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Lineout: Standalone Reverse Harem Romance
Blurb
Life was never a fairytale but at least with mum around there were patches of sunshine.
Then a storm hit and there was just cold darkness.
After 5 years, my mothers Twin, and his Son manage to pull me from the wreckage that is my life, and with the help of my cousins' rugby team I find blue sky again
This is Multi POV and follows Luna and her Cousin Colson
Life was never a fairytale but at least with mum around there were patches of sunshine.
Then a storm hit and there was just cold darkness.
After 5 years, my mothers Twin, and his Son manage to pull me from the wreckage that is my life, and with the help of my cousins' rugby team I find blue sky again
This is Multi POV and follows Luna and her Cousin Colson
341 pages, Paperback
Published December 18, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 1, 2025
This book is amazing! It's one of those books that once you start reading it you can't stop. I stayed up way too late reading lol. The found family love between the MMC's was strong and they accepted the FMC with no questions. I'm jealous with how loved and cherished. She was from day one. The author is new to me, but I will be reading others of hers. She is a very good writer and the story flowed amazingly. There could be some.Tw but the author does an amazing job at stating that all in the beginning.
January 18, 2026
it was ok
honestly the storyline was really good but it wasn’t written very well. it read more like a 13 year olds fanfic on wattpad than i wanted, but as someone who loved wattpad fanfics in middle school it wasn’t the worst thing i’ve ever read. i just wish the writing was more fleshed out and not so fast paced. i mean the speed with which thing progressed in lunas relationships with everyone seemed out of touch with her trauma. she literally just met her uncle and cousin and was already fully engrossed in a somewhat normal family dynamic with them. it was a bit strange that cole kept putting her in his lap and sleeping in her bed since they’re biologically closer to siblings than cousins and also didn’t know eachother, but whatever.
honestly the storyline was really good but it wasn’t written very well. it read more like a 13 year olds fanfic on wattpad than i wanted, but as someone who loved wattpad fanfics in middle school it wasn’t the worst thing i’ve ever read. i just wish the writing was more fleshed out and not so fast paced. i mean the speed with which thing progressed in lunas relationships with everyone seemed out of touch with her trauma. she literally just met her uncle and cousin and was already fully engrossed in a somewhat normal family dynamic with them. it was a bit strange that cole kept putting her in his lap and sleeping in her bed since they’re biologically closer to siblings than cousins and also didn’t know eachother, but whatever.
December 18, 2025
A reverse harem romance that I didn't know I needed until I read it!!
When I first picked up this book, I didn't know what to expect. For a novella, this book is PACKED with both story and spice!
This story follows Luna, as she comes out of a horrifically abusive situation and into a found family. The details of Luna's past are so terrible, and sadly, completely possible. This is where a lot of the triggers are.
The spice is woven in nicely between pieces of the plot as Luna's story continues. As with the spice, the Rugby game and concepts are woven in nicely as well. I am not much of a sports fan and tend to avoid most sports romances. For me, however, Rugby is on a different level.
All and all, this book was a wonderful surprise. I cannot wait to see what else Mercy Ashes has up her sleeve!!
When I first picked up this book, I didn't know what to expect. For a novella, this book is PACKED with both story and spice!
This story follows Luna, as she comes out of a horrifically abusive situation and into a found family. The details of Luna's past are so terrible, and sadly, completely possible. This is where a lot of the triggers are.
The spice is woven in nicely between pieces of the plot as Luna's story continues. As with the spice, the Rugby game and concepts are woven in nicely as well. I am not much of a sports fan and tend to avoid most sports romances. For me, however, Rugby is on a different level.
All and all, this book was a wonderful surprise. I cannot wait to see what else Mercy Ashes has up her sleeve!!
September 18, 2025
This was an albeit dark but beautiful story. This is found family, insta-care rather than love or lust. It has strong male role models, which I found very refreshing.
Luna has gone through unimaginable horrors at the hands of her father and tbh the town, which feels like it’s draped in depravity. But after all this she tries, she moves forward and when she can’t, she protects her mental health. I mean it helps that she has an almost twin, Cole who is her biggest friend and protector.
