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Campus Cravings
Winning Bracket
Originally published as part of the Campus Cravings bundle, Winning Bracket is now available on its own with a BRAND NEW bonus epilogue/short story!
A sexy bet on a basketball tournament challenges nerdalicious Edwin and party-boy Ollie to change their relationship status from frenemies to lovers.
Oliver Marshall has been a sexy pain in Edwin Schultz’s side since freshman year. Now seniors and competing dorm resident advisors, the two are in constant strife over noise levels and study hours. However, deep down, Edwin’s been nursing a painful crush on Ollie for years. When Ollie proposes a bet on a basketball tournament, Edwin seizes the chance to put his inconvenient feelings for Ollie behind him once and for all.
Edwin’s not the only one suffering a case of unwanted attraction—Ollie’s been running from his feelings for Edwin for a long time. He doesn't understand how someone who drives Ollie so crazy with his adherence to rules can be the same guy who makes his pulse pound. In fact, Ollie’s never been so eager to lose a bet in his life.
As the challenge becomes a hot bedroom battle to avoid real emotions, the two “frenemies” must change their definitions of losing to win a shot at lasting love.
BONUS Epilogue/Short Story, Winning Wedding: When a lost receipt threatens their special day, Ollie and Edwin must wager on finding a solution before time runs out.
A sexy bet on a basketball tournament challenges nerdalicious Edwin and party-boy Ollie to change their relationship status from frenemies to lovers.
Oliver Marshall has been a sexy pain in Edwin Schultz’s side since freshman year. Now seniors and competing dorm resident advisors, the two are in constant strife over noise levels and study hours. However, deep down, Edwin’s been nursing a painful crush on Ollie for years. When Ollie proposes a bet on a basketball tournament, Edwin seizes the chance to put his inconvenient feelings for Ollie behind him once and for all.
Edwin’s not the only one suffering a case of unwanted attraction—Ollie’s been running from his feelings for Edwin for a long time. He doesn't understand how someone who drives Ollie so crazy with his adherence to rules can be the same guy who makes his pulse pound. In fact, Ollie’s never been so eager to lose a bet in his life.
As the challenge becomes a hot bedroom battle to avoid real emotions, the two “frenemies” must change their definitions of losing to win a shot at lasting love.
BONUS Epilogue/Short Story, Winning Wedding: When a lost receipt threatens their special day, Ollie and Edwin must wager on finding a solution before time runs out.
116 pages, ebook
First published January 13, 2015
33 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Annabeth Albert
110 books3,755 followersFrequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
January 16, 2015
4.5 Stars!
What a great find this one was....
Due to my page # phobias I could't bring myself to pick up the anthology this was featured in. So it was just my lucky day that it was expanded and released as a standalone.
LOVED Edwin and Ollie. Loved the whole love/hate thing they had going on. Loved Ollie's idea to make a bet on the basketball championship bracket.
Loved that said bracket led to Ollie and Edwin finally admitting their feelings for each other.
Loved how adorable Ollie and Edwin both were....Ollie the fun loving RA and Edwin the rule loving RA.
I guess opposites really do attract!
Sweet. Sexy. Funny. Drama free. Fun.
What a great find this one was....
Due to my page # phobias I could't bring myself to pick up the anthology this was featured in. So it was just my lucky day that it was expanded and released as a standalone.
LOVED Edwin and Ollie. Loved the whole love/hate thing they had going on. Loved Ollie's idea to make a bet on the basketball championship bracket.
Loved that said bracket led to Ollie and Edwin finally admitting their feelings for each other.
Loved how adorable Ollie and Edwin both were....Ollie the fun loving RA and Edwin the rule loving RA.
I guess opposites really do attract!
Sweet. Sexy. Funny. Drama free. Fun.
February 7, 2015
“Winning Bracket” is sweet and fluffy frenemies to lovers story that for sure it will put a big smile on your face. The story is about two college guys, Oliver ‘Ollie’ and Edwin, both RA in the same dorm. They know each other for several years and they want each other since the moment they met. But they also drive each other crazy. Ollie is the guy who is loved by everyone in the dorm while Edwin is shy and not as social as Ollie.
When Ollie proposes a bet on a basketball tournament, Edwin accepts. Ollie is more than surprised when he finds out what Edwin wants if he wins – a kiss. Surprise, surprise, Edwin wins and Ollie never was so happy to lose a bet in his life.
I really enjoyed this one! It was cute and sexy and I loved the two guys. Both of them are adorable and I just loved them together. Despite the short length, I liked how their relationship progressed and I liked the fact that it didn't feel rushed. Their sexy times are not necessarily hot, but they are so sweet and tender and I enjoyed them. The banter and the teasing between them are cute and the chemistry between them is hot. I liked how different they are from each other and I loved the epilogue.
Overall, an enjoyable read!
May 4, 2017
***4 Stars***
How do I sum up this book?
It's a big pile of...
Sprinkled with some...
Which gave me the cheesy grins and happy tingles while reading.
We have two RA best friends who are complete opposites, in their final year at college. Edwin, the straight laced rule follower. He likes order and structure. And Ollie, the laid back and carefree guy. He's fun loving and all about having a good time.
Both have been secretly harboring feelings for each other since their freshman year, but too afraid to say anything. Until the perfect opportunity presents itself....a bet...winner gets a kiss. It's the perfect ruse to hide behind.
But that kiss is the catalyst that opens their hearts and their zippers! Once these two get together, it's easy to see that this is exactly where they belong....with each other.
And that epilogue....it was a little cheesy, but a whole lot sweet!
Overall, this was a quick, fun and adorable read that kept me company on my way home from the Love N Vegas event. Just the perfect amount of sweet and steam. Nothing to draw attention to me while reading on the plane....if you know what I mean....
June 10, 2017
Uh this was like the best case scenario as to how a seemingly harmless bet to win a kiss turns into some serious sexy explorations.
Ollie and Edwin have been suppressing their feelings for the other for years, and it's just their luck that said bet sets things off to quite a nice start. Can I just say the hot factor in this was well.... HOT!
So sweet with just the right amount of angsty longing and doubt but light enough without too much melodrama. These boys really set the sheets on fire with unbelievable UST and buildup.
Very, very nice.
Ollie and Edwin have been suppressing their feelings for the other for years, and it's just their luck that said bet sets things off to quite a nice start. Can I just say the hot factor in this was well.... HOT!
So sweet with just the right amount of angsty longing and doubt but light enough without too much melodrama. These boys really set the sheets on fire with unbelievable UST and buildup.
Very, very nice.
January 21, 2015
4.5 Stars
February 9, 2017
4 Stars
I’m such a sucker for a good M/M college romance – pair that with two hugely likeable characters, some delicious friends-to-lovers feels and plenty of fever inducing geek-on-geek action, and you have yourselves an epically adorable story.
I first read the original short story within the Campus Cravings: Higher Learning MM Boxed Set, many moons ago, back when I was a newbie to the whole M/M book discovery. I’ve come back for several more re-reads and I can happily say that this one holds up over time (and no doubt will continue to do so).
This was my first introduction to the enjoyable storytelling of Annabeth Albert, who is now an easy auto-buy for me, no questions asked.
I’m such a sucker for a good M/M college romance – pair that with two hugely likeable characters, some delicious friends-to-lovers feels and plenty of fever inducing geek-on-geek action, and you have yourselves an epically adorable story.
I first read the original short story within the Campus Cravings: Higher Learning MM Boxed Set, many moons ago, back when I was a newbie to the whole M/M book discovery. I’ve come back for several more re-reads and I can happily say that this one holds up over time (and no doubt will continue to do so).
This was my first introduction to the enjoyable storytelling of Annabeth Albert, who is now an easy auto-buy for me, no questions asked.
January 27, 2015
This college romance was charming and sexy. Oliver and Edwin's progression from frenemies to lovers is just so lovely. It's always nice to see diversity in M/M romance, so I loved that Oliver was Asian. He and Edwin have terrific chemistry. The added epilogue set in the future was a welcome treat that made this story even sweeter. Edwin was a sexy virgin, and the sex with Ollie was tender and hot. A wonderful story!
January 22, 2016
*** 4.25 Stars ***
Because it was so. dang. CUTE!
Because it was so. dang. CUTE!
January 25, 2024
This was such a sweet little story! I loved it!
February 25, 2019
Cute college romance
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 17, 2016
Originally read & reviewed as part of the Campus Cravings anthology.
~4.25 stars~
This is a lovely, funny, and charming story about two RAs who are "frenemies." Ollie is the fun, easygoing one, a party boy, known for his kissing skills and social enthusiasm. Edwin is his co-RA in a gay alliance dorm. Edwin is everything Ollie is not: anxious, uptight, (overly) analytical, and a huge rule follower. He is the down to Ollie's boisterous up.
The guys get along, even though they irritate the hell out of one another. A bet is made, and the winner gets a kiss.
This was a very well-written, adorable story about two men whose friendship and banter hides a growing romantic attachment. Edwin really grew on me, but I loved Ollie, sweet Ollie who's so tired of everyone assuming that he's a submissive bottom just because he's Asian, from the get-go.
There is plenty of tension and steam here, and the ending is a gorgeous HEA. Read this one!
~4.25 stars~
This is a lovely, funny, and charming story about two RAs who are "frenemies." Ollie is the fun, easygoing one, a party boy, known for his kissing skills and social enthusiasm. Edwin is his co-RA in a gay alliance dorm. Edwin is everything Ollie is not: anxious, uptight, (overly) analytical, and a huge rule follower. He is the down to Ollie's boisterous up.
The guys get along, even though they irritate the hell out of one another. A bet is made, and the winner gets a kiss.
This was a very well-written, adorable story about two men whose friendship and banter hides a growing romantic attachment. Edwin really grew on me, but I loved Ollie, sweet Ollie who's so tired of everyone assuming that he's a submissive bottom just because he's Asian, from the get-go.
There is plenty of tension and steam here, and the ending is a gorgeous HEA. Read this one!
April 4, 2015
3.5 stars. This was just plain sweet and pleasant to read. Very light angst, college-age, and a delight to follow Ollie and Eddie. I really like Albert's writing style. Didn't give me a toothache, and I was hooked til the end. We even get a bonus story. Very nice.
February 16, 2017
Le ha sobrado la mitad porque no había mucha tela que cortar, salvo por los malos entendidos y las apuestas, que no me acaban de convencer como recurso la verdad. Me gusta como escribe la autora pero me aburro un poco leyendo porque ¡no.pasa.nada!
January 20, 2016
The fluffiest of fluff. Made me smile...plus there was a bonus epilogue.
October 24, 2019
3.5 Stars. Rounding up for cuteness. May write small review later.
October 27, 2023
WINNING BRACKET was a very cute romance and it manages to pack in a lot of content in just a novella. I felt like I really got to know the characters, experience them falling in love, and see a good passage of time/events without it feeling rushed. I enjoyed both Ollie and Edwin and it was sweet that they were building this friendship under the surface without even realizing it since they were always at odds over their duties as RAs.
Their bet over the March Madness brackets was a cute way to start off their relationship and move into the lessons that Ollie gives Edwin. It was in these intimate moments that you could really see how much Ollie and Edwin cared about each other and how much they understood each other. The epilogue was wonderfully sweet and fluffy and I never wanted this story to end!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
I’m in love with my best friend and I didn’t even know he was my best friend.
Their bet over the March Madness brackets was a cute way to start off their relationship and move into the lessons that Ollie gives Edwin. It was in these intimate moments that you could really see how much Ollie and Edwin cared about each other and how much they understood each other. The epilogue was wonderfully sweet and fluffy and I never wanted this story to end!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Favorite Quotes:
I’m in love with my best friend and I didn’t even know he was my best friend.
February 7, 2016
This was cute and I really enjoyed most of it. But IMO the story should have stopped sooner . After a certain point it was too sugary for me and took what was sweet to syrupy. I like my sugar dose with a bit of bitterness as a contrast to the sweetness. Overall though quite enjoyable.
As of 2/1/16 $1.99 at AllRomanceEbooks
As of 2/1/16 $1.99 at AllRomanceEbooks
January 21, 2015
Adorable. Lots of fluffy warm fuzzies. ;)
August 24, 2022
a cute gay romance with the right amount of sweetness and the right amount of spice. what more could i ask for?
June 20, 2015
3.75 stars
I don't know whether I was (slowly) getting to the idea of CRAVINGS on the Campus Cravings series or Annabeth Albert basically can do no wrong for me. Because this book? It's so good. Or - just like Ollie loved to say: awesomesauce!!! ;D
Oliver and Edwin was best-friends without realizing it, each a north to the others' south. They met and be dorm neighbours freshmen years, then grew be co-RAs their senior years. Their moms even got close and swapped notes on their sons. Practically family-unite waiting to happen!
Told alternately in 3rd person voice by Ollie and Ellie, I could feel their distinct personalities from the email exchanges. They bantered, mock-fought (Ollie always on the fun-sought of things while Eddie's the rules and order and study). Even when Ollie managed to get Eddie to join the fun of campus basket game bracket challenge and bet who would win, sport-clueless Eddie going all math-focus with his choice.
If I hadn't already loved Ms. Albert writings, this one would have me jumping the wagon. Her characters were fun and lovable (although I often wanted to smack the both of them for being so obtuse), and the way the plot winding was so enjoyable to follow. Feel-good stuff indeed, just what I need to start my weekend! :)
I don't know whether I was (slowly) getting to the idea of CRAVINGS on the Campus Cravings series or Annabeth Albert basically can do no wrong for me. Because this book? It's so good. Or - just like Ollie loved to say: awesomesauce!!! ;D
Oliver and Edwin was best-friends without realizing it, each a north to the others' south. They met and be dorm neighbours freshmen years, then grew be co-RAs their senior years. Their moms even got close and swapped notes on their sons. Practically family-unite waiting to happen!
Told alternately in 3rd person voice by Ollie and Ellie, I could feel their distinct personalities from the email exchanges. They bantered, mock-fought (Ollie always on the fun-sought of things while Eddie's the rules and order and study). Even when Ollie managed to get Eddie to join the fun of campus basket game bracket challenge and bet who would win, sport-clueless Eddie going all math-focus with his choice.
If I hadn't already loved Ms. Albert writings, this one would have me jumping the wagon. Her characters were fun and lovable (although I often wanted to smack the both of them for being so obtuse), and the way the plot winding was so enjoyable to follow. Feel-good stuff indeed, just what I need to start my weekend! :)
February 16, 2017
Sweet!
Sweet, sweet, super adorbs sweet story!! I love how different Ollie and Edwin are yet they're so perfect for each other. The bonus short at the end was much appreciated! Loved it!!
Sweet, sweet, super adorbs sweet story!! I love how different Ollie and Edwin are yet they're so perfect for each other. The bonus short at the end was much appreciated! Loved it!!
April 29, 2015
Read as part of Campus Cravings: Higher Learning MM Boxed Set collection, Winning Bracket by Annabeth Albert was initially very clichéd and predictable (opposites attract, nerd/creative, both loved each other from afar, intimacy bet, miscommunication, etc.)
As I read on it was like walking forward in a narrow hall with unadorned walls, floors and ceiling, but as I walked further the hall widened and opened to show more of a fully furnished room, kind of like Oliver's wildly decorated room in the story. I give this story three stars for turning the same ol' into something a bit more interesting.
As I read on it was like walking forward in a narrow hall with unadorned walls, floors and ceiling, but as I walked further the hall widened and opened to show more of a fully furnished room, kind of like Oliver's wildly decorated room in the story. I give this story three stars for turning the same ol' into something a bit more interesting.
May 2, 2017
Adorable! Opposites attract + a sort of frenemies to lovers in the last year of college, Ollie and Edwin dance around each other after a drunken kiss the summer before. Everything is couched in a bet, and neither seems to be able to admit to what is happening between them. They are both worried that they are going to screw everything up and lose each other even as snarky friends. The story is told in alternating POVs so we get to know what each guy is feeling and thinking and how they are dealing with the sudden shifts in their relationship.
I really enjoyed this story :) The characters were believable and cute. Even though the secondary characters were more offpage, I really enjoyed the interplay - especially with the moms. Big fan of this author and this story is another winner! ;-)
I really enjoyed this story :) The characters were believable and cute. Even though the secondary characters were more offpage, I really enjoyed the interplay - especially with the moms. Big fan of this author and this story is another winner! ;-)
July 26, 2020
4.5 stars.
This book is such a fun sweet read. Friends-to-lovers college themed romance featuring Edwin the perfectionist slash professional uptight nerd and Ollie the free spirited live-in-the-moment party boy with questionable yet quirky fashion style and kitschy fuzzy socks.
Edwin was pinning over Ollie (who usually went for jocky frat types who look Nothing like him). Ollie goaded him into a bet and Edwin demanded his prize if he won is a kiss.
It was perfect mix between steamy and sweet with an adorable happy ending and extra epilogue.
Loved it.
This book is such a fun sweet read. Friends-to-lovers college themed romance featuring Edwin the perfectionist slash professional uptight nerd and Ollie the free spirited live-in-the-moment party boy with questionable yet quirky fashion style and kitschy fuzzy socks.
Edwin was pinning over Ollie (who usually went for jocky frat types who look Nothing like him). Ollie goaded him into a bet and Edwin demanded his prize if he won is a kiss.
It was perfect mix between steamy and sweet with an adorable happy ending and extra epilogue.
Loved it.
March 17, 2017
Absolutely adorable, one I'll read again for sure.
February 15, 2017
Adorable love story
Ollie and Edwin make an adorable couple, and the bonus epilogue is a great addition! I have a soft spot for nerdy protags and Edwin fully delivers! Very cute story.
Ollie and Edwin make an adorable couple, and the bonus epilogue is a great addition! I have a soft spot for nerdy protags and Edwin fully delivers! Very cute story.
September 19, 2016
3.5*
Very cute,enjoyable read. I liked how these guys came up with the wager to get close to one another. Just shows that some communication will go a long way! They are very opposite in their behavior to. One likes to party(Ollie) and the other is all about rules(Edwin). It also was fun to read about both sets of parents as they are very accepting of their kids and have wanted them together since their Freshman year.
Love the bonus at the end!
Very cute,enjoyable read. I liked how these guys came up with the wager to get close to one another. Just shows that some communication will go a long way! They are very opposite in their behavior to. One likes to party(Ollie) and the other is all about rules(Edwin). It also was fun to read about both sets of parents as they are very accepting of their kids and have wanted them together since their Freshman year.
Love the bonus at the end!
April 13, 2015
I read this in the Campus Cravings Anthology and loved it and when it was published as a stand alone story with an additional short story I had to know what happened next for my favorite RAs. The original story was just as good the second time around and the additional story about Edwin and Ollie planning their wedding was super cute and funny and so perfect for their HEA.
January 21, 2019
As a huge fan of friends to lovers, this one is a hit, as sort of frenemies to lovers. They like each other, aggravate each other and are total opposites from each other. But when a bet is made with a kiss as the prize, things change. So cute!
Edit: When I realize I re-read this every few months when I need some happy, I had to bump it up to five stars.
Edit: When I realize I re-read this every few months when I need some happy, I had to bump it up to five stars.
May 24, 2016
Massively likeable characters, college boys, friends to lovers, an adorable geek and hot sex.
It's sweet and cute but it got too saccharine for me towards the end and I lost interest a bit. I think it probably should have finished a chapter earlier.
I'm fairly certain I'm in the minority when I say I could have done without the epilogue. It didn't add anything for me.
It's sweet and cute but it got too saccharine for me towards the end and I lost interest a bit. I think it probably should have finished a chapter earlier.
I'm fairly certain I'm in the minority when I say I could have done without the epilogue. It didn't add anything for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews