What do you think?
Phil-U #3
What Are The Risks
One move that could break their friendship... or be the start of forever.
Ryker Richardson’s world has always revolved around football. With his final college season coming to a close and the NFL Draft on the horizon, he doesn’t have time for distractions – just the game and his best friend, Ruby Wilson.
Ruby’s first year as a nurse was meant to mark the beginning of the life she’d always imagined with her boyfriend – until betrayal ruins that dream.
When a risqué photo of her ends up in Ryker’s hands, it sparks something neither of them saw coming. But as Ryker becomes the safe and thrilling rebound for Ruby to experiment with, it doesn’t take long for him to realise she's the happy ending he wants.
Now he must prove to her that this could be something real, and Ruby must decide if the chance of forever is worth risking the one relationship that’s never let her down – their friendship.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS is the spicy third book of the Phil-U series. It can be read as a complete standalone.
Ryker Richardson’s world has always revolved around football. With his final college season coming to a close and the NFL Draft on the horizon, he doesn’t have time for distractions – just the game and his best friend, Ruby Wilson.
Ruby’s first year as a nurse was meant to mark the beginning of the life she’d always imagined with her boyfriend – until betrayal ruins that dream.
When a risqué photo of her ends up in Ryker’s hands, it sparks something neither of them saw coming. But as Ryker becomes the safe and thrilling rebound for Ruby to experiment with, it doesn’t take long for him to realise she's the happy ending he wants.
Now he must prove to her that this could be something real, and Ruby must decide if the chance of forever is worth risking the one relationship that’s never let her down – their friendship.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS is the spicy third book of the Phil-U series. It can be read as a complete standalone.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2025
About the author
Madi Leigh
3 books573 followersMadi is an Australian romance writer, with a fixation on swoonworthy main characters and happy endings.
An avid reader herself, she'll read any genre - as long as there's an inkling of a romance.
When she's not reading or writing, Madi loves watching footy (AFL) and hockey (NHL), and spending unhealthy doses of time scrolling through ASOS.
An avid reader herself, she'll read any genre - as long as there's an inkling of a romance.
When she's not reading or writing, Madi loves watching footy (AFL) and hockey (NHL), and spending unhealthy doses of time scrolling through ASOS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
November 19, 2025
Reading Levi and Grace's book I've always thought "she should've chosen Ryker instead of this manwhore" but well, Ryker has a girl best friend lol. That'd be such a bummer.
And I pity Noah. Honestly? It was coming, I just knew it was coming. She was prioritizing Ryker more than Noah. I know Ryker was her best friend since birth. But Noah was her boyfriend for 6 effing years. She would drop him like a hot potato the moment Ryker asks something or call her. So yeah, I can't blame Noah on cheating. I'm an immersive reader and I can't even, for the life of me, empathize with her. And before you guys say anything about my comment? Think for once if you're in that relationship and your boyfriend has a girl bsf who he was close like sht. He'd drop anything for her and not you her girlfriend for 6 effing years. Tell me. I know someone would say, "it's still not right to cheat" or "they could've talked it out", yes it's not right to cheat but i just couldn't blame him. And talked it out? Btch, I'd drop my boyfriend like a hot potato if that happens to me, you have your best friend but put some effing line. So all I'm saying is she did it, she was the reason for the break up. Then she hooked up with Ryker proving Noah's point.
And Ryker went to the btchest sl*t of this series(well the other series). Man, I can't do this, Madi Leigh's men aren't my type of guys.
This is why Caught Up by Liz T was such a hit even though all the trauma the fmc had, the guy was loyal to the bones. We never see that type of guy. I believe in books making me live in a different person's life, but if you read this types on books with manwhores then what is left for my dreams?
And I pity Noah. Honestly? It was coming, I just knew it was coming. She was prioritizing Ryker more than Noah. I know Ryker was her best friend since birth. But Noah was her boyfriend for 6 effing years. She would drop him like a hot potato the moment Ryker asks something or call her. So yeah, I can't blame Noah on cheating. I'm an immersive reader and I can't even, for the life of me, empathize with her. And before you guys say anything about my comment? Think for once if you're in that relationship and your boyfriend has a girl bsf who he was close like sht. He'd drop anything for her and not you her girlfriend for 6 effing years. Tell me. I know someone would say, "it's still not right to cheat" or "they could've talked it out", yes it's not right to cheat but i just couldn't blame him. And talked it out? Btch, I'd drop my boyfriend like a hot potato if that happens to me, you have your best friend but put some effing line. So all I'm saying is she did it, she was the reason for the break up. Then she hooked up with Ryker proving Noah's point.
And Ryker went to the btchest sl*t of this series(well the other series). Man, I can't do this, Madi Leigh's men aren't my type of guys.
This is why Caught Up by Liz T was such a hit even though all the trauma the fmc had, the guy was loyal to the bones. We never see that type of guy. I believe in books making me live in a different person's life, but if you read this types on books with manwhores then what is left for my dreams?
November 3, 2025
Loved it!! Got an early preview and Ryker's story might even be my favourite 🥰👏👏 can't wait for book 4!
January 31, 2026
2.5⭐️
better than i expected tbh
not boring and easy to read, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a fast read and just something fun
better than i expected tbh
not boring and easy to read, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a fast read and just something fun
January 17, 2026
this book is every reason that I hate friends to lovers because what do you mean I had to witness both MCs entertain other people for 53%??????? and then suffer though the most insufferable miscommunications???? and honestly I could go on and list more ways it sucked but I don’t want to think about it anymore
I’ve reread Grace & Levi countless times but I am so happy to never have to endure this godforsaken book again xx
I’ve reread Grace & Levi countless times but I am so happy to never have to endure this godforsaken book again xx
February 19, 2026
a man with a girl best friend… no thanks
November 12, 2025
I LOVE RYKER… HE WAS PERFECT 🤩
November 17, 2025
I love Madi. I think she is just the cutest and her intro of Levi and Grace into my life has changed me forever. By extension her intro of Ryker has also changed me and I love a good friends to lovers story.
Parts of this had my anxiety spiking. Talk about tension and yearning and adrenaline. I was a mess at one point that I messaged Madi on insta and told her a particular character was a scourge to this earth 😂. Dramatic.
I loved ruby. I loved Ryker. This was perfect!
Parts of this had my anxiety spiking. Talk about tension and yearning and adrenaline. I was a mess at one point that I messaged Madi on insta and told her a particular character was a scourge to this earth 😂. Dramatic.
I loved ruby. I loved Ryker. This was perfect!
January 13, 2026
Kjut best friends to lovers zgodba.
Edino kar me je kr zmotilo je blo to, da so poglavja imela naslove in pol sem cel čas ugibala kaj se bo zgodil v posemeznem poglavju namesto, da bi se prepustila zgodbi.
Edino kar me je kr zmotilo je blo to, da so poglavja imela naslove in pol sem cel čas ugibala kaj se bo zgodil v posemeznem poglavju namesto, da bi se prepustila zgodbi.
December 7, 2025
3.5⭐️
for best friends, ryker and ruby are honestly extremely close. i mean they’ve slept in the same bed, his name in her contacts has a HEART. like woah. guys are we sure you weren’t also cheating EMOTIONALLY?
this book is good but also very cliche. the boyfriend cheating AND underperforming in the bedroom? and the best friend from childhood being there the ENTIRE TIME? 😉 like i hate noah but he was lowk real for that .. ruby would honestly prioritise ryker over noah and seeing that noah’s her boyfriend, it’s honestly a shitty thing to do. she literally wore a necklace with their initials — R AND R — WHILE DATING NOAH. 😔
so they FINALLY kiss and then you tell me she’s asking to get set up with his teammates while he’s just playing hooky/FORTNITE with GRETCHEN? 👹
though gretchen and evan are lowk the best wingwoman/wingman out there. they pride themselves in getting ruby and ryker together icl. 🙂↕️✊
“i thought you said you were stuffed from dinner”
“i’ve always got room for you dick, wheels” 🔫
these characters genuinely have no sense of money. ruby just flies when she feels like it. “bahamas it is” BAHAMAS? EXCUSE ME? rich people. rykers like “book my flight now” and “i just booked your flight” HOW MUCH MONEY HAS THE MAN GOT? 😔
see, i GET rubys concerns on having sex with ryder because of his past but her attitude to “get it over with” and like being avoidant is PISSING ME OFF.
“you’ve got me hooked dick, heart and soul” ryker the poet you are 🥹
for best friends, ryker and ruby are honestly extremely close. i mean they’ve slept in the same bed, his name in her contacts has a HEART. like woah. guys are we sure you weren’t also cheating EMOTIONALLY?
this book is good but also very cliche. the boyfriend cheating AND underperforming in the bedroom? and the best friend from childhood being there the ENTIRE TIME? 😉 like i hate noah but he was lowk real for that .. ruby would honestly prioritise ryker over noah and seeing that noah’s her boyfriend, it’s honestly a shitty thing to do. she literally wore a necklace with their initials — R AND R — WHILE DATING NOAH. 😔
so they FINALLY kiss and then you tell me she’s asking to get set up with his teammates while he’s just playing hooky/FORTNITE with GRETCHEN? 👹
though gretchen and evan are lowk the best wingwoman/wingman out there. they pride themselves in getting ruby and ryker together icl. 🙂↕️✊
“i thought you said you were stuffed from dinner”
“i’ve always got room for you dick, wheels” 🔫
these characters genuinely have no sense of money. ruby just flies when she feels like it. “bahamas it is” BAHAMAS? EXCUSE ME? rich people. rykers like “book my flight now” and “i just booked your flight” HOW MUCH MONEY HAS THE MAN GOT? 😔
see, i GET rubys concerns on having sex with ryder because of his past but her attitude to “get it over with” and like being avoidant is PISSING ME OFF.
“you’ve got me hooked dick, heart and soul” ryker the poet you are 🥹
February 9, 2026
⭐ Star Rating: 3.25/5
This was a solid read. I genuinely liked the foundation of the story, especially the way the transition from best friends to lovers was handled. Watching both characters slowly realize they were attracted to one another and then eventually acknowledging their deeper feelings felt like a natural, rewarding progression for their relationship.
However, a few things kept me from fully loving it. The sudden miscommunication was pretty annoying because these two supposedly talked about everything, so having them suddenly stop being honest felt a bit forced just to create drama. The pacing also dragged in the middle, as the plot got stuck in a repetitive loop of partying and social events that didn't really move things forward. It also started to bug me that the effort felt one-sided, with her always being the one to visit him while he never seemed to make the trip the other way. On top of that, the nickname "Wheels" became incredibly grating after a while; it was used so frequently that by the end, I honestly never wanted to hear it again.
This was a solid read. I genuinely liked the foundation of the story, especially the way the transition from best friends to lovers was handled. Watching both characters slowly realize they were attracted to one another and then eventually acknowledging their deeper feelings felt like a natural, rewarding progression for their relationship.
However, a few things kept me from fully loving it. The sudden miscommunication was pretty annoying because these two supposedly talked about everything, so having them suddenly stop being honest felt a bit forced just to create drama. The pacing also dragged in the middle, as the plot got stuck in a repetitive loop of partying and social events that didn't really move things forward. It also started to bug me that the effort felt one-sided, with her always being the one to visit him while he never seemed to make the trip the other way. On top of that, the nickname "Wheels" became incredibly grating after a while; it was used so frequently that by the end, I honestly never wanted to hear it again.
July 27, 2026
I gave What Are the Risks by Madi Leigh 4 stars.
This was a friends to lovers sports romance, and I really enjoyed Ryker and Ruby together. I have been loving sports romance books, and this one was another fun addition to that list.
I loved the friendship between Ryker and Ruby and watching that relationship slowly turn into something more. Their chemistry was so good, and I loved how Ryker was there for her when she needed someone after everything she went through. He wasn’t just a rebound, he became the person who showed her what a real relationship could look like.
I absolutely hated Ruby’s ex. He was selfish and only seemed to care about himself. Then there was the so-called “best friend,” and wow, what a betrayal. She was the definition of someone who was supposed to have your back but completely failed you.
The spice was good, and honestly, I could always use more spice, but I thought it fit the story well. The chemistry between Ryker and Ruby definitely made those scenes even better.
One thing I wish this book had more of was side characters. I love when a book has a bigger cast and lets you connect with more people outside of the main couple. I think having more of that would have made the story feel even more complete.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable 4-star read. I loved Ryker and Ruby, their friendship turning into love, the sports aspect, and the emotional moments throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves sports romance, friends to lovers, and a sweet romance with plenty of chemistry.
This was a friends to lovers sports romance, and I really enjoyed Ryker and Ruby together. I have been loving sports romance books, and this one was another fun addition to that list.
I loved the friendship between Ryker and Ruby and watching that relationship slowly turn into something more. Their chemistry was so good, and I loved how Ryker was there for her when she needed someone after everything she went through. He wasn’t just a rebound, he became the person who showed her what a real relationship could look like.
I absolutely hated Ruby’s ex. He was selfish and only seemed to care about himself. Then there was the so-called “best friend,” and wow, what a betrayal. She was the definition of someone who was supposed to have your back but completely failed you.
The spice was good, and honestly, I could always use more spice, but I thought it fit the story well. The chemistry between Ryker and Ruby definitely made those scenes even better.
One thing I wish this book had more of was side characters. I love when a book has a bigger cast and lets you connect with more people outside of the main couple. I think having more of that would have made the story feel even more complete.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable 4-star read. I loved Ryker and Ruby, their friendship turning into love, the sports aspect, and the emotional moments throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves sports romance, friends to lovers, and a sweet romance with plenty of chemistry.
July 9, 2026
NAH BECAUSE I LOVED THAT ENDING SO MUCH.
He was honestly just perfect.
and Madi Leigh, Mam. You really levelled up your spice game with this one 🥵 he was hot.
Their connection and friendship was so beautiful, and expressed so well through the writing.
Friends to lovers (and I’m still not a fan to be honest because I hate realising someone should be together at 40 percent having to slog it out for another 40 percent whilst they sort it out. BUT RYKER IS WORTH IT. She had a habit of miscommunication which wasn’t the best, but again with friends to lovers you need conflict don’t ya.
4 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️ 3 🤍
He was honestly just perfect.
and Madi Leigh, Mam. You really levelled up your spice game with this one 🥵 he was hot.
Their connection and friendship was so beautiful, and expressed so well through the writing.
Friends to lovers (and I’m still not a fan to be honest because I hate realising someone should be together at 40 percent having to slog it out for another 40 percent whilst they sort it out. BUT RYKER IS WORTH IT. She had a habit of miscommunication which wasn’t the best, but again with friends to lovers you need conflict don’t ya.
4 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️ 3 🤍
January 7, 2026
really stepped outta my zone with this one, it’s not dark, it’s not fantasy and it’s not RH but i really really did love it, kind of like a palette cleanser but i truly have no complaints in this book beside my own personal “JUST COMMUNICATE BETTER YOU IDIOTS” 🤣 but i loved this all round hapoy vibes for me couple tears shed but all good
January 6, 2026
Love a friends to lovers, what s simple and fun way to start the new year, dopamine hit and thats it
February 17, 2026
حليل اخيس مافيه غلافه
February 22, 2026
Read this in less than 24 hours and couldn’t put it down.
March 18, 2026
that might be my favorite read of the series
April 2, 2026
3.5⭐️
April 22, 2026
Liked the first two. This was so hard to get through.
January 1, 2026
Friends to lovers en en av mina absoluta favoriter !! Boken va bra och gullig men inget wow
August 4, 2026
Classic childhood friends to lovers 🏈💉
Reaction: I liked this book. I was just sick and tired of Ryker (which I convinced myself was Ryder) running to Gretchen any time he had a minor inconvenience. Also, the third act break up happening 99% percent ofthe way through the book was sort of what I expected, but I did like the way it played out, like he never gave her the chance to process, think, and respond. It had been a while since I read the previous two books, so I didn't really remember the characters, but I did enjoy the book and how the other characters were integrated. I am excited for the next few books; however, since this group graduated, I don't know if I will enjoy them. Like, are we still going to be in the college world just with like the upcoming seniors, or are we leaving college? To start, I didn't like Noah, and I definitely suspected that he was going to cheat; like, you aren't ending an 8-year relationship unless the guy is cheating. I do hate that he wasn't just honest with her about how he was feeling, but I guess she said it herself: an ultimatum wouldn't go his way. I liked Ruby; it was fun to read about a nurse, but I feel like her shifts were kind of unrealistic, unless I just know nothing, but it seemed like she was bouncing around too much. Also, it annoyed me that the guys never visited her. Like, both Ryker and Noah were also asking when she was coming, like, babe, an airplane goes both ways. I liked Ryker, but anytime there was an inconvenience with Ruby and Noah or just Ruby, he hopped into Gretchen's bed so fast, like he was leading her on so hard, and then he just dropped her. I was happy with how everything turned out, but the chances of all that happening in real life are legit zero.
Summary: Ruby had been friends with Ryker since they were little kids. They grew up together but went to separate colleges, her in Columbus and him in Philadelphia. She spent her 3 and a half, almost 4 years in college in a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend (since 16), Noah. She had just finished a nursing shift and was waiting for her roommate to finish up when Ryker called her asking her to come visit that weekend; she agreed, but being on the phone with him made her miss Noah’s text. She drove down with all her friends to watch the game and to get some food; she left not long after they had some food because she needed to get home. A few weeks later, she drove back to Detroit for Thanksgiving. She wasn’t seeing Noah on Thanksgiving because he didn’t want to spend the break with Ryker’s family and Ruby’s family, and she didn’t want to spend it with his, so they settled on the day before. They spent the day just watching a movie because Noah didn’t want to have sex while her mom was downstairs. On Thanksgiving, she went to Ryker’s, but he was acting weird, and once they went upstairs to watch TV, he shared that his brother saw her boyfriend talking to another girl at the bar. She got mad and said the brother must have saw wrong, and she left; for the first time ever, there was no sleepover. She was back working and it was Jaz’s birthday so she pregamed while eating breakfast since she got off work at a weird time, she talked to Ryker and he ordered pizza because cereal wasn’t a proper meal, they also asked Ryker a spicy pick-up line to see how he would react since all her friends had bad dating stories and he reacted accordingly, Noah didn’t. The next morning, Bri was driving to the airport for another trip out to visit Ryker for his senior night. Her friend noticed something weird on the call and thought that Noah might be cheating on her, but she brushed it off. Tori, a teammate's girlfriend, picked her up in Philly and drove her to the athletic center. They waited till Ryker got out and surprised him; they caught up on the first day, then enjoyed the rest of the weekend. It was not Christmas, and Ryker was back home helping both his mom and Ruby’s mom with some Christmas lifting and fielding the question of when they were going to get together. For New Year's, Ruby was going to go to Miami, but Noah surprised her and came to Columbus. He was hesitant about bringing his phone because he didn’t have pockets and didn’t like the idea of Ruby holding it for him (sus); they headed out, but a few drinks in Ruby broached the idea of not moving home after graduation. This resulted in a NY kiss that felt like an obligation and him leaving without ever having resolved things. Ruby called Ryker the next day, but that call and conversation about her fight with Noah was cut short when Ryker’s hookup appeared in frame. Ruby was hanging out with her girls, a little down in the dumps because things hadn’t resolved with her and Noah. Her friends suggested a makeup nude, which was accidentally sent to Ryker. She immediately called Ryker and asked him to delete the photo immediately. He got Tori to do it, so he never saw the photo, but this conversation happened in front of the football teamed so they ragged on him the rest of the day. Ruby’s friends (after the nude situation) convinced her to fly out to visit Noah. When she got to his frat house, she heard moans, and when she went in, she saw her boyfriend of 8 years balls deep in another girl. Ryker had texted her because he was also in Miami, so she ran off to him. That night they went out, and Ruby was definitely a fifth wheel, but she was too drunk to care. She even got Ryker to open up about the nude she sent him, but then some girl started making out with him so she left. After leaving the bar, she saw the ‘hey girly’ text from the girl Noah cheated on her with. Ryker came outside just after that and took her to the hotel. She threw up a lot and, feeling a little better the next morning, said it was okay for Noah to see her and drive her to the airport; she ended things with him, officially. A week or so later, Ryker’s football career ended, and Ruby hadn’t been there to see it because of work, and when his friend started ragging him about his crush on her, he responded to a DM hooking up with someone else. Ruby was back at work after crying to her friends for two weeks straight and doing really well, and planning to visit Ryker that weekend. She hadn’t told him about the breakup, and her friends said she should try to move on while she was there and hook up with someone; she just wasn’t ready yet. Ruby flew into Philly for the weekend, and Ryker picked her up. Once they got to his house, he had some food and broke the news that she and Noah ended things; Ryker said nothing. Not long after, Ryker ran upstairs to comfort her and learn about what happened, but she was just excited for a party and trying to forget. Ryker was downstairs when Tori showed up with drinks and disappeared with Ruby in his room; they were gone for a while, Tori even coming down first. Eventually, Ryker made his way up there; they talked and kissed, but Kyler interrupted, and Ruby ran away. Ryker was then sent on a beer run with Gretchen and two others, which resulted in asking Gretchen for advice and then falling asleep on her couch. Ruby left the next morning, arranging an Uber because Ryker never came home; she was passive that whole week, which only seemed worse to him because she was also on night shift. Towards the end of the week, Ryker was out at the bar for a friend's party when Tori started talking about his birthday, inviting Ruby and working to set her up with a guy, much to his displeasure; thus he turned to Gretchen (again). Ruby was waiting for her flight to visit Ryker his birthday weekend, but it kept getting delayed and then cancelled, but Ryker booked her another flight. She Ubered to the house, and Gretchen was there, so they started talking and drinking, then Tori showed up and joined. When the boy finally got there, they started to get ready, Gretchen and Ruby together, which Ryker didn’t necessarily love. They sat on opposite sides during dinner; Ruby sat with Evan, then drinks rolled around, and she disappeared with Evan. Nothing happened between them besides a kiss, but she spent the night with him since she thought Gretchen was going to be the Ryker. The next morning, though, she learned Ryker spent the night alone and ended things with Gretchen; he was also led to believe something happened between her and Evan. Breakfast was awkward the next morning, and Ruby almost bailed on drinks, but Ryker pissed her off so she wanted to get drunk instead. At drinks, Evan knocked some sense into Ryker, and he took Ruby home to talk things out, which resulted in a passionate kiss, but nothing further because Ruby was tipsy and this needed to be done sober. The next morning she woke up because of a wet dream that turned into reality. After that happened, they went out and had breakfast to discuss everything, and they decided to keep hooking up as long as it didn’t ruin their friendship. Ryker had an end of season/pre-draft interview where he FaceTimed Ruby in the middle because he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Ruby had told her friends what happened between the two of them two weeks ago, and they were happy for her, even more happy she was going to visit that weekend. She had surprised him, and he asked his friends about date ideas. He took her out to a nice place, and they messed around after, but it was a less than 48-hour trip. Just before his mom’s birthday, Ryker was trying to figure out if she was going back, but she couldn’t, so he decided to make a pit stop to see her on his way home. She picked him up after work, and they grabbed some food before heading to her place. They had a little alone time before getting ready for a night out, which went a little sideways. Ruby is super nervous about sleeping with him because of both their past histories, so she gets drunk and tries to be spontaneous, but he shoots her down and puts her to bed. The next morning he brings coffee for everyone, and at breakfast they talk through everything: that they are both a little nervous about sleeping together, but their friendship will always come first. That night they start off watching a movie but end up naked and wrapped up in each other. Ryker leaves the next day to head home; he had family dinner, then his brother dragged him out to a bar, which went very south when Noah confronted him, and Ryker’s brother punched him right in the face. Ryker called her when he got home to explain what happened, and instead of being mad, they ended up having phone sex. Not long after Ruby made her final flight to Phil-U, which was a little bittersweet, she got ready with Tori before heading to the athletic event hosted by the Dean. During that time, she also responded to a text about meeting up with Noah when she was back home to talk through everything. The athletic event went well, and Ryker ended up winning athlete of the year. He was stolen away for media after that, but Ruby celebrated with him by letting him get her off in the party bus and having sex multiple times, both drunk and sober. However, the next morning Ryker seemed off; they had a nearly silent ride back to Ohio, and when they got there Ruby finally forced him to open up, and what he said surprised her. He said he loved her and he no longer just wanted to sleep together and be her rebound, but she wasn’t sure what she wanted. He drove to Detroit that night. Ruby drove in the next day only to find out Ryker left early for Vegas, and she wouldn’t see him for three days. She spent the time cleaning out her room, and she saw Noah. Noah admitted he was at fault for their relationship ending, but Rung would never forgive him, and they would never be a thing ever again. Draft day rolled around, and Ruby and Ryker didn’t have time to speak before their flight got delayed and him having to be there early for media things, but when he was selected by Seattle 3rd overall, she admitted she loved him, and they kissed on national TV. After everything, he came back to the room where they were grilled by their mothers, but managed to escape to her hotel room to celebrate together. Three years later, Ryker is still playing for Seattle and planning to be there for a while, and Ruby got her dream job in Tacoma. Their schedules can be difficult at times, but they managed to build a house together, with the first memory inside being getting engaged and having their families there to celebrate!!!
Reaction: I liked this book. I was just sick and tired of Ryker (which I convinced myself was Ryder) running to Gretchen any time he had a minor inconvenience. Also, the third act break up happening 99% percent ofthe way through the book was sort of what I expected, but I did like the way it played out, like he never gave her the chance to process, think, and respond. It had been a while since I read the previous two books, so I didn't really remember the characters, but I did enjoy the book and how the other characters were integrated. I am excited for the next few books; however, since this group graduated, I don't know if I will enjoy them. Like, are we still going to be in the college world just with like the upcoming seniors, or are we leaving college? To start, I didn't like Noah, and I definitely suspected that he was going to cheat; like, you aren't ending an 8-year relationship unless the guy is cheating. I do hate that he wasn't just honest with her about how he was feeling, but I guess she said it herself: an ultimatum wouldn't go his way. I liked Ruby; it was fun to read about a nurse, but I feel like her shifts were kind of unrealistic, unless I just know nothing, but it seemed like she was bouncing around too much. Also, it annoyed me that the guys never visited her. Like, both Ryker and Noah were also asking when she was coming, like, babe, an airplane goes both ways. I liked Ryker, but anytime there was an inconvenience with Ruby and Noah or just Ruby, he hopped into Gretchen's bed so fast, like he was leading her on so hard, and then he just dropped her. I was happy with how everything turned out, but the chances of all that happening in real life are legit zero.
Summary: Ruby had been friends with Ryker since they were little kids. They grew up together but went to separate colleges, her in Columbus and him in Philadelphia. She spent her 3 and a half, almost 4 years in college in a long-distance relationship with her boyfriend (since 16), Noah. She had just finished a nursing shift and was waiting for her roommate to finish up when Ryker called her asking her to come visit that weekend; she agreed, but being on the phone with him made her miss Noah’s text. She drove down with all her friends to watch the game and to get some food; she left not long after they had some food because she needed to get home. A few weeks later, she drove back to Detroit for Thanksgiving. She wasn’t seeing Noah on Thanksgiving because he didn’t want to spend the break with Ryker’s family and Ruby’s family, and she didn’t want to spend it with his, so they settled on the day before. They spent the day just watching a movie because Noah didn’t want to have sex while her mom was downstairs. On Thanksgiving, she went to Ryker’s, but he was acting weird, and once they went upstairs to watch TV, he shared that his brother saw her boyfriend talking to another girl at the bar. She got mad and said the brother must have saw wrong, and she left; for the first time ever, there was no sleepover. She was back working and it was Jaz’s birthday so she pregamed while eating breakfast since she got off work at a weird time, she talked to Ryker and he ordered pizza because cereal wasn’t a proper meal, they also asked Ryker a spicy pick-up line to see how he would react since all her friends had bad dating stories and he reacted accordingly, Noah didn’t. The next morning, Bri was driving to the airport for another trip out to visit Ryker for his senior night. Her friend noticed something weird on the call and thought that Noah might be cheating on her, but she brushed it off. Tori, a teammate's girlfriend, picked her up in Philly and drove her to the athletic center. They waited till Ryker got out and surprised him; they caught up on the first day, then enjoyed the rest of the weekend. It was not Christmas, and Ryker was back home helping both his mom and Ruby’s mom with some Christmas lifting and fielding the question of when they were going to get together. For New Year's, Ruby was going to go to Miami, but Noah surprised her and came to Columbus. He was hesitant about bringing his phone because he didn’t have pockets and didn’t like the idea of Ruby holding it for him (sus); they headed out, but a few drinks in Ruby broached the idea of not moving home after graduation. This resulted in a NY kiss that felt like an obligation and him leaving without ever having resolved things. Ruby called Ryker the next day, but that call and conversation about her fight with Noah was cut short when Ryker’s hookup appeared in frame. Ruby was hanging out with her girls, a little down in the dumps because things hadn’t resolved with her and Noah. Her friends suggested a makeup nude, which was accidentally sent to Ryker. She immediately called Ryker and asked him to delete the photo immediately. He got Tori to do it, so he never saw the photo, but this conversation happened in front of the football teamed so they ragged on him the rest of the day. Ruby’s friends (after the nude situation) convinced her to fly out to visit Noah. When she got to his frat house, she heard moans, and when she went in, she saw her boyfriend of 8 years balls deep in another girl. Ryker had texted her because he was also in Miami, so she ran off to him. That night they went out, and Ruby was definitely a fifth wheel, but she was too drunk to care. She even got Ryker to open up about the nude she sent him, but then some girl started making out with him so she left. After leaving the bar, she saw the ‘hey girly’ text from the girl Noah cheated on her with. Ryker came outside just after that and took her to the hotel. She threw up a lot and, feeling a little better the next morning, said it was okay for Noah to see her and drive her to the airport; she ended things with him, officially. A week or so later, Ryker’s football career ended, and Ruby hadn’t been there to see it because of work, and when his friend started ragging him about his crush on her, he responded to a DM hooking up with someone else. Ruby was back at work after crying to her friends for two weeks straight and doing really well, and planning to visit Ryker that weekend. She hadn’t told him about the breakup, and her friends said she should try to move on while she was there and hook up with someone; she just wasn’t ready yet. Ruby flew into Philly for the weekend, and Ryker picked her up. Once they got to his house, he had some food and broke the news that she and Noah ended things; Ryker said nothing. Not long after, Ryker ran upstairs to comfort her and learn about what happened, but she was just excited for a party and trying to forget. Ryker was downstairs when Tori showed up with drinks and disappeared with Ruby in his room; they were gone for a while, Tori even coming down first. Eventually, Ryker made his way up there; they talked and kissed, but Kyler interrupted, and Ruby ran away. Ryker was then sent on a beer run with Gretchen and two others, which resulted in asking Gretchen for advice and then falling asleep on her couch. Ruby left the next morning, arranging an Uber because Ryker never came home; she was passive that whole week, which only seemed worse to him because she was also on night shift. Towards the end of the week, Ryker was out at the bar for a friend's party when Tori started talking about his birthday, inviting Ruby and working to set her up with a guy, much to his displeasure; thus he turned to Gretchen (again). Ruby was waiting for her flight to visit Ryker his birthday weekend, but it kept getting delayed and then cancelled, but Ryker booked her another flight. She Ubered to the house, and Gretchen was there, so they started talking and drinking, then Tori showed up and joined. When the boy finally got there, they started to get ready, Gretchen and Ruby together, which Ryker didn’t necessarily love. They sat on opposite sides during dinner; Ruby sat with Evan, then drinks rolled around, and she disappeared with Evan. Nothing happened between them besides a kiss, but she spent the night with him since she thought Gretchen was going to be the Ryker. The next morning, though, she learned Ryker spent the night alone and ended things with Gretchen; he was also led to believe something happened between her and Evan. Breakfast was awkward the next morning, and Ruby almost bailed on drinks, but Ryker pissed her off so she wanted to get drunk instead. At drinks, Evan knocked some sense into Ryker, and he took Ruby home to talk things out, which resulted in a passionate kiss, but nothing further because Ruby was tipsy and this needed to be done sober. The next morning she woke up because of a wet dream that turned into reality. After that happened, they went out and had breakfast to discuss everything, and they decided to keep hooking up as long as it didn’t ruin their friendship. Ryker had an end of season/pre-draft interview where he FaceTimed Ruby in the middle because he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Ruby had told her friends what happened between the two of them two weeks ago, and they were happy for her, even more happy she was going to visit that weekend. She had surprised him, and he asked his friends about date ideas. He took her out to a nice place, and they messed around after, but it was a less than 48-hour trip. Just before his mom’s birthday, Ryker was trying to figure out if she was going back, but she couldn’t, so he decided to make a pit stop to see her on his way home. She picked him up after work, and they grabbed some food before heading to her place. They had a little alone time before getting ready for a night out, which went a little sideways. Ruby is super nervous about sleeping with him because of both their past histories, so she gets drunk and tries to be spontaneous, but he shoots her down and puts her to bed. The next morning he brings coffee for everyone, and at breakfast they talk through everything: that they are both a little nervous about sleeping together, but their friendship will always come first. That night they start off watching a movie but end up naked and wrapped up in each other. Ryker leaves the next day to head home; he had family dinner, then his brother dragged him out to a bar, which went very south when Noah confronted him, and Ryker’s brother punched him right in the face. Ryker called her when he got home to explain what happened, and instead of being mad, they ended up having phone sex. Not long after Ruby made her final flight to Phil-U, which was a little bittersweet, she got ready with Tori before heading to the athletic event hosted by the Dean. During that time, she also responded to a text about meeting up with Noah when she was back home to talk through everything. The athletic event went well, and Ryker ended up winning athlete of the year. He was stolen away for media after that, but Ruby celebrated with him by letting him get her off in the party bus and having sex multiple times, both drunk and sober. However, the next morning Ryker seemed off; they had a nearly silent ride back to Ohio, and when they got there Ruby finally forced him to open up, and what he said surprised her. He said he loved her and he no longer just wanted to sleep together and be her rebound, but she wasn’t sure what she wanted. He drove to Detroit that night. Ruby drove in the next day only to find out Ryker left early for Vegas, and she wouldn’t see him for three days. She spent the time cleaning out her room, and she saw Noah. Noah admitted he was at fault for their relationship ending, but Rung would never forgive him, and they would never be a thing ever again. Draft day rolled around, and Ruby and Ryker didn’t have time to speak before their flight got delayed and him having to be there early for media things, but when he was selected by Seattle 3rd overall, she admitted she loved him, and they kissed on national TV. After everything, he came back to the room where they were grilled by their mothers, but managed to escape to her hotel room to celebrate together. Three years later, Ryker is still playing for Seattle and planning to be there for a while, and Ruby got her dream job in Tacoma. Their schedules can be difficult at times, but they managed to build a house together, with the first memory inside being getting engaged and having their families there to celebrate!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
November 30, 2025
Kissing her was like sliding into bed after a long day. With freshly washed bedding. And the sheets toasty warm from the sun. And the fan circling at the perfect pace. And no alarm set for the following morning. 🥺🥺🥺🤌
Very enjoyable read!! Love a childhood friends to lovers with a sprinkle of miscommunication - there’s a special place in my heart for Ruby and Ryker
Very enjoyable read!! Love a childhood friends to lovers with a sprinkle of miscommunication - there’s a special place in my heart for Ruby and Ryker
January 18, 2026
This was a fun and quick read with loveable characters. Had to take off a point because the author made some modern internet culture references and it was not it. Tell me why did one of the side characters call the outfit the MMC was wearing as outdated as Belly and Jeremiah or or or why did the MMC call the FMC his Roman Empire??
Aside from that it was a lovely time reading this.
Aside from that it was a lovely time reading this.
August 3, 2026
if you’re gonna write an american sports romance about american football and everyone is american, get a good editor to flag the “Mum” and other australianisms bc that annoyed tf out of me
also their nicknames were lame
cute friends to lovers but why are these men so slutty just ew
also their nicknames were lame
cute friends to lovers but why are these men so slutty just ew
January 24, 2026
I must say, I gave it my to-go 3 star review. I liked it. It was good. I’m pretty sure it was my first friend’s to lovers book. I read 30% of it one day and put a pause for a day or two and continued. I’m not gonna lie…once I put it off, I didn’t really want to continue… but I knew I had to. I couldn’t leave Rubz and Wheels story like that. I opened the book and so easily went back into it. It was a quick and lovely read.
I’m a full enemies to lovers girl. Especially if it’s slow burn. Something abt knowing the worst and most about someone and still loving them. But I guess it makes sense that I liked this friends to lovers… they knew everything abt each other, way back from childhood. Idk why I was always against friends to lovers. I’m not gonna say it’s my fav only cause I liked one book from it, but it def changed my view on it!
Wheels. He is so sweet and respectful. From the start we got a look into his characters: flirty, fuck boy, the best friend. Later on we could see that he wasn’t only respectful and kind to Rubz, he was kind and respectful to women. Which was a total plus. I liked how he was overly lustful of Ruby as soon as he realised his feelings. Loved how he knew he wanted her and not just to fuck her.!
Rubz. I love her. She is so real and relatable. She knows what she wants(even if she almost gave it up for her ex). I liked how she knew she wouldn’t choose someone else over herself anymore. I call that character development! I like how she was a girls girl and how she also didn’t want to lose her friendship with Ryker.
I would consider this slow burn. They went from purely best friends to friends with benefits to lovers to engaged! Hehe 😝! I really liked how nether of them saw the other romantically until 30% through the book. Sure they became friends with benefits, but the pace was fast and nice, I didn’t get bored. I liked how there were moments when they had to sit and talk. Healthy if you ask me! I really liked how they officially got together at the end. It honestly made it more realistic for me!
I wish Rubz and Wheels and happy life together. They are the type of fictional couple that I know will continue their relationship even after the book has ended. I felt their love through the book. I felt Ryker’s love for Ruby way more than Ruby’s. There were many moments I wished I had a best friend that loved me even half as much as Ryker loved Ruby… 🫠 if only lol
I’m a full enemies to lovers girl. Especially if it’s slow burn. Something abt knowing the worst and most about someone and still loving them. But I guess it makes sense that I liked this friends to lovers… they knew everything abt each other, way back from childhood. Idk why I was always against friends to lovers. I’m not gonna say it’s my fav only cause I liked one book from it, but it def changed my view on it!
Wheels. He is so sweet and respectful. From the start we got a look into his characters: flirty, fuck boy, the best friend. Later on we could see that he wasn’t only respectful and kind to Rubz, he was kind and respectful to women. Which was a total plus. I liked how he was overly lustful of Ruby as soon as he realised his feelings. Loved how he knew he wanted her and not just to fuck her.!
Rubz. I love her. She is so real and relatable. She knows what she wants(even if she almost gave it up for her ex). I liked how she knew she wouldn’t choose someone else over herself anymore. I call that character development! I like how she was a girls girl and how she also didn’t want to lose her friendship with Ryker.
I would consider this slow burn. They went from purely best friends to friends with benefits to lovers to engaged! Hehe 😝! I really liked how nether of them saw the other romantically until 30% through the book. Sure they became friends with benefits, but the pace was fast and nice, I didn’t get bored. I liked how there were moments when they had to sit and talk. Healthy if you ask me! I really liked how they officially got together at the end. It honestly made it more realistic for me!
I wish Rubz and Wheels and happy life together. They are the type of fictional couple that I know will continue their relationship even after the book has ended. I felt their love through the book. I felt Ryker’s love for Ruby way more than Ruby’s. There were many moments I wished I had a best friend that loved me even half as much as Ryker loved Ruby… 🫠 if only lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2026
What Are The Risks
Phil-U Book #3
Madi Leigh
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩On Page Cheating (Not Main Couple)
Tropes:
💕Best Friends
💕OW Drama
💕MF Romance
💕Football Romance
💕Medical Romance
💕Sports Romance
💕Part of Series (Book #3)
💕Small Town
💕HEA
💕College Romance
**********************************************************************
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
THIS BOOK IS THE THIRD BOOK IN A SERIES. FOR A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE, I SUGGEST YOU READ THE BOOKS IN ORDER.
Quote:
"It's not a game, Ruby. Consider it strategy. Let's light a fire under his ass and find out once and for all what that kiss meant to him."
Summary:
FMC and MMC have been best friends all their lives. FMC finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her. MMC starts to realize he may have different feelings towards the FMC. He kisses her. This changes everything. Eventual HEA.
Review:
Book 3 in this series and I am still loving this series. I love meeting new characters but also seeing characters from previous books. The character development of the MMC from the first book to now is amazing. He realizes what he wants and he only wants it with the FMC. The FMC took a little longer to come to terms with the change in their relationship.
You see both the FMC and MMC deal with their fears. You applaud as they communicate and plan a way forward. Both moms in this book add joy and laughter. It is an all-around great read, great series.
Sports Romance Author Recommendations:
Britanee Nicole
Helena Hunting
Julia Connors
Kenna Kingston (King)
Lex Martin
BIBLIODARLING | BOOKISH LIFE, TBRs & READING CHALLENGES GROUP (GOODREADS)
https://www.goodreads.com/group/invit...
*****************************************************************************
FOLLOW ME ON:
INSTAGRAM📢
https://www.instagram.com/bibliodarling/
SUBSTACK📢 https://open.substack.com/pub/mterron...
TIKTOK📢
https://www.tiktok.com/@bibliodarling...
WATTPAD📢
BiblioDarling (@BiblioDarling) - Wattpad
INKITT📢
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Phil-U Book #3
Madi Leigh
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩On Page Cheating (Not Main Couple)
Tropes:
💕Best Friends
💕OW Drama
💕MF Romance
💕Football Romance
💕Medical Romance
💕Sports Romance
💕Part of Series (Book #3)
💕Small Town
💕HEA
💕College Romance
**********************************************************************
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
THIS BOOK IS THE THIRD BOOK IN A SERIES. FOR A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE, I SUGGEST YOU READ THE BOOKS IN ORDER.
Quote:
"It's not a game, Ruby. Consider it strategy. Let's light a fire under his ass and find out once and for all what that kiss meant to him."
Summary:
FMC and MMC have been best friends all their lives. FMC finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her. MMC starts to realize he may have different feelings towards the FMC. He kisses her. This changes everything. Eventual HEA.
Review:
Book 3 in this series and I am still loving this series. I love meeting new characters but also seeing characters from previous books. The character development of the MMC from the first book to now is amazing. He realizes what he wants and he only wants it with the FMC. The FMC took a little longer to come to terms with the change in their relationship.
You see both the FMC and MMC deal with their fears. You applaud as they communicate and plan a way forward. Both moms in this book add joy and laughter. It is an all-around great read, great series.
Sports Romance Author Recommendations:
Britanee Nicole
Helena Hunting
Julia Connors
Kenna Kingston (King)
Lex Martin
BIBLIODARLING | BOOKISH LIFE, TBRs & READING CHALLENGES GROUP (GOODREADS)
https://www.goodreads.com/group/invit...
*****************************************************************************
FOLLOW ME ON:
INSTAGRAM📢
https://www.instagram.com/bibliodarling/
SUBSTACK📢 https://open.substack.com/pub/mterron...
TIKTOK📢
https://www.tiktok.com/@bibliodarling...
WATTPAD📢
BiblioDarling (@BiblioDarling) - Wattpad
INKITT📢
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April 13, 2026
3,5⭐️
Okayy!! I was pretty divided between giving this one a 3,5 starts or a 4 starts tbh. I really enjoyed the book, and it has a different plot than what I was used to, in a good way, but it has a few flaws… so let’s get to it.
First with the good part… the author did a pretty good friends to lovers without the cliche friends with benefits trope, which I hate may I add. Even though the characters start to sleep together in a casual way, it’s not the same as the friends to lovers situation… if that makes sense. First of all the book is almost a slow burn, they don’t start to be together until like 55% of the book, and their agreement was never about being friends with benefits, it was only to be together for a while and then keep being friends.
Usually what I hate about this trope is that the characters start sleeping together when you read only 20% of the book, and that’s the whole plot. This was better.
So even though the book had a plot, it has issues… So first of all, I really think the author messed up with the pace of the story. The MFC takes too long to break up with her boyfriend. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate that part of the story. But here is the thing, both main characters really were JUST FRIENDS their entire lives… this wasn’t the type of book where one of them had a crush on each other, or at some point they kissed and pretended it never happened, no! They really were just friends.
So you are probably wondering, what’s the problem in that? The problem is that you spent like 30% of book seeing the MFC dating her boyfriend of 8 years, and the MMC sleeping with cheerleaders, meanwhile I just wanted to read a romance book, but where is the main couple??? I don’t want to see them with other people!!! I don’t even want them them to be attracted to other people, thats not how it works.
That’s why I think it could have been better… she should have broken up sooner, and he should have had feelings sooner. That’s it.
Another thing that bothered me… I didn’t really like a few things about the MMC, first of all, and again, I think we see him with a lot of women, and talking about other women (of course before they were together), but still… it bothered me. And also… I hated that he just realized he “liked” her when she accidentally sent intimate photos to him, this should have been a better detail in the story.
Basically I just wished we could have seen them falling in love with each other in other ways… and not just physically you know? Even though, again, as I said, the book did a good job without the whole friends with benefit thing, but they should have spent more time being just friends but with a crush, instead of as soon as she is single they kissed? Like, what? He didn’t give any sign about anything, and out of nowhere he is kissing her. Didn’t understand.
But anyway, the book was enjoyable!
Okayy!! I was pretty divided between giving this one a 3,5 starts or a 4 starts tbh. I really enjoyed the book, and it has a different plot than what I was used to, in a good way, but it has a few flaws… so let’s get to it.
First with the good part… the author did a pretty good friends to lovers without the cliche friends with benefits trope, which I hate may I add. Even though the characters start to sleep together in a casual way, it’s not the same as the friends to lovers situation… if that makes sense. First of all the book is almost a slow burn, they don’t start to be together until like 55% of the book, and their agreement was never about being friends with benefits, it was only to be together for a while and then keep being friends.
Usually what I hate about this trope is that the characters start sleeping together when you read only 20% of the book, and that’s the whole plot. This was better.
So even though the book had a plot, it has issues… So first of all, I really think the author messed up with the pace of the story. The MFC takes too long to break up with her boyfriend. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate that part of the story. But here is the thing, both main characters really were JUST FRIENDS their entire lives… this wasn’t the type of book where one of them had a crush on each other, or at some point they kissed and pretended it never happened, no! They really were just friends.
So you are probably wondering, what’s the problem in that? The problem is that you spent like 30% of book seeing the MFC dating her boyfriend of 8 years, and the MMC sleeping with cheerleaders, meanwhile I just wanted to read a romance book, but where is the main couple??? I don’t want to see them with other people!!! I don’t even want them them to be attracted to other people, thats not how it works.
That’s why I think it could have been better… she should have broken up sooner, and he should have had feelings sooner. That’s it.
Another thing that bothered me… I didn’t really like a few things about the MMC, first of all, and again, I think we see him with a lot of women, and talking about other women (of course before they were together), but still… it bothered me. And also… I hated that he just realized he “liked” her when she accidentally sent intimate photos to him, this should have been a better detail in the story.
Basically I just wished we could have seen them falling in love with each other in other ways… and not just physically you know? Even though, again, as I said, the book did a good job without the whole friends with benefit thing, but they should have spent more time being just friends but with a crush, instead of as soon as she is single they kissed? Like, what? He didn’t give any sign about anything, and out of nowhere he is kissing her. Didn’t understand.
But anyway, the book was enjoyable!
February 19, 2026
I will say this book definitely has an interesting format. While I enjoyed reading it, I noticed there were a lot of time skips. I understand that this was kind of essential for the way that the story played out, but I think I still would have enjoyed knowing just a bit more about their lives in their time apart rather than jumping from time to time as I found it just a tiny bit jarring.
I liked the mentions of the other characters from the two previous books. I always like when universes intertwine because that's just really fun!
The only thing I definitely wished I got more of was Ruby and Ryker's time together. I know that they were both supposed to be really busy with the way their lives and schedules but I felt like the development of their relationship could've been a lot more. So for me that was what kind of made it hard for me to get really really invested in their relationship. Although I still binged through like more than half of this book until like 2am so I'd say it was still really good and enjoyable to read!
*Slight spoiler alert from here on *
I did really like the chemistry between Ryker and Ruby and I think they were really good together. It was pretty obvious that they were going to get together throughout the book but I do wish that they didn't have to do it at the expense of another person. Even though they never did anything like cheating I still kind of felt sympathy for Noah since it really was like Ruby always prioritized Wheels over Noah. It also kind of felt like Noah was hardly even part of the story so maybe he could have just not been there at all? Or maybe changed to a less significant partner. I also kind of wish there was a scene with Holloway and Ryker talking about like advice and stuff. I feel like that would've been kind of interesting actually but I guess that might also seem out of place with their rivalry and history. With that said though, I still liked this book.
I liked the mentions of the other characters from the two previous books. I always like when universes intertwine because that's just really fun!
The only thing I definitely wished I got more of was Ruby and Ryker's time together. I know that they were both supposed to be really busy with the way their lives and schedules but I felt like the development of their relationship could've been a lot more. So for me that was what kind of made it hard for me to get really really invested in their relationship. Although I still binged through like more than half of this book until like 2am so I'd say it was still really good and enjoyable to read!
*Slight spoiler alert from here on *
I did really like the chemistry between Ryker and Ruby and I think they were really good together. It was pretty obvious that they were going to get together throughout the book but I do wish that they didn't have to do it at the expense of another person. Even though they never did anything like cheating I still kind of felt sympathy for Noah since it really was like Ruby always prioritized Wheels over Noah. It also kind of felt like Noah was hardly even part of the story so maybe he could have just not been there at all? Or maybe changed to a less significant partner. I also kind of wish there was a scene with Holloway and Ryker talking about like advice and stuff. I feel like that would've been kind of interesting actually but I guess that might also seem out of place with their rivalry and history. With that said though, I still liked this book.
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