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The Rivalry
This tight end is at the top of his game.
He’s good with his hands, even better with his sexy mouth, and the best at making me forget my own name. His—ahem—stats are perfect.
But I can’t fall for him.
He might be everything I want, all rolled into a glorious package of gridiron god, but there’s one teeny-tiny problem. The vile, loathsome team I’ve spent my entire life hating—my beloved school’s arch-rival?
This guy is their star player.
He’s good with his hands, even better with his sexy mouth, and the best at making me forget my own name. His—ahem—stats are perfect.
But I can’t fall for him.
He might be everything I want, all rolled into a glorious package of gridiron god, but there’s one teeny-tiny problem. The vile, loathsome team I’ve spent my entire life hating—my beloved school’s arch-rival?
This guy is their star player.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2017
449 people are currently reading
6330 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Sloane
42 books7,727 followersUSA Today bestselling author Nikki Sloane landed in graphic design after her careers as a waitress, a screenwriter, and a ballroom dance instructor fell through. Now she writes full-time and lives in Kentucky with her husband, two sons, and two super destructive cats.
She is a four-time Romance Writers of America RITA® & Vivian® Finalist, a Passionate Plume & HOLT Medallion winner, a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist, and couldn't be any happier that people enjoy reading her sexy words.
She is a four-time Romance Writers of America RITA® & Vivian® Finalist, a Passionate Plume & HOLT Medallion winner, a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist, and couldn't be any happier that people enjoy reading her sexy words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 857 reviews
November 17, 2017
4 STARS
I have a confession to make. When I first first started reading this book, I thought I'd hate it. Put down that rotten tomato for a second, killer, and hear me out, mkay? What I mean is, I thought I'd find this whole rivalry thing trivial, juvenile, and kind of...well...cheesy. *cringes*
I'm sorry! I can be a judgmental a-hole. This is nothing new. *shrugs sheepishly* Admission is the first step, isn't it? Quit judging meh!
But I digress. And I'm also happily eating my words...or is it thoughts? *scratches chin* Whatever the case may be, I have never been more happy to be wrong about judging a book by the first few chapters. Because The Rivalry was a fun and sexy ride that I enjoyed with a goofy smile on my face and a burn in my ovaries. Wait... That came out wrong. But you get my drift here, right?
Two rivaling schools. Two die hard football fans. One undeniable connection.
You can pretty much say that Kayla came into the world predisposed to love football. Her father is a coach and her mom is a downright fanatic. Her being an opinionated, die hard football junky is in her blood. As the head cheerleader for Ohio State university, she literally eats, lives and breathes football. Men? Forget about it. Not many can tolerate her opinionated hassling ways. Until one sexy stranger at her friend's wedding changes everything...
But what happens when Kayla finds out that the first man to put a sizzle in her ovaries also happens to be the tight end for her school's biggest rival team?
Indeed, Scooby. Ruh roh indeed.
But no matter how much Kayla tries to fight it, the chemistry between them is simply too hot to walk away from. And when Jay sets his sights on the girl he wants, he'll stop at nothing to have her. And no one is more determined than this tight end. Ha! See what I did there?
But I digress again.
Kayla could have easily been on the annoying side, but yet she was entirely endearing and fun. Though admittedly she did have her moments, she ultimately won me over in the end. And as for Jay? I'm pretty sure I was ready to pee proprietary circles around him. Can you even do that with a fictional character? Because I totally would! With just the right amount of secondary character personalities, fast paced plot, and sexual chemistry, this book was a total winner for me.
If you're looking for a sizzling sports romance with plenty of witty banter, strong characters, enough sexual tension to set your kindle on fire, and even more sexy times to make sure that it turns to ash, welcome to your next read! But we warned, spontaneous lusting for football may be a side effect. Especially tight ends. *giggles*
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I shouldn’t have gotten in his car, but his mouth had been too convincing. He was the devil. The seduction of his lips could make me do anything.
I have a confession to make. When I first first started reading this book, I thought I'd hate it. Put down that rotten tomato for a second, killer, and hear me out, mkay? What I mean is, I thought I'd find this whole rivalry thing trivial, juvenile, and kind of...well...cheesy. *cringes*
I'm sorry! I can be a judgmental a-hole. This is nothing new. *shrugs sheepishly* Admission is the first step, isn't it? Quit judging meh!
But I digress. And I'm also happily eating my words...or is it thoughts? *scratches chin* Whatever the case may be, I have never been more happy to be wrong about judging a book by the first few chapters. Because The Rivalry was a fun and sexy ride that I enjoyed with a goofy smile on my face and a burn in my ovaries. Wait... That came out wrong. But you get my drift here, right?
Two rivaling schools. Two die hard football fans. One undeniable connection.
You can pretty much say that Kayla came into the world predisposed to love football. Her father is a coach and her mom is a downright fanatic. Her being an opinionated, die hard football junky is in her blood. As the head cheerleader for Ohio State university, she literally eats, lives and breathes football. Men? Forget about it. Not many can tolerate her opinionated hassling ways. Until one sexy stranger at her friend's wedding changes everything...
But what happens when Kayla finds out that the first man to put a sizzle in her ovaries also happens to be the tight end for her school's biggest rival team?
Indeed, Scooby. Ruh roh indeed.
But no matter how much Kayla tries to fight it, the chemistry between them is simply too hot to walk away from. And when Jay sets his sights on the girl he wants, he'll stop at nothing to have her. And no one is more determined than this tight end. Ha! See what I did there?
But I digress again.
Kayla could have easily been on the annoying side, but yet she was entirely endearing and fun. Though admittedly she did have her moments, she ultimately won me over in the end. And as for Jay? I'm pretty sure I was ready to pee proprietary circles around him. Can you even do that with a fictional character? Because I totally would! With just the right amount of secondary character personalities, fast paced plot, and sexual chemistry, this book was a total winner for me.
If you're looking for a sizzling sports romance with plenty of witty banter, strong characters, enough sexual tension to set your kindle on fire, and even more sexy times to make sure that it turns to ash, welcome to your next read! But we warned, spontaneous lusting for football may be a side effect. Especially tight ends. *giggles*
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
November 21, 2017
4 stars <3
I enjoyed it a lot, it was a quick,hot and steamy read.The Rivalry was a little bit different from Nikki's other books.
I adored Kayla and Jay,they are so sweet and cute together but also super hot and passionate.I loved their banter there is so much tension between them.Kayla is a great heroine, she is sassy and cute.Jay is swoon worthy,sweet,hot and funny.He has all the package for a perfect hero.
Overall it was a great story with a sweet and hot romance.If you are looking for a fun and cute read you should try this one!!
I enjoyed it a lot, it was a quick,hot and steamy read.The Rivalry was a little bit different from Nikki's other books.
I adored Kayla and Jay,they are so sweet and cute together but also super hot and passionate.I loved their banter there is so much tension between them.Kayla is a great heroine, she is sassy and cute.Jay is swoon worthy,sweet,hot and funny.He has all the package for a perfect hero.
Overall it was a great story with a sweet and hot romance.If you are looking for a fun and cute read you should try this one!!
July 26, 2021
As an Ohio State fan, this was such a fun book! While the rivalry is real, I do think that this book took it to the extremes, especially on Kayla's part, but I do enjoy a good forbidden romance! Kayla and Jay met at a wedding and really hit it off, but it's not until later that they learn they both attend rival schools where she is a cheerleader and he is a football player. I really loved Jay for most of the book and how he just wanted to be with Kayla no matter what anyone else thought. Near the end, though, I was annoyed with him and how he saw himself as more important with his football career than Kayla's own priorities with cheerleading. Kayla even went along with it and I wish the author had allowed her cheerleading to be just as important as him playing football (it would have been nice for him to see her cheer since she did go and see him play). But overall, I loved the romance and how they had to deal with different people in their lives judging them and how Kayla and to try and hide it from her parents and her team members. I appreciated that they were both athletes and had to juggle a lot to try and make a long distance relationship work.This is a great forbidden sports romance!
July 4, 2022
4 stars
This was such a fun college sports romance! Being from Ohio, I know the Ohio/Michigan rivalry is a real thing and it was fun to see in a book.
Jay is Michigan football player and Kayla is the head cheerleader at Ohio. When they first meet and connect, they have no idea. Once they do, it’s a little challenging to date to say the least. I loved how feisty and fun Kayla was and how much Jay cared about her. The ending was perfect and I enjoyed it so much.
This was such a fun college sports romance! Being from Ohio, I know the Ohio/Michigan rivalry is a real thing and it was fun to see in a book.
It was cruel for the universe to show me this beautiful man, and then make him play for Michigan.
Jay is Michigan football player and Kayla is the head cheerleader at Ohio. When they first meet and connect, they have no idea. Once they do, it’s a little challenging to date to say the least. I loved how feisty and fun Kayla was and how much Jay cared about her. The ending was perfect and I enjoyed it so much.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Carson Beck & Stephanie Rose
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: New Adult Sports Romance
Length: 8h 12m
dnf-collection
August 5, 2018DNF @34%. Unfortunately, the more I got into the h’s immature head, the more I wanted to shoot myself in the head.
December 31, 2022
Sports romance!!!! Yay!!!!
Now that I’ve found out how insanely good Nikki Sloane is, I'm slowly working on reading her entire backlist. This was a great choice after the Nashville Neighborhood series, especially as a forever Friday Night Lights fan (even though I cannot tell you a single rule of American football and actually don’t really care about it at all? Sorry 😬).
Anyway. This is an enemies to lovers which apparently was inspired by a real rivalry between two American schools (Ohio/Michigan). The hero, Jay, is a player for Michigan, and the heroine, Kayla, is a cheerleader for Ohio. Both of their futures are extremely dependent on their respective performances and commitment to their roles.
Jay and Kayla meet at a wedding and really hit it off. Through a series of miscommunications, they manage to have a night of just getting to know each other without mentioning these very important details about their lives, and their connection is really intense.
However, once they find out about each other’s involvement with their respective schools and how their teams are essentially enemies, they have completely different reactions. Jay reacts like a normal person (e.g., realizes it kind of complicates things but also doesn’t really care), while Kayla goes batshit insane (e.g. is irrationally upset by it and makes it a Thing).
I guess I normally wouldn’t have been so annoyed by Kayla’s over-the-top reaction, especially considering I’m Brazilian and we take soccer extremely seriously here, so I definitely understand rivalry and wouldn’t immediately write it off.
However.
Not only was I rolling my eyes a little at how much Kayla behaved like they were Romeo and Juliet and could never possibly be together, but I’m also writing this review on the heels of that video with that insane Raiders fan harassing a Patriots fan, and I couldn’t help but imagine Kayla and her mom like that woman, which sort of made me want to slap them, lol.
On the other hand, the fact that this conflict made me feel like the stakes were so low actually made it a very light read, which I really liked.
Jay was such a great guy throughout this whole thing. He really did his best to accommodate Kayla’s feelings and show her that the rivalry didn't matter that much, and that their happiness had to come before their commitment to their schools, which feels ridiculously obvious in the first place, but, whatever.
I really did like this book and Nikki’s writing is crazy good as always, I guess this just wasn’t the right time for me to pick up this book. But you definitely should!!
Now that I’ve found out how insanely good Nikki Sloane is, I'm slowly working on reading her entire backlist. This was a great choice after the Nashville Neighborhood series, especially as a forever Friday Night Lights fan (even though I cannot tell you a single rule of American football and actually don’t really care about it at all? Sorry 😬).
Anyway. This is an enemies to lovers which apparently was inspired by a real rivalry between two American schools (Ohio/Michigan). The hero, Jay, is a player for Michigan, and the heroine, Kayla, is a cheerleader for Ohio. Both of their futures are extremely dependent on their respective performances and commitment to their roles.
Jay and Kayla meet at a wedding and really hit it off. Through a series of miscommunications, they manage to have a night of just getting to know each other without mentioning these very important details about their lives, and their connection is really intense.
However, once they find out about each other’s involvement with their respective schools and how their teams are essentially enemies, they have completely different reactions. Jay reacts like a normal person (e.g., realizes it kind of complicates things but also doesn’t really care), while Kayla goes batshit insane (e.g. is irrationally upset by it and makes it a Thing).
I guess I normally wouldn’t have been so annoyed by Kayla’s over-the-top reaction, especially considering I’m Brazilian and we take soccer extremely seriously here, so I definitely understand rivalry and wouldn’t immediately write it off.
However.
Not only was I rolling my eyes a little at how much Kayla behaved like they were Romeo and Juliet and could never possibly be together, but I’m also writing this review on the heels of that video with that insane Raiders fan harassing a Patriots fan, and I couldn’t help but imagine Kayla and her mom like that woman, which sort of made me want to slap them, lol.
On the other hand, the fact that this conflict made me feel like the stakes were so low actually made it a very light read, which I really liked.
Jay was such a great guy throughout this whole thing. He really did his best to accommodate Kayla’s feelings and show her that the rivalry didn't matter that much, and that their happiness had to come before their commitment to their schools, which feels ridiculously obvious in the first place, but, whatever.
I really did like this book and Nikki’s writing is crazy good as always, I guess this just wasn’t the right time for me to pick up this book. But you definitely should!!
October 7, 2022
I am not a football fan. Heck, I do not even try to understand the college football. So the background of The Rivalry is not something I can understand. But Miss Sloane gives her all into the story. In the past I do not enjoy Miss Sloane's work that much. Her book is hit and miss for me.
The chemistry between Kayla and Jay is cute. Hot and sweet. Their tender attraction and their effort to make their relationship secret is fun. The story is uplifting. Miss Sloane focusing much of her story into the chemistry between Kayla and Jay. I think she needs to up the hate history between the two rival football club.
Nevertheless, the story is still entertaining.
4 stars
The chemistry between Kayla and Jay is cute. Hot and sweet. Their tender attraction and their effort to make their relationship secret is fun. The story is uplifting. Miss Sloane focusing much of her story into the chemistry between Kayla and Jay. I think she needs to up the hate history between the two rival football club.
Nevertheless, the story is still entertaining.
4 stars
December 3, 2017
4,5 stars !
It was a "moody buy". I was featuring my favorite sportsromance couples on the blog when Michelle Chen recommended this one.
It was EXACTLY what I needed to read!
This book was fun, sexy, spunky, entertaining and I read it in two days. Yes I had to work to feed my family and you know... buy books 😉.
Rivalry is a sportsromance happening at college.
You have feisty cheerleader Kayla. She is smart, spunky and makes guys cry when she speaks about her passion: football.
She is a Buckeye. She was raised and bred by parents enamored with that football team.
Mind you she was born in a stadium so it's no wonder she caught the virus.
When she meets Jay at her best friend's wedding the attraction is immediate. They begin the seduction dance with Kayla never uttering one word about football as she promised Marcy. No football talk at her wedding.
Jay is a star player at Michigan college and the biggest rival to Kayla's university team. There is an eternal feud between these teams.
When Kayla realizes Jay is the enemy it's a cold shower. He was so sexy and fun and interesting and... But dating him is inconceivable! Bad, bad Kayla. Must not think about Jay! Traitor!
Jay is not a star player for nothing. To be at that level you must be tenacious and loving the challenge.
So Jay will go after Kayla and he aims to win.
Reading Kayla resisting Jay was epic. She was all offended and reluctant just to melt under his kisses. He must be a hell of a kisser as each time it was like brainwash.
Honestly if Jay kissed like he looks on the cover he should have come with a warning!!!!!! COVERGASM!!!!
I loved Kayla. She is tiny but ready to fight with grown male Michigan fans. She never doubted she could beat these hunks!
I kept featuring a little kitten back arched growling and meowing at huge attack dogs. Hilarious! And sweet.
Jay was the strong, calm and sexy counterpart. Less bark than Kayla but all winning tongue... herm I mean moves, winning moves *there was tongue action too if you are wondering*.
It was perfectly executed you get everything you can expect for the genre and I was left feeling happy and energized.
Recommend it? Oh yes!
Thank you for the rec Michelle!
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
It was a "moody buy". I was featuring my favorite sportsromance couples on the blog when Michelle Chen recommended this one.
It was EXACTLY what I needed to read!
This book was fun, sexy, spunky, entertaining and I read it in two days. Yes I had to work to feed my family and you know... buy books 😉.
Rivalry is a sportsromance happening at college.
You have feisty cheerleader Kayla. She is smart, spunky and makes guys cry when she speaks about her passion: football.
She is a Buckeye. She was raised and bred by parents enamored with that football team.
Mind you she was born in a stadium so it's no wonder she caught the virus.
When she meets Jay at her best friend's wedding the attraction is immediate. They begin the seduction dance with Kayla never uttering one word about football as she promised Marcy. No football talk at her wedding.
Jay is a star player at Michigan college and the biggest rival to Kayla's university team. There is an eternal feud between these teams.
When Kayla realizes Jay is the enemy it's a cold shower. He was so sexy and fun and interesting and... But dating him is inconceivable! Bad, bad Kayla. Must not think about Jay! Traitor!
Jay is not a star player for nothing. To be at that level you must be tenacious and loving the challenge.
So Jay will go after Kayla and he aims to win.
Reading Kayla resisting Jay was epic. She was all offended and reluctant just to melt under his kisses. He must be a hell of a kisser as each time it was like brainwash.
Honestly if Jay kissed like he looks on the cover he should have come with a warning!!!!!! COVERGASM!!!!
I loved Kayla. She is tiny but ready to fight with grown male Michigan fans. She never doubted she could beat these hunks!
I kept featuring a little kitten back arched growling and meowing at huge attack dogs. Hilarious! And sweet.
Jay was the strong, calm and sexy counterpart. Less bark than Kayla but all winning tongue... herm I mean moves, winning moves *there was tongue action too if you are wondering*.
It was perfectly executed you get everything you can expect for the genre and I was left feeling happy and energized.
Recommend it? Oh yes!
Thank you for the rec Michelle!
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
November 4, 2017
4 Play for Me Stars
I love Nikki Sloane books. I’ve read all of them and I’m so excited she’s writing a sports romance. Lately this has been my jam. The Rivalry is wickedly steamy and the banter between Kayla and Jay is off the charts good.
Kayla and Jay meet at a wedding and hit it off. The only thing, Kayla is a cheerleader for Ohio and Jay is a football play for Michigan. Did I mention those schools HATE each other? Cute right?
I enjoyed the premise of the book a lot. I liked that this book is completely different from what Nikki’ writes. I love the college setting and the slightly lighter tone. I also love that Nikki still writes with lots of passion and steam because that’s the one reason why I pick up her books.
I thought the chemistry between Kayla and Jay was good and if you like angst then this one is for you. Kayla keeps Jay on his toes because she can’t ever date a boy from her rival school, even if he’s good in bed. I’ll admit, Kayla annoyed me at times. I get she’s a die hard fan, but she did put Jay through the ringer.
I liked Jay a lot. I found him charming, sweet and I loved that he chased after Kayla. I love it when the Hero chases after the Heroine.
You have to go into the story with an open-mind, as some of the events are over the top, but hey, that’s why we read right?
Overall, it was an enjoyable read with all the of Nikki style of writing I love. If you are a sports fan or like steamy reads thent his one is for you.
An ARC was provided
http://amzn.to/2xYEoKm
I love Nikki Sloane books. I’ve read all of them and I’m so excited she’s writing a sports romance. Lately this has been my jam. The Rivalry is wickedly steamy and the banter between Kayla and Jay is off the charts good.
Kayla and Jay meet at a wedding and hit it off. The only thing, Kayla is a cheerleader for Ohio and Jay is a football play for Michigan. Did I mention those schools HATE each other? Cute right?
I enjoyed the premise of the book a lot. I liked that this book is completely different from what Nikki’ writes. I love the college setting and the slightly lighter tone. I also love that Nikki still writes with lots of passion and steam because that’s the one reason why I pick up her books.
I thought the chemistry between Kayla and Jay was good and if you like angst then this one is for you. Kayla keeps Jay on his toes because she can’t ever date a boy from her rival school, even if he’s good in bed. I’ll admit, Kayla annoyed me at times. I get she’s a die hard fan, but she did put Jay through the ringer.
I liked Jay a lot. I found him charming, sweet and I loved that he chased after Kayla. I love it when the Hero chases after the Heroine.
You have to go into the story with an open-mind, as some of the events are over the top, but hey, that’s why we read right?
Overall, it was an enjoyable read with all the of Nikki style of writing I love. If you are a sports fan or like steamy reads thent his one is for you.
An ARC was provided
http://amzn.to/2xYEoKm
October 2, 2018
YOU GUYS!!!! Sweet lawd I’m giddy as fuck!
I’ve just finished such a fun fucking read, so fun in fact I could read all over again.
I’m now a HUGE fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines!!
I can’t even pick a team I loved more because I loved Kayla’s passion for her Buckeyes ‘GO BUCKS!’ and then theirs number Eighty Eight himself, Jay Fucking Harris the Tight End for the Wolverines ‘GO BLUE!’
I thought going into this book it was going to be one of your typical Football Romance books (which are my faves) but it’s so much different than that and I had the best time reading it.
If it were a movie it would so be like Never Been Kissed, A Cinderella Story or How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days - a chick flick that you can watch over and over again.
I just adored it and the writing was spot on. I’ve never read a book by this author before but after this one I’m definitely going to.
I loved the banter between the rivalries, the passion and the sex was SMOKING HOT!
Everyone get ya boobs out and read this book! It was a motherfucking hoot to read!!!
Also have just now decided I’m going to be a MICHIGAN’S GIRL!! I love Jay way to much not to support him! Now I need to get myself a Jersey with the number Eighty Eight on it!!! Oh hell fucking yes!!!!
November 20, 2017
I’m not even sure where to begin with this review because holy wow that was perfect but I
MUST
/I> say that Nikki Sloane never disappoints with her books!
~
Received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
~
Two teams, one huge rivalry.
When Kayla and Jay meet at a mutual friend’s wedding they have no idea what’s in store for them but they’re about to find out when they realise they’re from two opposite places with a massive rivalry, will they be able to overcome this or will things forever be doomed between the two?
~
Collage Sports Romance’ are my absolute favourite kind of read. I always have high expectations for them and hope to god that they meet them but with Nikki Sloane, there’s never a worry. So when I heard she was doing a sports romance, a collage one at that I was super excited and intrigued to see where she would take this story and to say I thoroughly enjoyed it would be an understatement. This book was incredible. The storyline was spot on and showcased Nikki’s incredible talent.
The teams rivalries were insane and intense and you could feel it all. The cheerleading, the football everything was described so perfectly you actually felt like you were there witnessing it all. Then all the emotions get thrown at you throughout the whole book. One minute you’re happy, the next you’re sad and then you find yourself laughing and that, that’s one of the things that show how amazing a book is. A book that can pull more than one emotion from you is a sure hit in my book.
~
I’ve been a huge fan of Nikki’s books for a while now and I’m always eager to see what she comes up with next, The Rivalry was definitely, for me, one of my favourite reads of 2017. The characters will be stuck with me, I’ll be thinking about Jay and Kayla’s story for a while, I can just feel it. Kudos to Nikki for another incredible book, can’t wait to read more from her in the future. I only wish I could give this one a lot more than a 5 start relating because damn, it deserves it.
~
Received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
~
Two teams, one huge rivalry.
When Kayla and Jay meet at a mutual friend’s wedding they have no idea what’s in store for them but they’re about to find out when they realise they’re from two opposite places with a massive rivalry, will they be able to overcome this or will things forever be doomed between the two?
~
Collage Sports Romance’ are my absolute favourite kind of read. I always have high expectations for them and hope to god that they meet them but with Nikki Sloane, there’s never a worry. So when I heard she was doing a sports romance, a collage one at that I was super excited and intrigued to see where she would take this story and to say I thoroughly enjoyed it would be an understatement. This book was incredible. The storyline was spot on and showcased Nikki’s incredible talent.
The teams rivalries were insane and intense and you could feel it all. The cheerleading, the football everything was described so perfectly you actually felt like you were there witnessing it all. Then all the emotions get thrown at you throughout the whole book. One minute you’re happy, the next you’re sad and then you find yourself laughing and that, that’s one of the things that show how amazing a book is. A book that can pull more than one emotion from you is a sure hit in my book.
~
I’ve been a huge fan of Nikki’s books for a while now and I’m always eager to see what she comes up with next, The Rivalry was definitely, for me, one of my favourite reads of 2017. The characters will be stuck with me, I’ll be thinking about Jay and Kayla’s story for a while, I can just feel it. Kudos to Nikki for another incredible book, can’t wait to read more from her in the future. I only wish I could give this one a lot more than a 5 start relating because damn, it deserves it.
May 15, 2022
3.5/4 stars
This was a fun and sexy read about a Buckeye cheerleader and a Wolverine football player.
The long distance between the couple had nothing on the rivalry that was a mountain of a wedge between them. One chance encounter set off a love story for the record book.
I'm not familiar with college ball or the sport of football in general, but I had an easy enough time following along. I did for sure get the rivalry aspect being a baseball fan - shout out to my SF Giants!
Jay and Kayla were tons of fun together. She had sass for days and he was like the calm to her red and white storm. I love when the hero hardcore pursues and he was NOT going to let distance, the hatred for each other's schools or anything else to stand in his way. He was gonna catch her one way or the other.
I sometimes wanted to shake this girl, but she was set in stone with her passions. I get it and I appreciate the patience that Jay had with her despite his life being beyond crazy with football and college. I also wanted a bit more angst. I wanted him to be angrier with her at a certain part, but I also commend him for being thoughtful and understanding after he got a bird's eye view.
I enjoyed this sports romance and glad I gave it a go!
This was a fun and sexy read about a Buckeye cheerleader and a Wolverine football player.
The long distance between the couple had nothing on the rivalry that was a mountain of a wedge between them. One chance encounter set off a love story for the record book.
I'm not familiar with college ball or the sport of football in general, but I had an easy enough time following along. I did for sure get the rivalry aspect being a baseball fan - shout out to my SF Giants!
Jay and Kayla were tons of fun together. She had sass for days and he was like the calm to her red and white storm. I love when the hero hardcore pursues and he was NOT going to let distance, the hatred for each other's schools or anything else to stand in his way. He was gonna catch her one way or the other.
I sometimes wanted to shake this girl, but she was set in stone with her passions. I get it and I appreciate the patience that Jay had with her despite his life being beyond crazy with football and college. I also wanted a bit more angst. I wanted him to be angrier with her at a certain part, but I also commend him for being thoughtful and understanding after he got a bird's eye view.
I enjoyed this sports romance and glad I gave it a go!
July 4, 2022
What a fun book!! I love college football and know all too well about school rivalries. #GoDucks
Kayla and Jay meet at a mutual friend's wedding. Their night got cut short because Jay was asked to escort a rowdy guest home. This means, Kayla and Jay never figured out that the other one is from their rival school. The next time they met they figured out that they are from opposing schools. Jay is okay with this but Kayla is NOT. Her family bleeds scarlet & grey. For Kayla, there's no way her family would be okay with her dating the enemy.
Actually, Kayla's mom gave me similar vibes to The Blind Side mom (Leigh Anne Tuohy). A diehard fan who was not going to have her family mingling with the rival school's people.
This was my first book by Ms. Sloane and I give it two thumbs up.
THE RIVARLY
● Kayla (21) & Jay (22)
● cheer captain for OSU / tight end for U of M
● Brutus Buckeye / The Wolverine
● sports romance
● friends to lovers
● forbidden
Kayla and Jay meet at a mutual friend's wedding. Their night got cut short because Jay was asked to escort a rowdy guest home. This means, Kayla and Jay never figured out that the other one is from their rival school. The next time they met they figured out that they are from opposing schools. Jay is okay with this but Kayla is NOT. Her family bleeds scarlet & grey. For Kayla, there's no way her family would be okay with her dating the enemy.
Actually, Kayla's mom gave me similar vibes to The Blind Side mom (Leigh Anne Tuohy). A diehard fan who was not going to have her family mingling with the rival school's people.
This was my first book by Ms. Sloane and I give it two thumbs up.
THE RIVARLY
● Kayla (21) & Jay (22)
● cheer captain for OSU / tight end for U of M
● Brutus Buckeye / The Wolverine
● sports romance
● friends to lovers
● forbidden
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Carson Beck & Stephanie Rose
Length: 8H 12M
October 18, 2019
Spoilers ahead
Kayla goes to her best friend's wedding and has an amazing connection with a groomsman, while he tried to give her his number he left out some digits. Kayla tracks him down to his favorite liming spot and walks into.....the bar of the enemy
Jay is a Michigan player, when he meets Kayla he's disappointed that he doesn't have any means to contact her after they connected at his friend's wedding. He's pleasantly surprised to see her at his favorite bar but is concerned because she's looking at him in.....horror?
**********
Ok so the positive
This was a steamy, well written book that I enjoyed for the most part. I like my sport romances to actually show the sport and this author seemed to have the knowledge and delivered on that
Jay was a fantastic hero, he was sweet,kind, supportive and didn't seem to be a manwhore. He was tired of girls wanting him just because of his position on the team so he didn't pursue a relationship, with Kayla he wanted her and pursued her wholeheartedly without wanting anyone else
What spoiled this book for me was Kayla, I disliked her with a passion. I understood the rivalry but Jay was such a good guy that I wanted her to put it aside sooner and support him. Even her dad was able to accept Jay easier than she thought he would, why'd it have to be at the bitter end that Kayla supported him at a game. She was a vain bitter shrew and she ruined my book #sorrynotsorry
It's ok Jay imma still give this book 3 stars just for you.....go Blue!
Kayla goes to her best friend's wedding and has an amazing connection with a groomsman, while he tried to give her his number he left out some digits. Kayla tracks him down to his favorite liming spot and walks into.....the bar of the enemy
Jay is a Michigan player, when he meets Kayla he's disappointed that he doesn't have any means to contact her after they connected at his friend's wedding. He's pleasantly surprised to see her at his favorite bar but is concerned because she's looking at him in.....horror?
**********
Ok so the positive
This was a steamy, well written book that I enjoyed for the most part. I like my sport romances to actually show the sport and this author seemed to have the knowledge and delivered on that
Jay was a fantastic hero, he was sweet,kind, supportive and didn't seem to be a manwhore. He was tired of girls wanting him just because of his position on the team so he didn't pursue a relationship, with Kayla he wanted her and pursued her wholeheartedly without wanting anyone else
What spoiled this book for me was Kayla, I disliked her with a passion. I understood the rivalry but Jay was such a good guy that I wanted her to put it aside sooner and support him. Even her dad was able to accept Jay easier than she thought he would, why'd it have to be at the bitter end that Kayla supported him at a game. She was a vain bitter shrew and she ruined my book #sorrynotsorry
It's ok Jay imma still give this book 3 stars just for you.....go Blue!
November 22, 2017
4,5 stars. I probably read all Nikki Sloane's books and this one is quite different. No less hot, in the end it's Nikki Sloane, but it's more New Adult story and is the perfect reading for fans of sports romances.
***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
***
ARC kindly provided for an honest review. Thank you!
November 29, 2017
Loved this one! Sports Romance fans need to check this one out -> Die Hard Ohio Fan who is also the head cheerleader, and a Tight End from rival team Michigan.
Really good :D
Really good :D
April 11, 2021
A lot of people seem to love this one but this was dumb, I'm sorry. The setup with the mcs being from different schools that have a huge rivalry seemed interesting at first, but as the book progressed it got more and more ridiculous. The heroine was so annoying, she was hell bent on letting this dumb ass school rivalry get inbetween her relationship with the Hero. She only realises that it's just freaking football and not life or death in the last chapter. There wasn't enough development with her character and by the end I couldn't buy their hea.
December 11, 2025
“I don't want some girl, I want you. You aren't with me because you like who I play for, you're with me because you like who I am.”
ৎ⋆｡‧📖‧ 3.0★
kayla & jay playlistღ
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
"(better - khalid)"
0:09 ━●────────── 3:49
ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤ
★ spoiler review
⋆˙⟡ my thoughts
TBH this book was pretty mid. 50% was just pure smut which was reasonable I guess because my girl kayla was in full denial that were only FWB. BUT WHY WAS IT SO BORING. I swear I read the same sentences over and over again. The book title really because truth because why is it the only thing Kayla can talk about. FIND SOMETHING ELSEEEE. Anyways the end was so cutsie that I still give it 3.0⭐.
⋆˙⟡ characters
kayla
⤿ on my mind - ellie goulding
don't like her, AFTER A WHILE WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE CHEERLEADER FOR OHIO AND CAN'T LIKE A BOY FROM MICHIGAN. Anyways she was just in such big denial it made me angry.
jay
⤿ it's you - ali gatie
I wanted to say this man did nothing wrong but I'd be lying big time. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, he wanted her to give up her cheerleading parade WHICH COULD LEAD TO HER LOSING HER ROLL AS CAPTAIN, so she could drive to him and give him the playbook or something like that. ALL OF SUDDEN THIS BIY IS SELFISH WHAT ?? Ngl they switched personalities at the end but the thing he did at the game was so cute that I forgive him.
⋆˙⟡ do I recommend this book?
No.
October 16, 2020
This was adorable.
I think it is one of Nikki's lightest books. I love everything she writes but they are usually pretty heavy.
I thought the Rivalry was fun, but I understood how it could be taken pretty seriously too.
Steam was awesome.
Loved it.
I think it is one of Nikki's lightest books. I love everything she writes but they are usually pretty heavy.
I thought the Rivalry was fun, but I understood how it could be taken pretty seriously too.
Steam was awesome.
Loved it.
December 4, 2017
It was cruel for the universe to show me this beautiful man, and then make him play for Michigan.
There’s something so irresistible about an author who shines in any genre she chooses to write in, captivating the reader with the sheer fluidity of her writing style and her keen eye for detail, and Nikki Sloane proves once more that she is a true chameleon storyteller. Her first toe-dip into the New Adult genre might be a considerable departure from her much racier novels, but as always, she delivers a story that is impossible to put down and an absolute joy to read. Sexy, witty, engaging, this book was my undoing from the very first page, and just thinking about it makes me want to re-read it all over again.
Continue reading this review...
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December 1, 2024
This was entertaining and I did not read it critically whatsoever. Just let me have a pass on this one.
December 16, 2024
WOW!!! I was completely engrossed in this book I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
It was so good I really hope to see it on TV sooner or later.
I can easily relate to our heroine's doubts about starting a relationship with the "enemy" but I can also understand that a person who wasn't born and raised into a rivalry couldn't realize the extent of it.
I loved the chemistry that Kayla and Jay have from their first encounter and how their relationship is hot,funny and also easy when they don't talk about football.
This was my first Nikki Sloane's book but her writing is so good I can't wait to get to read her other works.
June 19, 2021
i LOVE nikki sloanes writing but this was not it. the rivalry was just so immature and frankly annoying
October 17, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
it was fine. I enjoyed it, but the rivalry went too far and I got annoyed real fast. Loved the last game, though.
it was fine. I enjoyed it, but the rivalry went too far and I got annoyed real fast. Loved the last game, though.
Read
February 28, 2023DNF. Nothing bad just super bored
November 22, 2017
This is quite cute. I could totally understand Kayla’s hesitation in getting together with Jay due to intense football rivalry. I liked that they were both immature, so it was an even playing field I think. I loved the epilogue.
September 29, 2018
Dnf
I tried, I wanted to read something sweet and light but I couldn't feel the chemistry, the MC were ok, not interesting enough, though.
I tried, I wanted to read something sweet and light but I couldn't feel the chemistry, the MC were ok, not interesting enough, though.
December 31, 2018
3.5 Stars!
Review later...
Review later...
November 22, 2024
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Rivalry.....a book of two people on opposite side of a football war.....a love that you have to fight for!!!
Rivalary is a book that I bought on impulse thanks to some great feature posts and reviews, and I just knew that I needed this in my life and I doubt that it's a coincidence it is released on the week of the game that the story revolves around. Now Rivalry is a story that anyone that is around one of the bigger rivalries in the college sports area can definitely connect with. I personally connected with this book because in the Rockies we have the "Holy War" and trust me people are brutal around here during that week. So I definitely felt a kinship to this book and this book AMAZED me and man what a book hangover I am suffering from. I haven't been able to read since yesterday because I am so hooked and thinking about this story. I definitely didn't realize that this story would get to me but oh how I loved and adored Rivalry and recommend it to any sports lover especially if you love Football and if you are with the whole Michigan and Ohio rivalry...this book is for you!!!
Kayla, our lovely heroine, head cheerleader for OSU and knows more about football than most coaches do.
Jay, our sexy hero, top player for Michigan, from Indiana and has no understanding about Rivalries but loyal to his team
Our story sets off when Kayla is at her best friends wedding, with no date. Kayla normally doesn't have dates most because she is so obsessive with her football talk that the guys run off scared and she can be pretty intimidating. But she makes a promise to not talk football at the wedding and reception even if it kills her to do it. Of course Kayla, is from a family of obsessive football nuts. Her mother was in labor during a Michigan and OSU rival game and refused to go to the hospital until the game was over...yeah that kind of crazy. So she meets up with one of the grooms friends, a fellow groomsman and they hit it off instantly. There is instant chemistry but also they just connect on other levels too including comparing the food served and making jokes together. Kayla has no clue that her sexy adopted date is actually her enemy. In fact, neither of them have any idea of what is in store for them or what will soon complicate their relationship tenfold. So in an effort to track down her hottie, her best friend's new husband gives her an address to a bar he likes to go to on a regular basis. The minute she enters she soon realizes (in horror and shock) that the man she can't stop thinking about goes to school for her nemesis Michigan and she is in a Michigan sports bar. Things go from bad to worse very quickly and Jay doesn't understand how she is repelled by him now. Jay, lovely hero that he is, is pretty clueless when it comes to how crazy people are in rivalries. He never grew up with it so for him its just a game but to many around him it's not just a game. Its definitely a whole culture and he is in the shock for his life when he has to fight constantly for Kayla and somehow make her believe that what they have together is more important than the rivalry.
I shouldn’t have gotten in his car, but his mouth had been too convincing. He was the devil. The seduction of his lips could make me do anything.
WHEW....what a story, I can just tell you that I am just exhausted and fully sated after reading this book. It definitely brought me back to my own rivalry and yeah many circumstances and set ups is so real if you live and breathe a rivalry. Now I am not as crazy as Kayla and most especially her mom (she is a force of nature) however I could definitely understand her side more than I could understand Jay's side when it comes to having passion for a sports rivalry most especially in football. When they first learn the truth about where each of them go to school, we have two different reactions. Kayla....shocked, horrified, scared and mad. Jay....confused, shocked and positive. He doesn't really see why they would think about stop seeing each other. Kayla, at first, doesn't know why she would want to keep seeing him. He plays for the enemy, so at first that is how she thinks of him. But Jay, is persistent and he knows what they feel for each other, even in the beginning, is real and worth fighting for. So he fights for it and for her and it's definitely not easy making Kayla get past her disgust for the team he plays for. But as he slowly wins her over, Kayla also changes too. She really fights it because a part of her doesn't want to have to cheer for Michigan but she soon realizes that all she needs is to fight and to cheer for her man!
Let me talk about what I loved about these characters very quickly. Jay is probably one of the most swooniest heroe's I have had a chance to read this year. Yep you heard that right. He is sweet and charming, knows how to work his hands (*wink*) and just has a heart of gold. He sees the best in people and always willing to go the extra mile, no matter what it is. Our heroine, is crazy and fun and a bit eccentric when it comes to football and all but lively and passionate about life.
There are also other factors involved that cause some conflict...such as she keeps who Jay is from her parents, and no one except Jay's parents know that they are actually together. So it was quite interesting to see how these conflicts become resolved and seeing the way that these two do end up fighting for a chance to be together. There were so many fantastic moments that build between these two. They definitely have their chemistry down pat and some of these moments just steam off the pages for sure. But we also see how they build a relationship and keep it strong even with other forces at play that tend to cause some miscommunication and slight drama. Now the drama that you deal with here is realistic and definitely would happen in real life if this story was actually factual so cheers to Nikki Sloane for getting the right details on the Rivalry down pat. I know some of you that don't understand football or a long-standing rivalry will think this book can be a bit eccentric at times...but trust me this culture that Sloane writes is so on cue with everything and I loved how real this book felt. I will say that out of all the new adult romances that I have read, this is one of my top favorites. If you like New Adult or Contemporary Romance===this book is a must read for sure!!
Rivalry is an intense tale about the realities of rivalry football, a sexy off the charts romance that becomes a memorable joy to read and will leave you dazed in smiles for days!!! INCREDIBLY PENNED
Rivalry.....a book of two people on opposite side of a football war.....a love that you have to fight for!!!
Rivalary is a book that I bought on impulse thanks to some great feature posts and reviews, and I just knew that I needed this in my life and I doubt that it's a coincidence it is released on the week of the game that the story revolves around. Now Rivalry is a story that anyone that is around one of the bigger rivalries in the college sports area can definitely connect with. I personally connected with this book because in the Rockies we have the "Holy War" and trust me people are brutal around here during that week. So I definitely felt a kinship to this book and this book AMAZED me and man what a book hangover I am suffering from. I haven't been able to read since yesterday because I am so hooked and thinking about this story. I definitely didn't realize that this story would get to me but oh how I loved and adored Rivalry and recommend it to any sports lover especially if you love Football and if you are with the whole Michigan and Ohio rivalry...this book is for you!!!
The key players that are involved are:
Kayla, our lovely heroine, head cheerleader for OSU and knows more about football than most coaches do.
Jay, our sexy hero, top player for Michigan, from Indiana and has no understanding about Rivalries but loyal to his team
Our story sets off when Kayla is at her best friends wedding, with no date. Kayla normally doesn't have dates most because she is so obsessive with her football talk that the guys run off scared and she can be pretty intimidating. But she makes a promise to not talk football at the wedding and reception even if it kills her to do it. Of course Kayla, is from a family of obsessive football nuts. Her mother was in labor during a Michigan and OSU rival game and refused to go to the hospital until the game was over...yeah that kind of crazy. So she meets up with one of the grooms friends, a fellow groomsman and they hit it off instantly. There is instant chemistry but also they just connect on other levels too including comparing the food served and making jokes together. Kayla has no clue that her sexy adopted date is actually her enemy. In fact, neither of them have any idea of what is in store for them or what will soon complicate their relationship tenfold. So in an effort to track down her hottie, her best friend's new husband gives her an address to a bar he likes to go to on a regular basis. The minute she enters she soon realizes (in horror and shock) that the man she can't stop thinking about goes to school for her nemesis Michigan and she is in a Michigan sports bar. Things go from bad to worse very quickly and Jay doesn't understand how she is repelled by him now. Jay, lovely hero that he is, is pretty clueless when it comes to how crazy people are in rivalries. He never grew up with it so for him its just a game but to many around him it's not just a game. Its definitely a whole culture and he is in the shock for his life when he has to fight constantly for Kayla and somehow make her believe that what they have together is more important than the rivalry.
I shouldn’t have gotten in his car, but his mouth had been too convincing. He was the devil. The seduction of his lips could make me do anything.
WHEW....what a story, I can just tell you that I am just exhausted and fully sated after reading this book. It definitely brought me back to my own rivalry and yeah many circumstances and set ups is so real if you live and breathe a rivalry. Now I am not as crazy as Kayla and most especially her mom (she is a force of nature) however I could definitely understand her side more than I could understand Jay's side when it comes to having passion for a sports rivalry most especially in football. When they first learn the truth about where each of them go to school, we have two different reactions. Kayla....shocked, horrified, scared and mad. Jay....confused, shocked and positive. He doesn't really see why they would think about stop seeing each other. Kayla, at first, doesn't know why she would want to keep seeing him. He plays for the enemy, so at first that is how she thinks of him. But Jay, is persistent and he knows what they feel for each other, even in the beginning, is real and worth fighting for. So he fights for it and for her and it's definitely not easy making Kayla get past her disgust for the team he plays for. But as he slowly wins her over, Kayla also changes too. She really fights it because a part of her doesn't want to have to cheer for Michigan but she soon realizes that all she needs is to fight and to cheer for her man!
Let me talk about what I loved about these characters very quickly. Jay is probably one of the most swooniest heroe's I have had a chance to read this year. Yep you heard that right. He is sweet and charming, knows how to work his hands (*wink*) and just has a heart of gold. He sees the best in people and always willing to go the extra mile, no matter what it is. Our heroine, is crazy and fun and a bit eccentric when it comes to football and all but lively and passionate about life.
There are also other factors involved that cause some conflict...such as she keeps who Jay is from her parents, and no one except Jay's parents know that they are actually together. So it was quite interesting to see how these conflicts become resolved and seeing the way that these two do end up fighting for a chance to be together. There were so many fantastic moments that build between these two. They definitely have their chemistry down pat and some of these moments just steam off the pages for sure. But we also see how they build a relationship and keep it strong even with other forces at play that tend to cause some miscommunication and slight drama. Now the drama that you deal with here is realistic and definitely would happen in real life if this story was actually factual so cheers to Nikki Sloane for getting the right details on the Rivalry down pat. I know some of you that don't understand football or a long-standing rivalry will think this book can be a bit eccentric at times...but trust me this culture that Sloane writes is so on cue with everything and I loved how real this book felt. I will say that out of all the new adult romances that I have read, this is one of my top favorites. If you like New Adult or Contemporary Romance===this book is a must read for sure!!
Rivalry is an intense tale about the realities of rivalry football, a sexy off the charts romance that becomes a memorable joy to read and will leave you dazed in smiles for days!!! INCREDIBLY PENNED
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