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Say You Believe Me
It was supposed to be a new start.
New town, new beginnings, and most importantly, a painful past left behind.
That’s all Liv wanted, but things are never so simple.
Three hockey players have her in their sights: Silas openly shows his interest, Archer is quiet, controlled, and with secrets of his own, and Rafe thinks being hostile is the best way to deal with his new obsession.
It’s only a matter of time before the tension becomes too much, and Liv falls for all three. But not everyone is happy with her new relationships, and wanting the wrong people in this town has consequences. Rumors spread, her past is discovered, and Liv faces betrayal by the people she trusted the most while trying to protect herself.
When everything falls apart and no one wants to see the truth, Liv is left with one question: Who will believe her?
New town, new beginnings, and most importantly, a painful past left behind.
That’s all Liv wanted, but things are never so simple.
Three hockey players have her in their sights: Silas openly shows his interest, Archer is quiet, controlled, and with secrets of his own, and Rafe thinks being hostile is the best way to deal with his new obsession.
It’s only a matter of time before the tension becomes too much, and Liv falls for all three. But not everyone is happy with her new relationships, and wanting the wrong people in this town has consequences. Rumors spread, her past is discovered, and Liv faces betrayal by the people she trusted the most while trying to protect herself.
When everything falls apart and no one wants to see the truth, Liv is left with one question: Who will believe her?
- GenresSportsWhy Choose
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 8, 2026
ARC provided by the author
Say You Believe Me hooked me from the very first page! My favorite thing was getting to know the characters bit by bit; the story is built in a way that, even with the different POVs, there were always new layers to uncover — including about Liv, the "main" narrator. It felt like peeling back the layers of the person whose head you're actually in, and trust me, every character is hiding something interesting!
The book hits several points of the 'high school' and 'new girl' tropes, which I really liked. A very positive aspect is that the characters only begin their sexual relationships after reaching 18. Also, I loved how the title is mentioned; I’m not sure why, but I always love when that happens! It appeared right during that massive cliffhanger, and now I can’t wait to read book two.
Lastly, if I’m being honest, I missed a bit of the mystery teased in the synopsis. I felt like it didn't really kick in until the very end, and I was craving more of that 'money and legacy vs. the truth' vibe throughout the book. Regardless, I'll definitely be picking up the sequel because the ending left me dying to know what happens next, and I really liked Liv and the boys.
Say You Believe Me hooked me from the very first page! My favorite thing was getting to know the characters bit by bit; the story is built in a way that, even with the different POVs, there were always new layers to uncover — including about Liv, the "main" narrator. It felt like peeling back the layers of the person whose head you're actually in, and trust me, every character is hiding something interesting!
The book hits several points of the 'high school' and 'new girl' tropes, which I really liked. A very positive aspect is that the characters only begin their sexual relationships after reaching 18. Also, I loved how the title is mentioned; I’m not sure why, but I always love when that happens! It appeared right during that massive cliffhanger, and now I can’t wait to read book two.
Lastly, if I’m being honest, I missed a bit of the mystery teased in the synopsis. I felt like it didn't really kick in until the very end, and I was craving more of that 'money and legacy vs. the truth' vibe throughout the book. Regardless, I'll definitely be picking up the sequel because the ending left me dying to know what happens next, and I really liked Liv and the boys.
August 10, 2026
To start, this is a slow burn. If you're looking for hot and heavy, quick fast and in a hurry, this isn't it.
The spice is good when it hits, but it's NOT a spicy book, IMO.
The friendship between Liv and Morella is Fast, Strong, and unshakeable - and I love that for her. TOO MANY books have an FMC whose entire world is the MMC/'s, and there is no strong female supporting character, only the jealous villain.
The characters grow and evolve over time, and I appreciate that the author did that so well.
I would read it again, and I liked it enough to read book 2.
That said, here are a few things that frustrated me:
The timelines aren't super well stated. You can get lost in how much time has gone by.
With the multiple POV you get to know a bit about the different MC, BUT I feel like we don't know enough about Rafe and Morella. We never really know why their parents aren't around often, we don't get a lot of back story, but somehow (in book 2) they see all the kids as their own. It's sweet, but we needed more.
The author also alludes to a "dark past" for Rafe, but we never hear why. He pissed me off for most of the story. He needed to just gtfoh, because he had no actual reason to dislike her.
He has sex with Maddison, but then the next day-ish the 4 spend a whole weekend together having sex?
Finding out Archer was adopted and has never told ANYONE, and no one guessed, was a shock. He lives with his grandma... grandmas don't typically raise grandkids without a reason.
The Evan situation irritated me because if Liv's parents were willing to let him move in at 18 when he came to them, why didn't they just bring him with to begin with? Why leave a minor homeless?
All told the plot concept and story were good, I just wish the timing and background has more depth.
The spice is good when it hits, but it's NOT a spicy book, IMO.
The friendship between Liv and Morella is Fast, Strong, and unshakeable - and I love that for her. TOO MANY books have an FMC whose entire world is the MMC/'s, and there is no strong female supporting character, only the jealous villain.
