What do you think?
Rate this book
Refreshed
Xavier Marino
The past twenty-nine years my life has solely been about friends, soccer, following directions, and staying out of my dad's way. It’s ingrained into my genetic makeup at this point. It’s how I’ve most effectively dodged his fists and it's why, after meeting who I believe to be the loves of my life, I’ve so easily stuck them in the friendzone. The chemistry between the three of us is undeniable to anyone we’re around, yet we still won’t say it. We've walked the line between friends and more for years, but I'm done teetering and ready to jump. The questions become; will they both be on board for this? Are they willing to follow me off the cliff or will they step back at the last minute? And when reality comes crashing down, will it completely deplete us? Or will we come out of this refreshed?
The past twenty-nine years my life has solely been about friends, soccer, following directions, and staying out of my dad's way. It’s ingrained into my genetic makeup at this point. It’s how I’ve most effectively dodged his fists and it's why, after meeting who I believe to be the loves of my life, I’ve so easily stuck them in the friendzone. The chemistry between the three of us is undeniable to anyone we’re around, yet we still won’t say it. We've walked the line between friends and more for years, but I'm done teetering and ready to jump. The questions become; will they both be on board for this? Are they willing to follow me off the cliff or will they step back at the last minute? And when reality comes crashing down, will it completely deplete us? Or will we come out of this refreshed?
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 11, 2026
Nora Thomas is my all time favorite independent author! Her books are all well written and organized. Each book in this series is a sports romance mixed with mafia suspense and drama. They can be read stand alone but I suggest reading the series in order because it is SO good!! Refreshed focuses on Xavier, Magnolia, and Gabe.
I highly recommend this book for fans of mafia and sports romance. Everything is very believable but also feels indulgent to read. Nora writes characters with conviction and heart. Their love and determination to keep each other safe is admirable. I never want her books to end! Major five star alert here!
Tropes:
💚 Sports Romance
💚 Epilepsy & Mental Health Awareness
💚 Mafia Found Family
💚 Why Choose
💚 Suspense
💚 Spicy
Thank you Nora Thomas for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I highly recommend this book for fans of mafia and sports romance. Everything is very believable but also feels indulgent to read. Nora writes characters with conviction and heart. Their love and determination to keep each other safe is admirable. I never want her books to end! Major five star alert here!
Tropes:
💚 Sports Romance
💚 Epilepsy & Mental Health Awareness
💚 Mafia Found Family
💚 Why Choose
💚 Suspense
💚 Spicy
Thank you Nora Thomas for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 13, 2026
Nora Thomas scores once again in the 4th installment of “The Lucky Ones” for a thrilling 4.5 ⭐️ read that follows Xavier, Magnolia, and Gabe as they navigate healing, loss, and romance.
I truly am blown away by how Nora is able to write “dark” sports romance novels while being compassionate and dedicated to showcasing chronic illnesses and mental health. Furthermore, I am ASTONISHED that she was able to make a throuple feel (and read) like a mature, loving relationship rather than relying on jealousy tropes or making someone the odd person out. This book balanced all of Nora’s aspirations into a well-paced, gripping story.
While I haven’t read Nora’s strictly dark romance series, I think this is the book that convinced me to do so! The overlap of characters and introduction of more dark themes throughout “Refreshed” brought a new perspective to the forefront of the romance, specifically around healing individually and in relationships. It was also so neat to have conversations/scenes from other books seamlessly replicated due to the interconnectedness of the novels!
Xavier - I do have one question; Nora… girl… why do we self proclaimed hate this teddy bear of a man? Is he slightly aloof? Yes. Did I want to wrap him in a blanket and tell him everything wasn’t his fault? Also yes. I think two big draws to Xavier’s character are: first, soccer never felt like a priority over Magnolia and Gabe and second, the dynamic Xavier has with his father is commentary for how men can be victims of abuse.
Magnolia - I love Magnolia so much because her heart is ginormous. I am absolutely gutted by everything that she went through, with her epilepsy and during her and Reagan’s kidnapping. I am so glad that in the aftermath, Nora made the decisions she did surrounding intimacy and therapy as they seemed more realistic than other novels which dance around similar subjects.
Gabe - Did I expect Gabe to be the dominant one? Absolutely not. Did I thoroughly enjoy that he was? Yes! I know this was technically Xavier’s storyline, but Gabe completely stole the show. A hot bisexual Brazilian bartender who does high profile security on the side? What am I not supposed to fall in love? I also really loved how we got to explore Gabe’s character outside of Magnolia and Xavier, especially with his side quests and his relationship with Magnolia’s brothers.
As president of the “Nora Thomas Fan Club”, I’m always going to recommend her books. For “Refreshed”, I truly recommend this for those who want a new, healthy take on a romantic throuple, for those who want a little more darkness intertwined with their sports, and for those who appreciate realistic representation of a multitude of physical and mental health challenges.
⚽️ Sports Romance (Soccer)
⚽️ Mafia Subplot
⚽️ MMF
⚽️ Epilepsy Rep
⚽️ Interconnected Standalones
Nora; thank you so much for letting me be a part of your ARC team again for Xavier’s story! I cannot wait for Dom’s installment!
I truly am blown away by how Nora is able to write “dark” sports romance novels while being compassionate and dedicated to showcasing chronic illnesses and mental health. Furthermore, I am ASTONISHED that she was able to make a throuple feel (and read) like a mature, loving relationship rather than relying on jealousy tropes or making someone the odd person out. This book balanced all of Nora’s aspirations into a well-paced, gripping story.
While I haven’t read Nora’s strictly dark romance series, I think this is the book that convinced me to do so! The overlap of characters and introduction of more dark themes throughout “Refreshed” brought a new perspective to the forefront of the romance, specifically around healing individually and in relationships. It was also so neat to have conversations/scenes from other books seamlessly replicated due to the interconnectedness of the novels!
Xavier - I do have one question; Nora… girl… why do we self proclaimed hate this teddy bear of a man? Is he slightly aloof? Yes. Did I want to wrap him in a blanket and tell him everything wasn’t his fault? Also yes. I think two big draws to Xavier’s character are: first, soccer never felt like a priority over Magnolia and Gabe and second, the dynamic Xavier has with his father is commentary for how men can be victims of abuse.
Magnolia - I love Magnolia so much because her heart is ginormous. I am absolutely gutted by everything that she went through, with her epilepsy and during her and Reagan’s kidnapping. I am so glad that in the aftermath, Nora made the decisions she did surrounding intimacy and therapy as they seemed more realistic than other novels which dance around similar subjects.
Gabe - Did I expect Gabe to be the dominant one? Absolutely not. Did I thoroughly enjoy that he was? Yes! I know this was technically Xavier’s storyline, but Gabe completely stole the show. A hot bisexual Brazilian bartender who does high profile security on the side? What am I not supposed to fall in love? I also really loved how we got to explore Gabe’s character outside of Magnolia and Xavier, especially with his side quests and his relationship with Magnolia’s brothers.
As president of the “Nora Thomas Fan Club”, I’m always going to recommend her books. For “Refreshed”, I truly recommend this for those who want a new, healthy take on a romantic throuple, for those who want a little more darkness intertwined with their sports, and for those who appreciate realistic representation of a multitude of physical and mental health challenges.
⚽️ Sports Romance (Soccer)
⚽️ Mafia Subplot
⚽️ MMF
⚽️ Epilepsy Rep
⚽️ Interconnected Standalones
Nora; thank you so much for letting me be a part of your ARC team again for Xavier’s story! I cannot wait for Dom’s installment!
Read
July 2, 2026I am lucky (see what I did there) enough to be an ARC reader so I've had the pleasure to have read this already! Nora does it again! So good! It was hard to put down. Im obsessed with all of her books so far! Xavier is a dream. 😍
July 22, 2026
EARC ✨
Another banger from Nora!
It was nice to fit the pieces together from other stories and see situations from all angles.. finally.
This book stole my heart. ♥️ It was an emotional one with beautiful chemistry and well written character growth for all three main characters. There was a perfect balance of romance & spice, heartache and healing.
Xavier grew on me & a lot of why he was the way he was in the other books finally clicked.
Another banger from Nora!
It was nice to fit the pieces together from other stories and see situations from all angles.. finally.
This book stole my heart. ♥️ It was an emotional one with beautiful chemistry and well written character growth for all three main characters. There was a perfect balance of romance & spice, heartache and healing.
Xavier grew on me & a lot of why he was the way he was in the other books finally clicked.
July 9, 2026
Xavier, Gabe & Magnolia.
Refresher shares the story of these three beautiful main characters. Xavier is dealing with his father, who is overbearing, rude, intimidating and oversteps the line more times than I can count. Gabe is with Magnolia and Magnolia has seizures. Both of these men are perfect for her in different ways. Xavier is fun and lighthearted (which you'd never know he x'd people for a living as well as play a sport). The man is living a double life for now... Xavier is tortured by bad dreams and a bad father.
Magnolia goes through a trauma that no person should ever go through. & I guess my fear was that she wasn't going to go to therapy. & she was going to be stubborn.. well, she was until she wasn't.
Gabe figuring out his feelings for X is so endearing. The way they banter back and forth through most of the book but are adamant about Magnolia being safe and protected.
Watching these three navigate a relationship and figuring out their feelings was beautiful to witness as a fly on the wall.
This group of MCs has been through it. I loved the ending and I loved that they got what they truly wanted.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Xavier | I just hope theirs room for me too.
Refresher shares the story of these three beautiful main characters. Xavier is dealing with his father, who is overbearing, rude, intimidating and oversteps the line more times than I can count. Gabe is with Magnolia and Magnolia has seizures. Both of these men are perfect for her in different ways. Xavier is fun and lighthearted (which you'd never know he x'd people for a living as well as play a sport). The man is living a double life for now... Xavier is tortured by bad dreams and a bad father.
Magnolia goes through a trauma that no person should ever go through. & I guess my fear was that she wasn't going to go to therapy. & she was going to be stubborn.. well, she was until she wasn't.
Gabe figuring out his feelings for X is so endearing. The way they banter back and forth through most of the book but are adamant about Magnolia being safe and protected.
Watching these three navigate a relationship and figuring out their feelings was beautiful to witness as a fly on the wall.
This group of MCs has been through it. I loved the ending and I loved that they got what they truly wanted.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
Xavier | I just hope theirs room for me too.
July 28, 2026
I’ve said it before, but Nora does an incredible job of highlighting the everyday struggles and illnesses that so many people live with. It’s not often you see representation of characters who deal with the daily exhaustion and reality of epilepsy, and I really appreciated how thoughtfully it was handled.
The push and pull between the trio was so palpable. Normally I’m not a sucker for a slow burn, but this one absolutely had me hooked. The tension was done so well that I was practically begging for this romance to finally blossom. The way I was reeling for these characters to get together should honestly be studied.
I also loved the depth that was added to Xavier’s character. Throughout the previous books in the Lucky Ones series, we’ve always seen him as this goofy, positive ray of sunshine. Getting to peel back those layers and see what he was carrying beneath the surface made me love his character even more. It was such a great reminder that just because someone always seems happy doesn’t mean they aren’t fighting battles you know nothing about. Check on your “happy” friends.
Nora has such a talent for writing characters that feel real, and that’s what keeps me coming back every time.
The push and pull between the trio was so palpable. Normally I’m not a sucker for a slow burn, but this one absolutely had me hooked. The tension was done so well that I was practically begging for this romance to finally blossom. The way I was reeling for these characters to get together should honestly be studied.
I also loved the depth that was added to Xavier’s character. Throughout the previous books in the Lucky Ones series, we’ve always seen him as this goofy, positive ray of sunshine. Getting to peel back those layers and see what he was carrying beneath the surface made me love his character even more. It was such a great reminder that just because someone always seems happy doesn’t mean they aren’t fighting battles you know nothing about. Check on your “happy” friends.
Nora has such a talent for writing characters that feel real, and that’s what keeps me coming back every time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐3🌶️ Beta/ARC Triple POV First Person
The Lucky Ones series, book #4
Xavier, Magnolia, and Gabriel
Starts off two yrs ago, if you've read the other books you'll relive some things but from these characters povs.
On one hand it's a nice recap of everything thats happened in the other books, but it's also heartbreaking to read some of them.
First it take years, YEARS, for them to get their shizz together and admit feelings. Then, THEN, the, HITS. JUST. KEEP COM-ING!
Gabriel's backstory, didn't see that coming 💔
X's, well saw that, bc his dad is pos mfer 💔 and everytime I read this story I get more 🤬
And I read previous book, so had an idea of Magnolia's, but reading first hand? 💔 😭
I really love all three of them and feel they all belong together.
The Lucky Ones series, book #4
Xavier, Magnolia, and Gabriel
Starts off two yrs ago, if you've read the other books you'll relive some things but from these characters povs.
On one hand it's a nice recap of everything thats happened in the other books, but it's also heartbreaking to read some of them.
First it take years, YEARS, for them to get their shizz together and admit feelings. Then, THEN, the, HITS. JUST. KEEP COM-ING!
