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Rock Valley High #3
Dare You to Fall for the Catcher
A little dare never hurt anybody...
Running is my life. It’s one of the few things I’m good at and I dominate on the track. But my take-no-prisoners reputation doesn’t scare everyone. There’s still one boy who’s not afraid to get under my skin...
Jayden Paul.
Catcher of the varsity baseball team. Hottie of the year.
And the thorn in my side ever since we kissed in sixth grade (on a silly dare!).
When my track career gets sidelined by an injury and Coach forces me to help manage the baseball team, I’m determined to stay far away from the one boy who can make me lose my cool. But this catcher won’t catch a clue. He’s there at every turn – with his teasing grin and the hungry way he looks at me.
The last thing I need is to be distracted. Not with my mom's heart condition and my little sister hanging with the wrong crowd. My family and my track scholarship are my top priorities.
But Jayden might not be the bad guy I thought he was.
And kissing my enemy might just be the one other thing I’m good at.
This is Mandy’s story - a sweet young adult romance in the Rock Valley High series of stand-alone novels.
Running is my life. It’s one of the few things I’m good at and I dominate on the track. But my take-no-prisoners reputation doesn’t scare everyone. There’s still one boy who’s not afraid to get under my skin...
Jayden Paul.
Catcher of the varsity baseball team. Hottie of the year.
And the thorn in my side ever since we kissed in sixth grade (on a silly dare!).
When my track career gets sidelined by an injury and Coach forces me to help manage the baseball team, I’m determined to stay far away from the one boy who can make me lose my cool. But this catcher won’t catch a clue. He’s there at every turn – with his teasing grin and the hungry way he looks at me.
The last thing I need is to be distracted. Not with my mom's heart condition and my little sister hanging with the wrong crowd. My family and my track scholarship are my top priorities.
But Jayden might not be the bad guy I thought he was.
And kissing my enemy might just be the one other thing I’m good at.
This is Mandy’s story - a sweet young adult romance in the Rock Valley High series of stand-alone novels.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2020
323 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 20, 2021
I loved this YA book.
I mostly stick to contemporary romance, but every now and again I jump into a YA and I'm glad I picked this one. The characters and their flaws were real. The situations were believable. And I LOVED the MC's dedication to her family.
I mostly stick to contemporary romance, but every now and again I jump into a YA and I'm glad I picked this one. The characters and their flaws were real. The situations were believable. And I LOVED the MC's dedication to her family.
October 25, 2022
Mandy hurt her ankle trying to get to her sister after she did the polar plunge with the senior boys. Now she has to manage the baseball team while her ankle heals. Jayden is the catcher who always teases Mandy. Jayden and Mandy already have some history. Back in the sixth grade, they spent seven minutes in heaven together.
These two were super cute. My favorite couple of the trio. I loved the banter and the teasing. They were totally flirting with each other the whole book.
The next three books are about the trios’ little sisters. Not sure if I am going to read those just yet. I’ll put them in debating.
These two were super cute. My favorite couple of the trio. I loved the banter and the teasing. They were totally flirting with each other the whole book.
The next three books are about the trios’ little sisters. Not sure if I am going to read those just yet. I’ll put them in debating.
March 11, 2021
I enjoyed this story. It was written just right. I didn't feel like she didn't deserve him but wanted to smack her upside the head. I thought her proposal was so sweet. I'm glad the parents took back their responsibilities too.
June 30, 2020
Dare You to Fall for the Catcher
So, another great book by this author. These books are great examples of a YA/Teen romance novel done right. This is a clean romance with sports added in. I enjoyed the track aspect of this book since I also ran in high school. I liked the main characters however sometimes I found Mandy in this book to be a bit annoying. However, I’m excited to read the next book coming out. So, far this has been a really consistently good series. I would give this a 4.8
So, another great book by this author. These books are great examples of a YA/Teen romance novel done right. This is a clean romance with sports added in. I enjoyed the track aspect of this book since I also ran in high school. I liked the main characters however sometimes I found Mandy in this book to be a bit annoying. However, I’m excited to read the next book coming out. So, far this has been a really consistently good series. I would give this a 4.8
June 21, 2020
Catcher ❤️ Track runner. Can enemies turn to lovers?
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2020...
***Spoilers here and there****
I could've been finished this book. But I kind of push it back and read something else. I was going to do that again. But made myself not do that because I wanted to finish this book.
I can say that books one and two with her friends Trina and Audrey was kind of better than her (Mandy) book. I don't know I felt different and kind of like ehhh...
But I did think she needed to think more of herself. No, she needed to think about herself more rather than looking out for other people. I was glad when her sister realize that Sasha and her friends weren't good for her. I mean, it stuck in her head after Jayden was there for her. But it went away fast because she saw Jayden and Mandy together, smh! Which lead to her (Charlotte) almost killing herself and Mandy smh.
I was glad she realizes she made a lot of mistakes that she needed to fix and that their parents finally found out what was going on at home. Not only that, but I was also glad that Mandy's mom, sister, and best friends help her win Jayden back because he wasn't having it when he was at the batting cages. But in the end, he realizes that Amanda was asking for forgiveness.
Besides all that, I knew that book five was about to be about Charlotte, Mandy's little sister. I bet books five and six more likely be about Audrey and Trina. Heck, I didn't even know they had sisters. Plus, if I recall, didn't one of them maybe Audrey mention how she glad or something like that she wasn't in Mandy shoes about having to deal with a sister like Charlotte. I don't know. Whatever, I can't wait to read book four with Charlotte and Hunter. See if they; no see how they'll make friendship bloom to a relationship. If anything will get in between their friendship...
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2020...
***Spoilers here and there****
I could've been finished this book. But I kind of push it back and read something else. I was going to do that again. But made myself not do that because I wanted to finish this book.
I can say that books one and two with her friends Trina and Audrey was kind of better than her (Mandy) book. I don't know I felt different and kind of like ehhh...
But I did think she needed to think more of herself. No, she needed to think about herself more rather than looking out for other people. I was glad when her sister realize that Sasha and her friends weren't good for her. I mean, it stuck in her head after Jayden was there for her. But it went away fast because she saw Jayden and Mandy together, smh! Which lead to her (Charlotte) almost killing herself and Mandy smh.
I was glad she realizes she made a lot of mistakes that she needed to fix and that their parents finally found out what was going on at home. Not only that, but I was also glad that Mandy's mom, sister, and best friends help her win Jayden back because he wasn't having it when he was at the batting cages. But in the end, he realizes that Amanda was asking for forgiveness.
Besides all that, I knew that book five was about to be about Charlotte, Mandy's little sister. I bet books five and six more likely be about Audrey and Trina. Heck, I didn't even know they had sisters. Plus, if I recall, didn't one of them maybe Audrey mention how she glad or something like that she wasn't in Mandy shoes about having to deal with a sister like Charlotte. I don't know. Whatever, I can't wait to read book four with Charlotte and Hunter. See if they; no see how they'll make friendship bloom to a relationship. If anything will get in between their friendship...
June 3, 2020
(3.5 stars) - frenemies-to-lovers romance (w/a parental caveat)
Jayden & Mandy are long time frenemies. Jayden is constantly teasing & provoking her, while she is constantly trying to put him in his place.
Mandy is brash & a little abrasive along with some major control issues. I have to admit that, while I didn't dislike her, I'm afraid I didn't find her especially likeable, either. Especially since she had a frustrating, self-imposed teen martyr thing going.
The various interactions depicted between Jayden & Mandy helped make the change in their relationship more believable, but perhaps it needed to be portrayed in a more streamlined way, because the story felt laggy toward the middle.
The resolution is good, though melodramatic. The ending is fun.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Parents: the story involves teen drinking & it's portrayed negatively, as it should be, but it would be good to discuss with your teen when it's time to talk to an adult. Mandy meant well - & it was good & right that she was doing what she could to help lighten her mom's stresses - BUT it was not her place to keep her mom in the dark about her sister, and it wasn't really clear why she didn't at least tell her dad when Charlotte wasn't listening to her & things were escalating.
Jayden & Mandy are long time frenemies. Jayden is constantly teasing & provoking her, while she is constantly trying to put him in his place.
Mandy is brash & a little abrasive along with some major control issues. I have to admit that, while I didn't dislike her, I'm afraid I didn't find her especially likeable, either. Especially since she had a frustrating, self-imposed teen martyr thing going.
The various interactions depicted between Jayden & Mandy helped make the change in their relationship more believable, but perhaps it needed to be portrayed in a more streamlined way, because the story felt laggy toward the middle.
The resolution is good, though melodramatic. The ending is fun.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
*Parents: the story involves teen drinking & it's portrayed negatively, as it should be, but it would be good to discuss with your teen when it's time to talk to an adult. Mandy meant well - & it was good & right that she was doing what she could to help lighten her mom's stresses - BUT it was not her place to keep her mom in the dark about her sister, and it wasn't really clear why she didn't at least tell her dad when Charlotte wasn't listening to her & things were escalating.
May 26, 2020
This series is giving me all the warm (and funny) fuzzies! <3
As in the other books of this series, both main characters are dealing with some serious issues, but I appreciate the way Lacy Andersen handles the tough stuff and creates a perfect mix of drama, humor, and heart.
Mandy and Jayden make a great enemies-to-lovers couple, even though I was occasionally tempted to shake some sense into Mandy and tell her to give the guy some credit and just talk it out.
I love to see how supportive this group of friends is, no matter if it's some tough love that's needed, or if it's helping with over-the-top grand gestures. :)
Overall, this story is a wonderful third instalment of this series - I loved following the three best friends Audrey, Trina, and Mandy finding their perfect-for-them guys, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
As in the other books of this series, both main characters are dealing with some serious issues, but I appreciate the way Lacy Andersen handles the tough stuff and creates a perfect mix of drama, humor, and heart.
Mandy and Jayden make a great enemies-to-lovers couple, even though I was occasionally tempted to shake some sense into Mandy and tell her to give the guy some credit and just talk it out.
I love to see how supportive this group of friends is, no matter if it's some tough love that's needed, or if it's helping with over-the-top grand gestures. :)
Overall, this story is a wonderful third instalment of this series - I loved following the three best friends Audrey, Trina, and Mandy finding their perfect-for-them guys, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
January 26, 2021
It was a fun story, albeit containing some of the small frustrations such as not communicating well and fixing all of the issues. Though I can easily forgive it for the fact that it was only in the odd chapter and not the entire thing.
The only real thing I would've loved more in this book is dual point of view! I've been so spoiled by my last few books and I find I swoon so much when it's an "enemies to lovers" like this, where only one hates them and the other loves. It's so much fun to read one person angrily ranting whilst the other is stringing together sonnets about how much they love them.
But I think that's more of a personal comment than actual suggestion...
The only real thing I would've loved more in this book is dual point of view! I've been so spoiled by my last few books and I find I swoon so much when it's an "enemies to lovers" like this, where only one hates them and the other loves. It's so much fun to read one person angrily ranting whilst the other is stringing together sonnets about how much they love them.
But I think that's more of a personal comment than actual suggestion...
June 24, 2020
Loved loved loved!
I'm actually blown away by how much I enjoyed reading this as I usually have high standards when I read contemporary high school romances. But this one really took me by surprise. Mandy is such a strong character with believable teenage problems and Jayden is great to read about too. Their banter, the friendship, the romance and the even the problems - I loved everything in this book. I'm going to have to look into reading all these Rock Valley High books now because I'm officially hooked!
I'm actually blown away by how much I enjoyed reading this as I usually have high standards when I read contemporary high school romances. But this one really took me by surprise. Mandy is such a strong character with believable teenage problems and Jayden is great to read about too. Their banter, the friendship, the romance and the even the problems - I loved everything in this book. I'm going to have to look into reading all these Rock Valley High books now because I'm officially hooked!
June 2, 2020
I love that there is history with these characters before this story. I think we, as readers, knew what Mandy took most of the book to realize: Jayden likes her, and she likes him back! Their story is adorable. And high schoolers, in general, put way too much pressure on themselves (I also speak from experience). I’ve loved every book in this series (although it could also stand alone). Excited to read #4!
June 17, 2020
Wonderful YA Romance
High school drama at its best! Dares and double dares. Mandy and Jayden have been rivals since elementary school. What could happen? With her track scholarships coming and his baseball catcher fame? What if an injury were to happen? Can anything stop the track star or the baseball star? Fabulous read:) Find out in this wonderful book all about finding oneself and reaching for your dreams!
High school drama at its best! Dares and double dares. Mandy and Jayden have been rivals since elementary school. What could happen? With her track scholarships coming and his baseball catcher fame? What if an injury were to happen? Can anything stop the track star or the baseball star? Fabulous read:) Find out in this wonderful book all about finding oneself and reaching for your dreams!
July 9, 2020
YA sports romance. Third installment of the three bffs' story. Last but not least Mandy, the runner and her nemesis, Jayden Paul, the baseball catcher whose main goal in life seems to be to annoy her to bits. Surprising events will bring about a truce but will it last?.
Enjoyable quick read. Maybe my favourite as the characters were endearing with their playful banter! Witty and humorous but also with a more serious note that gave the story that extra something. Food for thought.
Great series.
Enjoyable quick read. Maybe my favourite as the characters were endearing with their playful banter! Witty and humorous but also with a more serious note that gave the story that extra something. Food for thought.
Great series.
May 31, 2020
This is the second book in this series that I’ve read. I missed the first one, and need to go back and read it. I really like the characters in this series, though I loved Jayden the best in this book. I loved how he hid his big heart behind his humor, but was always there when needed. I’m looking forward to the next book, about Mandy’s younger sister, Charlotte!
August 21, 2020
This is a pull-you-in story from the first page. It is sweet and clean and reminds me of my high school days! I loved the interactions between Mandy and Jayden. A fun YA romance!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
September 18, 2022
I love how they are best friends and then they fall in love with each other. And I love how he shows up to her prom to surprise her and tell her he is moving back. I love how she wants to help Hunter with Steven even after he tries to push her away. It is a really sweet story and I would recommend anyone to read this one of the best books I have ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
I really loved this YA romance. It was super sweet and awesome. I loved the kissing scenes and chemistry. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2020
I've read both of the other books in the series and I have to say that this one is my favourite of the three that have been released so far I loved Jayden he's probably my favourite boy of the three so far yes him and Mandy may have pushed each others buttons but I liked that there was history between them from before the book as it made for a more interesting story overall and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
Another fun read
Another fun read. This one was different then the other two but same resolution in a way. A little more mellow between the two. But they got their own happy ending.
Another fun read. This one was different then the other two but same resolution in a way. A little more mellow between the two. But they got their own happy ending.
July 2, 2021
Loving these books
I have read the first three books and love how the original three girls sisters are introduced throughout the books and how its set up for the next set.
As for the first three books completely fell in love with all three guys.
I have read the first three books and love how the original three girls sisters are introduced throughout the books and how its set up for the next set.
As for the first three books completely fell in love with all three guys.
December 21, 2021
It started in a way I didn't like but it got good. Mandy was so annoying at first but I understood the pressure she was on and it was her parents fault for putting everything on her. Jayden was so sweet, I loved him, he was always there for her, no matter what
February 22, 2023
Even better than the first two
This series is truely amazing, one book is better than the next. Such a welcome distraction from real life, i have no idea how I could get through life without these right now, such a relief for difficultlt times!
This series is truely amazing, one book is better than the next. Such a welcome distraction from real life, i have no idea how I could get through life without these right now, such a relief for difficultlt times!
May 30, 2020
This book was very entertaining and well written. It is a clean and tender romance about young love with no sex or foul language. I highly recommend it if you like this kind of romance story.
June 13, 2020
Sugar sweet high school romance
Cute, I loved it. Like the characters and their chemistry. Read the whole series so far. Waiting eagerly on book 4.
Cute, I loved it. Like the characters and their chemistry. Read the whole series so far. Waiting eagerly on book 4.
July 23, 2020
This is so cute❤️❤️
Can’t wait for the next triple besties’ stories & especially Char and hunter’s! I’m a goner when to comes to friends-to-lovers trope!
Can’t wait for the next triple besties’ stories & especially Char and hunter’s! I’m a goner when to comes to friends-to-lovers trope!
September 4, 2020
4/5 Stars
October 13, 2020
Very cute chicklit to read in one sitting when your in the mood to feel happy and giddy.
October 31, 2020
So good.
March 31, 2021
Good read
I gotta say Jayden was such a brat . Trying to get under her skin . Jest because he liked her and didn’t know how to tell her the truth.
I gotta say Jayden was such a brat . Trying to get under her skin . Jest because he liked her and didn’t know how to tell her the truth.
May 10, 2021
Loved it!!! So cute (and ofc clean :)).
dnf-dislike-author
May 21, 2021DNF 38% it was fine and it is a clean book but I'm just ready to move on to something else since it's not "wowing" me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews