What do you think?
Rate this book
FSCU Pitbulls #1
Misconduct
I got room for only one thing in my life, football.
Ryan
When I turned down the covers, we both agreed, once and done.
No harm, no foul.
I never expected what came next and she ran out before I could explain.
Her sweetness tore a hole straight into the dark side of my soul and left me raw.
Now, I can't throw, can't run, can't friggin' think.
She's pure distraction, poison to my career, and yet I keep going back for more.
Kira
I foolishly agreed to his stupid rule and now, my eyes follow him around like a love-sick puppy.
Majoring in journalism, controversy is my best friend and his worst nightmare. It's my job to expose the evil goings on in the college and his to avoid them.
We can't be a thing and yet we're drawn together in a way neither of us can deny.
For his sake and mine, I can't fall for him.
I'll destroy us both.
Ryan
When I turned down the covers, we both agreed, once and done.
No harm, no foul.
I never expected what came next and she ran out before I could explain.
Her sweetness tore a hole straight into the dark side of my soul and left me raw.
Now, I can't throw, can't run, can't friggin' think.
She's pure distraction, poison to my career, and yet I keep going back for more.
Kira
I foolishly agreed to his stupid rule and now, my eyes follow him around like a love-sick puppy.
Majoring in journalism, controversy is my best friend and his worst nightmare. It's my job to expose the evil goings on in the college and his to avoid them.
We can't be a thing and yet we're drawn together in a way neither of us can deny.
For his sake and mine, I can't fall for him.
I'll destroy us both.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2019
423 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Stella Marie Alden
69 books531 followers Amazon Best Seller Stella Marie Alden loves Zumba, yoga, watercolor painting, and all genres of romances.
Her first book, ‘How to Train Your Knight’, won Romance Writers of America coveted Molly and Show me the Sparks Contests, and placed in four others.
Truly remarkable, considering she’s only been writing for three years.
Growing up in Vermont, she loved to make up stories. Crayons fought each other over size and placement in their cardboard box and imaginary friends crowded the house. Her brother often complained. “Tell her no one’s here, Mother.".
Her career paths have varied. She’s been a librarian, a classical clarinetist wanna-be, recording studio engineer, broadcast electronics repairman, and now she architects software programs.
She lives in Bergen County, NJ with her life-long hero and their two cats. Her two girls are grown but ever supportive. You go Mom!
Her first book, ‘How to Train Your Knight’, won Romance Writers of America coveted Molly and Show me the Sparks Contests, and placed in four others.
Truly remarkable, considering she’s only been writing for three years.
Growing up in Vermont, she loved to make up stories. Crayons fought each other over size and placement in their cardboard box and imaginary friends crowded the house. Her brother often complained. “Tell her no one’s here, Mother.".
Her career paths have varied. She’s been a librarian, a classical clarinetist wanna-be, recording studio engineer, broadcast electronics repairman, and now she architects software programs.
She lives in Bergen County, NJ with her life-long hero and their two cats. Her two girls are grown but ever supportive. You go Mom!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 23, 2019
Pretty action packed.
April 24, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Good storyline and great characters,
Some felt unfinished ie. knight
But the rest was great .
Will read more x
💋💋
Good storyline and great characters,
Some felt unfinished ie. knight
But the rest was great .
Will read more x
Want to read
January 13, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/13/2020)! 🎁
May 14, 2019
This is a very good book. I barely put the book down once I started reading it. I was glad to see that Ms. Alden took on some of the issues that we are seeing in the news now. I don’t know how much date rape drugs are being used in colleges, but I hope young girls are not too trusting. I loved Kira’s personality. Since she wants to be a journalist, she has more confidence is some of her actions than I ever would. Ryan is the big quarterback hotshot on campus, but it was fun to see him fall in love. There are some colorful characters in the book that I just loved. Both sets of their parents would never get the parent of the year award. I really had a hard time with Ryan’s parents. Everyone needs someone to back them up in life endeavors and Kira was there for Ryan. He also had some good friends as well as some terrible people that were supposedly helping him. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
December 27, 2019
If I gave Enemies by Tijan 3* then I can't possibly give this one the same.
A LOT LOT LOT of grammar and spelling mistakes, continuity issues and really stupid characters.
I did manage to read it because I absolutely hate to start a book and not finish it but I was so close to just delete it. It irks me so much when an author doesn't even take the time to re-read her/his work. Or at least talk to some proofreaders, something.
There was a lot of unnecessary drama.
The only thing I liked about the book was the awareness raised about date rape drugs and abused women who are ashamed or afraid to report the crime. This is the only reason this book gets 2*.
A LOT LOT LOT of grammar and spelling mistakes, continuity issues and really stupid characters.
I did manage to read it because I absolutely hate to start a book and not finish it but I was so close to just delete it. It irks me so much when an author doesn't even take the time to re-read her/his work. Or at least talk to some proofreaders, something.
There was a lot of unnecessary drama.
The only thing I liked about the book was the awareness raised about date rape drugs and abused women who are ashamed or afraid to report the crime. This is the only reason this book gets 2*.
Read
May 18, 2019Kira plays in the band and is doing journalism in college and Ryan is the quarterback. When they meet and have an one night stand, Ryan cant stop thinking about her. She's not like the other girls and he cant get enough her. His PR has him set up with Kira with help in some classes and she finds he has delexia. Helps him so he can stay ahead with all the training he does for football. After a night of being slipped a roofie Kira cant let it go since she cant remember a thing. Ryan got there just in time and takes her to the hospital and from there she has her next piece for her journalism class. Its a rough start and now she's going against the Walkers since Knight was slipping her a drug so he can have sex with her. But unknown to him its all a set up and Ryan comes in saving her again. Kira goes to a class for therapy with a bunch of other girls and finds she was lucky enough that she wasn't raped unlike the other girls in the room. She decides this is the next paper she is going to write for class. Between school, football and training Kira and Ryan don't get a lot of time together. In the end the life they wanted together they get and the HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC.
