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NE University #2
Seeing Red
From the outside, looking in, it probably seems as though Anna Eubanks has it all. Beauty, money, and plenty of shiny things. But things are not always as they appear, and sometimes, not everything that shines is really gold. Deep down, she’s stuck under her mothers’ thumb, always feeling like she’s not enough. But what happens when she feels a connection with someone she shouldn’t while at her boyfriend’s family dinner? As she tries to navigate life to accommodate her own needs and not her parents’, will they accept it? Or will she be pushed out like an unwanted guest?
Mason King is living the good life. Being one of the star football players at New England University certainly has its perks. Popularity, the best parties, and an unlimited supply of women throwing themselves at him. When his half-brother brings his girlfriend to a family dinner, he can’t help but be intrigued by her. Time and time again, the universe drops this green-eyed, smart-mouthed beauty into his path. Will he fight their undeniable chemistry forever? Or will their circumstances make it impossible for them to deny their true feelings?
Mason King is living the good life. Being one of the star football players at New England University certainly has its perks. Popularity, the best parties, and an unlimited supply of women throwing themselves at him. When his half-brother brings his girlfriend to a family dinner, he can’t help but be intrigued by her. Time and time again, the universe drops this green-eyed, smart-mouthed beauty into his path. Will he fight their undeniable chemistry forever? Or will their circumstances make it impossible for them to deny their true feelings?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2021
275 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Gray
31 books1,375 followersHannah Gray spends her days in vacationland, living in a small, quaint town on the coast of Maine. She is an avid reader of contemporary romance and is always in competition with herself to read more books every year.
During the day, she loves on her three perfect-to-her daughters and tries to be the best mom she can be. But once she tucks them in at night--okay, scratch that. Once they fall asleep next to her in her bed--because their bedrooms apparently have monsters in them--she dives into her own fantasy world, staying awake well into the late-night hours, typing away stories about her characters. As much as she loves being a wife and mom--and she certainly does love it--reading and writing are her outlet, giving her a place to travel far away while still physically being with her family.
She married her better half in 2013, and he's been putting up with her craziness every day since. As her anchor, he's her one constant in this insane, forever-changing world.
Facbook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgrayau...
Twitter: @AuthorHannahGr1
IG: @authorhannah_gray
During the day, she loves on her three perfect-to-her daughters and tries to be the best mom she can be. But once she tucks them in at night--okay, scratch that. Once they fall asleep next to her in her bed--because their bedrooms apparently have monsters in them--she dives into her own fantasy world, staying awake well into the late-night hours, typing away stories about her characters. As much as she loves being a wife and mom--and she certainly does love it--reading and writing are her outlet, giving her a place to travel far away while still physically being with her family.
She married her better half in 2013, and he's been putting up with her craziness every day since. As her anchor, he's her one constant in this insane, forever-changing world.
Facbook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgrayau...
Twitter: @AuthorHannahGr1
IG: @authorhannah_gray
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 4, 2020
LOVED Anna and Mason's story so much! More to come.
★ℂ𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕒𝕝★
We’re so excited to reveal the cover of 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐝 by Hannah Gray! This is a NA stand alone in a new sports romance series! Add it to your TBR here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Pre-order here—> https://amzn.to/3qwC34G
Blurb:
From the outside, looking in, it probably seems as though Anna Eubanks has it all. Beauty, money, and plenty of shiny things. But things are not always as they appear, and sometimes, not everything that shines is really gold. Deep down, she’s stuck under her mothers’ thumb, always feeling like she’s not enough. But what happens when she feels a connection with someone she shouldn’t while at her boyfriend’s family dinner? As she tries to navigate life to accommodate her own needs and not her parents’, will they accept it? Or will she be pushed out like an unwanted guest?
Mason King is living the good life. Being one of the star football players at New England University certainly has its perks. Popularity, the best parties, and an unlimited supply of women throwing themselves at him. When his half-brother brings his girlfriend to a family dinner, he can’t help but be intrigued by her. Time and time again, the universe drops this green-eyed, smart-mouthed beauty into his path. Will he fight their undeniable chemistry forever? Or will their circumstances make it impossible for them to deny their true feelings?
Join Hannah's Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hanna...
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgrayau...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorHannahGr1
IG: https://www.instagram.com/authorhanna...
Contact: authorhannahgray@gmail.com
𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐝 (NE University #2)
NA Sports Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2021
Designed by Okay Creations.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
★ℂ𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕒𝕝★
We’re so excited to reveal the cover of 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐝 by Hannah Gray! This is a NA stand alone in a new sports romance series! Add it to your TBR here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Pre-order here—> https://amzn.to/3qwC34G
Blurb:
From the outside, looking in, it probably seems as though Anna Eubanks has it all. Beauty, money, and plenty of shiny things. But things are not always as they appear, and sometimes, not everything that shines is really gold. Deep down, she’s stuck under her mothers’ thumb, always feeling like she’s not enough. But what happens when she feels a connection with someone she shouldn’t while at her boyfriend’s family dinner? As she tries to navigate life to accommodate her own needs and not her parents’, will they accept it? Or will she be pushed out like an unwanted guest?
Mason King is living the good life. Being one of the star football players at New England University certainly has its perks. Popularity, the best parties, and an unlimited supply of women throwing themselves at him. When his half-brother brings his girlfriend to a family dinner, he can’t help but be intrigued by her. Time and time again, the universe drops this green-eyed, smart-mouthed beauty into his path. Will he fight their undeniable chemistry forever? Or will their circumstances make it impossible for them to deny their true feelings?
Join Hannah's Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hanna...
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hannahgrayau...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorHannahGr1
IG: https://www.instagram.com/authorhanna...
Contact: authorhannahgray@gmail.com
𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐝 (NE University #2)
NA Sports Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2021
Designed by Okay Creations.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
October 13, 2023
3.25 ⭐️
November 8, 2021
DNF @ 52%
Made it past half-way (just!) so it gets rated.
Made it past half-way (just!) so it gets rated.
January 18, 2021
4⭐️
This is my first read from Hannah Gray and I'm glad I signed up.
I enjoyed the book. I've always been a fan college romance and enemies to lovers trope.
I wish Anna made Mason grovel more. Like more than what she gave in story.
I felt for her... her heartache, her fear, the abandonment issues. She's a strong woman.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
This is my first read from Hannah Gray and I'm glad I signed up.
I enjoyed the book. I've always been a fan college romance and enemies to lovers trope.
I wish Anna made Mason grovel more. Like more than what she gave in story.
I felt for her... her heartache, her fear, the abandonment issues. She's a strong woman.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
October 12, 2021
Spoilers below - not safe:
I finished it, so it gets 2 stars. I wanted to like it more than I did. It was disjointed but they were both characters that I liked in the other books. Wtf is up with him getting into a full blown relationship with someone else though? Completely ruined it for me.
I finished it, so it gets 2 stars. I wanted to like it more than I did. It was disjointed but they were both characters that I liked in the other books. Wtf is up with him getting into a full blown relationship with someone else though? Completely ruined it for me.
January 14, 2026
I didn't like the Stassi bit, but hey, it was for half a chapter so I'm okay with it?
March 5, 2021
Lovely finish for this storyline
I loved these characters when we first meet in Chasing Sunshine. I really enjoyed how they banter & tease each other yet ended up with a pretty solid friendship. And they both had such challenges with their families. It is a well constructed story and makes sure you get how all the characters work. It is so fun that these guys are lifelong “brothers” & the girls are so yang & yang perfect friends. The love story here is certainly a struggle but the way it is woven through the separate & together lives of all is really well done.
Personally I think you should read the first of the series. It helps make the pieces fit!
I loved these characters when we first meet in Chasing Sunshine. I really enjoyed how they banter & tease each other yet ended up with a pretty solid friendship. And they both had such challenges with their families. It is a well constructed story and makes sure you get how all the characters work. It is so fun that these guys are lifelong “brothers” & the girls are so yang & yang perfect friends. The love story here is certainly a struggle but the way it is woven through the separate & together lives of all is really well done.
Personally I think you should read the first of the series. It helps make the pieces fit!
September 12, 2021
Amazing
I thought that I loved Cam and Trent, but I really loved Mason and Red!!! We got little snippets of them in the first book, so I was so glad when we finally got their story! And what a great story it was!! There were lots of twists and turns and surprises, but their love for each other was awesome! I swear these boys are amazing and the girls that are by their sides!!
I thought that I loved Cam and Trent, but I really loved Mason and Red!!! We got little snippets of them in the first book, so I was so glad when we finally got their story! And what a great story it was!! There were lots of twists and turns and surprises, but their love for each other was awesome! I swear these boys are amazing and the girls that are by their sides!!
June 17, 2021
Great book
I love Anna & Mason’s story.. This is a great series to read and I can’t wait to read the next book!
I love Anna & Mason’s story.. This is a great series to read and I can’t wait to read the next book!
May 13, 2021
I really enjoyed Mason and Anna’s story. I couldn’t put it down. Hannah Gray’s series is a great read!
March 4, 2021
Seeing perfect
Seeing red was the perfect 2nd book in this series. The way it was intertwined with book 1 was perfect
Seeing red was the perfect 2nd book in this series. The way it was intertwined with book 1 was perfect
September 7, 2021
Mason and Anna from first sight both felt they should be more than friends but circumstances kept them from being more than good friends. Right before graduation Ann's demanding terrible family upset her & Mason just so happened to be in restaurant where Anna was being attacked by her awful mother, he grabbed her and surprised her with a trip to his families beach house. Things really changed at the beach house in their relationship, however when they got back to the real world, Mason's step-brother had things to say about Anna & her family that made Mason cut off all communication. From there it is quite a ride for both of them to find each other again, when they finally do, you will find yourself cheering for them!!
I ran into this author by accident and both books I have read from this series are extremely well written and easy to read!! Do miss this series!!
I ran into this author by accident and both books I have read from this series are extremely well written and easy to read!! Do miss this series!!
January 4, 2021
Mason and Anna boy were they interesting. They met surprisingly when she was dating his half brother who he didn’t have a good relationship with. He was intrigued by the brunette beauty and she was also intrigued by him. Mason made her feel things that she wasn’t feeling with his brother. What Mason didn’t know was that looking from the outside in their relationship isn’t what everyone think it is. Fast forward some months and Anna and Mason basically become best friends after she breaks up with his brother. They have a lot in common and their banter was off the chain hilarious but they never crossed that line because they cherished and valued their friendship. But then things got blurry and one thing led to another and feelings were no longer able to be hidden. When things looked like they were finally going to to go well half brother messes everything up. It’s a whirlwind of events and a huge surprise when Mason and Anna meet again and she was different and not giving him the time of day. He worked hard to earn her trust again and she wasn’t making things easy for him. They had a back and forth until months later when she finally caved. Family secrets were revealed and they had each other’s backs when the other needed someone. It was a great read and the secondary characters added to the dynamics.
January 9, 2021
Anna comes from an affluent lifestyle however it comes at a cost which means having every aspect of future planned out with no thought to the life that she would like to lead. She never expected that attending dinner with her boyfriend would bring Mason into her life and have her second guessing the life decisions that are being forced on her.
Mason may be attracted to Anna but she is dating his half-brother so she is off limits. When fate brings them together again what started out as a friendship evolves into love, but they have a lot of challenges to overcome if they are to have a future together.
I enjoyed seeing the growth of both these characters as their story unfolded. Between the interference of others and the obstacles that they created their journey definitely had its setbacks but there is no denying that they belong together.
Mason may be attracted to Anna but she is dating his half-brother so she is off limits. When fate brings them together again what started out as a friendship evolves into love, but they have a lot of challenges to overcome if they are to have a future together.
I enjoyed seeing the growth of both these characters as their story unfolded. Between the interference of others and the obstacles that they created their journey definitely had its setbacks but there is no denying that they belong together.
April 10, 2021
I can’t write enough about how amazing this book was! The connection between Mason and Anna is everything! If you want a feel-good, happy-ending that just warms your heart, Hannah Gray is your girl! Who doesn’t love a good love story?! 10/10 recommending to everyone! Straight fire.
Read
January 8, 2021The emotions of these characters jumped off the pages!!!
I loved the first book, and this second book did not disappoint! I loved getting to know Anna and Mason. There love story was epic! I will have to say Anna is my favorite character so far. Its like I can connect with her. Anyone struggling with self acceptance would love this book!!
I loved the first book, and this second book did not disappoint! I loved getting to know Anna and Mason. There love story was epic! I will have to say Anna is my favorite character so far. Its like I can connect with her. Anyone struggling with self acceptance would love this book!!
February 20, 2021
I cannot for the life of me figure out how this book has such high ratings. It feels like I just sat through a montage of bad made for TV movies. At one point I knew it had to be almost over and I was only at 50%.
It was a great premise, but everyone fell flat beyond that.
1.5 Stars - Would not recommend!
It was a great premise, but everyone fell flat beyond that.
1.5 Stars - Would not recommend!
September 4, 2025
🏈Review🏈
4/5⭐️
What happens when your half brother is dating a girl that takes your breath away from the moment you see her......
Well you’re about to find out....
Mason and Anna take you on a journey....
This runs along with the first book and then goes onto new stuff..
They both have horrible families. They are both the black sheep of the family and want out....
Anna is dating Mason's brother Maverick until she walks in on him with her roommate...... She says boy bye......✌🏻
Maverick is a baseball player.... Mason is a football player.... They don't like each other.....
Mason and Anna grow close and have a great friendship but you can feel the tension/chemistry between them....
After having an amazing weekend away together Mason basically ghosts her and blocks her number and email... His brother Mav said some stuff and it messed with Mason's head...
He thought he was doing right by her but in the long run it hurt them both and made her not trust him...
When he see's her at the hospital things change majorly.....
He has always loved her and no other girl has compared to her....
I love that Mason steps up when he find out the news and tried to prove he isn't going anywhere...
He wants her and their daughter FOREVER!!!!!😝
—————————
“How could you love me when nobody else does?” He grips my chin, so I’m looking at him. “Red, I don’t give a fuck who loves you. I love you, and you’re mine. And I’m sure as hell yours. You just need to wake up and see it. Can you do that for me? Please?” I surprise myself when I nod weakly. Then, I kiss him hard.
4/5⭐️
What happens when your half brother is dating a girl that takes your breath away from the moment you see her......
Well you’re about to find out....
Mason and Anna take you on a journey....
This runs along with the first book and then goes onto new stuff..
They both have horrible families. They are both the black sheep of the family and want out....
Anna is dating Mason's brother Maverick until she walks in on him with her roommate...... She says boy bye......✌🏻
Maverick is a baseball player.... Mason is a football player.... They don't like each other.....
Mason and Anna grow close and have a great friendship but you can feel the tension/chemistry between them....
After having an amazing weekend away together Mason basically ghosts her and blocks her number and email... His brother Mav said some stuff and it messed with Mason's head...
He thought he was doing right by her but in the long run it hurt them both and made her not trust him...
When he see's her at the hospital things change majorly.....
He has always loved her and no other girl has compared to her....
I love that Mason steps up when he find out the news and tried to prove he isn't going anywhere...
He wants her and their daughter FOREVER!!!!!😝
—————————
“How could you love me when nobody else does?” He grips my chin, so I’m looking at him. “Red, I don’t give a fuck who loves you. I love you, and you’re mine. And I’m sure as hell yours. You just need to wake up and see it. Can you do that for me? Please?” I surprise myself when I nod weakly. Then, I kiss him hard.
July 1, 2023
Esta es la historia de Anna (la mejor amiga de Cameran, en el 1er libro) y Mason (El mejor amigo de Trent, 1er libro)
Anna fue novia del hermanastro de Mason, se conocen y se hacen amigos por Trent y Cameran. No quieren cruzar la linea para no molestar su amistad. A parte que Mason no quiere una relacion porque esta concentrado en su carrera de futbol.
El dia de la graduacion, Anna se enfrenta a su familia que siempre a querido manejar su vida, y Mason la lleva a su casa de playa donde pasan un fin de semana salvaje y Anna queda embarazada, solo que Mason la corta de su vida, por el hermanastro le dice que se aleje de ella o sino la familia de ella se va alejar de ella, y Mason no quiere que ella se aleje de su familia.
Opinion: Me gusto muchisimo 4/5! No podia dejar de leerla, una historia completa, con preguntas y respuestas. a comparacion del 1er libro este tiene una narrativa diferentes, y se enfoca mas en la accion. Tiene una parte triste, ella es una persona muy solitaria y Mason es inmaduro, que madura a la fuerza, cuando se da cuenta de lo que ha perdido. Spicy 2.75/5. Las partes picantes son sutiles, tiene su buena parte de "lento pero seguro", pero bien llevado y sublime.
Anna fue novia del hermanastro de Mason, se conocen y se hacen amigos por Trent y Cameran. No quieren cruzar la linea para no molestar su amistad. A parte que Mason no quiere una relacion porque esta concentrado en su carrera de futbol.
El dia de la graduacion, Anna se enfrenta a su familia que siempre a querido manejar su vida, y Mason la lleva a su casa de playa donde pasan un fin de semana salvaje y Anna queda embarazada, solo que Mason la corta de su vida, por el hermanastro le dice que se aleje de ella o sino la familia de ella se va alejar de ella, y Mason no quiere que ella se aleje de su familia.
Opinion: Me gusto muchisimo 4/5! No podia dejar de leerla, una historia completa, con preguntas y respuestas. a comparacion del 1er libro este tiene una narrativa diferentes, y se enfoca mas en la accion. Tiene una parte triste, ella es una persona muy solitaria y Mason es inmaduro, que madura a la fuerza, cuando se da cuenta de lo que ha perdido. Spicy 2.75/5. Las partes picantes son sutiles, tiene su buena parte de "lento pero seguro", pero bien llevado y sublime.
January 23, 2022
Mase 🤍🤍
I just knew I was going to love Mason and Anna’s story after seeing them as such amazing secondary characters in Trent and Cams story. I loved how much we got to watch these characters grow throughout their story, but what I really loved was how much we got to see them “grown up” a little. Trent and Cam had 95% of their book be while they were still in college and needed to grow, but that wasn’t the case for this one. It was definitely my fav of this series thus far.
Mason and Anna were absolutely two peas in a pod. They were so similar in so many ways and I feel like that’s why I loved them so much. Anna was strong when she needed to be but let herself fall with Mase.
Mason. That man was absolute yum. Not only is he an alpha football player but in this book he was extra special. We got to see that softer side of him for not only Anna but for their baby. It’s not something we typically see and it melted my heart to pieces.
I just knew I was going to love Mason and Anna’s story after seeing them as such amazing secondary characters in Trent and Cams story. I loved how much we got to watch these characters grow throughout their story, but what I really loved was how much we got to see them “grown up” a little. Trent and Cam had 95% of their book be while they were still in college and needed to grow, but that wasn’t the case for this one. It was definitely my fav of this series thus far.
Mason and Anna were absolutely two peas in a pod. They were so similar in so many ways and I feel like that’s why I loved them so much. Anna was strong when she needed to be but let herself fall with Mase.
Mason. That man was absolute yum. Not only is he an alpha football player but in this book he was extra special. We got to see that softer side of him for not only Anna but for their baby. It’s not something we typically see and it melted my heart to pieces.
February 14, 2022
💥WARNING-contains cheating.
I don’t know why I insist on finishing books that are so effing terrible. It’s a compulsion. I get attached to characters and need to have closure.
Let me be clear. This. Was. Awful.
This author will get no more support from me, I already feel cheated that this is the garbage “football” story I read over SuperBowl weekend. I’m so disappointed in myself I gave these books so much of my life. Was. Not. Worthy.
⭐️=DNF or barely finished it, not likely to read author again-don’t read.
⭐️⭐️=meh, wasn’t great, also didn’t hate it. Will afford author grace (maybe).
⭐️⭐️⭐️=I liked it, it entertained me, I’ll continue to support this author and would recommend their work.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=loved it, everyone should read it, I’ll likely reread this book again. I can’t wait to inhale every book this author has gifted us with!!!g
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=I have an obsession with this story, and reread it often. I have hero worship for this author and read all their stories.
I don’t know why I insist on finishing books that are so effing terrible. It’s a compulsion. I get attached to characters and need to have closure.
Let me be clear. This. Was. Awful.
This author will get no more support from me, I already feel cheated that this is the garbage “football” story I read over SuperBowl weekend. I’m so disappointed in myself I gave these books so much of my life. Was. Not. Worthy.
⭐️=DNF or barely finished it, not likely to read author again-don’t read.
⭐️⭐️=meh, wasn’t great, also didn’t hate it. Will afford author grace (maybe).
⭐️⭐️⭐️=I liked it, it entertained me, I’ll continue to support this author and would recommend their work.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=loved it, everyone should read it, I’ll likely reread this book again. I can’t wait to inhale every book this author has gifted us with!!!g
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️=I have an obsession with this story, and reread it often. I have hero worship for this author and read all their stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2023
Book two of the NE University Series by Hannah Gray.
Wow, this book, is such a great read.
Anna Eubanks has the looks, money, everything really, and with that comes being under her mother's thumb and living up to her ideals.
While at her boyfriend's family dinner one day, she meets someone who she feels an instant connection with…
Mason King is living his best life, a top footballer at NEU. He goes to the best parties, is surrounded by beautiful ladies, and is popular. One day he goes to his father's family dinner and meets someone who he has an instant connection with…
Fate keeps throwing them at each other, but with their own lives to lead what will happen?
I loved how Anna and Mason bantered with each other, the banter and chemistry were so good.
Miscommunication plays a big key in the book.
Parts were very emotional and the last parts of the book were unexpected.
Such a good sports romance, now I’m on to read Losing Memphis.
Wow, this book, is such a great read.
Anna Eubanks has the looks, money, everything really, and with that comes being under her mother's thumb and living up to her ideals.
While at her boyfriend's family dinner one day, she meets someone who she feels an instant connection with…
Mason King is living his best life, a top footballer at NEU. He goes to the best parties, is surrounded by beautiful ladies, and is popular. One day he goes to his father's family dinner and meets someone who he has an instant connection with…
Fate keeps throwing them at each other, but with their own lives to lead what will happen?
I loved how Anna and Mason bantered with each other, the banter and chemistry were so good.
Miscommunication plays a big key in the book.
Parts were very emotional and the last parts of the book were unexpected.
Such a good sports romance, now I’m on to read Losing Memphis.
January 10, 2026
Seeing Red — Hannah Gray
Seeing Red felt like stepping into a relationship built on tension and unspoken hurt. Red and Everly don’t just clash — they spark. Their emotions sit right under the surface, and every scene feels like it could tip into something explosive or unexpectedly soft. That messy, volatile energy is what pulled me in. You can feel the early‑Hannah‑Gray intensity here: fast pacing, big feelings, and characters who don’t know how to communicate but feel everything anyway. I definitely wanted more breathing room in places, but the emotional chaos between them kept me turning pages.
🔥 Tropes
• Angsty, high‑tension romance
• Enemies‑to‑something‑more vibes
• Grumpy, emotionally shut‑down MMC
• Fiery FMC who pushes back
• Hurt people hurting each other
• Slow shift from conflict to vulnerability
• College setting with heavy emotional stakes
Check out my post
Instagram: Ratetherosterwithjess
Seeing Red felt like stepping into a relationship built on tension and unspoken hurt. Red and Everly don’t just clash — they spark. Their emotions sit right under the surface, and every scene feels like it could tip into something explosive or unexpectedly soft. That messy, volatile energy is what pulled me in. You can feel the early‑Hannah‑Gray intensity here: fast pacing, big feelings, and characters who don’t know how to communicate but feel everything anyway. I definitely wanted more breathing room in places, but the emotional chaos between them kept me turning pages.
🔥 Tropes
• Angsty, high‑tension romance
• Enemies‑to‑something‑more vibes
• Grumpy, emotionally shut‑down MMC
• Fiery FMC who pushes back
• Hurt people hurting each other
• Slow shift from conflict to vulnerability
• College setting with heavy emotional stakes
Check out my post
Instagram: Ratetherosterwithjess
December 9, 2022
Anna and Mason. Whew. I was excited for their story! Anna’s dark past with an emotionally abusive mother and distant father and sister left her always feeling out of place. Even with her then boyfriend Maverick she just felt like a place holder. Until Mason. For the first time she felt like she belonged. Mason ghosted Anna for what he thought was all the right reasons after their weekend together. He didn’t want her to lose her family to be with him. Turns out it didn’t matter, and she lost them all.
With an unexpected +1 to join their family soon… They have to try to repair the damages done to their relationship for the best of all.
I really enjoyed the banter and fun they had together. Both of them always seemed comfortable. Do I like how their story played out yes, but also was disappointed in Mason’s actions. They get their HAE though and it was worth the wait.
With an unexpected +1 to join their family soon… They have to try to repair the damages done to their relationship for the best of all.
I really enjoyed the banter and fun they had together. Both of them always seemed comfortable. Do I like how their story played out yes, but also was disappointed in Mason’s actions. They get their HAE though and it was worth the wait.
December 2, 2024
Hannah what are you doing to me! We saw some bits of Anna and Mason in the last book and now to see the whole story come together was fantastic.
Anna has a slightly toxic relationship with her parents that really controls a lot of the story. Anna actually started off in a relationship with Mason's brother. That didn't end well. Now they are thrown together because of their friends relationship and things start to progress between them. Their friendship/relationship takes place over the course of their senior year when things really start to get hot between them. But Mason backs away and doesn't talk to Anna. Now when Anna needs him most, she can't get a hold of him.
Anna has a slightly toxic relationship with her parents that really controls a lot of the story. Anna actually started off in a relationship with Mason's brother. That didn't end well. Now they are thrown together because of their friends relationship and things start to progress between them. Their friendship/relationship takes place over the course of their senior year when things really start to get hot between them. But Mason backs away and doesn't talk to Anna. Now when Anna needs him most, she can't get a hold of him.
January 5, 2022
Great second book
Ok , negatives first. At times I found myself skim reading as parts dragged on and I felt like we didn't get much of Lane (book 3) as much as we got Mason in book one....
Positives!!! I loved the background, so pleased the author did this. It really gave you the insight of Red and Mason joyney. I truly loved BOTH characters and how they grew throughout the book. 'Red' and her strength, Mason with his good guy self. The chemistry was there from the go, which made the 'college ' years believable.
I read book 1 first and would recommend reading in order
Ok , negatives first. At times I found myself skim reading as parts dragged on and I felt like we didn't get much of Lane (book 3) as much as we got Mason in book one....
Positives!!! I loved the background, so pleased the author did this. It really gave you the insight of Red and Mason joyney. I truly loved BOTH characters and how they grew throughout the book. 'Red' and her strength, Mason with his good guy self. The chemistry was there from the go, which made the 'college ' years believable.
I read book 1 first and would recommend reading in order
August 30, 2022
Took me a little to read. It jumped around a little didn't give me much details of how they spent their time together for them to be bestfriends. In the first book it told a little more, made is seem like a little more than what it was, but other than that it was a great story. It was very loving and so fricken cute. Obviously I got a little frustrated the characters because of the way that they acted and couldn't tell they loved each other, but you know thats what make the books it is amazing and its so cute. I love the story line and how it all pans out.
July 14, 2025
My Thoughts: Anna, aka Red, struggles with her judgmental mother and living with her high expectations of her. She starts dating Maverick, a star baseball player and the man her mother thinks is perfect to maintain their image and lifestyle. Unexpectedly, during a family dinner, she meets Maverick's step-brother, Mason. Anna and Mason have an instant connection, but she fights the attraction while continuing to date Maverick. Mason and Anna's attraction and chemistry are undeniable. This book has college, betrayals, twists, spice, and a second chance romance. I enjoyed their story.
December 21, 2025
3.25 stars: Better than book 1, but still the work of a younger newer author. Keep reading because once you get to Brooks College and Florida East, HG really starts to grow as a writer. Reading these now is fun because I can see that growth. This story is good. Starts rushed as we blast through some of the plot points that were in book 1 assuming readers have already read that book. If you did not read it, will likely feel even more rushed.
Once you get past that timeline, it gets better.
I was irritated that she forgave him so quickly for a few things. And that he was so dumb too…
Once you get past that timeline, it gets better.
I was irritated that she forgave him so quickly for a few things. And that he was so dumb too…
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