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False 9: A Sports Romantic Comedy
A mouthy soccer stud virgin meets the secretive new girl on campus… The last time I got laid was… oh right. Never. The only game I have is on the soccer field, where I mostly exist to make my teammates look good. I don’t get the glory or the girl, and in true Lavin Saint fashion, the first impression I make to the gorgeous new girl on campus is chair-crashingly, soul-crushingly bad. Bianca Santos seems undeterred and even intrigued by my inability to form coherent sentences around her, which is why it sucks when I find out she’s my coach’s niece. Off limits. Except Bianca doesn’t listen to that memo, and the more she focuses on me with those beautiful brown eyes, the less I care about the real possibility of being relegated to the bench. So when I find out she’s hiding something that’s threatening her, I’m done playing passive defense. I’m on the offensive now, no matter the risk—my sport, my sanity, or my life. This time, I’m getting the glory. And the girl. False 9 is a standalone romantic comedy with some sports, a bit of action, and a whole lot of sarcasm. HEA and no cliffhanger.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2019
71 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Megan Erickson
50 books1,845 followersMegan Erickson is a USA Today bestselling author of romance that sizzles. Her books have a touch of nerd, a dash of humor, and always have a happily ever after. A former journalist, she switched to fiction when she decided she likes writing her own endings better.
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
She lives in Pennsylvania with her very own nerdy husband and two kids. Although rather fun-sized, she's been told she has a full-sized personality. When Megan isn't writing, she's either lounging with her two cats named after John Hughes characters or... thinking about writing.
For more, visit meganerickson.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 6, 2019
<3 4 STARS <3
I enjoyed False 9 a lot!It was funny,sexy,fast paced, sweet and light!I was hooked from the first pages and I couldn't put it down!I find myself smiling a lot!I aodred the characters.
Lavin is a sweetheart, I loved him.He is so different from the usual heroes we meet in romance.He is akward with girls,and he is nice, and sweet.It was refreshing!Bianca is the new girl, I liked their relationship.
Overall, it was an easy and sweet read with some really sexy and funny moments!
I enjoyed False 9 a lot!It was funny,sexy,fast paced, sweet and light!I was hooked from the first pages and I couldn't put it down!I find myself smiling a lot!I aodred the characters.
Lavin is a sweetheart, I loved him.He is so different from the usual heroes we meet in romance.He is akward with girls,and he is nice, and sweet.It was refreshing!Bianca is the new girl, I liked their relationship.
Overall, it was an easy and sweet read with some really sexy and funny moments!
December 31, 2021
3 stars
This was cute and I loved the banter between Lavin and Bianca. The last quarter had a lot of drama that seemed a bit unrealistic, but overall I still enjoyed!
This was cute and I loved the banter between Lavin and Bianca. The last quarter had a lot of drama that seemed a bit unrealistic, but overall I still enjoyed!
pass
January 30, 2019Blurb sounds promising but too much scandal/duplicity.
February 4, 2019
This book was so cute and funny! Low on angst and really sweet. It also took a bit of a turn that I didn’t see coming, but I actually really enjoyed that as well. Lavin Saint is the guy who’s nice, funny, and normally gets friend zoned immediately. He’s used to it...so when the new girl in school, Bianca Santos, wants to spend time with him he’s not sure how to take it. She’s seems interested in being more than friends, but in his mind she’s way out of his league. The more they spend time together the more their connection grows. But she’s keeping secrets that could be dangerous for anyone in her life. Lavin decides she’s worth the risk, and all of their adventures together were funny, a little bit scary, and super steamy! I also really loved the banter between Lavin and his soccer teammates/roomies. They were hilarious, and I really hope they get their own stories!
January 25, 2019
You guys - this is Megan Erickson going back to her roots. Those who have been fans since her Bowler U days know what I'm talking about. False 9 takes place on a college campus and includes frat parties, college sporting events and stress over papers and tests. It has bullies and overprotective parents and the BEST best friends.
False 9 centers around college soccer player Lavin Saint. He's a good player in the forgettable midfielder position. Lives off campus with three team mates who also happen to be his best friends. He's studying to be a teacher. And he's a virgin and totally awkward around girls he really likes. This guy - he's endearing right from the start. He's genuinely a good guy - the best, really. And you know what they say about good guys. So, when he catches sight of the most beautiful girl he's ever seen, he's sure he will finish last, especially after literally ending up on his ass the moment they meet for the first time.
Bianca was like a brand new color that hadn't been invented yet - it was bright, beautiful and I wanted to paint an entire house with it.
But, Bianca Santos wants to surround herself with people who are REAL. And no one is more real than Lavin. What starts as a sweet friendship quickly blossoms into more. But, Bianca has a dangerous secret she's keeping from Lavin - one she feels she needs to protect him from. But, Lavin is ready to put his insecurities and "nice guy" moniker aside so that he can be the one protecting HER.
All my life, I'd felt like I was chasing something that was just out of my reach. I had to keep going, keep running. But with Lavin, I was settled, comfortable. No more running. Just staying. With him.
Soccer fans (or sports fans in general) will like the fact that there's plenty of sports action in False 9 to satisfy you. In fact, the name of the book comes from a new position that Lavin is asked to play. It turns out to be the perfect name for the book for reasons that I can't tell you. But, trust me on this one.
Despite the danger that swirls around Bianca and Lavin throughout most of the book, I have to tell you that it almost feels more like a rom-com. You WILL laugh. Like, out loud. It's impossible not to. Lavin and Bianca are adorably funny. They try to find ways to squeeze every drop of fun and life out of their time in college, which is nothing either of them has ever done before. And Lavin is a little... uptight about breaking the rules. But he can't say no to Bianca. So, their antics and banter end up being lighthearted food for my soul.
