Into Your Arms

Squad Stories #1

by Chelsea M. Cameron

Freya has secrets she doesn’t intend to share. Not with her new friends on the cheerleading squad at Maine State University, and certainly not with sexy lumberjack-look-alike Rhett. Just because sparks flew between them at a bar one night doesn’t mean he gets to know why she transferred to MSU. When Freya dares Rhett to come to cheerleading practice, she never expects to see the dark-haired lumberjack again.

Except Rhett is the last person to turn down a dare, especially when it comes from a pixie-sized blonde. When Rhett wows the squad and becomes Freya’s stunt partner, his hands come far too close for comfort. But as Freya and Rhett’s hot post-practice sessions bring them closer, she risks her secrets being revealed. Can Freya chance exposing who she really is to the guy who wasn’t supposed to win her heart?

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Sports, Contemporary Romance, College

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2017

About the author

Chelsea M. Cameron is a New York Times/USA Today/Internationally Best Selling author from Maine who now lives and works in Boston. She's a red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, former cheerleader, and world's worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, eating brunch in bed, tweeting, and playing fetch with her cat, Sassenach. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.

Reviews

[Inês Sagres · Rating 2 out of 5]

Freya moved to Maine alone with a purpose, but no one really knows that. She keeps doing what she loves which is cheer and makes some new friends. But along the way comes a man that looks perfect but could be so bad for her. And apparently he’s even willing to join cheer if that means he gets to be with her.

Rhett studies at Maine State University and works at the campus day care seeing as his goal is to help kids that end up in foster care like he did when his parents died in a car accident. His life doesn’t have a lot of excitement so a new blonde girl in town is exactly what he needs.

As soon as I started reading this I wasn't expecting a lot out of it. Everything feels really forced.

First I just can't like Freya. She's not my style. Too crude for my taste. While Rhett is the opposite and I loved him. He loves kids so there's a lot of adorableness going on his side. But the problem is just that: everything in that relationship is one-sided for too long. He cooks for her, he buys her food, he listens when she is just being crazy while she leaves him every opportunity she gets.

The pace of the book is also terrible in my opinion. They spend tons of time in the same stage of their relationship while nothing gets done regarding her secret, and then all of a sudden everything happens and the book ends.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Into Your Arms follows two people, Rhett and Freya. Freya is a cheerleader at her college and she and Rhett meet at a bar. The instantly have a certain connection and it kind of goes from there.

I'm not really one to read m/f romance books mostly out of personal preference. I don't ever enjoy them as much as f/f or m/m romances. I decided to pick this one up since I've enjoyed the author's f/f works (Style becoming one of my favourite books). I did end up really enjoying this and the romance. I will say it was a little instalovey but it was also believable. There were elements of hate-to-love and benefits, and there was a lot of chemistry between the couple. There isn't too much of a plot but I did like what there was, it was purely a romance with elements of family. Rhett is an orphan and Freya is adopted and that comes into play later. The last few chapters is what bumped up the rating for me. I thought that was done excellently. Rhett was also a good love interest, he respected Freya. At a point where Freya's friends are being protective he doesn't get angry and says he's happy she has people looking out for her. And when they first have sex, he explicitly asks for consent, receiving enthusiastic consent. I love seeing that from male love interests (especially since m/f romances have a trend of portraying possessive male love interests). I also really liked Freya. She had a strong personality which is what I like to see in female characters.

If you read m/f romances, I definitely recommend it.

Review also posted on my blog

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 48%.

Full disclosure I'm not that keen on cheerleading and calling it 'cheer' doesn't help, but really it's the two principal characters that I don't relate to/ like.

First off it has several of the YA/NA characteristics that irritate me beyond belief. First person POV, alternate first person POV, lip biting, adoption, children's homes, shitty childhoods, stupid names, and oh the angst!

Rhett (yup, stupid name) is just too good to be true. He reads the classics, he works with children, he cooks, his apartment is clean, he is good-looking with a beard and tats, he joins the cheer leading squad on a Dare and pow, he's the best guy on the squad.

Freya is a total drama queen, she makes a big thing out of her 'secret' which is NOTHING. She has supposedly moved to Maine to do 'something' but frankly at 48% through the book she has done nothing more than look on Facebook once. She apparently doesn't have time for Rhett but is happy to mooch off him for food and getting s angry at him FOR NO REASON.

When I start to make angry notes on my kindle I know it's time to quit.

Recommended if you like high angst young college romances.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really surprised by how flat I found Into Your Arms. I enjoyed the author's earlier NA romances, particularly For Real and My Favorite Mistake. But I found myself repeatedly checking if the author of those fun college romances was the same as this shallow, repetitive, listless story.

Freya is a recent transfer from Texas to Maine where she wants to pursue her college cheer career and figure out her origins. Other than her name, there is nothing particularly likable about Freya. The way she treats Rhett, her parents, surrogate parents, friends, and everyone around her shows how emotionally withdrawn, childish, overwrought, and self-centered this chick is.

And if you dislike Freya, then it makes it more difficult to understand why Rhett pursues her as ardently as he does. Rhett is some kind of lumbersexual cheerleading savant (he joins the squad just to get close to Freya) who has endless patience with Freya constantly dismissing his interest in her with such cutting, sophisticated remarks like, "You're so weird" like some emotionally stunted pre-teen. Rhett cooks for her and endures rounds of her emotional outbursts. Frankly, I couldn't understand what he found attractive about her in the first place.

Here's an example of Freya's frequent flyer freakouts: When Rhett tells her he grew up in the foster system, Freya flips out and RUNS AWAY from him because it reminds her that she's adopted. The guy just told her he's an orphan and this she-child made it all about herself.

Every time Freya is upset about something, she runs and hides in her apartment. Although she claimed to have transferred to Maine to find her birth mom, the only thing Freya ever does is eat junk food, complain about Rhett, and have sex with Rhett. Then, when Rhett actually finds her birth mom for her, Freya completely flips out. And even though Freya admits to herself she didn't handle it well and should apologize to Rhett, she still makes the poor guy grovel over and over. My eyes hurt from rolling.

I really hope the author returns to her earlier style of writing where the characters were original and sweet, as I think I'm done with this cheer squad.

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[pi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5/5

I've read several books by this author and I've always enjoyed them, so I knew it would not be different with this one.

"Into your arms" is NA romance written in a dual PoV, so we get to know Freya's and Rhett's perspective and thoughts, which I appreciate, because it helps the reader to know the main characters better. And what about them? I really like that they break the mold. I love that Rhett is a soft boy (even though he looks like a really tough one) who's head over heels in love with Freya; and that Freya is that stubborn girl who doesn't want to know anything about having a boyfriend or opening up to people.

Another thing that I really like about this story is that it features cheerleaders that aren't cast as the villains. Even more, cheerleaders that enjoy reading! And yes, Chelsea M. Cameron had me at the first "Pride and prejudice" reference ^^

Also, I found the secondary characters really interesting (specially that interracial f/f couple) and I hope we can get to know them better in the next instalments :)

In my opinion, "Into your arms" is not Cameron's best work (it can be a bit repetitive and the ending is kind of rushed), but it's still a cute (and steamy) story that you can read in one sitting.

*I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Yvette89 · Rating 2 out of 5]

copy received for review
I have been pushing my way through this book for a couple of months. I was really interested in the blurb. The book didn't live up to my excitement. I could not get into the characters. The story did not keep my interest. I guess I was thinking something uplifting and fun. I had to give up a couple of times and read something else. Nothing against the author, I read other books by her and they were very good. This book is just not one of the better ones.

[Viktória Tóth · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/3.5

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

Why did I request this book? First of all, I absolutely loved the author My favorite mistake series. Then there s the pretty cover which always helps and I also found the synopsis intriguing. Overall, I liked the book well enough, it’s a cute and sweet little romance story, which is also light and quick. However, I’m not a cute love story kind of a girl and I had a few issues with the main character too. So in the end it only falls into the middle ground for me.

Let’s start with the writing style. I didn’t expect anything horrible since I read a couple of other books from the author; still I found I few things worth mentioning. The biggest one is that the story mostly reads really fluidly and easily but there are a couple of instances where I got the impression as if I was reading a telegraph from the old ages. You know how they communicate them, the dear xy stop I miss you stop ect. This manly happened in the beginning of the story and wouldn’t say it’s something really bad but definitely strange and caused a disconnection between sentences, paragraphs. Then there are a lot of contradictions in the story, in one sentence even. Like they start the sentence saying something but finish it stating the complete opposite of it. It wasn’t that noticeable but after a while it started to confuse the storyline a bit. Other than this the writing is pretty solid, interesting even with the tendencies to highlight the strangest, most uncommon elements from the plot which I found absolutely delightful and even funny.
Loosely connected to this, but more about the plot than the writing is the fact that it contains a lot of stereotype regarding the roles or preferences of man and women. I didn’t love the judgmental effect it put on the whole book, especially onto one of the main characters but fortunately the other character disprove these particular motions really quickly and effectively.
Also regarding the plot I found it pretty original and interesting to see another side to the cheerleader lifestyle opposing to the usual slutty, bully kind of cheerleaders from YA contemporary. Not to mention it is a really big part of the storyline and the author presents it accordingly. With a lot of little details and shows the hard work her characters put into it. Yet I also think it’s a bit overdone, there is too much focus to it and takes up more time in the book than it would be ideal. Especially since the characters Rhett and Freya has a lot of other intriguing parts in their life that doesn’t get enough attention.

Well, as for the main characters one of them surprised me and the other annoyed me to no ends. We see the story from both of their points of views and what is true about both of them that they are not the usual personalities I encounter in contemporary books a leads.
Let’s start with Rhett. The first impression I got about him in the very first chapter wasn’t all that pleasing but something I find in a lot of new adult romance. He seemed like someone who perfected picking up girls into an art form and a good looking fellow with a healthy dose of arrogance. I geared myself up for him being like this in the rest of the book too, but boy was I wrong. As I started to read the second chapter my whole opinion started to change about him surely and quickly. He is charming and even sweet, caring with a lot of uncommon traits, like his dorkiness or love for old school and long words. He is honest and persistent and mostly patient. He has a lot of awkward moments where he doesn’t know what to do but you can see that he sincerely tries and cares. But around the end of the story he started to feel a bit too cheesy and too much of a pushover, or not even that but he gets a lot of shit from Freya and her friends still he is patiently waits her out. I want one for myself.
Then we got Freya whom I disliked from the moment she first talked. She has a really negative vibe going on about her with all of her misplaced bitterness caused by her not so stellar decisions. She is hostile and defensive after the most basic conversations even especially towards Rhett. He is nice to her she practically bites his head off. Yes I get that she didn’t have a perfect childhood but Rhetts was worse yet he can act in a civilized fashion. But you know what; she overdramatized everything so why should I be surprised. Then there are little things like the arrogant way she talks about her talent and her new squad lack of it. But really the thing that I disliked the most about her was her attitude, the way she attacked and pushed away everybody who just simply talked to her or asked a slightly personal question. I mean she states that she hates Rhett for his sincerity, come on get real. Her constant fighting not just others but herself too gets tiring fast. And even there was the thing with her big secret, I really didn’t see what her deal is but I felt like she has a fairy tale idea or at least a bit of an ulterior motive regarding it. So simply said she annoyed me but I can’t deny that she and Rhett has an explosive chemistry, a really strong sexual tension between them. It took the story for a certain point bat around halfway through I started to get bored.
Oh one more thing about Freya, her so called firecracker personality as everybody describes her so not founded. Yes they say she is that but she doesn’t proves it with her actions and unfortunately in this particular book this telling not showing thing was true about the emotions, feelings too. They didn’t come through for me especially not the more serious ones.
For the supporting cast there are not too many of them and they had even less role or appearance in the story so I can’t really evaluate them. There was Jem, Rhett best friend the ultimate play boy who definitely has something going on. Or Tobi, Freya friend who is supportive but aggressively so and slightly overworked who doesn’t have time for the other gender. They are a bit superficially created but have potential so I assume they are going to get their own books.

In the end it is not a bad book, but doesn’t really fall into my preference category or among my favorites. For one read it was great especially since I only had a couple of hours to read and I easily finished it in that time but I didn’t fall in love with it.

[Nicole Field · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did like this one, but there were a lot of problems that I thought that perhaps an editor could have picked up. Those being repetition of the same passage to describe the way each of the characters were feeling and, my personal pet peeve, a bit of difficulty in figuring out exactly who was meant to be talking on the page.

Into Your Arms is a duel PoV story told between Freya, a girl who has left her parents after they cut her off financially for wanting to be a cheerleader, and Rhett, and attractive gentle guy who is too nice for his own good and also happens to join the cheerleading squad on a dare from Freya.

I felt that the secret that had driven Freya to move and study in Maine was kept for too long to be effective. When she kept on pushing Rhett aside at the start, it came across that there really just wasn't enough reason for her to be doing it. It wasn't until about a third into the book that I really got into it myself.

The interactions beyond those point between the two characters were incredibly sweet if a bit belaboured. Honestly, I feel as though words could have been made up in the end that seemed rushed if some of the repetition in the earlier part of the book had been taken out.

I'm pretty sure, though, that we're going to see Tobi and Jem being the main characters of the next novel, both of them being so inclined in this book to sleeping around casually on the sidelines.

[Jae Mod · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC provided by Author for an honest review***

Into Your Arms by Chelsea M. Cameron is book 1 in the Squad Stories series.  

Freya has always felt something was missing in her life in Texas,  when she discovers documents that change the course of her life she picks up and heads to Maine to attend college. There she finds her place on the cheer squad. 

Rhett has his life on track, he knows what he wants for his future.  But one night out at a bar and a instant connection between him and Freya start a building relationship that both don't see coming. Freya makes an interesting dare, one that Rhett won't turn down. Accepting the dare and thanks to the spunky blonde, Rhett found what his life was missing for so long. 

Freya and Rhett have chemistry on the squad and off.  But Freya doesn't need any distractions she has a end goal in life.  Little does she know that Rhett is the one that will help her achieve it.  

This was a heartwarming, little drama, some sexy times, easy to read novel. The author did a superb job at bringing two people together that help each other heal.

4 stars 

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Original review: A Novel Glimpse

Note: I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I wanted to love Into Your Arms. I really did. It was just so boring, and I couldn’t stand Freya. By 40% into the book, I found myself skimming. I wanted to DNF it, but I thought maybe the end would make up for the slow paced middle. It didn’t. The reason I couldn’t stand Freya was because she of her self-talk about Rhett. She wanted him, but she knew she shouldn’t. There wasn’t anything wrong with him, so I’m not sure why that had to take up so much of her inner monologue. If there was anything wrong with Rhett, it was how into her he was or his weird nickname for her. I do have to give credit to the author for positively spotlighting cheerleading as a sport, and making Rhett cute with his love for kids.

[Lenore Kosinski · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://celebrityreaders.wordpress.co...

2.5 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

Well, this book was kind of a disappointment. I've enjoyed other books by this author, both YA paranormal and NA contemporary, so I was excited to see her book on NetGalley and immediately requested it! I was even more intrigued with a book that would show cheerleading in a good light (instead of the villainous light we usually see it in).

But. :( Then I started reading. And I guess the overarching theme of my feelings for this book is that it's flat. The characters are flat. The plot is flat. The chemistry is flat. Honestly, it's been a while since I've felt so ambivalent towards characters. Well, I guess I felt quite a bit of dislike for Freya, so that's more than ambivalence. But in all honesty, I really just didn't understand who either of these characters actually were. They had a lot of "paper traits" (which is a new term I'm going to coin). ie ON PAPER they could have been really interesting characters. But we never really got to understand them as individuals, so I felt nothing for either of them really. Well, except extreme annoyance towards Freya.

The book starts off with both characters having secrets, even from the reader, and that shit just annoys me. Luckily it didn't last very long, but I don't understand why the author chose to start it as a secret in the first place, b/c it wasn't that big a deal. And I guess that's the whole thing...we did not get enough backstory of either character to really understand what shaped them. The author tried, but it fell flat. Freya's personality and attitude was honest to goodness CONFOUNDING to me. Why did she have trust issues? Why did Mia's family's love not make up some of that? Why would her parents neglect make her less trusting? Why was she so mean and rude to Rhett? Why did she not want a relationship? WHY WHY WHY??? We're told some reasons, but I need to be shown them, and I never was. So I had no empathy for Freya whatsoever. And because we weren't given enough about Freya, I couldn't do anything but dislike her more and more for the way she treated Rhett. Like seriously, she was just a straight up jerk. For a book that was trying to show cheerleaders in a better light, Freya kind of failed inadvertently. Luckily the sport looked pretty cool, but she was even kind of mean and judgemental to her fellow cheerleaders. And the over the top hysterical way she reacted to things just had me raising my eyebrows and writing her off. I don't get it.

So how in the world did I end up rounding up on this book? Well, I guess Rhett. Though maybe even he's not a good enough reason. He was also flat, the same thing -- we were told so many things about him, but we weren't shown. I didn't feel enough for him, though I felt more for him than Freya. He started off in the book appearing like a TOTALLY different kind of guy, and honestly his personality felt like it did a 180 after the first chapter. I don't get that. But after the 180, he was kind of sweet, and intriguing, and he had a lot of paper qualities that I should have fallen in love with. And I did like him. I mean, he was patient, kind, funny, charming. But I don't understand why he was interested in Freya. Like not at all. And despite all those paper qualities, I still didn't *feel* anything for him.

I felt like the author took shortcuts in places to make the plot work. Particularly having Rhett be into break dancing and jiu jitsu. Why was he into those sports? Who got him into those sports? How could he afford that? It was convenient though, b/c then it made his proficiency at cheerleading make sense.

*sigh* After writing all this out, I think I'm going to have to round down. I just don't think there's enough to justify rounding up. Because I have another peeve. The writing around the dialogue was incorrect I think. And because of that, it was ridiculously hard to figure out who was speaking, and so it constantly took me out of the book. I had hoped it was just in the ARC version, but I glanced at the sample and it appears to still be the case. I'm not an editor or proofreader, but I know when something's wrong, and this was not done well in this book. (like he would speak, then she would laugh in the same paragraph, then there would be a new paragraph and more dialogue, and sometimes it would be her speaking and sometimes it would be him -- an exaggeratedly simple example).

So yeah. Bummer. Mega bummer. I might still round up. Rhett really did have so much potential. *sigh* I hate writing reviews for books like this... :(

[Sofiraindrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I was so hyped when I got accepted for this one! I 've loved most of her previous books, especially My favourite mistake. Sadly, this book didn't fulfill my expectations. It wasn't that the male protagonist wasn't great, (he was obviously ;)

The problem was her and her 'issues'. Like c'mon girl! Do something about them! Fortunately, Rhett had enough charisma for the two of them. I seriously cannot explain how cute he was with everything.

This is a short, interesting book, peppered with flying chemistry and a very unstable MC.

[Bec · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freya has been through a lot and uprooting her life by transferring to Maine State University is the best thing for her. Especially since the secret she's keeping could turn her life around, if she finds what she's looking for. However, meeting Rhett at a bar and daring him to join the cheerleading squad was never part of her plan. Will she give Rhett a chance or will wanting to keep her secret hidden cost her the chance at happy ever after?

This was a story I really struggled to get through until the halfway mark, as it felt like the story was going round and round in circles the way Freya was determined to keep her distance from Rhett, going to cheerleading practice and then needing advice from friends old and new. Seriously, it felt like a movie on repeat due to the monotonous dialogue until the moment where things began to progress when Freya began to reveal things about herself and when she and Rhett started being on more friendly terms where the heroine decided to give the hero a chance.

As for the main characters, I really liked Rhett. He's done well for himself, considering he had it tough growing up in the foster system and I liked what he's doing for kids by helping them and making sure that they don't turn out like him. That they know that someone is there for them, if they need a sympathetic ear or just someone to listen. I also liked how he won Freya over by being there for her when she needs him and showing her that she deserves to be loved. But what I liked most of all about Rhett was his willingness to do anything for Freya, even though he knew he could possibly ruin their growing relationship.

While the heroine, she frustrated me in the beginning, because she was in Maine for a specific reason, and yet, it seemed that she didn't want to discover the information hard enough. However, what I did like about the heroine is how resilient and courageous she is by the way she stood up to her adoptive parents, instead of bowing to their demands. I also liked that she began to put her trust in Rhett, because she needed to put her trust in someone. Besides, he did keep proving that he wouldn't give up on her, which is proven by the way he helps her. Moreover, I liked the teasing banter between these two as Freya begins to become more comfortable with the hero and I liked how the heroine's friends weren't afraid to offer friendly or not-so-friendly advice to Rhett, because Freya has been through a lot and doesn't need to be hurt anymore than she already has.

Overall, I did like this book, where the romance was strong and where I really had to push myself to continue to read it to discover whether it got better and it did, due to the hero and heroine finally opening up to each other, instead of Freya continuing to keep her distance and only interacting with Rhett when she had to. The way this story ended had me concerned for this couple's happy ever after, as Rhett was only trying to help the heroine because she needed answers when it came to her secret. However, it was the final chapter and the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely. Freya finally had everything she ever wanted - love, family, happiness. I would recommend Into Your Arms by Chelsea M. Cameron, if you enjoy new adult romance or books by authors Aurora Rose Reynolds or Abbi Glines.

[Mel González · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Even though this was a book full of clichés, it was also extremely cute and I totally expected to fall in love with this couple because that's the effect that Chelsea M. Cameron's books have on me. I must say, I wasn't blown away by this one. I think it's a regression on a lot of the build up and the construction I've seen in her other book, Style. Don't get me wrong, I loved that they became friends before hooking up and that they took a while to get together, but they were attracted to each other since they saw each other and they knew that they would get together since then, Freya was just trying to stop something that seemed inevitable and that played a lot into the feelings of instalove that I got since they met (obviously). Thankfully apart from that, it was super believable and realistic in the way they talked with each other and their interactions.

I adore m/f romance books where the guy is more in love and more into the other person than the girl because that shifts a lot of the narrative society puts on us. I also thought they were incredibly adorable and I was rooting for their love, even as I knew that they would end up together. I liked that there were elements of family and adoption discussions as well. They were both in a very similar situation but also in different times in accepting or questioning that situation. It was so interesting that even though Freya wanted something for herself regarding her birth family and her adoptive family, she constantly said how that's HER choice for that situation in particular and that she knows other people are not the same as her and wouldn't do the same in her shoes. Also, I thought the cheerleading worked perfectly with this plot and the deconstruction of a lot of the prejudices that people had on cheerleaders and cheer in general was fantastic to read.

The biggest problem that I had it was the way that this book and the "secrets" that the characters were hidden were constructed. Like, I knew since the beginning what would happen and the book and the narration wanted to keep those things hidden even though they were super obvious. It lacked elements of surprise, everything was super predictable. The thing that I liked the most was their romance and the writing, I got into it super fast and like I said, I was rooting for them since the beginning, especially with all the food Rhett was cooking, those interactions that they had were adorable. I just couldn't stand that Freya was changing her mind all the time and was super annoying in relation to the reader most of all. Like, she would say to us that she would do something and then the next scene she did the complete opposite thing without explaining her thought process. I couldn't keep up with her. Anyway, I really enjoyed my time reading this book but in general, it felt a little flat.

[etoile1996 · Rating 3 out of 5]

the squad stories series opens with into your arms, where cheerleader freya has moved up to maine state university from texas in order to search for her biological mother. when fellow student rhett approaches her at a bar, she dares him to join the cheerleading squad never expecting to see him again. except he takes her up on the challenge. and in spite of his relative inexperience when it comes to cheerleading, he is exactly what the squad needs in order to have a chance at making nationals. (this coincidence is almost too hard to swallow.)

freya spends most of her time irritated by rhett. it's really hard to understand why, because all he is doing is being a nice guy. he is trying to get to know her and she is so antagonistic that it makes little sense. because the truth is she actually is attracted to him and knows that he's a nice guy. so it's really hard to reconcile how she treats him for most of the novel with how patient and forgiving and not insane rhett is with her.

when she forgets to be annoyed by him and forgets that she has commitment issues, freya has the ability to be pleasant. and the reality is that she did get a raw deal and she has reasons to be gun shy. but her over the top reaction to rhett's revelation that he grew up in the foster care system still makes no sense. he confesses something personal and difficult and she runs away and is upset because they both had crappy childhoods? that's just not a normal way to react, and even when freya acknowledged that her reactions weren't appropriate this self-awareness didn't feel right, because she would do nothing to apologize or mitigate these behaviors.

rhett and freya manage to get on the same page, but you wonder why he bothers with it. freya is kind of a shrew. and he's pretty much the perfect guy. maybe if the two characters had been less extreme, freya less shrill and rhett less dreamy, it would have been easier to redeem the relationship. as it is, i'm not sure it works.

**into your arms will publish on may 30, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press (swerve) in exchange for my honest review.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, that's not the best book by Chelsea M. Cameron.

I requested this book on NetGalley because I love this author and every time I read a book of hers I ended in tears and writing a 5-fabulous-stars review.
Unfortunately not this time.

Freya (probably her name is the best part of the book) is a cheerleader who decides to leave her friends in Texas to attend the university in Maine.
Freya is the typical I-don't-give-a-s*it kind of girl and when Rhett, a bearded sexy man, approaches her and asks her a date, she simply rejects him.

And that's when all the story begins.
Rhett decides to become a cheerleader. "Why the hell an alpha man decides to cheer?" you could ask. Well, because he wants to spend as much time with Freya as possible (🙄). So they become friends, they spend a lot of time together, they become more intimate... and blah blah blah.

The first part of the book was soooo boring... I thought I can't end this book. I don't really know how I finished "Into your arms", so many times I wanted to throw my phone out the window and so many time I said "Sorry, NetGalley, I can't read this book".

I hate the heroine, I hate some aspects of Rhett and I don't like the story.
I'm used to underline my favorite quote of every book I read. Zero, Nada, NIENTE. I underlined nothing in this book. I didn't think that was possible.

In this book there wasn't love or romance (if there was, I didn't see it) and I HATE this because if I want to read a romance I aspect to find romance in it, not a heroine who hates the hero for 95% of the book.

I'm sorry, Ms. Cameron but you fails with this book.
See ya next time.

[Stephannie Tolitsky- Seppyreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freya has secrets that she isn't planning on sharing with anyone especially with her new friends on the cheerleading squad that she just transfered to Maine State University.
Rhett is the sexy guy who looks like a lumberjack, who knew looking like a lumberjack was hot! Sparks fly between these two but Freya is not really looking for a guy right now. But anyone one night she dares him to go to her cheerleading practice and practice with the cheerleaders. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect to see him show up.

Rhett isn't going to turn down a dare that is just not him. But especially when the person daring him is the pixie-sized blonde he finds extremely hot. Sparks fly more when Rhett joins the squad and end up her stunt partner. Now he gets to touch her butt and it's a little to close for comfort for Freya. The closes Freya lets Rhett get the more chances he will discover her secret. But Rhett also has a secret, will what he did destroy any chance he has with Freya?

I really liked this book. It was a great YA book. I loved Rhett and Freya and their chemistry. Rhett is ready for more and Freya still harboring her secret and keeps putting that off and instead is focusing more on Rhett. I don't think her secret is something to be afraid of sharing but Freya is still dealing with it. I loved this heartfelt story that has so steamy moments but also heartfelt and emotional moments. The only thing I would of wanted was it to flow a little more effortlessly. But it was a good book about characters that I truly loved.
--

[Felicitia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recieved an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review.
A book that doesn’t involve a common outsider or nerd heroine? colour me intrigued.

I’m quite conflicted about how I feel about this book. It was enjoyable for sure, but I just can’t help noticing a few annoying points here and there. Every time the author revealed a new fact about the Hero, you’ll find me rolling my eyes. I mean come on, Rhett is this lumbersexual hottie who prefers being in a relationship rather than sleeping around AND also works with children in the campus’ day care. Oh and not to mention he read classics and cooks too. I don’t know about you, but I think Rhett sounds like nothing but a figment of a female’s fantasy boyfriend. Too perfect to be true. (But if you are, call me ;))

Contrary to what most people think about the heroine, Freya (love the name by the way), I don’t mind her ’extra’-ness that much. What I minded a lot though, is that this so called ‘secret’ that she made a huge deal out of turns out to be nothing at all. That alone sheds a couple of stars out of my rating.

Overall, I guess the book was okay, I still enjoyed it at least. Despite my negative comments above, this book is not so bad.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Into Your Arms tells the story of Freya and Rhett. Its a sweet new adult romance with some angst and drama. I didn't feel this one was too deep like many new adult romance I read and would make a good holiday/beach read.

Without giving too much away as I don't do spoilers, Freya moves away from her family and friends to start a fresh while she works through some things and finds 'herself' (I think that's the best way to put it without giving a spoiler). She hasn't time for boyfriends and doesn't want to deepen her friendship by off loading what has happened, she's keeping a big secret and only her best friend at home knows. Then Rhett comes into her life and accepts a drunken dare from Freya on a night out. The story really unfolds from there I'd like to say. Rhett and first was the perfect book boyfriend for me. But as the story went on he came across a bit too much in touch with his feminine side. He felt like the 'gay best friend' at times (Take away the sexual chemistry). I guess I like a bad boy and although he seemed that in the initial chapters when Rhett and Freya meet he soon loses that edge. This was no way a fault on the book, he just wasn't my cup of tea if you like (Its like when you have to choose between Sam or Dean Winchester. Sam's nice and all but Dean just comes across as far more appealing - see Bad boy lover here LOL)!. Rhett also comes with his own baggage which I felt was handled and wrote to well in this book. In fact even Freya's 'issues' in the book were wrote in such a manor I felt that Chelsea had really researched (or knows someone who has gone through what Freya and Rhett had) the subjects.

I did find at times this was a little slow for me which is why I think this is more of a 3 star for me. The latter half of the book does pick up which is great but I would have rathered a more even flow. 3 stars, a sweet NA romance I'm sure many will love!

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed other books by Chelsea Cameron I was looking forward to reading this one and ‘Into Your Arms’ was a sweet read that tells the story of Freya and Rhett. About how they meet, what secrets they have and what they have dealt with in the past.

Unfortunately for me this was a book that I just didn’t feel or connect with in the same way as I did with her other books. I struggled with Freya’s character and her back and forth along with her attitude at times. Rhett was a bit too good to be true but that is what is what we want in a book boyfriend.

Overall this was a sweet tale that had some angst and was heart warming at bits. There were a lot of parts of the book that I enjoyed and it will in no way stop me from reading more from Chelsea Cameron’s work but this just didn’t hit the spot for me.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Thea Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing that caught my attention about this book is that it revolves around the lives of cheerleaders. Because let's face it, cheerleaders are almost always the villains in the story and a good story about them is just difficult to just pass on.  

This book is written in a dual point of view. Which is something that I love in books. I've always think of what the other character may be thinking so this is a major plus!

So for the main characters, we have Rhett- the hot, sexy dark haired guy, and Freya- the stubborn, nothing distracts me from my goals cheerleader. I liked both of them. Although I had issues with Freya's stubbornness. Because every time she tries to push Rhett away, I just wanna to smack her and go "WHY GIRL? WHY?". And Rhett is just adorable, you'd know he's really into her. 

For the plot, it's the kind of pseudo-enemies turned into lovers. Not really friends with benefits, because according to Freya, they were not friends.  (Yeah Right) Also, it's good to see that both characters have issues they need to resolve. I like a good drama and this book really delivers that.  

So, all in all, this books is a pretty decent read. I've read it in just one sitting so I do recommend it if you're in for a quick emotional read.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhett is a good man, and how I can tell you ask, well the boy knows how to cook, any man that's sexy, sweet, and cook is good in my book, “glad you enjoyed it. Anytime you want some more, just let me know. I can also make enchiladas, tacos, baked spaghetti, chili, and a ton of other things. Come over anytime. What are friends for?” She rolls her eyes." Rhett knows how to read his woman, “about why you’re using sex to avoid talking to me about whatever is bothering you and made you show up at my work today.” I squint at him." Whhen it comes to food sharing, Rhett is logical, “we’ve had each other’s junk in our mouths. I think we can share a plate..." I really loved this book, Rhett had so much patience.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have received this ARC book from NetGalley with the intentions of an honest review.

I have read books from Chelsea Cameron before and loved them so when i saw she came out with a new series I had to read it. I saw many reviews that were really negative, but I had to give it a try. I could not put this book down the minute I started it. It was a quick read. This book defiantly left me wanting the second book the minute I finished it. I can't wait till the second one come out. Its not your typical cheerleader romance book like some others write about, I get bored with them but Into Your Arms defiantly wasn't your typical cheerleader book. Into Your Arms had points that it pulled at your heart strings, had a lot of emotions going on but love it.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by Netgalley.

2.5 Stars

This book was actually almost DNF for me until about the 40% mark. I thought the beginning was slow and also very monologue-ish. There was barely any communication between the main characters until later in the novel when they became first friends and then lovers. While I didn't love the story, I am glad I kept reading because Rhett was absolutely adorable and sweet. I just loved him. I liked Freya much less, mostly because she treated Rhett like shit and I guess based on her background, I can kind of guess why she was standoffish but her character might have been written a little too harshly.

[Danny Jeffery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Into Your Arms was a nice, gentle read. The characters and story were sweet and I really liked how the main characters were cheerleaders and how that whole aspect was spun with a very positive steer.

For me the story started really well and I was intrigued as to how the plot and story was going to pan out, however, the middle section of the book stalled a little for me and felt somewhat repetitive. The last 40% of the story though was great and really picked up and it ended on a real high.

Overall an ok read for me.

I was provided with a copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley; there was no inducement or obligation.

[Virna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such a hard time trying to get into the book and almost quit half way through. There is a mix of sexiness & angst in the plot. Freya is brash, crude, cold, superficial, self-centered and some time has an aggressive personality. Rhett is quite respectable and not only interesting but also quite admirable throughout the book. The is attraction between, is more like lust for her, but I didn't get any sense of chemistry. There were times where the immaturity took centerstage on her part, they never had a conversation, until almost the end, and she resolve everything with sex. This drag to get to her secret and rush to end. This story It just didn't work for me.

[Dani B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I requested this book via Netgalley because I have loved many other books by this author. But not this one. I tried. I read another book and then came back to this one... I just couldn't. The writing threw me off balance. It was shallow. As if the author was in a rush to meet a deadline. Within the first two pages the main female character is all "I don't wanna be attracted but I am. But I must not be." I couldn't even get past the second chapter. Will not read another book in this series or by the author. :/

[Despina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc from NetGalley for a honest review.

This was my first book by Chelsea M. Cameron and it was a sweet, easy quick read without a lot of angst. This story is about Freya who has transferred to a new college, and at first we don't know why but we do eventually find out. Rhett see's Freya at a pub one night, and that's pretty much it for him. This story then proceeds to show us Freya and Rhett falling in love. Overall this was a solid read, the actual conflict seemed a little off for me but I'm glad I got the chance to read this story.

[Nell · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first book in the Squad Stories series, and I have to say, I was quite excited about reading a cheerleader romance. I’m not even sure I’ve read a cheerleader centered romance, so I’m into that.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t into the voice or style of this book, so I did DNF this one reluctantly. Because I really did want to read a cheerleader romance, but I just didn’t end up caring about the characters and I didn’t see that changing with the style not appealing to me, so I left this one behind.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly I didn't enjoy this one at all. For college students I found these characters very immature and I just couldn't connect with them. Not sure why Freya was so secretive but I found her very frustrating. Rhett was very cute but what he saw in Freya I'm not sure. I really didn't care how the story made it seem like anyone could just walk into the gym and join a cheer squad. I've been around cheer long enough to know that just isn't the case.