The guys were fab, not all their home lives were good, but Cole’s Dad provides them with a safe space and those with Dads, found them caring and supportive of their relationships.
Each of the guys seemed to give Luna something that she needed, as well as care, love and particularly time, going at her pace. The book reenactments were a personal favourite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
Luna has gone through unimaginable horrors at the hands of her father and tbh the town, which feels like it’s draped in depravity. But after all this she tries, she moves forward and when she can’t, she protects her mental health. I mean it helps that she has an almost twin, Cole who is her biggest friend and protector.
The guys were fab, not all their home lives were good, but Cole’s Dad provides them with a safe space and those with Dads, found them caring and supportive of their relationships.
Each of the guys seemed to give Luna something that she needed, as well as care, love and particularly time, going at her pace. The book reenactments were a personal favourite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
Read
February 3, 2026I revived this as an ARC and I must say that this is one of the best if not maybe the best ARC I’ve ever received.
This is story has a reverse harem in it, with a lot of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and also some LGBT+ scenes in it too. There are some intense descriptions and situations within this book, so it’s best to read the trigger warnings before diving into this book.
I thought it was a great book and I really did not want it to end, I somewhat hope to see if another story can be made for these characters as I will miss them so much.
The world building and character building is perfect and the characteristic that the author has giving these characters is spot on and perfect for the story.
This is story has a reverse harem in it, with a lot of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and also some LGBT+ scenes in it too. There are some intense descriptions and situations within this book, so it’s best to read the trigger warnings before diving into this book.
I thought it was a great book and I really did not want it to end, I somewhat hope to see if another story can be made for these characters as I will miss them so much.
The world building and character building is perfect and the characteristic that the author has giving these characters is spot on and perfect for the story.
December 10, 2025
The start of Luna's story is a sad one as her life starts out tough. When she is found by an uncle and a cousin she did not know existed, her life was soon to be turned around.
Reading the TW for this story are a must as difficult topics are explored throughout the story and may be triggering to some readers.
When Greyson picks up his niece from hospital, he could not believe his eyes. His twin sister had died 5 years previously and he was not aware that she had left a daughter behind. Luna was malnourished and had been abused severely when the hospital notified him of her admission.
Taking her home to care for her, Cole, his son soon took her under his wing and vowed to keep her safe.
So starts a new life for Luna!
She soon meets up with Cole's Rugby team mates Cai, Felix, Mason, and Josh and they too soon become her constant companions and protectors.
When she finally returns to school, as they are not present in a couple of her classes, she soon makes friends with Corey, who is majoring in music, and once he learns of Luna's past vows to keep her safe too.
So 5 men and Luna! You guessed it.....this story, that starts off slow and easy soon evolves into one hot ride till the very end.
You will love the dynamics between these 5 men and Luna as they all soon profess their love for her and vow to stay by her side, no matter what!
As she soon learns to trust again, they each spend their one on one time with Luna, getting her to trust men and enjoy a relationship between each of them....as I said, it leads to some hot reading!! Spice level....extreme!! Just the way I like it.
The path for Luna is not an easy one, but she does not back down when she knows she has a fight on her hands. Her boys in her corner, her uncle and his friends and his lawyer all help protect her and fight for her freedom.
An overall great read, with a surprise HEA, and as it is only Mercy's 2nd book release, I would say she is getting very near perfect and cannot wait for further releases from her.
Reading the TW for this story are a must as difficult topics are explored throughout the story and may be triggering to some readers.
When Greyson picks up his niece from hospital, he could not believe his eyes. His twin sister had died 5 years previously and he was not aware that she had left a daughter behind. Luna was malnourished and had been abused severely when the hospital notified him of her admission.
Taking her home to care for her, Cole, his son soon took her under his wing and vowed to keep her safe.
So starts a new life for Luna!
She soon meets up with Cole's Rugby team mates Cai, Felix, Mason, and Josh and they too soon become her constant companions and protectors.
When she finally returns to school, as they are not present in a couple of her classes, she soon makes friends with Corey, who is majoring in music, and once he learns of Luna's past vows to keep her safe too.
So 5 men and Luna! You guessed it.....this story, that starts off slow and easy soon evolves into one hot ride till the very end.
You will love the dynamics between these 5 men and Luna as they all soon profess their love for her and vow to stay by her side, no matter what!
As she soon learns to trust again, they each spend their one on one time with Luna, getting her to trust men and enjoy a relationship between each of them....as I said, it leads to some hot reading!! Spice level....extreme!! Just the way I like it.
The path for Luna is not an easy one, but she does not back down when she knows she has a fight on her hands. Her boys in her corner, her uncle and his friends and his lawyer all help protect her and fight for her freedom.
An overall great read, with a surprise HEA, and as it is only Mercy's 2nd book release, I would say she is getting very near perfect and cannot wait for further releases from her.
December 18, 2025
Finding joy and family after so much pain
Poor sweet Luna has been through it since her mother passed away. Her sperm doner decided he could use her and while her innocence was intact she was discovered in a terrible way. Now she finds herself with her uncle who is her mother's twin. She also practically has a twin as his son Colton was born on the same day as her with only a few hours difference.
Her and Colton very quickly become as close as siblings and he vows to keep her safe. When one of his rugby teammates sneaks over (his home life isn't great) he nearly knocks Luna down the stairs and scares her. Once his friends find out about her they all become protectors as well.
While the underlining of the story is sad the protection and love she finds from all of these men is beautiful. As they fall for her they are so considerate and careful about what they can do and how she reacts to each new experience.
These huge men are just teddy bears for Luna. She will never again have to worry about her safety.
While the story is beautiful and healing that trauma is dark so check your triggers before proceeding.
Poor sweet Luna has been through it since her mother passed away. Her sperm doner decided he could use her and while her innocence was intact she was discovered in a terrible way. Now she finds herself with her uncle who is her mother's twin. She also practically has a twin as his son Colton was born on the same day as her with only a few hours difference.
Her and Colton very quickly become as close as siblings and he vows to keep her safe. When one of his rugby teammates sneaks over (his home life isn't great) he nearly knocks Luna down the stairs and scares her. Once his friends find out about her they all become protectors as well.
While the underlining of the story is sad the protection and love she finds from all of these men is beautiful. As they fall for her they are so considerate and careful about what they can do and how she reacts to each new experience.
These huge men are just teddy bears for Luna. She will never again have to worry about her safety.
While the story is beautiful and healing that trauma is dark so check your triggers before proceeding.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed reading about Luna and the guys. She had a traumatic upbringing which her uncle, cousin and his friends helped her slowly recover from. I did like Cole and Mitch as a side couple, they had some cute moments. I would've liked to see a bit more solo relationship development between Luna and her guys, i.e. dates, casual down time in the house where it wasn't all of them. That is just my opinion though! I overall felt the pacing, plot and character development was good, especially for Luna considering where she started at the beginning of the book. The spicy scenes were great and liked that the guys took their time with Luna and didn't rush for more that she wasn't ready for.
Just a few things of why I gave it four stars. I felt some plot points were a surprise out of nowhere with no slight build up. Personally, I love relationship development between the fmc and the mmcs so love that bonding time. I just wish we got a bit more one on one time even in detail.
Just a few things of why I gave it four stars. I felt some plot points were a surprise out of nowhere with no slight build up. Personally, I love relationship development between the fmc and the mmcs so love that bonding time. I just wish we got a bit more one on one time even in detail.
December 21, 2025
Wow I got this as an ARC and loved it, the PB is already on its way to join my collection as this will be one I reread a lot.
I love the fact the guys take their time with her, yes the love and safety is kinda instant but the lust doesn’t start until later and when it does start WOW
There are some things I have learnt I now enjoy that I didn’t know before, her guys reading to her is one of those and THANK YOU Mercy for continuing the scenes they play out into a Novella series I would have been begging otherwise.
I do kinda want more from some of the characters as I think they got lost behind some of the bigger personalities and a little more one on one relationship progression but I love it none the less
I love the fact the guys take their time with her, yes the love and safety is kinda instant but the lust doesn’t start until later and when it does start WOW
There are some things I have learnt I now enjoy that I didn’t know before, her guys reading to her is one of those and THANK YOU Mercy for continuing the scenes they play out into a Novella series I would have been begging otherwise.
I do kinda want more from some of the characters as I think they got lost behind some of the bigger personalities and a little more one on one relationship progression but I love it none the less
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story begins with heartache and shadows, but it slowly reveals itself as a path to light and connection. Luna’s world is turned upside down when her mother passes away, but years later, her uncle and cousin are there to help her rebuild. With the love of family and the friendship of a rugby team, she learns to find hope again. The story is told from different views, following both Luna and her cousin Colson, as they navigate resilience and belonging.
A huge thank you to Mercy Ashes for providing me with the ARC copy!
A huge thank you to Mercy Ashes for providing me with the ARC copy!
January 31, 2026
Luna is found by her uncle and brought to live with him and her cousin, Colt. Her mother died and her…donor is a piece of scum. Once she gets comfortable she is introduced to Colt’s friends and a relationship grows between them. This is a reverse harem with plenty of spice. It is a fast paced, insta love for the most part, with some possible triggers. Always check before beginning if you have trigger that you must avoid.
Review of advance copy
Lineout was very well written, I was able to read this as an ARC reader. I have read one other book by Mercy Ashes before and I was definitely not disappointed with this book. I've read reverse harem books before but this was a whole different level with how it started out.
January 1, 2026
Absolutely freaking loved this book. Luna has gone through so much trauma. My heart goes out to her. I was hooked beginning to end. Lots of emotions while reading this book. Mercy Ashes is definitely an amazing author. Can’t wait for her next book!!!
January 3, 2026
This is a beautiful story of found family. Luna has been through so much growing up. Her story is one of healing as she finds family and her guys. Luna's story is filled with powerful emotions and some amazing heat.
March 30, 2026
unsettling
This book is a strange read.
After what the main female character has been through I feel it’s too far fetched to be realistic in any way. Feels really rushed and everything seems to have explanations to why it’s said. Felt really weird reading it
This book is a strange read.
After what the main female character has been through I feel it’s too far fetched to be realistic in any way. Feels really rushed and everything seems to have explanations to why it’s said. Felt really weird reading it
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really loved it!
I really love this story! I adore Luna and the guys are so hot, wow. Rugby guys, oh yes! The ending and epilogue were so good! Loved it!
I really love this story! I adore Luna and the guys are so hot, wow. Rugby guys, oh yes! The ending and epilogue were so good! Loved it!
November 9, 2025
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for found family, why choose, are okay with some darkness, and some very spicy scenes! Luna has been through some truly vile things while living with her father, and she's lucky enough that she finally gets to go live with her uncle and cousin. She gets to join their rugby "family" of friends that have grown up together. The guys are all amazing, including Corey who is an addition to their group. The spice is slow-building, like one would expect with an FMC that's been through what Luna has. Following the journey of Luna and her guys, as well as her family, will break your heart and build you back up again.
December 18, 2025
Loved it ❤️
Loved it so much!! I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in one night ❤️. Can't wait to read more books by Mercy Ashes.
Loved it so much!! I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it in one night ❤️. Can't wait to read more books by Mercy Ashes.
December 22, 2025
Great RH story
What a great story with amazing storyline and speculator character development. Luna has had a hard life but it starts to turn around after moving in with her Uncle Grey and Cole. I loved reading this and learning more about Rugby as well
What a great story with amazing storyline and speculator character development. Luna has had a hard life but it starts to turn around after moving in with her Uncle Grey and Cole. I loved reading this and learning more about Rugby as well
December 16, 2025
THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. I AM A ALPHA READER. MY THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN.
AS ALWAYS, I WANNA START OFF BY SAYING, PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS. THIS BOOK DOES CONTAIN TRAUMATIC SITUATIONS. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. THIS BOOK ALSO CONTAINS SOME MM CONTENT BUT IS MARKED IN CASE YOU WANT TO SKIP IT. I RECOMMEND NOT SKIPPING.
SWEET LUNA‘S LIFE DOES NOT START OUT VERY GREAT BUT SHE DID HAVE HER MOM AROUND IN THE BEGINNING. ONCE HER MOM WAS NO LONGER THERE LIFE TOOK A TURN FOR THE WORST BY THE HANDS OF HER FATHER. FOR 5 YEARS SHE HAD VERY FEW MOMENTS IN LIFE THAT BROUGHT HER JOY, BUT STILL WORKED HARD IN SCHOOL AND BROUGHT HOME STRAIGHT A’S.
AFTER A VERY TRAMATIC EXPERIENCE LANDED HER IN THE HOSPITAL. EVERYTHING WAS FINALLY BROUGHT TO LIGHT, AND HER AMAZING UNCLE CAME INTO THE PICTURE AND TOOK HER HOME. THERE SHE MEETS HER COUSIN WHO IS BASICALLY HER TWIN AND TOGETHER AS A FAMILY THEY GET HER TO A MORE STABLE POSITION.
AT ONE POINT SHE LITERALLY RUNS INTO ONE OF HER COUSIN’S FRIENDS WHO IS ON THE RUGBY TEAM. THIS IS WHEN THE STORY GETS GOOD! HER COUSIN’S RUGBY TEAM FRIENDS START COMING AROUND THE HOUSE AGAIN AND ONE BY ONE WITHOUT HESITATION THEY ALL TAKE ON A PROTECTIVE ROLE FOR LUNA, AND ONE BY ONE THEY FALL FOR HER.
EVENTUALLY AT SCHOOL SHE MEETS ANOTHER MAN WHO GRAVITATES TO HER AND WANTS NOTHING MORE THEN TO STAND BESIDE THE OTHERS AND PROTECT AND LOVE HER. THATS RIGHT!! SHE NOT ONLY COLLECTS 4 HANDSOME RUGBY MEN BUT ALSO A SWEET MUSICIAN AS BOYFRIENDS. UGH LOVE THAT FOR HER!
AS THE STORY CONTINUES LUNA GROWS CONFIDENT AND FINDS HERSELF LIKE SHE WAS NEVER ABLE TO BEFORE. SHE EVEN BECOMES A BOOKWORK AND SHARES HER LOVE OF READING WITH THE GUYS (SPICY SCENES).
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE REAL HERO OF THE STORY HER UNCLE! NOT ONLY DID HE IMMEDIATELY TAKE LUNA IN, BUT HE ALSO HOUSES ALL OF THE BOYS THROUGH ALL OF THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS. GIVING THEM THE SAFE SPACE NEEDED TO LIVE. HE CONSTANTLY IS INVITING EVERYONE OVER AND OPENING THE DOORS TO HIS HOUSE SHOWING HOW BIG HIS HEART IS FOR THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM.
THE STORY ONLY GETS BETTER AS YOU READ! ITS ONE I WISH WOULDN’T HAVE ENDED. THE GIRL IN THE BEGINNING IS NOT THE SAME WOMAN AT THE END. SHE IS HAPPY AND THRIVING IN LIFE WITH A LARGE GROUP OF FRIENDS, FAMILY AND OF COURSE HER BOYFRIENDS SURROUNDING HER.
YOU’LL DEFINITELY HAVE TO PICK UP THIS BOOK AND SEE WHERE THIS STORY GOES AND HOW IT ENDS FOR LUNA AND HER MEN.
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE VERY REAL BOOK FEATURED INSIDE LINEOUT… THE VELVET MAFIA NOVELLA SERIES BY MERCY ASHES!!! ITS SO INSANELY GOOD!!!
AS ALWAYS, I WANNA START OFF BY SAYING, PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS. THIS BOOK DOES CONTAIN TRAUMATIC SITUATIONS. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. THIS BOOK ALSO CONTAINS SOME MM CONTENT BUT IS MARKED IN CASE YOU WANT TO SKIP IT. I RECOMMEND NOT SKIPPING.
SWEET LUNA‘S LIFE DOES NOT START OUT VERY GREAT BUT SHE DID HAVE HER MOM AROUND IN THE BEGINNING. ONCE HER MOM WAS NO LONGER THERE LIFE TOOK A TURN FOR THE WORST BY THE HANDS OF HER FATHER. FOR 5 YEARS SHE HAD VERY FEW MOMENTS IN LIFE THAT BROUGHT HER JOY, BUT STILL WORKED HARD IN SCHOOL AND BROUGHT HOME STRAIGHT A’S.
AFTER A VERY TRAMATIC EXPERIENCE LANDED HER IN THE HOSPITAL. EVERYTHING WAS FINALLY BROUGHT TO LIGHT, AND HER AMAZING UNCLE CAME INTO THE PICTURE AND TOOK HER HOME. THERE SHE MEETS HER COUSIN WHO IS BASICALLY HER TWIN AND TOGETHER AS A FAMILY THEY GET HER TO A MORE STABLE POSITION.
AT ONE POINT SHE LITERALLY RUNS INTO ONE OF HER COUSIN’S FRIENDS WHO IS ON THE RUGBY TEAM. THIS IS WHEN THE STORY GETS GOOD! HER COUSIN’S RUGBY TEAM FRIENDS START COMING AROUND THE HOUSE AGAIN AND ONE BY ONE WITHOUT HESITATION THEY ALL TAKE ON A PROTECTIVE ROLE FOR LUNA, AND ONE BY ONE THEY FALL FOR HER.
EVENTUALLY AT SCHOOL SHE MEETS ANOTHER MAN WHO GRAVITATES TO HER AND WANTS NOTHING MORE THEN TO STAND BESIDE THE OTHERS AND PROTECT AND LOVE HER. THATS RIGHT!! SHE NOT ONLY COLLECTS 4 HANDSOME RUGBY MEN BUT ALSO A SWEET MUSICIAN AS BOYFRIENDS. UGH LOVE THAT FOR HER!
AS THE STORY CONTINUES LUNA GROWS CONFIDENT AND FINDS HERSELF LIKE SHE WAS NEVER ABLE TO BEFORE. SHE EVEN BECOMES A BOOKWORK AND SHARES HER LOVE OF READING WITH THE GUYS (SPICY SCENES).
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE REAL HERO OF THE STORY HER UNCLE! NOT ONLY DID HE IMMEDIATELY TAKE LUNA IN, BUT HE ALSO HOUSES ALL OF THE BOYS THROUGH ALL OF THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS. GIVING THEM THE SAFE SPACE NEEDED TO LIVE. HE CONSTANTLY IS INVITING EVERYONE OVER AND OPENING THE DOORS TO HIS HOUSE SHOWING HOW BIG HIS HEART IS FOR THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM.
THE STORY ONLY GETS BETTER AS YOU READ! ITS ONE I WISH WOULDN’T HAVE ENDED. THE GIRL IN THE BEGINNING IS NOT THE SAME WOMAN AT THE END. SHE IS HAPPY AND THRIVING IN LIFE WITH A LARGE GROUP OF FRIENDS, FAMILY AND OF COURSE HER BOYFRIENDS SURROUNDING HER.
YOU’LL DEFINITELY HAVE TO PICK UP THIS BOOK AND SEE WHERE THIS STORY GOES AND HOW IT ENDS FOR LUNA AND HER MEN.
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE VERY REAL BOOK FEATURED INSIDE LINEOUT… THE VELVET MAFIA NOVELLA SERIES BY MERCY ASHES!!! ITS SO INSANELY GOOD!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews