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Washington Rampage #3
The Rival
A brand new childhood friends-to-lovers standalone with the most swoon-worthy hero you'll read this year!
I love her. But she loves him.
I'd known Avery Grant was the one for me from the moment she bossed me around on the playground. After over a decade of friendship, I'm still biding my time, waiting for the moment she realizes everything she's ever wanted is standing right in front of her.
Then one white envelope sends my world spiraling.
A wedding invitation, announcing Avery's engagement to the one man who could never deserve her: Miles Johnson.
Miles is the worst kind of human -- and my biggest rival. Everything I can do, he thinks he can do better, including being the best rookie pitcher the MLB has seen in decades. But if he makes her happy, who am I to interfere?
But when Avery shows up on my doorstep, devastated and heartbroken by Miles's betrayal, I can't help but open my doors for her.
The timing is all wrong, but I won't miss my shot. This time, I refuse to strike out.
The Rival can be read as a complete standalone romance. It is book three in the Washington Rampage series.
I love her. But she loves him.
I'd known Avery Grant was the one for me from the moment she bossed me around on the playground. After over a decade of friendship, I'm still biding my time, waiting for the moment she realizes everything she's ever wanted is standing right in front of her.
Then one white envelope sends my world spiraling.
A wedding invitation, announcing Avery's engagement to the one man who could never deserve her: Miles Johnson.
Miles is the worst kind of human -- and my biggest rival. Everything I can do, he thinks he can do better, including being the best rookie pitcher the MLB has seen in decades. But if he makes her happy, who am I to interfere?
But when Avery shows up on my doorstep, devastated and heartbroken by Miles's betrayal, I can't help but open my doors for her.
The timing is all wrong, but I won't miss my shot. This time, I refuse to strike out.
The Rival can be read as a complete standalone romance. It is book three in the Washington Rampage series.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2018
327 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Megan Green
15 books347 followersMegan lives in Northern Utah with her handsome hubby, Adam. When not writing, chances are you’ll find her curled up with her Kindle. Besides reading and writing, she loves movies, animals, chocolate, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. She loves hearing from readers, so drop her a line! You can find her here:
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Email: megangreenwrites@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
November 1, 2018
The Rival was a fantastic best friends-to-lovers story by Megan Green.
This was an eagerly anticipated story for me ever since I first read The Off-Season, book one in The Washington Rampage Series. Carter peaked my interest then and this story absolutely lived up to what I imagined it could be.
Carter was sweet and far more supportive then I think I could have been in the same circumstances. But that just added to the list of things I loved about him. Avery was the nice, kind hearted girl next door that I could absolutely agree was perfect for Carter. I loved their friendship and how Megan Green wove this tale and shifted their relationship into more.
I enjoyed this one from beginning to end. The twists and turns and unexpected revelations, it all made this book the great read it was. The flashbacks that helped give the story and dynamics of so many of the characters more depth was a great addition.
But the emotional tug was the real magic. I fell in love with not only Carter and Avery in this one, but got to smile and laugh and be reminded of the characters I've loved from the previous books as well.
This is a must read for romance fans who like it contemporary, or enjoy a sports tie in, or best friends finding love in each other or of you're like me, all of the above.
October 28, 2018
Review will be posted on November 1st over here and on my blog
http://melissasfandomworld1.wordpress...
http://melissasfandomworld1.wordpress...
October 30, 2018
Have you ever heard a song Marry Me by Thomas Rhett? No? Go to YouTube and do it now. The first time I heard it, I knew that song needs a book, and now here it is!
And what a book it is!
A funny and immensely cute story about two kids falling in love with each other as the years go by. The guy knows his love for the girl is so much more than just friendship and the girl wants to convince herself it's just the friendship. They don't do anything about it, the years pass and they just keep being friends, until the girl gets engaged. Will he let her go or do everything in his power to convince the love of his life that he's the love of hers?!
I loved seeing for once that the guy is the one who's crazy in love with the girl. Carter is simply amazing, the perfect book boyfriend who loves and worships the girl of his dreams. There is no way you won't fall for him and feel the heartache he feels.
Avery is also a good character, I didn't love her as much as Carter thou. She's fun and witty, and I liked seeing her get out of the shell she was in when she was in a relationship with Miles, her ex. I loved seeing her grow her relationship with her new friends as well as seeing her fight for Carter and their love.
And what a book it is!
A funny and immensely cute story about two kids falling in love with each other as the years go by. The guy knows his love for the girl is so much more than just friendship and the girl wants to convince herself it's just the friendship. They don't do anything about it, the years pass and they just keep being friends, until the girl gets engaged. Will he let her go or do everything in his power to convince the love of his life that he's the love of hers?!
I loved seeing for once that the guy is the one who's crazy in love with the girl. Carter is simply amazing, the perfect book boyfriend who loves and worships the girl of his dreams. There is no way you won't fall for him and feel the heartache he feels.
Avery is also a good character, I didn't love her as much as Carter thou. She's fun and witty, and I liked seeing her get out of the shell she was in when she was in a relationship with Miles, her ex. I loved seeing her grow her relationship with her new friends as well as seeing her fight for Carter and their love.
November 2, 2018
The Rival is a nice sweet read.
This is the third installment of the Washington Rampage series and along the main characters we see again the couples of the previous books.
I loved Carter.He is a hot and amazing baseball player but that's only a plus because he is a caring guy who prefers to not make his feelings known in order to see his best friend happy.
Avery is blinded by her idealized view of love and marriage that she can't see what everyone else have always seen,that she and Carter are perfect for each other and their feeelings are stronger than friendship.
I've enjoyed the friends to lovers plot and the mean kid who wants always to steal your tunder.
Megan Green writing made this a story I'll remember.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
October 25, 2018
I received an arc for an honest review!
The Rival is the 3rd book in the Washington Rampage series. Before I started with this ARC I read the other 2 books, because this was a new to me author.
I’m a sucker for series, might it be siblings or a group of friends, like in these books. Well written 🖋, some heart breaking 💔, but so much love ❤️, fun 😅, bantering 😎 and sports ⚾️ Ladies! So good!
Avery and Carter are friends since elementary school, and not just friends, they are BEST friends 👫. This is a best-friends-to-lovers romance and I loved it a lot! I also really liked to get back in touch with Ian and Brandon. Great dynamic in this group.
Thank you very much for this series. If you like sports romances, I can totally recommend this series to you!
The Rival is the 3rd book in the Washington Rampage series. Before I started with this ARC I read the other 2 books, because this was a new to me author.
I’m a sucker for series, might it be siblings or a group of friends, like in these books. Well written 🖋, some heart breaking 💔, but so much love ❤️, fun 😅, bantering 😎 and sports ⚾️ Ladies! So good!
Avery and Carter are friends since elementary school, and not just friends, they are BEST friends 👫. This is a best-friends-to-lovers romance and I loved it a lot! I also really liked to get back in touch with Ian and Brandon. Great dynamic in this group.
Thank you very much for this series. If you like sports romances, I can totally recommend this series to you!
October 22, 2018
I volunteered to read this story for an honest review and loved it! It's one of those books you start and can't put down. Love how the previous characters lives continue in this book.
October 29, 2018
Nothing like a small town best friends to lovers romance to warm the heart! I absolutely adored Avery! She’s a woman who knows the life she wants and though that leads down some sketchy paths she’s also determined to not be second to anyone or anything! Carter turned out to be more than I anticipated and the perfect 3rd to Ian and Brandon! Boy those 3 together had me dying with laughter!! It was amazing to see everyone again and my heart is now whole!
November 1, 2018
I LOVED, LOVED LOVED Everything about this book! It was so good. From the sweet beginning, sandlot quotes and the moment they realize it was more then friendship. All of it was perfection! I just want to hang out with Carter and Avery. Watch the sandlot or 10 things I hate about you with them. So many sweet moments and watching them grow stronger with each other and overcome what they didn't think was possible. I absolutely loved this book and all the characters except for maybe Miles, i wasn't crazy about him.
October 30, 2018
I received an Arc copy of the Rival in exchange for an honest review. Megan Green has done it again. I loved Carter and Avery together. I knew he was saving himself for some special girl. Glad I finally got to read their story
Highly recommended series! Every book has been a cute read. Looking forward to reading more!
Highly recommended series! Every book has been a cute read. Looking forward to reading more!
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November 7, 2018NOW LIVE AND FREE WITH KINDLE UNLIMITED!
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Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2DatmYn
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/TheRivalUK
Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/TheRivalCA
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/TheRivalAU
November 3, 2018
Really enjoyed this
Http://jodiesbookreviews.blogspot.com
In Short
- So much cuteness!
- I loved the flashbacks of Avery and Carter together when younger.
- Carter is the perfect book boyfriend.
In Long
Oh my goodness. The Rival has all the cuteness you could ever wish for! I was totally swooning over not just Carter but seeing him with Avery is just simply damn adorable.
I lived for the flashbacks which allowed me to see into their past and their memories together. I definitely felt more connected to Avery and Carter and more understanding of their relationship and history with the more I started to know about them through their flashbacks.
Carter is everything you could want in a book boyfriend and more! His willing to fight for something and to prove himself and oh my goodness he does it and does it well! Avery is a really lovely girl who cares deeply about Carter, it's so lovely to see how much they feel for each other.
The storyline was so perfectly paced, I didn't want to put the book down because I needed more of these two together, to see their relationship changing, facing the challenges and getting to know each other even more.
Final Thoughts
The Rival is a sweet, charming romance which you will be sure to fall in love with.
Quotes
'Love is always worth the risk
'
'She's my best friend, the person I turn to before anyone else, and the women I would absolutely lay down my life for if it mean't ensuring her happiness.'
'"Like that could ever happen. You've wormed your way too deep into my life for me to just forget you" and my heart, I tack on silently.'
Http://jodiesbookreviews.blogspot.com
In Short
- So much cuteness!
- I loved the flashbacks of Avery and Carter together when younger.
- Carter is the perfect book boyfriend.
In Long
Oh my goodness. The Rival has all the cuteness you could ever wish for! I was totally swooning over not just Carter but seeing him with Avery is just simply damn adorable.
I lived for the flashbacks which allowed me to see into their past and their memories together. I definitely felt more connected to Avery and Carter and more understanding of their relationship and history with the more I started to know about them through their flashbacks.
Carter is everything you could want in a book boyfriend and more! His willing to fight for something and to prove himself and oh my goodness he does it and does it well! Avery is a really lovely girl who cares deeply about Carter, it's so lovely to see how much they feel for each other.
The storyline was so perfectly paced, I didn't want to put the book down because I needed more of these two together, to see their relationship changing, facing the challenges and getting to know each other even more.
