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Junior Year Abroad #1
Hit or Miss: A Novel – A Spicy College Soccer Romance Where He Falls First and Enemies Become Lovers
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26PRE-ORDER the first novel in the spicy, new-adult college romance series. Perfect for fans of Bal Khabra, Ana Huang and Chloe Walsh!
He’s a player. And she’s the goal…
Ethan Taylor is unbeatable on and off the field. Being the star of the Marshall College soccer team—and hot as hell—has its perks. But when tragedy strikes, Ethan flies straight out of South Carolina and to the intimidating halls of Hemden University, where even his southern charm can’t melt the stiff British upper lips…
Mia Meyers has never had much luck with people. Having always been a bookish wallflower, she hopes junior year abroad will be her chance to step into the spotlight. So, when Mia realizes that she’s not the only student from Marshall across the pond this year, she is determined that no one will get in the way of her new life—not even Ethan Taylor.
But why is it that Ethan’s infuriatingly sexy green eyes can’t stop staring at her, and why doesn’t she want him to look away? They may be far from friends at home, but under the spires of Hemden, could this striker score her heart?
• Dual POV
• Soccer romance
• He falls first
• College romance
• Forced proximity
• Love triangle
He’s a player. And she’s the goal…
Ethan Taylor is unbeatable on and off the field. Being the star of the Marshall College soccer team—and hot as hell—has its perks. But when tragedy strikes, Ethan flies straight out of South Carolina and to the intimidating halls of Hemden University, where even his southern charm can’t melt the stiff British upper lips…
Mia Meyers has never had much luck with people. Having always been a bookish wallflower, she hopes junior year abroad will be her chance to step into the spotlight. So, when Mia realizes that she’s not the only student from Marshall across the pond this year, she is determined that no one will get in the way of her new life—not even Ethan Taylor.
But why is it that Ethan’s infuriatingly sexy green eyes can’t stop staring at her, and why doesn’t she want him to look away? They may be far from friends at home, but under the spires of Hemden, could this striker score her heart?
• Dual POV
• Soccer romance
• He falls first
• College romance
• Forced proximity
• Love triangle
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 8, 2026
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 28, 2026
The writing felt way too immature for my taste. If you’re a reader coming straight off wattpad then you’d eat this up but that phase is over for me lol. The starting took way too long to Introduce the MCs to keep me hooked and then when I did eventually get my interest piqued it lost me within the next 10%.
So unfortunate because I was expecting this to be a new fav.
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and HQ for the ARC! ♥︎
So unfortunate because I was expecting this to be a new fav.
ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and HQ for the ARC! ♥︎
April 29, 2026
Hit or miss is a definite hit for me!!
Dual POV with engaging main characters and a great cast of supporting characters- whom I am sure will appear in the next book… I hope!
I really appreciated the balance of Mia being someone trying to be a new improved version of herself whilst struggling with suppressing who she really is. Her choices reflected accurately someone struggling with anxiety for me and the author truly managed to reflect that struggle whilst not making the book all about anxiety. It was subtle but clear, it was interwoven in the very fibre of who Mia was.
The university life, friendships were all there and really fun (bringing back plenty of memories)!
Ethan was the only character that I felt like I didn’t really get enough of. He seemed like a character that needed a bit more storytelling which probably seems unfair as his story was told certainly I just didn’t feel it as much as Mia’s.maybe I just needed more from his POV.
I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest opinion.
Dual POV with engaging main characters and a great cast of supporting characters- whom I am sure will appear in the next book… I hope!
I really appreciated the balance of Mia being someone trying to be a new improved version of herself whilst struggling with suppressing who she really is. Her choices reflected accurately someone struggling with anxiety for me and the author truly managed to reflect that struggle whilst not making the book all about anxiety. It was subtle but clear, it was interwoven in the very fibre of who Mia was.
The university life, friendships were all there and really fun (bringing back plenty of memories)!
Ethan was the only character that I felt like I didn’t really get enough of. He seemed like a character that needed a bit more storytelling which probably seems unfair as his story was told certainly I just didn’t feel it as much as Mia’s.maybe I just needed more from his POV.
I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest opinion.
April 3, 2026
ARC Review
3.5 ⭐️
Mia and Ethan are both on an exchange program to a university in England, both running away from something back home. Try as they might, their lives in England become intertwined.
I didn’t really vibe with the overall story and the romance, but as a British person I found the setting really fun and a little nostalgic. As much as one of the love interests is the absolute worst, his depiction is SPOT ON for so many uni boys 😂
I did enjoy how Mia learned about herself and how to cope with her demons, it brought some much needed depth to an otherwise very fluffy story (not that there’s anything wrong with that!).
This was a decent palate cleanser read, as other reviewers have said it did feel a little young but I think anyone college aged would love this.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for inviting me to review this eARC. all opinions are my own.
3.5 ⭐️
Mia and Ethan are both on an exchange program to a university in England, both running away from something back home. Try as they might, their lives in England become intertwined.
I didn’t really vibe with the overall story and the romance, but as a British person I found the setting really fun and a little nostalgic. As much as one of the love interests is the absolute worst, his depiction is SPOT ON for so many uni boys 😂
I did enjoy how Mia learned about herself and how to cope with her demons, it brought some much needed depth to an otherwise very fluffy story (not that there’s anything wrong with that!).
This was a decent palate cleanser read, as other reviewers have said it did feel a little young but I think anyone college aged would love this.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for inviting me to review this eARC. all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lindsey’s books always feel like a warm hug, and this was no exception.
Aside from it taking a minute to wrap my head around the campus mobile phone restrictions, this felt SO nostalgic to my own university days, which admittedly were only 10 years ago.
The student union bar, the sports social gatherings, the attitudes and behaviour of the other students, and the general mindset of feeling mature enough to be away from home but immature enough to truly not know wtf you’re doing…it was all there in the pages of this book in a way I haven’t seen any other write it before.
This definitely has a new adult feel to it, as do all college romance books, but this is extra special with it being set in the UK.
Mia’s experience with anxiety was such a natural transition from ‘oh maybe this is just stress’, to it becoming abundantly clear that it’s something more, and it reminded me so much of myself in the early days of uni. It was present without it overshadowing the rest of the plot.
Character wise, Mia and Ethan clearly both had things they were running from while having their second chance at an identity away from home, and their ages really shone through with the actions they made. Neither are perfect, but they’re willing to admit their faults to work on being better and to be frank, I think that’s more than can be said for a lot of 20 years ago olds.
Ethan was a completely misunderstood guy, but it didn’t come across as cringey as that trope can sometimes be. It was very much a case of he surrounded himself with the wrong people who made him feel important, but dragged down his reputation.
Mia, on the other hand, was so used to being on the outside of everything that she has a hard time coming to terms with being actively involved in social gatherings at her new university. It was quite funny actually seeing her integrate with a new group of friends who live life vastly differently to hers. Lindsey’s previous chicklit era definitely came through in these areas!
There was also such a strong villainous presence in this, so much so I’m already envisioning an unwritten bonus chapter of Jenna breaking into Oliver’s room to person his toothbrush and snap his guitar strings. That boy had my blood boiling from 35% into the book, and I hope his name never comes up in the series again. Talk about an absolute walking ick.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series, and lowkey hope we see more of Mia and Ethan moving forward. This book seemed to end so suddenly it almost felt premature? I still have questions about events that happened and the way the story was left quite open-ended.
About the book:
▫️ University romance
▫️ Footballer (UK, remember)
▫️ Found Family
▫️ Forced proximity
▫️ Open door spice (Chapter 12, 27, 32, 41, 42, and 54)
Warnings:
▪️ Drink driving accident (off page but revisited)
▪️ Anxiety representation
Aside from it taking a minute to wrap my head around the campus mobile phone restrictions, this felt SO nostalgic to my own university days, which admittedly were only 10 years ago.
The student union bar, the sports social gatherings, the attitudes and behaviour of the other students, and the general mindset of feeling mature enough to be away from home but immature enough to truly not know wtf you’re doing…it was all there in the pages of this book in a way I haven’t seen any other write it before.
This definitely has a new adult feel to it, as do all college romance books, but this is extra special with it being set in the UK.
Mia’s experience with anxiety was such a natural transition from ‘oh maybe this is just stress’, to it becoming abundantly clear that it’s something more, and it reminded me so much of myself in the early days of uni. It was present without it overshadowing the rest of the plot.
Character wise, Mia and Ethan clearly both had things they were running from while having their second chance at an identity away from home, and their ages really shone through with the actions they made. Neither are perfect, but they’re willing to admit their faults to work on being better and to be frank, I think that’s more than can be said for a lot of 20 years ago olds.
Ethan was a completely misunderstood guy, but it didn’t come across as cringey as that trope can sometimes be. It was very much a case of he surrounded himself with the wrong people who made him feel important, but dragged down his reputation.
Mia, on the other hand, was so used to being on the outside of everything that she has a hard time coming to terms with being actively involved in social gatherings at her new university. It was quite funny actually seeing her integrate with a new group of friends who live life vastly differently to hers. Lindsey’s previous chicklit era definitely came through in these areas!
There was also such a strong villainous presence in this, so much so I’m already envisioning an unwritten bonus chapter of Jenna breaking into Oliver’s room to person his toothbrush and snap his guitar strings. That boy had my blood boiling from 35% into the book, and I hope his name never comes up in the series again. Talk about an absolute walking ick.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series, and lowkey hope we see more of Mia and Ethan moving forward. This book seemed to end so suddenly it almost felt premature? I still have questions about events that happened and the way the story was left quite open-ended.
About the book:
▫️ University romance
▫️ Footballer (UK, remember)
▫️ Found Family
▫️ Forced proximity
▫️ Open door spice (Chapter 12, 27, 32, 41, 42, and 54)
Warnings:
▪️ Drink driving accident (off page but revisited)
▪️ Anxiety representation
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Read this book for:
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🩷 Love Triangle
❤️ Sports Romance
🩷 He Falls First
❤️ Forced Proximity
🩷 College Romance
Synopsis
Ethan Taylor’s life has always revolved around soccer. As Marshall College’s star striker, he’s used to being the center of attention both on and off the field. But when a devastating loss forces him to step away from everything familiar, Ethan finds himself starting over at Hemden University in England.
Far from home and surrounded by centuries-old traditions, Ethan quickly realizes that his reputation means nothing here.
Mia Meyers is hoping Hemden will offer her a fresh start of her own. After years of blending into the background, she’s determined that studying abroad will finally be her chance to become someone confident, someone fearless.
The only complication is Ethan Taylor.
Back at Marshall, they barely existed in the same world. Now, thousands of miles from home, they keep crossing paths beneath Hemden’s historic spires. What starts as irritation soon turns into curiosity, and curiosity into something neither of them expected.
As Ethan learns to rebuild his life and Mia slowly steps out of the shadows, their growing connection begins to change them both. But with the semester ticking away and their old lives waiting back home, they’ll have to decide whether what they’ve found abroad is strong enough to follow them there.
My Thoughts
It gave me major Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy vibes, but honestly, this book was way better. I absolutely loved Mia and Ethan’s story. They both came from the same college in the US to study abroad in the UK, hoping to reinvent themselves and leave their old lives behind. What I really loved was how the story showed that they never truly needed to change who they were. The real problem was the environment they were in and the people they surrounded themselves with. Once that changed, they finally felt free to be themselves.
I also did not know what to expect from Ethan’s accident storyline or the reason behind his sudden transfer to Hemden, but wow, I definitely did not see that coming. It made his character feel even more real and emotional. And honestly, I was so glad that he got rid of Bre. After learning everything, I genuinely could not understand how she could treat someone that way. She seems much better suited for someone like Oliver anyway.
The side characters were such a fun addition to the story too, especially with all their British one-liners and humor. Jenna, Alice, Michael, Bryn, Assad, and even Clive all added so much charm and personality to the book. They made the world feel lively and cozy, and I loved every scene with them.
The next book, Sink and Swim, is coming out this winter, and I already cannot wait to find out who the main characters will be!
Read this book for:
❤️ Enemies to Lovers
🩷 Love Triangle
❤️ Sports Romance
🩷 He Falls First
❤️ Forced Proximity
🩷 College Romance
Synopsis
Ethan Taylor’s life has always revolved around soccer. As Marshall College’s star striker, he’s used to being the center of attention both on and off the field. But when a devastating loss forces him to step away from everything familiar, Ethan finds himself starting over at Hemden University in England.
Far from home and surrounded by centuries-old traditions, Ethan quickly realizes that his reputation means nothing here.
Mia Meyers is hoping Hemden will offer her a fresh start of her own. After years of blending into the background, she’s determined that studying abroad will finally be her chance to become someone confident, someone fearless.
The only complication is Ethan Taylor.
Back at Marshall, they barely existed in the same world. Now, thousands of miles from home, they keep crossing paths beneath Hemden’s historic spires. What starts as irritation soon turns into curiosity, and curiosity into something neither of them expected.
As Ethan learns to rebuild his life and Mia slowly steps out of the shadows, their growing connection begins to change them both. But with the semester ticking away and their old lives waiting back home, they’ll have to decide whether what they’ve found abroad is strong enough to follow them there.
My Thoughts
It gave me major Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy vibes, but honestly, this book was way better. I absolutely loved Mia and Ethan’s story. They both came from the same college in the US to study abroad in the UK, hoping to reinvent themselves and leave their old lives behind. What I really loved was how the story showed that they never truly needed to change who they were. The real problem was the environment they were in and the people they surrounded themselves with. Once that changed, they finally felt free to be themselves.
I also did not know what to expect from Ethan’s accident storyline or the reason behind his sudden transfer to Hemden, but wow, I definitely did not see that coming. It made his character feel even more real and emotional. And honestly, I was so glad that he got rid of Bre. After learning everything, I genuinely could not understand how she could treat someone that way. She seems much better suited for someone like Oliver anyway.
The side characters were such a fun addition to the story too, especially with all their British one-liners and humor. Jenna, Alice, Michael, Bryn, Assad, and even Clive all added so much charm and personality to the book. They made the world feel lively and cozy, and I loved every scene with them.
The next book, Sink and Swim, is coming out this winter, and I already cannot wait to find out who the main characters will be!
February 27, 2026
4.5 rounded up!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ohhhh here we are, a delicious college sports romance! I was so excited to pick this one up, this genre is absolutely catnip for me.
Mia arrives at Hemden University (an Oxbridge stand-in) from Marshall College, South Carolina, ready for a fresh start. She felt like a nobody back at home, no friends to speak of, overbearing parents..she was in a rut. Now she has the freedom to be who she wants to be, if she could just work out who that is.
Coincidentally, football (soccer) phenom Ethan Taylor is also arriving at Hemden University from Marshall College, as a form of punishment following a tragedy back home. Mr Popular recognises Mia, but she is all too familiar with his reputation. Before long they can’t keep their eyes off each other, and it turns out this fresh start is just what they both need.
This was so sweet, and wow was Mia one of the most relatable characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. I am her, she is me. This sweet, innocent, anxious little lamb has the weight of the world on her shoulders and it was absolutely lovely to see her come into her own and finally find her people! She was just my perfect little romantic bookish soulmate!
“nothing sets my heart racing like foiled boards and fancy spredges” - same girlie.
“None of my beloved books, not even Shakespeare’s sonnets or love songs, could have prepared me for this moment. This is love at first sight, it has to be. Shit. My most loathed of tropes, slapping me right in the face.”
Ethan’s story was so sad, he was facing a particularly unique brand of eldest sibling trauma and my heart broke for him. He was such a cinnamon roll, and it makes total sense that someone like Mia would be exactly who he needed. And he was everything she didn’t know she needed too, ugh my heart 💕
Oliver gave me the ick IMMEDIATELY. Jenna coming in hot with the truth bomb “Blonds are always evil, we should’ve known.” Preach!!
I did feel personally attacked at one point, when Mia points out that Temple of Doom was released TWENTY YEARS before she was born…insert Jamie Lee Curtis “I’m old” gif here.
You could feel how much of herself the author put into this book, especially with Mia’s character. The dedication set the tone with this immediately:
“For all the bookish girls who thought they would never find their people or their place. You are exactly where you’re meant to be.” 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Please pick this up if you love a college romance, any of the following tropes - forced proximity/friends to lovers/reformed rake/he falls first and harder, want a cute, spicy story filled with hope and great mental health representation!
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ohhhh here we are, a delicious college sports romance! I was so excited to pick this one up, this genre is absolutely catnip for me.
Mia arrives at Hemden University (an Oxbridge stand-in) from Marshall College, South Carolina, ready for a fresh start. She felt like a nobody back at home, no friends to speak of, overbearing parents..she was in a rut. Now she has the freedom to be who she wants to be, if she could just work out who that is.
Coincidentally, football (soccer) phenom Ethan Taylor is also arriving at Hemden University from Marshall College, as a form of punishment following a tragedy back home. Mr Popular recognises Mia, but she is all too familiar with his reputation. Before long they can’t keep their eyes off each other, and it turns out this fresh start is just what they both need.
This was so sweet, and wow was Mia one of the most relatable characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. I am her, she is me. This sweet, innocent, anxious little lamb has the weight of the world on her shoulders and it was absolutely lovely to see her come into her own and finally find her people! She was just my perfect little romantic bookish soulmate!
“nothing sets my heart racing like foiled boards and fancy spredges” - same girlie.
“None of my beloved books, not even Shakespeare’s sonnets or love songs, could have prepared me for this moment. This is love at first sight, it has to be. Shit. My most loathed of tropes, slapping me right in the face.”
Ethan’s story was so sad, he was facing a particularly unique brand of eldest sibling trauma and my heart broke for him. He was such a cinnamon roll, and it makes total sense that someone like Mia would be exactly who he needed. And he was everything she didn’t know she needed too, ugh my heart 💕
Oliver gave me the ick IMMEDIATELY. Jenna coming in hot with the truth bomb “Blonds are always evil, we should’ve known.” Preach!!
I did feel personally attacked at one point, when Mia points out that Temple of Doom was released TWENTY YEARS before she was born…insert Jamie Lee Curtis “I’m old” gif here.
You could feel how much of herself the author put into this book, especially with Mia’s character. The dedication set the tone with this immediately:
“For all the bookish girls who thought they would never find their people or their place. You are exactly where you’re meant to be.” 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Please pick this up if you love a college romance, any of the following tropes - forced proximity/friends to lovers/reformed rake/he falls first and harder, want a cute, spicy story filled with hope and great mental health representation!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 29, 20263.75✨
As a long time fan of Lindsey Kelk’s writing I was really excited to pick up her first college soccer romance under her pen name Elle Kelk.
Hit or Miss follows Ethan (soccer team star) and Mia (book-lover student). After tragedy strikes for Ethan he moves from the US to Hemden University in England. Mia is on her junior year abroad, her one chance to finally step into the spotlight. Mia is determined that no one will get in the way of her new life, not even Ethan..
If you love a dual POV, soccer college romance where he falls first, with forced proximity, plenty of tension, finding yourself, anxiety rep, some cheeky M&S references and a love triangle, then I think you’ll enjoy this one!
Mia’s faced a lot of challenges in her family / school life but she really grew into her own, and it was lovely to see her work through her insecurities and anxiety to manage the pressure she puts on herself.
Ethan!!! What a cutie pie. I really liked his character pretty much from the get go (if we ignore the name forgetting scene!) - he got me down bad when he made the biscuits though! I thoroughly enjoyed his pining!
A moment for Oliver please.. let’s confiscate his recorder, iPod and guitar and smash them into a million pieces and give him a little slap round the face because what an absolute arseeeee 😭 the rest of the friend group side characters were angels though!
The university setting was really cool, I felt like I could picture it so well. The no phones / internet element was wiiiiiild!! I can’t imagine any uni student happily getting on board with that these days, but it was a fun inclusion - it reminded me of the film Wild Child! 😂
I love that Lindsey’s classic humour and banter is still at the forefront of this story, even though there’s plenty of deep and meaningful moments.
I would have loved a little more from the relationship at the end, I felt like the third act conflict came pretty late on and was resolved right at the end of the book, a long with the other family members involvement felt quite rushed. I would have enjoyed a bit more time with their HEA because they’re the cutest 🤭
As a huuuuuge fan of books like the off campus series back in the day, I think I am now starting to grow out of college romance stories - this felt borderline too young for me now (that’s completely a me problem, nothing to do with the brilliant writing!), but it did slightly impact my enjoyment.
Overall this was a really great read. It was so lovely to be back with Lindsey’s writing, there’s something very comforting and unique about her story telling. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Thank you NetGalley, Elle Kelk and HQ for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review - Hit or Miss publishes June 4th.
As a long time fan of Lindsey Kelk’s writing I was really excited to pick up her first college soccer romance under her pen name Elle Kelk.
Hit or Miss follows Ethan (soccer team star) and Mia (book-lover student). After tragedy strikes for Ethan he moves from the US to Hemden University in England. Mia is on her junior year abroad, her one chance to finally step into the spotlight. Mia is determined that no one will get in the way of her new life, not even Ethan..
If you love a dual POV, soccer college romance where he falls first, with forced proximity, plenty of tension, finding yourself, anxiety rep, some cheeky M&S references and a love triangle, then I think you’ll enjoy this one!
Mia’s faced a lot of challenges in her family / school life but she really grew into her own, and it was lovely to see her work through her insecurities and anxiety to manage the pressure she puts on herself.
Ethan!!! What a cutie pie. I really liked his character pretty much from the get go (if we ignore the name forgetting scene!) - he got me down bad when he made the biscuits though! I thoroughly enjoyed his pining!
A moment for Oliver please.. let’s confiscate his recorder, iPod and guitar and smash them into a million pieces and give him a little slap round the face because what an absolute arseeeee 😭 the rest of the friend group side characters were angels though!
The university setting was really cool, I felt like I could picture it so well. The no phones / internet element was wiiiiiild!! I can’t imagine any uni student happily getting on board with that these days, but it was a fun inclusion - it reminded me of the film Wild Child! 😂
I love that Lindsey’s classic humour and banter is still at the forefront of this story, even though there’s plenty of deep and meaningful moments.
I would have loved a little more from the relationship at the end, I felt like the third act conflict came pretty late on and was resolved right at the end of the book, a long with the other family members involvement felt quite rushed. I would have enjoyed a bit more time with their HEA because they’re the cutest 🤭
As a huuuuuge fan of books like the off campus series back in the day, I think I am now starting to grow out of college romance stories - this felt borderline too young for me now (that’s completely a me problem, nothing to do with the brilliant writing!), but it did slightly impact my enjoyment.
Overall this was a really great read. It was so lovely to be back with Lindsey’s writing, there’s something very comforting and unique about her story telling. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Thank you NetGalley, Elle Kelk and HQ for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review - Hit or Miss publishes June 4th.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ Press for a review copy of this novel. A very enjoyable novel of attempts at reinvention and anxiety driven misunderstandings and self realisation. The characters are relatable and their struggles shape the story in ways that draw the reader in while also showing the truly joyous and fun moments that exploring something new can present. Mia is the person experiencing the new moments, in the shape of her Junior Year abroad at a prestigious English university, something she’d planned for, at great financial cost but also academic effort for years. It was her opportunity to reinvent herself, to become the sociable and fun loving person who had it all in the form of academic success and a circle of good friends. To get away from her over protective parents who only seemed to fuel her anxiety with their attempts to remind her constantly how little she was able to do without acute distress. When Mia encounters Ethan Taylor, the most popular guy from her university back home, she fears her carefully built identity and circle of friends would all come unravelled because she was convinced he would reveal her dreaded college nickname and with it everyone’s poor opinion of her back home. But Ethan has his own problems that overshadow any thoughts about spreading stories about Mia and his fears that she knows his issues and the events that sent him to England put him in his own spiral of worry.
Having spent my own junior year abroad in England many years ago and where I met my future husband I was so intrigued by the novel and wasn’t disappointed. The depictions are realistic, the characters authentic and even the struggles Mia experienced rang true and to some degree had shared in through my own experience. Kelk captures the real thrills and anxieties a junior year abroad can present. Mia’s own personal struggles are portrayed in a very sensitive and thoughtful manner that doesn’t trivialize her experience or the issues that many others confront which only adds to the depth of the novel separating it out from some romances with similar tropes that only skim the surface of issues and experiences.
A good summer read with a depth of understanding and richness that makes a very absorbing read.
Having spent my own junior year abroad in England many years ago and where I met my future husband I was so intrigued by the novel and wasn’t disappointed. The depictions are realistic, the characters authentic and even the struggles Mia experienced rang true and to some degree had shared in through my own experience. Kelk captures the real thrills and anxieties a junior year abroad can present. Mia’s own personal struggles are portrayed in a very sensitive and thoughtful manner that doesn’t trivialize her experience or the issues that many others confront which only adds to the depth of the novel separating it out from some romances with similar tropes that only skim the surface of issues and experiences.
A good summer read with a depth of understanding and richness that makes a very absorbing read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 ⭐️♾️
Thank you to Rachel Quin, HQ and HarperCollins UK for the e-ARC of Hit or Miss in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I actually cannot thank Rachel enough for inviting me to read Elle Kelk, Lindsey Kelk's pen name, and upcoming release of Hit or Miss, because I ATE THIS UP!!!! OMG, OMG, this was so, so good. I was addicted; it was spectacular, give me 14 more of them, right now!!
Ahhhhm I literally love this so much, I could not put this down since I picked it up, it's easily one of my favourite reads of 2026!! 💖🎓
Mia is excited to start at Hemden College, in the UK, and for a much needed fresh start. Ethan is also starting at Hemden College, and is starting over too, but for reasons that are undisclosed. What Mia isn't expecting is for Ethan to be at Hemden, too; he's the boyfriend of the girl who made her life a living hell, and she isn't about to let him derail her fresh start. And Ethan can't help want to lean on a familiar American in a new place.
They're at an unavoidable crossroads, but they are both navigating settling into a new place and country, and come to some sort of truce; after all they're having to share a wall, as they're roomates.
I absolutely loved Mia and how determined she was to wanting to try new things, and step out of her comfort zone and make new friends. Equally, I loved Ethan, too. I loved how things developed between them, their insane chemistry, and watching how hard Ethan fell for Mia, how he got jealous over Oliver, I ABSOLUTELY LOVEEEEED IT!! There is nothing I love more than a jealous mmc!!
I also loved the insight into them both, as I got to know them better, and their lives in the US, Mia and her over protective parents, and why Ethan was even at Hemden, omg bless, my heart broke for him and his brother, but I'm so, so glad that they were able to patch things up between them.
Ugh, I'm literally obsessed and in my feels about this incredible book, I love it so much!! I cannot wait for more from this series and what Lindsey has in store under her pen name, Elle Kelk! 💖
Thank you to Rachel Quin, HQ and HarperCollins UK for the e-ARC of Hit or Miss in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I actually cannot thank Rachel enough for inviting me to read Elle Kelk, Lindsey Kelk's pen name, and upcoming release of Hit or Miss, because I ATE THIS UP!!!! OMG, OMG, this was so, so good. I was addicted; it was spectacular, give me 14 more of them, right now!!
Ahhhhm I literally love this so much, I could not put this down since I picked it up, it's easily one of my favourite reads of 2026!! 💖🎓
Mia is excited to start at Hemden College, in the UK, and for a much needed fresh start. Ethan is also starting at Hemden College, and is starting over too, but for reasons that are undisclosed. What Mia isn't expecting is for Ethan to be at Hemden, too; he's the boyfriend of the girl who made her life a living hell, and she isn't about to let him derail her fresh start. And Ethan can't help want to lean on a familiar American in a new place.
They're at an unavoidable crossroads, but they are both navigating settling into a new place and country, and come to some sort of truce; after all they're having to share a wall, as they're roomates.
I absolutely loved Mia and how determined she was to wanting to try new things, and step out of her comfort zone and make new friends. Equally, I loved Ethan, too. I loved how things developed between them, their insane chemistry, and watching how hard Ethan fell for Mia, how he got jealous over Oliver, I ABSOLUTELY LOVEEEEED IT!! There is nothing I love more than a jealous mmc!!
I also loved the insight into them both, as I got to know them better, and their lives in the US, Mia and her over protective parents, and why Ethan was even at Hemden, omg bless, my heart broke for him and his brother, but I'm so, so glad that they were able to patch things up between them.
Ugh, I'm literally obsessed and in my feels about this incredible book, I love it so much!! I cannot wait for more from this series and what Lindsey has in store under her pen name, Elle Kelk! 💖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank HQ and Elle Kelk for providing me with an eARC of Hit or Miss to review via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.
If you love sports romance, then this is the book for you. Hit or Miss is set in Hemden, an old-fashioned and traditional UK university, where football is a huge occasion for all students who attend. We meet Mia and Ethan, two American students who are travelling over for a year abroad studying at Hemden. Although they knew each other from attending the same university previously, they were definitely not friends. In fact, Ethan's ex-girlfriend and friends had previously been unkind to Mia and so she wants nothing to do with him... at first. Determined to reinvent herself, Mia throws herself into new friendships, her job at a bar, and a possible new relationship with Oliver.
As the story progresses, we see the undeniable chemistry and pull of Mia and Ethan to the other. Although it is noted as a love triangle, I am glad to say that it wasn't this in the traditional sense. Mia is pulled in both directions and kisses both Ethan and Oliver, however I felt that the author navigated this well, as someone who typically avoids love triangle romances. In fact, I was glad when Mia felt pulled towards Ethan because his character was much kinder and more palatable than the self-obsessed character of Oliver.
A shining factor for me was Mia's personality and anxious nature. Her overbearing and toxic parents definitely exacerbated this for Mia. I felt like I related heavily with her, as I often worry or catastrophise too and her journey was one that I could empathise with easily. Seeing her friend, Alice, support her when Mia feels overwhelmed really was wonderful because we all need that friend sometimes to stand in our corner and support us.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. The characters were relatable and funny, aside from Oliver who made me grind my teeth but his character was fleshed out and pushed the story onwards as I had hoped.
If you love sports romance, then this is the book for you. Hit or Miss is set in Hemden, an old-fashioned and traditional UK university, where football is a huge occasion for all students who attend. We meet Mia and Ethan, two American students who are travelling over for a year abroad studying at Hemden. Although they knew each other from attending the same university previously, they were definitely not friends. In fact, Ethan's ex-girlfriend and friends had previously been unkind to Mia and so she wants nothing to do with him... at first. Determined to reinvent herself, Mia throws herself into new friendships, her job at a bar, and a possible new relationship with Oliver.
As the story progresses, we see the undeniable chemistry and pull of Mia and Ethan to the other. Although it is noted as a love triangle, I am glad to say that it wasn't this in the traditional sense. Mia is pulled in both directions and kisses both Ethan and Oliver, however I felt that the author navigated this well, as someone who typically avoids love triangle romances. In fact, I was glad when Mia felt pulled towards Ethan because his character was much kinder and more palatable than the self-obsessed character of Oliver.
A shining factor for me was Mia's personality and anxious nature. Her overbearing and toxic parents definitely exacerbated this for Mia. I felt like I related heavily with her, as I often worry or catastrophise too and her journey was one that I could empathise with easily. Seeing her friend, Alice, support her when Mia feels overwhelmed really was wonderful because we all need that friend sometimes to stand in our corner and support us.
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. The characters were relatable and funny, aside from Oliver who made me grind my teeth but his character was fleshed out and pushed the story onwards as I had hoped.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hit or Miss follows Mia and Ethan, two American students spending a year abroad at an English university, each for very different reasons. Mia is a studious book‑nerd who wants to move away to get some space from her overprotective family, eager to reinvent herself. Ethan, meanwhile, is a popular jock who’s been banished from his hometown after a mysterious accident, his father buying him a place at the prestigious university to keep him out of trouble.
Mia quickly finds a wonderful found family who welcome her with open arms, and for the first time she feels genuinely liked, meeting a cute boy in her extended circle that she’s excited to get to know. Ethan, on the other hand, starts to enjoy the freedom of not being the centre of attention. Without the pressure of popularity, he actually begins to enjoy his course, using his free time to study.
Parts of the story reminded me of Normal People, and there are definite parallels to some of the romcoms I grew up watching. The writing style is easy to fall into, and I really appreciated Mia as a character as I saw so much of my younger self in her. Even when her choices frustrated me, they felt like the kind of decisions you make in your late teens/ early twenties when you’re still figuring out who you are.
While I liked Ethan, he didn’t feel quite as realistic to me. His instalove was hard to buy into as he barely knew Mia, yet he was instantly smitten. Beyond their shared background as Americans from the same college, there wasn’t much foundation for such intense feelings, especially from someone who’d been the most popular guy on campus back home.
I also felt the ending wrapped up far too quickly. The final 10% moved at such a fast pace that the timeline became confusing and what felt like weeks of character development turned out to be only days, which didn’t give the emotional arc enough room to breathe.
That said, while some of the tropes weren’t my favourites, I’m pretty sure I’ll continue with the series. I’m fully invested in the world of Hemden University, and I’d like to see these characters again in Sink or Swim.
Mia quickly finds a wonderful found family who welcome her with open arms, and for the first time she feels genuinely liked, meeting a cute boy in her extended circle that she’s excited to get to know. Ethan, on the other hand, starts to enjoy the freedom of not being the centre of attention. Without the pressure of popularity, he actually begins to enjoy his course, using his free time to study.
Parts of the story reminded me of Normal People, and there are definite parallels to some of the romcoms I grew up watching. The writing style is easy to fall into, and I really appreciated Mia as a character as I saw so much of my younger self in her. Even when her choices frustrated me, they felt like the kind of decisions you make in your late teens/ early twenties when you’re still figuring out who you are.
While I liked Ethan, he didn’t feel quite as realistic to me. His instalove was hard to buy into as he barely knew Mia, yet he was instantly smitten. Beyond their shared background as Americans from the same college, there wasn’t much foundation for such intense feelings, especially from someone who’d been the most popular guy on campus back home.
I also felt the ending wrapped up far too quickly. The final 10% moved at such a fast pace that the timeline became confusing and what felt like weeks of character development turned out to be only days, which didn’t give the emotional arc enough room to breathe.
That said, while some of the tropes weren’t my favourites, I’m pretty sure I’ll continue with the series. I’m fully invested in the world of Hemden University, and I’d like to see these characters again in Sink or Swim.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow! I did not expect that!!!
When I was giving the chance to read this book in advance of publication, I read the blurb and thought ‘I’m definitely not the target audience for this book, as a woman of a certain age, who tends to read murder, police procedural interspersed with the odd romantic comedy,’. However ………..I’m a big fan of Lyndsey Kelk’s rom/com books so I thought I’d give this book, written under her pseudonym a go.
I’m so glad I did!! If you are thinking the same………..don’t dismiss this book, it’s a great read.
The book is set in a University in England, where Mia, from South Carolina, USA has a place as a foreign student. She hopes to reinvent herself and is dismayed when she discovers another student from her college is also at Hemden University. He’s Ethan, a bit of soccer star back in Marshall where his girlfriend Breanna was a nemesis for Mia, having christened her ‘The Librarian’ - a nickname she was homing to have left behind when she got on the plane to England.
The storyline reeled me in straight away and frankly kept me page turning right to the end.
As with all this author’s books, the humour is most definitely there and had me chuckling all the way through.
The storyline is cleverly written and although I guessed the twist, that didn’t detract at all from the book. The main protagonists Mia and Ethan are such well written and likeable characters but there are a wealth of supporting characters like Alice and Jenna who are also well written and I suspect might well feature in future books in this series.
The story is quite steamy in parts and those parts are well written and on point too……..although I did find myself wondering when 20yr old boys like Ethan got such sexual expertise?? They certainly didn’t have it in my day! 😂
I will most definitely look out for the sequel!
My thanks go to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this book.
When I was giving the chance to read this book in advance of publication, I read the blurb and thought ‘I’m definitely not the target audience for this book, as a woman of a certain age, who tends to read murder, police procedural interspersed with the odd romantic comedy,’. However ………..I’m a big fan of Lyndsey Kelk’s rom/com books so I thought I’d give this book, written under her pseudonym a go.
I’m so glad I did!! If you are thinking the same………..don’t dismiss this book, it’s a great read.
The book is set in a University in England, where Mia, from South Carolina, USA has a place as a foreign student. She hopes to reinvent herself and is dismayed when she discovers another student from her college is also at Hemden University. He’s Ethan, a bit of soccer star back in Marshall where his girlfriend Breanna was a nemesis for Mia, having christened her ‘The Librarian’ - a nickname she was homing to have left behind when she got on the plane to England.
The storyline reeled me in straight away and frankly kept me page turning right to the end.
As with all this author’s books, the humour is most definitely there and had me chuckling all the way through.
The storyline is cleverly written and although I guessed the twist, that didn’t detract at all from the book. The main protagonists Mia and Ethan are such well written and likeable characters but there are a wealth of supporting characters like Alice and Jenna who are also well written and I suspect might well feature in future books in this series.
The story is quite steamy in parts and those parts are well written and on point too……..although I did find myself wondering when 20yr old boys like Ethan got such sexual expertise?? They certainly didn’t have it in my day! 😂
I will most definitely look out for the sequel!
My thanks go to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Firstly thank you Netgalley for an early copy of this fab story.
This is the first in a new series by Elle Kelk set in the historic grounds of the fictional Hemden college .
We meet two exchange students Ethan and Mia who are both spending their third year abroad in the UK. They both attended Marshall College back in the USA but moved in very different circles .
Ethan was very popular and the Captain of the soccer team. Mia was nicknamed ‘The librarian’ by Ethan’s ex girlfriend and best friend- and was never on his radar . She knows of him but not to talk to . Ethan suddenly realises who Mia is but only knows her by the nickname his ex girlfriend gave her. They end up having their Dorm rooms next to each other in the college Halls. Ethan can’t understand why this girl he’s never really engaged with is so hostile to him.
As you can imagine Mia wants to shake off her quiet image and enjoy her year where nobody can judge her. Ethan is hiding a secret and his real reasons for being in the UK which are very different to Mia’s.
This is such a fab story and shows how the tables are turned when Mia finds her people. Ethan starts to reflect on his mistakes and the more he sees Mia the more he falls for her.
There is a love triangle with the very unlikeable Oliver which is a great part of the story. Mia is torn between the mysterious Oliver and Ethan . She is off course very cautious as Ethan was never in her social circle and this change in him is quite a shock to her.
This is such a touching college romance story- and both Ethan and Mia find it takes them to cross an ocean in order to start to get to know each other. There are spicy moments 🌶️ but also real sweet ones with Ethan not being the school jock but just himself.
A very easy 5 stars from me and really look forward to the next instalment of this series.
This is the first in a new series by Elle Kelk set in the historic grounds of the fictional Hemden college .
We meet two exchange students Ethan and Mia who are both spending their third year abroad in the UK. They both attended Marshall College back in the USA but moved in very different circles .
Ethan was very popular and the Captain of the soccer team. Mia was nicknamed ‘The librarian’ by Ethan’s ex girlfriend and best friend- and was never on his radar . She knows of him but not to talk to . Ethan suddenly realises who Mia is but only knows her by the nickname his ex girlfriend gave her. They end up having their Dorm rooms next to each other in the college Halls. Ethan can’t understand why this girl he’s never really engaged with is so hostile to him.
As you can imagine Mia wants to shake off her quiet image and enjoy her year where nobody can judge her. Ethan is hiding a secret and his real reasons for being in the UK which are very different to Mia’s.
This is such a fab story and shows how the tables are turned when Mia finds her people. Ethan starts to reflect on his mistakes and the more he sees Mia the more he falls for her.
There is a love triangle with the very unlikeable Oliver which is a great part of the story. Mia is torn between the mysterious Oliver and Ethan . She is off course very cautious as Ethan was never in her social circle and this change in him is quite a shock to her.
This is such a touching college romance story- and both Ethan and Mia find it takes them to cross an ocean in order to start to get to know each other. There are spicy moments 🌶️ but also real sweet ones with Ethan not being the school jock but just himself.
A very easy 5 stars from me and really look forward to the next instalment of this series.
Review of advance copy
⚽️
⚜️ Book Title - Hit or Miss
⚜️ Author - Elle Kelk
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance and sport
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via HQ. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
I’m a sports romance girly, and this one was cute. It wasn’t overly complex, but it absolutely hit that easy, sport mood vibe.
Mia, though? She kind of frustrated me. She talks a lot about priorities and consequences, but then goes on to make a series of questionable choices. Not just one or two… but consistently. It felt a bit contradictory… especially when we’re told she has a high IQ, skipped a grade and earned her place at this prestigious school. I kept thinking, “girl… the math isn’t mathing here 🤨 make it make sense”.
That said, I did enjoy the romantic elements between Mia and Ethan. They had some genuinely sweet and fun interactions that kept me engaged, and I loved the dynamic within the friend group as well. That added a nice layer to the story. Having a discussion when someone is in the wrong and talking it out like civilised human beings. Well done 👏👏👏
Some aspects of the characters did pull me out of it a bit, though. For people in their twenties, certain behaviours felt a little off. The whole “being heavily micromanaged by parents” thing at that age just made me cringe more than anything and it didn’t quite land right for me.
Overall, it was a fun, light read with some enjoyable romance, even if a few character choices had me side eyeing.
I want to say thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life. My five stars can be imperfect but to me they hit right.
⚜️ Book Title - Hit or Miss
⚜️ Author - Elle Kelk
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance and sport
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via HQ. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
I’m a sports romance girly, and this one was cute. It wasn’t overly complex, but it absolutely hit that easy, sport mood vibe.
Mia, though? She kind of frustrated me. She talks a lot about priorities and consequences, but then goes on to make a series of questionable choices. Not just one or two… but consistently. It felt a bit contradictory… especially when we’re told she has a high IQ, skipped a grade and earned her place at this prestigious school. I kept thinking, “girl… the math isn’t mathing here 🤨 make it make sense”.
That said, I did enjoy the romantic elements between Mia and Ethan. They had some genuinely sweet and fun interactions that kept me engaged, and I loved the dynamic within the friend group as well. That added a nice layer to the story. Having a discussion when someone is in the wrong and talking it out like civilised human beings. Well done 👏👏👏
Some aspects of the characters did pull me out of it a bit, though. For people in their twenties, certain behaviours felt a little off. The whole “being heavily micromanaged by parents” thing at that age just made me cringe more than anything and it didn’t quite land right for me.
Overall, it was a fun, light read with some enjoyable romance, even if a few character choices had me side eyeing.
I want to say thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life. My five stars can be imperfect but to me they hit right.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 stars
I was intrigued when this book was added to Netgalley, however, it was only when I saw that Lindsey Kelk - one of my favourite authors of all time - was writing this under a pseudonym that I felt a real urge to read it.
It is more new adult, as you might expect from the setting, but I raced through it.
Firstly, I really liked Ethan. I mean, him making biscuits and being there for Mia, even when she didn’t want him around, warmed him to me.
And though I understand that Mia was really keen to reinvent herself and change the way that people see her, having her swerve the job at the library at the beginning and react the way that she does was a bit frustrating.
This was all the more so when it was clear that she wasn't enjoying these things. The same can be said for all things Oliver. She was basically forcing herself to like him even when he was showing her exactly who he was.
But I guess that’s what it’s like at that age.
Even though I was fully aware that Lindsey was writing as Elle Kelk, it lacked a little bit of the magic, banter and wit that I have come to expect from her books.
There were some moments of that kind of writing, such as the mentions of Marks & Spencer snacks (I’m 100% here for a Colin the caterpillar shoutout) and Taylor Swift, yet I wanted a bit more.
Overall, it was a quick and easy read and I liked seeing a somewhat realistic portrayal of what university is like, especially with it showing how hard it is to juggle things and to go from being one of the top students to floundering a little, particularly when you have a part time job too.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued when this book was added to Netgalley, however, it was only when I saw that Lindsey Kelk - one of my favourite authors of all time - was writing this under a pseudonym that I felt a real urge to read it.
It is more new adult, as you might expect from the setting, but I raced through it.
Firstly, I really liked Ethan. I mean, him making biscuits and being there for Mia, even when she didn’t want him around, warmed him to me.
And though I understand that Mia was really keen to reinvent herself and change the way that people see her, having her swerve the job at the library at the beginning and react the way that she does was a bit frustrating.
This was all the more so when it was clear that she wasn't enjoying these things. The same can be said for all things Oliver. She was basically forcing herself to like him even when he was showing her exactly who he was.
But I guess that’s what it’s like at that age.
Even though I was fully aware that Lindsey was writing as Elle Kelk, it lacked a little bit of the magic, banter and wit that I have come to expect from her books.
There were some moments of that kind of writing, such as the mentions of Marks & Spencer snacks (I’m 100% here for a Colin the caterpillar shoutout) and Taylor Swift, yet I wanted a bit more.
Overall, it was a quick and easy read and I liked seeing a somewhat realistic portrayal of what university is like, especially with it showing how hard it is to juggle things and to go from being one of the top students to floundering a little, particularly when you have a part time job too.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I feel like 18 year old me would have loved this book!
Mia is a college student who got into a year-abroad program and now has the chance to study at a prestigious university in the UK. This is perfect, since she is on a mission to leave the old Mia behind and reinvent herself. Enter Ethan Taylor, a football player at her university back home who is also the most popular guy on campus is also here, disrupting her plans completely. Why is he here and is he really as bad as Mia has made him out to be in her head?
There are many things I have liked about this book. Mia’s struggles with anxiety and her desire for change because she is unhappy with how things are right now and Ethan’s struggles with the difficult situation he is in were both very relatable and portrayed well in my opinion. You felt for both and the last few chapters made me very emotional. The development of their relationship was also written well, their initial reluctance and than the gradual warm-up felt well paced. There’s also supportive friendships which are always a nice touch.
It is a good new adult college romance, however I simply think that it is more appealing to an audience aged 18-21? Or maybe I’ve just read too many romances recently where the main characters are older, in their late twenties/early thirties and am used to that now. The writing is also bound to be a little different, topics and plots as which is why I could not fully get into the plot. However I do think that this is entirely a personal preference and has less to do with the quality of the book.
If you like new adult/college romances I would give this one a go!
Thank you to HQ, Netgalley and Rachel Quin for providing me with an earc in exchange for an honest review!
Hit or Miss is out June 4th 2026!
Mia is a college student who got into a year-abroad program and now has the chance to study at a prestigious university in the UK. This is perfect, since she is on a mission to leave the old Mia behind and reinvent herself. Enter Ethan Taylor, a football player at her university back home who is also the most popular guy on campus is also here, disrupting her plans completely. Why is he here and is he really as bad as Mia has made him out to be in her head?
There are many things I have liked about this book. Mia’s struggles with anxiety and her desire for change because she is unhappy with how things are right now and Ethan’s struggles with the difficult situation he is in were both very relatable and portrayed well in my opinion. You felt for both and the last few chapters made me very emotional. The development of their relationship was also written well, their initial reluctance and than the gradual warm-up felt well paced. There’s also supportive friendships which are always a nice touch.
It is a good new adult college romance, however I simply think that it is more appealing to an audience aged 18-21? Or maybe I’ve just read too many romances recently where the main characters are older, in their late twenties/early thirties and am used to that now. The writing is also bound to be a little different, topics and plots as which is why I could not fully get into the plot. However I do think that this is entirely a personal preference and has less to do with the quality of the book.
If you like new adult/college romances I would give this one a go!
Thank you to HQ, Netgalley and Rachel Quin for providing me with an earc in exchange for an honest review!
Hit or Miss is out June 4th 2026!
April 14, 2026
Hit or Miss follows American college student Mia Meyers, who is looking forward to spending the next year studying abroad at an English university where nobody knows her. However, she soon learns that Ethan Taylor, the star of the college football team back home, is also studying at the same university. They may be far from friends at home, but while in England, could this striker score her heart?
I really enjoyed Lindsey Kelk’s Christmas romcoms, so I was super excited to hear that she was coming out with a college sports romance under a pen name. This book had such a great premise, and it was so fun seeing two American college students experiencing England (special shoutout to M&S picky bits and Big Tesco!). The writing style was witty and humorous, just like this author's other works.
The main characters were both likeable, and their romance was very sweet. However, I would have liked a little more depth to the characters and their relationship. Mia was relatable with her anxiety and shyness, and I really enjoyed Ethan’s chapters.
Unfortunately, I think this book just leant a little too YA for me to fully enjoy it. It was an easy, quick read, but I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I had read this when I was 18. The characters felt immature at times, and I found some moments a little cringey.
However, if you’re looking for a quick, fun college sports romance and don’t mind that it leans a little on the YA side, I think you might really enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for providing me with an eARC. This review is being left voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed Lindsey Kelk’s Christmas romcoms, so I was super excited to hear that she was coming out with a college sports romance under a pen name. This book had such a great premise, and it was so fun seeing two American college students experiencing England (special shoutout to M&S picky bits and Big Tesco!). The writing style was witty and humorous, just like this author's other works.
The main characters were both likeable, and their romance was very sweet. However, I would have liked a little more depth to the characters and their relationship. Mia was relatable with her anxiety and shyness, and I really enjoyed Ethan’s chapters.
Unfortunately, I think this book just leant a little too YA for me to fully enjoy it. It was an easy, quick read, but I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I had read this when I was 18. The characters felt immature at times, and I found some moments a little cringey.
However, if you’re looking for a quick, fun college sports romance and don’t mind that it leans a little on the YA side, I think you might really enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for providing me with an eARC. This review is being left voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🩷 Blurb-
He's a player. And she's the goal…Ethan Taylor is unbeatable on and off the field. Being the star of the Marshall College soccer team – and hot as hell – has its perks. But when tragedy strikes, Ethan flies straight out of South Carolina and to the intimidating halls of Hemden University, where even his Southern charm can’t melt the stiff British upper lips…
Mia Meyers has never had much luck with people. Having always been a bookish wallflower, junior year abroad could be her one chance to step into the spotlight. So, when Mia realises that she’s not the only student from Marshall across the pond this year, she is determined that no one will get in the way of her new life – not even Ethan Taylor.
But why is it that Ethan’s infuriatingly sexy green eyes can’t stop staring at her, and why doesn’t she want him to look away? They may be far from friends at home, but under the spires of Hemden, could this striker score her heart?
💜 Review -
I'm loving all the sports romance novels that are around at the moment and Hit Or Miss certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I loved the great mix of characters plus there were some spicy scenes. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to HQ Digital/ HQ Stories, the author Elle Kelk and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
He's a player. And she's the goal…Ethan Taylor is unbeatable on and off the field. Being the star of the Marshall College soccer team – and hot as hell – has its perks. But when tragedy strikes, Ethan flies straight out of South Carolina and to the intimidating halls of Hemden University, where even his Southern charm can’t melt the stiff British upper lips…
Mia Meyers has never had much luck with people. Having always been a bookish wallflower, junior year abroad could be her one chance to step into the spotlight. So, when Mia realises that she’s not the only student from Marshall across the pond this year, she is determined that no one will get in the way of her new life – not even Ethan Taylor.
But why is it that Ethan’s infuriatingly sexy green eyes can’t stop staring at her, and why doesn’t she want him to look away? They may be far from friends at home, but under the spires of Hemden, could this striker score her heart?
💜 Review -
I'm loving all the sports romance novels that are around at the moment and Hit Or Miss certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I loved the great mix of characters plus there were some spicy scenes. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to HQ Digital/ HQ Stories, the author Elle Kelk and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Hit or Miss by Elle Kelk ⚽️📚
Ethan is the quintessential soccer jock. He’s got the talent and the looks. But beneath that, he’s dealing with his own personal struggles and family tragedy.
Mia is determined to start fresh. She’s trying to leave behind the version of herself from her previous school, gain some independence from her well meaning but overbearing parents, and work through her own anxieties.
So the last thing Mia expects when she arrives from the US to study at the prestigious British University, Hemden, is to run into someone she recognises. While she and Ethan didn’t particularly know each other at their previous school, it’s enough of connection to her past life to make her avoid him at all costs.
Despite the chaos of college life, they can’t seem to ignore each other. Their attention keeps drifting back to each other and the co-ed don’t help. While they couldn’t be more different, these two opposites definitely attract!!
The college setting of Hemden University is incredibly atmospheric. It sure made me want to sign up there for an international degree! ✏️
Hit Or Miss is a swoony New Adult romance that sits right on the cusp of YA, which I think is due to the characters’ ages and the college setting. The plot flows smoothly without dragging, and both POVs are engaging, with Mia and Ethan being likeable characters and easy to connect with.
A huge thank you to HQ books for my Proof copy.
♥️ Confident jock × reserved reader ♥️ Soccer romance ♥️ Forced proximity ♥️ He falls first ♥️ Dual POV
Ethan is the quintessential soccer jock. He’s got the talent and the looks. But beneath that, he’s dealing with his own personal struggles and family tragedy.
Mia is determined to start fresh. She’s trying to leave behind the version of herself from her previous school, gain some independence from her well meaning but overbearing parents, and work through her own anxieties.
So the last thing Mia expects when she arrives from the US to study at the prestigious British University, Hemden, is to run into someone she recognises. While she and Ethan didn’t particularly know each other at their previous school, it’s enough of connection to her past life to make her avoid him at all costs.
Despite the chaos of college life, they can’t seem to ignore each other. Their attention keeps drifting back to each other and the co-ed don’t help. While they couldn’t be more different, these two opposites definitely attract!!
The college setting of Hemden University is incredibly atmospheric. It sure made me want to sign up there for an international degree! ✏️
Hit Or Miss is a swoony New Adult romance that sits right on the cusp of YA, which I think is due to the characters’ ages and the college setting. The plot flows smoothly without dragging, and both POVs are engaging, with Mia and Ethan being likeable characters and easy to connect with.
A huge thank you to HQ books for my Proof copy.
♥️ Confident jock × reserved reader ♥️ Soccer romance ♥️ Forced proximity ♥️ He falls first ♥️ Dual POV
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions as always are my own.
I went into Hit or Miss hoping to love it… and for a while, it really was touch and go. This one lived up to its title in more ways than one. The first half felt a bit like a miss for me... I struggled to connect with the FMC, who came across as frustratingly impulsive and, at times, hard to root for. Her decisions and conversations with other characters often left me more irritated than invested, which made it tricky to fully settle into the story.
That said, I do think part of this comes down to me as a reader. With the story set in a college environment, I couldn’t help feeling like I might not be the ideal audience for this kind of romance anymore - I would have absolutely loved this in my early 20s!
Around the 70% mark, things really turned around. The emotional depth started to land, the pacing picked up, and I finally felt that spark I’d been waiting for. Elle Kelk managed to pull everything together in a way that redeemed the earlier wobble, and I found myself much more engaged by the end. Ethan baking biscuits for Mia (the kind with gravy, not to be confused with scones!) genuinely had me gushing. That moment completely won me over to the MMC and added a softness to the story that I really appreciated.
Overall, this was a mixed bag—but one with a strong-ish enough finish to leave me glad I stuck with it. Not quite a full hit for me, but definitely not a miss either.
Publication date: 4th June 2026
I went into Hit or Miss hoping to love it… and for a while, it really was touch and go. This one lived up to its title in more ways than one. The first half felt a bit like a miss for me... I struggled to connect with the FMC, who came across as frustratingly impulsive and, at times, hard to root for. Her decisions and conversations with other characters often left me more irritated than invested, which made it tricky to fully settle into the story.
That said, I do think part of this comes down to me as a reader. With the story set in a college environment, I couldn’t help feeling like I might not be the ideal audience for this kind of romance anymore - I would have absolutely loved this in my early 20s!
Around the 70% mark, things really turned around. The emotional depth started to land, the pacing picked up, and I finally felt that spark I’d been waiting for. Elle Kelk managed to pull everything together in a way that redeemed the earlier wobble, and I found myself much more engaged by the end. Ethan baking biscuits for Mia (the kind with gravy, not to be confused with scones!) genuinely had me gushing. That moment completely won me over to the MMC and added a softness to the story that I really appreciated.
Overall, this was a mixed bag—but one with a strong-ish enough finish to leave me glad I stuck with it. Not quite a full hit for me, but definitely not a miss either.
Publication date: 4th June 2026
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I adore Lindsey Kelk’s books, and this one was no exception. I had to laugh at the subtle name tweak to signal a bit more “spice” this time around—especially when I was 300 pages in, several pickle references deep, and still waiting for that moment to arrive. That’s the thing about her writing though: it’s so warm, witty, and wholesome that I’m more than happy to sit back and enjoy the ride. With other authors I might be impatient, but Lindsey Kelk crafts her characters so beautifully that the slow build feels completely worth it.
Mia and Ethan completely stole my heart. I was on Team Ethan from the very beginning, while Mia took a little longer for me to fully understand—and that made her journey all the more satisfying. Watching her layers unfold added real depth to the romance. The forced proximity trope was executed perfectly, delivering just the right amount of tension and chemistry. And as for Oliver… let’s just say he never quite won me over (no spoilers!).
I also couldn’t help but notice the very specific M&S references—Percy Pigs and Colin getting name-dropped? Honestly iconic. If there isn’t a sponsorship deal in the works, there should be.
Overall, this is shaping up to be the perfect summer romance. When it releases in June, it’s going to be exactly the kind of feel-good, tension-filled love story to throw in your beach bag. Funny, heartfelt, and irresistibly romantic.
Mia and Ethan completely stole my heart. I was on Team Ethan from the very beginning, while Mia took a little longer for me to fully understand—and that made her journey all the more satisfying. Watching her layers unfold added real depth to the romance. The forced proximity trope was executed perfectly, delivering just the right amount of tension and chemistry. And as for Oliver… let’s just say he never quite won me over (no spoilers!).
I also couldn’t help but notice the very specific M&S references—Percy Pigs and Colin getting name-dropped? Honestly iconic. If there isn’t a sponsorship deal in the works, there should be.
Overall, this is shaping up to be the perfect summer romance. When it releases in June, it’s going to be exactly the kind of feel-good, tension-filled love story to throw in your beach bag. Funny, heartfelt, and irresistibly romantic.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First of all thank you Netgalley and HQ for the opportunity to read this book.
As a long time fan of Lindsey Kelk's writing, I was well excited to see that she had written a new adult sports romance. Romantic comedy is Lindsey's bread and butter, however this wasn't so much a romantic comedy, or just a sports romance.... it dealt with quite a few heavy issues and past trauma's and it involved people finding themselves. Mia and Ethan's story definitely makes you think.
Mia is the book nerd/ geeky girl that's come over to this college in the hopes of reinventing herself. Ethan is a college football superstar and sent to this college as a punishment by his parents but is he really harbouring secrets?
This story was a bit of a strange one for me because although it had a very YA, slow burn feel, there were elements of spice that kinda took me by surprise.
I also found the story, especially in the middle part of the story, dragged and it didn't feel like much was happening to move the story forward. I enjoyed the ending of the story but felt it all happened a bit too quickly.
Overall though this was a good read and I did enjoy their story. Mia and Ethan's story was very relatable and I loved and found myself giggling at some of the British references in the story.
If you like a real slow burn, YA feeling, college romance then this is one that could be right up your street.
As a long time fan of Lindsey Kelk's writing, I was well excited to see that she had written a new adult sports romance. Romantic comedy is Lindsey's bread and butter, however this wasn't so much a romantic comedy, or just a sports romance.... it dealt with quite a few heavy issues and past trauma's and it involved people finding themselves. Mia and Ethan's story definitely makes you think.
Mia is the book nerd/ geeky girl that's come over to this college in the hopes of reinventing herself. Ethan is a college football superstar and sent to this college as a punishment by his parents but is he really harbouring secrets?
This story was a bit of a strange one for me because although it had a very YA, slow burn feel, there were elements of spice that kinda took me by surprise.
I also found the story, especially in the middle part of the story, dragged and it didn't feel like much was happening to move the story forward. I enjoyed the ending of the story but felt it all happened a bit too quickly.
Overall though this was a good read and I did enjoy their story. Mia and Ethan's story was very relatable and I loved and found myself giggling at some of the British references in the story.
If you like a real slow burn, YA feeling, college romance then this is one that could be right up your street.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**Book Review: *Hit or Miss* by Elle Kelk**
Thank you to HQ Stories for providing me with an advance reading copy via NetGalley.
I was incredibly excited to discover that Lindsey had introduced a new pen name, and after seeing all the teasers, I couldn’t resist applying for this ARC — and I’m so glad I did, because it absolutely did not disappoint.
Mia, the female lead, is such a relatable and well-crafted character. There’s something so authentic about her that makes it impossible not to root for her. I found myself completely invested in her journey from start to finish.
Ethan is equally compelling — a genuinely likeable character with so much depth. I really appreciated how his personality and actions added to the emotional core of the story.
One of my favourite aspects of the book is the friendship group. I always love seeing strong, supportive friendships in stories, and given Mia’s transition to a new school, it was especially enjoyable to watch her find her people in such a natural and heartwarming way.
Without giving away any spoilers, the character development throughout this story is outstanding. The growth — both individually and collectively — is powerful and adds real substance to the narrative.
I’m thoroughly enjoying seeing Elle Kelk step into the sports romance genre — I am absolutely here for it and can’t wait to see what comes next.
---
Side note : wouldn't class this as erotica
Thank you to HQ Stories for providing me with an advance reading copy via NetGalley.
I was incredibly excited to discover that Lindsey had introduced a new pen name, and after seeing all the teasers, I couldn’t resist applying for this ARC — and I’m so glad I did, because it absolutely did not disappoint.
Mia, the female lead, is such a relatable and well-crafted character. There’s something so authentic about her that makes it impossible not to root for her. I found myself completely invested in her journey from start to finish.
Ethan is equally compelling — a genuinely likeable character with so much depth. I really appreciated how his personality and actions added to the emotional core of the story.
One of my favourite aspects of the book is the friendship group. I always love seeing strong, supportive friendships in stories, and given Mia’s transition to a new school, it was especially enjoyable to watch her find her people in such a natural and heartwarming way.
Without giving away any spoilers, the character development throughout this story is outstanding. The growth — both individually and collectively — is powerful and adds real substance to the narrative.
I’m thoroughly enjoying seeing Elle Kelk step into the sports romance genre — I am absolutely here for it and can’t wait to see what comes next.
---
Side note : wouldn't class this as erotica
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.7 🌟 (Rounded up to 4 stars)
I devoured this book in under 24 hours, (No small feat with a newborn) and thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were fun, although I wish we got to explore the side characters more as several of them became interchangable in my mind. The campus setting was vividly depicted, and the UK setting was a refreshing change as the majority of sports romances I have read are set in the states.
The writing style was easy to read, although at times the character interactions felt forced and unnatural, existing solely to give the reader more backstory.
As someone who hates the love triangle trope, I actually enjoyed how it was depicted in this book and felt like it added to the story rather than fustrated me as is usually the case, It aided the slow burn romance between our two MCs, so we weren't stuck in an endless cycle of "will they, won't they". The build-up to the sexual scenes made them feel earned and produced (in my opinion) the perfect amount of smut so as not to overake the emotional connection between our characters.
Overall, this was a fun, easygoing read that I would recommend to those wanting to read a lighthearted sports romance.
Disclaimer - I did receive an ARC of this book through NetGalley, but this review is based entirely on my own unbiased thoughts and opinions.
I devoured this book in under 24 hours, (No small feat with a newborn) and thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were fun, although I wish we got to explore the side characters more as several of them became interchangable in my mind. The campus setting was vividly depicted, and the UK setting was a refreshing change as the majority of sports romances I have read are set in the states.
The writing style was easy to read, although at times the character interactions felt forced and unnatural, existing solely to give the reader more backstory.
As someone who hates the love triangle trope, I actually enjoyed how it was depicted in this book and felt like it added to the story rather than fustrated me as is usually the case, It aided the slow burn romance between our two MCs, so we weren't stuck in an endless cycle of "will they, won't they". The build-up to the sexual scenes made them feel earned and produced (in my opinion) the perfect amount of smut so as not to overake the emotional connection between our characters.
Overall, this was a fun, easygoing read that I would recommend to those wanting to read a lighthearted sports romance.
Disclaimer - I did receive an ARC of this book through NetGalley, but this review is based entirely on my own unbiased thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had the BEST time reading Hit or Miss and am not so patiently waiting for Sink or Swim!! 20 year old me did a study abroad semester and reading this made me feel so nostalgic! This really did feel like it was for the bookish girls finding their place in the world. It’s a good reminder that you get to choose how you want to live your life and to do the things that bring you joy.
I really enjoyed the characters, not just the dynamic between Mia and Ethan, but the female friendships. It was peak girlhood and the perfect example of what strong female friendships should look like! I read Hit or Miss in 24 glorious hours, it was fun, SO sweet, had the perfect amount of spice and is really just everything you’re looking for in a college romance. I’ve seen people comment on the writing and narrative feeling immature, but I think it perfectly captured the innocence, magic, uncertainty and sense of possibility of being abroad and navigating the world on your own for the first time.
I did find the ending a little abrupt but perhaps that’s me selfishly wanting more and not feeling like I was ready for it to end. I'm excited for whats next.
Thank you to HQ, Elle Kelk and Netgalley for this eARC!!
I really enjoyed the characters, not just the dynamic between Mia and Ethan, but the female friendships. It was peak girlhood and the perfect example of what strong female friendships should look like! I read Hit or Miss in 24 glorious hours, it was fun, SO sweet, had the perfect amount of spice and is really just everything you’re looking for in a college romance. I’ve seen people comment on the writing and narrative feeling immature, but I think it perfectly captured the innocence, magic, uncertainty and sense of possibility of being abroad and navigating the world on your own for the first time.
I did find the ending a little abrupt but perhaps that’s me selfishly wanting more and not feeling like I was ready for it to end. I'm excited for whats next.
Thank you to HQ, Elle Kelk and Netgalley for this eARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Welcome to Hemden, a university from a different time! Meet Mia, from Marshall College, USA, studying for a year abroad. Meet Alice, Jenna, Michael, Bryn and Oliver, starting their final year of study. Finally meet Ethan, Mr popular soccer star of Marshall College, unexpectantly finding himself studying for a year at Hemden.
Mia wants to reinvent herself. She's spent months planning her escape from her overbearing family. She's quickly adopted by her new friends and thinks that maybe she's cracked up, until things start to unravel.
Ethan had no intention of studying abroad until a disaster at home means he's got to escape the town and college where everyone knows him. Alone and lonely he recognises Mia and makes overtures of friendship, only to be be confused by her rebuffal.
As the term progresses there are highs, lows and eventual resolutions, bringing the story to a satisfactory conclusion.
Despite being around fifty years above the target audience for this book, I enjoyed the story. Ella Kelk developed interesting characters, relationships and plot which, although fairly predictable, kept me engaged.
thank you for the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review the pre-release.
Mia wants to reinvent herself. She's spent months planning her escape from her overbearing family. She's quickly adopted by her new friends and thinks that maybe she's cracked up, until things start to unravel.
Ethan had no intention of studying abroad until a disaster at home means he's got to escape the town and college where everyone knows him. Alone and lonely he recognises Mia and makes overtures of friendship, only to be be confused by her rebuffal.
As the term progresses there are highs, lows and eventual resolutions, bringing the story to a satisfactory conclusion.
Despite being around fifty years above the target audience for this book, I enjoyed the story. Ella Kelk developed interesting characters, relationships and plot which, although fairly predictable, kept me engaged.
thank you for the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review the pre-release.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One of my favourite times of year is September - it takes me back to the start of the academic year, that fresh start feel and the beginning of this book gave me very similar, nostalgic vibes.
It’s such a shame that there was a ‘no phones on campus’ policy because I feel like Mia was a bookish girly to her core, and she could have joined booksta or a local bookclub which might have helped her feel more connected. I also like to think that if she did, someone might have pointed out the ’problem’ with blonde guys and helped her find her cinnamon roll abit faster!
The writing is witty and overall, this was such a sweet read, with funny, likeable characters who slowly reveal more of their own stories as the post unfolds. Mia and Ethan clearly had their own challenges to get through and I thought the portrayal of their personal struggles felt very realistic.
Beneath the cute, fluffy surface was a much more heartwarming message about how navigating your life’s challenges can be a good thing if you have the right support, starting over isn’t about completely reinventing yourself and that you don’t have to face your anxieties and insecurities on alone.
A special shoutout to all the M&S treats mentioned - it’s rare to see our cherished snacks named in fiction!
It’s such a shame that there was a ‘no phones on campus’ policy because I feel like Mia was a bookish girly to her core, and she could have joined booksta or a local bookclub which might have helped her feel more connected. I also like to think that if she did, someone might have pointed out the ’problem’ with blonde guys and helped her find her cinnamon roll abit faster!
The writing is witty and overall, this was such a sweet read, with funny, likeable characters who slowly reveal more of their own stories as the post unfolds. Mia and Ethan clearly had their own challenges to get through and I thought the portrayal of their personal struggles felt very realistic.
Beneath the cute, fluffy surface was a much more heartwarming message about how navigating your life’s challenges can be a good thing if you have the right support, starting over isn’t about completely reinventing yourself and that you don’t have to face your anxieties and insecurities on alone.
A special shoutout to all the M&S treats mentioned - it’s rare to see our cherished snacks named in fiction!
February 26, 2026
★5
𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 | 4𝙩𝙝 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 2026
Thank you again to HQ for this beautiful PR package… I couldn’t WAIT to start this so tbr was placed on hold OBVIOUSLY… I demolished it.
‘𝘔𝘪𝘢 𝘔𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳.’
👆🏻 beyond relatable girl…
Elle babe take a bow these characters are amazing… Mia is so bloody relatable I absolutely adore her. Bookish, introvert with sharp wit - perfect FMC…
Ethan - well, what I say? Yes please? Cocky, tortured boy 🤭
My absolute favourite line from Mia. -
‘𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙤’ 😂👏🏻
I am now fully craving Percy pigs thank you very much. 👀🐷
When where you live is mentioned in a book it just makes you squeaaaal! 🤭 Northamptonshire all the way!
This sports romance was addictive. I couldn’t put it down, something always hits different about a book being in the UK I can’t explain it but the banter hits different 🤭
The love triangle was done AMAZINGLY… it had me chuckling so much but this book for me was an emotional rollercoaster, I absolutely LOVED IT!
Girls and boys get this on your tbrs and pre order immediately! ❤️
𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 | 4𝙩𝙝 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 2026
Thank you again to HQ for this beautiful PR package… I couldn’t WAIT to start this so tbr was placed on hold OBVIOUSLY… I demolished it.
‘𝘔𝘪𝘢 𝘔𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. 𝘏𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳.’
👆🏻 beyond relatable girl…
Elle babe take a bow these characters are amazing… Mia is so bloody relatable I absolutely adore her. Bookish, introvert with sharp wit - perfect FMC…
Ethan - well, what I say? Yes please? Cocky, tortured boy 🤭
My absolute favourite line from Mia. -
‘𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙤’ 😂👏🏻
I am now fully craving Percy pigs thank you very much. 👀🐷
When where you live is mentioned in a book it just makes you squeaaaal! 🤭 Northamptonshire all the way!
This sports romance was addictive. I couldn’t put it down, something always hits different about a book being in the UK I can’t explain it but the banter hits different 🤭
The love triangle was done AMAZINGLY… it had me chuckling so much but this book for me was an emotional rollercoaster, I absolutely LOVED IT!
Girls and boys get this on your tbrs and pre order immediately! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️3.5 stars rounded up⭐️
As a longterm fan of author, Lindsey Kelk, I was excited to learn that she was penning a slightly different genre of books under a new name. Kelk, in both iterations, is funny and engaging, relying on pop culture references and thoroughly human main characters.
Exchange student Mia is horrified to find herself many miles from her American home, yet still sharing a hall of residence with her old colleges' golden boy, Ethan. As they both orientate their new lives in England, they consider friendship for the first time, shedding old prejudices and healing from the past.
I have not been 20 for some time, so far be it from me to critique the life choices of one, but there were portions of this book when all I could do was roll my eyes at Mia's perspectives. That being said, the romance and found family really worked for me, as Kelk infuses so much warmth into what she does, allowing her characters to be flawed and brilliant. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
As a longterm fan of author, Lindsey Kelk, I was excited to learn that she was penning a slightly different genre of books under a new name. Kelk, in both iterations, is funny and engaging, relying on pop culture references and thoroughly human main characters.
Exchange student Mia is horrified to find herself many miles from her American home, yet still sharing a hall of residence with her old colleges' golden boy, Ethan. As they both orientate their new lives in England, they consider friendship for the first time, shedding old prejudices and healing from the past.
I have not been 20 for some time, so far be it from me to critique the life choices of one, but there were portions of this book when all I could do was roll my eyes at Mia's perspectives. That being said, the romance and found family really worked for me, as Kelk infuses so much warmth into what she does, allowing her characters to be flawed and brilliant. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2026
e-ARC courtesy of HQ on NetGalley
To say that I screamed when I get approved for Hit or Miss would be an understatement. But it's the only suitable and apt reaction because your favourite rom com author wrote a college romance under a new pen name. WHICH MEANS it's going to be amazing AND spicy.
Hit or Miss follows the story of Mia Meyers who works her ass off to get a place in the most prestigious (and fictional) Hemden College and takes it as an opportunity to reinvent herself in college. And escape her overbearing parents and her life back in South Carolina. What she doesn't know is that she's not the only from home at Hemden. Enter Ethan Taylor, star soccer (I mean football, because Jenna would bludgeon me) player who mysteriously enrols at Hemden following an "incident".
When I say I devoured this, I meant it. What's not to love about a college romance with the classic Kelk wit and humour and a wonderful cast of characters? I was locked in from the first page and lost myself in the story. Hit or Miss is a tale of self-discovery, friendship and love that's full of heart and sprinkled with the right amount of spice and sass.
To say that I screamed when I get approved for Hit or Miss would be an understatement. But it's the only suitable and apt reaction because your favourite rom com author wrote a college romance under a new pen name. WHICH MEANS it's going to be amazing AND spicy.
Hit or Miss follows the story of Mia Meyers who works her ass off to get a place in the most prestigious (and fictional) Hemden College and takes it as an opportunity to reinvent herself in college. And escape her overbearing parents and her life back in South Carolina. What she doesn't know is that she's not the only from home at Hemden. Enter Ethan Taylor, star soccer (I mean football, because Jenna would bludgeon me) player who mysteriously enrols at Hemden following an "incident".
When I say I devoured this, I meant it. What's not to love about a college romance with the classic Kelk wit and humour and a wonderful cast of characters? I was locked in from the first page and lost myself in the story. Hit or Miss is a tale of self-discovery, friendship and love that's full of heart and sprinkled with the right amount of spice and sass.
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