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Thorndale Hearts #1
Next Play
One broken camera. One billionaire playboy. One football season that breaks every rule they have about falling in love.
Skylar Hartley hasn't needed anyone since a fire took her family when she was twelve. Seven years later, she's surviving on a scholarship, four jobs, five hours of sleep, and the stubborn belief that self-reliance is the only thing keeping her alive. She didn't come to Thorndale College to fall for anyone. She came to finish what her sister never got the chance to start.
Charlie Carnell has two lives. The public one belongs to his billionaire father: the golden-boy quarterback, the camera-ready grin, the son who has never once chosen something for himself. The private one lives in the stories he writes at three in the morning on his phone, a secret he has never told a single soul. Graduation is closing in, and with it, his last few ounces of freedom are slipping away.
When a blackmail scheme forces the freshman and the quarterback into a PR partnership for the football program, every event pulls them closer to the one thing neither can afford. She thinks his money makes him careless. He thinks wanting her makes him dangerous.
But Skylar's camera keeps finding the version of Charlie nobody else bothers to look for. And Charlie keeps showing up in all the places she swore she didn't need anyone. The closer they get, the more it costs, because the same wounds that draw them together are the ones that could shatter them both. And this football season is about to ruin everything.
Next Play is a steamy, slow burn New Adult college football romance with a cinnamon roll billionaire hero, a fiercely independent scholarship heroine, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Book One in the Thorndale Hearts Series.
Perfect for readers who love Kandi Steiner’s emotional sports romance, Abby Jimenez’s heart-and-humor balance, and Emily Henry-style banter with big feelings.
Skylar Hartley hasn't needed anyone since a fire took her family when she was twelve. Seven years later, she's surviving on a scholarship, four jobs, five hours of sleep, and the stubborn belief that self-reliance is the only thing keeping her alive. She didn't come to Thorndale College to fall for anyone. She came to finish what her sister never got the chance to start.
Charlie Carnell has two lives. The public one belongs to his billionaire father: the golden-boy quarterback, the camera-ready grin, the son who has never once chosen something for himself. The private one lives in the stories he writes at three in the morning on his phone, a secret he has never told a single soul. Graduation is closing in, and with it, his last few ounces of freedom are slipping away.
When a blackmail scheme forces the freshman and the quarterback into a PR partnership for the football program, every event pulls them closer to the one thing neither can afford. She thinks his money makes him careless. He thinks wanting her makes him dangerous.
But Skylar's camera keeps finding the version of Charlie nobody else bothers to look for. And Charlie keeps showing up in all the places she swore she didn't need anyone. The closer they get, the more it costs, because the same wounds that draw them together are the ones that could shatter them both. And this football season is about to ruin everything.
Next Play is a steamy, slow burn New Adult college football romance with a cinnamon roll billionaire hero, a fiercely independent scholarship heroine, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Book One in the Thorndale Hearts Series.
Perfect for readers who love Kandi Steiner’s emotional sports romance, Abby Jimenez’s heart-and-humor balance, and Emily Henry-style banter with big feelings.
- GenresRomance
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2026
About the author
D.L. Croisette
13 books147 followersDL Croisette is a storyteller. The characters in her head demanded their tales to be told. Not one to back down from a challenge, she now spins them into romantic adventures full of drama, emotions, and courageous characters who rediscover their strengths. Collector of international friends, avid traveller and always up for a new experience, she snaps photos to remember each escapade, and peppers the best into her stories. She’s probably at an outdoor café right now, dreaming up a bold new heroine to stir up trouble. (Fun!)
Stay in touch with her on Instagram and Facebook at @dlcroisette or sign up for her newsletter over at dlcroisette.com.
Stay in touch with her on Instagram and Facebook at @dlcroisette or sign up for her newsletter over at dlcroisette.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 23, 2026
“Next Play” by D.L. Croisette
📘 Format: Digital Book
📚 Pub Date: 06.24.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
“Next Play” by D.L. Croisette is the first book in the Thorndale Hearts series but can be read as a stand alone.
“Next Play” is a thoughtful romance novel of substance that tackles identity, fate and explores how to have the courage to chase your dreams, in spite of what life throws at you.
Charlie is the son of a Billionaire who also happens to be the Golden Boy Football Quarterback. He’s been raised with privilege, which he acknowledges, but he isn’t entitled. In fact, he mostly feels trapped and controlled.
Skylar is working 4 jobs, and attending University on a Scholarship. She’s worked hard for everything that she’s ever had, and her life has been a struggle since childhood which causes her to resent people with wealth.
They live in two entirely different worlds, and by fate their paths cross. And keep crossing. After Skylar initially dislikes Charlie, their forced proximity proves that their chemistry is undeniable. Even though they truly notice and appreciate each other, they have to decide if their lives are simply too different for them to be more than friends.
I can’t tell you how much I loved this book. It was so interesting to read from the dual points of view, and the storyline was much deeper than most romance novels.
I enjoyed reading about the personal growth that each Charlie & Skylar experienced over the course of the novel. By the end of the novel I felt so proud of them. I highly recommend “Next Play”.
I’m so invested in the Thorndale Hearts Series since reading about Charlie & Skylar, and I truly can’t wait for the second book in this series, “Second Option”. In “Next Play” we were introduced to the characters (Grant & Poppy) that will be highlighted in “Second Option”.
Thank you to D.L. Croisette & BookFunnel for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.
#NextPlay
#D.L.Croisette
#BookFunnel
📘 Format: Digital Book
📚 Pub Date: 06.24.26
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
“Next Play” by D.L. Croisette is the first book in the Thorndale Hearts series but can be read as a stand alone.
“Next Play” is a thoughtful romance novel of substance that tackles identity, fate and explores how to have the courage to chase your dreams, in spite of what life throws at you.
Charlie is the son of a Billionaire who also happens to be the Golden Boy Football Quarterback. He’s been raised with privilege, which he acknowledges, but he isn’t entitled. In fact, he mostly feels trapped and controlled.
Skylar is working 4 jobs, and attending University on a Scholarship. She’s worked hard for everything that she’s ever had, and her life has been a struggle since childhood which causes her to resent people with wealth.
They live in two entirely different worlds, and by fate their paths cross. And keep crossing. After Skylar initially dislikes Charlie, their forced proximity proves that their chemistry is undeniable. Even though they truly notice and appreciate each other, they have to decide if their lives are simply too different for them to be more than friends.
I can’t tell you how much I loved this book. It was so interesting to read from the dual points of view, and the storyline was much deeper than most romance novels.
I enjoyed reading about the personal growth that each Charlie & Skylar experienced over the course of the novel. By the end of the novel I felt so proud of them. I highly recommend “Next Play”.
I’m so invested in the Thorndale Hearts Series since reading about Charlie & Skylar, and I truly can’t wait for the second book in this series, “Second Option”. In “Next Play” we were introduced to the characters (Grant & Poppy) that will be highlighted in “Second Option”.
Thank you to D.L. Croisette & BookFunnel for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.
#NextPlay
#D.L.Croisette
#BookFunnel
June 17, 2026
This book was provided by the author as an ARC in return for an honest review
This book made me tear up at one point and I never expected to.
If you think Skylar is done losing people and the world shitting on her entire existence when you meet her? Think again… this girl goes through it. She’s always there for people to whilst going through this turmoil. Case in point she fills in for her best friend Poppy for an athletics photoshoot & it all begins! The drama the angst. The all consuming Brennan Carnell being an all out prick 😤🤬 you will hate him, and I will say there’s nothing redeemable about him.
Skylar believes everything she needs or wants has to come from her, so when drama ensues and something happens to her camera (which gets replaced) she refuses to use the replacement. Same goes for the laptop. The girl is steadfastly independent and I can get on board with that because I’m like that. There’s a lot of qualities that Skylar has that I seen in myself which is probably why she resonated with me.
This book gave me off campus vibes with the camaraderie between the football team and the girls (Skylar & Poppy). The team eating at the diner, the last scene with the photo. It all made my heart long for off campus more, but did patch a hole like a massive pot hole 🕳️🥹
I think I’ll read book two as I want to know what happens with Grant because as a side character he became very prominent in the life of Charlie. He seemed very intuitive about his best friends emotions and I can see the John Logan in him 💖
This book has so much heart you will be glad you read it. Read it! 🫶🏼
4/5 🌟
This book made me tear up at one point and I never expected to.
If you think Skylar is done losing people and the world shitting on her entire existence when you meet her? Think again… this girl goes through it. She’s always there for people to whilst going through this turmoil. Case in point she fills in for her best friend Poppy for an athletics photoshoot & it all begins! The drama the angst. The all consuming Brennan Carnell being an all out prick 😤🤬 you will hate him, and I will say there’s nothing redeemable about him.
Skylar believes everything she needs or wants has to come from her, so when drama ensues and something happens to her camera (which gets replaced) she refuses to use the replacement. Same goes for the laptop. The girl is steadfastly independent and I can get on board with that because I’m like that. There’s a lot of qualities that Skylar has that I seen in myself which is probably why she resonated with me.
This book gave me off campus vibes with the camaraderie between the football team and the girls (Skylar & Poppy). The team eating at the diner, the last scene with the photo. It all made my heart long for off campus more, but did patch a hole like a massive pot hole 🕳️🥹
I think I’ll read book two as I want to know what happens with Grant because as a side character he became very prominent in the life of Charlie. He seemed very intuitive about his best friends emotions and I can see the John Logan in him 💖
This book has so much heart you will be glad you read it. Read it! 🫶🏼
4/5 🌟
June 23, 2026
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. I absolutely loved this cozy read!! Man i sure did want to jump in the book a few times to shake Skylar she was making me mad 🤣 and Charlie well you definitely can fall in love with him!! This was well written and can’t wait to see whats next!! Chefs kiss DL Croisette!!
“Next Play is a steamy, slow burn New Adult college football romance with a cinnamon roll billionaire hero, a fiercely independent scholarship heroine, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Book One in the Thorndale Hearts Series”
“Next Play is a steamy, slow burn New Adult college football romance with a cinnamon roll billionaire hero, a fiercely independent scholarship heroine, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Book One in the Thorndale Hearts Series”
June 22, 2026
This book was provided by the author as an ARC in return for an honest review.
Waitttt i actually really loved this !!
I feel like Skylar pissed me off at times but she’s so relatable and i could understand her struggles.
and Charlie omg he is so adorable and his growth is amazing, the way he finally stood up for himself. I love that understood and realized he needed help on his own, i’m so happy he can finally heal.
Their romance felt cozy, cute and real which is everything i was hoping for !
I felt like the writing was really good too, i totally reccomend it !
Waitttt i actually really loved this !!
I feel like Skylar pissed me off at times but she’s so relatable and i could understand her struggles.
and Charlie omg he is so adorable and his growth is amazing, the way he finally stood up for himself. I love that understood and realized he needed help on his own, i’m so happy he can finally heal.
Their romance felt cozy, cute and real which is everything i was hoping for !
I felt like the writing was really good too, i totally reccomend it !
June 27, 2026
The first book in Thorndale Hearts series and it very much does please! Cannot wait for more and it’s no secret that D.L.Croisette and her writing ,I adore. So inviting and quickly settling in, no matter the hour, and of course ,eager to devour..
The setting is Thorndale College it’s a new adult football story. Charlie’s not all beams especially with his father’s schemes. But the world according to Skylar…He has it all ,or so it seems ,a billionaire daddy. This has her in a paddy because she’s struggling on a scholarship and it’s really hard. She sees him as a wretch a bit of a card who needs taking down and no not on the pitch by a touchdown…
He just wants to play college football,but he’s got a cad of a dad has Charlie. Brennan Carnell the billionaire , has camera crews following him everywhere and he revels in it . Charlie? He’s thinking a mantra just to get through the encounter with pops. In through the mouth Next Play ,out through the mouth ,Next Play. This being just one of his props. “What’s with the cameras?” Says the golden boy quarterback “Can’t a father document his son’s senior year?” See what he has to put up with here? If only that was it. But of course there’s more-to it,there always is. As daddy dearest presents… a bright orange McLaren car! Orange ! Not exactly going to blend in now is he? Oh dear! me . This is what you get when your parent hasn’t a clue about raising a son ,except throwing his money as a publicity opportunity reason. A three hundred thousand dollar car advertisement for Carnell Automotive Group, driven around Thorndale’s campus by its most visible student….
Skylar Hartley is on her own and has been since pre teen since a fierce fire wiped out her family in one fell swoop. Has her sad and her shoulders all a droop. She is at Thorndale because she’s determined to finish what her sister didn’t get to start seven years past. This is what’s firing her devotion to set things in motion,bless your heart Skylar lass. Armed with her camera and some sass. She’s out to show she has class ,as she stands in for her mate Poppy on the investigative reporting .
Something occurs and her camera becomes broken so nearly does she . It gets replaced but she’s displaced and doesn’t want to use it as she hasn’t provided it herself. Fiercely independent she looks out for herself as well as others and it’s hard to let others in except for her bestie Poppy much to his chagrin.
He has a secret that he’s been keeping ,late at night when he should be sleeping. It’s nothing untoward ,just another side of his personality. The true Charlie has more layers than being one of the best football players.
It’s nice to see these characters develop and come into their own. Except for the one character who is a bit of a boor and there’s no way he is redeeming ,not even if he became poor. Brennan is a mean un. Charlie his lad was resentful of his dad and for good reasons.
The setting is Thorndale College it’s a new adult football story. Charlie’s not all beams especially with his father’s schemes. But the world according to Skylar…He has it all ,or so it seems ,a billionaire daddy. This has her in a paddy because she’s struggling on a scholarship and it’s really hard. She sees him as a wretch a bit of a card who needs taking down and no not on the pitch by a touchdown…
He just wants to play college football,but he’s got a cad of a dad has Charlie. Brennan Carnell the billionaire , has camera crews following him everywhere and he revels in it . Charlie? He’s thinking a mantra just to get through the encounter with pops. In through the mouth Next Play ,out through the mouth ,Next Play. This being just one of his props. “What’s with the cameras?” Says the golden boy quarterback “Can’t a father document his son’s senior year?” See what he has to put up with here? If only that was it. But of course there’s more-to it,there always is. As daddy dearest presents… a bright orange McLaren car! Orange ! Not exactly going to blend in now is he? Oh dear! me . This is what you get when your parent hasn’t a clue about raising a son ,except throwing his money as a publicity opportunity reason. A three hundred thousand dollar car advertisement for Carnell Automotive Group, driven around Thorndale’s campus by its most visible student….
Skylar Hartley is on her own and has been since pre teen since a fierce fire wiped out her family in one fell swoop. Has her sad and her shoulders all a droop. She is at Thorndale because she’s determined to finish what her sister didn’t get to start seven years past. This is what’s firing her devotion to set things in motion,bless your heart Skylar lass. Armed with her camera and some sass. She’s out to show she has class ,as she stands in for her mate Poppy on the investigative reporting .
Something occurs and her camera becomes broken so nearly does she . It gets replaced but she’s displaced and doesn’t want to use it as she hasn’t provided it herself. Fiercely independent she looks out for herself as well as others and it’s hard to let others in except for her bestie Poppy much to his chagrin.
He has a secret that he’s been keeping ,late at night when he should be sleeping. It’s nothing untoward ,just another side of his personality. The true Charlie has more layers than being one of the best football players.
It’s nice to see these characters develop and come into their own. Except for the one character who is a bit of a boor and there’s no way he is redeeming ,not even if he became poor. Brennan is a mean un. Charlie his lad was resentful of his dad and for good reasons.
June 25, 2026
Next Play is the first book in Croisette's new Thorndale Hearts series. This billionaire, sports romance features Skylar Hartley and Charles (Charlie) Carnell.
Skylar is a journalism student at Thorndale College. She lost her family in a tragic house fire at just 12 years old. She was raised by her grandparents. Skylar's mother was a photojournalist and she is determined to live a life that would make both her mother and her sister proud. It is through her roommate Poppy that Skylar meets Charlie.
Charlie is the star quarterback. Football has been his life since he was 8 years old and he leveraged his father's passion for the game to keep his parents from fighting. His parents have since divorced. His mother, Lyla, is a painter who lives in Italy with her sister. His father, Brennan, is the head of the Carnell Automotive Group. Appearance and name are everything to Brennan. Charlie has become a product for his father to advertise and promote. He play the game as a role, donning the uniform as a costume. He says the lines scripted for him, and wears the clothes and the face he is told to present. No one knows the real Charlie, the one hidden behind a locked screen on his phone where his beautiful writing lives within his Notes app.
Skylar first spots Charlie before ever meeting him. She witnesses an unguarded moment where he isn't performing. She snaps a photo, but the memory will remain with her forever. She is later introduced to Charlie by Poppy, a cheerleader. When a poor food choice leads to a bad bout of food poisoning, Poppy convinces Skylar to step in for her during a photoshoot, wearing her cheerleader uniform. That is the first time Charlie touched her.
As luck would have it, Skylar and Charlie end up being partnered in the same creative writing course. They have to share their writing with their partners and solicit their critique. This forced proximity leads to both revealing their hidden truths. The two grow closer, and eventually find love.
