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End Game

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Play the game.
Survive.
Win.

Conner Mitchell has a playbook he lives by. A master plan He has spent most of his life building his plans yard by yard.

Play the game, get drafted, and make something of himself.
A game plan he knows backwards and forwards.
A game changed by Hailee Waters.

A brilliant and beautiful track star—and his best friend—destined to teach him a thing or two about the game of life. And love.

Their romance is not without its fumbles but he plays to win and so does she. Nothing will keep him from the girl he loves—not the years between them,
their life plans, or a diagnosis that could sideline them both.

Conner knows they have to play, love, and live like champions—because Hailee is his end game.

Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2019

47 people are currently reading
91 people want to read

About the author

Dee Ellis

139 books315 followers
Born and raised in the Midwest, reading and writing have always been Dee's passion. Short stories became long stories that finally, became books. While playing grownup during the day, meaning working a job, Dee wrote her first book. When not reading or writing, which leaves less time than she's proud of, Dee loves spending her time with her four furbabies, her husband and lots of movies nights.

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5 stars
32 (47%)
4 stars
21 (31%)
3 stars
6 (8%)
2 stars
6 (8%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Tamara Harrington.
530 reviews29 followers
October 29, 2019
So I had to take a couple of days to digest this book and once I thought about it, it was different than I expected and that wasn't a bad thing. While on the outside this looks like your typical college book romance, there is so much more and if you go into it with an open heart and mind you will see that there is so much to love about it all.
The book starts where we meet our couple while they are still in high school, which can be hit and miss and if I'm honest I was unsure about it and the first 40ish parent of the book. However it made me think back to when I was in high school and how over dramatic I was at that age and how grateful I am to have grown up to be a well rounded and established woman in this very difficult world. I think one we got past this Hailey turned into a beautiful woman who goes through so much and with Conner at her side she can do anything.
This really is a beautiful book and the most important thing in this book is the love that is shared throughout, not only between our main couple but the friends and family and that love that is so important that we take it for granted in this day and age. If you take age out of the equation this is a beautiful story that gave me all the feels and at the end f the day that is all I really want from a book.
There were some amazing secondary characters and I am hoping to get their story very soon! Getting an extra epilogue always makes me so happy too so this was all in all a good time for me!
This is my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,304 reviews30 followers
October 26, 2019
A young love romance that is sweet mixed with that will they/won’t they vibe throughout. Both Connor and Hailee have their heads on straight and have individual set goals for their futures in mind, their parents only want what’s best for their children but the heart wants what the heart wants and nothing will stop these two from severing the connection that’s shared. There’s an underlying mention from time to time with Hailee and I didn’t grasp what could be the outcome of it, when it’s revealed I was completely shocked and thrown for a loop. I felt that form that point I couldn’t read fast enough and the story went down a completely different path yet still fitting into the storyline. I’m hoping to see a story from these secondary characters in the future.
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,803 reviews18 followers
December 30, 2019
End Game by Dee Ellis a five-star read that will win your heart. This wasn’t a five-star read all the way through I will be honest, at times it cold have been a three, but overall it deserved a five as there was so much heart in the story. This was such a good story, there was a horrid sense of an underlying story and when it is revealed it’s a punch to the stomach, but Dee Ellis does it so well that you will just fall in love with Conner Mitchell and Hailey Waters even more. From a perfect meet-cute to a perfect friendship to more. This is a great story and one you can’t miss.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
November 22, 2019
This was a great story. It was well written and fast paced. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling hot. This book has everything you need to keep you turning pages hot sexy men, steamy scenes and some conflict thrown in. I cannot wait for what this author writes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christine .
1,161 reviews61 followers
October 24, 2019
This was a story of young love and how a variety of obstacles are prominent in getting in the way of a happily-ever-after. End Game is separated into three parts with two epilogues. The first half of the book is full of teenage drama. I swear, I felt like I was back in high school. In my mind, I was laughing because there were quite a few connections in this book for me during that first 45%. No, I was never lucky enough to catch the attention of the star quarterback however, my true connection was with Paisley, Hailie's friend. While this book is Connor and Hailee's story, we get a lot of Bran and Paisley as well. Just wondering if there will be a book in the future about them after college years.

So anyway, Hailee is the daughter of a retired military man. She has two wonderful parents and two protective brothers who will do anything for her. New to town, Hailee has grabbed the attention of Connor, the handsome, popular quarterback, who just so happens to be her neighbor. I want to mention that this book is a love-at-first-sight trope. In addition, Connor is an intense, over-the-top possessive hero. First friends, the growing relationship between Connor and Hailee is extremely intense. They were both possessive of one another and overly dramatic in several ways. While the sexual tension is a steadily growing burn, Connor and Hailee take things slow.

I don't want to say anything about how the story unfolds because as I said earlier, there is quite a bit of teenage drama and the first half of the book was a little frustrating and monotonous at times. Because of the passion and heart of the H/h, I eagerly read on and truly enjoyed the second half of the book. As the few years passed since Connor and Hailee met, new obstacles brought out their maturity and the story became more endearing to me. Less over-the-top dramatic and more real life experiences. Once you finish reading, you won't have a single doubt that these two absolutely adore each other. Their love for one another was so powerful and I was so happy with the ending. I especially enjoyed the bonus epilogue. It gives hope when there is darkness and fear for the future. Connor and Hailee learn that time is precious and they plan to live every day to the fullest.

This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)


Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
November 22, 2019
This was a great story. It was well written and fast paced. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling hot. This book has everything you need to keep you turning pages hot sexy men, steamy scenes and some conflict thrown in. I cannot wait for what this author writes next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cory Diaz.
35 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2019
This book is about a young romance between Connor and Hailee. Their relationship was really sweet but with ups and downs.

This book is very real and shows you what soulmates are. I fell in love with the characters.

It’s a great read and Dee Ellis did an amazing job with this incredible book.
Profile Image for Susan.
441 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2025
story is ok, but timeline issues abound

I really wanted to like this story. It has all the right elements, drama, and angst, but I got so bogged down in timeline issues and continuity, I just couldn’t. There are some typos, but those can be overlooked, but when the first chapter mentions the character is 17 and starting college, then subsequent chapters reference AP courses, parents forbidding their 18 year old to date, lockers, homecoming dances, then refer to sororities and fraternities… this seems like it the ages were changed to make it a college book, but pertinent details remained unchanged. This was further demonstrated by the epilogues where the main character refers to meeting the H at age 15… but she was 17 and starting college….

Anyway, if those issues with continuity were fixed and the pacing was slightly better balanced, this could be a great story. For now, it was okay, but confusing.
Profile Image for Lornaj_reads.
308 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2025
I read this as part of my A-Z challenge and I was enjoying it even though it was longer than it should have been. I thought I was going to give it a better rating than I ended up giving. 

I loved the relationship between the main characters and their friends but I felt that their families were treating them like they were still in high school when in the beginning of the book the FMC started her freshman year of college.

When I read the epilogue I was so confused as it stated that they were in high school when they met. Unless I got a different copy the epilogue changed the entire story and even stated she got sick twice when I only read it once.

Although I was frustrated at the end, I gave this book 3 ⭐️ because I liked the story but did not like the writing and the confusion. I also gave it 1.5 🌶️ because there were some good spicy scenes.

I cannot recommend this book as I do not want to confuse other readers if I got an unfinished copy which is unlikely as I got it from a stuff your kindle day. I will retract my review.

Happy reading everyone 📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for booklover0228.
825 reviews22 followers
December 14, 2019
This book had all the feels

Connor and Hails meet on her first day at her new school. It was like at first site for both of them. After a lot of ups and downs and a some bad news. They finally got their HEA.

I am hoping to see a book about Bran and Paisley and also Reed and Bella.
2,200 reviews
November 2, 2019
I enjoyed reading Connor and Hailee's story. Hailee moves into the house next door to Connor's with her family and they end up at the same school with Connor is the star quarterback. These two characters meet and are instantly drawn to one another and become best friends. Connir and Hailee are both strong individuals in that they know what they want in life and they have a plan on how to get there. It appears like its just a matter of going through the motions to check off the next box. Things are not always smooth sailing for these two either and that is what makes this story an enjoyable read. As a reader you get to follow this couple from when they meet, fall in love as teenagers, go after their goals and dreams and how they make it back to one another as adults. This is not always a easy road which just adds to the story. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.6k reviews49 followers
November 23, 2019
Young love and developing into adults

End Game is a nice story about young love and the obstacles that challenge them along the way. But be warned that there is more than a little drama, of the teenage OTT type, during the book. For me I just could not nor did I want to connect with this so I ended up skimming over a lot of the first half of the book. The second half was a better story as Connor and Hailee matured and their relationship took an adult turn. They adore each other and even though their love and commitment is tested they cling closer to each other and their love deepens.
I did enjoy the last part of the book a lot and if you can get make it past the first part of this story you will be rewarded with the gems and all the good feelings that come with the second half.

I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,999 reviews61 followers
November 1, 2019
End Game is about young love with fierce determination. About looking across a crowded room and seeing your future. Connor and Hailee’s story was about plans and making sure that nothing stood in their way. Their story was angsty, heartbreaking and at times powerful. A love story that shows us that sometimes you have to go beast mode to achieve your ultimate victory. This sports romance had my pulse racing, made me laugh, smile, frustrated me and also had me in tears. Two people who knew what their end game was from a young age and even though bumps that sometimes felt like mountains were thrown in their way, they took each other’s hands and climbed them with a passion of two people who knew a forever and ALL ways love.
Profile Image for Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) .
2,511 reviews44 followers
November 3, 2019
This was truly a book that will grab you from the start because when I started reading it I thought I'll just read the 1st few pages see how it goes well when I looked up I was in chapter 3.
These 2 MC Connor and Hailee (Hails) have their heads on straight and know what they want in life and know what they have to do to get it.
Connor has a plan but that gets sidelined when he meets Hailee and it's insta love or maybe it's infatuation whatever it is he knows he wants her in his life, but does she feel the same?
You'll just have to one click to find out what happens next, but fair warning you will fall in love with these 2 as they grow up to obtain their dreams.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Bibliophile.
376 reviews10 followers
October 31, 2019
End Game is a very unique read with the timeline it follows. Having the first half focused n the young teenage love and the second half on the more mature with age love gives the story a way to stand out. The main characters are great, the chemistry between Conner and Hailee is amazing! I loved reading their story from start to finish, but I also enjoyed the supporting characters just as much. I love when there is a “side cast” that gives a story so much depth and you end up caring for them just as much as the main couple. If you have read and loved Dee Ellis in the past, End Game is a no brainer to read. If you are new and thinking about it I highly recommend it!
-XOXO Mackenzie
Profile Image for Michelle Vandal.
1,125 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2019
I adore Hailee and Connor
I rate a book by the way it makes me feel. This one had me feeling so many feels. I laughed, I cried. I was happy and sad. When a story pulls me into the characters journey as this one did and I come out at the end happy to take the ride then it's a good one. A story I'd definitely recommend to others. Subscribe to Dee's newsletter for the bonus epilogue. I love seeing more about characters I've come to know and love so to me it's a no brainer. Plus you get news about future releases - Hint, hint - hopefully Paisley & Bran and Bella & Reed with cameos of Hailee & Conner 😉🤞🏻
Profile Image for Michelle Krystel .
2,051 reviews52 followers
November 6, 2019
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. At first I was worried I wasn't going to like this book because I'm huge on instalove. But End game was amazing after the first and second chapter I couldnt stop reading I read this book in afew hours. And am crazy about conner. When I first saw him cry I was um no he's not for me. But man I was ever conner crying shows what a confident person he is. Mind you I rifht agree with all his choices and I was upset sometimes but I understand life doesn't always work out the way you want it too. We have struggles some are harder than others. But the end game is what keeps you going.
Profile Image for Courtney Turner.
1,716 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2019
Forever and always, this book was so amazing I couldn’t put it down once I started it.

Conner and Hailee are the quintessential high school sweethearts. But their love story isn’t simple and easy. They have to struggle through, unexpected health issues, family interference, and distance.

This story definitely wasn’t an easy read. The author tears you heart out but eventually puts it back together. I felt like I was put through the wringer when I finished this book but I was so worth it! Loved it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristina Simkins.
632 reviews9 followers
October 25, 2019
Wow! This book’s storyline and characters are are phenomenal.

Conner and Hailee’s journey is amazing. Following them through the ups and downs, dedication, questions, and so much more of what finding your soulmate/one true love mean.

These CHAMPIONS won’t let anything come between them. Not their futures or other surprising circumstances. The won’t give up, the will fight, because THEY are the END GAME!🖤💙
1,089 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2019
I absolutely loved Hailee and Conner's story! Hailee meets Connor at her new school where he decides that they are going to be best friends. They are both young but the connection/chemistry they share is amazing. Their story is full of love, laughter, protective older brothers, promises, drama, tears, and a beautifully told slow burn. Highly unputdownable and a must read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
November 2, 2019
End Game by Dee Ellis is a great read.interesting,unique,filled with drama and romance.young love thats Conner and Hailee they become BFF and more, lots of sexual tension between the two, its hard to put it down, loved the characters and the supporting characters i hope they have their own HEA,great storyline,interesting characters with great chemistry,well done!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.6k reviews28 followers
November 2, 2019
This is a love story that builds from a friendship and over the years it grows into love. Conner has always had a dream of becoming a football star no matter what until he meets Hailee. Now his plans include her. I felt for Conner and Hailee and everything they went through. This is a heartbreakingly beautiful story and I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
October 31, 2019
Love Connor and Hailee. There is everything here and some things will gut you because you don't see coming. I love friends-to-lovers and the story behind them is so sweet and full of heart that I had all the feels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,594 reviews3 followers
October 31, 2019
This is a wellwritten pageturner and a real gem! I loved the emotional story line and the characters. Love how Conner knows what he wants and that he sets out to get it. Love the bond between him and Hailee.
Highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,561 reviews19 followers
November 1, 2019
Who is your end game? Hailey is a very strong heroine, with a few strong lessons, she teaches us before the first chapter even ends. This was an incredible read, I read it in one sitting. This author never disappoints.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dita.
1,138 reviews13 followers
November 7, 2019
3.5 sweet stars.

Oh this one is different than any of Dee Ellis books, this one got more depth, more emotional, more drama and I'm a sucker for an obsessive alpha. It might a bit slow for my taste and some steamy parts a bit too much sometimes, but those didn't stop me from enjoying this book.

If you're looking for a romance read, you neneed to try this one.
7,813 reviews65 followers
November 10, 2019
This is a great read. The characters are well developed and engaging and they have a strong chemistry throughout. The storyline flowed smoothly from start to finish it had me captivated from beginning to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Des.
231 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2019
DNF @ 15%.

I usually force myself to make it to 25% but I couldn’t do it this time. So she’s a minor in college, a huge college, yet everyone noticed the new girl. Apparently they also have school dances. If everything was set in high school, I might’ve been able to swing with this. But I can’t. Oh well.
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