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Bats and Badgers #2
The Wallflower's Playbook: An MM Sports Romance: Bats and Badgers Book 2
LINDEN
Farm boy, long-term student, and a virgin.
I’m not exactly Prince Charming material, right?
I’ve spent years trading freedom for family duty, while trying to fit into a life that never felt like mine. But this summer, I’m dead set on making a change. I’m ready to walk my own path and finally have the college experience I’ve missed out on. Losing my V-card is at the very top of my list. Unfortunately, my “inexperience” sends most guys running for the hills.
Then my insanely hot roommate—the charming and confident captain of B-Tech’s football team—needs a crash course in bedroom activities.
I know I’m not the right person to give advice, but he never needs to find out that all my so-called knowledge comes from the spicy romance books I’ve devoured.
Looks like class is officially in session.
MICAH
Reputation is everything; I’ve had to figure that out early. I should be on my way to the NFL, but I’m scared talent alone might not be enough to secure me a good draft spot.
So I’ve built a whole fake persona: B-Tech’s football captain is a lot more fun than I am—and also a lot more experienced in the bedroom.
Too bad my fabricated image starts to crack when I get invited to a real-life threesome. But there’s no game out there that you can’t train for, and luck seems to be on my side when my roommate volunteers as my study partner.
He wants to have some fun, I need to keep my cover.
It’s just a summer filled with extra lessons—until every touch starts to feel a little bit too real.
Farm boy, long-term student, and a virgin.
I’m not exactly Prince Charming material, right?
I’ve spent years trading freedom for family duty, while trying to fit into a life that never felt like mine. But this summer, I’m dead set on making a change. I’m ready to walk my own path and finally have the college experience I’ve missed out on. Losing my V-card is at the very top of my list. Unfortunately, my “inexperience” sends most guys running for the hills.
Then my insanely hot roommate—the charming and confident captain of B-Tech’s football team—needs a crash course in bedroom activities.
I know I’m not the right person to give advice, but he never needs to find out that all my so-called knowledge comes from the spicy romance books I’ve devoured.
Looks like class is officially in session.
MICAH
Reputation is everything; I’ve had to figure that out early. I should be on my way to the NFL, but I’m scared talent alone might not be enough to secure me a good draft spot.
So I’ve built a whole fake persona: B-Tech’s football captain is a lot more fun than I am—and also a lot more experienced in the bedroom.
Too bad my fabricated image starts to crack when I get invited to a real-life threesome. But there’s no game out there that you can’t train for, and luck seems to be on my side when my roommate volunteers as my study partner.
He wants to have some fun, I need to keep my cover.
It’s just a summer filled with extra lessons—until every touch starts to feel a little bit too real.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
A.J. Kyler
2 books132 followersA.J. Kyler is the pseudonym of the authors Annie and Jay: two close friends who met over ten years ago and have been writing for just as long. Creating worlds and stories is their favorite pastime, a hobby they kept between themselves until Annie jokingly suggested to self-publish a book—and Jay took it seriously.
They love reading and writing, usually stay up far too long to come up with new characters and ideas, and take regular “workations” during which they hike through forests and visit castles—and plot their next book.
They love reading and writing, usually stay up far too long to come up with new characters and ideas, and take regular “workations” during which they hike through forests and visit castles—and plot their next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Did Not Finish
July 16, 2026Wasn’t a fan of the MMC saying he’s dating another guy but they’re in an open relationship. Also the other MMC’s reason for experimenting was kind of off too. Not for me. But maybe for others
July 18, 2026
God they were just so cute 🥹 Linden is a shy sweetheart who loves his romance novels & just wants to lose his virginity at college already damn it!! Enter Micah, who is also wanting some experience with a guy before he has a threesome including another guy. Soooo, they decide to get experience with each other. Now I don’t like other people drama in my novels typically (so I was glad there is no actual other sleeping with anyone else during the book, although Micah does make out with a girl in the beginning (hello failed threesome) & obvi never goes through with the other threesome bc he falls in love with Linden).
I liked how they use one of Linden’s fav romance novels as their playbook for experimenting, that was a fun aspect! And how Micah got into reading the book as well & it just became their thing. I loved their communication & reassurance for one another while experimenting. They were really open with their feelings & nervousness and I liked how they could be vulnerable with each other. Their communication when they both realized they had the big real feelings could have used some work though 😅 Seeing this “experiment” blossom into friendship and love was so perfect!
Also, Colin gave me icky vibes for making Linden feel like he wasn’t good enough for him since he had no experience with men. The whole “open relationship while Linden has to fool around with other guys” situation just grossed me out, although I am glad that it made Linden end up with Micah.
I loved how welcoming Lindens dad & family were with Micah, that was so freaking sweet. We learn that Micah doesn’t really have the greatest family life so them loving him & inviting him into their home was heartwarming. I loved all the roommates in the Nook being a lil found family too. I feel like a lot of the side characters in this one had their own plot lines which should set up future books in the series (Seb, Ollie-I’m interested in that for sure!).
Some things to expect:
🧡 roommates to lovers
🏈 football captain x nerdy farm boy
🧡 teach me
🏈 first times
🧡 found family
My fav parts:
“You’ll tell me when I get too heavy, yeah?” he breaks the silence between us, and I can’t help but snort. “Sweetheart, I’m doing 320 pounds on the bench; you can sit on me all night.”
“For my first time, I want it to be us.”
“I love you, Micah. Somewhere between all of that happening, I fell for you. And I know I said I can’t imagine doing what Olli and Seb did, and I’m fucking terrified, but I still love you, and I don’t think I’ll be able to change that.”
I received an advance copy from the authors, and this is my honest review!
I liked how they use one of Linden’s fav romance novels as their playbook for experimenting, that was a fun aspect! And how Micah got into reading the book as well & it just became their thing. I loved their communication & reassurance for one another while experimenting. They were really open with their feelings & nervousness and I liked how they could be vulnerable with each other. Their communication when they both realized they had the big real feelings could have used some work though 😅 Seeing this “experiment” blossom into friendship and love was so perfect!
Also, Colin gave me icky vibes for making Linden feel like he wasn’t good enough for him since he had no experience with men. The whole “open relationship while Linden has to fool around with other guys” situation just grossed me out, although I am glad that it made Linden end up with Micah.
I loved how welcoming Lindens dad & family were with Micah, that was so freaking sweet. We learn that Micah doesn’t really have the greatest family life so them loving him & inviting him into their home was heartwarming. I loved all the roommates in the Nook being a lil found family too. I feel like a lot of the side characters in this one had their own plot lines which should set up future books in the series (Seb, Ollie-I’m interested in that for sure!).
Some things to expect:
🧡 roommates to lovers
🏈 football captain x nerdy farm boy
🧡 teach me
🏈 first times
🧡 found family
My fav parts:
“You’ll tell me when I get too heavy, yeah?” he breaks the silence between us, and I can’t help but snort. “Sweetheart, I’m doing 320 pounds on the bench; you can sit on me all night.”