The characters grow and evolve over time, and I appreciate that the author did that so well.
I would read it again, and I liked it enough to read book 2.
That said, here are a few things that frustrated me:
The timelines aren't super well stated. You can get lost in how much time has gone by.
With the multiple POV you get to know a bit about the different MC, BUT I feel like we don't know enough about Rafe and Morella. We never really know why their parents aren't around often, we don't get a lot of back story, but somehow (in book 2) they see all the kids as their own. It's sweet, but we needed more.
The author also alludes to a "dark past" for Rafe, but we never hear why. He pissed me off for most of the story. He needed to just gtfoh, because he had no actual reason to dislike her.
He has sex with Maddison, but then the next day-ish the 4 spend a whole weekend together having sex?
Finding out Archer was adopted and has never told ANYONE, and no one guessed, was a shock. He lives with his grandma... grandmas don't typically raise grandkids without a reason.
The Evan situation irritated me because if Liv's parents were willing to let him move in at 18 when he came to them, why didn't they just bring him with to begin with? Why leave a minor homeless?
All told the plot concept and story were good, I just wish the timing and background has more depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an ARC copy from the author
I loved this book! A nice high-school romance, when the new girl Olivia moves to Haverhill, massechusetts from california. She moved for her family to open a new medical centre and opposite was an ice rink. She loved this in California so went to skate and knocked over Morrella on the ice accidentally. Her brother and two friends who play ice hockey see this and go to Morellas defense causing them to not like Olivia from the start. A blooming relationship for Olivia and Morella makes the boys have to be in close proximity to olivia causing them to see her personality and begin to like her eve though they don't want to, especially Rafe.
I enjoyed how everything bloomed and wondering who gets the girl in the end. All of them have secrets that start to come out throughout the book and you fall in love with them all. Something then happens making you question things you thought and the book ends! I cannot wait to read the second to find out how things go!
I loved the multiple POV's! Some chapters are the same scene but from POV's which i loved to see how each character felt in that scene and made you fall in love with them all more.
I loved this book! A nice high-school romance, when the new girl Olivia moves to Haverhill, massechusetts from california. She moved for her family to open a new medical centre and opposite was an ice rink. She loved this in California so went to skate and knocked over Morrella on the ice accidentally. Her brother and two friends who play ice hockey see this and go to Morellas defense causing them to not like Olivia from the start. A blooming relationship for Olivia and Morella makes the boys have to be in close proximity to olivia causing them to see her personality and begin to like her eve though they don't want to, especially Rafe.
I enjoyed how everything bloomed and wondering who gets the girl in the end. All of them have secrets that start to come out throughout the book and you fall in love with them all. Something then happens making you question things you thought and the book ends! I cannot wait to read the second to find out how things go!
I loved the multiple POV's! Some chapters are the same scene but from POV's which i loved to see how each character felt in that scene and made you fall in love with them all more.
May 10, 2026
Thank you to the author, C.K. Kruse, for the free ARC.
I enjoyed this dark romance! It’s different from what I usually read, with tropes that I wouldn’t normally seek out, and I’m glad I gave the story a chance. It really hooked me and I finished the book in two days!
The relationships between the characters all felt believable, especially with how they developed over the course of the book. All of the main characters were well-written, especially the three love interests. Rafe, Silas, and Archer each had their own distinctive quirks and personalities that made them feel like real people.
I also liked the short chapters. They kept the story moving quickly and provided easy stopping points, although it was difficult to put the book down! The different POVs also kept me engaged. There was more spice than I normally enjoy, but it was written well.
The ending did feel rushed and a little abrupt with the cliffhanger. However, the last few chapters made me so excited for book two.
I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds and how the characters’ relationships develop in the next book!
I enjoyed this dark romance! It’s different from what I usually read, with tropes that I wouldn’t normally seek out, and I’m glad I gave the story a chance. It really hooked me and I finished the book in two days!
The relationships between the characters all felt believable, especially with how they developed over the course of the book. All of the main characters were well-written, especially the three love interests. Rafe, Silas, and Archer each had their own distinctive quirks and personalities that made them feel like real people.
I also liked the short chapters. They kept the story moving quickly and provided easy stopping points, although it was difficult to put the book down! The different POVs also kept me engaged. There was more spice than I normally enjoy, but it was written well.
The ending did feel rushed and a little abrupt with the cliffhanger. However, the last few chapters made me so excited for book two.
I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds and how the characters’ relationships develop in the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy from the author
This book was refreshing from your typical boy meets girl. Olivia has an accidental run in on the ice with Morella and immediately her brother and friends dislike her. But as friendships bloom feels start to emerge and who will win Olivia’s heart? You’ll have to keep reading to find out! I loved the multiple POV chapters which meant you got a better sense of each characters perceptions and feelings!! I really became attached to these characters and can’t wait to see where future books will take them!!
If you love romance in general or specifically sports romances then this book is for you!