Gabriel's backstory, didn't see that coming 💔
X's, well saw that, bc his dad is pos mfer 💔 and everytime I read this story I get more 🤬
And I read previous book, so had an idea of Magnolia's, but reading first hand? 💔 😭
I really love all three of them and feel they all belong together.
July 11, 2026
I received an ARC copy from the author, and was warned that the ARC was missing some scenes/chapters. My review is based on that knowledge, as well as somebody who hasn’t read the first 3 books in the series.
That being said, this cast of characters is HUGE, but are introduced slowly enough that it isn’t too overwhelming to keep them straight. The people we meet along the way have me curious to read the other books in the series.
Xavier is a pro soccer player, Gabriel runs his own security company, and Magnolia owns her own coffee shop. She likes him, he likes her, him likes him. The tension is so thick you can cut it.
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ON THIS ONE!! While it isn’t particularly dark, there are still a few in there that can get ya.
That being said, this cast of characters is HUGE, but are introduced slowly enough that it isn’t too overwhelming to keep them straight. The people we meet along the way have me curious to read the other books in the series.
Xavier is a pro soccer player, Gabriel runs his own security company, and Magnolia owns her own coffee shop. She likes him, he likes her, him likes him. The tension is so thick you can cut it.
CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS ON THIS ONE!! While it isn’t particularly dark, there are still a few in there that can get ya.
July 10, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Lucky Ones
🖤 Why Choose
💜Found Family
Xavier Marino finally gets his story and OMG it is so good. Xavier not only gets his girl Maggie whom we met in the previous book and love but also Gabe who is just as hot as X. I loved watching the way these 3 navigate their feelings, all the flirting and just amazing support these 3 have for each other. I can’t say too much so as to not spoil anything. This book was so good, it was great seeing Xavier finally get his happiness, he really deserved it. I can’t wait to watch Dom fall and supper excited for the next series because Nora is amazing and if she writes it, I will be devouring it!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 Lucky Ones
🖤 Why Choose
💜Found Family
Xavier Marino finally gets his story and OMG it is so good. Xavier not only gets his girl Maggie whom we met in the previous book and love but also Gabe who is just as hot as X. I loved watching the way these 3 navigate their feelings, all the flirting and just amazing support these 3 have for each other. I can’t say too much so as to not spoil anything. This book was so good, it was great seeing Xavier finally get his happiness, he really deserved it. I can’t wait to watch Dom fall and supper excited for the next series because Nora is amazing and if she writes it, I will be devouring it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve been waiting for Xavier’s book, I needed to finally see him with Gabe & Magnolia. Nothing was easy for these three, but through everything thrown at them (& it was a lot!) they came out on top & in love. This book was traumatic for Xavier & having to own up to his abusive relationship with his father. For Magnolia experiencing self doubt & then a horrendous kidnapping/captive situation & the struggles overcoming that. & for Gabe, seeing the two people he loves suffering & being unable to protect them as he needs to. It was an emotional read but I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Refreshed is book 4 in the Lucky Ones series. This one is Magnolia, Xavier and Gabriel's story and it's been quite a long time coming. These characters couldn't seem to catch a break. They did the friend route for years. When they finally decided to acknowledge there was more between them than just friendship it seems one thing after another happened and they were hit from all sides. This story was definitely a page turner for me and I absolutely recommend it!
July 13, 2026
I loved this book!! It took me a minute to realize how far back it started, as it overlapped with Knox’s timeline. But I loved getting to see another side of X, Gabe, and Magnolia! This story broke my heart in parts and I definitely cried a few times, but the ending was so worth it! I can’t wait to read Dom’s story next…and then hopefully the spinoff of Magnolia’s brothers, because dangggg do I need their books!!! 😍 thank you to the author for another fantastic arc read!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this. Being back in the Lucky’s lives was amazing. The pain was hard to read through, but they always come out of it stronger. Magnolia is such a strong character and her boys were they to help her when needed. I can’t wait for Dom’s story but I also do what this series to end. 🥺
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where do I even begin!? This book was extremely hot and sexy!!! What happened to Magnolia was tragic, but Gabe and Xavier stood by her and never wavered in their love for her. This was the best book yet. I cant wait to see what's in store for Dom.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 10, 2026
I love Xavier, Gabriel, and Magnolia so much. This was deliciously spicy, and the plot was intense. I read the whole thing in a day because I couldn't put the book down.
July 21, 2026
Nora you did your big one with this one I loved his story so much.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews