I finished yesterday but was too angry to write a review!
THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE! YOU MUST READ PLAY DIRTY FIRST TO THEN READ THIS ONE!!!!
We are back to the FUCKING CAMPUS OF HELL where things are not what they seem. Where everyone lies and wears a mask. Where the secrets are DISGUSTING, MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE AND WANTING TO DIE! Where the riches are cruel and the poor are the ones paying the price and WHERE EVERYONE PLAYS DIRTY !!!!
God damn it I honestly don’t know what to say besides that Luna has my entire black heart 🖤 I haven’t read a book from her when my heart wasn’t racing out of my chest. I FUCKING HATE the people in this book, I HATE this college, I HATE the lies, I HATE the pretending and I just want someone to record everything and throw online so the world can see it. DONE ! I solved the plot. 😂 but of course that’s not what Luna does, she likes to make us SUFFER, she likes to pull all emotions out of our chests and she likes to make us angry. I cannot tell you how many times I just wanted to KILL Tiago ! I got so angry at him …… I knew he was working an angle there but GOD FUCKING DAMN IT !!!!!!! If you want to be enraged but also extremely invested and intrigued, please pick this series up and you won’t regret. I can’t wait for Wyatt’s book, he is so sadistic and I love it !
Luna knocks it out of the park every single time. This was such a fun sequel, and the twists just kept on coming. This had a KILLER cliffhanger, and a few moments toward the end had me actually gasping out loud.
This one was definitely a bit more confusing, though. I didn’t feel the vibes of T and Z’s POVs like I was hoping I would, and I had a hard time following certain moments. Their chemistry is off the charts, though, and im so excited to see where everything goes from here after all these crazy reveals.
ARC read! 📚 This book is dark, gritty, and packed with heavy themes—so definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. The tension, raw possessiveness and sheer angst between Zayden and Thiago is incredible. The secret society they’re part of is basically a dangerous game of chess where everyone plays dirty, and the characters are constantly forced to choose between loyalty and survival. Saying all that it’s just not my favourite trope so - 3 ⭐️. But if you’re up for a dark, twisted clusterf*ck of a story and enjoy the secret society part - this one is for you.
And we’re back on campus… this time, the tension is thicker than butter. The energy between Zayden & Thiago is unmatched! Shiloh and Nico’s relationship is hanging on by a thread. If you thought Play Dirty packed secrets… well the web of lies Luna spun in Offside makes the first installment look like child’s play.
This semester, Offside promises to deliver even more secrets and petty drama… Luna is not playing around.
Why is it that MM romances just hit differently? There has to be a scientific explanation for this. I can literally FEEL the conflicting emotions Zayden has for Thiago in my bones. Their relationship is unstable and hostile. But not in a way that feels overwhelming since there’s intense attraction rooted underneath it. The energy between them is wild! Lust, jealousy, and possession. And while their backgrounds are different, in a way, they also come from the same place & learned the same things. But man did my heart break for Zayden a couple of times. And Thiago always kept me on my toes with his head full of secrets.
I really enjoyed the internal monologue of our characters. It didn’t feel like a broken record always on loop with the same tune. You received new bits and pieces of information each time. That’s thinking well done, if that makes any sense. This story exudes toxic masculinity more than anything: rage, arrogance, and domination.
Offside also dives deeper into the workings of Velarium. I love a good secret society trope and quite frankly, this one packs all the elements a good one should have: power, dominance, misogyny, and control.
“In Villalargos, love isn’t the goal… it’s the weapon.” And this book proves it from the very first page.
Offside is a dark, addictive ride through a world where secrets are currency, loyalty is constantly tested, and love is the most dangerous game anyone can play. Luna K. Wicked masterfully weaves tension, obsession, and emotional chaos into a story that had me glued to the pages from beginning to end.
Thiago Safra and Zayden Orozco are magnetic characters whose layers unfold with every chapter. Neither man is exactly what he seems, and watching their secrets collide created the kind of suspense that keeps you saying, “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3 a.m. Their chemistry is electric, their dynamic is complicated, and every interaction feels loaded with hidden motives and impossible choices.
What I loved most was the atmosphere of Villalargos itself. The setting feels alive, drenched in mystery, power plays, and the constant sense that disaster is waiting just around the corner. Every revelation hit hard, and the twists kept me second-guessing everything I thought I knew.
This story is dark, emotional, and beautifully messy in all the best ways. If you enjoy morally gray characters, dangerous secrets, high-stakes romance, and plot twists that leave your jaw on the floor, Offside deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
A ruthless game of love, lies, and obsession where nobody walks away unchanged… and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Where do I even begin?! I fucking LOVE Offside. Offside is such an incredible follow up to Play Dirty and completely just exceeds expectations. The plot really thickens in book two and grabs ahold of you and literally doesn’t want to let go. It’s addictive as hell and I felt like I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Big secrets are revealed in scandalous ways and at this point you truly can’t trust anyone. I couldn’t tell you how many times I audibly gasped and sent crash out messages. Offside focuses on Thiago & Zayden and I swear they will become your newest obsession. The angst and tension between the two of them is EVERYTHING... Offside is definitely one of those books where hidden moments and fights are hitting just as hard as those spicy scenes. And let me tell you those scenes are 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 Luna never disappoints with her spice. And can we talk about that damn ending and that EPILOGUE?!?! I swear I wasn’t ready! Even though i beta read offside that ending stilllll had me clutching my chest. Talk about a gnarly cliffhanger that will literally have you foaming at the mouth for book three. You want serious sexual tension, forbidden lovers, secret societies, andddddd a little lavender marriage?! 👀 then I’m really going to need you to enter the world of Villalargos. Trust me, it’s worth all the emotional damage. 😏
This was from an ARC read I had the privilege of being apart of, this review is in my own opinion
"Love isn't the goal... It's the weapon."
Review for Offside (Villalargo University, Book 2) by Luna K. Wicked Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you haven’t read Play Dirty yet, fix your TBR immediately—you cannot start Offside without it! But once you're caught up? Get ready, because the roller coaster you're about to board is beautifully broken and twisted in all the best ways. If you thought book one was a jaw-dropping "WTF" ride, Offside will leave you absolutely breathless and begging for answers. Zayden and Thiago’s story is the epitome of enemies-to-lovers. The anger, the grit, and the intoxicating lust between them is so captivating you can't look away, even when it hurts. Luna K. Wicked has this incredible ability to wrap your heart in her hands and crush it, yet somehow leaves you thanking her for it. Note: Make sure to check the trigger warnings if you need to (I’m a "read blindly" kind of reader, but they are there!). And whatever you do... do NOT skip that epilogue. It is unforgettable.
I loved this book just as much as the first one! The tension between Thiago and Zayden? The secrets? The suspense? The spicy scenes? All 10/10. I could NOT put this book down because the mystery/suspense was killing me. Diving deeper into the corruption of Villalargos was a wiiiild (and very dark) ride. Last, I need to mention that the ending had me gasping out loud…it was an actual “wtf” moment for me and THAT CLIFFHANGER 😩😩
Holy plot twists and turns! I’m realllly loving this new series by Luna. It’s softer than her normal books but still very much a dark tragic story. So much is happening and unraveling that it keeps you constantly guessing and questioning every thought and every move. I love books like this that have your cortisol levels through the roof.
I truly love both of our MMCs in this story as well. They just fit one another so beautifully and I feel like Luna did a really great job of having them play their role while also developing a true connection. It’s hard not to root for them and feel so much for them and everything they are going through.
It’s still a dark story so please be sure to read your triggers beforehand. It has Gossip girls vibes but on a whole other completely unhinged level!
Well, this book had a whole lot of “WTF” moments. Each plot twist had me gasping in surprise, often saying out loud, “Luna, you did not just go there,” or “No fucking way.”
There were times I felt sick to my stomach watching someone who claims to love another person treat them like shit, all in the name of “keeping them safe.” Thiago, I’m looking at you, man. The amount of times I wanted to punch him… luckily, he “redeems” himself in typical unhinged, dark romance fashion.
Luna had me consistently lowering my standards, thinking, “Well, in a fucked up way, that makes perfect sense. Toxic as fuck, but that's how these stories go.”
The emotional damage these characters carry is utterly heartbreaking. Zayden’s past is rife with neglect, abandonment, and a despair that lives deep within his soul, never allowing him to know a moment of peace.
“And when your body only knows abuse, it’s hard to understand love. It’s hard to walk around and not have your walls up.” This quote hit me hard. It is so discouraging to know that this is real. Personal life experiences have shown me how living a life of pain and abuse wires get crossed. Often these individuals start craving the very thing that broke them. That sentiment perfectly encompasses Zayden's character. He is broken, and while he craves the pain, he hates himself for giving into that “need." It was a very sad truth to read.
Thiago may have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but underneath all that shine and beauty is often just a pile of shit, stinking up the room. His life parallels Zayden's in many ways, and his need to feel loved and chosen plagues him daily. His need to keep Zayden “safe” while playing the double agent was a risky move. His ability to pull Zayden in and demand intimacy, while also being the biggest asshat in the room, caused some serious whiplash.
With all the twists and turns, cameos from Book 1 characters, and more secrets revealed, it had me on the edge of my seat. As expected with any book I’ve read of Luna's, she weaves complex lines connecting the characters to the world they live in. All while keeping just enough in the dark, leaving you wanting to come back for more.
This book is dark, depraved, and absolutely devastating. The intimate scenes are scorching, and Zayden and Thiago’s sexual chemistry is off the charts. When they give in to their desires, it is explosive.
I highly recommend the series. I definitely suggest reading Book 1 first, as there are crucial aspects of that story within this one.
I anxiously wait for book 3, because I need more and I need it now.
I'm so proud of you and for been part of your team!! Thank you very much!!
Luna has this incredible ability to completely twist my brain with every single one of her books, but this one? This second installment in the series, the book I thought would finally give me answers?gave me a few... and left me with a thousand more questions.
And now what?! How am I supposed to wait an entire year for the continuation of this story?
Let's start with the Villalargos University series itself. Imagine Gossip Girl meeting Lola King's Silver Falls, with a little bit of Pretty Little Liars thrown into the mix. Then add European football, darkness, and I mean real darkness, along with secrets. So many secrets...
The truth is, I still don't know what to believe. I don't even have theories about what's coming next. And that's exactly where Luna's brilliance lies. She keeps you completely in the dark while making you desperate for every single clue.
Mastermind. Absolute freaking genius!!
And how could this book not hit me even harder when Thiago speaks Portuguese throughout the story? How could I not get chills every time he called someone "meu príncipe" or told Zaiden "és meu"? I couldn't help it. I felt every part of that character, everything he was, everything he said, everything he felt.
Yes, I have favorites. And Thiago is mine!! That twisted, tortured soul who has never truly experienced love and doesn't even know how to recognize it when it's standing right in front of him.
Zaiden and Thiago are, without a doubt, the heart of this story. Their connection is built so naturally and beautifully that it's impossible not to root for them. You desperately want them to end up together, and you want them, especially Zaiden, to stop fighting the feelings that so obviously exist between them.
As always, Luna creates a relationship overflowing with chemistry, tension, anguish, and pain, but also one built on genuine emotional connection. Every emotion feels real. I suffered with them, fell in love with them, and became completely invested in everything they were going through.
But make no mistake, this is not a story filled with soft pink hearts and sweet romance. This is a story of shattered hearts. Broken people. And some of the darkest themes imaginable.
Yet even in its most brutal moments, where abuse and trauma are impossible to ignore, Luna's writing never feels exploitative or gratuitous. She immerses you in the story without relying on shock value, and that's one of the reasons I admire her writing so much.
Her characters aren't perfect. They aren't heroes. They're human.
They simply want freedom, love, and above all, survival.
One of the things I love most about Luna's writing is the way she weaves every storyline together without anything ever feeling forced. While following the main couple, we're constantly given glimpses of couples from the past and the future, making this entire universe feel richer, deeper, and incredibly immersive.
And those Gossip Girl vibes?
Oh, they're definitely there, but taken to a whole new level of chaos and addiction.
More than that, the stories from the past are still unfolding, while the stories of the future somehow started in the past.
It doesn't make sense, and yet it makes perfect sense.
This book is incredible!
This series is incredible!
And Luna is simply extraordinary. You deserve the moon and the sun, Luna K. Wicked!
I devoured this ARC almost without stopping and finished it completely desperate for the next books. And honestly, with every new release, she proves exactly why this series is capturing the hearts of so many readers.
Classes at Villalargos University are back in session and I am so happy about this! I loved every second of Play Dirty and Luna took that feeling and said watch me. I am more obsessed with Offside than I probably should be and I have no shame. The twists in this book and the dynamic between the main characters are everything. That ending though…Luna I don’t know why you do this to me, but this is a brutal cliffhanger that has me craving more!
Thiago has power with golden retriever energy and has someone he wants more than anything, someone he can’t have. I love Thiago in this book, and my heart broke for him a few times along the way. He has not found a way to escape the world he was born into but will stop at nothing to try to tear it all down. The way Thiago balances obtaining the life he wants and the life he has is a beautiful push and pull.
Zayden with his broody energy had me swooning. He has been thrown in as a piece in a world he doesn’t belong to all for people he loves. He is ride or die for the ones he cares about, but caring about someone he shouldn’t proves challenging for this handsome man. Zayden goes through it in this book and all I want to do is wrap him in a blankie until it’s all better.
The chemistry between these two characters is fantastic. I never stopped rooting for them which also caused moments of wanting to smack some sense into these men. Offside picks up where Play Dirty left off but things are far from over. Beside the relationship game between our hot soccer players, the mystery grows deeper around all the characters and the secret society running the show. With every reveal we are gifted with more twists leading further down the rabbit hole.
The pacing of this book made for a quick read that sucked me in. Putting this book down to do things like adulting proved very frustrating and now it is over and I can’t wait to go back for more. This story has me in a chokehold and I don’t know what I will do with myself to see the fates of all these amazing characters…especially my boys (because yes Thiago and Zayden are officially my boys and I will fight for them). Offside is my favorite book of this series. At least for me, the second is better than the first and the first is great! I don’t know how Luna will beat it, but I know if anybody can she will, and in the process of doing so will cause me even more emotional damage (and I will run head on into it). I definitely recommend this series if you like dark romance, secret societies and characters that you will fall in love with.
Lunas second in the series Offside completely pulled me in from the first chapter and refused to let go. Luna lsomehow always manages to make every book in this world feel bigger, darker, and more addictive than the last plus we get the extension of the Play Dirty MMC and FMC still hanging on for dear life.
Zaiden and Thiago absolutely stole my heart. Their relationship is messy, intense, frustrating, and impossible to look away from. The chemistry between them to me was off and on but when it was on it was fire, but what really got me was the emotional depth behind everything. Beneath all the tension, secrets, and hostility is a connection that feels genuine and heartbreaking. I spent most of this book wanting to shake them both while also desperately rooting for them. Lunas books always have so much emotional in them. Everyone loves an MM
This isn’t a lighthearted romance wrapped up to look pretty, It’s a story filled with trauma, pain, survival, and people trying to find their place in a world that has broken them in different ways. The themes can be incredibly dark at times. Every difficult moment served a purpose and added another layer to the story ripping into your heart one page at a time.
I also loved getting deeper into the world of Velarium. The secret society elements were some of my favorite parts of the book. The power struggles, manipulation, control, and endless web of lies kept me constantly questioning everyone’s motives. Every time I thought I had something figured out, another secret surfaced. Bastards.
One thing Luna consistently does well is making her characters feel real with flaws and all. They aren’t perfect. They make mistakes, hurt people, and carry their own baggage, a lot of it. That made it so much easier to become emotionally attached to them and invested in what happened to them.
And can we talk about the drama? The chaos is definitely still there, but somehow it’s even more explosive this time around. Every chapter seemed to reveal another secret, another betrayal, or another reason for my jaw to hit the floor. I was confused, shocked, and locked in for the whole book.
The ending left me completely stunned and immediately book two hello cliffhanger. Absolute craziness …If you are a fan of complicated characters, crazy plots and secret societies this is for you.
Can someone please give me the third book right now?! I NEED to get my hands on it!
Hello, hello, my girly girls! Another review day is here. Yay!
I thought I mentally prepared myself for the second book in this series, but I was wrong. If there’s one thing Luna has finally convinced me of it’s that no matter how prepared I am I always end up needing a couple of days to pull myself together afterwards. The twists that this book is filled with have left me unstable, wanting more, and making a list of possible theories for the next book.
We got to see a little more of Shiloh and Nico, however, in this book we see a side of Shiloh that, I can tell you, made me want to shake her and give her a little nudge of “wake up, girl” which certain characters sometimes need.
Although we did get glimpses of the characters from the previous book, this story is about a different couple—one I was really looking forward to reading about. Did their story break my heart while I was reading it? Of course it did! But if there is one thing I know to be true, it’s that sometimes love causes us to make somewhat questionable decisions. Would you be willing to play dirty for those you want to protect? Even if you lose yourself in the process of trying to protect them? This was something that every single character demonstrated on every page. They were all ready to leave it all out the field and play dirty to come out victorious. Because the long game is the one best played.
📍Do I Recommend It?
Absolutely! This is a book you don’t want to miss—a book that needs to go straight onto your TBR. However, as with all the books I read and recommend, I ask that you take the warnings into account and know what you’re getting into.
Now, besties, if you’re looking for a dark college romance with broken characters who are willing to play in the shadows for the people who matter to them; where you will find suspense waiting for you from the very first page; where trust isn’t given lightly; where secrets are a double-edged sword; where nothing is what it seems; and where what might appear to be perfect at first glance could just be leading you to a pile of bodies around the corner; then this is the book for you!
offside is everything play dirty promised and then some 📖🔥 book two grabs you by the throat and does NOT let go — i was audibly gasping, turning pages faster than my brain could process, and absolutely losing my mind over every single reveal 😭
thiago and zayden?? my two broken boys with daddy issues?? the tension, the secrets, the spice, the SUSPENSE?? all a hard 10/10 🥵 diving deeper into the corruption of villalargos was a wild, dark, chaotic ride and i was OBSESSED every step of the way
big secrets. scandalous reveals. and at this point?? you cannot trust a single soul 👀
this is not a soft love story. this is lies and deception. and i cannot look away 🖤
these HAVE to be read in order — play dirty first, then offside — because the secrets and betrayals hit different when you’ve been there from the start 🫀 and book three?? nico, the ice queen, thiago, zayden… baby you have SO much explaining to do
THINGS TO KNOW Forced proximity, Lavender marriage, Broody mmc meets golden retriever with power, Secret Society, Broken Boys with Daddy Issue, Rich boy x poor boy, Power imbalance, Hate sex, Dark Academia, Enemies to lovers, Morally grey love interest, Handler x pet, Forbidden romance, Power play, Broken hero, Blackmail, Secret past, Sexual coercion, Sexual assault, Grooming, Attempted rape, Voyeurism, Emotional manipulation, Parental abuse, Death of a peer, False, imprisonment, Corruption, Underage drinking, Bullying, Stalking, Gaslighting, Grief, Hazing rituals, Power imbalance, psychological manipulation, Self-harm/suicidal ideation (implied), Violence against women, Non-consensual themes / dubcon, Verbal degradation, Emotional abuse, Classism, Threats of sexual violence, Physical intimidation, Substance use, Unreliable narrator, Gaslighting, Rape (on page- not over graphic or explict.), Blackmailing, Physical violence, PTSD, Dubious consent, Coerced sex, BDSM themes, Torture, Cheating (not between main characters), Death, Hate sex, Consensual restraint, Primal chase, Emotional degradation, Tease and denial, Angsty post-sex emotional ruin, Raw, unprotected sex, Sex as confrontation, Sex as comfort, Somnophilic tension (emotional, not literal), Mutual obsession, Parental Death, Domestic Violence
Offside is the second book in Luna K. Wicked’s Villalargos University series. This dark college sports romance returns readers to the elite and secret-filled world of Villalargos University, where hockey, obsession, rivalry, and dangerous secrets collide. While it can be enjoyed on its own, reading Play Dirty first will give you a deeper understanding of the university atmosphere and interconnected characters.
I was so excited to return to Villalargos University, and Offside definitely delivered the addictive blend of tension, romance, and suspense I was hoping for. Luna K. Wicked has a way of creating a setting that feels both glamorous and dangerous, where every character seems to be hiding something and every decision comes with consequences.
What stood out most to me was the chemistry between the main characters. Their relationship felt intense from the start, filled with push-and-pull tension, emotional vulnerability, and enough sparks to keep me turning pages long past bedtime. I especially loved how neither character was perfect. They were flawed, stubborn, and sometimes frustrating, but that only made their journey feel more real and compelling.
The football element added a fun competitive edge, but this story is about much more than sports. Beneath the romance is a web of secrets, loyalty, betrayal, and personal growth. The dark academia atmosphere was one of my favorite parts—the elite university setting, hidden agendas, and constant sense that something bigger is happening in the background made the story impossible to put down.
The pacing kept me invested throughout, balancing emotional moments with suspense and drama. There were several scenes that had me completely hooked, and I loved how the author built anticipation without rushing the relationship. Fans of morally gray characters, possessive heroes, campus drama, and high-stakes romance will likely find a lot to love here.
Overall, Offside was a captivating return to the Villalargos University world. If you enjoy dark college romances packed with tension, secrets, and unforgettable chemistry, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
CHILLS! Like, ACTUAL CHILLS! I'm NOT kidding when I say that I JUST finished Offside (like 1 minute ago), and I HAD to come and just spill what I can while I'm riding this fxckn HIGH!
First off... OF COURSE the rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5. A for sure top 5 book of the year for me. While the dark romance was DARK ROMANCING.. it was the motherfxckn PLOT for me y'all! The world building, the suspense, the thrill.. the way that Offside literally had me holding my breath as I discovered new things in this rollercoaster of a ride.
Play Dirty was my FIRST Luna K. Wicked book and I INSTANTLY fell in love with Nico Blondie, Zayden, and Thiago. While Book 1 focuses on Nico and Shiloh, Offside is all about my two broken boys with daddy issues, Zayden and Thiago. These books HAVE to be read in order to uncover SECRETS and BETRAYALS.
The CHEMISTRY between Zayden & Thiago is fxckn INSANE. The sexual TENSION was scorching! Their love couldn't be SWEET... it was forbidden and POSSESIVE and bitchhhh I LIVE FOR THAT! Also that POWER IMBALANCE?! consider a new book kink UNLOCKED 🔓- (thank you Luna K!)
Standing fxckn OVATION Luna K. Wicked 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 👏🏽 Standing OHHVATION! That Epilogue?! JFC seriously, I could've continued reading 500 more pages of this & believe me, I'm already counting down for book 3! I cannot WAIT to return to Villalargos!! My mind was fxckn BLOWN!! 🤯 The twists and turns?! It was sooo fxckn good, y'all! sooo fxckn good!
From Villalargos to Velarium... all of it- so DELICIOUSLY DARK and DEPRAVED. But you don't look away or the players WILL change. 💋
thank you Luna K. Wicked & team, for this ARC and as always all thoughts & opinions are my own.
THAT WAS INTENSE!!! I listened to Play Dirty before starting this ARC and thank god I did, because I would have had no idea what was going on without it. So make sure you read it beforehand ♥️ These books are definitely not standalones. You need the background, the characters, the secrets and all the drama from book one before jumping into this one.
Book 2 takes everything from Play Dirty and throws you even deeper into the secrets, lies, corruption and absolute chaos of Villalargos University.
This one is Thiago and Zayden’s book and my god was it a rollercoaster of emotions. I cried, laughed and chewed my nails, and most of the time that was just on the one page.
Zayden absolutely broke my heart. He has been through so much trauma, and the way that made him see himself was painful to read. He really believed he wasn’t worth loving, wasn’t worth choosing, wasn’t worth anything soft or good, and it was so devastating.
And Thiago… listen, that man had me frustrated more than once, but it was so obvious he loved Zayden from the start. Even when he was making poor choices I wanted to yell at him for, everything came back to Zayden. Protecting him. Keeping him safe. Trying to make sure he survived everything going on around them.
The plot in this book was WILD. So many twists, secrets, betrayals and moments where I was sitting there like… Luna, are you serious right now?! Every time I thought I had something figured out, something else happened and I was back to questioning everyone. And that ending was ruthless Luna! I need book three immediately because I really just need answers so I can move on with my life.
Offside is dark, emotional, spicy, chaotic and full of so many WTF’s, that it makes you want to scream at your Kindle , but also continue reading haha! Also, TW, TW and TW. Cause you need to read them. Thank you Luna for the ARC! I loved it so much 4.5⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
♥️MM romance 💜Forbidden romance ♥️Soccer romance 💜Dark academia ♥️Secret society 💜Power imbalance ♥️Forced proximity ♥️Secrets and betrayal 💜Morally grey/black characters ♥️Toxic love 💜Cliffhanger ending
ARC Review Offside Villalargo University, Book Two Author: Luna K. Wicked Release Date: June 4, 2026 Genre: Academia MM Romance Tropes: Power Imbalance, Dark Academia, Forbidden Romance, Secret Past, Sports This was book w in this universe. I read book 1 “Play Dirty” right before this one. I recommend reading book 1 first, you’re going to want the character backstory. There are characters from book 1 that are front and centre. Not you’re a-typical dark romance. The content is heavy and it is recommended that you read the triggers before you proceed. While the spice isn’t high, the history and discussions may not be for everyone. The MMC’s are soccer players so you can expect a bit of play throughout. Thiago & Zayden the 2 MMC’s have a complicated friendship, and the story really dives into how they have become who they are. So many “what the?” moments in this one, and it’s hard to like anyone except Z. Read the Epilogue as it will prepare you for book 3. Not so much a cliffhanger that you’ll pull your hair, but I know that I am waiting for the next one! Authors Blurb: In Villalargos, love isn’t the goal… It’s the weapon. Thiago Safra has known that since birth. In a world bound by secrets and fueled by obsession, only one truth matters. Someone always loses. Zayden Orozco carries more secrets than the man pulling the leash, and in this game, loyalty is a lie and love is the deadliest play of all. Because in Villalargos… someone always ends up offside. Triggers: I don’t have any triggers and I won’t helicopter yours. Always check the content warnings and if needed check out the triggers. Dark literature isn’t for everyone! #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #indie
Offside ( Villalargos University Series Book 2 ) what to expect!! ⭐️MM ⭐️Power Imbalance ⭐️Forbidden Romance ⭐️Sports Romance ⭐️Dark Academia ⭐️Secrets / revelations ⭐️Intrigue and suspense Well I really was just taken on the ride of my life and completely blown away in all the best ways . Luna nailed it once again and delivered one of the best books I’ve read this year . Offside really was and is everything, i mean everything. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that plays on all your emotions in ways you won’t even be expecting. You’ll experience everything from being utterly speechless, to yelling outta pure frustration. Your heart will feel like it’s beating so fast and then bam belong crushed the next , you’ll be glued to the edge of your seat anticipating what will happen from one second to the next . And you’ll find yourself rooting so freaking hard . From page one I was just completely intrigued and by Zayden and Thiago , I can’t really put into words all the reasons why , but I just felt such a strong connection to both and I most definitely was not prepared for how their journey would touch my heart and resonate with me on so many levels . Both were so beautifully broken in different ways , the things they went through together and separately just wrecked me , just shattered my heart . What was so beautiful though was watching them find the strength to overcome all those demons and obstacles, seeing the way they helped one another heal . I loved all the layers and complexities In their characters and their story , how it wasn’t easy , how they had to work to find the happiness they so clearly deserved. Dark , raw , gritty , heartbreaking and just Uttely addictive. That’s exactly what offside was and is
OFFSIDE by Luna K Wicked absolutely wrecked me… and honestly? I’d let it do it again. ⚽️🖤
Welcome back to Villalargos University — where love isn’t romance… it’s a weapon.
If you thought Play Dirty was unhinged, Offside takes the ball, smashes it through a stained-glass window, and then sets the entire field on fire. The plot twists? INSANE. Every other chapter had me gasping, clutching my Kindle, and whispering, “Luna… no fucking way.”
Thiago Safra and Zayden Orozco are pure obsession fuel. The tension between them is unbearable in the best way possible — toxic, yearning, messy, addictive. One second you’re swooning over them, the next you’re staring at the page completely stunned by Thiago’s choices and questioning every emotion this man just dragged you through.
And Zayden? That boy shattered my heart. The way Luna writes trauma, abandonment, and the confusion between pain and love hit HARD. There’s such a raw sadness underneath all the spice and suspense that makes these characters feel painfully real.
But don’t worry… Luna still delivers on the spice. Those scenes? FILTHY. Explosive. Absolutely worth the emotional destruction.
Add in: ⚽️ football romance 🖤 forbidden lovers 🕯 secret societies 💍 lavender marriage 🔪 betrayal after betrayal 🔥 sexual tension that could burn Villalargos to the ground
…and you’ve got a book that completely consumes you.
Also, can we PLEASE discuss that ending and EPILOGUE?! Because Luna really looked us dead in the eyes and chose violence. That cliffhanger was absolutely brutal and I already know book three is going to destroy me.
Offside is dark, devastating, addictive, and easily a 5⭐️ read for me.
But seriously — read Book 1 first. Trust me. You need the full Villalargos experience before diving into this level of chaos
When I ask for dark romance, this is exactly the type of book I mean!
Firstly, I will state I didn’t exactly listen to the authors advice and read book one first (because I always know best … NOT) so I did spend some parts thinking … eh? I will accept it is my own wrong doing and I will listen next time. I will say though I still absolutely devoured this book.
Thiago and Zayden were a complete train wreck together and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. Their relationship wasn’t gentle, wholesome, or conventionally romantic. It was chaotic, toxic, reckless, and brutally honest. Every time I caught myself thinking, “There’s no way they can make this any worse,” they somehow managed to prove me wrong.
What hit hardest was the sense of hopelessness beneath all the manipulation, brutality, and emotional destruction. No one in this world was ever truly free. Every connection came with conditions, consequences, and inevitable fallout. Love wasn’t a source of comfort it was a threat. A weakness. A liability. Honestly, the entire cast desperately needed therapy, but chose mayhem instead.
And Nico and Shiloh? I’m still trying to process whatever emotional catastrophe that turned out to be.
The desperate need to be loved while actively self-destructing absolutely wrecked me. These characters were falling apart in real time, and somehow I couldn't look away.
By the end, I was just sitting there staring at my screen, trying to process what in the actual WTF had just happened.
This book was disturbing, emotionally exhausting, and probably took three years off my life.
I received this book as an arc and throughly enjoyed and I have left this review honestly because I wanted too. Now please leave me to go and devour the first one.
Book 2 continues the absolute depravity that is Villalargo University – secret societies, power plays, greed, manipulation, and foul play wrapped in a world so dark it practically consumes everyone inside it.
Zayden followed his best friend Nico to Villalargo for soccer, but deep down he knew there was more, he knew Nico needed him. What he found instead was a prison disguised as prestige ... a place where ownership extends far beyond loyalty and where your body, your choices, and maybe even your soul no longer belongs to you.
Thiago was born into the darkness of Villalargo. He knows how to survive it. How to play both sides. How to wear curelty like armor. But Zayden? He was never supposed to matter. And neither were the emotions that came with him.
“In Villalargos, love isn’t the goal...it’s the weapon.”
And honestly? I’m not sure the people in this world know what love truly is. They know ownership. Control. Power. Cruelty. Survival.
But somewhere in the middle of all the manipulation and dangerous games, the lines between lust, possession, dependency, and love begin to blur for Zayden and Thiago. Two people trying to survive a system designed to break and destroy them.
And Luna K. Wicked did what Luna always does ... left us absolutely feral and desperate for answers.
This is not a soft love story. This is lies and deception. Darkness. Depravity. Obsession. Lust. Loss. Power. Survival.
And I cannot look away. Book 3 has so much explaining to do...Nico, the Ice Queen, Thiago/Zayden...
There are books where somebody says “good boy” and it’s hot.
And then there’s Offside by Luna K. Wicked where “good boy” isn’t praise, it is ownership.
This book is dark secret society depravity wrapped in an MM soccer romance and I genuinely do not think my brain chemistry will ever recover from whatever Luna put in these pages.
I swear every twenty pages I was stopping like…
What am I reading, and why am I so into something that somehow keeps getting worse?
Because this isn’t dark romance in the “haha morally gray” kind of way. This feels invasive and intimate in a way you won’t forget. Thiago and Zayden have this toxic bond where affection, control, dependence, praise, punishment…all start blurring together.
Pet versus handler in a way that feels deeply wrong and emotional at the same time. Every time you think maybe things cannot possibly get more psychologically twisted Luna somehow finds a line that makes you stare at the page in disbelief or she adds a plot twist so wild you need a chiropractor.
Add in how completely trapped everyone feels. Nobody in this world actually has freedom, even the people with power. Everyone in this book is hiding something.
The spice?
Scenes that make you stop and stare at the wall for a minute wondering why they worked so well on you. The mistletoe? Absolutely needed that.
Tropes: MM dark romance, secret society, pet versus handler, dark academia, forced proximity, non-con/dub-con, lavender marriage
This book doesn’t just push boundaries. Get ready and check the content advisory.
After the glimpse we got of Zayden and Thiago in book one, I knew I needed their story, and it absolutely delivered. The chemistry between these two was INSANE. From the very beginning, this pull between them was impossible to ignore. Every interaction had me kicking my feet and screaming, "Just kiss already"... while also wanting the tension to last forever. Zayden and Thiago are the heart of this book. Their connection felt so natural that rooting for them was effortless. The attraction, the tension, the way they kept gravitating back to each other. I was invested from the start. More than anything, I just wanted them to stop fighting what was so obviously there because everyone could see it except them. But as much as I loved the romance, the suspense had me in a chokehold. The game. The analyst. The university secrets. AHHH. Every time I thought I was getting answers, I ended up with even more questions. The mystery kept building, and I was completely invested in figuring out what was really going on. What I love most about this series is that the suspense doesn't disappear after book one. If anything, it gets deeper. There are so many secrets buried in this twisted world, and every reveal just made me more obsessed. If you love MM romance with insane chemistry, university suspense, mysteries that keep you guessing, and characters that pull you in from the start, definitely pick this one up.
The chemistry was chemistring. The tension was tensioning. The secrets were secreting. And I need answers.
If you are fans of shows like Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl, then this captivating series is absolutely for you. Filled with gripping twists and turns in every single chapter, this story keeps you on the very edge of your seat and constantly wanting more. While I highly recommend reading the first book before diving into this one, otherwise, the complex plot will definitely leave you with more questions than answers, the ride is entirely worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery aspect of the storyline, which delivers a narrative focused much more on a thrilling plot than heavy spice. I normally prefer a different balance, but this fast paced mystery had me flipping pages as fast as possible just to get to the next massive "wtf" moment. The emotional centerpiece of the book is the intense, palpable tension between Zayden and Thiago, which literally had me gripping my iPad and screaming, "JUST ACCEPT THE LOVE ALREADY!" Even though I personally wish we had gotten a bit more depth regarding the final solidification of the boys being together, I still completely enjoyed how their dynamic unfolded. It is a fantastic read for anyone looking for a plot driven romance with a heavy dose of suspense. I am forever thankful that I had the opportunity to ARC read this wonderful story, and I can't wait to see what thrilling turns the author takes next!
4.5/5 ⭐️ ⚽️ MM Romance ⚽️ Secret Society ⚽️ Enemies to Lovers ⚽️ Forbidden Romance ⚽️ Rich boy x Poor boy
(I received an ARC copy of this book, all thoughts/opinions are my own)
The plot thickens is definitely how I would sum this book up. So many secrets and so many lies.
Firstly I really loved Zayden, he comes across as someone who was pushed into the sea and is just trying not to drown whilst also trying to save others. The trauma he and the others guys are subjected to is just heart-breaking, but now he and they are to far in to get out. Then there is Thiago who is caught in the middle of everything and everyone. I loved them together, their love/hate relationship was so unwavering and grounded . While they could still use a lot of work in communication their chemistry worked really well, it was tense and hot while at times tender. I really liked both of them. Plus their spice was so good!
The ongoing plot continues (there is only so much I can say because spoilers). Anyone who loved the last book and was invested in the story will be hooked by this book, everything gets deeper, with more twists and maybe some answers. I wouldn’t recommend reading this one without reading the first book, they are definitely not meant to be standalone books. But this is one of the things I like about them. The continued story/world building, trying to guess what’s going to happen and also wtf is actually happening now?
Being honest though it did take me a min to get into, there was a lot going on and I just had to grasp what was, but it didn’t’ take too long to get into. I was frustrated at a few points, shouting at the characters to just talk to each other! But when you don’t know who to trust what can you do? I think everything came together really well, with a lot of dark and tense, spicy, frustrating and sometimes beautiful scenes.
I would recommend this to anyone who liked the first book and anyone who likes dark romances with very morally grey characters and a world you can dive into. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Villalargos University. (As always read the trigger warnings and look after yourself)
HOLY HOTNESS. Off Side absolutely consumed me. I somehow loved this even more than book one, which I didn't think was possible. Every time I think I have this world figured out, Luna K. Wicked proves me wrong. At this point, I trust absolutely nobody. Not the side characters. Not the villains. Not even the MMCs. Thiago and Zayden both have me questioning every word that comes out of their mouths, and I'm having the best time being completely stumped by this mystery.
Thiago and Zayden own my entire heart. The rich boy x poor boy dynamic is fantastic, but what really got me was how both of them carry such deep-rooted damage and trauma despite coming from completely different worlds. They're broken in different ways, and watching them navigate that together is equal parts heartbreaking and addictive.
And don't even get me started on the possessive tension because I was LOSING MY MIND.
"My pet just wandered off for a bit. But allow me to remind him who owns him."
EXCUSE ME???
Or this one:
"Then hit me. Or kiss me. Either way, pick your poison; we have an audience."
The chemistry is absolutely unreal.
And if those didn't destroy me enough:
"I've been inside you, and yet, it's you that's inside me every fucking minute of the day."
Yeah. Goodnight.
This series has me completely hooked. The mystery is keeping me on the edge of my seat, the romance is wrecking me, and I immediately need the next book because I am unwell.
“In this game loyalty is a lie and love is the most dangerous play of all… Because In Viallalargos… someone always ends up offside.”
This book, this series, and this universe have my whole heart and soul. It is devastating to read all that these characters have to deal with and navigate being a part of Villalargo University. Reading about how Thiago and Zayden fought their desire for each other, knowing that their friends weren’t as lucky as them, was utterly heart breaking. Watching them constantly try to navigate being told what to do from the sponsors and what they decide to do for the betterment of their lives is again, heart breaking. There are so many twisted secrets that unravel in this story that I genuinely started keeping notes to keep track of everything. Also who the F is writing The Pulse?!?!?? I am dying to figure that out lmao. This book needs to be injected into my veins, I adore T and Zayden so much 🥹
Something I admire the most about Luna is how beautifully she writes complex characters full of depth. She has a way of writing that has you on edge, crying, swooning, and ripping out your hair all at the same time. Offside is book two in the Villalargo University so I don’t want to say too much about the plot because I don’t want to spoil a single thing. Just know that the plot packs a straight punch to the balls, but in a good way?
Thank you so much Luna for giving me the opportunity to read this book before release as an ARC! I am so grateful!
This is exactly the kind of dark emotional damaging story my cold little heart lives for.
Now, did I read book one? No. Did I feel like some things completely went over my head at times. Absolutely! Did the author mention in the beginning of this story that you must read book one. Yes.. yes she did. Did that stop me from completely consuming this story anyway not even a little bit. Lol
Thiago and Zayden were an absolute disaster together.. and I mean that in the best possible way. Their relationship wasn’t soft or romantic in a traditional sense. It was messy, toxic, and painfully raw.
What got me was how hopeless everything felt underneath all the manipulation and violence. No one in this world was ever truly free. Every relationship came with consequences attached. Love wasn’t something comforting here, It was dangerous. Love was considered a weakness.
Nico and Shiloh.. yea I’m still emotionally recovering from that..
The need to be loved even while these characters were actively falling apart, totally broke me.
By the end of the story, I sat here staring at my screen, trying to process what the WTF just happened
This book was disturbing an emotionally exhausting, but I loved every second of it!
5⭐️
I received this arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.