Final Thoughts
The Rival is a sweet, charming romance which you will be sure to fall in love with.
Quotes
'Love is always worth the risk
'
'She's my best friend, the person I turn to before anyone else, and the women I would absolutely lay down my life for if it mean't ensuring her happiness.'
'"Like that could ever happen. You've wormed your way too deep into my life for me to just forget you" and my heart, I tack on silently.'
November 1, 2018
This blurb had second chance romance written all over it. The childhood bestfriend's aspect was a great addition. I always wondered about Carter in the past books. When Avery's relationship took a down turn she sought out her best friend. From there Carter got his chance. He seemed tamer than Ian and Brandon in terms of personality. But he also has his tough alpha side when it comes to Avery. While we know Miles and Carter never got along and their rivalry over Avery and baseball was the crux of this book. We saw how it was shaped but at the same time I wanted to know what Miles did aside from getting the girl first to get his rep.
There were lots of cute sweet moments between Avery and Carter. The memories and good times they had together helped with their transition from best friends to more. The cameos of Ian and the gang definitely added to the story. They helped with the little issues that arose when it got bumpy. The epilogue for this series was just right and gave a hint of the years after. I enjoyed this baseball themed series just in time for the World Series that ended.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
There were lots of cute sweet moments between Avery and Carter. The memories and good times they had together helped with their transition from best friends to more. The cameos of Ian and the gang definitely added to the story. They helped with the little issues that arose when it got bumpy. The epilogue for this series was just right and gave a hint of the years after. I enjoyed this baseball themed series just in time for the World Series that ended.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
November 1, 2018
This series just keeps getting better! I thought noone would be able to top Tag, the Brandon came along and grabbed my heart but Carter. Well Carter is the new love of my book world. Holy cow!
Carter and Avery have been best friends since they were kids, nothing can come between them. No even Carter's secret more than friends feelings. He just wants to see Avery happy and is willing to sacrifice his happiness to make sure of it. But when Avery shows up on Carter's doorstep after canceling her wedding, Carter decides that now is his time.
Oh with the wooing! Carter is amazingly sweet, caring, all kinds of swoony, and oh so sexy! I couldn't help but love him. I absolutely loved this story and I can't wait to see what Green brings us next. This one can be read as a stand alone but I do recommend if you haven't read the others in this series, that you grab those as well they are all amazing!
Carter and Avery have been best friends since they were kids, nothing can come between them. No even Carter's secret more than friends feelings. He just wants to see Avery happy and is willing to sacrifice his happiness to make sure of it. But when Avery shows up on Carter's doorstep after canceling her wedding, Carter decides that now is his time.
Oh with the wooing! Carter is amazingly sweet, caring, all kinds of swoony, and oh so sexy! I couldn't help but love him. I absolutely loved this story and I can't wait to see what Green brings us next. This one can be read as a stand alone but I do recommend if you haven't read the others in this series, that you grab those as well they are all amazing!
November 1, 2018
Avery and Carter have been best friends since they were children. He has been in love with Avery for years but didn’t share his feelings as he didn’t want to ruin their friendship and now that she is engaged to a rival baseball player it may be too late.
When Avery’s dreams for the future are destroyed to turns to Carter, the one person who has always been there for her. As they spend time together she realizes the depths of his feelings for her and she is starting to see him as more than her best friend but is he her rebound or is he the man she was always meant to be with?
This is a heartwarming, friends to lovers, story. Carter has always known that Avery was the girl for him and although it took Avery a little longer to clue in once she did she was all in. I have enjoyed this series and I loved the epilogue. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
When Avery’s dreams for the future are destroyed to turns to Carter, the one person who has always been there for her. As they spend time together she realizes the depths of his feelings for her and she is starting to see him as more than her best friend but is he her rebound or is he the man she was always meant to be with?
This is a heartwarming, friends to lovers, story. Carter has always known that Avery was the girl for him and although it took Avery a little longer to clue in once she did she was all in. I have enjoyed this series and I loved the epilogue. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 28, 2018
Perfect 4,5* read on a rainy Sunday. Who doesn't love best friends turned lovers kinda story. I really enjoyed this book although I think Avery didn't deserve him. I wish for him to be really so I can claim him as my own. 😜😉
Carter was such a beautiful soul. It was breaking my heart to see how much he loved her and she had no idea about his feelings. It pained me to see how much selfdoubt he had about their relationship. But all that came to a stop the second they were on that merry-go-round.
"I'll prove to you that I love you. That I might love you even more than you love me.""Not possible Small. I've got years of experience on you. But if you think you can prove me wrong, I'm more than willing to let you try."
I love HEAs like theirs I really really do 😍
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Carter was such a beautiful soul. It was breaking my heart to see how much he loved her and she had no idea about his feelings. It pained me to see how much selfdoubt he had about their relationship. But all that came to a stop the second they were on that merry-go-round.
"I'll prove to you that I love you. That I might love you even more than you love me.""Not possible Small. I've got years of experience on you. But if you think you can prove me wrong, I'm more than willing to let you try."
I love HEAs like theirs I really really do 😍
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
October 31, 2018
I have been invested in the series since reading The Cleanup.
The Rival is just that.....Carter fighting for the one he loves....he is fighting his rival. Carter and Avery have been friends since childhood. What Avery doesn’t know is what she really means to Carter.....until......
I adored both Carter and Avery. Their friendship was everything to them and the love they had for each other just grew over the years to bring them to adulthood and all the disappointments that goes with it.
The Rival is an excellent addition to their series and a must read!!!!
Reviewed by: Dana D.
The Rival is just that.....Carter fighting for the one he loves....he is fighting his rival. Carter and Avery have been friends since childhood. What Avery doesn’t know is what she really means to Carter.....until......
I adored both Carter and Avery. Their friendship was everything to them and the love they had for each other just grew over the years to bring them to adulthood and all the disappointments that goes with it.
The Rival is an excellent addition to their series and a must read!!!!
Reviewed by: Dana D.
November 17, 2018
oops, i think i read these out of order ... read #3 first ... oops. Kindle Unlimited. I will look into book 1 & 3 soon. great reads ... love Megan writing style. must read. love these characters.
April 8, 2019
I do love a good small town, second chance romance! Mix in some baseball, and it's even better.
Loved the backstory of Carter & Avery's friendship and their many, many pretend weddings.
Miles is definitely the guy you love to hate, and the kind of "man" you hope your daughter is smart enough to NOT end up with.
Carter is the opposite. He is sweet and caring, yet strong and focused in his career. He's the one you want your daughter to bring home.
I enjoyed watching this romance bloom and you couldn't help but cheer for them!
Loved the backstory of Carter & Avery's friendship and their many, many pretend weddings.
Miles is definitely the guy you love to hate, and the kind of "man" you hope your daughter is smart enough to NOT end up with.
Carter is the opposite. He is sweet and caring, yet strong and focused in his career. He's the one you want your daughter to bring home.
I enjoyed watching this romance bloom and you couldn't help but cheer for them!
January 2, 2020
I really really enjoyed this series. I think this one was a favorite of the three but would recommend them all.
November 5, 2018
Another great, solid read by Megan Green. This book is the third interconnected standalone written for the Washington Rampage series. I really enjoy this authors take on sports romance and baseball.
This book has everything I love about contemporary small town, second chance romance! It's literally the books I love to devour and this one just made my heart so happy! Carter and Avery are the epitome of destined friends to lovers! Carter is the one to hold back, to spare Avery's feelings... and then you see the walls break down, true love starts to shine through and you see a girl finally allow herself to fall for the right guy, who's been by her side all along. Such a heart-warming read, I don't think I stopped smiling from page one to the end.
This book has everything I love about contemporary small town, second chance romance! It's literally the books I love to devour and this one just made my heart so happy! Carter and Avery are the epitome of destined friends to lovers! Carter is the one to hold back, to spare Avery's feelings... and then you see the walls break down, true love starts to shine through and you see a girl finally allow herself to fall for the right guy, who's been by her side all along. Such a heart-warming read, I don't think I stopped smiling from page one to the end.
November 7, 2018
Out of the park.
I love these characters! Connected standalones are my favorite books to read. The characters become a family. I smiled great big while reading this entire book. I’m kinda sad the Rampage books are over. Loved the Epilogue. Megan wrapped it up perfectly.
I love these characters! Connected standalones are my favorite books to read. The characters become a family. I smiled great big while reading this entire book. I’m kinda sad the Rampage books are over. Loved the Epilogue. Megan wrapped it up perfectly.
October 30, 2018
Avery Grant is weeks away from marrying professional baseball player Miles Johnson when a sex tape leaks and she’s devastated, as she’s definitely not the woman in it with him. She flees her small town in Wymoing and heads to the one place she knows her ex won’t follow her – Seattle, home of Avery’s best friend, Carter Hughes. Carter also plays professional baseball and he’s hated Miles Johnson since high school. He hates him even more because Miles was marrying the woman Carter’s been in love with for years.
Avery seeks comfort in the arms of her best friend, and it’s only when the wives of Carter’s teammates point out the obvious that Avery realises Carter’s been in love with her all along… and perhaps her feelings for him aren’t as platonic as she thought, either.
As Avery sorts through her feelings, she realises that she wasn’t so much in love with Miles as she was in love with the idea of getting married. Avery has been planning her wedding since she was a little girl, and when she met Carter at the age of nine she roped him into pretending to be her husband over and over. What she never realised before now is that Carter wants to be her husband for real. It doesn’t take long before she acknowledges her feelings for her best friend, and once they start sleeping together they can barely let each other go.
Carter balances his commitment to his baseball team with his love for Avery and the desperate need to spend every second with her. Avery has already decided to stay in Seattle to be with Carter, even though she’ll miss everything back home. When Miles calls to ask if he can see her in person to apologise, Avery reluctantly agrees but doesn’t get a chance to mention it to Carter before he goes on the field to play an away game, something that doesn’t sit right with Avery.
Carter comes home early because he’s missed her, and when he finds a menu with the name of the restaurant Avery is meeting Miles on it, he goes to surprise her – only to see Avery trip over and be saved by Miles, who then kisses her.
Carter knows Avery is not cheating on him and didn’t kiss him back, but he’s angry that she never mentioned the meeting to him. He tells her to go home, because he thinks he can’t ask her to choose between him and her life back home. Avery flees, devastated.
It takes his teammates taking him to task for how he handled everything for Carter to realise he’s made a terrible mistake and he decides to go back home and get his girl. Avery, in the meantime, is preparing to head back to Seattle and do whatever she has to to win Carter back. Carter makes it home just in time and they kiss and make up. The epilogue is set ten years later, and it was nice to see what happened in the end.
I love best friends to lovers romances, and while I enjoyed this one very much, a few things didn’t really gel for me – I think this story would have worked better if Carter and Avery had been a bit older (they’re twenty-one). I also think their romantic relationship happened a bit suddenly after Avery ending her engagement. Having said that, I think the author did a great job of showing their childhood friendship, with nicknames and little things that were unique to them, and it made the transition from friends to lovers quite easy to accept. I loved both Carter and Avery as characters, and adored this story.
Avery seeks comfort in the arms of her best friend, and it’s only when the wives of Carter’s teammates point out the obvious that Avery realises Carter’s been in love with her all along… and perhaps her feelings for him aren’t as platonic as she thought, either.
As Avery sorts through her feelings, she realises that she wasn’t so much in love with Miles as she was in love with the idea of getting married. Avery has been planning her wedding since she was a little girl, and when she met Carter at the age of nine she roped him into pretending to be her husband over and over. What she never realised before now is that Carter wants to be her husband for real. It doesn’t take long before she acknowledges her feelings for her best friend, and once they start sleeping together they can barely let each other go.
Carter balances his commitment to his baseball team with his love for Avery and the desperate need to spend every second with her. Avery has already decided to stay in Seattle to be with Carter, even though she’ll miss everything back home. When Miles calls to ask if he can see her in person to apologise, Avery reluctantly agrees but doesn’t get a chance to mention it to Carter before he goes on the field to play an away game, something that doesn’t sit right with Avery.
Carter comes home early because he’s missed her, and when he finds a menu with the name of the restaurant Avery is meeting Miles on it, he goes to surprise her – only to see Avery trip over and be saved by Miles, who then kisses her.
Carter knows Avery is not cheating on him and didn’t kiss him back, but he’s angry that she never mentioned the meeting to him. He tells her to go home, because he thinks he can’t ask her to choose between him and her life back home. Avery flees, devastated.
It takes his teammates taking him to task for how he handled everything for Carter to realise he’s made a terrible mistake and he decides to go back home and get his girl. Avery, in the meantime, is preparing to head back to Seattle and do whatever she has to to win Carter back. Carter makes it home just in time and they kiss and make up. The epilogue is set ten years later, and it was nice to see what happened in the end.
I love best friends to lovers romances, and while I enjoyed this one very much, a few things didn’t really gel for me – I think this story would have worked better if Carter and Avery had been a bit older (they’re twenty-one). I also think their romantic relationship happened a bit suddenly after Avery ending her engagement. Having said that, I think the author did a great job of showing their childhood friendship, with nicknames and little things that were unique to them, and it made the transition from friends to lovers quite easy to accept. I loved both Carter and Avery as characters, and adored this story.
November 4, 2018
4.5
They had been friends since they were younger, and played 'wedding games' ever since. But this time Avery is really getting married, and Carter, unfortunately was not the groom. What's more heartbreaking is the fact that Carter's rival Miles is Avery's groom and there's no way Carter would stop it. His best friend is happy - and he'd let her go if that what makes her happy even if it kills him.
Carter is the ultimate-boyfriend material. He was full of surprises and he's someone you'd deemed as the 'catch'. He has only been in love with one woman, and is about to let her go for her happiness *swoon*. But when his best friend came running to him after the incident that broke her engagement, that was another story. He was just so sure he was going to have his chance, and he isn't going to turn away from it.
Avery is in love with love. She's in love with the idea of weddings that when others are playing house, she was playing wedding. She thought she was going to have the wedding of her dreams, with the man of her dreams, but she was oh so wrong. When everything went south, she needed space and time to think. There was nowhere she'd go but to her best friend's.
But things has been off and a little different. There was something in the air between the two of them. Carter was ready, but was afraid to cross the line. Avery wasn't so sure, but she knew what she feels. Will they cross the line between friends and lovers? What happens then?
I enjoyed reading this book. Avery was a total dreamer, but she has her charms. She might not have the best decisions at times, but I was just glad she took the risk with Carter. And Carter - omg. He was a delight. I just couldn't believe he'd wait, and he'd give that to Avery. It was such a huge jaw-dropping surprise in there. Nevertheless, I love how the story progressed. It wasn't rushed, it didn't feel like a rebound. It's just friends, finally discovering that they both love each other way more than friends.
If you love sports romance, and friends-to-lovers romance this one is for you!
Review originally posted on my blog
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They had been friends since they were younger, and played 'wedding games' ever since. But this time Avery is really getting married, and Carter, unfortunately was not the groom. What's more heartbreaking is the fact that Carter's rival Miles is Avery's groom and there's no way Carter would stop it. His best friend is happy - and he'd let her go if that what makes her happy even if it kills him.
Carter is the ultimate-boyfriend material. He was full of surprises and he's someone you'd deemed as the 'catch'. He has only been in love with one woman, and is about to let her go for her happiness *swoon*. But when his best friend came running to him after the incident that broke her engagement, that was another story. He was just so sure he was going to have his chance, and he isn't going to turn away from it.
Avery is in love with love. She's in love with the idea of weddings that when others are playing house, she was playing wedding. She thought she was going to have the wedding of her dreams, with the man of her dreams, but she was oh so wrong. When everything went south, she needed space and time to think. There was nowhere she'd go but to her best friend's.
But things has been off and a little different. There was something in the air between the two of them. Carter was ready, but was afraid to cross the line. Avery wasn't so sure, but she knew what she feels. Will they cross the line between friends and lovers? What happens then?
I enjoyed reading this book. Avery was a total dreamer, but she has her charms. She might not have the best decisions at times, but I was just glad she took the risk with Carter. And Carter - omg. He was a delight. I just couldn't believe he'd wait, and he'd give that to Avery. It was such a huge jaw-dropping surprise in there. Nevertheless, I love how the story progressed. It wasn't rushed, it didn't feel like a rebound. It's just friends, finally discovering that they both love each other way more than friends.
If you love sports romance, and friends-to-lovers romance this one is for you!
Review originally posted on my blog
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October 14, 2020
While I had high hopes going into this book, it left me reeling and wishing for more.
What bothered me most about this book is what Green asserts about relationships. When Miles asks to meet with Avery on the pretense of closure, she agrees but doesn't tell Carter so that she wouldn't distract him from his away game. However, when Carter surprises her and finds out (by snooping through her browser history), he is furious - even though he saw with his own two eyes that the kiss between Miles and Avery was nonconsensual. Instead of trusting his longtime best friend and her word that she was planning on telling him, he throws her out of his house.
And then it gets worse. While home, Avery's conversation with her mom left me so angry and upset that I almost DNF'd the book right there and then. I had felt that the book was a little slow for my liking, but after her mom's comments, I was ready to just end it. Avery is completely gaslit by her mother and blamed for something that wasn't at all her fault.
"'Honestly, Avery, what were you thinking?' 'I don't know. I just... I wanted to help Miles if I could. I might not love him, but that doesn't mean I want him to be miserable the rest of his life. Even if he does maybe deserve it. I knew Carter would be upset about me wanting to meet with him, and I just didn't want to worry him.'"
It was clear that Avery met with Miles not because she still had feelings for him, but because she wanted him to be able to move on in the same way that she had.
"You don't get to make those decisions on your own when you're in a relationship, Avie. Being with someone, giving yourself to them fully, means letting them into every facet of your life. It means making decisions together and putting one another before everything else - even your own wants and needs."
Based on her mom's comments, Avery is essentially told that she should surrender all autonomy when in a relationship. I understand making joint decisions about the furniture or what's for dinner, but I draw the line when a partner gets to decide who you get to see, or where you are allowed to go. That's not a healthy relationship.
What bothered me most about this book is what Green asserts about relationships. When Miles asks to meet with Avery on the pretense of closure, she agrees but doesn't tell Carter so that she wouldn't distract him from his away game. However, when Carter surprises her and finds out (by snooping through her browser history), he is furious - even though he saw with his own two eyes that the kiss between Miles and Avery was nonconsensual. Instead of trusting his longtime best friend and her word that she was planning on telling him, he throws her out of his house.
And then it gets worse. While home, Avery's conversation with her mom left me so angry and upset that I almost DNF'd the book right there and then. I had felt that the book was a little slow for my liking, but after her mom's comments, I was ready to just end it. Avery is completely gaslit by her mother and blamed for something that wasn't at all her fault.
"'Honestly, Avery, what were you thinking?' 'I don't know. I just... I wanted to help Miles if I could. I might not love him, but that doesn't mean I want him to be miserable the rest of his life. Even if he does maybe deserve it. I knew Carter would be upset about me wanting to meet with him, and I just didn't want to worry him.'"
It was clear that Avery met with Miles not because she still had feelings for him, but because she wanted him to be able to move on in the same way that she had.
"You don't get to make those decisions on your own when you're in a relationship, Avie. Being with someone, giving yourself to them fully, means letting them into every facet of your life. It means making decisions together and putting one another before everything else - even your own wants and needs."
Based on her mom's comments, Avery is essentially told that she should surrender all autonomy when in a relationship. I understand making joint decisions about the furniture or what's for dinner, but I draw the line when a partner gets to decide who you get to see, or where you are allowed to go. That's not a healthy relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2018
The Rival is the 3rd book in the ‘Washington Rampage; series by Megan Green. You don’t have to have read the other two before this one, but they help round out the story and give you the background to Carter’s two best buddies on the NHL team that he plays for.
Carter has been in love with Avery his whole life, but she’s totally clueless, mostly because he didn’t let on and never told her, even when she started dating other guys. His was an unrequited love, and remained so until Avery was about to be married.
Avery loves Carter… as a friend. Her best friend. She even wants his to be her ‘man of honor’ at her wedding, that’s how unaware of his feelings she is. Although, I have to say, it was kinda callous too, as she knew how much Carter disliked her fiancé, Miles. I felt that was a bit harsh, to be honest.
But, then something bad happens and Avery has to get away. Not just from her hometown, but from the man who caused the scandal in the first place. So where does end up running to?
You got it.
To her best friend.
To Carter.
Carter, of course takes her in and looks after her. And slowly, now that her eyes aren’t being clouded by another guy, she starts to see what everyone else around her had known all along.
Carter was sweet, loving and protective to Avery’s cautious soul and wounded heart. And when he laid bare his feelings and how deep they went, telling exactly how dedicated he’d been to his love for her. Well, wow, my heart swooned.
But, the thing that caused the bump in the road for them? I felt that was a bit silly. Yeah, there was no love lost between him and Miles, but still…
Anyway, that’s for everyone to decide for themselves.
I highly recommend this as a great sports/ 2nd chance romance.
Carter has been in love with Avery his whole life, but she’s totally clueless, mostly because he didn’t let on and never told her, even when she started dating other guys. His was an unrequited love, and remained so until Avery was about to be married.
Avery loves Carter… as a friend. Her best friend. She even wants his to be her ‘man of honor’ at her wedding, that’s how unaware of his feelings she is. Although, I have to say, it was kinda callous too, as she knew how much Carter disliked her fiancé, Miles. I felt that was a bit harsh, to be honest.
But, then something bad happens and Avery has to get away. Not just from her hometown, but from the man who caused the scandal in the first place. So where does end up running to?
You got it.
To her best friend.
To Carter.
Carter, of course takes her in and looks after her. And slowly, now that her eyes aren’t being clouded by another guy, she starts to see what everyone else around her had known all along.
Carter was sweet, loving and protective to Avery’s cautious soul and wounded heart. And when he laid bare his feelings and how deep they went, telling exactly how dedicated he’d been to his love for her. Well, wow, my heart swooned.
But, the thing that caused the bump in the road for them? I felt that was a bit silly. Yeah, there was no love lost between him and Miles, but still…
Anyway, that’s for everyone to decide for themselves.
I highly recommend this as a great sports/ 2nd chance romance.
November 1, 2018
Ugh – third and final book in series and I haven’t read the first two. But man, this book was great!
Carter has been drafted by a pro baseball team (that seems to have a lot of days off, lol). He has to move to Seattle from Wyoming, away from his best friend, Avery. Problem is Carter has been in love with Avery since the moment he met her, and everyone seems to know it – everyone except Avery.
Avery is engaged to Carter’s rival, Miles Johnson. Carter has hated Miles forever, and he told Avery to stay away from him. He was devastated when Avery and Miles got engaged, and did his best to put distance between them, but Avery wanted Carter to be her “best man”. Carter agreed but did so reluctantly.
Avery is then stunned to learn her fiance is a cheating scumbag, and that sends her straight to Seattle to Carter. He’s so happy to have his best friend back, and spends a while helping her get over her breakup. She meets his friends, who clue him in to the fact that Carter is in love with her, and she finally realizes that everything she’s ever needed is right in front of her.
I freaking loved Carter. Such a great guy. I can throw out a bunch of adjectives to describe him, but they won’t do him justice. He’s just a great character. I liked Avery a lot too, but she was a little “slow” when it came to realizing her feelings about Carter. Carter loves the Sandlot and calls Avery “Smalls”, which I adored. Made him even more lovable!
I didn’t much understand the rivalry between Carter and Miles other than they were both pitchers (who pitch daily – like that happens). Miles wasn’t a likable guy at all, so I was glad he was out of the picture fast.
This was a great read, and I would highly recommend it.
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Carter has been drafted by a pro baseball team (that seems to have a lot of days off, lol). He has to move to Seattle from Wyoming, away from his best friend, Avery. Problem is Carter has been in love with Avery since the moment he met her, and everyone seems to know it – everyone except Avery.
Avery is engaged to Carter’s rival, Miles Johnson. Carter has hated Miles forever, and he told Avery to stay away from him. He was devastated when Avery and Miles got engaged, and did his best to put distance between them, but Avery wanted Carter to be her “best man”. Carter agreed but did so reluctantly.
Avery is then stunned to learn her fiance is a cheating scumbag, and that sends her straight to Seattle to Carter. He’s so happy to have his best friend back, and spends a while helping her get over her breakup. She meets his friends, who clue him in to the fact that Carter is in love with her, and she finally realizes that everything she’s ever needed is right in front of her.
I freaking loved Carter. Such a great guy. I can throw out a bunch of adjectives to describe him, but they won’t do him justice. He’s just a great character. I liked Avery a lot too, but she was a little “slow” when it came to realizing her feelings about Carter. Carter loves the Sandlot and calls Avery “Smalls”, which I adored. Made him even more lovable!
I didn’t much understand the rivalry between Carter and Miles other than they were both pitchers (who pitch daily – like that happens). Miles wasn’t a likable guy at all, so I was glad he was out of the picture fast.
This was a great read, and I would highly recommend it.
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October 31, 2018
Carter and Avery have been best friends since third grade, when they were both 9 years old. They are inseparable all throughout school, except when Avery starts dating Miles their senior year. They are still best friends, but it kills Carter who had realized years ago he was in love with Avery. Both Carter and Miles are drafted into the MLB, with Miles staying in Wyoming with Avery and Carter going to the Seattle team.
Finally, Carter gets his chance to tell Avery how he feels about her when Miles betrays her and she shows up at Carter's door. She doesn't see how he really feels until his teammates' girlfriends point it out at a party, and Avery realizes she has felt the same way for a long time. Things are great, until one incident happens.
What I liked: Carter and Avery's friendship. He would do anything for her, including pretend marry her at recess every single day of elementary school because she loved weddings. They have a strong foundation to build on, and it shows. I also liked the little twist about Carter. I don't want to spoil it because it's something rarely seen for the male lead in romance books, but common in female lead characters. It's a nice change. I also liked Carter's friends on the team, and their partners. Brandon's talk when Carter had been an ass was priceless, too. I also liked the last chapter and the epilogue. So sweet.
What I didn't like: Carter's gross overreaction and the actions it caused. Really dude?
Overall, this was a fast, enjoyable read with a very sweet couple. I look forward to checking out the previous two books and reading their stories now.
Finally, Carter gets his chance to tell Avery how he feels about her when Miles betrays her and she shows up at Carter's door. She doesn't see how he really feels until his teammates' girlfriends point it out at a party, and Avery realizes she has felt the same way for a long time. Things are great, until one incident happens.
What I liked: Carter and Avery's friendship. He would do anything for her, including pretend marry her at recess every single day of elementary school because she loved weddings. They have a strong foundation to build on, and it shows. I also liked the little twist about Carter. I don't want to spoil it because it's something rarely seen for the male lead in romance books, but common in female lead characters. It's a nice change. I also liked Carter's friends on the team, and their partners. Brandon's talk when Carter had been an ass was priceless, too. I also liked the last chapter and the epilogue. So sweet.
What I didn't like: Carter's gross overreaction and the actions it caused. Really dude?
Overall, this was a fast, enjoyable read with a very sweet couple. I look forward to checking out the previous two books and reading their stories now.
November 1, 2018
This is the book that my hopeless romantic heart has been waiting for! This is the ultimate friends to lovers story. When I first was introduced to Carter in The Clean Up as a player on Rampage major league baseball team I was hoping we would get a story about him. He was the team player that didn't hook up with a bunch of different women and was hung up on his best friend. And Megan Green granted my wish! Carter has been best friends with Avery since childhood. She always saw him as just her best friend but he was in love with her since day one. Skip forward to them as adults. She is getting married. And not just to anyone. She is getting married to Carter's rival since childhood, baseball star Miles. But Miles true colors come out and Avery is left questioning everything. She has been planning her wedding since she was a little girl. Actually pretty obsessively. That's how she met Carter. He was the new kid and she needed someone to play her groom. Little did she know how perfect that moment was actually. That's it! That's all you are getting out of me! This beautiful story has to be read and experienced. My heart is still beating for it. This is definitely a story I will read over and over again. Don't go thinking this is just a feel good story with no real life drama. Not even. But it's a perfect story about the power of love and true friendship.
October 30, 2018
I loved this story, the hero and heroine, the Sandlot references, and getting to catch up with our favorite Rampage players from previous books.
Carter and Avery have been friends since childhood, and Carter has loved her forever. Avery, though, is set to marry his rival on the baseball diamond Miles. When Miles betrays Avery, she shows up at Carter's door and it might just be finally his turn to win the girl he loves.
Carter is a rarity in romance books. I feel like he's a romantic who is much more in touch with his feelings than most guys. He is a sweet guy who you will definitely root for, and my heart broke when he revealed how much it hurt that Avery was engaged to Miles.
Avery frustrated me a couple of times throughout the book, but it was because she made mistakes and doubted herself as most people in their early 20s will do.
I appreciated how different Carter was from Ian and Brandon from the first two books in the series. The bromance between the three of them was one of the highlights of the book and I especially loved Brandon and Carter's friendship.
This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend checking out the whole series.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Carter and Avery have been friends since childhood, and Carter has loved her forever. Avery, though, is set to marry his rival on the baseball diamond Miles. When Miles betrays Avery, she shows up at Carter's door and it might just be finally his turn to win the girl he loves.
Carter is a rarity in romance books. I feel like he's a romantic who is much more in touch with his feelings than most guys. He is a sweet guy who you will definitely root for, and my heart broke when he revealed how much it hurt that Avery was engaged to Miles.
Avery frustrated me a couple of times throughout the book, but it was because she made mistakes and doubted herself as most people in their early 20s will do.
I appreciated how different Carter was from Ian and Brandon from the first two books in the series. The bromance between the three of them was one of the highlights of the book and I especially loved Brandon and Carter's friendship.
This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend checking out the whole series.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
November 6, 2018
4 out of 5 stars
This book was a great friends to lovers romance that captured my heart and made me feel all the things that Avery, but especially Carter, were feeling.
Carter is a young baseball player, but when he’s on the same team as Ian Taggert & Brandon Jeffers there’s not way you can’t have a wonderful story to tell -- along with just enough crazy to keep it fun! This is the 3rd book in this series and I enjoyed it just as much as the other two. What can I say, I’m a sucker for the Rampage Boys!
Having been fake married too many times to count growing up, these two are the best of friends, but Carter wants more and Avery doesn’t see it - until it’s almost too late. Luckily, they find their way to each other after a heartbreak with her fiance and she discovers just how much she really loves Carter:
“Sometimes, it takes losing something you never really wanted to see what’s been standing right in front of you all along.”
This was a quick read and one that I enjoyed a great deal. If you’re looking for a great baseball series, I highly recommend this one. The characters are all likable - loveable actually - and the storylines are all three unique!
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
This book was a great friends to lovers romance that captured my heart and made me feel all the things that Avery, but especially Carter, were feeling.
Carter is a young baseball player, but when he’s on the same team as Ian Taggert & Brandon Jeffers there’s not way you can’t have a wonderful story to tell -- along with just enough crazy to keep it fun! This is the 3rd book in this series and I enjoyed it just as much as the other two. What can I say, I’m a sucker for the Rampage Boys!
Having been fake married too many times to count growing up, these two are the best of friends, but Carter wants more and Avery doesn’t see it - until it’s almost too late. Luckily, they find their way to each other after a heartbreak with her fiance and she discovers just how much she really loves Carter:
“Sometimes, it takes losing something you never really wanted to see what’s been standing right in front of you all along.”
This was a quick read and one that I enjoyed a great deal. If you’re looking for a great baseball series, I highly recommend this one. The characters are all likable - loveable actually - and the storylines are all three unique!
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
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