This book was refreshing from your typical boy meets girl. Olivia has an accidental run in on the ice with Morella and immediately her brother and friends dislike her. But as friendships bloom feels start to emerge and who will win Olivia’s heart? You’ll have to keep reading to find out! I loved the multiple POV chapters which meant you got a better sense of each characters perceptions and feelings!! I really became attached to these characters and can’t wait to see where future books will take them!!
If you love romance in general or specifically sports romances then this book is for you!
May 14, 2026
Review of Advanced readers copy by C.K.Kruse
Say You Believe Me by C.K Kruse is a story that feels like like you're teleported inside the book itself and feeling every emotion like no other. All the characters are relatable and you can definitely feel how the story unravels itself in front of your eyes.
The story is fast paced yet the romance is slow-burn, which is a bonus. Apart from the MCs, the side-characters are definitely necessary in this story as they play a vital role. And trust me once you get into the end of the book you will want to know more about the characters, yes you got me right, it ends in a cliffhanger.
Say You Believe Me by C.K Kruse is a story that feels like like you're teleported inside the book itself and feeling every emotion like no other. All the characters are relatable and you can definitely feel how the story unravels itself in front of your eyes.
The story is fast paced yet the romance is slow-burn, which is a bonus. Apart from the MCs, the side-characters are definitely necessary in this story as they play a vital role. And trust me once you get into the end of the book you will want to know more about the characters, yes you got me right, it ends in a cliffhanger.
June 7, 2026
So many red flags I can't keep count! The whole bully romance is a hard one to get right and unfortunately this one didn't work. I'm not really a big fan of MC's that treat the female protaganist like shit for absolutely no reason, and when you pair that with calling her a whore, tripping her/pushing her/leaving bruises in a non consensual way and making comments about her weight? Yeah i'm fucking done. I stopped reading about halfway because all that aside, it was actually really boring.
Don't have a 500 page why choose if you're not going to develop a relationship with at least one of the love interests by the halfway mark 🙄 I'm going back to cosy queer romance.
Don't have a 500 page why choose if you're not going to develop a relationship with at least one of the love interests by the halfway mark 🙄 I'm going back to cosy queer romance.
May 12, 2026
Thank you to the author for my ARC copy! I love dark romance, & while I’m typically drawn to MM/MM+ romance I enjoyed this book!
The set up & details in the first half of the book were well written & I was able to lose myself in the world that the author built. The spice was spicy, the characters had depth (loved the multiple POVs), & I was invested in the story.
I rated this 4 stars because I was looking forward to the mystery plot, which was hinted at throughout the book but didn’t really hit until close to the end. That said, I will definitely be reading book 2!
The set up & details in the first half of the book were well written & I was able to lose myself in the world that the author built. The spice was spicy, the characters had depth (loved the multiple POVs), & I was invested in the story.
I rated this 4 stars because I was looking forward to the mystery plot, which was hinted at throughout the book but didn’t really hit until close to the end. That said, I will definitely be reading book 2!
May 16, 2026
highly recommend, must read!!
I stayed up until 3 a.m. finishing Say You Believe Me, and I have zero regrets. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the ups and downs, the will they/won’t they moments. The plot twists just kept coming to the very last page. Each new revelation forcing me to read more. The raw emotion this book made me feel, had me in my feels, and thinking about my own life. What it means to start over and make your own family. Cannot wait for book 2, it can’t come fast enough.
Highly, highly recommended. Just make sure you have a clear schedule.
I stayed up until 3 a.m. finishing Say You Believe Me, and I have zero regrets. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the ups and downs, the will they/won’t they moments. The plot twists just kept coming to the very last page. Each new revelation forcing me to read more. The raw emotion this book made me feel, had me in my feels, and thinking about my own life. What it means to start over and make your own family. Cannot wait for book 2, it can’t come fast enough.
Highly, highly recommended. Just make sure you have a clear schedule.
June 15, 2026
Bully Why-Choose Hockey Romance
I'm always a sucker for a why-choose romance, especially when it has darker notes like mental health struggles and bullies. I finished this in a day because I couldn't put it down. I thought it was going to be your run-of-the-mill intermediate-burn romance, but the last 2 chapters honestly threw me for a loop and now I'm kindof confused? There weren't hints of a deeper plot until the ending and now I'm curious to see what book 2 brings.
I'm always a sucker for a why-choose romance, especially when it has darker notes like mental health struggles and bullies. I finished this in a day because I couldn't put it down. I thought it was going to be your run-of-the-mill intermediate-burn romance, but the last 2 chapters honestly threw me for a loop and now I'm kindof confused? There weren't hints of a deeper plot until the ending and now I'm curious to see what book 2 brings.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is not my typical genre but I loved this book! It got my attention pretty quick and held it.
Definitely has some spice and kept me up late reading, not able to put it down!
I can’t wait to read book 2!!
Definitely has some spice and kept me up late reading, not able to put it down!
I can’t wait to read book 2!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews