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Brooks University #1
Love, Ally
The world never granted me much. No warm and cozy home to rest my head, no loving parents to cheer at my games or remember my birthday, and certainly no finer things in life. Just a damn good arm to throw a football and a hunger inside of me that I hoped would lead me straight to the NFL.
I was twelve years old when the universe finally delivered its first gift. A beautiful angel, though my angel certainly wore no halo. She dressed in the same tattered clothes that I did, and her eyes were as lost and broken as mine were.
All it took was one look at her face, and I knew she had been made for me and me alone. From that day forward, my soul was hooked, taken, a slave to hers. Nothing could come between us. I was headed to college and then pro ball, and she would be by my side, where she belonged.
Until one day, she disappeared without a word.
The love of my life, my best friend, was suddenly gone, vanished, evaporated into thin air. Almost as if she were never even here.
Now, over a year later, at Brooks College in Georgia, she’s back. I want vengeance for her leaving me so callously. But one look into her stormy-blue eyes, and I’m enamored yet again.
But she’s keeping secrets. Pushing me away so that they remain buried in the past. She’s forgetting one thing though—when it comes to her, I’ll stop at nothing.
She can’t keep me at arm’s length forever. After all, she is mine.
This is a complete stand alone in the Brooks University series.
Second Chance Sports Romance
I was twelve years old when the universe finally delivered its first gift. A beautiful angel, though my angel certainly wore no halo. She dressed in the same tattered clothes that I did, and her eyes were as lost and broken as mine were.
All it took was one look at her face, and I knew she had been made for me and me alone. From that day forward, my soul was hooked, taken, a slave to hers. Nothing could come between us. I was headed to college and then pro ball, and she would be by my side, where she belonged.
Until one day, she disappeared without a word.
The love of my life, my best friend, was suddenly gone, vanished, evaporated into thin air. Almost as if she were never even here.
Now, over a year later, at Brooks College in Georgia, she’s back. I want vengeance for her leaving me so callously. But one look into her stormy-blue eyes, and I’m enamored yet again.
But she’s keeping secrets. Pushing me away so that they remain buried in the past. She’s forgetting one thing though—when it comes to her, I’ll stop at nothing.
She can’t keep me at arm’s length forever. After all, she is mine.
This is a complete stand alone in the Brooks University series.
Second Chance Sports Romance
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2021
630 people are currently reading
3576 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Gray
31 books1,345 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 221 reviews
July 19, 2022
One of the worst books I’ve ever read. Absolute hot garbage. Only adding it here because my challenge is going down fast and I gotta keep it up. But holy shit.
This 1 star dumpster fire has everything:
- No concise plot whatsoever
- Cringy dialogue that makes you feel like to travelled back to 2006
- A female lead that’s distinctively Not Like Other Girls
- Abrasive toxic masculinity in both characters, somehow
- Toxic codependency and trauma bonding masquerading as romance
- Timeline? Pacing? We don’t know her
- I guess “show, don’t tell” was too much to ask of this author because the couple had to bang every other chapter??? Important, I know
- Literally what is the point of this book
- How did this get written in the year of our lord 2021?? I’m genuinely asking
I really don’t know why I read this. I wanted to think it would get better…eventually…but it did not. Anyways. Never again.
This 1 star dumpster fire has everything:
- No concise plot whatsoever
- Cringy dialogue that makes you feel like to travelled back to 2006
- A female lead that’s distinctively Not Like Other Girls
- Abrasive toxic masculinity in both characters, somehow
- Toxic codependency and trauma bonding masquerading as romance
- Timeline? Pacing? We don’t know her
- I guess “show, don’t tell” was too much to ask of this author because the couple had to bang every other chapter??? Important, I know
- Literally what is the point of this book
- How did this get written in the year of our lord 2021?? I’m genuinely asking
I really don’t know why I read this. I wanted to think it would get better…eventually…but it did not. Anyways. Never again.
October 1, 2021
College romance
Same old college romance story. Two foster children were separated and he went on to become a star college football player and a year later she shows up taking classes at the same college. She had something horrible happen to her and was forced to leave him. They fall back in love. HEA. Good change because the H was faithful to her while they were apart. She was too of course. Loved the epilogue.
Same old college romance story. Two foster children were separated and he went on to become a star college football player and a year later she shows up taking classes at the same college. She had something horrible happen to her and was forced to leave him. They fall back in love. HEA. Good change because the H was faithful to her while they were apart. She was too of course. Loved the epilogue.
March 19, 2024
I read up to 30% and skipped the middle just to read the big secret and the ending again skipping a lot.
I didn't like the writing. I sometimes like alpha guys that are overprotective. But for me Cole being overprotective didn't work with me. Also I don't understand, why just Ally talked to Cole about the past.
No this book didn't work for me and I won't continue reading this series. After all life is short and there are so many great books out there!
I didn't like the writing. I sometimes like alpha guys that are overprotective. But for me Cole being overprotective didn't work with me. Also I don't understand, why just Ally talked to Cole about the past.
No this book didn't work for me and I won't continue reading this series. After all life is short and there are so many great books out there!
dnf
April 24, 2025I cant believe this book was written in 2021, it was so misogynistic, I couldn't believe it. At one point the FMC tells another woman her vagina is as loose as the grand canyon and needs surgery. The amount of times women are called sluts & loose was way too much. The MMC even says "chicks are too sensitive" yikes. Does this author even like women?
August 13, 2022
This is the first book in the new Brooks University Series, a sports-related second chance romance. Each of the books in this series can be read without hesitation as a standalone.
A deeply emotional, complicated and riveting YA story of two young foster kids whose friendship and dependence on each other grew over the years into something much stronger . . . but it takes some detours with a lot of angst between then and now. Even so, some things are just meant to be.
Overall, I thought this story was a combination of heartbreakingly moving and exhilarating. Both Ally and Cole were easy to like, cheer for and support. The weakest link and my biggest complaint with their story is the repetitive overload of sexual scenes between them -- all similar, hot, steamy and spicey, but rote. Same ole over and over. Cut half and there still would have been more than enough to keep romance lovers happy.
There was a continuation of emotional highs and devastating lows. Hannah Gray brought all the feels to the forefront -- at times soul-wrecking from the pain of loss and grief – and the courage, resilience, hope and healing just as inspiring.
I particularly appreciated and loved how the author chose to end the story using jumps in time toward the marvelous happily-ever-after. If you’re a fan of angst-filled stories that torture your heart, you’re bound to feel every word on these pages. And I have no doubt you will love what you find.
Read
July 12, 2022it was reading like a wattpad novel and not in a good way
July 16, 2022
At 40%, almost 50, I was considering DNF’ing it, but was curious about the secrets.
I looked it up here, but the few reviews with spoilers didn’t reveal much. So, I skimmed through the rest of the book and here it is:
Ally was assaulted by the foster pedo. He tried to rape her and ended up beating her up badly. He and his pedo partner threatened to destroy any chances Cole could have at going pro and also threatened to kill her. They wouldn’t let her say goodbye and she didn’t have the chance to leave the letter (from the prologue) to him either. That’s why she ran away.
His adoptive father was his half brother. When he found out about Cole through his mother (not Cole’s), he and his wife, who was actually an investigator, looked him up and came up with a plan to get Cole and Ally away whilst bringing those assholes foster parents down. In the end, those predators were arrested.
Cole is drafted - first pick - and moves to Kansas. Ally changes career’s path and follows him. They get married, he wins the Super Bowl, they have a baby girl and Lenny (the diner owner) seemingly lives up to 100 because his still in the picture after all these years.
The end.
I looked it up here, but the few reviews with spoilers didn’t reveal much. So, I skimmed through the rest of the book and here it is:
Ally was assaulted by the foster pedo. He tried to rape her and ended up beating her up badly. He and his pedo partner threatened to destroy any chances Cole could have at going pro and also threatened to kill her. They wouldn’t let her say goodbye and she didn’t have the chance to leave the letter (from the prologue) to him either. That’s why she ran away.
His adoptive father was his half brother. When he found out about Cole through his mother (not Cole’s), he and his wife, who was actually an investigator, looked him up and came up with a plan to get Cole and Ally away whilst bringing those assholes foster parents down. In the end, those predators were arrested.
Cole is drafted - first pick - and moves to Kansas. Ally changes career’s path and follows him. They get married, he wins the Super Bowl, they have a baby girl and Lenny (the diner owner) seemingly lives up to 100 because his still in the picture after all these years.
The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2023
This is the first book in Hannah Gray’s Brooks University Series, football romance series. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone, but if read out of order you will get a bit of spoilers.
This was such a deeply, emotional, complicated and riveting story of two foster kids whose friendship and dependence on each other grew over the years. It was like two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly. Naturally that friendship turned into something more once they got older. Their relationship does take some detours along the way and has a lot of angst. Overall, I thought this story was a combination of heartbreakingly moving and exhilarating. Both Ally and Cole were easy to like, cheer for and support.
This was a great, fast read. Their connection was definitely palpable and you felt all of their emotions. I loved this one! I have yet to read a Hannah Gray book that’s left me disappointed, she is now one of my auto-buy/read/listen authors!!!
Tropes:
Sports Romance
College Romance
Second Chance
Friends to Lovers
Angsty
Overall: 5
Spice: 2
This was such a deeply, emotional, complicated and riveting story of two foster kids whose friendship and dependence on each other grew over the years. It was like two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly. Naturally that friendship turned into something more once they got older. Their relationship does take some detours along the way and has a lot of angst. Overall, I thought this story was a combination of heartbreakingly moving and exhilarating. Both Ally and Cole were easy to like, cheer for and support.
This was a great, fast read. Their connection was definitely palpable and you felt all of their emotions. I loved this one! I have yet to read a Hannah Gray book that’s left me disappointed, she is now one of my auto-buy/read/listen authors!!!
Tropes:
Sports Romance
College Romance
Second Chance
Friends to Lovers
Angsty
Overall: 5
Spice: 2
August 16, 2021
Love Ally is live!!!! I loved this friends to lovers, second chance romance!
One-Click here:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/36cjDO3
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3709OTA
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3y2eBzP
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3l79bzI
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3l0e3GQ
Signed paperback: https://forms.gle/1JTsRVvSU9AScLWM9
Key words: foster care, second chance romance, friends to lovers, sports romance, football inspirational romance.
