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Meet the Boys: A College Sports Romance
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26A brand new basketball romance from Katy Archer is coming soon!
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Katy Archer
29 books332 followersKaty Archer is the author of sweet and spicy college sports romance. Her debut novel, The Forbidden Freshman, released in February 2024 and is for fans of slow burn hockey romance, forbidden love, and found families.
In her novels you're guaranteed to find happy endings, protective book boyfriends and sassy heroines. Welcome to the world of Nolan U, where love is a game changer…
You can find out more on her website and sign up for a sneak peek of The Forbidden Freshman!
In her novels you're guaranteed to find happy endings, protective book boyfriends and sassy heroines. Welcome to the world of Nolan U, where love is a game changer…
You can find out more on her website and sign up for a sneak peek of The Forbidden Freshman!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 29, 2026
✨REVIEW✨
Meet the Boys is a novella and serves as the prequel to the upcoming Nolan U Basketball series. I always enjoy books like this that introduce the characters before the series branches off into full-length novels focused on each individual character.
I loved getting a glimpse into all of the main characters before their stories begin. Having so many POVs in one novella made for a fun and engaging read, and it was interesting getting those early insights into each of them.
After finishing this novella, I've already picked out a few characters whose books I can't wait to read, so it will be interesting to see if my favourites stay the same as the series progresses. At this stage, I'm especially excited for Ben's book (title to come) first full novel . We did get a small introduction to him in the Nolan U Hockey series, so I'm looking forward to getting to know him better.
As I continue reading Nolan U Football, I'm interested to see whether some of these characters make appearances there as well. I'm particularly looking forward to learning more about Mac. He reminds me of Asher, who ended up being one of my favourite characters from Nolan U Hockey, he did not start that way though, so I'm highly anticipating his story.
In all of the books I have read so far, there is a great sense of found family, and I am sure that this will continue with this series.
Overall, Meet the Boys was a great introduction to the Nolan U Basketball world, and I'm excited to see where this series goes next.
I would highly recommend giving this a go.
I discovered Katy Archer this year, and I can honestly say I was incredibly excited to be chosen as a member of her ARC team. I started with Forbidden Freshman and then made my way through the rest of the Nolan U Hockey series. I'm currently working my way through Nolan U Football, and so far I've thoroughly enjoyed every book I've read. Needless to say, I was thrilled to receive an ARC of Meet the Boys. Thank you to Katy and her team for giving me the opportunity to read and review it.
All opinions are my own!
Meet the Boys is a novella and serves as the prequel to the upcoming Nolan U Basketball series. I always enjoy books like this that introduce the characters before the series branches off into full-length novels focused on each individual character.
I loved getting a glimpse into all of the main characters before their stories begin. Having so many POVs in one novella made for a fun and engaging read, and it was interesting getting those early insights into each of them.
After finishing this novella, I've already picked out a few characters whose books I can't wait to read, so it will be interesting to see if my favourites stay the same as the series progresses. At this stage, I'm especially excited for Ben's book (title to come) first full novel . We did get a small introduction to him in the Nolan U Hockey series, so I'm looking forward to getting to know him better.
As I continue reading Nolan U Football, I'm interested to see whether some of these characters make appearances there as well. I'm particularly looking forward to learning more about Mac. He reminds me of Asher, who ended up being one of my favourite characters from Nolan U Hockey, he did not start that way though, so I'm highly anticipating his story.
In all of the books I have read so far, there is a great sense of found family, and I am sure that this will continue with this series.
Overall, Meet the Boys was a great introduction to the Nolan U Basketball world, and I'm excited to see where this series goes next.
I would highly recommend giving this a go.
I discovered Katy Archer this year, and I can honestly say I was incredibly excited to be chosen as a member of her ARC team. I started with Forbidden Freshman and then made my way through the rest of the Nolan U Hockey series. I'm currently working my way through Nolan U Football, and so far I've thoroughly enjoyed every book I've read. Needless to say, I was thrilled to receive an ARC of Meet the Boys. Thank you to Katy and her team for giving me the opportunity to read and review it.
All opinions are my own!
Read
June 26, 2026The Nolan U Basketball series just got a whole lot more interesting in this sneak peek into Basketball Base. The characters are a fresh take on cocky school jocks, since they are the worst team on campus. Charlie and Darian are siblings, she's one of the guys, while Dee is a pretty boy obsessed with his looks. Sawyer is their best friend/neighbor/brother tragic past but big heart. Mac, the reckless, bad boy rich kid who is so much more than what he lets people see. Ben (yes, Caroline's Ben) the one who falls in love too fast and keeps getting his heart shattered. Jimmy, the sweetheart who works way too hard to please everyone but never himself. Their weekend getaway brings them closer as they start a new year in a new house as roommates. But if this is a glimpse into what's to come, it's going to be good!
June 19, 2026
This novella is so fun. I love getting to see the personalities and some background of the characters for the basketball series. I cannot wait for this series these books are going to be so good I already know!
Read
July 18, 2026'Meet the boys' gives us a chance to get to know everyone before their separate stories come in the Nolan U basketball series.
This was a fun and engaging read, I really enjoyed seeing the characters in the art work too. A diverse group of students who will soon be sharing a house off campus.
Siblings Darian and Charli lead the way with their friends and his team mates.
They decide to have a weekend of fun and partying to get to know the group before deciding which 4 could share their house. It looks like it will be an interesting few years for this group who all have different personalities.
I'm looking forward to the next book already.
This was a fun and engaging read, I really enjoyed seeing the characters in the art work too. A diverse group of students who will soon be sharing a house off campus.
Siblings Darian and Charli lead the way with their friends and his team mates.
They decide to have a weekend of fun and partying to get to know the group before deciding which 4 could share their house. It looks like it will be an interesting few years for this group who all have different personalities.
I'm looking forward to the next book already.
July 11, 2026
Meet the Boys Arc by Katy Archer🏀⭐️
I’m so glad to be back in the Nolan U world again! I have missed it so much. This book was a perfect start to the Nolan U Basketball series!
I loved meeting the characters and seeing them at the start of each chapter. Katy Archer kindly included images of the characters which really added to the imagery of the story.
The plot of this novella was so fun and entertaining, I couldn’t put it down! In the novella there was a huge lake house party and honestly you just had to be there!!!! So so good! I also love the found family trope of these books it’s so wholesome and the mention of the characters in the books prior is such a nice touch!
I love the way Katy Archer always gives us an introduction to her characters before kicking off the series, it adds so much depth and you can really see the character development throughout the series.
I can’t wait for the rest of this series! Meet the Boys comes out on the 21st of July and you don’t want to miss it🫶🏻 Be prepared to find a new favourite author😆
I’m so glad to be back in the Nolan U world again! I have missed it so much. This book was a perfect start to the Nolan U Basketball series!
I loved meeting the characters and seeing them at the start of each chapter. Katy Archer kindly included images of the characters which really added to the imagery of the story.
The plot of this novella was so fun and entertaining, I couldn’t put it down! In the novella there was a huge lake house party and honestly you just had to be there!!!! So so good! I also love the found family trope of these books it’s so wholesome and the mention of the characters in the books prior is such a nice touch!
I love the way Katy Archer always gives us an introduction to her characters before kicking off the series, it adds so much depth and you can really see the character development throughout the series.
I can’t wait for the rest of this series! Meet the Boys comes out on the 21st of July and you don’t want to miss it🫶🏻 Be prepared to find a new favourite author😆
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars!!
First of all, thank you so much to Katy Archer for providing the ARC of her first book in the Nolan U Basketball Series!! This is my first time as part of her review team, and having read all her other books in the Nolan U world, let me tell you, I think I might be most excited for this one! But...it could be that I'm just excited for this new opportunity.
At any rate.
Basketball Base....
HERE. WE. COME!!!
As I read Archer's set up of each character, I could not decide which book I was most excited for because every time I got a new POV--and readers...you get ALL of them--I thought, Well THIS one is my favorite!
I mean, you have Charli-a goddess among men (okay, maybe ‘men’ is overstating since they are still growing)
Then, her brother Darian who has developed a recent crush on someone unexpected, and that crush has unexpected consequences…
Then, you have Darian and Charli’s best buddy, Sawyer–the prankster!
Then, you have Ben who is discovering that nice guys finish last–not for long Benny–your book is up first!!
Then…Jimmy–poor, sweet, heroic, kind, genuine Jimmy. I’m already rooting hard for this guy!
Then….
Then…
Then…
There is Mac who I was reminded of on my reread of The Illicit Play. And of course, this is my most anticipated in the series as I’m guessing it might be for many. There is a huge onion waiting to be peeled back with our man Finn.
Needless to say, I’m highly recommending you begin this series! I also highly suggest starting with Hockey House V-Card which begins the Nolan U universe!
Looking forward to Book 1 of the series.
First of all, thank you so much to Katy Archer for providing the ARC of her first book in the Nolan U Basketball Series!! This is my first time as part of her review team, and having read all her other books in the Nolan U world, let me tell you, I think I might be most excited for this one! But...it could be that I'm just excited for this new opportunity.
At any rate.
Basketball Base....
HERE. WE. COME!!!
As I read Archer's set up of each character, I could not decide which book I was most excited for because every time I got a new POV--and readers...you get ALL of them--I thought, Well THIS one is my favorite!
I mean, you have Charli-a goddess among men (okay, maybe ‘men’ is overstating since they are still growing)
Then, her brother Darian who has developed a recent crush on someone unexpected, and that crush has unexpected consequences…
Then, you have Darian and Charli’s best buddy, Sawyer–the prankster!
Then, you have Ben who is discovering that nice guys finish last–not for long Benny–your book is up first!!
Then…Jimmy–poor, sweet, heroic, kind, genuine Jimmy. I’m already rooting hard for this guy!
Then….
Then…
Then…
There is Mac who I was reminded of on my reread of The Illicit Play. And of course, this is my most anticipated in the series as I’m guessing it might be for many. There is a huge onion waiting to be peeled back with our man Finn.
Needless to say, I’m highly recommending you begin this series! I also highly suggest starting with Hockey House V-Card which begins the Nolan U universe!
Looking forward to Book 1 of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet the Boys is the perfect explosive start to the Nolan U Basketball series! The premise completely hooked me: Charli and Darian evaluating potential housemates at a hidden-agenda lake house weekend.
It was the ultimate setup for intense tension and forced proximity.The dynamic of this ensemble cast is completely unmatched, and getting to know all five of these basketball boys was a wild ride:
Sawyer & Charli: I loved watching Sawyer do domestic "boyfriend things" for Charli while they both remained completely oblivious. They are the ultimate "two idiots in love" trope.
Darian: His fiery sparring matches kept me turning pages. Watching his tactical mastermind persona completely derail over a pair of tweezers at the lake house was pure comedic gold.
Mac: He brings the ultimate bad boy persona to the group. He acts like a total brick wall who is aggressively allergic to feelings, but i believe watching his heart actively betray his tough exterior will be a absolutely delicious angst.
Jimmy: The quiet, reliable dark horse who completely steals the show the second he decides to taste a little rebellion.
Ben: My absolute favorite big-hearted golden boy. He wears his heart entirely on his sleeve, which makes it absolutely devastating when he ends up getting completely heartbroken all over again amidst the chaos. You will just want to wrap him in a blanket and protect him.
MEET THE BOYS balances heat, humor, and emotional depth effortlessly. If you love sports romance, banter, high-stakes emotional tension, and found-family vibes, clear your schedule for this one!
It was the ultimate setup for intense tension and forced proximity.The dynamic of this ensemble cast is completely unmatched, and getting to know all five of these basketball boys was a wild ride:
Sawyer & Charli: I loved watching Sawyer do domestic "boyfriend things" for Charli while they both remained completely oblivious. They are the ultimate "two idiots in love" trope.
Darian: His fiery sparring matches kept me turning pages. Watching his tactical mastermind persona completely derail over a pair of tweezers at the lake house was pure comedic gold.
Mac: He brings the ultimate bad boy persona to the group. He acts like a total brick wall who is aggressively allergic to feelings, but i believe watching his heart actively betray his tough exterior will be a absolutely delicious angst.
Jimmy: The quiet, reliable dark horse who completely steals the show the second he decides to taste a little rebellion.
Ben: My absolute favorite big-hearted golden boy. He wears his heart entirely on his sleeve, which makes it absolutely devastating when he ends up getting completely heartbroken all over again amidst the chaos. You will just want to wrap him in a blanket and protect him.
MEET THE BOYS balances heat, humor, and emotional depth effortlessly. If you love sports romance, banter, high-stakes emotional tension, and found-family vibes, clear your schedule for this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I for one loved meeting the boys of Nolan U Basketball.
I enjoyed the premise of this book. Charli and Darian, a brother and sister, have learned that a large house is available to rent and concoct a devious plan to decide who they will invite to be roommates. All are on the Nolan U basketball team, of course, and their scheme to choose roommates does, and does not, go exactly as they planned. Obviously, I can't go into a lot of details about these characters yet, but I am already looking forward to getting to each of them better. They are all very realistic and compelling though, and of course the angst and drama make for a fun, sometimes funny read. A must-read college sports romance that I highly recommend to other readers whether or not they are a sports fan.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
I enjoyed the premise of this book. Charli and Darian, a brother and sister, have learned that a large house is available to rent and concoct a devious plan to decide who they will invite to be roommates. All are on the Nolan U basketball team, of course, and their scheme to choose roommates does, and does not, go exactly as they planned. Obviously, I can't go into a lot of details about these characters yet, but I am already looking forward to getting to each of them better. They are all very realistic and compelling though, and of course the angst and drama make for a fun, sometimes funny read. A must-read college sports romance that I highly recommend to other readers whether or not they are a sports fan.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Every trip back to Nolan U feels like coming home.
After loving Katy Archer’s hockey and football series, I couldn’t wait to finally get to know the basketball team. While we’d met a few of these characters before, this prequel was such a fun introduction and left me excited to learn more about every single one of them.
Sawyer and Charli were immediate favorites, and their dynamic immediately had me hooked. Jimmy also really caught my attention, but honestly, I can’t wait for everyone’s book.
This prequel did exactly what it was supposed to do: it made me excited for every single book in the series. Thank you to Katy Archer for the opportunity to read an ARC of Meet the Boys!
After loving Katy Archer’s hockey and football series, I couldn’t wait to finally get to know the basketball team. While we’d met a few of these characters before, this prequel was such a fun introduction and left me excited to learn more about every single one of them.
Sawyer and Charli were immediate favorites, and their dynamic immediately had me hooked. Jimmy also really caught my attention, but honestly, I can’t wait for everyone’s book.
This prequel did exactly what it was supposed to do: it made me excited for every single book in the series. Thank you to Katy Archer for the opportunity to read an ARC of Meet the Boys!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ever had a really great appetizer that just makes you hungrier for the main course? Well, this book is that appetizer in print! It serves as a prequel to the upcoming Nolan U basketball series and introduces us to the various characters that will star in future books.
I’m sure the author will throw in some curve balls, but it was fun to read the story and guess which couples will end up together. Since it’s told in multiple point of views (one for each future main character,) we’re able to get to know them quickly. I’m already invested and know I’ll be rooting for each of them to find love.
Basically, I can't wait for the rest of the series!
I’m sure the author will throw in some curve balls, but it was fun to read the story and guess which couples will end up together. Since it’s told in multiple point of views (one for each future main character,) we’re able to get to know them quickly. I’m already invested and know I’ll be rooting for each of them to find love.
Basically, I can't wait for the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet the Boys was the perfect mix of humor, friendship, romance, and chaos! The weekend setup made for nonstop entertaining moments, and I loved getting to know each character as their personalities and relationships unfolded. Katy Archer does a wonderful job balancing multiple storylines while giving each one its own charm and emotional depth. It’s a fun, feel-good read that left me excited to see where these romances go next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet the Boys is a peek into the next Nolan U series revolving around the basketball team. Characters mentioned from previous Nolan U series are getting their stories told, and oh the dynamics of their relationships are going to be good!
I loved this tip off and can’t wait to see the developments within the Basketball Base!
I loved this tip off and can’t wait to see the developments within the Basketball Base!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Back to U Nolan university and this time with the basketball team. Meet Darían, Sawyer, Mac, Jimmy, Ben and Darian’s sister, Charli and how they come to together in a big house off campus. An interesting mix of people and looking forward to their loves and lives’s stories. Go Cougars!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it! I have been anxiously awaiting this series, and this prequel just made it even more so. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in this series so that I can get to know these characters better!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet the boys was so good. It brings all of the characters to life and get us anticipating each of the boys stories. This book shares with us how they came to live together and become friends. Katy knows how to write a story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved getting to know the boys of basketball in this prequel novel. We got to meet Ben, Jimmy, Mac, Sawyer, Darian, and then Darians sister Charli. There were other side characters like Adonis and Nix also that seemed intriguing. I look forward to the first book in the series that starts with Ben. I think I am most looking forward to Jimmys book because he’s so layered and complicated. I really enjoyed his parts of this one. I’m so ready to be back at Nolan U and hope for some cameos of our favorites from hockey and football.
Something really funny happens in the prequel I won’t spoil but it started a war that I can’t wait to see where that goes. This was light, fun, and gave just enough information on each character to kind of have a feel for what to expect.
Something really funny happens in the prequel I won’t spoil but it started a war that I can’t wait to see where that goes. This was light, fun, and gave just enough information on each character to kind of have a feel for what to expect.
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