Four part book = four part review
And I’m shocked to say I haven’t read any of them before. I’ll update as I go.
Book 1 - Ace of Hearts
I remember why I passed on these. FU High. Really? Not a great name and it automatically made me think bully romance. And if you follow my reviews you know I’m not a fan of bully romance. However, this book was not a bully romance. It’s an instalove friends to lovers. Yes, it’s both…she takes her time, he doesn’t.
It’s a cute story. I like that they’re both new to the school and they’re both kind people with kind families. I like that the drama wasn’t because of people specifically in their lives, but schoolmates.
Didn’t love the school. Something about Carter irked me…I’m sure his is going to be one of the next books, but the double standard of his treatment of his fellow players isn’t cool. Frankly, I blame him for the fact that essentially every football player is all about sexual assault. Or at least that’s how the women perceive them and that’s enough for me. But I’ll admit I’m interested to see why. The secondary characters in general are interesting. It’ll be nice seeing who gets their HEA.
There were too many epilogues in this book. It’s one of Ella’s earlier books so I know four epilogues are not her usual. I’m not a fan of it. But the story overall? I liked it. I’m excited to read the next three.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2 - Deuces Wild
Well dang, I thought I was gonna hate Carter. Nope. Loved him. Loved Mallory most, but I absolutely loved him and Mallory. She brought him out of his shell and made him a better man. All the while, she embraced him for the man he is.
Their drama included their own families which is sucky for them, but it did add just the right amount of drama. The fact that they were both loners with come serious issues dealing with people made them pretty perfect for each other.
I definitely preferred this book to the first. And I enjoyed the first. But I loved this one. Loved it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3 - Two of a Kind
This one was cute. I was waiting for Melody’s story. And it’s nice to know more about Brad the hacker. I really didn’t get from the other books that he cared so little about school, but it wasn’t a huge leap. It was believable with his hacking skills. I loved that Melody was unique from the moment we met her.
I loved the relationship between Melody and Brad’s sister Belle. Watching all of the women in this little world begin their HEA by the end of the story was lovely. It stretched believability a bit too much for me by the end. We all know the dad wouldn’t have gotten that much of a comeuppance. But the fantasy was nice.
Aly’s name was spelled with one L in books one and two, but is spelled with two in book three. It’s a random annoyance, but it is an example of a noticeable continuity error.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and it was a cute story. I didn’t love it as much as book two, but I liked it more than book one. Honestly, the more I read the more I realize just how idyllic book one was. That’s not a bad thing, I just like the bits of stress. There was very little stress in the first book.
Dang. I just realized just how much I like cliche drama. Ugh. It is what it is. Lol.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 4 - He’s All In
This one was cute. I really liked Chandler. I can’t help but love a baker. And think it was precious that she and Berkley were so intent on not hurting Davis’ feelings, but loved each other too much to be willing to hold back. And ‘sweetness’ [sigh]
I shelved it as a brother’s best friend because even though Davis isn’t Chandler’s brother she and he call themselves siblings at heart multiple times. And the big drama standing in out H and h’s way is a big brother type.
It’s interesting that this takes place during the pandemic. I am honestly not a huge fan of pandemic stories - I know I’m not the only person who wants to gloss over the whole experience - but I liked how it was added in.
I also liked that Davis could be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The fact that its open ended and everyone is accepting no matter what is kind of beautiful. My only issue is that this is the last book so we’re not going to get to see Davis’ relationship play out. Kind of a cop out if you ask me.
Overall, it’s a cute story with some fun and some steam. Girlfriend really needs to wear panties more often though.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Final thoughts -
This is a cute collection. It’s clearly written at different times in the writers tenure. The first story has multiple epilogues…so glad she grew out of that…but it’s a cute story that proves her potential and her writing chops. The second is a new favorite of mine. I didn’t expect to love Carter, but he’s stuck with me. The third fits in perfectly with Ella’s signature style. And the final story shows her growth and how much farther she can go.
The final story fits with the other three, but it is a different time. I got the impression in book one that Davis and Berkley were seniors like Carter and Owen, but they’re lines were quick and very early on so it didn’t matter too much. But in that book Carter and Owen have graduated so they’re no featured.
Overall, it’s a cute collection and I’m very glad I read it. I’m SO glad there wasn’t a bully romance in the bunch. Just some healthy enemies to lovers. Four stars overall.