In addition to soccer and laughs, False 9 includes plenty of suspense and intrigue. And, even though Lavin is a virgin, that doesn't mean that there isn't sexy times. Because, THERE IS. This book is an easy and fun read that you will blow through and then be left wanting more. Personally, I'm thinking that Lavin's three roommates each need a book now. I bet you'll think that too when you're done. :)
False 9 centers around college soccer player Lavin Saint. He's a good player in the forgettable midfielder position. Lives off campus with three team mates who also happen to be his best friends. He's studying to be a teacher. And he's a virgin and totally awkward around girls he really likes. This guy - he's endearing right from the start. He's genuinely a good guy - the best, really. And you know what they say about good guys. So, when he catches sight of the most beautiful girl he's ever seen, he's sure he will finish last, especially after literally ending up on his ass the moment they meet for the first time.
Bianca was like a brand new color that hadn't been invented yet - it was bright, beautiful and I wanted to paint an entire house with it.
But, Bianca Santos wants to surround herself with people who are REAL. And no one is more real than Lavin. What starts as a sweet friendship quickly blossoms into more. But, Bianca has a dangerous secret she's keeping from Lavin - one she feels she needs to protect him from. But, Lavin is ready to put his insecurities and "nice guy" moniker aside so that he can be the one protecting HER.
All my life, I'd felt like I was chasing something that was just out of my reach. I had to keep going, keep running. But with Lavin, I was settled, comfortable. No more running. Just staying. With him.
Soccer fans (or sports fans in general) will like the fact that there's plenty of sports action in False 9 to satisfy you. In fact, the name of the book comes from a new position that Lavin is asked to play. It turns out to be the perfect name for the book for reasons that I can't tell you. But, trust me on this one.
Despite the danger that swirls around Bianca and Lavin throughout most of the book, I have to tell you that it almost feels more like a rom-com. You WILL laugh. Like, out loud. It's impossible not to. Lavin and Bianca are adorably funny. They try to find ways to squeeze every drop of fun and life out of their time in college, which is nothing either of them has ever done before. And Lavin is a little... uptight about breaking the rules. But he can't say no to Bianca. So, their antics and banter end up being lighthearted food for my soul.
In addition to soccer and laughs, False 9 includes plenty of suspense and intrigue. And, even though Lavin is a virgin, that doesn't mean that there isn't sexy times. Because, THERE IS. This book is an easy and fun read that you will blow through and then be left wanting more. Personally, I'm thinking that Lavin's three roommates each need a book now. I bet you'll think that too when you're done. :)
January 27, 2019
***ARC received for an honest review***
This started out so promising! I enjoyed the hero’s POV, and his untraditional family, and all of the talk about consent. We were going along pretty smoothly until the heroine’s secret was revealed. At that point the entire book eased toward juvenile and silly. And finally into completely unrealistic.
This started out so promising! I enjoyed the hero’s POV, and his untraditional family, and all of the talk about consent. We were going along pretty smoothly until the heroine’s secret was revealed. At that point the entire book eased toward juvenile and silly. And finally into completely unrealistic.
February 8, 2019
Megan Erickson offers up a quirky and fun romance between a college soccer player and a transfer student with a big secret in False 9. I enjoyed the banter, the whimsy, and the youthfulness of college times mixed with the social messages that are relevant today.
For me books with a virgin hero or heroine can go either way, I can love them or hate them, but in this book Lavin Saint’s virginity took a back seat to the story which I appreciated greatly. I liked that despite being a solid player on his college soccer team, Lavin was an awkward guy with very little game when it came to the ladies. While fit, he wasn’t all hard abs and perfect pecs and that made me love him all the more and while at times I got frustrated with the way he saw himself, I also felt his insecurities rang true for so many people his age. The thing is despite everything Lavin has personality to spare and his kind and giving nature made it so easy to like him. When Bianca Santos walks into one of his classes, he is struck by her confidence and sure by her boobs, he also knows she is someone he wants to know better.
Bianca Santos transfers to this small Pennsylvania town to work on her degree, be close to her uncle, and to keep a low profile, never does she imagine meeting a man that will change her life in ways she never expected. For the record, I wasn’t a huge fan of Bianca for quite a bit of this book, but she did grow on me and more than that it was easy to see how much she adored Lavin and vice versa. I also have her a bit of leeway considering her background and what she was dealing with at her young age for some of her actions.
I loved the way Bianca took Lavin out of his comfort zone and while he had his teammates and his roommates, he still seemed a bit shy and isolated until Bianca showed him he didn’t always have to be in control of every situation and follow every rule. Sure it was risky at times, but that’s what college years are about making mistakes and learning from them. I also felt it made him feel alive and helped him see himself in a different light. Lavin on the other hand helped Bianca to see her worth and to understand that there were people in the world worth trusting. They were good for one another in many ways even when they made mistakes.
I appreciated that Lavin’s family was different and that he appreciated the lessons both of his fathers had taught him along the way. It was easy to see that his family and his upbringing made him a respectful, open, kind, and caring man. It also taught him to be resilient, something that came in quite handy as this book played out.
I found False 9 to quite enjoyable and fun to read and would love to see more stories in this world.
February 12, 2019
Lavin Saint, is really not too saintly but he does still possess his virginity at age 20 which mades him an anomaly amongst his friends. He has definitely made it to second base before but his parents instilled some good morals into him, when it comes to girls. He knows he will eventually find that one special person who he wants to share everything with but it hasn’t happened yet.
When Bianca Santos breezes her way into Lavin’s life he is completely spell bound. He forgets how to talk, his name and what day it is. She is like no other girls he has ever seen before. She is gorgeous to look at but what makes her even more beautiful is the confidence she wears like a second skin.
Bianca is forbidden fruit though, her uncle is Lavin’s soccer coach and he has been warned to stay away. The pull of Bianca is too much to resist and Lavin also senses that there is something else going on behind her confidence and smile. Bianca has her reasons for moving to live with her uncle, it is so far removed from the life she has been living and that is what she needs right not.
However, no matter how much you try to run away from your past, it will eventually catch up with you…
This was an easy read for me, not too much angst and you could easily read this in one afternoon. I thought that Lavin was a really sweet guy and enjoyed the interactions he had with his parents ☺
When Bianca Santos breezes her way into Lavin’s life he is completely spell bound. He forgets how to talk, his name and what day it is. She is like no other girls he has ever seen before. She is gorgeous to look at but what makes her even more beautiful is the confidence she wears like a second skin.
Bianca is forbidden fruit though, her uncle is Lavin’s soccer coach and he has been warned to stay away. The pull of Bianca is too much to resist and Lavin also senses that there is something else going on behind her confidence and smile. Bianca has her reasons for moving to live with her uncle, it is so far removed from the life she has been living and that is what she needs right not.
However, no matter how much you try to run away from your past, it will eventually catch up with you…
This was an easy read for me, not too much angst and you could easily read this in one afternoon. I thought that Lavin was a really sweet guy and enjoyed the interactions he had with his parents ☺
February 9, 2019
stay tuned cuz I have
thoughts
...
Okay, so this book ... there's no go around the fact that it is ridiculous. The author wanted it to be ridiculous and she accomplished that in spades. However, you should know the writing is not ridiculous. Megan Erickson doesn't *write* ridiculously. The story-line or plot, if you will, of this book is ridiculous. I am still laughing today at how over the top this book got! LOL I don't even know what phrase to use to prepare you for what's inside these pages. But that's all I'm going to say on this. If you don't mind suspending most of reality, and you want to meet one of the greatest 20 year old characters I have ever read, then #oneclick this book and meet Lavin Saint!
Lavin made this story fun. His character was so damn easy to get lost in. Honestly, if it wasn't for him, I may not have finished the book. Again, not because of the writing, but if you know me, then you know this age group makes me want to drive an ice-pick in my eye almost every single time. NA/YA are not my superpower people. But man, I could have read Lavin Saint all the hours of all the days .... Now Bianca. our h, yeah, so me and B will never be friends. Not even a little bit. She made me want to drive an ice-pick in my eyes LOL!
I'm not going into the plot except to say, again, for those of you in the back, it is mostly ridiculous, so before you go #oneclick and then come back to review all up in arms about its ridiculousness, YOU WERE WARNED, so maybe don't, k :) BUT if you can suspend reality (i feel like I said this before but you know, for those in the back), go forth and have fun.
So now you're asking yourselves how in the world, after I've expressed how ridiculous this plot is, can I give it a 4 star rating. Well, I'm gonna tell ya .... they are kids . Seriously you guys, kids. The shenanigans in this book are what 20 year old kids do. Megan Erickson didn't write mature adults. So if the age fits ....
Okay, so this book ... there's no go around the fact that it is ridiculous. The author wanted it to be ridiculous and she accomplished that in spades. However, you should know the writing is not ridiculous. Megan Erickson doesn't *write* ridiculously. The story-line or plot, if you will, of this book is ridiculous. I am still laughing today at how over the top this book got! LOL I don't even know what phrase to use to prepare you for what's inside these pages. But that's all I'm going to say on this. If you don't mind suspending most of reality, and you want to meet one of the greatest 20 year old characters I have ever read, then #oneclick this book and meet Lavin Saint!
Lavin made this story fun. His character was so damn easy to get lost in. Honestly, if it wasn't for him, I may not have finished the book. Again, not because of the writing, but if you know me, then you know this age group makes me want to drive an ice-pick in my eye almost every single time. NA/YA are not my superpower people. But man, I could have read Lavin Saint all the hours of all the days .... Now Bianca. our h, yeah, so me and B will never be friends. Not even a little bit. She made me want to drive an ice-pick in my eyes LOL!
I'm not going into the plot except to say, again, for those of you in the back, it is mostly ridiculous, so before you go #oneclick and then come back to review all up in arms about its ridiculousness, YOU WERE WARNED, so maybe don't, k :) BUT if you can suspend reality (i feel like I said this before but you know, for those in the back), go forth and have fun.
So now you're asking yourselves how in the world, after I've expressed how ridiculous this plot is, can I give it a 4 star rating. Well, I'm gonna tell ya .... they are kids . Seriously you guys, kids. The shenanigans in this book are what 20 year old kids do. Megan Erickson didn't write mature adults. So if the age fits ....
Read
March 14, 2019DNF. I tried really hard to get through this but I have so many other books on my TBR....It was from Lavin's point of view, but it didn't feel very male to me. That sounds awful, but I had to keep reminding myself that the voice was not the female character. I did love his relationship with his dads though!
January 30, 2019
Une romance new adult que j'ai beaucoup aimé. Mon avis complet bientôt...
July 28, 2019
Rated 3.5 Stars
It was fairly good, mainly due to the humor. It definitely wasn't very believable. I mean the gorgeous hot girl on campus going out with Mr. Nerd just doesn't happen. Rarely anyway.
It was fairly good, mainly due to the humor. It definitely wasn't very believable. I mean the gorgeous hot girl on campus going out with Mr. Nerd just doesn't happen. Rarely anyway.
May 6, 2019
Meet Lavin Saint!!!
He is hot and goofy. And he plays soccer. And when he meets Bianca Santos, his life starts to be a little bit more complicated.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters are hilarious. And some of the events will really surprise you.
I would love to read the stories of Lavin's roommates!
He is hot and goofy. And he plays soccer. And when he meets Bianca Santos, his life starts to be a little bit more complicated.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters are hilarious. And some of the events will really surprise you.
I would love to read the stories of Lavin's roommates!
February 1, 2019
This book was so much fun! I haven't read NA in a while, and I enjoyed this fun romantic comedy/suspense story, very loosely inspired by the film, The Girl Next Door.
Lavin Saint (pronounced like Gavin) is a college soccer player, and he loves the game. But, he's also a 20 year old virgin, who has no game with the ladies. When he sees an angel walk in to one of his classes, he's hooked, and she seems to like him too, though he has no idea why. But, she has secrets, and things she's not willing to share, and when he finds out she's his coach's niece, he can't imagine any way they can really make it work. But all those factors still don't manage to keep his feelings under wraps.
Bianca Santos is a mess. She's a new college student in middle of nowhere Pennsylvania, at age 21, but she's running from her past, among other things. She has no real connections beyond her uncle, whom she's staying with. She's originally from the Philippines, and her parents are both still there. She's into trying new things, since her life was so stifled in certain ways up to this point. When she meets Lavin, she finds a kindred spirit, who makes her laugh, but she can't drag him into her mess of a life. Can she?
This story is completely from Lavin's POV, which was interesting and unique. He's a bit of a spaz, and he never seems to be able to say the right thing when he's nervous. He's so into Bianca that it scares him a bit, but he's not really sure why she'd be into him. It was a bit refreshing to hear his thoughts, knowing that some young, college-aged men have many of the same insecurities, and vulnerabilities as young women.
Lavin and Bianca had chemistry right off the bat, and I liked the slow build to their relationship. It was especially realistic considering Lavin's virginity, and all the outside obstacles they had to face. I enjoyed getting to know Lavin's roomies and teammates as well, and wouldn't mind at all getting to read some of their stories. His coach/Bianca's uncle was quite the character, and Lavin's dads were awesome too.
There was a suspense subplot which was intriguing and I liked the way it was all fleshed out. Lavin was smart, and managed to keep his head in most situations, and I enjoyed reading all his internal monologues. His silly jokes gave me a giggle, and his humor was one of the big reasons why Bianca was drawn to him. I also liked how Bianca reacted to most of Lavin's self-doubt and self-deprecating humor. She let him know in all ways she could, that he was worthy of her, and that she didn't like the way he was thinking about himself.
I really enjoyed this story, and the characters were a total delight. We also got a little epilogue from Bianca's POV which was so lovely. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys NA college age stories. It made me laugh, and swoon, and tear up. I loved it.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Lavin Saint (pronounced like Gavin) is a college soccer player, and he loves the game. But, he's also a 20 year old virgin, who has no game with the ladies. When he sees an angel walk in to one of his classes, he's hooked, and she seems to like him too, though he has no idea why. But, she has secrets, and things she's not willing to share, and when he finds out she's his coach's niece, he can't imagine any way they can really make it work. But all those factors still don't manage to keep his feelings under wraps.
Bianca Santos is a mess. She's a new college student in middle of nowhere Pennsylvania, at age 21, but she's running from her past, among other things. She has no real connections beyond her uncle, whom she's staying with. She's originally from the Philippines, and her parents are both still there. She's into trying new things, since her life was so stifled in certain ways up to this point. When she meets Lavin, she finds a kindred spirit, who makes her laugh, but she can't drag him into her mess of a life. Can she?
This story is completely from Lavin's POV, which was interesting and unique. He's a bit of a spaz, and he never seems to be able to say the right thing when he's nervous. He's so into Bianca that it scares him a bit, but he's not really sure why she'd be into him. It was a bit refreshing to hear his thoughts, knowing that some young, college-aged men have many of the same insecurities, and vulnerabilities as young women.
Lavin and Bianca had chemistry right off the bat, and I liked the slow build to their relationship. It was especially realistic considering Lavin's virginity, and all the outside obstacles they had to face. I enjoyed getting to know Lavin's roomies and teammates as well, and wouldn't mind at all getting to read some of their stories. His coach/Bianca's uncle was quite the character, and Lavin's dads were awesome too.
There was a suspense subplot which was intriguing and I liked the way it was all fleshed out. Lavin was smart, and managed to keep his head in most situations, and I enjoyed reading all his internal monologues. His silly jokes gave me a giggle, and his humor was one of the big reasons why Bianca was drawn to him. I also liked how Bianca reacted to most of Lavin's self-doubt and self-deprecating humor. She let him know in all ways she could, that he was worthy of her, and that she didn't like the way he was thinking about himself.
I really enjoyed this story, and the characters were a total delight. We also got a little epilogue from Bianca's POV which was so lovely. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys NA college age stories. It made me laugh, and swoon, and tear up. I loved it.
ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
March 23, 2019
I am a big fan of Megan Erickson, she has written some seriously hot books. And to be honest I actually kept getting caught on the title so when it popped up on KU I grabbed it. Sadly the editing is terrible and driving me completely insane. I want to pull out a bright red pen and scribble all over my kindle screen while screaming.
As for the story, well so far so good. It's a little wordy and I would love them to get to the point a bit faster and the editing is not helping that as every page has three or four spare words. Grrr.
I am loving Lavin and as it's all told in his POV we are seriously getting to see how sweet he is. Bianca is still a bit of a mystery but I guess we will get there.
And now that I have actually finished the book I can safely say the characters were good. The secondary characters would make for some great stories of their own (wink wink, nudge nudge) and the story was good. I am a bit upset because it should have been great. It had all the elements to make it great but it just missed it.
That said I absolutely would read on if this did become a series and I even volunteer to edit it. And to be fair I am sure a lot of people could overlook the things that annoyed me to really love this book. For me, in my picky, cranky pre period bitchiness where even my family avoid me it made me a little stabby. But meh it was free and I liked it so 3.5 stars.
As for the story, well so far so good. It's a little wordy and I would love them to get to the point a bit faster and the editing is not helping that as every page has three or four spare words. Grrr.
I am loving Lavin and as it's all told in his POV we are seriously getting to see how sweet he is. Bianca is still a bit of a mystery but I guess we will get there.
And now that I have actually finished the book I can safely say the characters were good. The secondary characters would make for some great stories of their own (wink wink, nudge nudge) and the story was good. I am a bit upset because it should have been great. It had all the elements to make it great but it just missed it.
That said I absolutely would read on if this did become a series and I even volunteer to edit it. And to be fair I am sure a lot of people could overlook the things that annoyed me to really love this book. For me, in my picky, cranky pre period bitchiness where even my family avoid me it made me a little stabby. But meh it was free and I liked it so 3.5 stars.
February 13, 2019
3 stars
so i think i wasn't really in the mood for something sweet and NA feels so i didn't really appreciate the book for what it's worth. I skipped a lot and thought about quitting but overall it was actually good.
what was interesting is the reversal of role : Lavin was a good guy, virgin and not very confident of himself. bianca was more confident and the one taking charge. I don't really uderstand how they connected this quick and i feel like it didn't mae any sense especially since they didn't talk a lot to get to know each other.
Yet the story was interesting and very sweet, especially Lavin, i really liked him. Yes, i'm more into take charge man in my books (beause it's usually the style you find in romance) but this one was very respectful, very funny and very refreshing. So big kudos for that.
I didn't get really attached to the secondary characters though so i don't know if i'll continue reading if it ends up being a series.
so i think i wasn't really in the mood for something sweet and NA feels so i didn't really appreciate the book for what it's worth. I skipped a lot and thought about quitting but overall it was actually good.
what was interesting is the reversal of role : Lavin was a good guy, virgin and not very confident of himself. bianca was more confident and the one taking charge. I don't really uderstand how they connected this quick and i feel like it didn't mae any sense especially since they didn't talk a lot to get to know each other.
Yet the story was interesting and very sweet, especially Lavin, i really liked him. Yes, i'm more into take charge man in my books (beause it's usually the style you find in romance) but this one was very respectful, very funny and very refreshing. So big kudos for that.
I didn't get really attached to the secondary characters though so i don't know if i'll continue reading if it ends up being a series.
February 4, 2019
https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/02/...
I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4.5 stars — This one had me laughing and swooning, and just left me really happy in the end. And most of that is due to Lavin Saint.
Lavin was so perfectly imperfect. I didn’t even know I needed this book boy until he showed up on my Kindle. He had all these qualities that we so often associate with heroines, while still being unapologetically male. He was insecure, he didn’t see his own worth, and in general he was okay being in the background… And in reality he was respected by his peers, valued by his team, and likely lusted after as well. It was just a refreshing role reversal you know? And he was so dorky! He really had fairly terrible game, which of course made me love him more. And because he assumed he had no game, he didn’t even try…which resulted in a guy with a lack of artifice. And he made me laugh so much! I loved it when he tried to boast about things and made things up that were objectively ridiculous, but he just went with it. He was…just *swoon*, but not a normal *swoon*. I loved that the way he grew up really shaped the man he became. He was unfailingly thoughtful and concerned and truly valued Bianca’s opinion. Now, because of his self-deprecation and insecurity, he definitely had his flaws. He put Bianca on a bit of a pedestal, even as he did see past her outer beauty. But our dear Bianca sorted that shit out right away. I LOVED how fierce she was, and how she’d shake him and his views up. I got why she fell in love with him.
I just loved it because girls don’t have the rights to insecurity, and he was just so much more than I was hoping for. There were bits of him that reminded me of my hubby, and so it’s not a surprise that I loved him. Because while he might have some outward bravado, and seem unconcerned, he’s still tenderhearted…or at least not impervious to self-doubt. I’m having a hard time articulating what I mean, but hopefully you get the gist.
Bianca wasn’t a slam dunk book girl crush, but I did really like her. Sometimes I didn’t understand her over the top reactions, but I appreciated that she was dealing with some crazy shit and just didn’t have the tolerance for some things. She was funny, and fierce, and loyal, and I loved that she was this mix of adventurous and insecure herself.
They matched so well, I just loved the way they bantered and had fun together. You could feel their chemistry right off the bat, and not just the steamy chemistry, but more the friendship chemistry.
Super intrigued by the other boys on the soccer team, I sooooo hope this is the start of the series and we get to see stories for Zac, Dre, and Shane. I loved how supportive they were with one another, and how they didn’t shy away from feelings, but were still guy-y at the same time (with ribbing, and fighting, and all that).
It was funny, and a bit crazy, but Lavin alone was worth the price of admission.
I received a free copy through the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
4.5 stars — This one had me laughing and swooning, and just left me really happy in the end. And most of that is due to Lavin Saint.
Lavin was so perfectly imperfect. I didn’t even know I needed this book boy until he showed up on my Kindle. He had all these qualities that we so often associate with heroines, while still being unapologetically male. He was insecure, he didn’t see his own worth, and in general he was okay being in the background… And in reality he was respected by his peers, valued by his team, and likely lusted after as well. It was just a refreshing role reversal you know? And he was so dorky! He really had fairly terrible game, which of course made me love him more. And because he assumed he had no game, he didn’t even try…which resulted in a guy with a lack of artifice. And he made me laugh so much! I loved it when he tried to boast about things and made things up that were objectively ridiculous, but he just went with it. He was…just *swoon*, but not a normal *swoon*. I loved that the way he grew up really shaped the man he became. He was unfailingly thoughtful and concerned and truly valued Bianca’s opinion. Now, because of his self-deprecation and insecurity, he definitely had his flaws. He put Bianca on a bit of a pedestal, even as he did see past her outer beauty. But our dear Bianca sorted that shit out right away. I LOVED how fierce she was, and how she’d shake him and his views up. I got why she fell in love with him.
I just loved it because girls don’t have the rights to insecurity, and he was just so much more than I was hoping for. There were bits of him that reminded me of my hubby, and so it’s not a surprise that I loved him. Because while he might have some outward bravado, and seem unconcerned, he’s still tenderhearted…or at least not impervious to self-doubt. I’m having a hard time articulating what I mean, but hopefully you get the gist.
Bianca wasn’t a slam dunk book girl crush, but I did really like her. Sometimes I didn’t understand her over the top reactions, but I appreciated that she was dealing with some crazy shit and just didn’t have the tolerance for some things. She was funny, and fierce, and loyal, and I loved that she was this mix of adventurous and insecure herself.
They matched so well, I just loved the way they bantered and had fun together. You could feel their chemistry right off the bat, and not just the steamy chemistry, but more the friendship chemistry.
Super intrigued by the other boys on the soccer team, I sooooo hope this is the start of the series and we get to see stories for Zac, Dre, and Shane. I loved how supportive they were with one another, and how they didn’t shy away from feelings, but were still guy-y at the same time (with ribbing, and fighting, and all that).
It was funny, and a bit crazy, but Lavin alone was worth the price of admission.
February 4, 2019
For those of us who were fans of the Bowler University Series, this book feels like a delicious throwback to the sort of awkward, exciting, swoony first love that made that series so special. This sports romance features plenty of actual sport, an exciting relationship that feels a bit like an adventure in and of itself, and secondary characters that occasionally sort of steal the show.
The pacing of this book is very fast, and so it took a while for me to feel the connection between Lavin and Bianca. It was a little on the “insta” side, and while I appreciated Lavin in all his beta male glory, it took me a bit longer to warm up to Bianca. I didn’t understand the intensity of Lavin’s feelings for her at first which left me feeling a little bit like I was on the outside looking in on their love story.
Then, as Bianca’s story unfolded, it started to come together for me. I understood her behavior a little bit more. I began to enjoy their playful interactions and appreciate what it meant to them to have each other. I can’t say that I ever felt fully invested in them as a couple, but I was entertained by them and rooting for them as the story unfolded and their situations escalated.
One of my very favorite parts of this entire story, maybe even more than the romance, was the relationship between Lavin and his roommates. Ms. Erickson gives good bromance in this book. Almost all of my laughs came from this motley group of friends, and I loved the way they were there for each other – even if sometimes they were just there for the razzing. I also particularly enjoyed Lavin’s relationship with his dads, and how they shaped who he was as a man. Lots of good backstory there, and it added layers to the story that I really appreciated.
In all? Despite the unexpected thread of suspense that ran through the latter half of the book, this read as a feel-good, lighthearted romcom. There were laughs, swoons, and lots of smiles making it definitely worth the read! ~ Shelly, 3.5 Stars
The pacing of this book is very fast, and so it took a while for me to feel the connection between Lavin and Bianca. It was a little on the “insta” side, and while I appreciated Lavin in all his beta male glory, it took me a bit longer to warm up to Bianca. I didn’t understand the intensity of Lavin’s feelings for her at first which left me feeling a little bit like I was on the outside looking in on their love story.
Then, as Bianca’s story unfolded, it started to come together for me. I understood her behavior a little bit more. I began to enjoy their playful interactions and appreciate what it meant to them to have each other. I can’t say that I ever felt fully invested in them as a couple, but I was entertained by them and rooting for them as the story unfolded and their situations escalated.
One of my very favorite parts of this entire story, maybe even more than the romance, was the relationship between Lavin and his roommates. Ms. Erickson gives good bromance in this book. Almost all of my laughs came from this motley group of friends, and I loved the way they were there for each other – even if sometimes they were just there for the razzing. I also particularly enjoyed Lavin’s relationship with his dads, and how they shaped who he was as a man. Lots of good backstory there, and it added layers to the story that I really appreciated.
In all? Despite the unexpected thread of suspense that ran through the latter half of the book, this read as a feel-good, lighthearted romcom. There were laughs, swoons, and lots of smiles making it definitely worth the read! ~ Shelly, 3.5 Stars
May 20, 2019
Unfortunately what started with great banter and a rather alluring premise turned out to be terribly juvenile. I know, NA ought to be less mature than what I usually enjoy but the whole story was so... meh. Yes I just used "meh" to qualify and rate a book.
The plot was simplistic and the outcome so unrealistic and rushed it left me both disappointed and frustrated. In the end nothing worked for me, not even Lavin and his charming banter from chapter one.
Megan Erickson delivered great books in the past, at least for me, this one, sadly, isn't one of them.
I've read an advanced review copy provided by the author.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
The plot was simplistic and the outcome so unrealistic and rushed it left me both disappointed and frustrated. In the end nothing worked for me, not even Lavin and his charming banter from chapter one.
Megan Erickson delivered great books in the past, at least for me, this one, sadly, isn't one of them.
I've read an advanced review copy provided by the author.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
January 31, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Megan Erickson is one of the few authors I still read M/F books from since I went into an all out M/M reading spree a few years ago, and she never disappoints!
The story was funny, sexy, full of great banter and just a great youthful vibe.
I love how she writes male characters with emotional depth, ones who are gentle, not cocky and chauvinistic, a bit dorky too.
Lavin and his two dads are a treat to read and his POV is very relatable, with just the right amount of realistic touches. Bianca was a bit annoying at first, until we started to get the reasons behind her behavior. Her story also had that touch of realism some books lack, and I thought her and Lavin are so freaking cute together!
All of Lavin's friends- Dre, Zak and Shane are wonderful side characters that are a joy to read (especially Shane!) and I would love to have them get their own books someday.
This book had fun, romance, action and a HEA so sweet it leaves you grinning!
A must read!
The story was funny, sexy, full of great banter and just a great youthful vibe.
I love how she writes male characters with emotional depth, ones who are gentle, not cocky and chauvinistic, a bit dorky too.
Lavin and his two dads are a treat to read and his POV is very relatable, with just the right amount of realistic touches. Bianca was a bit annoying at first, until we started to get the reasons behind her behavior. Her story also had that touch of realism some books lack, and I thought her and Lavin are so freaking cute together!
All of Lavin's friends- Dre, Zak and Shane are wonderful side characters that are a joy to read (especially Shane!) and I would love to have them get their own books someday.
This book had fun, romance, action and a HEA so sweet it leaves you grinning!
A must read!
February 9, 2019
Beta male soccer player who's a virgin. Yeah, a little different from the norm. And a dark-haired beauty with major secrets who needs a "friend." Lavin is a really fun character to read. He's pretty much the standard description of a college athlete -- with the exceptions I've listed above. His home life is off the norm as well. His story held the most draw for me. It wasn't too angsty, more fun and humorous because of the opposites involved, with housemates and fellow soccer players that added some laughs as well.
April 3, 2019
I love Megan Erickson, I really do but this book just didn’t work for me.
It started off good but progressively got more juvenile and over the top and just felt completely unrealistic and mostly ridiculous.
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review
It started off good but progressively got more juvenile and over the top and just felt completely unrealistic and mostly ridiculous.
*I received an ARC from the author for voluntary review
February 4, 2019
Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.
False 9 is the surprise release from bestselling author Megan Erickson, and while it does feel like the first in a new sports romance series, it is a standalone. Readers are introduced to twenty-year-old Lavin Saint, midfielder turned false 9 for the Badgers, the football (soccer) team for Travers University. He's a junior in college, shares a home with three of his teammates slash closest friends, and oh yeah, he's a virgin. He may be good on the pitch, but when it comes to girls, he doesn't have the same winning moves, ending up in the friend zone time and again. And then Bianca Santos shows up in one of his classes. She's twenty-one and the gorgeous transfer student seems to have focused her attention and affection on Lavin. The problem is that she happens to be his coach's niece and it becomes increasingly clear that she's keeping a secret. But being around Bianca has him pushing his boundaries, taking chances where he would usually play it safe. She makes him want to quit being supposedly saintly and do sinful things to and with her. Bianca Santos could be Lavin Saint's biggest distraction...or maybe his one inspiration.
Okay, I just re-read that last sentence in my previous paragraph, and it may have been a wee bit cheesy, but hey, sometimes cheesy is good. This new adult romance, though, wasn't too cheesy, and it had a truly awesome male main character in Lavin Saint. He was awkward but adorably so, and he had such a good heart and humble spirit. He loved his two dads--who were absolutely fab--and loyal to his core group of friends and played his heart out with and for his team. There was simply no resisting the guy! Bianca was pretty good as well. She was a risk-taker who had an air of vulnerability to her, and when her secret is revealed, it becomes clear why she was the way she was. My one quibble would have to be her being Filipino yet there was nothing distinctly Filipino about her. She could have had Western ethnicity but had a name that could've been Filipino but could also have been Hispanic or Latin. I did like the hint of suspense in the latter half of the book as well as the humor, and I certainly hope Dre, Shane, and Zac will be getting their own stories in the future, but Lavin's set the bar high. False 9 garners four stars. ♥
False 9 is the surprise release from bestselling author Megan Erickson, and while it does feel like the first in a new sports romance series, it is a standalone. Readers are introduced to twenty-year-old Lavin Saint, midfielder turned false 9 for the Badgers, the football (soccer) team for Travers University. He's a junior in college, shares a home with three of his teammates slash closest friends, and oh yeah, he's a virgin. He may be good on the pitch, but when it comes to girls, he doesn't have the same winning moves, ending up in the friend zone time and again. And then Bianca Santos shows up in one of his classes. She's twenty-one and the gorgeous transfer student seems to have focused her attention and affection on Lavin. The problem is that she happens to be his coach's niece and it becomes increasingly clear that she's keeping a secret. But being around Bianca has him pushing his boundaries, taking chances where he would usually play it safe. She makes him want to quit being supposedly saintly and do sinful things to and with her. Bianca Santos could be Lavin Saint's biggest distraction...or maybe his one inspiration.
Okay, I just re-read that last sentence in my previous paragraph, and it may have been a wee bit cheesy, but hey, sometimes cheesy is good. This new adult romance, though, wasn't too cheesy, and it had a truly awesome male main character in Lavin Saint. He was awkward but adorably so, and he had such a good heart and humble spirit. He loved his two dads--who were absolutely fab--and loyal to his core group of friends and played his heart out with and for his team. There was simply no resisting the guy! Bianca was pretty good as well. She was a risk-taker who had an air of vulnerability to her, and when her secret is revealed, it becomes clear why she was the way she was. My one quibble would have to be her being Filipino yet there was nothing distinctly Filipino about her. She could have had Western ethnicity but had a name that could've been Filipino but could also have been Hispanic or Latin. I did like the hint of suspense in the latter half of the book as well as the humor, and I certainly hope Dre, Shane, and Zac will be getting their own stories in the future, but Lavin's set the bar high. False 9 garners four stars. ♥
February 4, 2019
Lavin Saint is having the time of his life playing soccer in college but there's one thing missing. He's still a virgin. Along comes Bianca and Lavin feels protective of her from the start. Did I mention that she's also related to Lavin's coach?
Bianca is drawn to Lavin as much as Lavin is drawn to her and there is a definite spark in their relationship, although Lavin isn't quite sure he's reading Bianca the way she intends as she turns hot and then cold. It's during one of these cold times that Lavin discovers her secret and the reasons why she is handing out at a little college in Pennsylvania. It's a doozy and I must say that I had a bit of a struggle with believing all of these details. The story really didn't need something that big to carry it through -- Lavin and Bianca's relationship could have survived without it.
Anyway, I did love Lavin and his family. That was really the best part of this story. I loved the diversity of a two-dads family and my heart was very happy with the way they communicated with each other. I also loved Lavin's relationships with his team and his roommates. It was supportive and just what I needed in this story. I did find the pace in the middle a little slow and that coupled with the Bianca's backstory kept me from rating this higher. I did love the soccer backdrop and thought the sport aspect was very well written.
So overall, I'm giving this 4 stars because I did love Lavin's story and it was enough to keep me reading.
An ARC was provided for review.
Bianca is drawn to Lavin as much as Lavin is drawn to her and there is a definite spark in their relationship, although Lavin isn't quite sure he's reading Bianca the way she intends as she turns hot and then cold. It's during one of these cold times that Lavin discovers her secret and the reasons why she is handing out at a little college in Pennsylvania. It's a doozy and I must say that I had a bit of a struggle with believing all of these details. The story really didn't need something that big to carry it through -- Lavin and Bianca's relationship could have survived without it.
Anyway, I did love Lavin and his family. That was really the best part of this story. I loved the diversity of a two-dads family and my heart was very happy with the way they communicated with each other. I also loved Lavin's relationships with his team and his roommates. It was supportive and just what I needed in this story. I did find the pace in the middle a little slow and that coupled with the Bianca's backstory kept me from rating this higher. I did love the soccer backdrop and thought the sport aspect was very well written.
So overall, I'm giving this 4 stars because I did love Lavin's story and it was enough to keep me reading.
An ARC was provided for review.
February 5, 2019
*A copy of this book was gifted to me from the author and I freely give my honest review*
I liked this hero who’s a bit clumsy and with a mouth that runs wild. The heroine is adventurous and straight forward. The unusual virgin hero instead of heroine is refreshing.
Erickson manages to write with feelings and get me into the story in a way that makes me feel like I’m a fly on the wall.
There’s no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and the dialogues is fun, sweet and add reality to the characters.
Love scenes is described in a tasteful but adventurous way. There’s also a little bit of suspense that had me sweating a moment there.....
The secondary characters, the hero’s parents peeked my interest, I would love to know their story 👀
If you enjoyed Erickson’s previous books you will not be disappointed, and if you never read her I recommend picking one up now!
I liked this hero who’s a bit clumsy and with a mouth that runs wild. The heroine is adventurous and straight forward. The unusual virgin hero instead of heroine is refreshing.
Erickson manages to write with feelings and get me into the story in a way that makes me feel like I’m a fly on the wall.
There’s no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and the dialogues is fun, sweet and add reality to the characters.
Love scenes is described in a tasteful but adventurous way. There’s also a little bit of suspense that had me sweating a moment there.....
The secondary characters, the hero’s parents peeked my interest, I would love to know their story 👀
If you enjoyed Erickson’s previous books you will not be disappointed, and if you never read her I recommend picking one up now!
March 10, 2019
4.5 stars ~ So what did I love about this book??? Lavin!!! This book is just so stinkin’ cute!! Lavin is an extreme quirky, cornball of a sweetheart. He’s the kind of guy moms would love for their daughters. He is so incredibly different from the typical college athletic hero. He struggles a bit with insecurity, but it’s not to the point of being annoying. He grew up in an untraditional home, but it was full of love. There are just so many aspects of Lavin that are different than what you usually expect. Then there’s the fact that most of the book is from his first- person POV.
Bianca is adventurous and smart. She’s beautiful in the kind of way that catches every eye, but she doesn’t at all come off as conceited or thinking she’s better than anyone. She’s new to their school and draws a bit of attention, but she’s not wanting any of it. She’s looking to experience all the fun things about college, but guys aren’t part of her plan. She wasn’t expecting someone as incredibly sweet and sincere as Lavin.
This book is quick paced and fun. You can expect loads of laughs, especially where Lavin is concerned. This is just such a sweet romantic comedy. But, there is a bit of mystery, which leads to a little bit of thriller-type material. The plot isn’t too simple and keeps you flipping the pages! I so enjoyed this one!!!
Bianca is adventurous and smart. She’s beautiful in the kind of way that catches every eye, but she doesn’t at all come off as conceited or thinking she’s better than anyone. She’s new to their school and draws a bit of attention, but she’s not wanting any of it. She’s looking to experience all the fun things about college, but guys aren’t part of her plan. She wasn’t expecting someone as incredibly sweet and sincere as Lavin.
This book is quick paced and fun. You can expect loads of laughs, especially where Lavin is concerned. This is just such a sweet romantic comedy. But, there is a bit of mystery, which leads to a little bit of thriller-type material. The plot isn’t too simple and keeps you flipping the pages! I so enjoyed this one!!!
May 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
This book had everything from the humor, the sweet, the sexy, and even a little suspense! False 9 was exactly what I was looking for in a book! I loved the author went the non-traditional route and we got the "innocent" hero verses the innocent heroine. It made for such a fun twist in the story! This book was non-stop entertainment from the witty banter between the main characters, to the hilarious roommates, and the gay dads. Overall, it was a great story, great characters, and well written. This hilarious romcom is worth a read!
This book had everything from the humor, the sweet, the sexy, and even a little suspense! False 9 was exactly what I was looking for in a book! I loved the author went the non-traditional route and we got the "innocent" hero verses the innocent heroine. It made for such a fun twist in the story! This book was non-stop entertainment from the witty banter between the main characters, to the hilarious roommates, and the gay dads. Overall, it was a great story, great characters, and well written. This hilarious romcom is worth a read!
February 5, 2019
3.5 stars, a really enjoyable read. Lavin is an adorable beta male type guy who hasn’t ever gotten the girl or the glory and largely doesn’t think he ever will. His world collided with Bianca’s in a thoroughly heartwarming way, with plenty of heat to go around. There was enough angst to keep me turning the pages, but not too much. Megan’s books are among my favorites.
April 26, 2019
Enjoyable
This is the first book i have read from Megan. This was a little hearted enjoyable book. Two amazing characters who have great chemistry from the beginning . Gripping storyline with some suspense that made it even more interesting . Loved the ending . I am hoping we get books from all the boys. I recommend reading this one has it was a very enjoyable book.
This is the first book i have read from Megan. This was a little hearted enjoyable book. Two amazing characters who have great chemistry from the beginning . Gripping storyline with some suspense that made it even more interesting . Loved the ending . I am hoping we get books from all the boys. I recommend reading this one has it was a very enjoyable book.
book-break-ups
March 8, 2020This is definitely a case of it's me and not you. It appears I am no longer able to read a romance that features younger characters 😭 this may be due to the fact my oldest daughter has reached the age of the characters portrayed in the books and reading the smexy just feels icky.
As I said most definitely me and not you
As I said most definitely me and not you
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