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The Cruz brothers #3
The Troublemaker
The last thing I thought I'd be doing my last semester was following my ex-boyfriend around, but here I am. I was assigned to write an article about college athletes and he's the biggest one in our town. With this assignment comes a new living arrangement that sets me up in an apartment right next to his.
As if it's not bad enough that our parents remained friends after our breakup, now there's no escaping him. I wake up, I see Mitch. I work out, I see Mitch. I'm trying to go to bed, I see Mitch. What's worse is that he keeps asking me out and I'm finding it harder to say no. I just hope I can turn in this final assignment without losing my heart.
Again.
As if it's not bad enough that our parents remained friends after our breakup, now there's no escaping him. I wake up, I see Mitch. I work out, I see Mitch. I'm trying to go to bed, I see Mitch. What's worse is that he keeps asking me out and I'm finding it harder to say no. I just hope I can turn in this final assignment without losing my heart.
Again.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2021
108 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Claire Contreras
48 books17.7k followersClaire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author. Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance and are currently translated into over fifteen languages. When she's not writing, she's usually lost in a book or hanging out with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
November 10, 2021
Misty + Mitchell
They've been each other's first love when they were 17. And now in their last year of college Misty has to move in with him - well - into the apartment next door - to be close to the athletes she is writing an article about for her internship and college course.
Mitch is constantly flirting with her, asking her out. But she's been there, done that, has the broken heart to prove it.
But she's also still in love with him...
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN .... ☺
══════════════════
This was your typical cute and sexy second chance college sports romance.
I loved reading it.
It was a bit short - a bit novella-ish. I would've wanted a few more moments. Falling in love moments. Or falling back in love moments. Funny moments. Adorable moments. But it wasn't bad - it was just a bit too uneventful - it wasn't anything new and über-amazing.
But still - it was totally fine for a few hours of fun + easy reading time!
THE TROUBLEMAKER was an adorable little second chance college sports love story!
Run to your nearest amazon for your own MITCH - this one is MINE!!
💜
💜
November 19, 2021
With THE TROUBLEMAKER Claire Contreras produces the last book about the Cruz brothers. It follows MLB hopeful Mitchell Cruz and aspiring journalist Misty Canó.
Misty is studying to be a journalist, she’s almost ready to graduate and has received an incredible opportunity to write an article that if published would give her incredible exposure. All she has to do is move next door to three baseball athletes, and follow them for a couple of weeks. The only problem is that one of them is the ex that broke her heart after they spent an incredible summer in NY.
This story is fast paced with a lot of great elements: forced proximity, second chance romance with an enemies to lovers vibe, sports drama. But it just didn’t work for me. I really, really wanted to love this book. Mitch adores Misty and doesn’t give up, but I just couldn’t connect with the characters.
I felt that for the most part Misty just didn’t want anything to do with Mitch, she kept rejecting him, flirting and going out with other guys and the only reason they interacted was for the sake of the article. The fact that it never felt like she was all that worried about her big article didn’t help. And then suddenly they’re a couple. I didn’t feel like there was much relationship growth, romance or chemistry between the two, but rather a pairing because of nearness and family ties.
The story is entertaining and moves quickly with a few flashbacks from the past. I loved Mitch’s family.
The Troublemaker is a standalone new adult romance by author Claire Contreras. It is told from both points of view with a happy ending. Tropes: sports | college baseball | second chance | family friends to lovers
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Valentine PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
World building: ⚾⚾⚾
Character development: 👤👤👤
Plot: 📚📚📚
Romance: 💕💕
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
Rating: 2.8
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Misty is studying to be a journalist, she’s almost ready to graduate and has received an incredible opportunity to write an article that if published would give her incredible exposure. All she has to do is move next door to three baseball athletes, and follow them for a couple of weeks. The only problem is that one of them is the ex that broke her heart after they spent an incredible summer in NY.
This story is fast paced with a lot of great elements: forced proximity, second chance romance with an enemies to lovers vibe, sports drama. But it just didn’t work for me. I really, really wanted to love this book. Mitch adores Misty and doesn’t give up, but I just couldn’t connect with the characters.
I felt that for the most part Misty just didn’t want anything to do with Mitch, she kept rejecting him, flirting and going out with other guys and the only reason they interacted was for the sake of the article. The fact that it never felt like she was all that worried about her big article didn’t help. And then suddenly they’re a couple. I didn’t feel like there was much relationship growth, romance or chemistry between the two, but rather a pairing because of nearness and family ties.
The story is entertaining and moves quickly with a few flashbacks from the past. I loved Mitch’s family.
The Troublemaker is a standalone new adult romance by author Claire Contreras. It is told from both points of view with a happy ending. Tropes: sports | college baseball | second chance | family friends to lovers
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Valentine PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
World building: ⚾⚾⚾
Character development: 👤👤👤
Plot: 📚📚📚
Romance: 💕💕
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥
Rating: 2.8
Stalk me on FaceBook * Instagram * More reviews
December 16, 2021
4 ⭐'s
Mitchell is a baseball player and a pretty good one at that. When he was seventeen, he and Misty had a relationship and it was a good one until he broke her heart for his first love, baseball. Now, he feels differently.
Misty's not buying it. Mitchell really hurt her and she can't let it happen again. It's been hard these past few years because their families are friends and their siblings are getting married but she's held her own.
Now, she has a journalist assignment for her college paper to follow Mitchell's team amidst a drug scandal at his college. She's staying at the same apartment complex as Mitchell and he takes every chance to be with her.
Misty is trying to be professional but Mitchell makes it very hard and soon she lets some barriers down hoping it will be enough for Mitchell.
I really enjoyed these two. Mitchell was very sweet and did a lot to win back Misty. I wished the story was longer though.
I also liked seeing the characters from the other books and how the family dynamics worked out.
And of course, the ending was perfect.
Mitchell is a baseball player and a pretty good one at that. When he was seventeen, he and Misty had a relationship and it was a good one until he broke her heart for his first love, baseball. Now, he feels differently.
Misty's not buying it. Mitchell really hurt her and she can't let it happen again. It's been hard these past few years because their families are friends and their siblings are getting married but she's held her own.
Now, she has a journalist assignment for her college paper to follow Mitchell's team amidst a drug scandal at his college. She's staying at the same apartment complex as Mitchell and he takes every chance to be with her.
Misty is trying to be professional but Mitchell makes it very hard and soon she lets some barriers down hoping it will be enough for Mitchell.
I really enjoyed these two. Mitchell was very sweet and did a lot to win back Misty. I wished the story was longer though.
I also liked seeing the characters from the other books and how the family dynamics worked out.
And of course, the ending was perfect.
November 11, 2021
Finally, finally, FINALLY the story I have been dying for! Misty and Mitch has piqued my interest since Jagger and Jo’s book! I couldn’t wait to read their story was so ecstatic to finally get it!
I give huge Kudos to Misty! She was one strong, stubborn woman who wasn’t going to settle because of a handsome face! She really made Mitch step up!
This was a fast paced read and though I’m happy with their story I definitely would’ve loved more but my heart is happy for all 3 brothers! I do love how the stories coincide with one another and I have every intention of going back and reading Jaggers book now that I can finally sit and read all 3 together!
I give huge Kudos to Misty! She was one strong, stubborn woman who wasn’t going to settle because of a handsome face! She really made Mitch step up!
This was a fast paced read and though I’m happy with their story I definitely would’ve loved more but my heart is happy for all 3 brothers! I do love how the stories coincide with one another and I have every intention of going back and reading Jaggers book now that I can finally sit and read all 3 together!
November 8, 2021
What I loved about this series was that they weren't long and they honestly didn't need to be because the amount of story and pages were just enough for the story about the Cruz brothers.
We just needed to know what Mitch's story was about and how he messed things up with Misty, Jo's sister, cause he really screwed things up with her when they were teenagers and she wasn't easily willing to give him a second chance even though Mitch was trying his hardest every time they were in the same room to get her to forgive him and give him another chance, even though she would accept his apology, she just couldn't forget how he ended things between them.