“For my first time, I want it to be us.”
“I love you, Micah. Somewhere between all of that happening, I fell for you. And I know I said I can’t imagine doing what Olli and Seb did, and I’m fucking terrified, but I still love you, and I don’t think I’ll be able to change that.”
I received an advance copy from the authors, and this is my honest review!
June 27, 2026
Linden + Micah
-mm romance
-college football
-roommates to lovers
-jock x nerd
-farm life
-teach me
-found family
this was such an interesting fresh plot for a sexy lessons story! like the whole time i was just like what?? whyyyyy are we doing this for some other man…of the likes of “collin”??? god he sounded like such a fucking dick…& he definitely was & even more so using trauma as an excuse *scoff* good grief he annoyed me but thank god we realized he was a BUST!!! everything about micah & lindens families were the most bittersweet stories! i love them so much & how this was such a different ending than the usual sports romance & i loved it for them so much!!
-mm romance
-college football
-roommates to lovers
-jock x nerd
-farm life
-teach me
-found family
this was such an interesting fresh plot for a sexy lessons story! like the whole time i was just like what?? whyyyyy are we doing this for some other man…of the likes of “collin”??? god he sounded like such a fucking dick…& he definitely was & even more so using trauma as an excuse *scoff* good grief he annoyed me but thank god we realized he was a BUST!!! everything about micah & lindens families were the most bittersweet stories! i love them so much & how this was such a different ending than the usual sports romance & i loved it for them so much!!
July 17, 2026
The Wallflower’s Playbook continues A.J. Kyler’s interest in using deception as a doorway into intimacy. In The Switched-Up Playbook, Nicko’s impersonation of his twin places two enemies into an orbit where they can encounter one another without years of hostility dictating every interaction. The lie propels the romance without becoming its foundation, ending before dating or sex crosses the ethical line into something much darker. The sequel uses deception as a mechanism to bring Linden and Micah together, but honesty is what makes the relationship possible.
Linden is the only son in a farming family and has grown up carrying his parents’ expectation that he will take over the farm one day, an assumption they have never stopped to ask whether he shares. By the time the novel begins, the sense of duty he has towards his family has already cost him much of the college experience he hoped to have. When his father was injured, Linden left school for a substantial part of the academic year to help keep the farm running. By the time he returned, the tentative friendships he had begun forming had faded without him. Linden was always naturally shy, but the interruption deepened his isolation, leaving him with the persistent feeling that everyone else is moving forward while he remains stranded. Nicko has found Xander and is preparing to leave Bonham, while Linden, at twenty-two, has barely dated and has no sexual experience at all.
His virginity has become proof, in Linden’s mind, that he is falling behind. After one date with Colin, the two enter a vaguely defined “open relationship” while Colin spends the summer in Europe. The charming caveat is that Colin refuses to sleep with virgins and instead encourages Linden to gain enough experience elsewhere to become acceptable upon his return. How romantic! It does, however, give Linden a concrete goal: lose his virginity before summer ends.
Micah appears perfectly equipped to help. He is handsome, charming, socially confident, and the captain of B-Tech’s football team. He has also cultivated a reputation for sexual adventurousness, including persistent rumours that he and his best friend Seb have participated in MMF threesomes. None of it is true, but Micah and Seb have allowed the story to spread because it contributes to the image they believe they need to project. When a cheerleader and a male football player from a neighbouring college invite Micah into a real threesome, he feels unable to refuse. The other man’s father has connections within the NFL, and Micah cannot afford to alienate someone who might influence his professional future.
Micah’s pursuit of the NFL is less about fame than survival. He was raised by conspiracy theorists whose legitimate experience of industrial negligence has hardened into paranoia. Micah gives them so much of his scholarship money that he struggles to feed himself, repair his car, or replace his damaged phone. Going professional represents safety, financial stability, and the ability to provide for the people he feels responsible for. It is not simply ambition.
Linden presents himself as someone with experience sleeping with men and offers to prepare Micah through some hands-on learning, concealing that everything he knows about sex has come from the MM romance novels he devours. It is an exquisitely messy premise, but Kyler again establishes an important ethical boundary. Linden’s deception collapses before any sexual activity occurs, betrayed by his shaking hands, terrified body language, and complete inability to behave like someone who knows what he is doing. When Micah gets the truth out of him, his annoyance is brief. They decide to continue with the arrangement, despite discovering that the “teacher” is just as inexperienced as the “student”.
That inversion of the “teach me” trope is one of the novel’s best decisions. Micah has never slept with a man, while Linden has never slept with anyone. Neither can confidently instruct the other, so their arrangement becomes collaborative rather than hierarchical. Their shared uncertainty removes the pressure Linden fears most: having to perform for someone who might measure him against more experienced partners. With Micah, there is no standard he has to meet and no embarrassment he has to conceal. They can simply be nervous, curious, imperfect, and figure it out together.
The sex works because Linden and Micah are never required to become polished at it. They bump heads, tangle themselves into unusable positions, laugh through moments of embarrassment, finish before they intend to, tremble with nerves, and occasionally discover that neither of them knows what should go where. Practice makes them more comfortable, but it does not magically turn them into tireless sex gods after one or two tentative encounters. Their increasing confidence remains inseparable from the vulnerability of learning together.
It is strange that this feels so refreshing. Romance novels often use virginity to manufacture one anxious first time, then immediately replace inexperience with the skill, certainty, and stamina of a professional performer. The Wallflower’s Playbook understands that a summer of intermittent experimentation would still be awkward, funny, and imperfect. The sex is not erotic despite those human moments, but because of them.
Their emotional intimacy grows as naturally and tentatively as everything else between them. Neither man races ahead while the other remains oblivious. Instead, they fall together through conversation, domestic rituals, proximity, and the closeness created by repeatedly being embarrassed in front of someone who never makes that embarrassment feel unsafe. Micah’s choice to join Linden for the cherry harvest makes the change impossible to ignore. Staying at college would allow him to train and bring their arrangement to a convenient end. Going to the farm means choosing more time with Linden, even when that time requires entering the complicated family life Linden has spent years trying to navigate.
For two men brought together by deception, they are refreshingly willing to communicate, although both resist admitting for a while that their temporary arrangement has become something neither wants to lose. Mercifully, the novel does not stretch this denial beyond endurance. Their emotional confession arrives alongside the next stage of their sexual relationship, as they cross both the physical boundary Colin tried to establish and the emotional boundary they once assumed would end everything between them.
The novel’s only real weakness is that its apparent threats resolve too neatly. Both Linden’s arrangement with Colin and Micah’s proposed threesome are positioned as deadlines hanging over the summer, creating the expectation that each will eventually force a difficult choice or confrontation. When those moments arrive, however, the obstacles prove far less substantial than the narrative has encouraged us to anticipate.
The resolutions demonstrate a welcome degree of emotional maturity, but they are dramatically anticlimactic. The two situations function as swords of Damocles only because Linden and Micah imagine them that way. Neither ultimately poses a meaningful external threat, making portions of the novel’s tension feel self-generated rather than structurally necessary.
The deeper tension in The Wallflower’s Playbook is not whether Linden and Micah will acknowledge their feelings, but whether either man can imagine a future that belongs entirely to him. Linden has spent years believing that either assuming family duty or rejecting it will determine the shape of his adulthood and the state of his relationship with his family. Micah has pursued professional football as both an escape from poverty and a means of rescuing the people he feels responsible for. Neither has been encouraged to ask what kind of life would make him happy.
Their relationship gives both men the impetus to ask that question. Linden begins to understand that loving his family does not require him to inherit every expectation attached to his place within it. Micah must confront the possibility that an ambition built from fear and obligation may not be a future worth living.
Their romance does not solve those choices for them, but it gives both men somewhere safe from which to make them. Linden and Micah fall in love by learning together, first in bed and then in life, that uncertainty is far less frightening when neither person has to face it alone.
Linden is the only son in a farming family and has grown up carrying his parents’ expectation that he will take over the farm one day, an assumption they have never stopped to ask whether he shares. By the time the novel begins, the sense of duty he has towards his family has already cost him much of the college experience he hoped to have. When his father was injured, Linden left school for a substantial part of the academic year to help keep the farm running. By the time he returned, the tentative friendships he had begun forming had faded without him. Linden was always naturally shy, but the interruption deepened his isolation, leaving him with the persistent feeling that everyone else is moving forward while he remains stranded. Nicko has found Xander and is preparing to leave Bonham, while Linden, at twenty-two, has barely dated and has no sexual experience at all.
His virginity has become proof, in Linden’s mind, that he is falling behind. After one date with Colin, the two enter a vaguely defined “open relationship” while Colin spends the summer in Europe. The charming caveat is that Colin refuses to sleep with virgins and instead encourages Linden to gain enough experience elsewhere to become acceptable upon his return. How romantic! It does, however, give Linden a concrete goal: lose his virginity before summer ends.
Micah appears perfectly equipped to help. He is handsome, charming, socially confident, and the captain of B-Tech’s football team. He has also cultivated a reputation for sexual adventurousness, including persistent rumours that he and his best friend Seb have participated in MMF threesomes. None of it is true, but Micah and Seb have allowed the story to spread because it contributes to the image they believe they need to project. When a cheerleader and a male football player from a neighbouring college invite Micah into a real threesome, he feels unable to refuse. The other man’s father has connections within the NFL, and Micah cannot afford to alienate someone who might influence his professional future.
Micah’s pursuit of the NFL is less about fame than survival. He was raised by conspiracy theorists whose legitimate experience of industrial negligence has hardened into paranoia. Micah gives them so much of his scholarship money that he struggles to feed himself, repair his car, or replace his damaged phone. Going professional represents safety, financial stability, and the ability to provide for the people he feels responsible for. It is not simply ambition.
Linden presents himself as someone with experience sleeping with men and offers to prepare Micah through some hands-on learning, concealing that everything he knows about sex has come from the MM romance novels he devours. It is an exquisitely messy premise, but Kyler again establishes an important ethical boundary. Linden’s deception collapses before any sexual activity occurs, betrayed by his shaking hands, terrified body language, and complete inability to behave like someone who knows what he is doing. When Micah gets the truth out of him, his annoyance is brief. They decide to continue with the arrangement, despite discovering that the “teacher” is just as inexperienced as the “student”.
That inversion of the “teach me” trope is one of the novel’s best decisions. Micah has never slept with a man, while Linden has never slept with anyone. Neither can confidently instruct the other, so their arrangement becomes collaborative rather than hierarchical. Their shared uncertainty removes the pressure Linden fears most: having to perform for someone who might measure him against more experienced partners. With Micah, there is no standard he has to meet and no embarrassment he has to conceal. They can simply be nervous, curious, imperfect, and figure it out together.
The sex works because Linden and Micah are never required to become polished at it. They bump heads, tangle themselves into unusable positions, laugh through moments of embarrassment, finish before they intend to, tremble with nerves, and occasionally discover that neither of them knows what should go where. Practice makes them more comfortable, but it does not magically turn them into tireless sex gods after one or two tentative encounters. Their increasing confidence remains inseparable from the vulnerability of learning together.
It is strange that this feels so refreshing. Romance novels often use virginity to manufacture one anxious first time, then immediately replace inexperience with the skill, certainty, and stamina of a professional performer. The Wallflower’s Playbook understands that a summer of intermittent experimentation would still be awkward, funny, and imperfect. The sex is not erotic despite those human moments, but because of them.
Their emotional intimacy grows as naturally and tentatively as everything else between them. Neither man races ahead while the other remains oblivious. Instead, they fall together through conversation, domestic rituals, proximity, and the closeness created by repeatedly being embarrassed in front of someone who never makes that embarrassment feel unsafe. Micah’s choice to join Linden for the cherry harvest makes the change impossible to ignore. Staying at college would allow him to train and bring their arrangement to a convenient end. Going to the farm means choosing more time with Linden, even when that time requires entering the complicated family life Linden has spent years trying to navigate.
For two men brought together by deception, they are refreshingly willing to communicate, although both resist admitting for a while that their temporary arrangement has become something neither wants to lose. Mercifully, the novel does not stretch this denial beyond endurance. Their emotional confession arrives alongside the next stage of their sexual relationship, as they cross both the physical boundary Colin tried to establish and the emotional boundary they once assumed would end everything between them.
The novel’s only real weakness is that its apparent threats resolve too neatly. Both Linden’s arrangement with Colin and Micah’s proposed threesome are positioned as deadlines hanging over the summer, creating the expectation that each will eventually force a difficult choice or confrontation. When those moments arrive, however, the obstacles prove far less substantial than the narrative has encouraged us to anticipate.
The resolutions demonstrate a welcome degree of emotional maturity, but they are dramatically anticlimactic. The two situations function as swords of Damocles only because Linden and Micah imagine them that way. Neither ultimately poses a meaningful external threat, making portions of the novel’s tension feel self-generated rather than structurally necessary.
The deeper tension in The Wallflower’s Playbook is not whether Linden and Micah will acknowledge their feelings, but whether either man can imagine a future that belongs entirely to him. Linden has spent years believing that either assuming family duty or rejecting it will determine the shape of his adulthood and the state of his relationship with his family. Micah has pursued professional football as both an escape from poverty and a means of rescuing the people he feels responsible for. Neither has been encouraged to ask what kind of life would make him happy.
Their relationship gives both men the impetus to ask that question. Linden begins to understand that loving his family does not require him to inherit every expectation attached to his place within it. Micah must confront the possibility that an ambition built from fear and obligation may not be a future worth living.
Their romance does not solve those choices for them, but it gives both men somewhere safe from which to make them. Linden and Micah fall in love by learning together, first in bed and then in life, that uncertainty is far less frightening when neither person has to face it alone.
July 17, 2026
Review of Advance copy received from the author
Overall:
I was really excited for this book, because book one in the series was one of my favorite reads of the last year. I was NOT disappointed. I loved reading this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Linden and Micah:
I really liked both of them. What I found interesting is that during the whole experimentation phase they communicated fairly well, they just didn’t communicate well once they realized that they were majorly invested feelings-wise. I was positively surprised by how much Micah checked in with Linsen, reassured him and made sure that he was okay with whatever they were doing, even though being attracted to men was new to Micah.
I really enjoyed this, because it’s something a lot of books lack in my opinion. I liked how they were allowed to fumble and feel a little awkward. The spice was good and felt realistic for where they were in their journey.
I really loved seeing their relationship develop.
The only negative point, if you could even call it that, would be that towards the end there was a lot of other drama that took up a lot of the plot. I would’ve liked a bit more of them figuring out how to be in an actual relationship with everything on the table.
Loved the “teach me” and “I’m nervous but that’s okay” moments.
I think my favorite was definitely “For my first time, I want it to be us.”
Hated Colin, dude gave me the absolute ick, not even his explanation towards the end could make that better.
I also felt Seb was a very interesting character, his OCD and the whole downward spiral were interesting to read, maybe we’ll get to see more of him (I hope so).
While I like Olli and can empathize with him being heartbroken and angry, doing that to Seb publicly is never okay and the way he talks to Micah also isn’t. Maybe there is something there in a future book as well.
All in all I really loved this book. I enjoyed the writing and the character development. Loved hearing little things about Nico and Xan as well as the hints about possible future main characters.
Overall:
I was really excited for this book, because book one in the series was one of my favorite reads of the last year. I was NOT disappointed. I loved reading this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Linden and Micah:
I really liked both of them. What I found interesting is that during the whole experimentation phase they communicated fairly well, they just didn’t communicate well once they realized that they were majorly invested feelings-wise. I was positively surprised by how much Micah checked in with Linsen, reassured him and made sure that he was okay with whatever they were doing, even though being attracted to men was new to Micah.
I really enjoyed this, because it’s something a lot of books lack in my opinion. I liked how they were allowed to fumble and feel a little awkward. The spice was good and felt realistic for where they were in their journey.
I really loved seeing their relationship develop.
The only negative point, if you could even call it that, would be that towards the end there was a lot of other drama that took up a lot of the plot. I would’ve liked a bit more of them figuring out how to be in an actual relationship with everything on the table.
Loved the “teach me” and “I’m nervous but that’s okay” moments.
I think my favorite was definitely “For my first time, I want it to be us.”
Hated Colin, dude gave me the absolute ick, not even his explanation towards the end could make that better.
I also felt Seb was a very interesting character, his OCD and the whole downward spiral were interesting to read, maybe we’ll get to see more of him (I hope so).
While I like Olli and can empathize with him being heartbroken and angry, doing that to Seb publicly is never okay and the way he talks to Micah also isn’t. Maybe there is something there in a future book as well.
All in all I really loved this book. I enjoyed the writing and the character development. Loved hearing little things about Nico and Xan as well as the hints about possible future main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! It felt like it started out a bit slow, but I definitely felt like Micah and Linden needed that slowness. They needed to get to know each other and feel safe with each other. Their connection needed time and space to blossom and for feelings to grow and deepen. They were really cute and sweet together and I really enjoyed their experimentation. I loved how both of them took the reigns at one time or another. I loved it when shy Linden gave way to sassy Linden. I loved seeing Linden feel safe enough with Micah to go for what he wanted and take control. I really enjoyed Micah and Linden's playful dynamic and sweetness.
It was great to see the inhabitants of the Nook and their friends. My heart went out to Seb and I just want him to get his happily ever after. It would be fun to see the boys 5-10 years down the line, being more settled and living their best lives.
If you like a jock/nerd pairing, then this is definitely a book you want to pick up. There are rescue kittens, a fun found family and study buddy fun using spicy novels.
It was great to see the inhabitants of the Nook and their friends. My heart went out to Seb and I just want him to get his happily ever after. It would be fun to see the boys 5-10 years down the line, being more settled and living their best lives.
If you like a jock/nerd pairing, then this is definitely a book you want to pick up. There are rescue kittens, a fun found family and study buddy fun using spicy novels.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4/5 ⭐️
Thank you to the authors for the ARC of this book. I feel like I stuck my hand in an electrical outlet and got zapped. All this to say that I have energy coursing through my body after reading this book.
After the beautiful love story of Nicko and Xander (#1 in Bats and Badgers), which is driven more by the main characters, Linden and Micah’s book is a quiet love that blossoms naturally and intimately. It’s love. And their story isn’t as character-driven, but it’s heavily influenced by and reflected in the lives of those around them, which I found very interesting.
In addition to serving as a thread leading into the next books—leaving us eager for what’s to come—it also shows how our stories are interconnected and how we end up reflecting the world around us.
The secret is to try to stop reflecting what’s expected, and to be the movement yourself. The river reflects images to others, but the river isn’t its reflection or the image it conveys. The river exists beyond what humans make of it. And I feel that’s what Linden and Micah become. They stop reflecting something for others. And I’m so moved by them.
It was so nice to read about a love that grew out of the trust needed to be vulnerable and authentic with one another.
In short, at this point, I loved reading about how this love blossomed and the friendship that reigns above all else. They’re an example of how love can be as natural as trust. It’s as if they were made for each other. So natural, yet so essential. I really, really, really hope to see more of them! I need so badly to see what their future holds!
And without a doubt—saying this in all caps, italics, bold, and underlined—I need to see the other characters’ lives! This book was quite plot-driven, which means we saw a lot of the other characters’ lives and their storylines, and that left me crying in a corner! I need the next books! I need to see more of my side characters now as main characters, and I need to see the couples who’ve already formed as side characters living their lives!
I really loved this book, and I feel that in terms of writing and character development (which has always been good—mind you, I’m not saying otherwise), it’s even better in this book. Nothing but wins!
No spoilers but get ready to a calm love and a side turbulent story!
Thank you to the authors for the ARC of this book. I feel like I stuck my hand in an electrical outlet and got zapped. All this to say that I have energy coursing through my body after reading this book.
After the beautiful love story of Nicko and Xander (#1 in Bats and Badgers), which is driven more by the main characters, Linden and Micah’s book is a quiet love that blossoms naturally and intimately. It’s love. And their story isn’t as character-driven, but it’s heavily influenced by and reflected in the lives of those around them, which I found very interesting.
In addition to serving as a thread leading into the next books—leaving us eager for what’s to come—it also shows how our stories are interconnected and how we end up reflecting the world around us.
The secret is to try to stop reflecting what’s expected, and to be the movement yourself. The river reflects images to others, but the river isn’t its reflection or the image it conveys. The river exists beyond what humans make of it. And I feel that’s what Linden and Micah become. They stop reflecting something for others. And I’m so moved by them.
It was so nice to read about a love that grew out of the trust needed to be vulnerable and authentic with one another.
In short, at this point, I loved reading about how this love blossomed and the friendship that reigns above all else. They’re an example of how love can be as natural as trust. It’s as if they were made for each other. So natural, yet so essential. I really, really, really hope to see more of them! I need so badly to see what their future holds!
And without a doubt—saying this in all caps, italics, bold, and underlined—I need to see the other characters’ lives! This book was quite plot-driven, which means we saw a lot of the other characters’ lives and their storylines, and that left me crying in a corner! I need the next books! I need to see more of my side characters now as main characters, and I need to see the couples who’ve already formed as side characters living their lives!
I really loved this book, and I feel that in terms of writing and character development (which has always been good—mind you, I’m not saying otherwise), it’s even better in this book. Nothing but wins!
No spoilers but get ready to a calm love and a side turbulent story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun and unique idea for a book. I loved every second of this.
Micah wants to have experience with men. Then there’s Linden, on the quiet side and more reserved. He has barely any experience at all and they make a plan to learn with each other. And their playbook? a gay romance novel that they both count on for guidance.
What starts off as a fun summer fling turns into them getting to know each other way better and feelings come into play. They realize they have more in common than they thought and they have a connection almost instantly but they both try to push their feelings down. After all, with Micah’s potential football career this “fling” has an expiration date and neither of them is ready for it to end.
The connection that Linden and Micah had was so precious. They genuinely loved being around each other and Micah helped Linden come out of his shell. Meanwhile Linden helped Micah realize that he can’t keep putting others before himself and that he deserves happiness more than anything. Micah was so burnt out from helping others and he has such a big heart that he didn’t see the negative effects it was having on him.
Their transition from friends with benefits to true feelings felt so natural and I loved seeing the way they both realized this was something more in their own ways.
I love how supportive Lindens parents were of Micah. They accepted him right into their family and it was so precious. And Micah’s big talk with Brandon was so heartwarming. The found family aspect was done so well.
The side characters were also so likeable and I LOVED being able to see my baby Nicko again 🥹 beyond excited for the next book and what’s to come after in this incredible series!
Thank you so much for the chance to read this amazing arc!
Micah wants to have experience with men. Then there’s Linden, on the quiet side and more reserved. He has barely any experience at all and they make a plan to learn with each other. And their playbook? a gay romance novel that they both count on for guidance.
What starts off as a fun summer fling turns into them getting to know each other way better and feelings come into play. They realize they have more in common than they thought and they have a connection almost instantly but they both try to push their feelings down. After all, with Micah’s potential football career this “fling” has an expiration date and neither of them is ready for it to end.
The connection that Linden and Micah had was so precious. They genuinely loved being around each other and Micah helped Linden come out of his shell. Meanwhile Linden helped Micah realize that he can’t keep putting others before himself and that he deserves happiness more than anything. Micah was so burnt out from helping others and he has such a big heart that he didn’t see the negative effects it was having on him.
Their transition from friends with benefits to true feelings felt so natural and I loved seeing the way they both realized this was something more in their own ways.
I love how supportive Lindens parents were of Micah. They accepted him right into their family and it was so precious. And Micah’s big talk with Brandon was so heartwarming. The found family aspect was done so well.
The side characters were also so likeable and I LOVED being able to see my baby Nicko again 🥹 beyond excited for the next book and what’s to come after in this incredible series!
Thank you so much for the chance to read this amazing arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars—I really enjoyed this book! Micah and Linden are great together. They both have so much going on in their lives and in their heads. But they’re honest with each other and they communicate pretty well—not perfectly all the time, but they do their best. They just really seem to like and respect and trust each other, so it’s no wonder they fall in love.
I really appreciate how the authors let things be awkward as these two guys, who are new to the experiences they are sharing, fumble through their first times. I also loved Linden’s dad and how he quietly related to Micah. The Nook is great, and I loved all of the bits with the housemates, especially the side story with Ollie. Micah’s bff Seb was an interesting character too. I hope he’ll get a book soon, and Ollie, too. Also, there might have been hints of a story for Professor Fiore! I did wish there had been a little more with Nicko, but I loved that he wasn’t forgotten.
If I have any complaints it is that when the guys go to Linden’s family farm there is little to no interaction between Linden and his siblings and their families even though they’re all staying at the same house. It’s a small complaint, but I do think it could have added to the pressure Linden felt about taking over the farm someday.
Mostly I just loved spending time with these guys. Can’t wait for book three!
I received an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I really appreciate how the authors let things be awkward as these two guys, who are new to the experiences they are sharing, fumble through their first times. I also loved Linden’s dad and how he quietly related to Micah. The Nook is great, and I loved all of the bits with the housemates, especially the side story with Ollie. Micah’s bff Seb was an interesting character too. I hope he’ll get a book soon, and Ollie, too. Also, there might have been hints of a story for Professor Fiore! I did wish there had been a little more with Nicko, but I loved that he wasn’t forgotten.
If I have any complaints it is that when the guys go to Linden’s family farm there is little to no interaction between Linden and his siblings and their families even though they’re all staying at the same house. It’s a small complaint, but I do think it could have added to the pressure Linden felt about taking over the farm someday.
Mostly I just loved spending time with these guys. Can’t wait for book three!
I received an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
July 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this one.
Linden and Micah were such a sweet pairing. I loved their jock/nerd dynamic, and watching them navigate their unusual arrangement had me hooked. The whole "teach me" premise was a fun twist, especially since neither of them seemed entirely sure of what they wanted at first. Seeing them slowly figure themselves out and each other, was one of my favourite parts of the story.
It started a little slower than I expected, but looking back, that slower pace was exactly what Linden and Micah needed. Their relationship was built on trust, friendship, and feeling safe with each other first, which made everything that followed feel genuine and earned.
Linden's growth was particularly lovely to watch. Seeing him become more confident and comfortable in his own skin, especially when his sassy side started to emerge, made me smile. Micah was the perfect person to help create that safe space for him, and I loved how supportive they were of each other throughout.
The found family elements were another highlight. The residents of the Nook, the friendships, the rescue kittens, and all the little moments of community added so much warmth to the story.
✨ College romance
✨ Jock x nerd
✨ Roommates to lovers
✨ Found family
✨ Teach me trope
✨ Football player MMC
✨ Rescue kittens
Sweet, thoughtful, and full of heart, this was a really enjoyable romance with lovable characters and a relationship that felt authentic from start to finish.
Linden and Micah were such a sweet pairing. I loved their jock/nerd dynamic, and watching them navigate their unusual arrangement had me hooked. The whole "teach me" premise was a fun twist, especially since neither of them seemed entirely sure of what they wanted at first. Seeing them slowly figure themselves out and each other, was one of my favourite parts of the story.
It started a little slower than I expected, but looking back, that slower pace was exactly what Linden and Micah needed. Their relationship was built on trust, friendship, and feeling safe with each other first, which made everything that followed feel genuine and earned.
Linden's growth was particularly lovely to watch. Seeing him become more confident and comfortable in his own skin, especially when his sassy side started to emerge, made me smile. Micah was the perfect person to help create that safe space for him, and I loved how supportive they were of each other throughout.
The found family elements were another highlight. The residents of the Nook, the friendships, the rescue kittens, and all the little moments of community added so much warmth to the story.
✨ College romance
✨ Jock x nerd
✨ Roommates to lovers
✨ Found family
✨ Teach me trope
✨ Football player MMC
✨ Rescue kittens
Sweet, thoughtful, and full of heart, this was a really enjoyable romance with lovable characters and a relationship that felt authentic from start to finish.
July 1, 2026
The Wallflower's Playbook was amazing! This book made me feel everything while reading! I loved The Switched-Up Playbook so, I was really looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed! Linden, a farm boy from Vermont who is studying to become a vet struggles with socialising outside his close circle comes up with an idea when Micah discusses an offer he gets. Offering to help with Micah's lack of experience with men which overtime, forced proximity and being forced to face their own feelings and fears as their temporary arrangement comes to an end, they realise their happily ever after isn't as complicated as they thought. I also loved the added bookish themes to both the storyline and characters. It was a fantastic read and I am soo invested in this series so far, and I'm looking forward to finding out who will be in book 3 because, I think there's a few potentials! Anyway, a book I will happily recommend, an author I will be honoured to read more books by, and two MCs that have the most wholesome HEA that I 've seen in a while! Thank you so much for allowing to read your book early! I absolutely loved it!
July 16, 2026
- arc review -
i picked up book one in the series and immediately fell in love with this world the author created. i was so excited for book two and it did not disappoint! the story, tension, and emotion were all done so perfectly! linden & micah have such a fun & unique story! i loved that throughout the book they used an mm romance novel to navigate their "spice" life! 🔥 also we can't forget, a summer spent on a cherry farm! i also wanna note that linden is a plant KING and i could relate to him so hard 🙂↕️
i really love the way the author writes and think they do such a phenomenal job with their characters and telling their stories! i read a LOT of indie authors and i can say with confidence that this is one of the good ones 👏🏽 they write everything you could want in an mm romance novel!
the switched up playbook is book one in the series (which is SUCH a fun read) but you can totally read them as standalones! they are interconnected standalones so there will be familiar characters in both books!
officially out on ku today! read if your wanting:
• roommates to lovers
• jock/nerd
• found family
• college football
• farm life
i picked up book one in the series and immediately fell in love with this world the author created. i was so excited for book two and it did not disappoint! the story, tension, and emotion were all done so perfectly! linden & micah have such a fun & unique story! i loved that throughout the book they used an mm romance novel to navigate their "spice" life! 🔥 also we can't forget, a summer spent on a cherry farm! i also wanna note that linden is a plant KING and i could relate to him so hard 🙂↕️
i really love the way the author writes and think they do such a phenomenal job with their characters and telling their stories! i read a LOT of indie authors and i can say with confidence that this is one of the good ones 👏🏽 they write everything you could want in an mm romance novel!
the switched up playbook is book one in the series (which is SUCH a fun read) but you can totally read them as standalones! they are interconnected standalones so there will be familiar characters in both books!
officially out on ku today! read if your wanting:
• roommates to lovers
• jock/nerd
• found family
• college football
• farm life
Review of advance copy received from Author
Micah & Linden!
Oof, my heart!
I feel like my emotions just went 3 rounds with Mike Tyson! A girl is not well.
I was instantly hooked on these two. Every encounter with them made me want to jump straight to the end to see their HEA.
What started as a simple win-win situation would, you guessed it.... not be so simple but instead a chaotically beautiful rollercoaster of ups, down, twist and turns that have you laughing, swooning and sobbing into your kindle at the wee hours.
By the time you turn that final page, you are wrung out more than a wet sponge after a long day. Your emotions took the emergency exit 14 chapters ago and you're silently not silently screaming at the authors to chop chop with book #3! Because you fell so hard for the side characters that you need their book immediately. Like yesterday infact and now you're searching for a cross roads so you can make a shady deal with the devil for some time travelling abilities to make it happen.
All in all,
I had a hell of a time!
I just need 3-5 business years to collect myself.
Oof, my heart!
I feel like my emotions just went 3 rounds with Mike Tyson! A girl is not well.
I was instantly hooked on these two. Every encounter with them made me want to jump straight to the end to see their HEA.
What started as a simple win-win situation would, you guessed it.... not be so simple but instead a chaotically beautiful rollercoaster of ups, down, twist and turns that have you laughing, swooning and sobbing into your kindle at the wee hours.
By the time you turn that final page, you are wrung out more than a wet sponge after a long day. Your emotions took the emergency exit 14 chapters ago and you're silently not silently screaming at the authors to chop chop with book #3! Because you fell so hard for the side characters that you need their book immediately. Like yesterday infact and now you're searching for a cross roads so you can make a shady deal with the devil for some time travelling abilities to make it happen.
All in all,
I had a hell of a time!
I just need 3-5 business years to collect myself.
July 27, 2026
This book was provided to me by the author. My opinion is given without bias.
The second book in the Bats & Badgers Series follows Linden and Micah. Linden a farm boy looking to get his Doctorate in Veterinary medicine and walk away from his parents farm finds that gaining some quintessential college experience with the NFL hopeful and star tight-end Micah is just what this summer needed. Micah is also looking for some college experiences. He's promised to be a part of trio at the end of the summer. Where his partners are expecting him to have some experience with men. Which he doesn't have.
Linden is out but has had too much going on to really find that someone special. His current situationship decides that he should spend the summer not being a virgin. So when he returns in the fall they can pick up where they left off.
Micah is at the top of his game and all he needs to do is practice for this upcoming play, right? More reps the better? Its so easy to fall into bed with Linden. They both gain the experience they are looking for, but will they be able to walk away from each other after the summer ends?
I really liked this book, even more then the first in the series. There are some storylines happening with ancillary characters that really give the story depth. These men exist in a community and what their friends and family do effects their relationship. It seems many times authors forget that. I digress. I love the caretaking between Micah and Linden. They showed up for each other in big and small ways. This is a solid 4 star read, you don't have to read the first in the series to read this one, but I'd recommend it. There is some weighty topics discussed, and some on page scenes that might be rough to read for some. Due your due-diligence and read the warnings. Thank you again to A.J for providing me with a copy.
The second book in the Bats & Badgers Series follows Linden and Micah. Linden a farm boy looking to get his Doctorate in Veterinary medicine and walk away from his parents farm finds that gaining some quintessential college experience with the NFL hopeful and star tight-end Micah is just what this summer needed. Micah is also looking for some college experiences. He's promised to be a part of trio at the end of the summer. Where his partners are expecting him to have some experience with men. Which he doesn't have.
Linden is out but has had too much going on to really find that someone special. His current situationship decides that he should spend the summer not being a virgin. So when he returns in the fall they can pick up where they left off.
Micah is at the top of his game and all he needs to do is practice for this upcoming play, right? More reps the better? Its so easy to fall into bed with Linden. They both gain the experience they are looking for, but will they be able to walk away from each other after the summer ends?
I really liked this book, even more then the first in the series. There are some storylines happening with ancillary characters that really give the story depth. These men exist in a community and what their friends and family do effects their relationship. It seems many times authors forget that. I digress. I love the caretaking between Micah and Linden. They showed up for each other in big and small ways. This is a solid 4 star read, you don't have to read the first in the series to read this one, but I'd recommend it. There is some weighty topics discussed, and some on page scenes that might be rough to read for some. Due your due-diligence and read the warnings. Thank you again to A.J for providing me with a copy.
July 26, 2026
I really liked this, it’s got a twist to it. There is other potential partners lurking in background which I know others won’t like but there is no cheating. I’ve seen it said that this part of the story line wasn’t needed but I beg to differ. I think the few times either of them referred to Linden and Colin’s situation as a relationship, was a stretch, future relationship maybe.
There’s occasional out of the blue angst among the house mates that’s always very sudden. It almost makes you feel like you’ve missed something, I’m almost wondering if it’s just down to the choice of words or if they actually intend that angst. There is also a few conversations that get a bit confusing as to what is actually being implied. More so in this book than the first and as I’ve read the first book it’s not that I don’t get the background. It has the feel that it made sense to the authors but they forgot to check others could understand it. This is something ive seen before with other new authors, especially in the first book and I think maybe that the risk of two writers coming together is that it takes a bit longer to smooth out those issues, it feels like it needed more arc readers to highlight those parts so they could be edited. I’m sure as they get used to marrying their writing together the flow will improve and those occasional issues will be fixed. There is seriously so much potential for some excellent work from these authors moving forward. Definitely gonna read the next instalment, my money is on Oliver and Sebastian! But also can’t wait for coach and the professor!!!
There’s occasional out of the blue angst among the house mates that’s always very sudden. It almost makes you feel like you’ve missed something, I’m almost wondering if it’s just down to the choice of words or if they actually intend that angst. There is also a few conversations that get a bit confusing as to what is actually being implied. More so in this book than the first and as I’ve read the first book it’s not that I don’t get the background. It has the feel that it made sense to the authors but they forgot to check others could understand it. This is something ive seen before with other new authors, especially in the first book and I think maybe that the risk of two writers coming together is that it takes a bit longer to smooth out those issues, it feels like it needed more arc readers to highlight those parts so they could be edited. I’m sure as they get used to marrying their writing together the flow will improve and those occasional issues will be fixed. There is seriously so much potential for some excellent work from these authors moving forward. Definitely gonna read the next instalment, my money is on Oliver and Sebastian! But also can’t wait for coach and the professor!!!
July 17, 2026
After the first book in this series became a huge favorite of mine, it was obvious that I had to read this one too.
I really liked that this wasn’t an insta-love story. Instead, their relationship developed slowly and naturally. It was great to watch them go from roommates to friends, and eventually to something more.
The chemistry between them was fantastic, and the humor, the tender moments, and the tension were all perfectly balanced. I loved how genuine and emotional their relationship felt.
I also enjoyed that the side characters played an important role, and I was really happy to see the characters I had already gotten to know in the previous book again.
Overall, I got a heartwarming MM romance with adorable characters, great dynamics, and so many emotions.
I really liked that this wasn’t an insta-love story. Instead, their relationship developed slowly and naturally. It was great to watch them go from roommates to friends, and eventually to something more.
The chemistry between them was fantastic, and the humor, the tender moments, and the tension were all perfectly balanced. I loved how genuine and emotional their relationship felt.
I also enjoyed that the side characters played an important role, and I was really happy to see the characters I had already gotten to know in the previous book again.
Overall, I got a heartwarming MM romance with adorable characters, great dynamics, and so many emotions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, I loved this one.
These two were honestly adorable.
The premise was incredibly cute, and I loved how the spice unfolded through the "playbook." Their relationship developed naturally, making every step of their journey feel earned rather than rushed.
The found family was fantastic, but honestly, Linden's actual family stole my heart. Their unconditional support for Micah—someone who had spent so much of his life shrinking himself to meet everyone else's expectations—was so healing to read.
And those little glimpses at who might be getting the next book?
I'm already invested.
Give me that redemption arc immediately.
⭐️ 4.5/5 stars
These two were honestly adorable.
The premise was incredibly cute, and I loved how the spice unfolded through the "playbook." Their relationship developed naturally, making every step of their journey feel earned rather than rushed.
The found family was fantastic, but honestly, Linden's actual family stole my heart. Their unconditional support for Micah—someone who had spent so much of his life shrinking himself to meet everyone else's expectations—was so healing to read.
And those little glimpses at who might be getting the next book?
I'm already invested.
Give me that redemption arc immediately.
⭐️ 4.5/5 stars
July 17, 2026
I really wanted to love this because I absolutely loved the first book. I like the characters, but this one was just so incredibly boring. There was way too much focus on everything else and all the side characters, and I completely lost interest. Yes, they’re an adorable couple, and I can’t take that away from them. Didn’t feel their connection enough and also didn’t get the plot with why they should hook up in the first place. Which lead to missing the whole tension in hooking up. But I ended up skimming entire parts of chapters just to get through it, and I honestly don’t feel like I missed anything.
July 24, 2026
Rounded up from 3.5/5.
I really enjoyed this book. The relationship between Micah and Linden was very sweet and organic. Their relationship didn't feel forced and I wish we got more of them together on the farm.
My reasoning for 3.5/5 instead of a higher score is that this book had too much filler. There were too many side characters (and too much focus on them!) that were probably introduced so a book (more likely multiple books) could be written about them. The epilogue was mainly about Seb and we got hardly any real scenes of Micah and Linden together after the "crescendo" that was Linden finally losing his virginity to someone he feels safe with.
I really enjoyed this book. The relationship between Micah and Linden was very sweet and organic. Their relationship didn't feel forced and I wish we got more of them together on the farm.
My reasoning for 3.5/5 instead of a higher score is that this book had too much filler. There were too many side characters (and too much focus on them!) that were probably introduced so a book (more likely multiple books) could be written about them. The epilogue was mainly about Seb and we got hardly any real scenes of Micah and Linden together after the "crescendo" that was Linden finally losing his virginity to someone he feels safe with.
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 29, 2026This was a nice read. Linden and Micah had had an interesting way of communicating and going about their plans but I was intrigued to have it all play out. I love reading about characters who read to having Keeping Noah as a book between them was cool.
Having both men be in similar situations for different reasons was also interesting to see. Neither of the seemed 100% about why they wanted the experience to over time them coming to certain conclusions was great. They went with what was best for them and that’s what I liked to see!
I’m intrigued by what’s to come.
💚ARC REVIEW🖤
Having both men be in similar situations for different reasons was also interesting to see. Neither of the seemed 100% about why they wanted the experience to over time them coming to certain conclusions was great. They went with what was best for them and that’s what I liked to see!
I’m intrigued by what’s to come.
💚ARC REVIEW🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it💚😍
Just like book one, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅-𝑼𝒑 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌, this book was soooo good! Micah and Linden are such amazing and beautiful mmc’s🥹 We adore them. They had us swooning.
Their love felt so real; it was often found in those little details, and those details are portrayed so beautifully by Annie and Jay🥹 We were all *butterflies and giggles*.
Also such precious side characters. Seb kinda stole our hearts🥺
Annie and Jay, we really enjoyed being back in Bonham, we LOVE your boys. Can't wait for book three👀😁
Just like book one, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅-𝑼𝒑 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌, this book was soooo good! Micah and Linden are such amazing and beautiful mmc’s🥹 We adore them. They had us swooning.
Their love felt so real; it was often found in those little details, and those details are portrayed so beautifully by Annie and Jay🥹 We were all *butterflies and giggles*.
Also such precious side characters. Seb kinda stole our hearts🥺
Annie and Jay, we really enjoyed being back in Bonham, we LOVE your boys. Can't wait for book three👀😁
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it💚😍
Just like book one, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅-𝑼𝒑 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌, this book was soooo good! Micah and Linden are such amazing and beautiful mmc’s🥹 We adore them. They had us swooning.
Their love felt so real; it was often found in those little details, and those details are portrayed so beautifully by Annie and Jay🥹 We were all *butterflies and giggles*.
Also such precious side characters. Seb kinda stole our hearts🥺
Annie and Jay, we really enjoyed being back in Bonham, we LOVE your boys. Can't wait for book three👀😁
Just like book one, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅-𝑼𝒑 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌, this book was soooo good! Micah and Linden are such amazing and beautiful mmc’s🥹 We adore them. They had us swooning.
Their love felt so real; it was often found in those little details, and those details are portrayed so beautifully by Annie and Jay🥹 We were all *butterflies and giggles*.
Also such precious side characters. Seb kinda stole our hearts🥺
Annie and Jay, we really enjoyed being back in Bonham, we LOVE your boys. Can't wait for book three👀😁
Read
July 17, 2026This book just isn't my thing at all. Other readers may enjoy it, and that's perfectly fine, but it's a 100% no for me.
I'm simply not a fan of reading about my MCs being sexually involved with other people, whether it's in the past or on the page. I went into this book fully aware that Micah was invited into a threesome, but reading it was a completely different experience. By the time I started the book, Micah was already participating, and Linden was already in bed with other people.
Unfortunately, this ended up being an early DNF.
I'm simply not a fan of reading about my MCs being sexually involved with other people, whether it's in the past or on the page. I went into this book fully aware that Micah was invited into a threesome, but reading it was a completely different experience. By the time I started the book, Micah was already participating, and Linden was already in bed with other people.
Unfortunately, this ended up being an early DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
After I finished book one of Bats and Badgers I was beyond thrilled to receive book two as an ARC.
I loved this book! Going from roommates to friends to more. To see them actually getting to know each other.
It was very hard to put this one down, wanting to know every that would follow. This isn't an insta-love. This is about growing together, getting to truly know each other. Them coming together was so beautifully written!
I cannot wait for book 3!
I loved this book! Going from roommates to friends to more. To see them actually getting to know each other.
It was very hard to put this one down, wanting to know every that would follow. This isn't an insta-love. This is about growing together, getting to truly know each other. Them coming together was so beautifully written!
I cannot wait for book 3!
July 21, 2026
5.0 Stars
WTF - 5 stars for a college football romance?
Uhm, yeah?! I am totally surprised by this.
I teared up at the end. Just because.
This book was freakingly enjoyable, all characters seemed to be real people with real issues.
It was entertaining, romantic, erotic, dramatic- all in the right amount.
Plus Micah’s interesting yet slightly disturbing background family story. I was totally captivated.
Next please?! I think zu will cry a lot more through Seb’s story.
WTF - 5 stars for a college football romance?
Uhm, yeah?! I am totally surprised by this.
I teared up at the end. Just because.
This book was freakingly enjoyable, all characters seemed to be real people with real issues.
It was entertaining, romantic, erotic, dramatic- all in the right amount.
Plus Micah’s interesting yet slightly disturbing background family story. I was totally captivated.
Next please?! I think zu will cry a lot more through Seb’s story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love when I book surprises me! Ugh it was soooooo good so different from book one and just as amazing! I loved book one so much and book two didn’t disappoint Micah and Linden were so freaking adorable! I ate this book up I’m so excited for book three and can’t wait to find out who it’s about! Thank you so much A.J. Kyler so much for allowing me to Arc read this amazing book!❤️
July 19, 2026
3.5 rounded up!
This wasn’t as good as the first one, and the story dragged at times. The relationship lots it’s focus and a prologue was definitely needed!
Still a cute story. I wonder if there will be another book and if it will follow Seb and Olli? It seemed entirely unnecessary to the overall story.
This wasn’t as good as the first one, and the story dragged at times. The relationship lots it’s focus and a prologue was definitely needed!
Still a cute story. I wonder if there will be another book and if it will follow Seb and Olli? It seemed entirely unnecessary to the overall story.
July 24, 2026
A very nice read, can be read in one sitting. A very cute book the characters and the plot are amazing, some parts I found a bit tedious to read but otherwise fantastic, Linden and Micah are so very cute, their story is beautiful and warm, makes you feel all happy. Definitely would recommend to read totally worth it! It is a little bit spicy!
August 3, 2026
New Author for Me
This was the first book by this author that I read and I am officially a fan. It was sweet and real and there was no way you couldn't cheer for the characters. On top of that it created a beautiful setup for the next book that felt natural. The author gave just enough hints about book 1 that I have already downloaded it to read next . Definitely worth reading.
This was the first book by this author that I read and I am officially a fan. It was sweet and real and there was no way you couldn't cheer for the characters. On top of that it created a beautiful setup for the next book that felt natural. The author gave just enough hints about book 1 that I have already downloaded it to read next . Definitely worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
full rtc, but annie and jay: i am in awe of your talent. i am literally speechless right now over this masterpiece.
*i received an advanced copy of this book from the authors, and this is my voluntary, honest review.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
full rtc, but annie and jay: i am in awe of your talent. i am literally speechless right now over this masterpiece.
*i received an advanced copy of this book from the authors, and this is my voluntary, honest review.
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