One-Click here:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/36cjDO3
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3709OTA
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3y2eBzP
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3l79bzI
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3l0e3GQ
Signed paperback: https://forms.gle/1JTsRVvSU9AScLWM9
Key words: foster care, second chance romance, friends to lovers, sports romance, football inspirational romance.
April 23, 2023
i don’t think it was a BAD book per say, i just found myself bored throughout most of it, and that’s saying something considering it’s a second chance between childhood best friends which happens to be my greatest literary obsession
May 10, 2024
This book felt like an early 2000s movie. One where the love was 100% raw and true. The characters, Ally and Cole were undeniably themselves and 100% soulmates, two halves of a soul placed on this earth to be together forever. Every single aspect of their life led them to each other. From a young age, Cole wished for an angel, someone to save him to give him the love he deserved and finally it came in the form of Ally. Two foster kids who had broken homes, but would build a new one together. And despite the year that kept them apart, their love never died, if anything it burned brighter. They were able to open up to each other in ways they never could before, fulfilled their purpose in life, made new friends who became family, and created a love stronger than ever. Of course, there were bumps in the road that needed to be smoothed out, arguments that needed to happen, and new discoveries to lead them on their new path. And finally, they got their happy ending.
Despite the good parts, there were some weird or out-dated sayings/acts that made the book 0.1% less enjoyable each time, but the love between Ally and Cole made up for it 100%. The characters I cannot wait to read about are Knox and Sloane, especially because of Knox’s appearance in the epilogue, and I want to learn more about Sloane.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“This, right here, was my favorite place to be. With her and nobody else. And I knew in that moment, if this was all I ever had the rest of my life, if I never made it into the NFL, if I never had more than a few dollars to rub together, I’d still be a happy motherfucker for the simple fact that I got to love this girl as fiercely as I could. And that she loved me as furiously as she could. It was a damn good feeling.”
“Until her, I didn’t allow myself to feel anything. And when I let her in, when I looked into her eyes, I finally felt something. I finally felt home. This hollow feeling in my body sometimes feels like it might be the death of me. She filled all of the empty places in my soul and made me finally feel like I was a whole human and not just an empty shell who was just existing.”
“Seeing him was what I’d imagine coming home felt like. To a home where you were loved and it was all warm and familiar.”
“She’s my kryptonite, my drug of choice, and the only one who can bring me straight down to my knees. I can’t push her away, no matter how badly I want to.”
“I truly believe that the universe gave her to me. I don’t pray or attend church or believe in a whole helluva lot. But I know one thing for sure: that girl was put here for me to love her.”
“If someone had said I could lose my arm and never play ball again just to keep her, I would have told them to cut the fucking thing off right then and there. I might need my arm to throw, but I needed her to feel.”
“My girl. My angel. My addiction. If she were a drug, I’d shoot her straight into my veins. If she were a shot, I’d toss her back with ease and let her burn the whole way down. And if she were a smoke, I’d inhale her slowly, letting her reach every single part of my body before exhaling. I. Can’t. Get. Enough.”
“There’s nothing I’d put before being your man. No goal, no place of arrival, no amount of money, no woman, nothing. None of that is above me and you.”
“Why did you call me the angel when we first met?”
“Because in the darkest of my days, I prayed for you. I just didn’t know you yet. But I prayed for an angel, knowing one day, if I was patient, an angel would come.”
“An angel.”
“Yep. And I never want there to be a day when I wake up in a world where you and I are apart. Understood?”
Understood.”
“I love you,” I tell her, as I’ve told her a thousand times before. And I’ll tell her thousands of times again. Her name will be on the last breath I take on this earth. I’m sure of it.
“I love you,” she whispers back.
“From the first moment we met, I’ve known I’m the only girl he sees. Like two stars, bound for nowhere, we collided, and instead of burning out, we became one.”
“The angel. You’re finally here.”
“No … Ally. My name is Ally.”
“Ally, my angel.”
“I love the way that she loves me. Hard and fierce. She sees the ugly, and she knows my insecurities. Yet she holds on, clinging to me when I need her most. When I hurt, she feels it—ten times harder. She’s my ride or die. If I robbed a bank, she wouldn’t just be driving the getaway car. Hell no, she’d be right next to me the entire way. If I killed someone, she wouldn’t just help me hide it. She’d dig the fucking hole. A kind of love like that doesn’t come around often. And when it does, I’ve learned to hang the hell on. Hang the hell on and never, ever let go.”
“In his eyes, I’m the one he was waiting for. His angel who came down and took away his pain. But what he doesn’t know is, he’s my angel, my saving grace, my medicine to numb the pain of life’s cruel ways.”
“I prayed for an angel in my darkest times. Times when it would have been so easy to give up, I closed my eyes and somehow felt your touch. I just knew you were out there. I only had to be patient, and I knew that, one day, you’d find me. And you did.”
“Ally, I’ve loved you since I was twelve years old. And even before then, I knew you were a part of me. I could live a million different lives, and I’m willing to bet money that I’d find my way to you in each and every one of them.”
“For as long as I’m living, she won’t ever feel alone or unwanted. I’ll make it my mission to brighten all of her days. Because that’s exactly what she does to mine.”
“We spent the first twelve years of our lives separated and were ripped apart all those years ago. I don’t ever want to be apart from her. Next to my side is where she belongs. It’s where she’s always belonged. Looking at Ally, I know she’s all I will ever need. In the good and in the grit, she’ll be here. Always.”
“When I first saw her, back when I was twelve, it felt like I’d found my beginning. Like I could finally breathe without pain. But now? Well, now, I know that when it comes to Ally, she’s my beginning, my middle, and my end. She’s where my life began and where it will end. She’s my forever and always.”
Despite the good parts, there were some weird or out-dated sayings/acts that made the book 0.1% less enjoyable each time, but the love between Ally and Cole made up for it 100%. The characters I cannot wait to read about are Knox and Sloane, especially because of Knox’s appearance in the epilogue, and I want to learn more about Sloane.
Favorite quotes/scenes:
“This, right here, was my favorite place to be. With her and nobody else. And I knew in that moment, if this was all I ever had the rest of my life, if I never made it into the NFL, if I never had more than a few dollars to rub together, I’d still be a happy motherfucker for the simple fact that I got to love this girl as fiercely as I could. And that she loved me as furiously as she could. It was a damn good feeling.”
“Until her, I didn’t allow myself to feel anything. And when I let her in, when I looked into her eyes, I finally felt something. I finally felt home. This hollow feeling in my body sometimes feels like it might be the death of me. She filled all of the empty places in my soul and made me finally feel like I was a whole human and not just an empty shell who was just existing.”
“Seeing him was what I’d imagine coming home felt like. To a home where you were loved and it was all warm and familiar.”
“She’s my kryptonite, my drug of choice, and the only one who can bring me straight down to my knees. I can’t push her away, no matter how badly I want to.”
“I truly believe that the universe gave her to me. I don’t pray or attend church or believe in a whole helluva lot. But I know one thing for sure: that girl was put here for me to love her.”
“If someone had said I could lose my arm and never play ball again just to keep her, I would have told them to cut the fucking thing off right then and there. I might need my arm to throw, but I needed her to feel.”
“My girl. My angel. My addiction. If she were a drug, I’d shoot her straight into my veins. If she were a shot, I’d toss her back with ease and let her burn the whole way down. And if she were a smoke, I’d inhale her slowly, letting her reach every single part of my body before exhaling. I. Can’t. Get. Enough.”
“There’s nothing I’d put before being your man. No goal, no place of arrival, no amount of money, no woman, nothing. None of that is above me and you.”
“Why did you call me the angel when we first met?”
“Because in the darkest of my days, I prayed for you. I just didn’t know you yet. But I prayed for an angel, knowing one day, if I was patient, an angel would come.”
“An angel.”
“Yep. And I never want there to be a day when I wake up in a world where you and I are apart. Understood?”
Understood.”
“I love you,” I tell her, as I’ve told her a thousand times before. And I’ll tell her thousands of times again. Her name will be on the last breath I take on this earth. I’m sure of it.
“I love you,” she whispers back.
“From the first moment we met, I’ve known I’m the only girl he sees. Like two stars, bound for nowhere, we collided, and instead of burning out, we became one.”
“The angel. You’re finally here.”
“No … Ally. My name is Ally.”
“Ally, my angel.”
“I love the way that she loves me. Hard and fierce. She sees the ugly, and she knows my insecurities. Yet she holds on, clinging to me when I need her most. When I hurt, she feels it—ten times harder. She’s my ride or die. If I robbed a bank, she wouldn’t just be driving the getaway car. Hell no, she’d be right next to me the entire way. If I killed someone, she wouldn’t just help me hide it. She’d dig the fucking hole. A kind of love like that doesn’t come around often. And when it does, I’ve learned to hang the hell on. Hang the hell on and never, ever let go.”
“In his eyes, I’m the one he was waiting for. His angel who came down and took away his pain. But what he doesn’t know is, he’s my angel, my saving grace, my medicine to numb the pain of life’s cruel ways.”
“I prayed for an angel in my darkest times. Times when it would have been so easy to give up, I closed my eyes and somehow felt your touch. I just knew you were out there. I only had to be patient, and I knew that, one day, you’d find me. And you did.”
“Ally, I’ve loved you since I was twelve years old. And even before then, I knew you were a part of me. I could live a million different lives, and I’m willing to bet money that I’d find my way to you in each and every one of them.”
“For as long as I’m living, she won’t ever feel alone or unwanted. I’ll make it my mission to brighten all of her days. Because that’s exactly what she does to mine.”
“We spent the first twelve years of our lives separated and were ripped apart all those years ago. I don’t ever want to be apart from her. Next to my side is where she belongs. It’s where she’s always belonged. Looking at Ally, I know she’s all I will ever need. In the good and in the grit, she’ll be here. Always.”
“When I first saw her, back when I was twelve, it felt like I’d found my beginning. Like I could finally breathe without pain. But now? Well, now, I know that when it comes to Ally, she’s my beginning, my middle, and my end. She’s where my life began and where it will end. She’s my forever and always.”
January 29, 2023
🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧
You wanna know what really gets me all excited and want to shout from rooftops? Well, when an author achieves what I perceive to be the impossible and they do it spectacularly! Wanna know what I perceive to be an impossibility? Creating a story about young kids without making me #twitchy and/or want to stick an icepick in my eyeballs. HANNAH GRAY IS MY HERO!
Listen, I’m not saying that I’ve never read YA/NA romance fiction that was spectacularly done or that Hannah Gray is some sort of anomaly with the world’s best word wizardry, but I am saying that while listening to both Love, Ally and Forget Me, Sloane I never once thought about their age and the ridiculousness that is normal behavior for anyone in their late teens / early twenties. NOT ONCE PEOPLE! Do with all that information what you will :) but you should probably drop everything and buy every book she has ever written. Just some friendly advice from one avid reader to whomever is reading this review!
I did a promotional #bingelisten for both these stories and I’m choosing to review them both as one because it’s not like I’m going to give away any plot-points about the story and also, they’re both happening on the same(ish) timeline and you should not read/listen to one without the other. I mean technically one could say these are standalones inside the Brooks University world, but no. More information for you to do with what you will :)
Love, Ally is a 5+ STAR story but Forget Me, Sloane is more like a 4 STAR.
I know I’ve only experienced two stories by this author which is a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things, but I’m quite certain just from this experience that she’s a writer I’m going to keep my eye out for. The stories were relatable and realistic and very compelling. She packed enough of a punch in each story to make them emotional but didn’t quite cross the line into dark angst, which I appreciated.
Okay, enough words from me! Go forth and enjoy ….
You wanna know what really gets me all excited and want to shout from rooftops? Well, when an author achieves what I perceive to be the impossible and they do it spectacularly! Wanna know what I perceive to be an impossibility? Creating a story about young kids without making me #twitchy and/or want to stick an icepick in my eyeballs. HANNAH GRAY IS MY HERO!
Listen, I’m not saying that I’ve never read YA/NA romance fiction that was spectacularly done or that Hannah Gray is some sort of anomaly with the world’s best word wizardry, but I am saying that while listening to both Love, Ally and Forget Me, Sloane I never once thought about their age and the ridiculousness that is normal behavior for anyone in their late teens / early twenties. NOT ONCE PEOPLE! Do with all that information what you will :) but you should probably drop everything and buy every book she has ever written. Just some friendly advice from one avid reader to whomever is reading this review!
I did a promotional #bingelisten for both these stories and I’m choosing to review them both as one because it’s not like I’m going to give away any plot-points about the story and also, they’re both happening on the same(ish) timeline and you should not read/listen to one without the other. I mean technically one could say these are standalones inside the Brooks University world, but no. More information for you to do with what you will :)
Love, Ally is a 5+ STAR story but Forget Me, Sloane is more like a 4 STAR.
I know I’ve only experienced two stories by this author which is a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things, but I’m quite certain just from this experience that she’s a writer I’m going to keep my eye out for. The stories were relatable and realistic and very compelling. She packed enough of a punch in each story to make them emotional but didn’t quite cross the line into dark angst, which I appreciated.
Okay, enough words from me! Go forth and enjoy ….
July 27, 2021
Feels 2
Steam 3.5
Storyline 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
Ally and Cole met when they were twelve in a foster home. From that young age, these two were bound by some unseen force. Some may say soulmate...others may say twin flame. It was like two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly. Naturally that friendship turned into something more once they got older. Plans were made about the future and no matter what had happened to them in the system, they were moving forward with their lives. Cole was an elite football player with NFL stars in his eyes and Ally had the voice of an angel and aspired to sing or write music. But wherever their talents led them, they planned to do it together.
Ally finds herself between a rock and a hard place in their senior year and ready to move on to college. Only she can't say a word about it to Cole. It could jeopardize his future in the NFL. So she must make a decision that will leave Cole rocked to his core. She disappears and makes it impossible for him to find her while he is away for football camp. Needless to say, he is heartbroken and irate to find her gone. He takes that anger and puts it all into football the next year of his life trying to move on without her.
When Ally finds herself at a college that she never thought twice about, she has a very hard go of it. But both she and Cole are shocked to see each other on the same campus. Cole is angry and wants answers. Ally feels horrible. But neither of their feelings for each other have changed. Can these two soulmates find a way to come together again or has too much changed?
This was a great, fast read. It didn't drag on and on...it got right to the point. Their connection was definitely palpable and you felt all of their emotions. I highly recommend this fast paced, second chance love story.
Steam 3.5
Storyline 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Ladyballs
Ally and Cole met when they were twelve in a foster home. From that young age, these two were bound by some unseen force. Some may say soulmate...others may say twin flame. It was like two pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly. Naturally that friendship turned into something more once they got older. Plans were made about the future and no matter what had happened to them in the system, they were moving forward with their lives. Cole was an elite football player with NFL stars in his eyes and Ally had the voice of an angel and aspired to sing or write music. But wherever their talents led them, they planned to do it together.
Ally finds herself between a rock and a hard place in their senior year and ready to move on to college. Only she can't say a word about it to Cole. It could jeopardize his future in the NFL. So she must make a decision that will leave Cole rocked to his core. She disappears and makes it impossible for him to find her while he is away for football camp. Needless to say, he is heartbroken and irate to find her gone. He takes that anger and puts it all into football the next year of his life trying to move on without her.
When Ally finds herself at a college that she never thought twice about, she has a very hard go of it. But both she and Cole are shocked to see each other on the same campus. Cole is angry and wants answers. Ally feels horrible. But neither of their feelings for each other have changed. Can these two soulmates find a way to come together again or has too much changed?
This was a great, fast read. It didn't drag on and on...it got right to the point. Their connection was definitely palpable and you felt all of their emotions. I highly recommend this fast paced, second chance love story.
October 14, 2022
***AUDIOBOOK***
3.5 stars
This was a solid read, your typical college romance. It had good steam, good storyline, and I liked the characters.
Some of the dialogue could be cringy at times, and there were mentions of brands or activities that seemed to fit with the 90s vs. the time frame of the book.
Overall, it was enjoyable.
3.5 stars
This was a solid read, your typical college romance. It had good steam, good storyline, and I liked the characters.
Some of the dialogue could be cringy at times, and there were mentions of brands or activities that seemed to fit with the 90s vs. the time frame of the book.
Overall, it was enjoyable.
October 9, 2021
Good book.. one of my fave plots where hero is so into the heroine and not a manwhore.
My only issue is the long internal monologues in between dialogues.. you couldn't possibly converse with someone in the book while it seems you're talking to your readers or having these thoughts at the same time that the continuity of the conversation is stilted and broken.. but there's this conversation between the heroine and her friend in a restaurant that I find funny.
I didn't like the heroine so much.. I liked that she is independent, isn't a doormat and can whip some sharp retorts and sassy banter, but not so kickass that a lot of times, it's mentioned in the book that guys get scared of her.. I understand that she's tough and mistrustful due to her life's experiences but still, I don't like my heroines acting like they could take on tough big guys single handedly.
Overall a nice sweet read but I can't help but feel there's something lacking.. there's a lot of intimacies and talk of love, but I can't seem to connect and feel the passion.. maybe it's just me.. but this isn't my last of the author.
My only issue is the long internal monologues in between dialogues.. you couldn't possibly converse with someone in the book while it seems you're talking to your readers or having these thoughts at the same time that the continuity of the conversation is stilted and broken.. but there's this conversation between the heroine and her friend in a restaurant that I find funny.
I didn't like the heroine so much.. I liked that she is independent, isn't a doormat and can whip some sharp retorts and sassy banter, but not so kickass that a lot of times, it's mentioned in the book that guys get scared of her.. I understand that she's tough and mistrustful due to her life's experiences but still, I don't like my heroines acting like they could take on tough big guys single handedly.
Overall a nice sweet read but I can't help but feel there's something lacking.. there's a lot of intimacies and talk of love, but I can't seem to connect and feel the passion.. maybe it's just me.. but this isn't my last of the author.
August 1, 2021
Two broken teenagers manage to find a love so pure, yet so full of obstacles that manage to bring them together, and prove that love truly outlasts all things.
These two lost track of each other, but managed to get together when they both set up their friends on a date. Cole is full of anger toward Ally, and Ally has always wanted him to make his dreams of being in the NFL come true.
Ally and Cole have gone through so much in their lives, but the bond they shared made them never forget the other.
This was a book I could not put down, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
These two lost track of each other, but managed to get together when they both set up their friends on a date. Cole is full of anger toward Ally, and Ally has always wanted him to make his dreams of being in the NFL come true.
Ally and Cole have gone through so much in their lives, but the bond they shared made them never forget the other.
This was a book I could not put down, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
July 29, 2021
The story had potential but Ally killed it for me. I believe the author tried to make Ally seem like a string female but she came off as being brash and quite annoying. The unnecessary need for cursing, the rolling of the eyes, stunted conversations with Cole and all round over the top attitude made me “roll” my eyes.
Regardless, I give the author points for making a great effort. I will definitely try to read another one of her books.
Regardless, I give the author points for making a great effort. I will definitely try to read another one of her books.
December 21, 2023
In this book we follow Ally and Cole who were two foster kids who find each other and with the time they fell in love. They were made for each other.
This book was angsty, emotional, beautiful..
Tropes:
- sports romance.
- friends to lovers.
- second chance romance.
- college romance.
This book was angsty, emotional, beautiful..
Tropes:
- sports romance.
- friends to lovers.
- second chance romance.
- college romance.
March 26, 2023
Cole and Ally are two foster kids who form a bond and then fall into an "only you" young love. Unfortunately, they are separated, but not for long. They meet up again in college, where Ally is trying to make it, and Cole is pretty close to fulfilling all of his dreams, something that is all Ally truly wants for him.
The separation was caused by other people, but when they see each other again, Cole is full of hurt and anger towards Ally, and Ally is keeping a secret. Despite this, the two can't keep their hands off each other.
Cole and Ally's love is intense, but without profound development beyond the reminiscing of the past, summaries of what they had, and a push and pull relationship in the "now".
There is one poignant scene with Cole's guardians, which is tempered or almost gutted by Cole and Ally, getting it on like horny toads. LOL. It wasn't the right placement of scene, IMO. Yet, in the end, it is a college romance that is typical and full of potential all at once. That's it. Because it doesn't deliver what the reader would want it to.
The separation was caused by other people, but when they see each other again, Cole is full of hurt and anger towards Ally, and Ally is keeping a secret. Despite this, the two can't keep their hands off each other.
Cole and Ally's love is intense, but without profound development beyond the reminiscing of the past, summaries of what they had, and a push and pull relationship in the "now".
There is one poignant scene with Cole's guardians, which is tempered or almost gutted by Cole and Ally, getting it on like horny toads. LOL. It wasn't the right placement of scene, IMO. Yet, in the end, it is a college romance that is typical and full of potential all at once. That's it. Because it doesn't deliver what the reader would want it to.
Read
April 23, 2022If you know anything about me, it’s that I love a good second chance romance. And it pains me to say this but ‘Love, Ally’ fell short. There was no proper angst or emotional reaction from my point of view. Yes, the H and h both seemed sad and/or angry towards each other but it seemed almost pathetic? the hero, Cole, at the start was adamant that her hated Ally and yet that miraculously disappeared without any explanation???
Don’t get me wrong, that boy had a way with words and he was so protective over Ally and I LOVE the boy obsessed trope so I thought it was downright adorable but it still felt flat. How they both pretty much immediately got back together (even though she was keeping him at ‘shoulders distance’) really irked me.
Also, the h was beyond misogynistic, slut shaming girls just because they were trying to get with the H. It was honestly disgusting like “Cole Storms doesn’t sleep with bitches who have loose vaginas that are the size of the Grand fucking Canyon.”
Don’t get me wrong, that boy had a way with words and he was so protective over Ally and I LOVE the boy obsessed trope so I thought it was downright adorable but it still felt flat. How they both pretty much immediately got back together (even though she was keeping him at ‘shoulders distance’) really irked me.
Also, the h was beyond misogynistic, slut shaming girls just because they were trying to get with the H. It was honestly disgusting like “Cole Storms doesn’t sleep with bitches who have loose vaginas that are the size of the Grand fucking Canyon.”
July 23, 2023
Ally and Cole's story begins in an emotionally turbulent foster home. Despite their difficult upbringings, they form a deep bond and become each other's pillars of support. Life throws them a curveball when they are separated.
Years later, fate brings them back together in Brooks University. Ally, eager to start fresh, is determined to leave her painful past behind. Cole, a talented football player with aspirations of making it big in the NFL, carries remnants of their time together in the foster home within him.
However, when the universe conspires to reunite them, Ally is unwilling to let Cole into her life again. Her heart and mind are clouded by the weight of secrets from her past, secrets she believes could harm him. Cole, on the other hand, recognizes the connection they once shared and is determined to break down Ally's walls.
As their love story unfolds in the pages of "Love, Ally," I was entranced by the emotional and angsty world they made.
Years later, fate brings them back together in Brooks University. Ally, eager to start fresh, is determined to leave her painful past behind. Cole, a talented football player with aspirations of making it big in the NFL, carries remnants of their time together in the foster home within him.
However, when the universe conspires to reunite them, Ally is unwilling to let Cole into her life again. Her heart and mind are clouded by the weight of secrets from her past, secrets she believes could harm him. Cole, on the other hand, recognizes the connection they once shared and is determined to break down Ally's walls.
As their love story unfolds in the pages of "Love, Ally," I was entranced by the emotional and angsty world they made.
May 6, 2024
Not horrible not great. The mains characters lacked zest, which came as a shocker because they both had there fair share of trauma. The mmc was the worst of the 2 simply because he was a horrible person, one second he was normal then the next he was controlling and icky, he even called the fmc a whore because she said she slept with someone when they weren’t even together??? Let’s just keep in mind he took another women to the restroom and smirked at her all before this.
And the whole mmc calling random women bitches every chapter was just pathetic. Like come on? How can you swoon over a man like that? I get he was in love with the fmc, but come on?
There were so many words but no information? I don’t know how the author got that right, but here we are. There are better books on wattpad.
Maybe the other books are good? But I won’t be reading them to find out.
And the whole mmc calling random women bitches every chapter was just pathetic. Like come on? How can you swoon over a man like that? I get he was in love with the fmc, but come on?
There were so many words but no information? I don’t know how the author got that right, but here we are. There are better books on wattpad.
Maybe the other books are good? But I won’t be reading them to find out.
December 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Hannah is by far one of my favorite authors, and I absolutely LOVE both of the hockey series she has. I was so excited to listen to this one as it's been on my TBR since I discovered her, and it did not disappoint.
I loved Ally and Cole's story and how no matter what they went through, they had each other. I loved how they found their way back to each other and fought for the love they both deserved. The miscommunication trope was frustrating (as it always is) but it didn't deter me from the story one bit. The character arcs for both Ally and Cole were really great to see, and it made my heart happy for them to see where they ended up and what they were able to accomplish together.
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity for the Audible code to listen to this! I can't wait to continue the series!
Hannah is by far one of my favorite authors, and I absolutely LOVE both of the hockey series she has. I was so excited to listen to this one as it's been on my TBR since I discovered her, and it did not disappoint.
I loved Ally and Cole's story and how no matter what they went through, they had each other. I loved how they found their way back to each other and fought for the love they both deserved. The miscommunication trope was frustrating (as it always is) but it didn't deter me from the story one bit. The character arcs for both Ally and Cole were really great to see, and it made my heart happy for them to see where they ended up and what they were able to accomplish together.
Thank you to Wordsmith Publicity for the Audible code to listen to this! I can't wait to continue the series!
November 27, 2025
I had read Hannah Gray’s hockey series and decided to go and read some of her backlist and am so glad I did! Love Ally is a second chance sports romance full of angst and emotion.
This was a deeply emotional, and compelling story about two foster kids whose bond and reliance on each other bonded them for life. They fit together like two perfectly matched pieces. Their friendship evolved into something more as they got older. Their relationship takes several detours along the way and carries its share of angst. The story is both heartbreakingly emotional, but will end making you feel hope in their happy ending. Ally and Cole are incredibly easy to root for and deserving of every bit of happiness they find in the end. They are true soulmates.
Hannah Gray has become one of my one click authors!
This was a deeply emotional, and compelling story about two foster kids whose bond and reliance on each other bonded them for life. They fit together like two perfectly matched pieces. Their friendship evolved into something more as they got older. Their relationship takes several detours along the way and carries its share of angst. The story is both heartbreakingly emotional, but will end making you feel hope in their happy ending. Ally and Cole are incredibly easy to root for and deserving of every bit of happiness they find in the end. They are true soulmates.
Hannah Gray has become one of my one click authors!
September 29, 2021
Charlotte Ellis, you are blessed
Please note this is a spoiler:
Charlotte Ellis, you are blessed. I just read your mama and daddy’s love story and my heart is exploding with joy. What an incredible story of redemption and soulmates. What a blessing for two kids that found hope within each other to find hope in you. What a story of forgiveness and strength. I have always had a spot in my heart for kids who overcome everything and go on to be success in spite of that. This book was all of that and more. I promise your heart will explode with love at the end of this, and you will see that Charlotte Ellis, you are blessed.
Please note this is a spoiler:
Charlotte Ellis, you are blessed. I just read your mama and daddy’s love story and my heart is exploding with joy. What an incredible story of redemption and soulmates. What a blessing for two kids that found hope within each other to find hope in you. What a story of forgiveness and strength. I have always had a spot in my heart for kids who overcome everything and go on to be success in spite of that. This book was all of that and more. I promise your heart will explode with love at the end of this, and you will see that Charlotte Ellis, you are blessed.
July 27, 2021
Ally and Cole both drew the short stick growing up when they were kids. Once they found each other life seemed to look up just a little bit. Until one day Ally up and leaves Cole just like everyone else in his life does. But was it for a good reason? 🤔
Now at college, Ally to pursue music and Cole in hopes to head to the NFL, they both agree to help their friends on a double date but when they show up they see each other after a year and their reunion is not as happy as you'd expect.
This book was bittersweet, what these two went through as kids and how they found comfort in each other was beautiful. I was so glad when they found their way back to each other. 💜
Now at college, Ally to pursue music and Cole in hopes to head to the NFL, they both agree to help their friends on a double date but when they show up they see each other after a year and their reunion is not as happy as you'd expect.
This book was bittersweet, what these two went through as kids and how they found comfort in each other was beautiful. I was so glad when they found their way back to each other. 💜
October 26, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Cole and Ally have been together since they turned 12. They both had hard lives but nothing seemed impossible when they were together. Until Cole went away to football camp for 2 week only to return home to find Ally gone.
15 months later they find each other again, Cole wants to hate her for leaving him but realised that he just can't hate her.
A brilliantly written story with excellent characters and a happy ending guaranteed.
Cole and Ally have been together since they turned 12. They both had hard lives but nothing seemed impossible when they were together. Until Cole went away to football camp for 2 week only to return home to find Ally gone.
15 months later they find each other again, Cole wants to hate her for leaving him but realised that he just can't hate her.
A brilliantly written story with excellent characters and a happy ending guaranteed.
July 29, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked the idea.
I liked the characters.
I did not understand their reasonings.
Like why she cut contact with him. Why they waited over a year to tell him and seemingly continued to lie to him about themselves during that time...
I liked the idea.
I liked the characters.
I did not understand their reasonings.
Like why she cut contact with him. Why they waited over a year to tell him and seemingly continued to lie to him about themselves during that time...
June 13, 2023
These two drove me nuts. Their constant back and forth and being angry but can't stay away just didn't work for me in this one. All because Ally wouldn't talk about why she left. Miscommunication or refusal to communicate never works out for me. Had great potential but missed for me.
October 21, 2023
I kept reminding myself that these were 18 year-olds. Although severe trauma likely played a role in them sounding older, the dialogue still felt too mature. The book had slight elements of a bully romance and kink, but barely that I wasn't sure what to make of them. My mind just wanted them to be at least 22 years old. Cole even calls Ally "sweetheart." What 18 year-old calls his gf "sweetheart"???
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