She didn't accept the fact that his first love was and will always be baseball, obviously his first priority will never be her and she couldn't accept that, but when she was given an assignment to follow the baseball team around to do an article on them, she was set up to live next door to Mitch and a few of his teammates and that gave him the upper hand to try and win her over. He was doing everything he possibly could to try and get her to trust him again and see that he loved her and he was showing her that he was putting her first when it came down to her and little by little he was breaking her down. The question is, how much will take for Mitch to do to finally get Misty to fall for him all over again?
This book, just like the rest of this series was so, so very cute and I love the Cruz brothers. They all in their own individual selves have won me over. Very athletic, sweet, down to earth and heartwarming guys that no matter what, they always put their girls first and that is how it should always be!
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
We just needed to know what Mitch's story was about and how he messed things up with Misty, Jo's sister, cause he really screwed things up with her when they were teenagers and she wasn't easily willing to give him a second chance even though Mitch was trying his hardest every time they were in the same room to get her to forgive him and give him another chance, even though she would accept his apology, she just couldn't forget how he ended things between them.
She didn't accept the fact that his first love was and will always be baseball, obviously his first priority will never be her and she couldn't accept that, but when she was given an assignment to follow the baseball team around to do an article on them, she was set up to live next door to Mitch and a few of his teammates and that gave him the upper hand to try and win her over. He was doing everything he possibly could to try and get her to trust him again and see that he loved her and he was showing her that he was putting her first when it came down to her and little by little he was breaking her down. The question is, how much will take for Mitch to do to finally get Misty to fall for him all over again?
This book, just like the rest of this series was so, so very cute and I love the Cruz brothers. They all in their own individual selves have won me over. Very athletic, sweet, down to earth and heartwarming guys that no matter what, they always put their girls first and that is how it should always be!
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
November 2, 2021
This was a great fast paced emotional read. Misty is about to get to realize a journalist dream. Write a sports article that could get her the published, an A in her class and tons of exposure. All she has to do is follow 3 athletes around for 2 weeks live next door to them and write about their college experience. Did I mention one is her ex boyfriend and there is definitely still a connection between them, and hot chemistry! Mitch is a college baseball player and hopes to play professionally one day. As most college student, he has a few regrets one of them being how things ended with Misty. Can he fix this? Do they really belong together? This was so good! The characters were well developed and had a great connection and so much back history. I loved How spunky Misty was and she had no problem calling him out on his crap. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
November 4, 2021
Oh my, I loved The Troublemaker. Mitch made me swoon and stole my heart. Mitch and Misty have known each other for a long time, since their parents are best friends. These two have a past and Misty won't forget it even when she has to be around Mitch 24/7 for her article. Mitch is all about baseball, but when fate gives him the opportunity to be around Misty, he doesn't let it go to waster. Misty and Mitch constantly dance around each other, both stubborn and relentless. Mitch won't give up on a second chance and Misty won't let her walls down. However, what happens when close quarters and time spent together slowly starts to chisel away at those walls? The Troublemaker will reel you in and have you devouring this book! The banter and push/pull between Mitch and Misty will have you hooked! Love this book! Take a chance on a troublemaker and see what happens between these two!
November 4, 2021
I seriously couldn't put this book down! Mitch screwed up years ago letting Misty go. Now is his chance to get her back but Misty wants nothing to do with him. After Mitch broke her heart Misty is steering away from all athletics so why is she drawn to Mitch?? I loved their story Once I started I couldn't put it down. Read it!!
May 25, 2022
Dans la famille Cruz, je demande le frère ! Après Jagger (The Heartbreaker) et Maverick (The Rulebreaker), c’est au tour de Mitch de nous embarquer dans son monde.
Comme pour la précédente histoire, Misty et Mitch se connaissent depuis longtemps. Leurs familles sont très proches et, depuis peu, Jagger est en couple avec Jo, la sœur de Misty.
Mitch est un sportif accompli comme ses frères. C’est le seul Cruz à avoir choisi le baseball. La pression qu’il ressent en est d’autant plus grande que son père en était un très grand joueur. Quant à Misty, elle évolue également dans le monde du sport mais côté journalisme.
Par le passé, Misty et Mitch ont eu une histoire le temps d’un été à New York. Mitch avait alors brisé le cœur de Misty, leur relation future se limitant aux réunions familiales.
Tout se bouscule quand Misty découvre que son stage consiste à suivre et écrire un article sur l’équipe de baseball. Elle déménage alors à côté de l’appartement de Mitch et ses coéquipiers, pour être au plus près de leur vie et les suivre dans leurs fonctions.
Cette proximité ainsi la détermination de Mitch à récupérer Misty vont mettre à mal les bonnes résolutions de cette dernière. En effet, leur séparation a changé Misty et ses relations avec les hommes. Elle ne fait plus confiance à la gent masculine et fait tout pour ne pas s’attacher.
Mitch va briser un à un les murs que Misty a construit entre eux. Comme pour le baseball, il n’est pas du genre à abandonner à la première difficulté. Misty, quant à elle, va tenter de protéger son cœur, elle n’a jamais vraiment arrêté d’avoir des sentiments pour Mitch, mais elle ne veut surtout plus ressentir une telle souffrance.
Vous l’aurez compris, rien de bien révolutionnaire dans cette romance. Et pourtant, l’auteure nous embarque avec Misty et Mitch et on s’y plait. Ici, pas de grands drames, pas de grands raisonnements intérieurs non plus. Les personnages, principaux comme secondaires, sont intéressants et attachants. J’ai aimé cet esprit de famille qui règne et que chacun cultive précieusement.
En bref, une romance friends-to-lovers simple et efficace. Mitch, sportif accompli, a besoin de réparer une erreur de jeunesse et c’est avec détermination qu’il va reconquérir le cœur de Misty. Si vous aimez les romances sportives (pas trop sportive) et les reconquêtes façon slow-burn avec une bonne dose d’esprit de famille alors l’histoire de Misty et Mitch est pour vous !
Nota : ce tome, comme le précédent, est un standalone. Mais je vous conseille tout de même de lire chaque tome dans l’ordre de publication pour ne rien manquer.
Comme pour la précédente histoire, Misty et Mitch se connaissent depuis longtemps. Leurs familles sont très proches et, depuis peu, Jagger est en couple avec Jo, la sœur de Misty.
Mitch est un sportif accompli comme ses frères. C’est le seul Cruz à avoir choisi le baseball. La pression qu’il ressent en est d’autant plus grande que son père en était un très grand joueur. Quant à Misty, elle évolue également dans le monde du sport mais côté journalisme.
Par le passé, Misty et Mitch ont eu une histoire le temps d’un été à New York. Mitch avait alors brisé le cœur de Misty, leur relation future se limitant aux réunions familiales.
Tout se bouscule quand Misty découvre que son stage consiste à suivre et écrire un article sur l’équipe de baseball. Elle déménage alors à côté de l’appartement de Mitch et ses coéquipiers, pour être au plus près de leur vie et les suivre dans leurs fonctions.
Cette proximité ainsi la détermination de Mitch à récupérer Misty vont mettre à mal les bonnes résolutions de cette dernière. En effet, leur séparation a changé Misty et ses relations avec les hommes. Elle ne fait plus confiance à la gent masculine et fait tout pour ne pas s’attacher.
Mitch va briser un à un les murs que Misty a construit entre eux. Comme pour le baseball, il n’est pas du genre à abandonner à la première difficulté. Misty, quant à elle, va tenter de protéger son cœur, elle n’a jamais vraiment arrêté d’avoir des sentiments pour Mitch, mais elle ne veut surtout plus ressentir une telle souffrance.
Vous l’aurez compris, rien de bien révolutionnaire dans cette romance. Et pourtant, l’auteure nous embarque avec Misty et Mitch et on s’y plait. Ici, pas de grands drames, pas de grands raisonnements intérieurs non plus. Les personnages, principaux comme secondaires, sont intéressants et attachants. J’ai aimé cet esprit de famille qui règne et que chacun cultive précieusement.
En bref, une romance friends-to-lovers simple et efficace. Mitch, sportif accompli, a besoin de réparer une erreur de jeunesse et c’est avec détermination qu’il va reconquérir le cœur de Misty. Si vous aimez les romances sportives (pas trop sportive) et les reconquêtes façon slow-burn avec une bonne dose d’esprit de famille alors l’histoire de Misty et Mitch est pour vous !
Nota : ce tome, comme le précédent, est un standalone. Mais je vous conseille tout de même de lire chaque tome dans l’ordre de publication pour ne rien manquer.
November 10, 2021
Thank you to Valentine PR and the author, Claire Contreras, for providing me an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a few books by Claire Contreras and I really love her writing style.
This one was an easy book to get into, I immediately got invested with the story of the characters.
I really love Misty, she is unapologetically just herself to everyone she meets. She is easy to love and a sunshine to be with. I love how she did not immediately caved to get back with Mitchell despite still having feelings for him. I love how she prioritized herself first and knew that she deserved nothing but the best! I did love Mitchell as well, he was persistent, thoughtful, loving, and really protective! I love seeing him getting all hot and bothered because of Misty but also seeing him take care of Misty!
The family members and friends of the characters were all so adorable, I love how they were shipping Misty and Mitchell even before anything happened between the two and I love how supportive they are of the two. There were so many adorable and hilarious scenes, between the main characters and the side characters, that I just had to keep reading.
This was a really fun and enjoyable read that I actually finished in one sitting. I was just too invested with how Misty and Mitchell’s relationship will progress!
Would highly recommend this to those who love to read second chance + sports + slow burn romance with a dash of spice!
I have read a few books by Claire Contreras and I really love her writing style.
This one was an easy book to get into, I immediately got invested with the story of the characters.
I really love Misty, she is unapologetically just herself to everyone she meets. She is easy to love and a sunshine to be with. I love how she did not immediately caved to get back with Mitchell despite still having feelings for him. I love how she prioritized herself first and knew that she deserved nothing but the best! I did love Mitchell as well, he was persistent, thoughtful, loving, and really protective! I love seeing him getting all hot and bothered because of Misty but also seeing him take care of Misty!
The family members and friends of the characters were all so adorable, I love how they were shipping Misty and Mitchell even before anything happened between the two and I love how supportive they are of the two. There were so many adorable and hilarious scenes, between the main characters and the side characters, that I just had to keep reading.
This was a really fun and enjoyable read that I actually finished in one sitting. I was just too invested with how Misty and Mitchell’s relationship will progress!
Would highly recommend this to those who love to read second chance + sports + slow burn romance with a dash of spice!
November 13, 2021
I did not read the other Cruz brother books before this so getting used to the characters and their relationships took a bit of time. I'm not sure how to describe this one it's like the one who got away story or can't get over an ex.
I find the dynamic between the Cruz and Canó family interesting. I wish I got see more what makes Misty tick why she changed schools and went into journalism. Learning about Mitch and his drive, his sports oriented family, I saw why he is that way. Maybe it's an athlete thing. The author described why Misty and Mitch didn't work out and everything going on now.
They were definitely dancing around one another a lot of the book and it was took a while for Misty to admit her feelings, Mitch knew from the start what his end goal was. It was hard To be honest it seems true dating an athlete or any celebrity is hard. The whole title didn't make sense much till it mentioned Mitch's nickname in baseball but his over all personality felt like that.
They will treasure each other more cause of the heartache they went through to get to the happy. It ties up the loose ends in the epilogue. Though I'd like to see more of Misty and Mitch but it's all good. I read through this pretty quick despite the unfamiliarity. It was easy enough and it had some angsty moments. I might backtrack to get a better idea of them all.
I find the dynamic between the Cruz and Canó family interesting. I wish I got see more what makes Misty tick why she changed schools and went into journalism. Learning about Mitch and his drive, his sports oriented family, I saw why he is that way. Maybe it's an athlete thing. The author described why Misty and Mitch didn't work out and everything going on now.
They were definitely dancing around one another a lot of the book and it was took a while for Misty to admit her feelings, Mitch knew from the start what his end goal was. It was hard To be honest it seems true dating an athlete or any celebrity is hard. The whole title didn't make sense much till it mentioned Mitch's nickname in baseball but his over all personality felt like that.
They will treasure each other more cause of the heartache they went through to get to the happy. It ties up the loose ends in the epilogue. Though I'd like to see more of Misty and Mitch but it's all good. I read through this pretty quick despite the unfamiliarity. It was easy enough and it had some angsty moments. I might backtrack to get a better idea of them all.
November 16, 2021
Rating: 4.8/5 🌟
This book was a short and a fast read but still one of the best in the series.
I was waiting for their book the most since I started reading this series.
Mitch and Mitsy are the cutest and adorable. Their book was the most anticipated one and it didn't disappoint me. The way Mitsy made Mitch step up was the best and she is such a strong woman. Would have loved a little more adorable moments, but it was still perfect❤️
Thanks to Made Me Blush Books to have had me hooked to this series.
This book was a short and a fast read but still one of the best in the series.
I was waiting for their book the most since I started reading this series.
Mitch and Mitsy are the cutest and adorable. Their book was the most anticipated one and it didn't disappoint me. The way Mitsy made Mitch step up was the best and she is such a strong woman. Would have loved a little more adorable moments, but it was still perfect❤️
Thanks to Made Me Blush Books to have had me hooked to this series.
November 15, 2021
this is such a fun, short, sexy, second chance romance (which claire is the queeeeen of!!) and if you haven’t downloaded it, get tooooo it. I haven’t been able to finish anything else after this & it’s mostly because of how fun the characters are, how much this world claire has created (with that half truths call out!!) is so bingeable. it’s the perfect weekend read!
thanks to claire & valentine for the arc. all thoughts are my own
thanks to claire & valentine for the arc. all thoughts are my own
December 6, 2021
3.5-3.75 stars
Ahhh Misty & Mitch…. from the previous glimpses we KNOW there’s a story already brewing. I enjoyed the book. It was lacking something the others had. I would’ve loved if the author delved into their past relationship a bit more. I wanted that ache in my chest B U T it still held my attention and put a smile on my face. I would absolutely love a holiday novella that would catch us up with all 3 couples :)
Ahhh Misty & Mitch…. from the previous glimpses we KNOW there’s a story already brewing. I enjoyed the book. It was lacking something the others had. I would’ve loved if the author delved into their past relationship a bit more. I wanted that ache in my chest B U T it still held my attention and put a smile on my face. I would absolutely love a holiday novella that would catch us up with all 3 couples :)
November 11, 2021
This second chance romance with sports elements thrown in was so good. It had everything I love about Claire Contreras’ books. Misty and Mitchell dated when they were teenagers and then reconnect in college after some groveling from Mitchell that I really enjoyed. A fast read that kept me smiling. Five stars
November 12, 2021
5 MITCH AND MISTY STARS!! I wanted this story and it was perfect. This had all the feels with lots of push and pull all the way through. As always this author delivers a homerun. You must read this book and series.
November 21, 2021
3.75
Mi favorito de la trilogía de los hermanos Cruz.
Mi favorito de la trilogía de los hermanos Cruz.
January 8, 2022
i’ve enjoyed these books a lot but i wish the books were longer and not so rushed but besides that they were really cute.
February 5, 2022
2.5/5
This is probably my least favorite of the three.
I was really curious for Misty and Mitch's story...unfortunately, it didn't deliver for me.
They have an history together, we know it didn't end well...but we don't know much. We have a glimpse at their past but not enough. I wish we would've had more, more elements to understand better and share Misty's pain about it.
In the present, they are forced to be together. Misty has a paper to write about the athletes and, of course, she ends up following Mitch's team.
Quickly, he starts invading her space and want all of her time. And she is not really trying to avoid him. And that is where I'm really sad about this book. It's a cute story and it's fun to read, I won't deny that, but it's not much more. I feel like Claire Contreras chose the easy way for this last book woth the Cruz brothers.
There is no real challenge here. Mitch and Misty never really talk about what happened before and why now he wants her to be with him. When they are together, it's always the same pattern again and again. He flirts, she acts like she as annoyed...and it goes on again and again. It's not what I expected for their story.
I didn't fell in love with them, nor with their story. I felt like Misty never really tried to push him away. Sure, it's not easy where their parents are bets friends and their relatives are engaged but...please, if she really wanted to turn the page she could have. And when they are together, if she could not let her feelings take over it would help.
And Mitch, I don't know... he did nothing to make me swoon. He apparead insistent and it's like he can't take a no as an answer. He's not a bad guy, but I know Claire Contreras can do a lot better with her male characters ^^
So yeah, I'm a bit disappointed by this last book in this series. I expected feelings and characters overcoming their past to have a fresh start. I didn't get that. Where are all the emotions that usually come with second-chance romances ?
It was an easy and fun read, I totally admit that, but it's certainly not one of Claire Contreras' best books.
This is probably my least favorite of the three.
I was really curious for Misty and Mitch's story...unfortunately, it didn't deliver for me.
They have an history together, we know it didn't end well...but we don't know much. We have a glimpse at their past but not enough. I wish we would've had more, more elements to understand better and share Misty's pain about it.
In the present, they are forced to be together. Misty has a paper to write about the athletes and, of course, she ends up following Mitch's team.
Quickly, he starts invading her space and want all of her time. And she is not really trying to avoid him. And that is where I'm really sad about this book. It's a cute story and it's fun to read, I won't deny that, but it's not much more. I feel like Claire Contreras chose the easy way for this last book woth the Cruz brothers.
There is no real challenge here. Mitch and Misty never really talk about what happened before and why now he wants her to be with him. When they are together, it's always the same pattern again and again. He flirts, she acts like she as annoyed...and it goes on again and again. It's not what I expected for their story.
I didn't fell in love with them, nor with their story. I felt like Misty never really tried to push him away. Sure, it's not easy where their parents are bets friends and their relatives are engaged but...please, if she really wanted to turn the page she could have. And when they are together, if she could not let her feelings take over it would help.
And Mitch, I don't know... he did nothing to make me swoon. He apparead insistent and it's like he can't take a no as an answer. He's not a bad guy, but I know Claire Contreras can do a lot better with her male characters ^^
So yeah, I'm a bit disappointed by this last book in this series. I expected feelings and characters overcoming their past to have a fresh start. I didn't get that. Where are all the emotions that usually come with second-chance romances ?
It was an easy and fun read, I totally admit that, but it's certainly not one of Claire Contreras' best books.
November 19, 2021
Those Cruz brothers. This was another wonderful installment in a series of stories surrounding the Cruz family that I just love to read. I flew through this book. I read a little bit the first day I picked it up (up to 17%) and then 2 days later when I had more time to read, I finished it in what felt like the blink of an eye. This is not to say this book was short or the story was too quick, it was just addicting! I had to see how it would end. I was on pins and needles waiting for Misty to get out of her own freaking way. I wanted to see what Mitchell would do to show her things are different. Ah. My heart is happy after reading this book. It was so exactly what I needed. I loved it. I also loved the nod to Ellis University and my favorite secret society. I am so glad I read this, sad that it is over already, but as always, anxiously awaiting the next Claire Contreras book!!
July 23, 2024
It was a really nice story and I loved that each of the brothers got their own story but still had their siblings and friends still be included in their stories. So it was very nice to see where the first two couples were at right now. I enjoyed this story but felt it was a bit short and could have had some situations stretched out a lot more without damaging the flow or storyline. Sometimes and especially towards the end with the multiple time jumps (even before the epilogue) I felt like the story was too rushed and major decisions were made way too quickly which kind of gave to intention that the author wanted to finish this book up fast. I would have loved a bit more tension and suspense during this part to raise the peak a bit higher for the happy end. But altogether it was a lovely and fast read. Perfect for romantic, swoony cliche love story readers like me. ;)
August 12, 2025
And that’s a wrap, folks! What a fun, quick, wild little college sports romance series this turned out to be. I was hooked from the very first book, but Mitch and Misty were the perfect icing on the cake. I mean, I knew they were destined from the start, so finally getting to see them together, learning their backstory, watching their young love bloom, and realizing the power it still holds, was just beautiful.
This final installment had all the swoony moments, the laughs, the team spirit, and the little gut-punches of emotion that make you want to hug the book when you’re done. It wrapped up the series in a way that felt satisfying yet bittersweet, because I honestly could have stayed in this world forever. Those Cruz boys stole my heart. So, if you love sports romance with heart, heat, and a dash of nostalgia, this series is a must-read.
This final installment had all the swoony moments, the laughs, the team spirit, and the little gut-punches of emotion that make you want to hug the book when you’re done. It wrapped up the series in a way that felt satisfying yet bittersweet, because I honestly could have stayed in this world forever. Those Cruz boys stole my heart. So, if you love sports romance with heart, heat, and a dash of nostalgia, this series is a must-read.
November 12, 2021
The Troublemaker by Claire Contreras is a second chance sports romance. Mitch and Misty shared a first love, but then he broke her heart. Now she is determined to stay away from him at all costs. Right when she is almost done with school, she is handed a great opportunity as a future journalist. However, this story is about athletes and at the center of it is her ex. The one she wants to avoid, but there is no avoiding him now. And worse, he is flirting with her and trying to blur lines. I loved how determined he was to win her back, even as she was just as determined to keep him at arm’s length. I loved watching their back and forth. Their story was sweet and charming.
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
January 11, 2022
The last Cruz brother did not disappoint! I love how short, steamy and fun these three books have been. I’ve been dying to read Mitch and Misty’s story cause im a sucker for a second chance romance. Since I already know how quickly the plot moves I wasn’t disappointed but if you read this know that it’s a short book and moves very quickly so the author gets right to the point. I would have loved for their past moments to be explored more and for there to have been a little more angst but overall this hit the spot. A couple open door scenes that also get right to the point and descriptive like I like!
December 13, 2025
Misty & Mitch get a second chance as Misty is tasked with an assignment that can make or break her career and graduation chances while putting her in close proximity to the man she never quite got over.
This installment in the series seemed a bit rushed, and not well coordinated. I didn't get the justification for the close proximity between Mitch & Misty. Even as the assignment was being completed, I still didn't get it. As a matter of fact, she didn't even seem to remember or care about the article much. Plus, she didn't seem to like Mitch at all, and kept rejecting him repeatedly, then suddenly capitulating. It was... weird.
I was expecting another cute read, but didn't get it.
This installment in the series seemed a bit rushed, and not well coordinated. I didn't get the justification for the close proximity between Mitch & Misty. Even as the assignment was being completed, I still didn't get it. As a matter of fact, she didn't even seem to remember or care about the article much. Plus, she didn't seem to like Mitch at all, and kept rejecting him repeatedly, then suddenly capitulating. It was... weird.
I was expecting another cute read, but didn't get it.
January 6, 2022
Last Cruz brothers book
3.5 stars
Misty and Mitch are former lovers that have been reunited due to a sports scandal investigation. Misty has the opportunity to shadow Mitch and they are forced into close proximity, giving him an opportunity to plea for a second chance. The beginning of the story didn’t grab my attention as I had hoped, but midway through it picked up pace. I enjoyed their story, it was easy and entertaining.
3.5 stars
Misty and Mitch are former lovers that have been reunited due to a sports scandal investigation. Misty has the opportunity to shadow Mitch and they are forced into close proximity, giving him an opportunity to plea for a second chance. The beginning of the story didn’t grab my attention as I had hoped, but midway through it picked up pace. I enjoyed their story, it was easy and entertaining.
November 14, 2021
I loved every part of this book! I’ve been waiting for Misty and Mitch to get their happy ending since they were first introduced in the other books! This was a quick read with lots of funny moments! I love the Cruz brothers and their families so much! This book is the perfect addition to the group of stories!!!!!
July 7, 2025
After reading the previous 2 books I knew who the third book was going to be about. This is a dual perspective story, his and hers. This book had way more feelings right from the start. He is a jerk and she is either a B or playing victim. Their chemistry is insane but they want to deny it because baseball is his first love. I feel for her in this story, but she certainly doesn't make it easy to love her. I am sad the series is over. I do prefer my Claire books dark, but these weren't bad.
November 13, 2021
5 stars
This is my favorite book of the series. It was cute, short and fun. Loved both characters and their connection. I specially loved the diversity in the characters, because representation matters.
This is my favorite book of the series. It was cute, short and fun. Loved both characters and their connection. I specially loved the diversity in the characters, because representation matters.
November 29, 2021
Omg. So so so so so good
This book was just perfect for me at this moment. Friends to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers. What a whirlwind. I loved their history and the plot line was really great. Awesome read!!!
This book was just perfect for me at this moment. Friends to lovers to enemies to friends to lovers. What a whirlwind. I loved their history and the plot line was really great. Awesome read!!!
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