryder gets arrested for beating the shit out of Brody. And Payton is caught in the middle of the chaos. Everything seems to be falling apart. One thing is clear: Brody is the root cause and his twisted game needs to be stopped.
They come up with an insane plan to out Brody at a major football game, getting the ultimate revenge on him, but not before Brody posts Ryder and Payton’s video out of spite. A football game, multiple fights, a rock show, a jumbotron, and an attempted murder later…Brody and Brittni end up in handcuffs. The only thing that could possibly top it off is Charlie being found alive.
Now all that’s left to do is repair what was broken and mend some fences and we get the HAE we deserve.
I absolutely loved being a part of the development of this book. Seeing how the writing and story evolved was such a cool experience. I truly love the characters, even though they pissed me off at times. I can’t wait to read about Noah and Charlie.
First off let me say, if you are looking for the picture perfect romance with a pretty bow, this book is not it. There is legit heartbreak, angst, pining, questionable choices, bad decisions, will they/won’t they, some dark themes and some situations that could be really triggering to some.
Our two main characters, Payton and Ryder come from pretty rough backgrounds, with a very toxic homelife and absent parents. Payton has been best friends with Charlie, Ryder’s sister for most of her life, and now they’re about to go off to college together on a cheerleading scholarship. The only hitch is, in order for them to be truly accepted into their sorority, they have to participate in a hazing game called Dirty Roulette.
A scandalous strip poker game mixed with spin the bottle that lands the girls in the various beds of the football team. The A-hole quarterback, Brody, AKA Charlie’s ex who cheated on her with Brittni, AKA the cheerleading captain, AKA Ryder’s ex, runs the whole game, records everything and uses it as blackmail if the girls try to back out. Essentially he's a POS who’s only quarterback because of his rich lawyer daddy. The relationships in this book are a tangled web of betrayal, a lot of emotions, and raging hormones.
The rest of this review contains major spoilers!
.
.
.
.
.
.
So Payton is a music loving dreamer who proves emo is not dead. She’s not the popular girl, and somewhat lives in Charlie’s shadow. Ryder is the broody running back who has been taking care of his Mom and Sister after their Dad left over the summer, and has been nursing his broken heart with weed and Hennesy.
Charlie has always been the gorgeous popular girl who every guy wants a piece of, and has been rebelling hard since their Dad left and Ryder has had a hell of a time trying to rein her in.
Ryder has already been through Dirty Roulette and when he finds out Payton and Charlie are playing the game, he sees red. In the worst timing possible, he busts in to see Payton stripped down to her black underwear, with the bottle pointed right at him. Ryder makes the split decision to protect his childhood friend’s reputation and “claims” her to end the game before Brody can do anything to hurt Payton.
This is where all the lines begin to blur. Of course they keep this a secret from Charlie which we know is gonna blow up epicly in their faces later. Payton and Ryder clearly have some mixed feelings for each other, both denying the legit attraction they have for each other. Add in the fact that she’s her best friend’s brother and the lines begin to blur.
Charlie and Payton move into the dorms at GCU together and while Charlie is liked by all, Payton has to contend with Brittni and her Mean Girl Cheerleaders who hate her. With the constant worry of Brody making good on his promise of leaking salacious material of her, and the pressure for her and Ryder to make good on their Dirty Roulette sex tape for even more blackmail, Payton begins to slowly lose her sanity a bit. Her relationship with Charlie becomes strained with the secrets between them. Meanwhile her and Ryder have a push-pull relationship. And they’re not the only ones.
Charlie begins to see Noah, local metal singer who looks big and bad but is sweet and caring, something Charlie is not used to. She’s caught between Noah who genuinely cares about her, and Brody who only cares about getting in her pants. And now her best friend and brother are acting weird and keeping something from her.
Ryder is this ball of emotions between his hatred of Brody, Brittni’s betrayal, and his feelings for Payton. Add on the pressure of paying the bills for his mom, and he begins to spiral. Payton begins to pull him out of this darkness, but he keeps self sabotaging with alcohol. He pushes Payton away at the times he should be pulling her closer.
Things begin to go all wrong when Payton and Charlie’s friendship falls apart once Charlie finds out she’s been lying to her about Ryder. Brody spikes Charlie’s drink at a party and sexually assaults her, then she goes missing shortly after. Ryder gets arrested for beating the shit out of Brody. And Payton is caught in the middle of the chaos. Everything seems to be falling apart. One thing is clear: Brody is the root cause and his twisted game needs to be stopped.
They come up with an insane plan to out Brody at a major football game, getting the ultimate revenge on him, but not before Brody posts Ryder and Payton’s video out of spite. A football game, multiple fights, a rock show, a jumbotron, and an attempted murder later…Brody and Brittni end up in handcuffs. The only thing that could possibly top it off is Charlie being found alive.
Now all that’s left to do is repair what was broken and mend some fences and we get the HAE we deserve.
I absolutely loved being a part of the development of this book. Seeing how the writing and story evolved was such a cool experience. I truly love the characters, even though they pissed me off at times. I can’t wait to read about Noah and Charlie.
September 17, 2025
I would like to thank the author, Stephy Marie, for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
This book is more like 3.5 stars for more but I rounded up. First let me say that the second half of this book was what I enjoyed the most. There was a lot of action, soul searching, and it just felt like a genuinely strong second half of the book.
With that said, there were times that the first half of the book felt clunky to me. I found myself having to re-read passages to figure out if I missed something or to understand what I was reading. I felt that there were some minor things that could have easily been clarified and were not. For example, I had no idea where in the year this story fell - there was a reference about high school being over but they were also in college. I figured out later that some of the story happened before college classes even began. I also found it confusing that the cheerleaders were referred to as a sorority. While I understand why that was, initially it was a bit confusing. There was also one scene that if you have ever seen the show Euphoria would feel very familiar. That bothered me and while it was tense to read, in the back of my mind I kept thinking about what was going to happen next because I had seen that show.
I liked the overall premise of this story - dirty roulette was a clever way to force the FMC and MMC together and figure out that they have some feelings. I am sucker for the best friend's brother trope. I thought overall that trope was done well here. Did I find the sister's reaction to things at times, confusing? Yes. Was there maybe some unnecessary drama related to the dynamic? Of course.
I also felt like the MCs really had been through A LOT. At one point I found myself asking if they would ever catch a break because holy crap. That said, I appreciate that sometimes people have some heavy things going on in their lives and it cannot be all butterflies and rainbows. It also made me respect the MMC more.
If you are looking for a Dickinson masterpiece, this isn't it. But it doesn't try to be either. It was an enjoyable read and had characters that I actually liked. I felt the story overall was good and maybe with a little polish it could be great. I would definitely give this author another read because I think her plot was creative and fun.
This book is more like 3.5 stars for more but I rounded up. First let me say that the second half of this book was what I enjoyed the most. There was a lot of action, soul searching, and it just felt like a genuinely strong second half of the book.
With that said, there were times that the first half of the book felt clunky to me. I found myself having to re-read passages to figure out if I missed something or to understand what I was reading. I felt that there were some minor things that could have easily been clarified and were not. For example, I had no idea where in the year this story fell - there was a reference about high school being over but they were also in college. I figured out later that some of the story happened before college classes even began. I also found it confusing that the cheerleaders were referred to as a sorority. While I understand why that was, initially it was a bit confusing. There was also one scene that if you have ever seen the show Euphoria would feel very familiar. That bothered me and while it was tense to read, in the back of my mind I kept thinking about what was going to happen next because I had seen that show.
I liked the overall premise of this story - dirty roulette was a clever way to force the FMC and MMC together and figure out that they have some feelings. I am sucker for the best friend's brother trope. I thought overall that trope was done well here. Did I find the sister's reaction to things at times, confusing? Yes. Was there maybe some unnecessary drama related to the dynamic? Of course.
I also felt like the MCs really had been through A LOT. At one point I found myself asking if they would ever catch a break because holy crap. That said, I appreciate that sometimes people have some heavy things going on in their lives and it cannot be all butterflies and rainbows. It also made me respect the MMC more.
If you are looking for a Dickinson masterpiece, this isn't it. But it doesn't try to be either. It was an enjoyable read and had characters that I actually liked. I felt the story overall was good and maybe with a little polish it could be great. I would definitely give this author another read because I think her plot was creative and fun.
October 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This story has it all! Romance, angst, tension, drama, and shenanigans. Stephy Marie has given readers so much to love and hate with Dirty Routlette. There are multiple storylines, essentially intersecting into the main storyline, that intersect friendships, growing up, heartache, and listening to your heart. The coming of age theme throughout this story truly took me back to my new-to-college years and reminded me of how much fun, but how little I actually knew. Stephy isn’t afraid to show the hazing side of college and how destructive it could be. I was hooked early on and loved how Stephy wrote so much emotion into one book.
Payton and Charlie have been best friends for years! Growing up together they have been through the good and the bad together. Somewhat opposites, their friendship has worked and helped each other through so many terrible life moments. Now in college together, the sorority they are pledging has a hazing game for them to play. When Payton is “claimed” by Charlie’s brother it opens a door of confusion and secrets. The claiming was in order to protect her, but she isn’t so sure her heart got the memo.
Ryder has been through the hazing game they call “Dirty Roulette” and does not want his little sister, Charlie, to be any part of it. When he crashes a party to keep her from playing, he finds himself “claiming” Payton in order to save her from the humiliation that comes after playing this game. While he is pretending to keep Payton safe and play the game, feelings begin to emerge that he’s ignored for years. As they try to figure out their feelings and keep it a secret from Charlie, all hell breaks loose.
I was thoroughly entertained by this book! The college drama was so fun to read about. I was on the edge of my seat with so many different relationships in this book. Stephy brings out the light and dark side of college, what true friendship is really all about, and even how to allow yourself to heal from things that hurt you but aren’t your fault (like toxic, crappy parents). There are some terrible situations that take place in this story, but Stephy wrote them with care and sensitivity. The love of a brother and sister, best friends, and people who truly love you for you shine throughout this book.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏈Best Friend’s Brother
🤍Brooding Running Back
🏈Friends to Lovers
🤍College Hazing
🏈She Falls First
🤍He Falls Harder
🏈It’s Always Been You
This story has it all! Romance, angst, tension, drama, and shenanigans. Stephy Marie has given readers so much to love and hate with Dirty Routlette. There are multiple storylines, essentially intersecting into the main storyline, that intersect friendships, growing up, heartache, and listening to your heart. The coming of age theme throughout this story truly took me back to my new-to-college years and reminded me of how much fun, but how little I actually knew. Stephy isn’t afraid to show the hazing side of college and how destructive it could be. I was hooked early on and loved how Stephy wrote so much emotion into one book.
Payton and Charlie have been best friends for years! Growing up together they have been through the good and the bad together. Somewhat opposites, their friendship has worked and helped each other through so many terrible life moments. Now in college together, the sorority they are pledging has a hazing game for them to play. When Payton is “claimed” by Charlie’s brother it opens a door of confusion and secrets. The claiming was in order to protect her, but she isn’t so sure her heart got the memo.
Ryder has been through the hazing game they call “Dirty Roulette” and does not want his little sister, Charlie, to be any part of it. When he crashes a party to keep her from playing, he finds himself “claiming” Payton in order to save her from the humiliation that comes after playing this game. While he is pretending to keep Payton safe and play the game, feelings begin to emerge that he’s ignored for years. As they try to figure out their feelings and keep it a secret from Charlie, all hell breaks loose.
I was thoroughly entertained by this book! The college drama was so fun to read about. I was on the edge of my seat with so many different relationships in this book. Stephy brings out the light and dark side of college, what true friendship is really all about, and even how to allow yourself to heal from things that hurt you but aren’t your fault (like toxic, crappy parents). There are some terrible situations that take place in this story, but Stephy wrote them with care and sensitivity. The love of a brother and sister, best friends, and people who truly love you for you shine throughout this book.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏈Best Friend’s Brother
🤍Brooding Running Back
🏈Friends to Lovers
🤍College Hazing
🏈She Falls First
🤍He Falls Harder
🏈It’s Always Been You
October 10, 2025
Thank you, Stephy, for providing me with an advance copy of Dirty Roulette.
genre: Sports Romance
rating:🌟🌟
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖abt the book:
*Dual POV
*Best-friends brother
*College hazing
*Friends to lovers
*Running back x Cheerleader
*Forehead kisses
*Secret hookups
🏍️my thoughts:
I really wanted to love this one — I did. Stephy’s debut had a lot of promise, which is why I signed up to ARC read, but overall it just didn’t work for me.
Even though the story’s set in college, it felt way more like high school drama (which the FMC even mentions). As someone who’s actually been to college and did cheer in high school, a lot of the “college cheer” details didn’t feel realistic — college-level cheer is a whole different world, and some of the stuff that happens here wouldn’t really fly. I feel like a bit of more research would have helped with the sports side of things (for example, a messy bun would actually be safer for stunts than a braid, and Brody being jealous of Ryder didn’t make sense since they play different positions). Little details like that pulled me out of the story.
The friendship between Payton and Charlie came off pretty toxic, and Payton’s behavior toward Sebastian felt immature and frustrating. There were so many moments I wanted to yell “grow up” at the page. If I’d read this back in my Wattpad days, I probably would’ve eaten it up — but now, it just wasn’t for me.
That being said - I did like the "Trouvez-Moi" moments, the wholesome moments, and the premise of the book.
I think readers in the 18–21 range might enjoy it more, especially if you’re into dramatic, messy, stereotype-filled college romances. Just be mindful — there are a few questionable and potentially triggering moments.
There’s potential here, and I can see Stephy’s passion, but this debut just missed the mark for me.
genre: Sports Romance
rating:🌟🌟
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖abt the book:
*Dual POV
*Best-friends brother
*College hazing
*Friends to lovers
*Running back x Cheerleader
*Forehead kisses
*Secret hookups
🏍️my thoughts:
I really wanted to love this one — I did. Stephy’s debut had a lot of promise, which is why I signed up to ARC read, but overall it just didn’t work for me.
Even though the story’s set in college, it felt way more like high school drama (which the FMC even mentions). As someone who’s actually been to college and did cheer in high school, a lot of the “college cheer” details didn’t feel realistic — college-level cheer is a whole different world, and some of the stuff that happens here wouldn’t really fly. I feel like a bit of more research would have helped with the sports side of things (for example, a messy bun would actually be safer for stunts than a braid, and Brody being jealous of Ryder didn’t make sense since they play different positions). Little details like that pulled me out of the story.
The friendship between Payton and Charlie came off pretty toxic, and Payton’s behavior toward Sebastian felt immature and frustrating. There were so many moments I wanted to yell “grow up” at the page. If I’d read this back in my Wattpad days, I probably would’ve eaten it up — but now, it just wasn’t for me.
That being said - I did like the "Trouvez-Moi" moments, the wholesome moments, and the premise of the book.
I think readers in the 18–21 range might enjoy it more, especially if you’re into dramatic, messy, stereotype-filled college romances. Just be mindful — there are a few questionable and potentially triggering moments.
There’s potential here, and I can see Stephy’s passion, but this debut just missed the mark for me.
August 24, 2025
The early years of college are a lot of fun, sometimes. But they can be a stage for some painful experiences.
Ryder is still trying to get over the night he saw his girlfriend of 3 years Brittni f***ing the college a***ole Brody. Brody is the dude all the gals go for, and as is often the case in an age group where people don’t yet really know who they are, he’s a piece of work.
Ryder has seen the casual sex, the jealousies, the breakups, the vendettas, and he’s determined to protect his sister Charlie, who is barely eighteen.
Then one night a party gets out of control. What starts as a silly game of Strip Poker ends up wreaking havoc on the kids. The wrong people end up having s** together, things are posted on the internet that shouldn’t have been, and their fragile, pressured society is fractured.
Everything is first-person present tense, alternating chapters between POV characters—Ryder, Payton and Charlie. This gives intimacy to the reader. The writing style is unique. The plotline works in today’s huge role of texting and social media. They all seem barely out of high school maturity-wise, and their emotions are usually turned up to High—shame, jealousy, desire, betrayal. The parents all seem to have their own dysfunction going on, so the young people have to work out their social problems by themselves.
It’s worth making a little list as you go along to keep in mind whose head we’re hopping into—Who is whose sister? Who has the hots for whom? Who dumped whom? Who f***ed whom, and who knows about it? Old folks like me struggle to catch all the young streettalk.
The characters are interesting and multi-layered. I love stories like this, where one event ends up having ramifications for each of the characters. It reminded me how painful it was to be young.
Ryder is still trying to get over the night he saw his girlfriend of 3 years Brittni f***ing the college a***ole Brody. Brody is the dude all the gals go for, and as is often the case in an age group where people don’t yet really know who they are, he’s a piece of work.
Ryder has seen the casual sex, the jealousies, the breakups, the vendettas, and he’s determined to protect his sister Charlie, who is barely eighteen.
Then one night a party gets out of control. What starts as a silly game of Strip Poker ends up wreaking havoc on the kids. The wrong people end up having s** together, things are posted on the internet that shouldn’t have been, and their fragile, pressured society is fractured.
Everything is first-person present tense, alternating chapters between POV characters—Ryder, Payton and Charlie. This gives intimacy to the reader. The writing style is unique. The plotline works in today’s huge role of texting and social media. They all seem barely out of high school maturity-wise, and their emotions are usually turned up to High—shame, jealousy, desire, betrayal. The parents all seem to have their own dysfunction going on, so the young people have to work out their social problems by themselves.
It’s worth making a little list as you go along to keep in mind whose head we’re hopping into—Who is whose sister? Who has the hots for whom? Who dumped whom? Who f***ed whom, and who knows about it? Old folks like me struggle to catch all the young streettalk.
The characters are interesting and multi-layered. I love stories like this, where one event ends up having ramifications for each of the characters. It reminded me how painful it was to be young.
October 11, 2025
This was an interesting play on blackmail and flawed characters that have messy situations to wade through.
The author did a great job setting up this world of the new freshmen friends trying to navigate the cutthroat world of college and sororities along with a game that involves illegal and illicit acts that can be used against them.
We follow childhood friendships of Charlie & Payton who are cheerleaders looking at life in very different ways. Charlie is out going but has the tendency to make poor choices and unfortunately for Payton she follows her friend because that's what a good friend does is her motto. You find out Charlie's brother Ryder who is a bid deal on the football team is also a secret crush of Payton, and one bad decision leads to a night that Payton is unsure what to do about her embarrassment with Ryder. Now being blackmailed and tryingto figureout how to tell her friend she crossed the line with her brother and their is proof of said act floating around.
Get ready to enter a world of ups and downs with Payton & Ryder who seem to harbor feelings for one another but don't admit at first due to their background. These characters are messy but highly relatable as the story unfolds. I definitely think this is an author to watch in the future for sure especially with the ending of this story.
If you love a good sports romance with a best friend's brother vibe, messy feelings & situations, blackmail, trauma, bullying/hazing, protective big brother, and finding a HEA of sorts. Definitely check this one out its a lot more than just the tropes its an emotional ride to say the least.
Overall: 4.5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶
The author did a great job setting up this world of the new freshmen friends trying to navigate the cutthroat world of college and sororities along with a game that involves illegal and illicit acts that can be used against them.
We follow childhood friendships of Charlie & Payton who are cheerleaders looking at life in very different ways. Charlie is out going but has the tendency to make poor choices and unfortunately for Payton she follows her friend because that's what a good friend does is her motto. You find out Charlie's brother Ryder who is a bid deal on the football team is also a secret crush of Payton, and one bad decision leads to a night that Payton is unsure what to do about her embarrassment with Ryder. Now being blackmailed and tryingto figureout how to tell her friend she crossed the line with her brother and their is proof of said act floating around.
Get ready to enter a world of ups and downs with Payton & Ryder who seem to harbor feelings for one another but don't admit at first due to their background. These characters are messy but highly relatable as the story unfolds. I definitely think this is an author to watch in the future for sure especially with the ending of this story.
If you love a good sports romance with a best friend's brother vibe, messy feelings & situations, blackmail, trauma, bullying/hazing, protective big brother, and finding a HEA of sorts. Definitely check this one out its a lot more than just the tropes its an emotional ride to say the least.
Overall: 4.5/☆☆☆☆☆
Spice: 🌶🌶
October 10, 2025
Just finished another ARC called Dirty Roulette by Stephy M. Marie. This one features forced proximity, she falls first, best friend’s brother, and an overprotective MMC all wrapped around a dark college romance about hazing gone way too far.
The “Dirty Roulette” game involves stealing booze, playing strip poker, and spinning a bottle to decide who ends up in whose bed — and once you’re in, you can’t back out or social media will ruin you. It’s the kind of book that dives into the darker side of college culture while still weaving in romance, heartbreak, angst, bad decisions, and questionable choices.
Both main characters, Payton and Ryder, come from rough backgrounds with toxic home lives and absent parents. Payton’s been best friends with Ryder’s sister, Charlie, for years, and they’re about to head to college together on cheer scholarships. But when the hazing game starts, Payton’s world collides with Ryder’s, and old feelings start to resurface. Ryder, stuck in a toxic relationship, tries to resist, but of course, fate (and the rules of Dirty Roulette) have other plans.
I liked the concept and tension between them, but I felt the story dragged a bit and could’ve been shorter. The sister’s reaction was inevitable, though it was obvious she already suspected something was going on. The hazing and villain subplot sometimes overpowered the romance, and considering the premise, I expected the spice to be a bit hotter.
Still, it’s an emotional, messy, and dramatic read that touches on dark themes, and it delivers on tension and angst if that’s your thing.
The “Dirty Roulette” game involves stealing booze, playing strip poker, and spinning a bottle to decide who ends up in whose bed — and once you’re in, you can’t back out or social media will ruin you. It’s the kind of book that dives into the darker side of college culture while still weaving in romance, heartbreak, angst, bad decisions, and questionable choices.
Both main characters, Payton and Ryder, come from rough backgrounds with toxic home lives and absent parents. Payton’s been best friends with Ryder’s sister, Charlie, for years, and they’re about to head to college together on cheer scholarships. But when the hazing game starts, Payton’s world collides with Ryder’s, and old feelings start to resurface. Ryder, stuck in a toxic relationship, tries to resist, but of course, fate (and the rules of Dirty Roulette) have other plans.
I liked the concept and tension between them, but I felt the story dragged a bit and could’ve been shorter. The sister’s reaction was inevitable, though it was obvious she already suspected something was going on. The hazing and villain subplot sometimes overpowered the romance, and considering the premise, I expected the spice to be a bit hotter.
Still, it’s an emotional, messy, and dramatic read that touches on dark themes, and it delivers on tension and angst if that’s your thing.
October 30, 2025
Payton & Ryder have been each other’s lives for 13 years as Payton is his little sister Charlie’s best friend. They’re all attending GCU, the girls as freshmen on the cheer team, Ryder as a senior and the star running back on the football team and a hopeful for the NFL draft. At their school there is a horrible hazing tradition run by the quarterback, Brody, & Charlie’s ex. He cheated on her with Ryder’s girlfriend of the time Brittni, the cheer captain. Brody’s hazing involves strip poker, stealing booze by flashing a 7/11 clerk, and spinning a bottle to decide who you have to make a s*x tape with. Payton ends up spinning and tons da just when Ryder busts in the party to get her and Charlie out now they must make the tape or the quarterback will post incriminating pictures and videos online to get them kicked off their teams and out of school. I had high hopes for this plot line but it just fell short for me, the book dragged hard in the angsty will they won’t they sections where everyone is calling Payton Trash, then sped through the last 25% of the book, there was magically so much god and church talk after loads of really dark themes and high level SA and spice talk and scenes, the maturity levels of these 18 & 21 year olds seemed more high school level thoughts/behaviors/tantrums that just involved more college aged issues like hazing and r*pe, SA, suicide, etc. It didn’t hit for me like I expected it would. Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading should you have them.
October 10, 2025
This review is hard for me to write. It was one of those books that I couldn’t put down but also disliked 95% of the characters.
Okay so if you like dark, hazing, college, sport, best friends brothers book. This book is for you. The hazing is honestly creative (something I haven’t read)it’s new. There are multiple villains in this one, one top villain, but he’s followers I feel are just as bad.
Payton and Charlie have been best friends for 15 years and honestly you can’t tell until the end. The details as to why made sense but ugh both girls were so destructive. Ryder, Charlie’s older brother and protector of both girls finds himself trying to fix every problem for everyone and no one having his back. He makes mistakes, but seriously he is always having to clean up after everyone.
Dirty Roulette is not a game anyone wants to get caught up playing in the stakes are high and the price you might pay is even higher. It is dark and has TW which I highly recommended checking before starting.
Okay so I struggled with no one listened to anyone. There was zero communication. The worst part was everyone seeing everything that had happened over the years and the outcome was messed up! And that’s putting it nicely!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I recommend this Dirty Roulette. It does have A LOT of over the top drama! But the end is worth it.
Okay so if you like dark, hazing, college, sport, best friends brothers book. This book is for you. The hazing is honestly creative (something I haven’t read)it’s new. There are multiple villains in this one, one top villain, but he’s followers I feel are just as bad.
Payton and Charlie have been best friends for 15 years and honestly you can’t tell until the end. The details as to why made sense but ugh both girls were so destructive. Ryder, Charlie’s older brother and protector of both girls finds himself trying to fix every problem for everyone and no one having his back. He makes mistakes, but seriously he is always having to clean up after everyone.
Dirty Roulette is not a game anyone wants to get caught up playing in the stakes are high and the price you might pay is even higher. It is dark and has TW which I highly recommended checking before starting.
Okay so I struggled with no one listened to anyone. There was zero communication. The worst part was everyone seeing everything that had happened over the years and the outcome was messed up! And that’s putting it nicely!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I recommend this Dirty Roulette. It does have A LOT of over the top drama! But the end is worth it.
September 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3 Stars
🌶 - Spice Level
Payton has always had a crush on her best friend's older brother. Ryder has been off the market for a few years with a very toxic girlfriend. Since everyone is running in nearly the same circles with the college football team and the cheerleaders, there has been contention. Some of the contention centers around Dirty Roulette involving s€x videos and shaming.
As Ryder and Payton are thrown together more often and in proximity due to dirty roulette rules, Ryder decides to go slow. I found in some parts that this story dragged a bit, and it could have been shortened. It was a forgone conclusion that admitting the relationship between them to the sister would blow up, but technically, she knew, so that was handled a bit odd.
We're finally rewarded with their slow burn when he pops her 🍒. There's an overarching story of the villain and hazing, which does overwhelm the love story between these two. All in all, it's got your bullying and slut shaming covered to a tee. The spice is pretty tame for all of the s€x hazing that was taking place.
The story has potential, but it only seemed to finally speed up near the last 20% as things came together.
⚠️ Please read trigger and content warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the arc!
Release Day: October 10, 2025
🌶 - Spice Level
Payton has always had a crush on her best friend's older brother. Ryder has been off the market for a few years with a very toxic girlfriend. Since everyone is running in nearly the same circles with the college football team and the cheerleaders, there has been contention. Some of the contention centers around Dirty Roulette involving s€x videos and shaming.
As Ryder and Payton are thrown together more often and in proximity due to dirty roulette rules, Ryder decides to go slow. I found in some parts that this story dragged a bit, and it could have been shortened. It was a forgone conclusion that admitting the relationship between them to the sister would blow up, but technically, she knew, so that was handled a bit odd.
We're finally rewarded with their slow burn when he pops her 🍒. There's an overarching story of the villain and hazing, which does overwhelm the love story between these two. All in all, it's got your bullying and slut shaming covered to a tee. The spice is pretty tame for all of the s€x hazing that was taking place.
The story has potential, but it only seemed to finally speed up near the last 20% as things came together.
⚠️ Please read trigger and content warnings ⚠️
Thank you, author, for the arc!
Release Day: October 10, 2025
October 27, 2025
"Might as well slice my hand open and sign it in blood to seal the deal I made with the devil".
When staying on the cheer team means stealing booze, spinning the bottle, stripping down & getting it on with who fate chooses - but once you're in theres no way out ... follow through or face social ruin 🖤
❤️College Romance
🖤Best Friends Brother
❤️College Hazing
🖤Slow Burn
Review -
I was really excited for this ARC & although I found it an easy read, I'm kinda sad that for me personally it fell short of what I was expecting ...
This read had a lot of potential, but I really struggled with the FMC and questioned a lot of her thought process. Some of the storyline felt dragged out & the pacing overall felt off for me.
The story was heavy in places, but lacked depth & then the characters felt a little too young for me - more High School Drama than College Hazing when it came to the situations they were placed in & how they were handled.
There was good storyline potential & maybe readers aged 18 to 21yrs would enjoy it more - as they are usually into stereotyped messy young drama romances (however this is dark in places so triggers should be checked post read ⚠️).
I did finish it and enjoy the tension between Ryder & Payton - and as her 1st novel Stephys passion shone through, but unfortunately it just wasn't on point & missed the mark for me.
When staying on the cheer team means stealing booze, spinning the bottle, stripping down & getting it on with who fate chooses - but once you're in theres no way out ... follow through or face social ruin 🖤
❤️College Romance
🖤Best Friends Brother
❤️College Hazing
🖤Slow Burn
Review -
I was really excited for this ARC & although I found it an easy read, I'm kinda sad that for me personally it fell short of what I was expecting ...
This read had a lot of potential, but I really struggled with the FMC and questioned a lot of her thought process. Some of the storyline felt dragged out & the pacing overall felt off for me.
The story was heavy in places, but lacked depth & then the characters felt a little too young for me - more High School Drama than College Hazing when it came to the situations they were placed in & how they were handled.
There was good storyline potential & maybe readers aged 18 to 21yrs would enjoy it more - as they are usually into stereotyped messy young drama romances (however this is dark in places so triggers should be checked post read ⚠️).
I did finish it and enjoy the tension between Ryder & Payton - and as her 1st novel Stephys passion shone through, but unfortunately it just wasn't on point & missed the mark for me.
September 28, 2025
ARC Review -
Ryder is the star running back for the local college, headed into his senior year with aspirations of going pro. Payton is a freshman at the same college and his been the best of friend of Ryder's sister, Charlie. All of these kids come from broken and traumatic homes so there is a lot to unpack in the story for character healing. The two girls, decide to follow through on a hazing ritual, run by the star QB so they can be part of the cheerleaders sorority, and well that is where the story begins.
This is not my normal genre and I didn't enjoy the mean girl vibe and felt that the book might have been a little young for me....I am in my early 50's and while I am normally young at heart, this was a little to high school drama for me which I left behind 30+ years ago.
Now even with that said, I am still giving the book 4 stars. The author did a good job of creating the story, and pulling you into the feelings of the characters.
I desperately wanted to throat punch the QB...god he is easy to hate! I needed to know how Payton and Ryder finished out the game and which direction their relationship went in. The smutty scenes were well written and created enough angst/tension to keep me involved.
Ryder is the star running back for the local college, headed into his senior year with aspirations of going pro. Payton is a freshman at the same college and his been the best of friend of Ryder's sister, Charlie. All of these kids come from broken and traumatic homes so there is a lot to unpack in the story for character healing. The two girls, decide to follow through on a hazing ritual, run by the star QB so they can be part of the cheerleaders sorority, and well that is where the story begins.
This is not my normal genre and I didn't enjoy the mean girl vibe and felt that the book might have been a little young for me....I am in my early 50's and while I am normally young at heart, this was a little to high school drama for me which I left behind 30+ years ago.
Now even with that said, I am still giving the book 4 stars. The author did a good job of creating the story, and pulling you into the feelings of the characters.
I desperately wanted to throat punch the QB...god he is easy to hate! I needed to know how Payton and Ryder finished out the game and which direction their relationship went in. The smutty scenes were well written and created enough angst/tension to keep me involved.
September 16, 2025
At GCU, there is only one way to become a cheerleader or football player, and it’s a hazing game called Dirty Roulette by S. Spin the bottle that decides who ends up in whose bed. Once you’re in, there is no way out. Back out and social media will ruin you!
The story follows Ryder-he’s the star running back and soon headed to the NFL and Payton-His sister Charlie’s best friend. She ends up at the head of the roulette bottle and he comes in as her savior. It's an emotional ride this book! It's slow burn, it's angst, it's heartbreak, it's passion, it's healing and even times you want to throw your Kindle at them both and say open your eyes!! You feel it in your heart and souls as both of these characters fight for themselves AND each other to find love! Their chemistry is hot and will burn your Kindle!🔥
This author wrote so well the many challenges both women AND men face in college and finding the strength and confidence to get through it! Go read this book, it's so good!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔥Best Friend’s Brother
🩶Friends to Lovers
🏰College Romance
🔥Spicy Romance
*TRULY THANK YOU Stephy Marie for this ARC!🖤
The story follows Ryder-he’s the star running back and soon headed to the NFL and Payton-His sister Charlie’s best friend. She ends up at the head of the roulette bottle and he comes in as her savior. It's an emotional ride this book! It's slow burn, it's angst, it's heartbreak, it's passion, it's healing and even times you want to throw your Kindle at them both and say open your eyes!! You feel it in your heart and souls as both of these characters fight for themselves AND each other to find love! Their chemistry is hot and will burn your Kindle!🔥
This author wrote so well the many challenges both women AND men face in college and finding the strength and confidence to get through it! Go read this book, it's so good!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🔥Best Friend’s Brother
🩶Friends to Lovers
🏰College Romance
🔥Spicy Romance
*TRULY THANK YOU Stephy Marie for this ARC!🖤
September 17, 2025
I got the wonderful privilege of reading Dirty Roulette as an ARC. This is my full review of the book. 3.5/5
The beginning of this book was slow and I struggled to really get into it. Especially with the dual POV it made it a little more difficult to keep up with the characters and their connections, especially with everyone being so close together.
After getting the first few chapters I really got into this book. The writing was captivating and kept you engaged with the characters and plot.
This book for me had too much drama in it. Though it took some unexpected twists I wasn't expecting, I wasn't really a fan of the direction the author went. She really committed to her idea and wrote it which made the story easier and more enjoyable to read. I felt a lot of the conflict between Ryder and Payton was the same dialogue back and forth during the middle of the book and the repetitiveness got dull after a while.
The ending was actually wild and I didn't hate it but it was super unrealistic so I didn't love it either. I thought the book wrapped up really nicely and everyone got their happily ever after which was really nice.
The beginning of this book was slow and I struggled to really get into it. Especially with the dual POV it made it a little more difficult to keep up with the characters and their connections, especially with everyone being so close together.
After getting the first few chapters I really got into this book. The writing was captivating and kept you engaged with the characters and plot.
This book for me had too much drama in it. Though it took some unexpected twists I wasn't expecting, I wasn't really a fan of the direction the author went. She really committed to her idea and wrote it which made the story easier and more enjoyable to read. I felt a lot of the conflict between Ryder and Payton was the same dialogue back and forth during the middle of the book and the repetitiveness got dull after a while.
The ending was actually wild and I didn't hate it but it was super unrealistic so I didn't love it either. I thought the book wrapped up really nicely and everyone got their happily ever after which was really nice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2025
Once the Bottle Spins, There’s No Going Back
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: best friend’s brother, forbidden romance, college setting, forced proximity
Review:
Dirty Roulette by Stephy M. Marie takes a risky party game and spins it into a sizzling, emotional college romance that’s equal parts tension and temptation. Ryder, the protective football star, walks into a nightmare when he crashes a party to rescue his sister—only to find her best friend, Payton, caught in the game’s dangerous web. What begins as a desperate move to protect her reputation turns into a slow burn of secret touches and rule-breaking chemistry neither of them saw coming.
The chemistry between Ryder and Payton is undeniable—charged, messy, and addictive—and the emotional depth behind their choices makes the story more than just a spicy campus fling. The downside? A few scenes felt a bit rushed near the end, especially as the emotional stakes rose. Still, the tension, the forbidden pull, and the balance between steam and heart make Dirty Roulette a thrilling, fast-paced read that’ll have you flipping pages like you’re spinning that bottle yourself.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes: best friend’s brother, forbidden romance, college setting, forced proximity
Review:
Dirty Roulette by Stephy M. Marie takes a risky party game and spins it into a sizzling, emotional college romance that’s equal parts tension and temptation. Ryder, the protective football star, walks into a nightmare when he crashes a party to rescue his sister—only to find her best friend, Payton, caught in the game’s dangerous web. What begins as a desperate move to protect her reputation turns into a slow burn of secret touches and rule-breaking chemistry neither of them saw coming.
The chemistry between Ryder and Payton is undeniable—charged, messy, and addictive—and the emotional depth behind their choices makes the story more than just a spicy campus fling. The downside? A few scenes felt a bit rushed near the end, especially as the emotional stakes rose. Still, the tension, the forbidden pull, and the balance between steam and heart make Dirty Roulette a thrilling, fast-paced read that’ll have you flipping pages like you’re spinning that bottle yourself.
October 10, 2025
Dirty Roulette- steal booze, play strip poke, spin the bottle, and the bottle determines who you sleep with. Only thing, there is no way out of this crazy game. You back out and you’re plastered all over social media where it ruins your reputation. Payton had never planned on playing, but when her best friend Charlie dragged her there, she couldn’t look back. She is a music obsessed cheerleader who has some big plans that get her out of the trailer park she grew up in. But now this stupid game has her fearing she will lose it all: her reputation, her future, her heart, and her life. Ryder is a big star running back and heart breaker on campus. He’s familiar with the roulette game and wants to keep his sister and her best friend from the game, but when he walks in and see Payton naked, the bottle lands on him. All he can do is claim her and after that night, nothing will ever be the same between them. The lines between them blur, feelings start to come out, secrets are kept, secrets revealed, and wow sparks fly. This book had me in the edge of my seat. But Payton was tough and she was not going to let Brody win and she was going to fight, she was so strong.
October 10, 2025
rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5 rounded up
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Dirty Roulette starts with an intriguing premise — a dangerous college party game that can ruin reputations as easily as it sparks forbidden attraction. The setup immediately grabs your attention, and the chemistry between Ryder and Payton is clear from the start.
For me, the first half of the book felt a little uneven. Some transitions were clunky, and there were moments where I had to reread to make sure I was following the action. A few scenes could have used more clarity to keep the pacing smooth.
But the second half really pulled things together — it’s where the story finds its rhythm. There’s more action, emotion, and character growth, and it all comes together into a genuinely strong and engaging read.
The romance and tension between Ryder and Payton are well done, and the spice level is definitely high. Some scenes feel a touch gratuitous, but most fit naturally within their story and emotional arc.
Overall, Dirty Roulette is an enjoyable, steamy new adult romance with real heart — and a second half that more than makes up for its rough start.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Dirty Roulette starts with an intriguing premise — a dangerous college party game that can ruin reputations as easily as it sparks forbidden attraction. The setup immediately grabs your attention, and the chemistry between Ryder and Payton is clear from the start.
For me, the first half of the book felt a little uneven. Some transitions were clunky, and there were moments where I had to reread to make sure I was following the action. A few scenes could have used more clarity to keep the pacing smooth.
But the second half really pulled things together — it’s where the story finds its rhythm. There’s more action, emotion, and character growth, and it all comes together into a genuinely strong and engaging read.
The romance and tension between Ryder and Payton are well done, and the spice level is definitely high. Some scenes feel a touch gratuitous, but most fit naturally within their story and emotional arc.
Overall, Dirty Roulette is an enjoyable, steamy new adult romance with real heart — and a second half that more than makes up for its rough start.
October 11, 2025
Dirty Roulette is a sister’s best friend, forbidden romance with a college dare and plenty of ‘firsts.’
Blackmail + Seven minutes in Heaven + Poker with a twist = Dirty Roulette by Stephie M Marie
This is the author’s first self published romance. I was given an early review ebook to read. Stephanie has a solid book with character arcs and world building in the academic setting. She has done a phenomenal job crafting this story. Our MCs are linked by the best friend and a college hazing game gone wrong. When Ryder saves Payton from
social ruin and cruel punishment he steps into a new relationship with her. A no going back moment and a chance to make their insecurities disappear as they embark on a college year of ‘firsts’ together. Forget ‘sister code’ fate has brought them together.
Enjoyably the loose ends in the plot are solved and the main couples have their happy-for-now endings. I appreciate the realistic ending as they are too young for a HEA. Yet. I do hope for their return in the next book as Payton enters sophomore year and Ryder begins his football career.
Read
October 10, 2025Dark college sports romance? Yes, girl! Count me in for all the angsty traumances, which is exactly what Dirty Roulette delivers.
Stephy M Marie has created quite a unique story, starting with a college party and Rated X Spin the Bottle/Roulette, and ending with a hard fought love story and a dose of reality. Between the toxic, volatile relationships and the dirty, dark blackmailing and trauma, Dirty Roulette is non-stop, good ol’ fashioned college drama. Purely entertainment, Dirty Roulette will keep you hooked from start to finish if you enjoy realistic endings, angst, college-aged characters, and themes that lean into the darkness.
One spin. One dare. And a game where the stakes are your heart, future, and reputation.
TROPES:
🏈 Sports romance football
💋 Best friends brother
🏈 Forced proximity
💋 Afraid to commit
🏈 Secret relationship
💋 Virgin auction
🏈 Friends to lovers
#witlitwomen #dirtyroulette #stephymmarie
#irisinfluencersociety #irisarc #darkromance #collegeromance #sportsromance #footballromance
Stephy M Marie has created quite a unique story, starting with a college party and Rated X Spin the Bottle/Roulette, and ending with a hard fought love story and a dose of reality. Between the toxic, volatile relationships and the dirty, dark blackmailing and trauma, Dirty Roulette is non-stop, good ol’ fashioned college drama. Purely entertainment, Dirty Roulette will keep you hooked from start to finish if you enjoy realistic endings, angst, college-aged characters, and themes that lean into the darkness.
One spin. One dare. And a game where the stakes are your heart, future, and reputation.
TROPES:
🏈 Sports romance football
💋 Best friends brother
🏈 Forced proximity
💋 Afraid to commit
🏈 Secret relationship
💋 Virgin auction
🏈 Friends to lovers
#witlitwomen #dirtyroulette #stephymmarie
#irisinfluencersociety #irisarc #darkromance #collegeromance #sportsromance #footballromance
October 6, 2025
Dirty Roulette is a best friend's brother story.
There is a lot of sleaziness in this story. A lot could've also been resolved by just being honest with everyone. Even though there is a lot of back and forth between the characters and over the top drama it is still a great read. It kept me riveted from the start. I loved Ryder. He was a sweet and amazing character. You could see all of his conflict for everything he was going through and dealing with. He just wanted to protect his sister and her friend and sometimes that blew up in his and others faces.
There was a lot of tension between the characters. A lot of people keeping secrets to protect themselves or others. Some moments were more frustrating and you just wanted to enter the book to smack someone over the head and tell them to smarten up. However, when all concludes you can see who was doing what to protect those around them.
Please read any trigger warnings as you might need it.
There is a lot of sleaziness in this story. A lot could've also been resolved by just being honest with everyone. Even though there is a lot of back and forth between the characters and over the top drama it is still a great read. It kept me riveted from the start. I loved Ryder. He was a sweet and amazing character. You could see all of his conflict for everything he was going through and dealing with. He just wanted to protect his sister and her friend and sometimes that blew up in his and others faces.
There was a lot of tension between the characters. A lot of people keeping secrets to protect themselves or others. Some moments were more frustrating and you just wanted to enter the book to smack someone over the head and tell them to smarten up. However, when all concludes you can see who was doing what to protect those around them.
Please read any trigger warnings as you might need it.
August 30, 2025
Second ARC! And here is what I thought! This one is chock full of college hazing, dual POV’s, friends to lovers, and falling for the best friends brother! I’m not a fan of her writing style, a few too many extra passages that didn’t need to be there that made it seem to just ramble on, and some explanations were left out to where you were wondering where the thoughts came from. There was some spice, but I mean nothing that made me 😮. There is a warning I will give, there are rape scenes that are descriptive, so if this bothers you, I’d stay away from this one. I cannot complain though, it was a pretty decent read, and I had a hard time putting it down, (only took me 2 days to read it)! If you want to read it, this book comes out October 10, 2025, and will be available on Kindle and paperback! She also has special edition pre-orders and they are gorgeous!
September 16, 2025
I definitely am torn about how i felt about this book. It has great bones with a really compelling plotline that feels pretty unique. There were times that I wasn’t sure if it was the character development or the actual writing that felt pretty immature in parts. I really didn’t like the main female character and I felt like she often didn’t make sense in her thought process and her actions felt really erratic a lot of the time but again, is that on purpose or just the writer, I really couldn’t say. There were definitely some dark subjects and on page nonconsent/SA. The way that the authorities dealt with some of the content matter I think could really trigger some people, so hopefully reading the TWs will steer those who will be hurt away from this. Also while there is sports on the page I definitely wouldn’t classify this as a sports romance.
October 7, 2025
What a ride, this book is filled with people being put into terrible positions. There is a lot of black mail and coercion happening to the MMC and FMC throughout this book and it makes it very difficult for their relationship to flourish. You can tell from the very beginning how much these two characters care for each other but the circumstances are really pushing them apart. Until a big event happens that pushes them to begin depending on each other. While this book has a lot of dark content I would not consider it a dark romance they are a very sweet couple being put through a lot of dark events. If you love a good love story and a story of survival and overcoming this is a great one. But know it is not all happy and sunshine on the way to their happily ever after.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
October 10, 2025
He’s the star running back who has had his heart broken. He is also her best friend’s brother’s definitely off limits. Now they are thrown together to protect her reputation. Things are about to get spicy.
If you love a messy drama filled romance this is for you. Ryder and Payton go through a lot. The ride is wild. There is a lot going on and a lot of chatter among the characters. Took me a minute to separate everyone. The plot definitely got me in a chokehold. I was always wondering what was going to happen when the next chapter came up.
The characters are likable. Well not the antagonist. They were horrible. It just made it more angsty . There may be some triggers for some folks.
Stop here for drama filled romance with all the tropes.
College athletes
Best friend’s brother
Close proximity
Angst
Forbidden romance
If you love a messy drama filled romance this is for you. Ryder and Payton go through a lot. The ride is wild. There is a lot going on and a lot of chatter among the characters. Took me a minute to separate everyone. The plot definitely got me in a chokehold. I was always wondering what was going to happen when the next chapter came up.
The characters are likable. Well not the antagonist. They were horrible. It just made it more angsty . There may be some triggers for some folks.
Stop here for drama filled romance with all the tropes.
College athletes
Best friend’s brother
Close proximity
Angst
Forbidden romance
October 31, 2025
This story has everything you want in a college romance- tension, heartbreak, friendship, and just enough chaos to make it unputdownable! The emotional layers and multiple storylines all blend perfectly into one unforgettable coming-of-age story. It pulled me right back into that messy, wild, new-to-college feel; where everything feels exciting and terrifying at once.
Payton and Ryder’s story is full of angst and chemistry. He’s the brooding football star trying to protect everyone he loves, and she’s his sister’s best friend who’s suddenly caught in a dangerous game she never wanted to play. What starts as protection turns into something deeper, and I loved watching their relationship evolve through the tension, secrets, and heartbreak. Stephy didn’t shy away from the darker sides of college life or toxic relationships, but she balanced it beautifully with love, growth, and healing.
Payton and Ryder’s story is full of angst and chemistry. He’s the brooding football star trying to protect everyone he loves, and she’s his sister’s best friend who’s suddenly caught in a dangerous game she never wanted to play. What starts as protection turns into something deeper, and I loved watching their relationship evolve through the tension, secrets, and heartbreak. Stephy didn’t shy away from the darker sides of college life or toxic relationships, but she balanced it beautifully with love, growth, and healing.
December 28, 2025
What a wild ride!!
At first I thought I was going to not be able to follow along, but U was very quickly proven wrong and totally got sucked into MMC Ryder (Sebastian) and FMC Peyton(Cutie) story.
This was a crazy wild ride and it will have you wondering will they or won't they figure it out and make their relationship work. The side characters of Charlie( Ryders sister and Peyton's best friend), and Noah were a great addition to their story as well.
So much happens in this book, and the two main bad people pay in the end but not nearly as much as they should have. It leaves you wanting more like any well written novel should!
Thank you @smmarieauthor and @iris.influencer.society for such an amazing experience!
Story: 5⭐️
Characters: 5⭐️
Character growth: 4⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
At first I thought I was going to not be able to follow along, but U was very quickly proven wrong and totally got sucked into MMC Ryder (Sebastian) and FMC Peyton(Cutie) story.
This was a crazy wild ride and it will have you wondering will they or won't they figure it out and make their relationship work. The side characters of Charlie( Ryders sister and Peyton's best friend), and Noah were a great addition to their story as well.
So much happens in this book, and the two main bad people pay in the end but not nearly as much as they should have. It leaves you wanting more like any well written novel should!
Thank you @smmarieauthor and @iris.influencer.society for such an amazing experience!
Story: 5⭐️
Characters: 5⭐️
Character growth: 4⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
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