Keeping Score

by Cathryn Fox

"I am loving this series more and more with every new release!" 5 Stars, Dar, Amazon Reviewer.My boyfriend has a debt to pay, and no money to pay it. Desperate for a way out, he begs me to help.Little did I expect for him to hand me over to the man he hated.Rocco Gianni isn’t just a scholarship student at Kingston. He’s a tough kid from the streets of Detroit—the scariest baller on campus. And now he owns me.Everything about him frightens me. Intrigues me. Makes me breathless.But Rocco has a score to settle, and promises to get his money’s worth.From me.Any way he desires.Want to know what scares me the most?That I’m going to let him.

Genres: Sports, Enemies To Lovers

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2021

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cathryn Fox is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. Cathryn lives in beautiful Nova Scotia with her husband, who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. When not writing, Cathryn can be found Skyping with her son living in Seattle (could he have moved any farther away?) shopping with her daughter in the city, watching a big action flick with her husband, or hanging out and laughing with friends.

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going after what they wanted

Rocco’s first decade spent with an abuse father and then tossed from dysfunctional foster home to the next took its toll on him. It made him tough, free with his language, and fight ready. There was something else about him. He was smart. A high school teacher push him hard while encouraging him to go to college and prove to himself he was better than his past. He even gave him an incentive a 1969 Honda CB 750 motorcycle and told him to take good care of her, a ride for college. College hadn’t been easy that first year. Stuck with an elitist room mate they hated each other. Now in his final year, he was a top student, played football and had a good shot at a spot in the NFL. Until his ex roommate, went up against him in an expensive game of cards.
Cochrane’s funds had been cut off and he couldn’t pay up. In desperation he offered Rocco his girlfriend for a month of anything goes. Rocco had always had a real soft spot for the beautiful Reagan in part to get back at Cochrane, but mostly to get to spend time with Reagan he accepted, if she did.
Reagan was furious with Cochrane, there families had always been friends. Which was how they ended up dating, making plans for the future together. In truth, Reagan loved art, painting, sketching she never wanted to become a lawyer. It was all to make her parents happy. It wasn’t until Rocco stepped into her life and showed her she be her own person follow her dreams and what truly caring about someone was like that she started to believe things could change.
The beautiful romance from two people coming from totally different backgrounds could build a friendship, a relationship and a love. There is only one villain here, and adults who just needed a nudge to realize they were pushing for the wrong things in life for their children. Reagan grows through out the story, Rocco mellows out a bit, there are friends to support them and a young man who had too many things given to him leading him to believe the world was his oyster. I loved Rocco’s compassionate nurturing character, while still being a little rough around the edges. There is definitely spice and open door intimacy. If you enjoy romance with heat and tough guy that stands up for himself and others with a heart already spoken for, a woman who just needed a little push to follow her dreams, a spoiled brat of a young man who needs to be shown his actions can cost him big time, and a touch of sports talk, I can highly recommend this title. I will be looking forward to reading other titles in Cathryn Fox’s repertoire.

[Aminah Ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't sure what to expect from this book as this was a first from the author for me, but I enjoyed reading this relatively quick and steamy sports romance.

Reagan reluctantly goes along with her boyfriend's suggestion of her being 'payment' to Rocco, after he loses a gambling round. Whilst this is definitely an unrealistic situation in real life, i like that it wasn't made creepy with the expectation of sex. Instead it's quite clear that that's off the table and Rocco needs to find some other way to spend a months time with Reagan.

Although Reagan and Rocco come from two different worlds, i was glad that they didn't have the stereotypical rich princess, poor guy storyline. Whilst Rocco does come from a poor, abusive background, he doesn't have any negative feelings towards Reagan just because she's rich. Even making a point of telling her that she shouldn't have to apologise for being born into a family that has more than he did.

And although Reagan doesn't initially have the highest opinion of him, given the circumstances, I can see why she's not best pleased with Rocco. But even then, she still doesn't act snobbish towards him. Likewise, although her parents seem like the stereotypical rich political parents, when her father is brought in, he doesn't immediately look down on Rocco or treat him like scum.

There was a lot of sexual tension between Rocco and Reagan and given the pace of the story it was quite a fast burn too, which I'm always a fan of! Rocco was such a sweetheart underneath it all, but he certainly knew how to give his all when it came to dirty talk. I didn't find him cringy during those scenes either which was a huge bonus for me as it can be a very fine line between sexy and cringey!

I do think certain parts of this could have been fleshed out more, like getting to see more of Reagan's parents. But overall, this was relatively fast paced and a very steamy read that I enjoyed reading which is why I rated this 3.8 stars.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raegan agrees to belong to Rocco Gianni for one month as a repayment for a gambling debt her boyfriend, Cochrane, owes. Afraid of rocking the proverbial boat of their relationship, she pushes ahead, though her mind and body tell her that Rocco may be dangerous to both. Her privileged upbringing has embedded the need to follow an expected path, and Rocco is not a stop along that way. As she begins her 'sentence' with him, she finds out that he isn't at all as scary as the scars on his body may seem. But when Cochrane demands that she come back to him, and she's caught between a scary rock and a hard place.

Rocco is accustomed to having to fight for the things he wants. A not-so-pleasant childhood has taught him that some things are too good to be true, and that the truly good things are only temporary. Having Raegan belong to him wasn't originally a plan to fall for her, but her sweetness draws him, continually rousing the protector in him. And when it seems as though being with him will hurt her, he knows he's in for the biggest and scariest fight of his life.

This book will pull you in almost from the very first line. Rocco is the guy that Raegan wasn't looking for, and didn't know she needed. Some people fully blossom when they are fully loved, and Rocco and Raegan do it for each other. With each other, they find a sort of peace that has been elusive. The way Rocco cares for Raegan shows that he is the kind of man you would want by your side, no matter what. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make and keep her happy.

"How could a girl not love a guy who would sacrifice everything for love?"

I highly recommend this romance. It's steamy, but also sweet, with lots of moments that touch your heart. Get lost in Rocco & Raegan; you'll see settling debts in a whole new light.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Regan agreed to help her boyfriend out of a jam she never expected for it to land her in the hands of the devil himself. Rocco Gianni is as tough as they come, growing up on the streets of Detroit he had no other choice than to be tough to protect himself. He's big, intimidating, mildly scary... and oh so sexy. Regan knows the minute she lands on his doorstep that she is in trouble... but nothing could have prepared her for just how much!

Keeping Score is a steamy little page-turner that will have you sporting a permanent blush the whole way through! These two stir up some serious heat between the pages while trying settle the debts incurred. This well penned tale captured my attention at first glance and held it intently until I stumbled upon the last page in the wee hours of the morning... once I got started I just couldn't stop! I love sports romances and this one checked all the boxes for me... it was passionate, wildly entertaining, and so good on the heart! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Books+Coffee=Happiness Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I wanted to binge read this in one sitting, my tired eyes wouldn't permit me.

The characters, including the secondary characters, were very well written in Keeping Score. Even though there were times I wanted to scream at Regan to stand up for herself, to live her life for her and not for everyone else, I could understand her reasoning. I had once been her until someone told me to stop trying to make everyone around me happy and do what made ME happy. I was so glad Regan figured that out by the end.

Rocco might have come from the wrong side of town, but he was such a sweetheart! Big tough guy on the field, yet super protective of women. What wasn't to love? From the beginning, I'd hoped Regan would wake up and realize how wonderful he was. Especially compared to her controlling, whiny, sorry excuse of a boyfriend.

If you're looking for a book that's a bit of action, some misunderstandings, but one heck of a happy ending, Keeping Score is - in my opinion - excellent!

[Emma bramley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series by this author. This story follows the characters Rocco and Regan, you just fall in love with the characters from the start of the book. This story just sucks you in from the beginning. This story has the perfect mix of drama, adventure and hot and steamy moments to make this a must read book. This is the perfect steamy sports romance read. Once you start this book you can't put it down till you've done then you are left wanting more. Another fantastic read from this author.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review
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[Amanda Winterstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story that sucked me in from the beginning; I lost all track of time and things going on around me. I stayed up late to finish the book as I was so wrapped up in the story. Rocco and Regan are from such different worlds but Rocco is the man you want at your back. Regan is a mix of innocent and naïve but not so much so that you can’t relate to her. As a lead female character you can’t help but love Regan and who she is.

The story is weaved excellently; there is the perfect amount of drama and thrilling adventure that has you turning each page wanting to know if Rocco gets the girl. I highly recommend this book. You do not have to have read the other End Game Novels to enjoy this steamy story!

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series more and more with every new release! This time around we have the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the good girl who has her life planned out. Well, obviously, things go off track from that plan, or these two would not end up together. And thankfully that happened, because they are perfect together. As they get to know each other, they click in the ways that allow him to think of what he really wants and her to realize what she really wants. Luckily, along with those life realizations, they fall in love with each other, and get what they really need from that <3

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regan is in for the surprise of her life when she finds out that she has just become collateral in a debt owed by her boyfriend to Rocco. There are so many thoughts and feelings go through her head but none of them included developing feelings for the man she should want nothing to do with.

Football and college is Rocco’s way of overcoming his less than ideal childhood. He has had to fight for everything he has in his life and once he meets Regan, he knows that the same holds true for her.

Two people who are opposites in personalities and lifestyles whose lives wouldn’t ordinarily collide take us on quite the ride as they realize that in the end love is all that really matters.

[Melenareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cathryn Fox continues her End Zone series with Regan and Rocco's story. I have enjoyed the other books in this series and Keeping Score is no exception!

The story and characters kept my attention from beginning to end. Cathryn did a nice job building up who these characters were and then having them face the obstacles and chemistry between them.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Score by Cathryn Fox is the third book in the End Zone series.  I was really interested in this book after reading the blurb.  It checked so many boxes I was looking for in a book at that moment.  Once I started reading, I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed.  Its sexy, suspenseful, sweet... I loved the way the characters started to form a bond and had to fight for their future.  I was left feeling satisfied by the good storyline and interesting characters.

[Rebel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I will definitely read more of her books.
I read this in a day and really enjoyed it, the characters are great (except Cochrane) and the storyline flowed. Rocco made my heart melt as he was so thoughtful and selfless and he was offered the chance to spend time with Reagan after winning a game of cards with Cochrane. Cochrane couldn't pay up so offered his girlfriend as payment (what a charmer) and as the story progressed Rocco and Reagan began to catch feelings.

[booklover0228 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reagan’s boyfriend loses in a card game and has no money to pay, he offers her as payment to Rocco.
She at first is over the top mad about what her boyfriend did. But after getting to know Rocco she finds that he is not what everyone is saying he is.
Her boyfriend goes after Rocco because he knows Reagan is falling for him. After a ton of problems with her ex they finally get the HEA they both deserve.

This was a fantastic read!

[Guylande Jeudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

" I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. "

I usually stay clear of college romances but the blurb was captivating and I wanted to give it a try. This book was so good all around, the characters were well developed and well written. The author made sure that you are emotionally linked to the story because it is something that you can easily relate to. I absolutely LOVED it!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rocco and Reagan.
A lovely story of a young couple getting to know and rely on each other. Occasionally it was frustrating that the heroine wasn't stronger and didn’t simply tell her boyfriend where to get off, but then I suppose that would have killed the storyline!!

[Cheyenne (BookishByCheyenne) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much better then I thought it was going to be. While there were moments that I wanted to threw the book, it was well rounded. The characters come full circle. Over all a great football romance book.

[TINA WILLIAMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping Score is a great story with a very interesting plot. I really loved the evolution of these endearing characters. This was a very well-written, emotional story. I highly recommend this read!!

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, tart and just right!

It began as a bee in a card game. Then, there was a plan to get even. It all went sideways with the girl he couldn’t stop thinking about.

[Gigi Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read on Radish. Rocco may not have had the easiest of childhoods but at least he was a gentleman with Reagan. Cochran is an idiot of the worst sort.

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - "End Zone Book 1-3"