This story surprised me in the best of ways. I loved the author's writing style and found myself quickly captivated by these two flawed characters. They are so different - Skylar coming from a small town, working 4 jobs to make ends meet, and attending school on scholarship, while Charlie the son of a billionaire seemingly having everything handed to him on a silver platter - and yet they work together beautifully. I appreciated their struggles and their character growth. I also enjoyed their best friends. Both Grant and Poppy are amazing friends, present for Charlie and Skylar, respectively, and they speak the truth. They are supportive and encouraging and value them for who they are.
The next book planned is Second Option and looks to feature Poppy and Grant. I am already looking forward to it although it looks like I will have to wait until November. I'm certain it will be worth the wait!
Skylar is a journalism student at Thorndale College. She lost her family in a tragic house fire at just 12 years old. She was raised by her grandparents. Skylar's mother was a photojournalist and she is determined to live a life that would make both her mother and her sister proud. It is through her roommate Poppy that Skylar meets Charlie.
Charlie is the star quarterback. Football has been his life since he was 8 years old and he leveraged his father's passion for the game to keep his parents from fighting. His parents have since divorced. His mother, Lyla, is a painter who lives in Italy with her sister. His father, Brennan, is the head of the Carnell Automotive Group. Appearance and name are everything to Brennan. Charlie has become a product for his father to advertise and promote. He play the game as a role, donning the uniform as a costume. He says the lines scripted for him, and wears the clothes and the face he is told to present. No one knows the real Charlie, the one hidden behind a locked screen on his phone where his beautiful writing lives within his Notes app.
Skylar first spots Charlie before ever meeting him. She witnesses an unguarded moment where he isn't performing. She snaps a photo, but the memory will remain with her forever. She is later introduced to Charlie by Poppy, a cheerleader. When a poor food choice leads to a bad bout of food poisoning, Poppy convinces Skylar to step in for her during a photoshoot, wearing her cheerleader uniform. That is the first time Charlie touched her.
As luck would have it, Skylar and Charlie end up being partnered in the same creative writing course. They have to share their writing with their partners and solicit their critique. This forced proximity leads to both revealing their hidden truths. The two grow closer, and eventually find love.
This story surprised me in the best of ways. I loved the author's writing style and found myself quickly captivated by these two flawed characters. They are so different - Skylar coming from a small town, working 4 jobs to make ends meet, and attending school on scholarship, while Charlie the son of a billionaire seemingly having everything handed to him on a silver platter - and yet they work together beautifully. I appreciated their struggles and their character growth. I also enjoyed their best friends. Both Grant and Poppy are amazing friends, present for Charlie and Skylar, respectively, and they speak the truth. They are supportive and encouraging and value them for who they are.
The next book planned is Second Option and looks to feature Poppy and Grant. I am already looking forward to it although it looks like I will have to wait until November. I'm certain it will be worth the wait!
June 26, 2026
Next Play by D.L. Croisette
Skylar came from Ironwood and is on an academic scholarship for photojournalism. When she isn’t in school, she’s working one of her 4 jobs and is surviving on barely 5 hours of sleep. She’s driven to succeed and doesn’t want to let her grandparents down. They have been raising her for the last 7 years after a fire killed her parents and her sister, Kate. This scholarship was supposed to be Kate’s.
Skylar’s roommate, Poppy is a cheerleader- who happens to be dating the star quarterback, Charlie. Poppy ends up with food poisoning the day of a big photoshoot to promote Thorndale College’s athletics department and begs Skylar to fill in for her. Poppy agrees and ends up paired with Charlie. The photographer wants a star couple to focus on. There is a connection they can’t acknowledge since Charlie is dating Poppy.
After the photoshoot, Charlie takes the team and a few of the cheerleaders out for a few drinks. Charlie is the son of Thorndale’s automotive billionaire and covers the tab. During the night, an altercation happens with another patron where the backup quarterback shoved the patron who hit their head. Poppy rushed in to help-using her ER experience and she went with Charlie to the hospital. Charlie offered to cover the hospital bills plus provide money for pain and suffering to keep the story out of the news. This infuriated Skylar because he used his money to make the situation go away. This sparked memories of the rich landlord who refused to repair faulty wiring that caused the fire that killed her family and offered money after.
As luck would have it, Skylar and Charlie end up paired together for the semester in their creative writing course. They have to read and critique each other’s work and will get to see another side of each other. Between this plus the fact that the photoshoot went so well, Skylar and Charlie were requested to attend special events together and have some of their images used on the college’s website- they end up spending a lot of time together.
This emotional story was so hard to put down. D.L. has you feeling their grief, their struggles, their connection, their heartbreak and you will find yourself leaning in, laughing and even crying when life gets tough. It’s tough to see a happy ending for these two and you will want to keep reading to find out if it will happen.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Skylar came from Ironwood and is on an academic scholarship for photojournalism. When she isn’t in school, she’s working one of her 4 jobs and is surviving on barely 5 hours of sleep. She’s driven to succeed and doesn’t want to let her grandparents down. They have been raising her for the last 7 years after a fire killed her parents and her sister, Kate. This scholarship was supposed to be Kate’s.
Skylar’s roommate, Poppy is a cheerleader- who happens to be dating the star quarterback, Charlie. Poppy ends up with food poisoning the day of a big photoshoot to promote Thorndale College’s athletics department and begs Skylar to fill in for her. Poppy agrees and ends up paired with Charlie. The photographer wants a star couple to focus on. There is a connection they can’t acknowledge since Charlie is dating Poppy.
After the photoshoot, Charlie takes the team and a few of the cheerleaders out for a few drinks. Charlie is the son of Thorndale’s automotive billionaire and covers the tab. During the night, an altercation happens with another patron where the backup quarterback shoved the patron who hit their head. Poppy rushed in to help-using her ER experience and she went with Charlie to the hospital. Charlie offered to cover the hospital bills plus provide money for pain and suffering to keep the story out of the news. This infuriated Skylar because he used his money to make the situation go away. This sparked memories of the rich landlord who refused to repair faulty wiring that caused the fire that killed her family and offered money after.
As luck would have it, Skylar and Charlie end up paired together for the semester in their creative writing course. They have to read and critique each other’s work and will get to see another side of each other. Between this plus the fact that the photoshoot went so well, Skylar and Charlie were requested to attend special events together and have some of their images used on the college’s website- they end up spending a lot of time together.
This emotional story was so hard to put down. D.L. has you feeling their grief, their struggles, their connection, their heartbreak and you will find yourself leaning in, laughing and even crying when life gets tough. It’s tough to see a happy ending for these two and you will want to keep reading to find out if it will happen.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
June 27, 2026
3.75⭐️
I’m so torn on this because I genuinely think this could’ve been a much higher rating… but I need a minute.
Can someone please explain why we had to make Charlie Poppy’s ex? 😭 Like yes, I know Poppy gave them the all clear to date, but who willingly dates their best friend’s ex?? There was literally no reason for that plot point to exist. I get that Skylar filling in for Poppy at cheer is what brought them together, but Poppy and Charlie could’ve just been good friends. It would’ve changed absolutely nothing except stopping me from side-eyeing everyone from chapter one.
Knowing Skylar and Charlie were obviously endgame while he was still with Poppy immediately put me in a bad mood and made it so much harder for me to warm up to the characters.
Now… for the sake of being fair, I’m going to pretend that whole situation never happened because Skylar and Charlie actually suited each other really well. I loved that Skylar was one of the only people who truly understood Charlie, and I loved how he’d drop everything the second she needed him. Their connection felt natural, and they really did bring out the best in each other.
I will say that about 90% of the drama could’ve been avoided if these two knew how to communicate. 😭 But they’re college students, and Charlie has probably never seen what healthy communication looks like, so… I’ll let them off (just this once).
Overall, I did enjoy this, but I can’t ignore how much that Poppy storyline affected my reading experience.
I’m so torn on this because I genuinely think this could’ve been a much higher rating… but I need a minute.
Can someone please explain why we had to make Charlie Poppy’s ex? 😭 Like yes, I know Poppy gave them the all clear to date, but who willingly dates their best friend’s ex?? There was literally no reason for that plot point to exist. I get that Skylar filling in for Poppy at cheer is what brought them together, but Poppy and Charlie could’ve just been good friends. It would’ve changed absolutely nothing except stopping me from side-eyeing everyone from chapter one.
Knowing Skylar and Charlie were obviously endgame while he was still with Poppy immediately put me in a bad mood and made it so much harder for me to warm up to the characters.
Now… for the sake of being fair, I’m going to pretend that whole situation never happened because Skylar and Charlie actually suited each other really well. I loved that Skylar was one of the only people who truly understood Charlie, and I loved how he’d drop everything the second she needed him. Their connection felt natural, and they really did bring out the best in each other.
I will say that about 90% of the drama could’ve been avoided if these two knew how to communicate. 😭 But they’re college students, and Charlie has probably never seen what healthy communication looks like, so… I’ll let them off (just this once).
Overall, I did enjoy this, but I can’t ignore how much that Poppy storyline affected my reading experience.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This isn't your typical college sports romance. This one will grab you and make you feel all the emotions. Be ready for a FMC who has been through it, suspicious, full of expectations and insinuations. Be ready for MMC who isn't quite what he seems to be from the outside. And be ready for their (Her?) dislike to morph into something completely unexpected.
I have to say that at first I wasn't sure where this was going to go. I thought maybe it was going to turn into a yearning forbidden romance. Plot Twist. I am so here for this (and for all of the upcoming books in this series).
@dlcroisette did a magnificent job of taking something off the page and thrusting it into reality, making you feel all the feelings. One second you want to shake the MCs and the next second you are rooting so desperately hard for them. Being so engrossed in a book that you can actually feel the outcome? You got it right here. Give this one a read and see for yourself.
🏈 College Football
📸 Guarded Photojournalist FMC
💙 Quarterback with hidden soft-boy energy MMC
🔥 Forced Proximity
💕 He Falls First
✨ Big feelings, banter, tension, spice, and emotional payoff
💙 Dislike to Lovers
💕 Billionaire Heir
#sportsromance #collegesportsromance #forcedproximity #arcreader #footballromance
*This was an ARC read for my honest review*
I have to say that at first I wasn't sure where this was going to go. I thought maybe it was going to turn into a yearning forbidden romance. Plot Twist. I am so here for this (and for all of the upcoming books in this series).
@dlcroisette did a magnificent job of taking something off the page and thrusting it into reality, making you feel all the feelings. One second you want to shake the MCs and the next second you are rooting so desperately hard for them. Being so engrossed in a book that you can actually feel the outcome? You got it right here. Give this one a read and see for yourself.
🏈 College Football
📸 Guarded Photojournalist FMC
💙 Quarterback with hidden soft-boy energy MMC
🔥 Forced Proximity
💕 He Falls First
✨ Big feelings, banter, tension, spice, and emotional payoff
💙 Dislike to Lovers
💕 Billionaire Heir
#sportsromance #collegesportsromance #forcedproximity #arcreader #footballromance
*This was an ARC read for my honest review*
June 26, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️/5
I thought I was getting myself into a fun little sports romance when I picked this up, but boy was I wrong. It's so much more than that! This book is a journey about grief, expectations, change, and finding yourself through all of it. Skylar and Charlie are two people who find each other knowing exactly how their future is going to be, but through learning about each other, come to find out that maybe the future they had always planned for isn't exactly what they needed. This book has some fantastic mental health representation, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a romance built on seeing your partner for who they are and encouraging them to be that person.
🌶️🌶️/5
I thought I was getting myself into a fun little sports romance when I picked this up, but boy was I wrong. It's so much more than that! This book is a journey about grief, expectations, change, and finding yourself through all of it. Skylar and Charlie are two people who find each other knowing exactly how their future is going to be, but through learning about each other, come to find out that maybe the future they had always planned for isn't exactly what they needed. This book has some fantastic mental health representation, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a romance built on seeing your partner for who they are and encouraging them to be that person.
June 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC.
Overall I enjoyed this book. Both main characters were quite likeable, despite their difficulties with communication and overall personal struggles. I enjoyed the dual POV and the sports theme of the characters.
Because it was an ARC, I understand that it's not the final edited version. However, there were some inconsistencies that stood out for me, that made me focus in on them rather than the plot, at times. It didn't ruin the story for me, but just took away from the overall storyline. I enjoyed the book well enough to want to read the next one, which was set up well in this one.
Overall I enjoyed this book. Both main characters were quite likeable, despite their difficulties with communication and overall personal struggles. I enjoyed the dual POV and the sports theme of the characters.
Because it was an ARC, I understand that it's not the final edited version. However, there were some inconsistencies that stood out for me, that made me focus in on them rather than the plot, at times. It didn't ruin the story for me, but just took away from the overall storyline. I enjoyed the book well enough to want to read the next one, which was set up well in this one.
June 18, 2026
ARC Review for Next Play out June 24th! 📚
This was such a sweet and emotional sports romance! ❤️🏈
Skylar the FMC has been through so much and has built walls around her heart, while Charlie the MMC is hiding behind a carefully crafted image of who the world thinks he is. Watching them slowly break down each other’s walls was amazing to read.
The characters were easy to love and connect with, and their chemistry felt genuine from the start.
The spice level was just right, adding to the story without overpowering it. 🌶️🌶️
If you’re looking for a heartfelt summer romance with lovable characters, emotional depth, and a couple that feels destined to be together, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a sweet and emotional sports romance! ❤️🏈
Skylar the FMC has been through so much and has built walls around her heart, while Charlie the MMC is hiding behind a carefully crafted image of who the world thinks he is. Watching them slowly break down each other’s walls was amazing to read.
The characters were easy to love and connect with, and their chemistry felt genuine from the start.
The spice level was just right, adding to the story without overpowering it. 🌶️🌶️
If you’re looking for a heartfelt summer romance with lovable characters, emotional depth, and a couple that feels destined to be together, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 15, 2026
Received an advanced copy for review from the author.
When I started to read "Next Play," the flowery language was taking me out of the story, which was too bad because the storyline itself was enjoyable.
However, as the book went on, the flowery language stopped mattering and the story took over. My favourite running commentary is around Charlie's smile and how Skyler clocked the difference between his real smile (that only she and a select few got to see), and the one he put on for his father and others who didn't need him to be anymore than a football player. Once this started to come to light (probably about a third of the way into the book), the story gelled for me.
A very enjoyable read with some realistic situations and consequences.
When I started to read "Next Play," the flowery language was taking me out of the story, which was too bad because the storyline itself was enjoyable.
However, as the book went on, the flowery language stopped mattering and the story took over. My favourite running commentary is around Charlie's smile and how Skyler clocked the difference between his real smile (that only she and a select few got to see), and the one he put on for his father and others who didn't need him to be anymore than a football player. Once this started to come to light (probably about a third of the way into the book), the story gelled for me.
A very enjoyable read with some realistic situations and consequences.
June 11, 2026
I really really enjoyed next play. I stayed up late so I can finish it. I just couldn’t put it down. I really loved watching the relationship between the two main characters come alive and how they help each others with both their past trauma experiences. Next Play was perfect written I could definitely imagine everything playing out as i read it. I cant wait for book 2. Im hooked!! DL I LOVR EVERYTHING YOU WRITE IM A FAN GIRL FOR LIFE!! I will read every you write!!
Expect:
🏈 college football
📸 a guarded photojournalist heroine
💙 a quarterback with hidden soft-boy energy
🔥 forced proximity
💕 he falls first
✨ big feelings, banter, tension, spice, and emotional payoff
Expect:
🏈 college football
📸 a guarded photojournalist heroine
💙 a quarterback with hidden soft-boy energy
🔥 forced proximity
💕 he falls first
✨ big feelings, banter, tension, spice, and emotional payoff
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s wonderful. That could be the entire review. With a strong, strong recommendation to read it without delay. Next Play, the first book in author D.L. Croisette’s new Thorndale Hearts series is full of emotion with two characters you can’t help but love.
Charlie is the handsome, rich, football hero. Skylar is the serious scholarship student with a camera always around her neck. The attraction between them could be just another college crush between two very different people; different backgrounds, different life goals. But they aren’t as different as they seem on the surface. They are young but they have old souls. They’ve suffered tragedy and loss, and neither of them has fully processed it. Both of them are living lives burdened by actual expectations or what they perceive to be the expectations of others.
Charlie’s father is a demanding, domineering businessman. He’s mapped out Charlie’s entire life for him while criticizing every attempt and never letting failure go unremarked. It’s easy enough for him to control Charlie because Charlie’s mother left when he was fourteen. And he made himself the barrier between his parents from the age of eight. Where was his childhood? Where was his chance to learn from his mistakes? Where was unconditional love? His mother made the choice she had to in order to survive, but what an unbearable burden to heap on a child. To cope, Charlie has developed his public face – smiles, jokes, always agrees, never causes ripples – and his private face. And nobody, not even the mother he has weekly contact with, sees that private face. Until Skylar.
Skylar has made survivor’s guilt a way of life. Her parents and sister died in a fire when she was twelve. She acknowledged that it wasn’t her fault and she couldn’t have done anything to prevent it, but what she can do now is honor their memories by doing what she has convinced herself they would have wanted: be a photographer championing the underdog like her mother and earn a scholarship like her sister would have. She hides behind the camera, but the camera also allows her to see the real Charlie.
Seeing and being seen strikes fear in both their hearts. Skylar blames money and heartless business for her family’s accident; Charlie realizes he has anger within him but he has vowed to never, ever let it out because then he would become his father and destroy those he is supposed to love. They are thrown together in a blackmail arrangement disguised as something beneficial to them both, but their attraction is real and strong, and growing stronger. They lean forward and then pull back, can’t help leaning forward again, pull back in horror. Skylar’s talent with the lens is amazing: she captures what’s behind, underneath, hidden. Charlie has the heart and soul of a poet. He’s a secret writer and his amazing talent should not be kept from the world. I dare you not to need a tissue reading, “She wears stubbornness the way other people wear perfume,” or “A minute here, two minutes there. He collected each one like coins in a jar.”
Next Play is a beautiful story. Even the title will touch your heart; it’s Charlie’s mantra to survive. He thinks to himself: I can do this – next play – this isn’t so bad – next play – this will be over soon – next play. Skylar and Charlie just need to have faith and see what others see, let those walls down just a little bit at a time. Your heart will break, you’ll cry and worry, and then your heart will start to mend. Charlie is thoughtful and protective and works so hard for the control to not become the very thing he hates; Skylar worries she is betraying her family’s memories, but cliched as it sounds, how can something that feels so right be wrong?
I received an advance copy of Next Play from the author as part of her advanced reader team. It’s sweet, romantic, funny and the perfect amount of spicy. I cannot wait for the next book in this series, although I might need to buy more tissues. Highly recommend. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Charlie is the handsome, rich, football hero. Skylar is the serious scholarship student with a camera always around her neck. The attraction between them could be just another college crush between two very different people; different backgrounds, different life goals. But they aren’t as different as they seem on the surface. They are young but they have old souls. They’ve suffered tragedy and loss, and neither of them has fully processed it. Both of them are living lives burdened by actual expectations or what they perceive to be the expectations of others.
Charlie’s father is a demanding, domineering businessman. He’s mapped out Charlie’s entire life for him while criticizing every attempt and never letting failure go unremarked. It’s easy enough for him to control Charlie because Charlie’s mother left when he was fourteen. And he made himself the barrier between his parents from the age of eight. Where was his childhood? Where was his chance to learn from his mistakes? Where was unconditional love? His mother made the choice she had to in order to survive, but what an unbearable burden to heap on a child. To cope, Charlie has developed his public face – smiles, jokes, always agrees, never causes ripples – and his private face. And nobody, not even the mother he has weekly contact with, sees that private face. Until Skylar.
Skylar has made survivor’s guilt a way of life. Her parents and sister died in a fire when she was twelve. She acknowledged that it wasn’t her fault and she couldn’t have done anything to prevent it, but what she can do now is honor their memories by doing what she has convinced herself they would have wanted: be a photographer championing the underdog like her mother and earn a scholarship like her sister would have. She hides behind the camera, but the camera also allows her to see the real Charlie.
Seeing and being seen strikes fear in both their hearts. Skylar blames money and heartless business for her family’s accident; Charlie realizes he has anger within him but he has vowed to never, ever let it out because then he would become his father and destroy those he is supposed to love. They are thrown together in a blackmail arrangement disguised as something beneficial to them both, but their attraction is real and strong, and growing stronger. They lean forward and then pull back, can’t help leaning forward again, pull back in horror. Skylar’s talent with the lens is amazing: she captures what’s behind, underneath, hidden. Charlie has the heart and soul of a poet. He’s a secret writer and his amazing talent should not be kept from the world. I dare you not to need a tissue reading, “She wears stubbornness the way other people wear perfume,” or “A minute here, two minutes there. He collected each one like coins in a jar.”
Next Play is a beautiful story. Even the title will touch your heart; it’s Charlie’s mantra to survive. He thinks to himself: I can do this – next play – this isn’t so bad – next play – this will be over soon – next play. Skylar and Charlie just need to have faith and see what others see, let those walls down just a little bit at a time. Your heart will break, you’ll cry and worry, and then your heart will start to mend. Charlie is thoughtful and protective and works so hard for the control to not become the very thing he hates; Skylar worries she is betraying her family’s memories, but cliched as it sounds, how can something that feels so right be wrong?
I received an advance copy of Next Play from the author as part of her advanced reader team. It’s sweet, romantic, funny and the perfect amount of spicy. I cannot wait for the next book in this series, although I might need to buy more tissues. Highly recommend. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Next Play follows Skylar, a photojournalism scholarship student who lost her parents and sister to a house fire at just 12 years old, and Charlie, only child of a billionaire whose entire life is dictated by the desires of his father. After blackmail leads to fake dating and forced proximity, the two start to develop feelings for one another.
This was such an easy, quick read and was exactly what I needed at the moment. I really enjoyed getting to know Skylar and Charlie and seeing them fall for each other. I also loved seeing the friendship between Skylar and her friend/roommate Poppy, Charlie and his teammates/best friends as well as Skylar with the team. I love any good found family moment and it's clear these people are one. Charlie has really good character development and whilst I loved Skylar's character, I feel like there wasn't enough character development for her, especially compared to Charlie.
Charlie's dad was horrible and cruel, living out his dreams of going pro through his son and using his son for content. I actually really liked the choice to have Charlie's dad (in addition to what seems to be his regular job) be some sort of social media influencer/personality, making himself out to be this generous rich guy when he actually is cruel. It's a slight deviation from the usual "asshole rich dad" trope that I felt was refreshing.
My only real gripes were that I wish we had more character development for Skylar and that the writing felt overly poetic. Whilst I understand Charlie to be rather poetic, it doesn't make sense that everyone is overly poetic. It led to the writing feeling off even though it was not bad.
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading this book and I'm excited for the second one. If you love sports romance or are looking to fill the Off Campus shaped hole in your heart, I totally recommend this!
Read if you love:
🏈 fake dating/forced proximity
🏈 college football
🏈 photographer fmc
🏈 writer mmc
🏈 billionaire x scholarship student
Next Play follows Skylar, a photojournalism scholarship student who lost her parents and sister to a house fire at just 12 years old, and Charlie, only child of a billionaire whose entire life is dictated by the desires of his father. After blackmail leads to fake dating and forced proximity, the two start to develop feelings for one another.
This was such an easy, quick read and was exactly what I needed at the moment. I really enjoyed getting to know Skylar and Charlie and seeing them fall for each other. I also loved seeing the friendship between Skylar and her friend/roommate Poppy, Charlie and his teammates/best friends as well as Skylar with the team. I love any good found family moment and it's clear these people are one. Charlie has really good character development and whilst I loved Skylar's character, I feel like there wasn't enough character development for her, especially compared to Charlie.
Charlie's dad was horrible and cruel, living out his dreams of going pro through his son and using his son for content. I actually really liked the choice to have Charlie's dad (in addition to what seems to be his regular job) be some sort of social media influencer/personality, making himself out to be this generous rich guy when he actually is cruel. It's a slight deviation from the usual "asshole rich dad" trope that I felt was refreshing.
My only real gripes were that I wish we had more character development for Skylar and that the writing felt overly poetic. Whilst I understand Charlie to be rather poetic, it doesn't make sense that everyone is overly poetic. It led to the writing feeling off even though it was not bad.
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading this book and I'm excited for the second one. If you love sports romance or are looking to fill the Off Campus shaped hole in your heart, I totally recommend this!
Read if you love:
🏈 fake dating/forced proximity
🏈 college football
🏈 photographer fmc
🏈 writer mmc
🏈 billionaire x scholarship student
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Summary:
Skylar is a hard working woman who has had a very difficult life. Charlie has two lives -the public one where he puts on a show for his abusive billionaire father and the personal one that he shares with no one. Skylar and Charlie meet through her roommate (who is dating Charlie) and she instantly is distrustful of him and his wealth and the persona he puts on. When her roommate Poppy gets sick she fills in for her at a photoshoot with Charlie. The photos are a big hit and the school pairs them together for some promotional work and they are thrust into a sort of fake partnership. Until the feelings start getting real.
Read if you like:
Forced Proximity
Football/college romance
Billionaire MMC
Heavy family trauma
Slow burn
My thoughts:
3.5 rounded up. There were things I liked and things I didn't like as much. Charlie was such a great character and he showed so much growth. The writing style was easy to read. The spice was sort of more emotional spice if that makes sense. I did like Skylar as a character but I would have liked to see more growth from her. I also see this being talked about as fake dating and I didn't really feel it fit that bill. Yes they were doing promotional work together but I don't think a fake relationship was implied from that. This wasn't an issue for me -I just wanted to point it out if you're picking it up as a big fan of fake dating. I also didn't love the Poppy part of the plot. I understand her and Charlie weren't serious but it still seemed odd to me that Skylar started dating her roommate and seemingly only friends ex. Ultimately this book wasn't really for me but I do think that there are people who will really enjoy it.
Thank you to Victory Editing and Netgalley for the advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Skylar is a hard working woman who has had a very difficult life. Charlie has two lives -the public one where he puts on a show for his abusive billionaire father and the personal one that he shares with no one. Skylar and Charlie meet through her roommate (who is dating Charlie) and she instantly is distrustful of him and his wealth and the persona he puts on. When her roommate Poppy gets sick she fills in for her at a photoshoot with Charlie. The photos are a big hit and the school pairs them together for some promotional work and they are thrust into a sort of fake partnership. Until the feelings start getting real.
Read if you like:
Forced Proximity
Football/college romance
Billionaire MMC
Heavy family trauma
Slow burn
My thoughts:
3.5 rounded up. There were things I liked and things I didn't like as much. Charlie was such a great character and he showed so much growth. The writing style was easy to read. The spice was sort of more emotional spice if that makes sense. I did like Skylar as a character but I would have liked to see more growth from her. I also see this being talked about as fake dating and I didn't really feel it fit that bill. Yes they were doing promotional work together but I don't think a fake relationship was implied from that. This wasn't an issue for me -I just wanted to point it out if you're picking it up as a big fan of fake dating. I also didn't love the Poppy part of the plot. I understand her and Charlie weren't serious but it still seemed odd to me that Skylar started dating her roommate and seemingly only friends ex. Ultimately this book wasn't really for me but I do think that there are people who will really enjoy it.
Thank you to Victory Editing and Netgalley for the advanced e-copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Next Play was an enjoyable college sports romance that explored how two people carrying past hurts slowly learn to understand and trust one another.
Charlie and Skylar are both dealing with challenges from their pasts, and when circumstances at college bring them together, Skylar reluctantly agrees for the financial opportunity, despite having no interest in spending time with Charlie. Charlie, however, is happy for the chance to get to know her better. As they spend more time together, they realize that many of their assumptions about each other aren't true, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they learned to trust one another.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Charlie. He's a true cinnamon roll hero—kind, patient, and willing to see beyond the walls Skylar has built around herself. Skylar is fiercely independent and guarded, which made her growth throughout the story rewarding to watch.
I also have to mention Charlie's dad. He drove me absolutely crazy throughout the book, which tells me the author did exactly what she intended with his character. He added conflict, frustration, and emotional depth that made Charlie's journey even more rewarding.
The college football setting added a fun backdrop to the story, and while the romance is open door, the spice isn't overly explicit and never overshadowed the emotional connection between the characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and especially appreciated the themes of healing, trust, and looking beyond first impressions. If you enjoy college sports romances, forced proximity, a cinnamon roll MMC, and a hero who falls first, I think you'll enjoy Next Play.
Next Play was an enjoyable college sports romance that explored how two people carrying past hurts slowly learn to understand and trust one another.
Charlie and Skylar are both dealing with challenges from their pasts, and when circumstances at college bring them together, Skylar reluctantly agrees for the financial opportunity, despite having no interest in spending time with Charlie. Charlie, however, is happy for the chance to get to know her better. As they spend more time together, they realize that many of their assumptions about each other aren't true, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they learned to trust one another.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Charlie. He's a true cinnamon roll hero—kind, patient, and willing to see beyond the walls Skylar has built around herself. Skylar is fiercely independent and guarded, which made her growth throughout the story rewarding to watch.
I also have to mention Charlie's dad. He drove me absolutely crazy throughout the book, which tells me the author did exactly what she intended with his character. He added conflict, frustration, and emotional depth that made Charlie's journey even more rewarding.
The college football setting added a fun backdrop to the story, and while the romance is open door, the spice isn't overly explicit and never overshadowed the emotional connection between the characters.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and especially appreciated the themes of healing, trust, and looking beyond first impressions. If you enjoy college sports romances, forced proximity, a cinnamon roll MMC, and a hero who falls first, I think you'll enjoy Next Play.
June 24, 2026
How you were raised as a child impacts how you deal with life as an adult.
Survivor's guilt plays a big part in how and what you do as an adult. Even though you earned the scholarship, you are doing it for your older sister, pretending that it should have been hers. Being a photojournalist, just like your mom, honoring her. Skylar was living for them, not for herself. And she hated rich people. They were the reason her sister and parents were dead. Slum landlords.
Charlie was born into a wealthy family. He had to pretend to like football and excel at it because of his father. As a child, he tried to protect his mother from his father. She had to leave to survive. He loved to write, but that was for sissies, according to his father. His father controlled everything, even the college where Skylar and Charlie attended.
Fate has a way of throwing curveballs. Skylar was attached to her camera and loved to photograph people without them knowing it. She saw the real Charlie first through her lens. Then she learned who he really was, and the bubble burst. He was the same as the people who killed her parents and sister and got away with it.
Being partnered with Charlie, the football player, and Skylar being a last-minute fill-in for her friend and roommate, as a cheerleader for college pictures. This was a great catalyst.
The emotions are raw and introspective for both of them as they learn to grow and learn to love.
Was it worth the cost for what they lost and gained for both of them?
I really appreciated the fact that this wasn't a head over heels, jump into bed immediately type of book. Getting to know the other person, rough bumps along the way, and becoming friends is so much better.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Survivor's guilt plays a big part in how and what you do as an adult. Even though you earned the scholarship, you are doing it for your older sister, pretending that it should have been hers. Being a photojournalist, just like your mom, honoring her. Skylar was living for them, not for herself. And she hated rich people. They were the reason her sister and parents were dead. Slum landlords.
Charlie was born into a wealthy family. He had to pretend to like football and excel at it because of his father. As a child, he tried to protect his mother from his father. She had to leave to survive. He loved to write, but that was for sissies, according to his father. His father controlled everything, even the college where Skylar and Charlie attended.
Fate has a way of throwing curveballs. Skylar was attached to her camera and loved to photograph people without them knowing it. She saw the real Charlie first through her lens. Then she learned who he really was, and the bubble burst. He was the same as the people who killed her parents and sister and got away with it.
Being partnered with Charlie, the football player, and Skylar being a last-minute fill-in for her friend and roommate, as a cheerleader for college pictures. This was a great catalyst.
The emotions are raw and introspective for both of them as they learn to grow and learn to love.
Was it worth the cost for what they lost and gained for both of them?
I really appreciated the fact that this wasn't a head over heels, jump into bed immediately type of book. Getting to know the other person, rough bumps along the way, and becoming friends is so much better.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
D.L. Croisette has done it again. Next Play completely stole my heart from the very first page and never let go.
As someone who is lucky enough to be on D.L.'s street team, I already knew she was an incredible person, but every new book reminds me just how talented she is as an author. She has a gift for creating characters who feel real, flawed, and impossible not to root for.
Skylar and Charlie were everything I wanted in a college sports romance. Skylar's strength and determination were inspiring, especially knowing everything she had endured. She carries so much on her shoulders, yet never loses sight of her goals. Charlie was an absolute dream book boyfriend. Beneath the billionaire quarterback image was a thoughtful, caring, and surprisingly vulnerable man who just wanted the chance to be himself. Watching these two slowly break down each other's walls was beautiful.
The chemistry between them was undeniable, but what I loved most was the emotional connection they built. Every interaction felt meaningful. Every moment brought them closer together in a way that felt natural and authentic. Their story was filled with heart, humor, longing, and so many feelings.
D.L. Croisette perfectly balances romance, personal growth, family expectations, grief, healing, and finding the courage to let someone in. I found myself completely invested in both Skylar and Charlie's journeys and cheering for them every step of the way.
If you love slow burn romance, college football, cinnamon roll heroes, strong heroines, emotional depth, and a love story that stays with you long after the final page, Next Play needs to be on your reading list.
I cannot wait for more from the Thorndale Hearts series. This was an easy five-star read for me.
D.L. Croisette has done it again. Next Play completely stole my heart from the very first page and never let go.
As someone who is lucky enough to be on D.L.'s street team, I already knew she was an incredible person, but every new book reminds me just how talented she is as an author. She has a gift for creating characters who feel real, flawed, and impossible not to root for.
Skylar and Charlie were everything I wanted in a college sports romance. Skylar's strength and determination were inspiring, especially knowing everything she had endured. She carries so much on her shoulders, yet never loses sight of her goals. Charlie was an absolute dream book boyfriend. Beneath the billionaire quarterback image was a thoughtful, caring, and surprisingly vulnerable man who just wanted the chance to be himself. Watching these two slowly break down each other's walls was beautiful.
The chemistry between them was undeniable, but what I loved most was the emotional connection they built. Every interaction felt meaningful. Every moment brought them closer together in a way that felt natural and authentic. Their story was filled with heart, humor, longing, and so many feelings.
D.L. Croisette perfectly balances romance, personal growth, family expectations, grief, healing, and finding the courage to let someone in. I found myself completely invested in both Skylar and Charlie's journeys and cheering for them every step of the way.
If you love slow burn romance, college football, cinnamon roll heroes, strong heroines, emotional depth, and a love story that stays with you long after the final page, Next Play needs to be on your reading list.
I cannot wait for more from the Thorndale Hearts series. This was an easy five-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a huge fan of sports romance books, so this novel was right up my alley! I fell in love with the main characters, Charlie and Skylar, right away.
Charlie is a billionaire's son and a star college football quarterback. Skylar is a busy photojournalism student. She works four jobs just to get by on her scholarship. They are total opposites, and their contrasting lives made them a very fun couple. I could not wait for them to get out of their own way and find their Happily Ever After!
I saw another review compare this book to Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series. If you love those books, you will see some similarities in the characters and plot. However, Charlie and Skylar are unique enough to make this story feel fresh and new.
I can be a bit picky about plot consistency. A few small things threw me off. I felt like Skylar’s relationship with her roommate Poppy had some gaps. It could have used a little more attention. Also, some descriptive phrases were used too many times. The author mentions the gold in Skylar's eyes and the way she touches her collarbone a bit too much. But that is just my personal preference!
The supporting characters were fantastic. Grant was a standout, and I am so excited for book two! I cannot wait to see him and Poppy get their own love story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good slow-burn sports romance with a happy ending!
Charlie is a billionaire's son and a star college football quarterback. Skylar is a busy photojournalism student. She works four jobs just to get by on her scholarship. They are total opposites, and their contrasting lives made them a very fun couple. I could not wait for them to get out of their own way and find their Happily Ever After!
I saw another review compare this book to Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus series. If you love those books, you will see some similarities in the characters and plot. However, Charlie and Skylar are unique enough to make this story feel fresh and new.
I can be a bit picky about plot consistency. A few small things threw me off. I felt like Skylar’s relationship with her roommate Poppy had some gaps. It could have used a little more attention. Also, some descriptive phrases were used too many times. The author mentions the gold in Skylar's eyes and the way she touches her collarbone a bit too much. But that is just my personal preference!
The supporting characters were fantastic. Grant was a standout, and I am so excited for book two! I cannot wait to see him and Poppy get their own love story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good slow-burn sports romance with a happy ending!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👩❤️👨 Forced proximity/Fake Dating
🏈 Sport: Football
💰 Billionaire MMC
📸 Photographer FMC
🌶️ Spice level
Skylar (FMC) is a guarded college student, armed with childhood trauma (loss of family) and her mom's camera, she's determined to continue to follow the love of photography, like her mom. Charlie, a football star in his own right, with his own childhood/current life trauma (immediately from his father), longs to be a writer instead of a soon-to-be NFL star, living the life that his dad would have loved for himself if he didn't get injured.
Charlie is also Skylar's roommate's boyfriend. When Poppy gets sick the day the football players and cheerleaders are supposed to take promotional photos, she begs Skylar to take her place. Skylar was a cheerleader in her earlier life. She was able to slide into place and get the photos taken. After this, there was a skirmish with another athlete that Charlie steps in to protect, leading them to the agreement to be seen as a pair (Charlie & Skylar) because of the success of their beautiful photos taken on the promo day. They're also paired as teammates in a creative writing class, one that Sklyar is taking because it's required, Charlie is taking because of his (afore-mentioned) love for writing that he wishes for instead of continuing his football pursuit.
As they continue in this arrangement for specific events, they develop feelings for each other. As always, a parent has to step in and mess things up, so cue Charlie's father. But as usual, a little miscommunication and misunderstanding cause issues that they're able to work through.
In the end, it is a great coming-of-age story, fairly realistic about college life, implying the realism behind forced proximity when it comes to athletes.
I would honestly give this a 3.5 review, but I like to bump it up when it splits between levels.
My reason for this level review is due to my longing to give a little more character development behind Skylar. I ended up being a big fan of Charlie, proud of him for trusting his gut and following his own life story, but with the tragic story behind Skylar, I would have loved to see a bit more growth on her end.
👩❤️👨 Forced proximity/Fake Dating
🏈 Sport: Football
💰 Billionaire MMC
📸 Photographer FMC
🌶️ Spice level
Skylar (FMC) is a guarded college student, armed with childhood trauma (loss of family) and her mom's camera, she's determined to continue to follow the love of photography, like her mom. Charlie, a football star in his own right, with his own childhood/current life trauma (immediately from his father), longs to be a writer instead of a soon-to-be NFL star, living the life that his dad would have loved for himself if he didn't get injured.
Charlie is also Skylar's roommate's boyfriend. When Poppy gets sick the day the football players and cheerleaders are supposed to take promotional photos, she begs Skylar to take her place. Skylar was a cheerleader in her earlier life. She was able to slide into place and get the photos taken. After this, there was a skirmish with another athlete that Charlie steps in to protect, leading them to the agreement to be seen as a pair (Charlie & Skylar) because of the success of their beautiful photos taken on the promo day. They're also paired as teammates in a creative writing class, one that Sklyar is taking because it's required, Charlie is taking because of his (afore-mentioned) love for writing that he wishes for instead of continuing his football pursuit.
As they continue in this arrangement for specific events, they develop feelings for each other. As always, a parent has to step in and mess things up, so cue Charlie's father. But as usual, a little miscommunication and misunderstanding cause issues that they're able to work through.
In the end, it is a great coming-of-age story, fairly realistic about college life, implying the realism behind forced proximity when it comes to athletes.
I would honestly give this a 3.5 review, but I like to bump it up when it splits between levels.
My reason for this level review is due to my longing to give a little more character development behind Skylar. I ended up being a big fan of Charlie, proud of him for trusting his gut and following his own life story, but with the tragic story behind Skylar, I would have loved to see a bit more growth on her end.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Emotional, captivating, beautifully written, intriguing and easy to get lost in are just a few words I would use to describe Ms. Croisette's Next Play. This is her first endeavour into the world of sports, and the storyline is filled with heartbreak, angst, friendships, and family who, at times, are not always welcomed.
Next Play tells the story of Charlie and Skylar, two people who are opposite yet, at the same time, share a connection. Charlie, the son of a billionaire, doesn't have the best relationship with his father. As I turned the pages, my heart broke for him, yes, even though he was born with a "silver spoon in his mouth", but he was putting so much pressure on himself that he was going to break. He shows us that he is not the jock we expect him to be. Then we have Skylar, the small-town girl who has had a horrible past and she is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is strong, determined, and stubborn as well as caring, kind and so easy to love.
What I loved about this book was the way we saw Charlie show us the real him that was under all the armour he had to wear to survive. He was patient with Skylar and determined to get her to see the real him. The two of them had chemistry; however, it was not instant and in fact, Skylar disliked him from the start.
Looking forward to the next installment in the Throndale Hearts series.
Next Play tells the story of Charlie and Skylar, two people who are opposite yet, at the same time, share a connection. Charlie, the son of a billionaire, doesn't have the best relationship with his father. As I turned the pages, my heart broke for him, yes, even though he was born with a "silver spoon in his mouth", but he was putting so much pressure on himself that he was going to break. He shows us that he is not the jock we expect him to be. Then we have Skylar, the small-town girl who has had a horrible past and she is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is strong, determined, and stubborn as well as caring, kind and so easy to love.
What I loved about this book was the way we saw Charlie show us the real him that was under all the armour he had to wear to survive. He was patient with Skylar and determined to get her to see the real him. The two of them had chemistry; however, it was not instant and in fact, Skylar disliked him from the start.
Looking forward to the next installment in the Throndale Hearts series.
June 27, 2026
Review of advanced copy reserved by author
From the beginning of this, I was engaged in seeing how Skylar and Charlie’s relationship progresses. So, our FMC Skylar has issues with rich guys because her parents and sister died in a house fire while she was at her grandparents' house sleeping over and due to the housing not being up to regulations, those responsible were taken away with their negligence (rich people).
The money left for the sister to go to college, she now has this and is about to go to college and study photography because it’s what her mum studied in college, so she has this guilt surrounding her mind.
The MMC, Charlie, is dating the FMC's roommate and friend, but they’re not a serious couple, and the roommate doesn’t have a problem with them falling for each other (I personally loved that it’s not a toxic friendship situation and that the friend didn't care at all).
When Skylar and Charlie get partnered for an English project, their relationship begins to build from friendship to eventual feelings. I particularly liked the fact that Charlie and his father's relationship did not get fixed. From what I read about him as a person, it wouldn't make sense for him to change to become better for his son, unfortunately. I really appreciated this. Look forward to reading more from this author.
From the beginning of this, I was engaged in seeing how Skylar and Charlie’s relationship progresses. So, our FMC Skylar has issues with rich guys because her parents and sister died in a house fire while she was at her grandparents' house sleeping over and due to the housing not being up to regulations, those responsible were taken away with their negligence (rich people).
The money left for the sister to go to college, she now has this and is about to go to college and study photography because it’s what her mum studied in college, so she has this guilt surrounding her mind.
The MMC, Charlie, is dating the FMC's roommate and friend, but they’re not a serious couple, and the roommate doesn’t have a problem with them falling for each other (I personally loved that it’s not a toxic friendship situation and that the friend didn't care at all).
When Skylar and Charlie get partnered for an English project, their relationship begins to build from friendship to eventual feelings. I particularly liked the fact that Charlie and his father's relationship did not get fixed. From what I read about him as a person, it wouldn't make sense for him to change to become better for his son, unfortunately. I really appreciated this. Look forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thorndale Hearts: Charlie and Skylar
Skylar is so guarded… she’s had a rough start, losing her immediately family, and just recently, losing her last physical bond with her dead mom when her camer a was broken during an altercation with Charlie.
Charlie is the classic ‘poor little rich boy’, expected to follow a path to the NFL or his dad’s business, when all he wants to do is write.
When she fills in for his girlfriend (her roommate) on a photoshoot, the chemistry between them is noted, and they’re quickly paired together for a promotional opportunity.
I had questions, and they felt a little unanswered. The Poppy question for me… I needed a bit more in the beginning.. I mean, Poppy and Skylar are roommates, and then to have Skylar and Charlie building a friendship (and more) during a promo blitz surely would have caused friction…? I did get answers, but they were a long time coming.
Full of classism/elitism, miscommunication, and situations (and people) trying to keep them apart, this was a mix of sweet and mildly angsty. I liked the dynamics with their group. They’ve created a little family, and it really makes me eager to see what happens next with Grant and Poppy.
Skylar is so guarded… she’s had a rough start, losing her immediately family, and just recently, losing her last physical bond with her dead mom when her camer a was broken during an altercation with Charlie.
Charlie is the classic ‘poor little rich boy’, expected to follow a path to the NFL or his dad’s business, when all he wants to do is write.
When she fills in for his girlfriend (her roommate) on a photoshoot, the chemistry between them is noted, and they’re quickly paired together for a promotional opportunity.
I had questions, and they felt a little unanswered. The Poppy question for me… I needed a bit more in the beginning.. I mean, Poppy and Skylar are roommates, and then to have Skylar and Charlie building a friendship (and more) during a promo blitz surely would have caused friction…? I did get answers, but they were a long time coming.
Full of classism/elitism, miscommunication, and situations (and people) trying to keep them apart, this was a mix of sweet and mildly angsty. I liked the dynamics with their group. They’ve created a little family, and it really makes me eager to see what happens next with Grant and Poppy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an ARC from the author.
We meet Skylar, college student who guards her heart and puts up walls. Her roommate is a bubbly cheerleader Poppy who knows what she needs. Armed with her moms camera she goes to the fair with Poppy and sees a beautiful man help a Lil lost boy find his mom and that image is forever in her camera. That man happens to be Charlie, quarterback anf puppy's bf. Charlie has had everything given to him...his father's money goes a long way but doesn't offer what Charlie needs most. Skylar ends up being a substitute for Poppy in cheerleader/football photoshoot and being this close and personal to Charlie has Skylars insides mush. Those photos bring Skylar and Charlie together for the good of the athletics department. They are also paired in creative writing class where Charlie longs to write but cant bc of his dad. Skylar sees the real Charlie even b4 he does. A class and arrangement turns into feelings when they least expect it but outside sources seem to want to keep them apart. A great coming of college age story about love and the pressures of obligations.
We meet Skylar, college student who guards her heart and puts up walls. Her roommate is a bubbly cheerleader Poppy who knows what she needs. Armed with her moms camera she goes to the fair with Poppy and sees a beautiful man help a Lil lost boy find his mom and that image is forever in her camera. That man happens to be Charlie, quarterback anf puppy's bf. Charlie has had everything given to him...his father's money goes a long way but doesn't offer what Charlie needs most. Skylar ends up being a substitute for Poppy in cheerleader/football photoshoot and being this close and personal to Charlie has Skylars insides mush. Those photos bring Skylar and Charlie together for the good of the athletics department. They are also paired in creative writing class where Charlie longs to write but cant bc of his dad. Skylar sees the real Charlie even b4 he does. A class and arrangement turns into feelings when they least expect it but outside sources seem to want to keep them apart. A great coming of college age story about love and the pressures of obligations.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Next Play by DL Croisette is an emotional, addictive college football romance that perfectly balances heartache, humor, chemistry, and personal growth. Set in the backdrop of a forced PR partnership, we are introduced to the FMC Skylar, a young woman who lost her family to a fire and the MMC Charlie, son to a billionaire father and the golden-boy quarterback of his colleges football team. One of the things that really made this novel shine was its emotional depth. Beyond the romance, the story explored grief, identity, family pressure, and the courage it takes to pursue your own dreams. The football backdrop added excitement without overshadowing the characters' personal journeys, creating a well-rounded New Adult romance that felt both heartfelt and engaging. Overall, Next Play was an enjoyable slow-burn sports romance with forced proximity, emotional healing, and a lovable book boyfriend.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was genuinely surprised at how much I loved this book. The writing style was engaging and kept me fully into the story. I love sport romance but am not as into billionaire but the blurb has me intrigued so I jumped at the chance for an ARC copy.
Football dreams collide with the MMC’s passion in a way that is relatable to anyone who has parents who wanted a path they didn’t want to follow. Seeing how the FMC had all the things his money couldn’t buy played into the dichotomy of how these two characters fit together in loss and moving forward on their own terms.
There was an unexpected depth to the story. Both characters suffer losses in different ways and reading them work through it was hope inspiring. The friendships really stand out as they are of quality and let the dramatics come from elsewhere which was refreshing. The book champions creativity, authenticity, and learning to give and accept help. I’m very excited to read more from this series and author.
Football dreams collide with the MMC’s passion in a way that is relatable to anyone who has parents who wanted a path they didn’t want to follow. Seeing how the FMC had all the things his money couldn’t buy played into the dichotomy of how these two characters fit together in loss and moving forward on their own terms.
There was an unexpected depth to the story. Both characters suffer losses in different ways and reading them work through it was hope inspiring. The friendships really stand out as they are of quality and let the dramatics come from elsewhere which was refreshing. The book champions creativity, authenticity, and learning to give and accept help. I’m very excited to read more from this series and author.
June 29, 2026
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, and this is my honest review.
Book 1 is the start of the Thorndale Hearts series and brings together Charlie and Skylar who come from two different worlds. Charlie comes from money and is trying to escape his father who is trying to control Charlie and where his life is headed, while Charlie is trying to find a way to escape that world. Skylar lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her grandparents and is doing everything possible to achieve her dreams without the money that is in Charlie’s world.
I enjoyed reading Book 1 and watching the characters develop and grow into their own. It definitely gave an Off Campus/Briar U vibe with the switch up from hockey to football. I recommend starting this series based on if you like Elle Kennedy, you will enjoy this in the same sports genre.
Book 1 is the start of the Thorndale Hearts series and brings together Charlie and Skylar who come from two different worlds. Charlie comes from money and is trying to escape his father who is trying to control Charlie and where his life is headed, while Charlie is trying to find a way to escape that world. Skylar lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her grandparents and is doing everything possible to achieve her dreams without the money that is in Charlie’s world.
I enjoyed reading Book 1 and watching the characters develop and grow into their own. It definitely gave an Off Campus/Briar U vibe with the switch up from hockey to football. I recommend starting this series based on if you like Elle Kennedy, you will enjoy this in the same sports genre.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed getting to know these characters and really finding out who they were throughout the book. I wouldn't consider this book a rom-com, this is an emotional story where two people with family issues and difficult circumstances must navigate living through terrible things while also opening yourself up to new things. Every conversation between the two main character, Charlie and Skylar, was deeply emotional and a little exhausting. I wish we could have seen them in a few lighter moments, where affection could grow, but they seemed to always be looking into each other's souls. I think that could be a bit draining. However, this was a modern college romance with some depth and sentiment. HUGE bonus points for making therapy a part of the journey.
ARC Review
ARC Review
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