May 18, 2019
I love to read sports romance novels as they are my favorite genre. Hockey would be number one on my list, followed closely by football. Stella managed to pack a whole heap of on field action in this story. I absolutely loved it.
Ryan is rumored to be the number one NFL draft pick. He lives and breathes the sport he loves, pushing everything and everyone to the side so he can make his dream a reality. That was until he met Kira. He tries continuously to push her away but he keeps falling back under her spell.
Now it wouldn’t be a Stella Marie Alden book if it didn’t have some suspense and intrigue. I thought this subplot was well written and something that definitely needs talking about.
This is the start of a brand new series and I cannot wait until the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Ryan is rumored to be the number one NFL draft pick. He lives and breathes the sport he loves, pushing everything and everyone to the side so he can make his dream a reality. That was until he met Kira. He tries continuously to push her away but he keeps falling back under her spell.
Now it wouldn’t be a Stella Marie Alden book if it didn’t have some suspense and intrigue. I thought this subplot was well written and something that definitely needs talking about.
This is the start of a brand new series and I cannot wait until the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
May 13, 2019
after reading the prequel i wanted more and this book doesn't disappoint. following the world of cj quinn, from the busted play series and the other characters in that world this college drama covers so much drama its keeps you engaged from start to finished. i loved Kira and Ryan. he had his laid back approach contrasted with her feisty go getter attitude. they clashed and butted heads but still managed to come together even through all the obstacle's in their path. i cant wait to read more from the people of fscu.
May 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the story line was entertaining and timely. I very quickly found myself swept up into this book and rooting for Kira and Ryan. I loved the pull of attraction between these two; it was so easy to feel. I thought these these two made such a wonderful couple. Drama, emotion and a strong dose of realism are blended into this engaing story. This is my honest, Voluntary review.
May 14, 2019
This book is absolutely amazing. I loved it! Will definitely recommend. Stella hit on very real issues that are going on today in our colleges and universities. Being a recent graduate and learning the statistics, it hit close to home.
May 17, 2019
ARC review For honest review. Ryan Finnegan is quarterback on the pit bulls at fscu collage.Lots McKenzie is a student journalist major . This is their relationship and writes about being ruffied on campus. Awesome story. Great job.
August 1, 2020
2 stars, rounded up. I'm sorry, but this was a lazily written book. Not an angry read, but quite a lot of problems that should have been caught in editing or which could have been fixed with about 12 seconds of Google research. (Y'all is plural!!)
Kira (h) is a band member, while Ryan (H) is an NFL-bound QB. They hooked up over the summer, but it never went further after a bit of miscommunication. Now that it's fall though, they find themselves unable to escape each other in class or in his tutoring and finally get a chance to clear the air, starting a tentative friendship. But add in crazy fans and families, potential date rape on college campus, completely opposite schedules, and the looming NFL draft, and will these two ever have a chance to more forward?
The best part of this was the theme of date rape on campus. It was a good message woven in, and it was very realistic how Kira had to come around to getting help. As she kept saying, she wasn't actually raped, so it wasn't assault, was it? And no one wants to admit that they were a victim, that they were that vulnerable, especially if there's something much worse to compare to. Why Jeff thought that a team would look down on someone speaking up for his assaulted girlfriend and her efforts to bring awareness and justice to the problem, I don't know, but at the same time, that's a realistic attitude too - "don't make waves."
I liked Ryan too. He's a bit too trusting and loyal to a fault (all the drama with Jeff took him a long time to see what was going on), but he's fairly genuine and sweet and has his insecure moments that softened him up. And he's only 21 and that shows sometimes - how reluctant he is to talk about some things, even though they affect Kira just as much. That lack of communication between two young people did create a lot more drama than they needed, but it did fit for the ages and personalities involved.
I did not, however, like Kira. Though she also had her "just 21" immaturity moments, she was also flighty and erratic and hypocritical at times. The way she talked over Ryan at the beginning (and, apparently, during their off-screen hook-up too), coming to her own conclusions before he could explain anything - basically she created her own drama but never owned her role in it. And hypocritical: "I am not one of those drama queens who argues with text messages. Besides, maybe I should let Ryan know what it feels like to like someone and have them flirt with someone else." So, she's not a drama queen to handle something by text (even if it's the best way to get hold of said person), but she's enough of a drama queen to play intentional head games? That one really put me off her. And there's the way she handled her investigative journalism. There's wanting to make a difference, and then there's charging into situations utterly unprepared for any of the potential consequences, biting off more than you can chew. An average student taking on cheating and academic fraud and donation scandals? It took a federal investigation to bring down all those Hollywood names recently. Against a single college student, that much money would steamroll right over her (which it nearly did). And yet she never considers that, just charges right in and doesn't care who gets caught in the collateral damage. But then she gets mad when people are worried about her and telling her to be careful.
The flow is choppy. It felt like I missed the first book in a series (and no, I'm not talking about the crossover characters from her other series). And pacing during the story felt uneven too. Maybe that was tied to what felt like quite a lot of unnecessary drama that just didn't go anywhere. I'm not talking about Jackson and Star's stuff - that sets up the next book. But the harassment at her interview? Weird and unprofessional and didn't add anything to the plot. And the holiday drama with Derrick? Who comes to propose to someone they have spoken to once in 5 months? And follows it up with "You're no catch yourself"?? And the whole sister dynamic - the friction with her older sister just seemed unnecessary for the amount of time she actually interacted with her. Anyway, lots of scenes that just seemed to add drama for drama's sake, rather than to the overall plot.
The sex scenes felt repetitive - and there were a number of them. And if I had to read one more time how her clit clenched or twitched or whatever, I probably would have thrown my Kindle.
And now onto the outright laziness. And this is not a descriptor I use lightly, as I know it takes effort to write and publish a book and I completely respect anyone who does, but you'll see what I mean. Basically, the author had no concept of the South, of Texas, or of the area she was writing in, and didn't bother to do any research about it. And these could have easily been fixed!! We're not talking intense historical research, here! Some glaring ones:
* The characters visit Austin and are told "you have to visit our famous Riverwalk." Austin doesn't have the famous Riverwalk; San Antonio does - about 75 miles south of Austin. Austin residents would recommend you go to the lake, the Capital, or 6th Street (BBQ, live music, shopping, and bars).
* The weather. The author describes herself as a "born and bred Vermonter" and she's listed as currently in NJ, so it kinda makes sense that she has no concept of weather in SC. The college would have to be in Upstate SC, since they go up to Charlotte for a date night. The Upstate is in the Appalachians - it still gets cold in winter. Heck, I got snow each year I lived there! Not Vermont cold or amounts of snow, but you're not running around in t-shirts and sandals and leaving the windows open in December. It was either that the author forgot what time of year she was writing, or she wrote off all southern winters as non-winters (think FL or HI or SoCal).
* Y'all. This one made me cringe, and a full star came off just for this. Y'ALL IS PLURAL. It's in the freakin' word - "You all." No Southerner would ever use y'all in a singular sense, talking to one person. We would use "you." And yet there were a handful of times when someone used it talking to just one person - usually Ryan (who used y'all more, though it's not just a Texan thing - it's definitely a Southern thing) talking to just Kira. It literally made me cringe and stop reading and ask "did they really just say that?" It was jarring and weird and completely pulled me out of the story. And it's an easy Google search - whole articles on the use and meaning and regionalism of y'all at the tips of your fingers. If you bother to look.
Also lazy was the proofreading. It seriously felt like a draft when it came to editing. Commas scattered all over everywhere where they weren't needed or incorrectly placed (like after the conjunction instead of before); end quotes missing in conversations; weird line breaks in conversations (though this might have been a formatting issue and not specifically to the author); apostrophes in plural words ("caught by the Pitbull's"). Typos - missing words, wrong words ("Magnum cum laude"), repetitive weirdness ("we agree not to no talk about"). The college itself was misspelled at one point (FSCU became SFCU)!! Word use too - twice Kira refers to a recording as "the video," except the recording had to have been audio only based on the setting and equipment used. Even some of the football details! "We got two more points from the kick" - no, this was after a touchdown, so it would have been 1 point from the kick or 2 points from a conversion. I'm not even a football fan and have absorbed that much from friends over the years! And yet, the author refers to some of the Patriots by one name only - I honestly had to look up who Julian was, because I don't follow the Pats or the NFL, and he'd never been introduced as a character. Just made for unnecessary confusion.
Alternating 1st person POV. No cheating, though plenty of discussion about it and a near-miss or two. No real OW drama, but OM drama is definitely there. No love triangle nonsense. Lots of miscommunication and lack-of-communication and immature back-and-forth drama that fit with the characters. And a lot of drama that seemed extraneous and unnecessary. I liked Ryan and I did like how Kira and Ryan balanced each other, though I was not so fond of Kira herself. I definitely liked the theme of date rape awareness and how that was handled. Satisfying HEA for the leads and no cliffhanger.
Would I read more? Maybe. This was part of a free Kindle bundle, so I might continue on. However, if Jackson or Star (leads in book 2) also use y'all in the singular, I'm going to wash my hands of this author entirely. Any author that lazy in her research isn't worth my time.
Kira (h) is a band member, while Ryan (H) is an NFL-bound QB. They hooked up over the summer, but it never went further after a bit of miscommunication. Now that it's fall though, they find themselves unable to escape each other in class or in his tutoring and finally get a chance to clear the air, starting a tentative friendship. But add in crazy fans and families, potential date rape on college campus, completely opposite schedules, and the looming NFL draft, and will these two ever have a chance to more forward?
The best part of this was the theme of date rape on campus. It was a good message woven in, and it was very realistic how Kira had to come around to getting help. As she kept saying, she wasn't actually raped, so it wasn't assault, was it? And no one wants to admit that they were a victim, that they were that vulnerable, especially if there's something much worse to compare to. Why Jeff thought that a team would look down on someone speaking up for his assaulted girlfriend and her efforts to bring awareness and justice to the problem, I don't know, but at the same time, that's a realistic attitude too - "don't make waves."
I liked Ryan too. He's a bit too trusting and loyal to a fault (all the drama with Jeff took him a long time to see what was going on), but he's fairly genuine and sweet and has his insecure moments that softened him up. And he's only 21 and that shows sometimes - how reluctant he is to talk about some things, even though they affect Kira just as much. That lack of communication between two young people did create a lot more drama than they needed, but it did fit for the ages and personalities involved.
I did not, however, like Kira. Though she also had her "just 21" immaturity moments, she was also flighty and erratic and hypocritical at times. The way she talked over Ryan at the beginning (and, apparently, during their off-screen hook-up too), coming to her own conclusions before he could explain anything - basically she created her own drama but never owned her role in it. And hypocritical: "I am not one of those drama queens who argues with text messages. Besides, maybe I should let Ryan know what it feels like to like someone and have them flirt with someone else." So, she's not a drama queen to handle something by text (even if it's the best way to get hold of said person), but she's enough of a drama queen to play intentional head games? That one really put me off her. And there's the way she handled her investigative journalism. There's wanting to make a difference, and then there's charging into situations utterly unprepared for any of the potential consequences, biting off more than you can chew. An average student taking on cheating and academic fraud and donation scandals? It took a federal investigation to bring down all those Hollywood names recently. Against a single college student, that much money would steamroll right over her (which it nearly did). And yet she never considers that, just charges right in and doesn't care who gets caught in the collateral damage. But then she gets mad when people are worried about her and telling her to be careful.
The flow is choppy. It felt like I missed the first book in a series (and no, I'm not talking about the crossover characters from her other series). And pacing during the story felt uneven too. Maybe that was tied to what felt like quite a lot of unnecessary drama that just didn't go anywhere. I'm not talking about Jackson and Star's stuff - that sets up the next book. But the harassment at her interview? Weird and unprofessional and didn't add anything to the plot. And the holiday drama with Derrick? Who comes to propose to someone they have spoken to once in 5 months? And follows it up with "You're no catch yourself"?? And the whole sister dynamic - the friction with her older sister just seemed unnecessary for the amount of time she actually interacted with her. Anyway, lots of scenes that just seemed to add drama for drama's sake, rather than to the overall plot.
The sex scenes felt repetitive - and there were a number of them. And if I had to read one more time how her clit clenched or twitched or whatever, I probably would have thrown my Kindle.
And now onto the outright laziness. And this is not a descriptor I use lightly, as I know it takes effort to write and publish a book and I completely respect anyone who does, but you'll see what I mean. Basically, the author had no concept of the South, of Texas, or of the area she was writing in, and didn't bother to do any research about it. And these could have easily been fixed!! We're not talking intense historical research, here! Some glaring ones:
* The characters visit Austin and are told "you have to visit our famous Riverwalk." Austin doesn't have the famous Riverwalk; San Antonio does - about 75 miles south of Austin. Austin residents would recommend you go to the lake, the Capital, or 6th Street (BBQ, live music, shopping, and bars).
* The weather. The author describes herself as a "born and bred Vermonter" and she's listed as currently in NJ, so it kinda makes sense that she has no concept of weather in SC. The college would have to be in Upstate SC, since they go up to Charlotte for a date night. The Upstate is in the Appalachians - it still gets cold in winter. Heck, I got snow each year I lived there! Not Vermont cold or amounts of snow, but you're not running around in t-shirts and sandals and leaving the windows open in December. It was either that the author forgot what time of year she was writing, or she wrote off all southern winters as non-winters (think FL or HI or SoCal).
* Y'all. This one made me cringe, and a full star came off just for this. Y'ALL IS PLURAL. It's in the freakin' word - "You all." No Southerner would ever use y'all in a singular sense, talking to one person. We would use "you." And yet there were a handful of times when someone used it talking to just one person - usually Ryan (who used y'all more, though it's not just a Texan thing - it's definitely a Southern thing) talking to just Kira. It literally made me cringe and stop reading and ask "did they really just say that?" It was jarring and weird and completely pulled me out of the story. And it's an easy Google search - whole articles on the use and meaning and regionalism of y'all at the tips of your fingers. If you bother to look.
Also lazy was the proofreading. It seriously felt like a draft when it came to editing. Commas scattered all over everywhere where they weren't needed or incorrectly placed (like after the conjunction instead of before); end quotes missing in conversations; weird line breaks in conversations (though this might have been a formatting issue and not specifically to the author); apostrophes in plural words ("caught by the Pitbull's"). Typos - missing words, wrong words ("Magnum cum laude"), repetitive weirdness ("we agree not to no talk about"). The college itself was misspelled at one point (FSCU became SFCU)!! Word use too - twice Kira refers to a recording as "the video," except the recording had to have been audio only based on the setting and equipment used. Even some of the football details! "We got two more points from the kick" - no, this was after a touchdown, so it would have been 1 point from the kick or 2 points from a conversion. I'm not even a football fan and have absorbed that much from friends over the years! And yet, the author refers to some of the Patriots by one name only - I honestly had to look up who Julian was, because I don't follow the Pats or the NFL, and he'd never been introduced as a character. Just made for unnecessary confusion.
Alternating 1st person POV. No cheating, though plenty of discussion about it and a near-miss or two. No real OW drama, but OM drama is definitely there. No love triangle nonsense. Lots of miscommunication and lack-of-communication and immature back-and-forth drama that fit with the characters. And a lot of drama that seemed extraneous and unnecessary. I liked Ryan and I did like how Kira and Ryan balanced each other, though I was not so fond of Kira herself. I definitely liked the theme of date rape awareness and how that was handled. Satisfying HEA for the leads and no cliffhanger.
Would I read more? Maybe. This was part of a free Kindle bundle, so I might continue on. However, if Jackson or Star (leads in book 2) also use y'all in the singular, I'm going to wash my hands of this author entirely. Any author that lazy in her research isn't worth my time.
July 6, 2019
Not worth it
Interesting story but the sentence structure, misuse of me and I and come and cum , in my opinion didn’t warrant anything more than 1 star. By the end of the book I felt nothing but frustrated by the constant missing words left out of sentences.
Interesting story but the sentence structure, misuse of me and I and come and cum , in my opinion didn’t warrant anything more than 1 star. By the end of the book I felt nothing but frustrated by the constant missing words left out of sentences.
May 20, 2019
Ryan and Kira have a recent history . . . like as recent as last week. It all ended after they spent the night together. Now, they are both in the same class, Public Speaking 101 AND she finds out her tutoring job is with Ryan.
Star comes home and finds Kira sick. She’s thrown up so much, and so hard, she asks Star to get her a pregnancy test the next day when she stays home from classes. She’s worried her “one and done” with Ryan might have been more than that.
Since she will be missing her class with Ryan, and he is the only one she knows in the class she begrudgingly calls him and asks if he will take notes for her. He said he was going to add “
After football practice he goes home and cleans up before he takes his “best notes he has ever taken” to her house off campus. This is when she finds out why he couldn’t be friends with her following his “one and done.” He told her their sex was “mind blowing” and if she hadn’t rushed out of his room, she would have known he wanted to be more than friends . . . that’s why he said no when she asked if they could be friends.
It was nice reading about CJ Quinn again. He brings his love of football, he was an NFL quarterback before he retired, to the college and expects each and every player to give him, and the team, 110 %. When they don’t, they go back out after a game and practice every play he thinks they got wrong until they get it right . . . no matter what the weather is.
When Ryan fears his mind is more on Kira than football, he tells her, “We can’t be a thing.”
He fears that having her on his mind 24/7 will ruin his chances of being drafted into the NFL which has been his dream since he was 5 years old. This is where Knight Walker enters the picture. Perfect timing for him, horrible timing for Ryan.
From here the story only gets better and better. Can’t wait to see how Ryan, Kira, Star, Jackson and Knight finish their senior year at FSCU.
*-*-*-*-*-*
Ryan Finnegan
1. Hazel eyes, unruly dark hair,
2. Arrogant, Corvette driving senior FSCU Pitbulls quarterback (at least Kira thinks so).
3. Plans on an NFL career.
4. Falling in love with Kira wasn’t in his plans. He was a “one and done” with the girls he slept with.
5. Dyslexic. Kira can tell from his notes.
6. Has applied for the early draft for the NFL.
Kira McKenzie
1. Green eyes, ivory skin, freckles, shoulder length red hair.
2. Senior at FSCU in South Carolina.
3. Plays glockenspiel in the marching band.
Star
1. Kira’s BFF and a senior at FSCU.
2. “pink” haired, blue/turquoise eyed drummer in the marching band.
Jackson Farnsworth
1. Star’s boyfriend who is a senior.
2. Friends with Ryan since their freshman year
3. Has applied for the early draft for the NFL.
4. Star reveals to Kira that Jackson has an online gambling problem which Kira replays to Ryan who then tells CJ.
CJ Quinn
1. FSCU football coach
2. Former NFL quarterback, NY Giants, I think.
3. First met him in the author’s “Bushwick Series” and then again in her “Busted Plays” series.
Mel Quinn
1. CJ's wife.
2. Physical Therapist by trade,
3. Advocate for women of rape by heart.
Knight Walker
1. Hollywood smile, toothpaste ad perfect teeth and all-around babe magnet.
2. “Best Bud” of Ryan, or at least he’s a friend.
3. He is the MASCOT for at FSCU football games.
4. Son of Jake Walker the movie actor.
5. Referred to, by Ryan, as Mr. Hollywood.
Star comes home and finds Kira sick. She’s thrown up so much, and so hard, she asks Star to get her a pregnancy test the next day when she stays home from classes. She’s worried her “one and done” with Ryan might have been more than that.
Since she will be missing her class with Ryan, and he is the only one she knows in the class she begrudgingly calls him and asks if he will take notes for her. He said he was going to add “
After football practice he goes home and cleans up before he takes his “best notes he has ever taken” to her house off campus. This is when she finds out why he couldn’t be friends with her following his “one and done.” He told her their sex was “mind blowing” and if she hadn’t rushed out of his room, she would have known he wanted to be more than friends . . . that’s why he said no when she asked if they could be friends.
It was nice reading about CJ Quinn again. He brings his love of football, he was an NFL quarterback before he retired, to the college and expects each and every player to give him, and the team, 110 %. When they don’t, they go back out after a game and practice every play he thinks they got wrong until they get it right . . . no matter what the weather is.
When Ryan fears his mind is more on Kira than football, he tells her, “We can’t be a thing.”
He fears that having her on his mind 24/7 will ruin his chances of being drafted into the NFL which has been his dream since he was 5 years old. This is where Knight Walker enters the picture. Perfect timing for him, horrible timing for Ryan.
From here the story only gets better and better. Can’t wait to see how Ryan, Kira, Star, Jackson and Knight finish their senior year at FSCU.
*-*-*-*-*-*
Ryan Finnegan
1. Hazel eyes, unruly dark hair,
2. Arrogant, Corvette driving senior FSCU Pitbulls quarterback (at least Kira thinks so).
3. Plans on an NFL career.
4. Falling in love with Kira wasn’t in his plans. He was a “one and done” with the girls he slept with.
5. Dyslexic. Kira can tell from his notes.
6. Has applied for the early draft for the NFL.
Kira McKenzie
1. Green eyes, ivory skin, freckles, shoulder length red hair.
2. Senior at FSCU in South Carolina.
3. Plays glockenspiel in the marching band.
Star
1. Kira’s BFF and a senior at FSCU.
2. “pink” haired, blue/turquoise eyed drummer in the marching band.
Jackson Farnsworth
1. Star’s boyfriend who is a senior.
2. Friends with Ryan since their freshman year
3. Has applied for the early draft for the NFL.
4. Star reveals to Kira that Jackson has an online gambling problem which Kira replays to Ryan who then tells CJ.
CJ Quinn
1. FSCU football coach
2. Former NFL quarterback, NY Giants, I think.
3. First met him in the author’s “Bushwick Series” and then again in her “Busted Plays” series.
Mel Quinn
1. CJ's wife.
2. Physical Therapist by trade,
3. Advocate for women of rape by heart.
Knight Walker
1. Hollywood smile, toothpaste ad perfect teeth and all-around babe magnet.
2. “Best Bud” of Ryan, or at least he’s a friend.
3. He is the MASCOT for at FSCU football games.
4. Son of Jake Walker the movie actor.
5. Referred to, by Ryan, as Mr. Hollywood.
June 5, 2019
I normally steer away from college romances but I am happy to say this book is a mature, insightful, sexy, passionate and progressive romance. I enjoyed the main characters Kira and Ryan. Their story took many twists and turns. I am impressed with the writing. I found the story engaging and influential. It covers the difficulty of working towards a college degree, Ryan had dyslexia and Kira found him a computer program to help him study better. Kira is studying to be an investigative journalist. When she becomes part of a story, she is investigating so many crucial things happen. She highlights the fact she got roofied and was saved from sexual assault. Others are not so lucky. She covers the shame and guilt of having been through it. She also covers how the lack of empathy with the authorities affect her. The way the police treat her is beyond the pale. She joins a self-help group. The person of interest in Kira's investigation comes from a wealthy celebrity family. Words are spoken, fights break out, attorneys are involved, restraining orders are enforced, bodyguards are assigned. It is a whirlwind of one situation after another. At the same time, Ryan and Kira are developing a deep connection with each other. As a former once and done guy, Ryan gives up his old ways and is dedicated to Kira and she to him. They have their horribly emotional ups and downs and still they seem to get through it. Ryan is not close to his family and is hiding a dark secret that he hopes never affects him. During an argument with Kira, something triggers Ryan and he takes off staying away from Kira. She thinks he broke up with her and she falls apart. When Ryan realizes that he can't keep Kira out of his life he goes and talks to her. He is afraid to become like his father who physically abuses his mother. When Kira hears this, they talk it out. This book is so good. Kira and Ryan's characters are excellently written, the story not only is passionate but touches on sensitive social subjects. This story has guts and tells it like it is. No fantasy about it. This book reads like a true story it is that good. This is a page turner and you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend it.
May 21, 2019
Misconduct is the continuation of the story about the budding relationship between Ryan Finnegan, quarterback of the FSCU Pitbulls and Kira McKenzie, a journalism major and member of the marching band, which began in the prequel False Start. The two burned fast and bright in False Start, but we were left wondering if Ryan would go after Kira after realizing he wanted her more than once and totally breaking all his rules regarding relationships. When the two are paired together in a public speaking class, Kira ends up becoming his tutor and seeing that there's much more to Ryan than she originally thought. While helping him come to terms with being more than just a dumb jock, their relationship must dodge many obstacles, the biggest of which is Ryan's impending NFL draft schedule which forbids him from having a relationship or having any time for extracurricular activities aka Kira. Their relationship is anything but simple, but sometimes the best kinds of relationships are the ones you have to fight the hardest for.
Stella Marie Alden has produced another fantastic story where you can't help but be sucked in from the very beginning and be rooting for the main characters to succeed and trust me this book runs HOT. I especially enjoy that this author frequently throws characters from her previous novels into the mix so we get to little updates about their storylines. I can't wait to see what the next book in this series is and I'm never disappointed by her choice of heroes/heroines.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Stella Marie Alden has produced another fantastic story where you can't help but be sucked in from the very beginning and be rooting for the main characters to succeed and trust me this book runs HOT. I especially enjoy that this author frequently throws characters from her previous novels into the mix so we get to little updates about their storylines. I can't wait to see what the next book in this series is and I'm never disappointed by her choice of heroes/heroines.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2019
A great reminder to stand up against any misconduct.
Ryan, a college senior and his school’s star quarterback, is on his way to being drafted into the NFL. Kira, who majors in journalism, plays the glockenspiel in the school’s marching band.
Ryan and Kira hook up for a one-night-stand after he rescued her when she took a tumble into a pool during a party. He falls for her, but, torn between a chance at getting into the NFL or pursuing Kira, he decided to tell her that they could not be together, and Kira bolts.
Everything changes when Kira was slipped a date rape drug and nearly gets raped.
I commend Stella Marie Alden for touching on a topic that is often times shunned by society. Date rape is not a joke, and, unfortunately, victims, up to now, are often blamed if this happens to them. They, especially women, are most often than not immediately branded as promiscuous, too liberated, etc. Even the way they dress is taken against them. That they “invited” the attack. They don’t. We don’t.
Stella Marie Alden reminds us, her readers, that we have a voice, that we can fight back against any and all forms of abuse, be they sexual, physical, or mental. We are not, and should never allow, to become victims of dominance, but it is up to us to show the world that though female, we are strong, and we have claws.
It is also up to us, victim or not, to reach out and stand up for those who have been abused. Stella Marie Alden’s book, Misconduct, is a timely reminder, and I thank her for it.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Ryan, a college senior and his school’s star quarterback, is on his way to being drafted into the NFL. Kira, who majors in journalism, plays the glockenspiel in the school’s marching band.
Ryan and Kira hook up for a one-night-stand after he rescued her when she took a tumble into a pool during a party. He falls for her, but, torn between a chance at getting into the NFL or pursuing Kira, he decided to tell her that they could not be together, and Kira bolts.
Everything changes when Kira was slipped a date rape drug and nearly gets raped.
I commend Stella Marie Alden for touching on a topic that is often times shunned by society. Date rape is not a joke, and, unfortunately, victims, up to now, are often blamed if this happens to them. They, especially women, are most often than not immediately branded as promiscuous, too liberated, etc. Even the way they dress is taken against them. That they “invited” the attack. They don’t. We don’t.
Stella Marie Alden reminds us, her readers, that we have a voice, that we can fight back against any and all forms of abuse, be they sexual, physical, or mental. We are not, and should never allow, to become victims of dominance, but it is up to us to show the world that though female, we are strong, and we have claws.
It is also up to us, victim or not, to reach out and stand up for those who have been abused. Stella Marie Alden’s book, Misconduct, is a timely reminder, and I thank her for it.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
May 20, 2019
I like that this story didn't have a major disagreement or mishap between Ryan and Kira. There were normal misunderstandings and they were able to work through it but nothing is big that they spent months not talking or something similar. I originally was discouraged because it is longer than what I normally like to read. It's a full-length novel and it seemed as though everything was just going to drag. But it made sense in the story. Ryan and Kira are college seniors that ultimately fall in love in the face of a lot of adversity. But they fight for each other and it's so sweet. There are several, and I mean several, intimate scenes that just adds to their appeal and boy does it melt your screen. Jack from Patten Securities makes an appearance and that just warmed my heart. I love recognizing characters from other stories. I now need to go read CJ's story and the rest of Patten Securities' guys. I do wish there would have been an epilogue though to see Ryan and Kira's future.
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 20, 2019
Well Ryan and Kira meet my accident and they are in college. Ryan is a football star on the way to the NFL and Kira is just trying to get through school to become an investigative reporter. I was not sure if I was going to like the story, but by chapter three I was hooked. There are ups and downs in this relationship and it takes a bit to get through them. There is great strength, honesty, loyalty and devotion.
An ever so real issue is talked about in this book and what happens with it most of the time. Kira pushes the incident for her final paper and there is of course, pressure from people who it should not come from. Just like real life. Kira is strong and ready to fight.
A relationship starts between the two but they aren't ready for it. Give and take happens and something beautiful happens and matures. There are some Patterson Security folks in here as well, and also CJ and Mel. It's an awesome story with the way Ms. Alden has told her story. I recommend this book and this author.
I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
An ever so real issue is talked about in this book and what happens with it most of the time. Kira pushes the incident for her final paper and there is of course, pressure from people who it should not come from. Just like real life. Kira is strong and ready to fight.
A relationship starts between the two but they aren't ready for it. Give and take happens and something beautiful happens and matures. There are some Patterson Security folks in here as well, and also CJ and Mel. It's an awesome story with the way Ms. Alden has told her story. I recommend this book and this author.
I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2019
This is book one in the FSCU Pitbulls series and you can sign me up for the next one. I loved meeting Ryan who is the teams quarterback and projected NFL draft pick and Lily, an aspiring journalist. These two characters meet over Lily's story about why the previous football coach 'retired'. Ryan has a 'one and done' rule and Lily is okay with that until they have their one. Never one of them is done with the other. Now for them both to try to express that along with everything else going on. Not a fan of their parents but I think on the long run, they make Ryan and Lily stronger as a couple. I think the story was well written, got to meet some really interesting characters and there are a few friends in here that will make great stories as well. This author has some strong topics in the book that these characters are facing thus far they are handled sensitively and tastefully. I cannot wait for book two.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an ARC.
May 20, 2019
Welcome to FSCU! CJ Quinn is back as the FSCU football coach, we also get to see a few other past characters play a part.
This is the story of the teams QB Ryan and his struggles to manage what’s turning into a pro career as well as his love life. During the busy time of the draft will he even find time for a relationship?
As we’ve come to expect from Stella Marie Alden’s books she doesn’t shy away from real issues. In this book Kira is roofied at a university party, it’s never proved who actually did it but it shines a spotlight on not one how prevalent a problem this is but also how schools tend to sweep it under the rug like it never happened. Also how the authorities tend to treat the victims. I really appreciate how candid this aspect is. The whole story is not centered on this but as Kira is studying to be an investigative reporter it’s a big part of her story.
This is the story of the teams QB Ryan and his struggles to manage what’s turning into a pro career as well as his love life. During the busy time of the draft will he even find time for a relationship?
As we’ve come to expect from Stella Marie Alden’s books she doesn’t shy away from real issues. In this book Kira is roofied at a university party, it’s never proved who actually did it but it shines a spotlight on not one how prevalent a problem this is but also how schools tend to sweep it under the rug like it never happened. Also how the authorities tend to treat the victims. I really appreciate how candid this aspect is. The whole story is not centered on this but as Kira is studying to be an investigative reporter it’s a big part of her story.
May 20, 2019
Young love’s exciting, long journey
Misconduct by Stella Marie Alden is a really exciting young love romance with lots of emotions and drama. For me, the characters make this book special. Ryan is part goofball, serious athlete and lothario. Until he chances upon meeting Kira, the sweetheart knockout and serious journalism student. As they are young, there’s lots of drama to ensue not to mention a bit of danger/suspense. Emotions run as high and hot as their steamy chemistry. These two will endear as much as frustrate as they navigate building their connection and relationship.
Overall, I loved this book because of its awesome characters and the plot kept me completely engaged from the beginning to the last word.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
Misconduct by Stella Marie Alden is a really exciting young love romance with lots of emotions and drama. For me, the characters make this book special. Ryan is part goofball, serious athlete and lothario. Until he chances upon meeting Kira, the sweetheart knockout and serious journalism student. As they are young, there’s lots of drama to ensue not to mention a bit of danger/suspense. Emotions run as high and hot as their steamy chemistry. These two will endear as much as frustrate as they navigate building their connection and relationship.
Overall, I loved this book because of its awesome characters and the plot kept me completely engaged from the beginning to the last word.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.
May 21, 2019
Great start to a new series!
Kira, a member of the band & preparing to start a career in investigative journalism, slept with the one-and-done hotshot college quarterback Ryan. The fireworks were explosive in & as well as out of bed, as she couldn’t get out of there fast enough when Ryan said he can’t be friends with her. When they are in the same public speaking class & as his new tutor, Kira has no choice but to spend time with him. As misunderstandings come to light, a threat to Kira’s safety has Ryan asking for help from his coach, CJ. Will Kira’s profession continue to be a danger to her life? And what will happen to them once Ryan goes pro?
Fans of Stella’s work will love this book! A little different from her other books, this new series takes place in college & reunites is with familiar characters. Can’t wait for Star & Jackson’s story!
Kira, a member of the band & preparing to start a career in investigative journalism, slept with the one-and-done hotshot college quarterback Ryan. The fireworks were explosive in & as well as out of bed, as she couldn’t get out of there fast enough when Ryan said he can’t be friends with her. When they are in the same public speaking class & as his new tutor, Kira has no choice but to spend time with him. As misunderstandings come to light, a threat to Kira’s safety has Ryan asking for help from his coach, CJ. Will Kira’s profession continue to be a danger to her life? And what will happen to them once Ryan goes pro?
Fans of Stella’s work will love this book! A little different from her other books, this new series takes place in college & reunites is with familiar characters. Can’t wait for Star & Jackson’s story!
September 12, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Had to put this story on hold due to illness but oh boy, it sure has made my day.
No spoilers
I didn’t know much about American football, coming from the U.K. but oh boy, the way it was explained, got me interested. Star quarterback Ryan Finnigan has an unfortunate start with aspiring journalist Kira McKenzie at his school but now fate dictates they meet again. After one night, he wants more, much more...maybe a forever more, who knows. A great sports story of his trials and tribulations in his career but for Kira, she has it so much different. Loving Ryan, doing her best at journalism, playing in the marching band and dealing with stalkers and helping Ryan with his dyslexia. Wow, so much going on in this story. Great start to this series, loved it and highly recommended
Had to put this story on hold due to illness but oh boy, it sure has made my day.
No spoilers
I didn’t know much about American football, coming from the U.K. but oh boy, the way it was explained, got me interested. Star quarterback Ryan Finnigan has an unfortunate start with aspiring journalist Kira McKenzie at his school but now fate dictates they meet again. After one night, he wants more, much more...maybe a forever more, who knows. A great sports story of his trials and tribulations in his career but for Kira, she has it so much different. Loving Ryan, doing her best at journalism, playing in the marching band and dealing with stalkers and helping Ryan with his dyslexia. Wow, so much going on in this story. Great start to this series, loved it and highly recommended
August 12, 2021
Ryan is an NFL top hopeful and trying to graduate from college unfortunate for him he meets Kira who is a Journalist major when they get together sparks fly but he knows he cannot allow her to interrupt his future as an NFL draft pick. He asks her to a party and things go wrong for his friend and Kira and something awful almost happens to her, Ryan rescues her and they find that something happened at the party. They become closer but things go up in smoke. Kira finds that she has a story to tell and one of the culprits is someone taking advantage of young women and she plans it is not as easy as she thought. A very interesting and inspiring storyline and the characters are very touching. Drama, suspense, mystery, violence, and love. I purchased and read this book. I volunteered an honest review.
May 21, 2019
Ryan is a player, a quarterback for the FSCU Pit bulls and is dyslexic. Kira is a member of the band and her major is Journalism. Ryan and Kira meet and have a one night stand. Ryan tells her he doesn't do relationships. He is focused on football. The minute Kira leaves Ryan regrets it. Kira writes about all the gossip, the whose dating who, the popular crowd and all those players ! Kira goes to a party and her drink is roofied. Right before she gets taken advantage of, Ryan arrives and realizes what's going on and takes her to the hospital. Kira writes about what happened to her. The characters had great chemistry. I enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book. I read this book through an arc program and this is my opinion.
May 19, 2019
Hotness in an incredible story. This story has so much involved with it. It is full of drama and reality all in one. It shows how well it is written and developed. You can just feel Stella Marie Alden's heart and soul in her stories and this one is no different. I loved we were able to see characters from previous stories and boy do the add to the story Ryan is this laid back but incredibly sweet and protective man that just blends beautifully with Kira's feisty and spunky attitude. It is gripping how close to the truth things can be in life. It is a must read and will be hard to put down until the end.
May 30, 2019
Very enjoyable sweet romance with a serious message...campus sexual assault. Kira is a journalism major and Ryan the hot shot quarterback. They had a previous encounter which leaves Kira embarrassed but Ryan wanting more. At a party Kira has her drink doctored and finds herself in a stranger's bed. This leads her to write a class project on this subject. Many unsettling facts are presented since this is such a terrible reality in today's world. The romance is sweet with some hot love scenes, the characters are very relatable, the story interesting and informative, and I enjoyed it very much.
June 3, 2019
Firstly this is a senior college romance book, I am not usually that fussed on them but this was a good read, it is a bit of a slow burn at times but it does go with the story. I liked Ryan and Kira and they get you hooked on seeing how they deal with their relationship along with all the highs and lows that come their way, yes some issues make you really frustrated but because of their age you kinda get it. A good mix of sports, attraction and romance as well as some dealing with some subject matter that is a bit confronting but also part of our lives nowadays. I look forward to seeing what the next book has in store for us!
July 7, 2019
A great start to the FSCU Pitbulls series
Kira, a journalism major, is rudely introduced to Ryan, starting college quarterback, when she attempts to interview him for an article. As the story progresses they come to an agreement, outside events and the past interferes, and determining what is important is the only way to find a HEA. Stella Marie Alden’s Misconduct is a great start to the FSCU Pitbulls series. I was so engrossed in her realistic writing style that I had to go purchase the Busted Play box set and the Patten Bodyguards series box set to get the low down on some of the supporting characters.
Kira, a journalism major, is rudely introduced to Ryan, starting college quarterback, when she attempts to interview him for an article. As the story progresses they come to an agreement, outside events and the past interferes, and determining what is important is the only way to find a HEA. Stella Marie Alden’s Misconduct is a great start to the FSCU Pitbulls series. I was so engrossed in her realistic writing style that I had to go purchase the Busted Play box set and the Patten Bodyguards series box set to get the low down on some of the supporting characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews