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Kissing the Enemy #3
The Perfect Score
Being a human cupid isn't all it's cracked up to be. Especially now when it's her heart on the line.
Ox might be the living definition of the strong and silent type, but Maddie knows for a fact that underneath that big, bad scowl lies an equally big heart. He deserves to love and be loved, and she's just the girl to help him. After all, she's basically a human love detector. She's seen all of her friends' true loves coming from a mile away. But Maddie has a secret, one that will ruin her reputation as the fun, carefree flirt that everybody knows and love. This cupid already lost her heart and she's not sure she trusts herself to risk it again. Not even for a quiet giant with a heart of gold.
Ox never asked for Maddie's help, and he definitely doesn't want it. He keeps his distance for a reason. Or at least he did until Maddie came along. The little pixie with the brilliant smile wouldn't take no for an answer when it came to being his friend, and now it seems she's just as determined to find him a girlfriend. But how to tell her that he doesn't want just any girl. He only wants her.
Ox might be the living definition of the strong and silent type, but Maddie knows for a fact that underneath that big, bad scowl lies an equally big heart. He deserves to love and be loved, and she's just the girl to help him. After all, she's basically a human love detector. She's seen all of her friends' true loves coming from a mile away. But Maddie has a secret, one that will ruin her reputation as the fun, carefree flirt that everybody knows and love. This cupid already lost her heart and she's not sure she trusts herself to risk it again. Not even for a quiet giant with a heart of gold.
Ox never asked for Maddie's help, and he definitely doesn't want it. He keeps his distance for a reason. Or at least he did until Maddie came along. The little pixie with the brilliant smile wouldn't take no for an answer when it came to being his friend, and now it seems she's just as determined to find him a girlfriend. But how to tell her that he doesn't want just any girl. He only wants her.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2018
553 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 23, 2019
It´s an okay book, obvious plot but that was expected. Had some cute moments.
August 3, 2025
This is Maddie and Ox’s high school romance story (dual POV).
Opposites attract: Maddie is a bubbly, well liked, confident (with some hidden vulnerabilities), and flirty socialite while Ox is a big, imposing, and untalkative football player (who also hides some cracks in his confidence). I loved them together, esp when they were unsure about what their relationship was.
Short and sweet, it was adorable and swoony. High chemistry, lovable characters.
Chef’s kiss!
Content - clean, some kissing
Narrator- one female narrator performed both POVs expertly!
*reread 8/1/25 audio with my 17-year old and we both enjoyed it. I liked both MCs, esp the unique character of Ox. He was endearing.
Opposites attract: Maddie is a bubbly, well liked, confident (with some hidden vulnerabilities), and flirty socialite while Ox is a big, imposing, and untalkative football player (who also hides some cracks in his confidence). I loved them together, esp when they were unsure about what their relationship was.
Short and sweet, it was adorable and swoony. High chemistry, lovable characters.
Chef’s kiss!
Content - clean, some kissing
Narrator- one female narrator performed both POVs expertly!
*reread 8/1/25 audio with my 17-year old and we both enjoyed it. I liked both MCs, esp the unique character of Ox. He was endearing.
November 19, 2020
3.5 stars
December 10, 2021
Fabulous!!! 💗💗💗
November 9, 2020
The matchmaker finally meets her match!
Maddie and Ox were a study in contrasts, but they did have one thing in common. Both were made to feel that they weren't lovable, and that's why it was so satisfying to see them fall for each other. There was a really cute moment at the Halloween party that I loved, and it was very cute overall.
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Maddie and Ox were a study in contrasts, but they did have one thing in common. Both were made to feel that they weren't lovable, and that's why it was so satisfying to see them fall for each other. There was a really cute moment at the Halloween party that I loved, and it was very cute overall.
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December 17, 2018
For the record, I told my husband that Maddie and Ox was bound to be a couple when I first encountered them in the first book of Maggie Dallen’s Kissing the Enemy series. He didn’t seem too interested but it still counts! So now, at long last, we get to see them star in their own, superb, YA romance: The Perfect Score (Book 3 in the series). It’s really great to actually get inside Ox’s mind in this book and to discover what’s behind the taciturn man-mountain of a high schooler. It’s equally great to get inside Maggie’s mind and find out what makes her click - and what makes her vulnerable. Once again this author has put out the perfect YA high school romance. Frankly, my only real complaint is that it’s described as the last in the series. Major whining going on about that but I will get over it (I think) so long as Ms. Dallen comes up with a new series to enthrall me. As for this book? Frankly, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed, I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and that it is easy to highly recommend.
December 17, 2018
Finally we get to know who Ox really is the silent giant and I absolutely adore his character!!! Maddie is the perky match maker of the group and the complete opposite of Ox but they are so adorable together and while she may be helping to match her friends up her love life isn’t so great . There were times I wanted to bump her upside the head when she was pushing her friends away but this is a high school romance and the insecurities and drama make it all the better. I can’t get over Ox he is just a giant teddy bear and adorable and I love that we get to understand why he is always so quiet and watch him break out of his shell a little thanks to Maddie. This is the last in the series my only complaint is I wish there was more loved this series!!!
January 3, 2019
This turned out to be my favorite book in this series. I was amused by Ox from his very first appearance in book one, and I knew that he would eventually get his own book. I just didn't expect him to be my favorite guy out of all of these. I have always liked the strong silent type though, and Ox was the epitome of this type of guy. I worried that getting his point of view would give him too many words and take away from his quiet appeal, but the author did an excellent job of keeping his taciturn personality intact. Putting him with his complete opposite was great fun, and it gave me a few good laughs. They also had exciting chemistry. I'll be reading this one again!
January 4, 2022
It was finally time for Ox’s story to be told. I was excited to read more about him and Maddie. Their story is told in alternating points of view. It’s fast-paced and fun. Maddie is a hyper ball of energy and Ox is the strong, silent type. The two compliment each other perfectly. Such a fun book to read!
May 8, 2025
this is a very enjoyable YA book with romance and funny moments between two friends who are opposites.
Ox is quiet and reserved, even cold and can look unapproachable meanwhile Maddie is short, fun, extrovert and friendly.
this story is from a series and yes you can read only this one but it's nice to read the three books because some scenes happened on this book that explained things from previous ones.
anyway, back to this book. Ox is soooo sweet, and real. I loved when he talked about Maddie and how she was so tiny compared to him, that was funny. Also loved when he thought stuff like: "why is he talking to my Maddie? oh wait, no she's not My Maddie"
ita the best book of the series. I didn't enjoyed too much the first one, the second one is better and this is the best for me.
I also like how the MMC of the previous book and Ox are not friends but they try to be.
This is a great romance young adult book for teens who are ready to feel all the butterflies.
Ox is quiet and reserved, even cold and can look unapproachable meanwhile Maddie is short, fun, extrovert and friendly.
this story is from a series and yes you can read only this one but it's nice to read the three books because some scenes happened on this book that explained things from previous ones.
anyway, back to this book. Ox is soooo sweet, and real. I loved when he talked about Maddie and how she was so tiny compared to him, that was funny. Also loved when he thought stuff like: "why is he talking to my Maddie? oh wait, no she's not My Maddie"
ita the best book of the series. I didn't enjoyed too much the first one, the second one is better and this is the best for me.
I also like how the MMC of the previous book and Ox are not friends but they try to be.
This is a great romance young adult book for teens who are ready to feel all the butterflies.
January 23, 2025
Okay YA
I didn't get into this one as much as I thought I would. I feel like the timing seemed off, and the characters didn't have a lot of depth. I guess the main characters are pretty well-developed, but the secondary characters are not - maybe that's on me because this is a series and I started with book 3?
This is a YA story about Maggie and Ox. Maggie is a bubbly athlete with lots of friends and she loves to befriend the lonely. Ox is one of those loner kids who plays football and was heavily bullied at his previous school, so he doesn't really want friends. This is the story of their friendship which leads to romance.
I did like the ending.
Content: PG. The only triggers I can remember were bullying and cheating.
Language: No language
Religious: No
Happy reading!!
I didn't get into this one as much as I thought I would. I feel like the timing seemed off, and the characters didn't have a lot of depth. I guess the main characters are pretty well-developed, but the secondary characters are not - maybe that's on me because this is a series and I started with book 3?
This is a YA story about Maggie and Ox. Maggie is a bubbly athlete with lots of friends and she loves to befriend the lonely. Ox is one of those loner kids who plays football and was heavily bullied at his previous school, so he doesn't really want friends. This is the story of their friendship which leads to romance.
I did like the ending.
Content: PG. The only triggers I can remember were bullying and cheating.
Language: No language
Religious: No
Happy reading!!
December 17, 2018
ONE HEART MELTING READ!!!
Wow! Yep, I'm a puddle. No way around it with this slow burn, heart reaching, achieving understanding, man you get all with a double dose of such epic proportions of feel good and wide smiles. Yep! This is that kinda gem. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with unexpected surprises that will totally blow you away. The drama, uncertainty, fear and a little intrigue make for one incredible experience. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. Maggie did a remarkable job bringing this read to life brilliantly. Fantastic job Maggie, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Wow! Yep, I'm a puddle. No way around it with this slow burn, heart reaching, achieving understanding, man you get all with a double dose of such epic proportions of feel good and wide smiles. Yep! This is that kinda gem. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with unexpected surprises that will totally blow you away. The drama, uncertainty, fear and a little intrigue make for one incredible experience. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. Maggie did a remarkable job bringing this read to life brilliantly. Fantastic job Maggie, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
December 19, 2018
Cute "opposites attract" YA romance
I've been waiting for this story ever since I "met" Maddie and Ox in The Perfect Catch.
And while these two are probably my favorite couple in the series (though it's a close call), and I am - of course, duh! - happy to see them getting their happy end, the story was not my favorite of the three.
Though I really can't put my finger on why, since all the ingredients I like about Maggie Dallen's YA romances are definitely there.
Still, I'm a bit sad that this is the final book in the series and the stories of this particular group of friends have now all been told.
I've been waiting for this story ever since I "met" Maddie and Ox in The Perfect Catch.
And while these two are probably my favorite couple in the series (though it's a close call), and I am - of course, duh! - happy to see them getting their happy end, the story was not my favorite of the three.
Though I really can't put my finger on why, since all the ingredients I like about Maggie Dallen's YA romances are definitely there.
Still, I'm a bit sad that this is the final book in the series and the stories of this particular group of friends have now all been told.
August 20, 2020
I can’t decide if I like book 2 or 3 better. They were both amazing. I’ve been waiting for Maddie and Ox’s book ever since Noah in book 1 said that they would never work together, as she befriended the quiet giant. I loved Maddie, she reminded me of my best friend. I’m a sucker for the quiet boys so I loved Ox. I loved how much he loved Maddie. I liked seeing their supportive friends throughout the story. In the last two books we really see one of the MCs come out of their shell and it was awesome to watch. So sad this series is over, but I would totally read another book in this series about all three couple and where they are now.
January 21, 2021
There’s nothing like young love
Although this book is meant for young adults (I’m an advanced senior), I loved its passionate intensity. It reminded me so much of my first romantic encounters as a teenager--something no one ever forgets.
I remember the tension, the self-doubt, the joy when the relationship went right. I had several romantic encounters before I met the woman who eventually became my wife, and I remember her hesitation when I first proposed. She was five years older than me.
Maggie Dallen has a real talent for exploring the nuances of young love. I thank her for recalling those exciting memories. If you like romance, this is a great starter.
Although this book is meant for young adults (I’m an advanced senior), I loved its passionate intensity. It reminded me so much of my first romantic encounters as a teenager--something no one ever forgets.
I remember the tension, the self-doubt, the joy when the relationship went right. I had several romantic encounters before I met the woman who eventually became my wife, and I remember her hesitation when I first proposed. She was five years older than me.
Maggie Dallen has a real talent for exploring the nuances of young love. I thank her for recalling those exciting memories. If you like romance, this is a great starter.
December 19, 2018
Great Ending. In the conclusion to this trilogy, we finally get the story of the most outspoken girl of the group paired with... the most silent guy of the group. As was the case throughout this series, some great laughs, some biting heartache, some miscommunications common around the HS age, and very little actual sports play. (Indeed, there is no scoring of any kind specifically mentioned - much less shown - in this particular tale.) Very fun and fast read, highly recommended.
April 23, 2019
MkAy
***spoilers kind of***
I’m not going to say to much about this book. I thought it was good. I was curious and wanted to read this one more than I wanted to read the other two books to this series. I thought both Ox and Maddie was good for each other. I did wish his old friends well those from his old school could’ve seen how he looked now from when he was fat... I was glad no one bullied him in his new school more so he made sure no one did it....
***spoilers kind of***
I’m not going to say to much about this book. I thought it was good. I was curious and wanted to read this one more than I wanted to read the other two books to this series. I thought both Ox and Maddie was good for each other. I did wish his old friends well those from his old school could’ve seen how he looked now from when he was fat... I was glad no one bullied him in his new school more so he made sure no one did it....
July 20, 2020
Safety Rating: Safe
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
January 28, 2019
An odd couple that turns out to make perfect sense
I just love Ox - he's such a wonderful character, and Maddie is the perfect character to bring out his best qualities. While aspects of the story weren't all that plausible, it's told well enough to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the ride.
Clean romance level: passionate kissing, a few minor swear words
I just love Ox - he's such a wonderful character, and Maddie is the perfect character to bring out his best qualities. While aspects of the story weren't all that plausible, it's told well enough to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the ride.
Clean romance level: passionate kissing, a few minor swear words
March 2, 2020
Cute and clean romance
Maggie Dallen knows how to tell a teenage romance, these characters act like teenagers and that's not an easy thing to accomplish even if it sounds like it is. I really like the romantic couple here and the way the heroine was not ashamed of dating several guys and I love how the shy hero fell for her. Really cute and easy read.
Maggie Dallen knows how to tell a teenage romance, these characters act like teenagers and that's not an easy thing to accomplish even if it sounds like it is. I really like the romantic couple here and the way the heroine was not ashamed of dating several guys and I love how the shy hero fell for her. Really cute and easy read.
August 27, 2020
I'm a sucker for big-bad guys with bigger hearts, who are secretly adorable. So yeah, I liked it a lot. Its the first of the series that I read. I thought it would be one of those "girl in the high school's football team" and IT IS NOT. It talks about insecurities and changes and friendships, also a little about giving back and understanding.
Light, cool, romantic, just my type of story!
Light, cool, romantic, just my type of story!
February 23, 2021
Fun books
I've enjoyed this whole series. I could hardly put them down. The only thing that would make them better in my book would be cleaner language. I especially don't appreciate the Lord's name being taken in vain. There are a few edits needed too but they are few and far between. I love that they're clean romances that still have sparks.
I've enjoyed this whole series. I could hardly put them down. The only thing that would make them better in my book would be cleaner language. I especially don't appreciate the Lord's name being taken in vain. There are a few edits needed too but they are few and far between. I love that they're clean romances that still have sparks.
April 21, 2025
What a cute, romantic book! I absolutely loved this book! It was a great, standalone palette cleanser, and I ate this book up so fast. It wasn’t too long, and I loved the characters. The only thing I couldn’t stand was the fact that the mmc’s name was OX…like uggh! But overall the story was great, and it was just a short n sweet bestfriends to lovers!
March 16, 2019
Young Love
Sometimes it is so sweet to read a romance that isn’t full of the ‘naughty’. I loved this coming to age romance. These two people connected and saw each other is a way no one else did. I love a silent growly alpha and a sweet loving energetic heroine who just gets him.
Sometimes it is so sweet to read a romance that isn’t full of the ‘naughty’. I loved this coming to age romance. These two people connected and saw each other is a way no one else did. I love a silent growly alpha and a sweet loving energetic heroine who just gets him.
April 5, 2019
Sweet read.
I love Ox! He and M are just so cute together. I loved getting a peek inside that head of his. Their growing understanding of each other, and their insecurities were well done.
I love Ox! He and M are just so cute together. I loved getting a peek inside that head of his. Their growing understanding of each other, and their insecurities were well done.
May 5, 2019
I loved Ox! His reservations were warranted to say the least. I found myself getting more and more annoyed with Maddie the more I read from her point of view. It got to the point where I just wanted to shake her because she was acting like a child.
December 30, 2019
maddie was majorly annoying bc, duh, she was a coward with her feelings. like talk it out dude. whats wrong with you. but then she got better.
ox was adorable af and he was my favorite as always. he was great. yay. contributed to the cute parts of the book.
ox was adorable af and he was my favorite as always. he was great. yay. contributed to the cute parts of the book.
March 31, 2022
Some say opposites attract, so this one of those tales.
He big, grumpy, speaks seldom and doesn't mix much, unless he has too.
She's an extrovert, enjoys talking and helping others to get together.
She helps him, but in the end, he helps her.
Good story.
He big, grumpy, speaks seldom and doesn't mix much, unless he has too.
She's an extrovert, enjoys talking and helping others to get together.
She helps him, but in the end, he helps her.
Good story.
November 16, 2025
Five (18yo) adults show up on a high school campus (where none of them are students) for the purpose of intimidating or assaulting a student who is a 17yo minor. And the STUDENT gets in trouble?! I don’t care how big the student is, that’s crazy.
December 21, 2018
Good read
Cute story, written from two POV No cliffhangers or cheating. It's a happy well written story that will leave you smiling
Cute story, written from two POV No cliffhangers or cheating. It's a happy well written story that will leave you smiling
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews