Waiting to Score

Pierson U #1

by Elouise Tynan

Perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy's Off Campus and Briar U hockey series' or Meghan Quinn's Brentwood Boys baseball series.


EMILY ‘MONTY’ MONTGOMERY

When I walked up to the closest guy on the quad and mauled him with my mouth to escape my overzealous ex-boyfriend, I had no idea he was the stupidly hot star of the Pierson University basketball team.

So what if it was the hottest accidental makeout of my life? West Wright has just as many scores on his headboard as he does on the court. And I have no desire to be one of many.

But when my ex turns to outright stalking, West’s unexpected offer to play the role of fake boyfriend suddenly seems like a safe bet.

I have a few rules to throw down though, because despite his killer charm, I have no intention of getting involved with a guy like West for real, no matter how hard he tries to shoot his shot.


WEST WRIGHT

It’s not like girls throwing themselves at me is a new thing, but the hot brunette with legs for days who jumped me in the quad definitely caught me off guard.

Shame my eyes are firmly on the prize—making it to the NBA. Which means I don’t have time for relationships. Even fake ones.

But after one hot kiss that hit harder than a three-point buzzer-beater, I can’t get Monty out of my head. And I want her between my sheets.

Next thing I know I’m her campus knight, offering to fake date her under the guise of getting her ex-boyfriend off her back. So why does this relationship suddenly feel real? And why aren’t I bolting in the other direction?

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Fake Dating, Sports, College, College Romance, Basketball

ebook

First published December 7, 2021

About the author

Elouise Tynan is a romance author obsessed with stories about strong heroines and swoony heroes, mixed with laughter, a whole lot of love and a little bit of heat.

She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and sons.

Sign up for her newsletter at www.elouisetynan.com for news on new releases, giveaways and more!

FIND HER HERE:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B09MSV4LTJ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elouisetyna...

Reviews

[Bec (becbingesbooks) - sorry, behind with lots of catching up to do · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did it! I actually read a book with one of them topless guys on the cover! A first for me, but definitely not a last because I will totally be checking out book 2 in the Pierson U series.

This is a college sports romance. West, the champ baller and college play boy, tries to help Monty get her creepy ex off her back with some fake dating...

This had One Tree Hill vibes and I LOVED it. Basketball, college parties, and beautiful friendships 🥰. Plus the connection and banter between the FMC and MMC was on point!

This was so much more than what I'd expected from a romance novel tbh (yes, I'm still new to the genre). It had suspense, it gave me goosebumps at some sweet friendships, and there were a few chapters that had thriller vibes. Just wow!

There were, ofc, some steamy scenes which is not usually my jam but easy enough to skim if you're not a fan.

Lastly, the writing was 👌. I flew through this, I was engaged and read it in one sitting, which is v rare for me.

⚠️ TW: stalking ⚠️

[Medollga · Rating 2 out of 5]

when the plot had more holes than Swiss cheese 😫💀

the idea was cute, their chemistry kind of there, but the story development so inconsistent and certain situations or character reactions so unrealistic, it was painful to read 🤷🏼‍♀️

[zahraa · Rating 5 out of 5]

THANK YOU FOR THIS ARC! This was so so so so good. Fake dating, jealousy & BASKETBALL !!

monty finds out that she accidentally transferred to the same school as her stalker ex, so the first thing she thinks of is to make him think she has a new boyfriend. and who else, but the King of Campus, West?

i was genuinely surprised by how good of a read this was, not that i wasn’t expecting it, but it exceeded my expectations. the writing was fast pace, the plot was entertaining & the storylines was so so so cute.

i loved both west & monty’s characters, you could tell even if they didn’t realize it at first, that they were INSANELY attracted to each other and even more into each other.

i hope alec falls off a cliff.

anyways, i’d love to read van’s book because i’m really curious about his situation?? i genuinely have no idea who he’s gonna end up with? maybe stella ?

[Caitlin ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I loved it. I really enjoyed the plot with the fake dating and her stalker ex, it brought the angst. It was such a quick and enjoyable read.

West and Monty were great together and I loved their banter. The fake dating trope is always a hit. I also love a reformed playboy storyline and West is👌🏼

If you’re looking for a new sports romance, I’d seriously recommend this. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Hey Lin]

Dnfed at 28%. Listen. I don't really care about cheating but if you have met the girl, thinks she's cute and have started having feeling for her, I don't want to read about you talking to a cheerleader against A wall that you now wanna eff, imma dnf. Jaysus gross

From the book "I moved closer, trying to make out the name across the back of the jersey. Wright. My stomach dropped. “West?” He looked at me over his shoulder, pushing off the wall. “Monty? What are you doing here?” I bit the inside of my cheek. This was a terrible idea. He’d clearly moved on and forgotten all about me. “Uh, I was looking for you,” I said, sliding my hands in the back pockets of my jeans to stop me from fidgeting. West’s face lit with surprise. “You were?” I nodded, glancing at the cheerleader behind him. “West?” She peered up at him. “Are we still going back to my place?” He looked back at her. “Another time?” Annoyance washed over her, and she looked me up and down before storming down the hall with a small huff."

Another time 🤦🤦🤦🤦🤦😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐 effort is this bull hockey doo doo?

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Review on IG: @xojazzle

**COMES OUT DEC 22** This was such a fun, fast and easy read, I read this in one day (that usually doesn’t happen to me lol) this is a fake dating, sports (basketball) college romance! Monty transfers to a new university and makes out with a random guy in the quad. He turns out to be the star basketball player of the school. Her ex psycho stalker ex boyfriend also ends up transferring to the same school and sees her shacked up with the basketball super star. In order to keep her ex bf away, they decide to fake date. This book kind of had the same pacing as ‘Window Shopping’ by Tessa Bailey, it was instalove (very instant attraction) and it moved really fast because it is a short length book. I feel like that’s what kept me really engaged, but it wasn’t anything that made me go WOW if that makes sense, it was okay!! There was always something happening. It was really simple and a cliche but I feel like that’s why I couldn’t put it down! Monty and West were really likeable characters, had a great friend group, and a fun environment (college campus, basketball games, bar, etc). My favorite parts were when both West’s and Monty’s friend groups were all hanging out together! I’m looking forward to reading the next books because you see the little hints of the different couples! It has a similar feel to the off campus series (friend groups for both guys and girls, dual POV, simple and clear plot) I liked this book and I feel like the next ones will be better :) I recommend if you want a fast paced, simple fake dating book! thank you to @elouisetynanwrites for sending me this in exchange for an honest review!

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️s

Well, I read this in one sitting and adored it. I picked this up for the fake dating, and that was definitely delivered. Monty and West were adorable - I loved how into each other they were.

**Goodreads has this tagged as a high school romance. It’s not. The MCs are in college. Just thought that was an important distinction to make here!**

🌶🌶🌶/5



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Giorgia Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Meh. Read these tropes and exact plot 100 times before. This didn’t do it better or even as well as others before it.

[Chris ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf 58% I did enjoy this up until a certain point and planned on rating it above 3.5 stars, because their banter was really good and they had nice chemistry.

BUT I ended up dnf’ing it because:

1. We didn’t get to see their connection develop in real time, if you will, most of it happened off-page.

2. And number two and most importantly, because this guy couldn’t stop drooling over other hot chicks while also being interested in our heroine. So being the horny, sex deprived jock that he was (because the FMC wouldn’t sleep with him), every time an attractive woman would approach/jump him, he always took his sweet time getting away from them and his inner thoughts about them were also kind of red flags.


Here some examples for you:

Example nr. 1 - After our fmc rejected him because she didn’t trust a guy like him with her feelings, he was conflicted about her rejection for all of 2 seconds, then this was his reaction:

Shoving a hand through my hair, I tried to shake off my dark mood. There was one quick way to get Monty’s rejection and my crappy performance on the court out of my head.
Sitting forward, I pressed my elbows to my knees, staring up at the girl dancing on the table. She smiled down at me, hips swaying seductively.
I was about to call her over to sit on my lap and erase all thoughts of the hot, leggy brunette who’d made it perfectly clear yesterday that she didn’t need me, when a trio of heels came through the front door with a gust of cold night air.

The only thing stopping him from doing it was Monty and her friends showing up at that exact moment.

Example nr. 2 - He is at a bar and some random girl approaches him, and even though he did reject her, these were his thoughts about her. Ugh it just….yuk!!

She placed a hand on my arm and leaned in to whisper in my ear. “I’m a very hands-on study buddy.”
Her tongue flicked out, sucking my earlobe into her mouth, and I’d be lying if I said my cock didn’t stir behind my zipper. She had a pretty face and a smoking hot body, and I was already three beers down tonight. But I wouldn’t do it to Monty. Not when she was the one I really wanted moaning my name.

Woow, way to go buddy! You deserve a medal for showing self restraint for once in your life!😒👏🏻 🏅

Example nr. 3 - And the thing that was the last straw for me, was when he was kissed by another girl who he used to hook up with. Yes, she was the one who initiated the kiss, but he could have easily kept her at a distance so that she didn’t have the chance to get so close to him in the first place.

“West Wright, where the hell have you been lately?” she asked, a seductive smile on her face as she slid her hands up my pecs to wrap them around my neck.
Her familiar scent invaded my senses, dulled from the two rounds of shots I’d already done with the team. She pulled me closer, grinding her hips against my groin.
Jesus.
It had been months since I’d seen any action and here was a near-perfect body rubbing up against me. I may not want her, but it didn’t mean I couldn’t appreciate how incredible Tahlia’s body was. Only it wasn’t the body I wanted.
“Tahlia.” I tugged one of her arms from around my neck. “I can’t…”
“I know you’ve missed me, baby,” she said, cutting me off and running a hand over my hair. “Sometimes I think about you when I’m in bed all alone.”
She pressed up on her toes, her lips brushing my ear.
“I think about all the times we hooked up while I touch myself.”
My jaw clenched and I tried to pull away.
“Seriously, Tahlia. I appreciate it, but I can’t…”
Before I could get another word out, her mouth closed over mine, trapping my lips against her. Her mouth was warm and soft, and while it should have felt familiar, it was all wrong.


See? Ugh…no, just NO! He could have easily kept her at a distance before it came to that kiss. I simply didn’t like the way he let women touch him, without taking action sooner.

Bye

[shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

describe this book in one word: comfort

3.5/5-->rounded up

𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 💭

The thing that first caught my eye about this book was that this was a sport romance book much like how Elle Kennedy’s books were. And the tropes in this book are exactly what you’d expect them to be in a good way. The main thing that I am grateful for in this book is that it got me out of my reader slump. I finished this book IN ONE DAY. And I haven’t don’t that in a long time. I very much enjoyed the premise of the stalker ex coming into the picture and enticing the random kiss Monty took with West who happens to be the basketball stud while his friends were making fun in the background (I love Van). Speaking of the kiss, I am pleasantly surprised that the kiss (As expected from the synopsis) happened right off the bat, no beating around the bush and it was unexpected. Andy while I say this book had all the tropes you would expect, it did have some things that bothered me.

personally im not the biggest fan of unrealistic and sometimes cringey dialogue such as “You jumped the biggest stud on the basketball team?”- i feel like this is a bit much and im not the biggest fan of this style and it happens a lot in the book while entered on West’s reputation. Another fact that bothered me was that I had no idea who monty was. In all honestly her description didn’t give me much insight of her as a person except for the fact that she had dated Alec and Imogen was her bff since 2nd grade. I didn’t know much about her family or her personality as much as I did about West. And when there was a point in the story where Monty was getting over the fact that West may not actually be as bad as she though he was, I feel like there wasn’t enough substance given to justify monty’s emotions. like her assumptions of West as the Anti - Commitment was glossed over very briefly as something she heard people saying. This big revelation of her thinking maybe she misjudged him also becomes as if its not a big deal (and it should be imo). I wanted to know what made Monty special compared to other people (from West's pov and just in general but i could conclude much on that)

Nevertheless, this book had trope that I WISH FOR in a book(I will list them below) and some good jealousy scenes cause who doesn’t love that which is why I think this is definitely a book to read. Its light and romantic and enjoyable especially if you’re a fan of sport romances like me.

✈︎ sport romance romance

✈︎ fake dating trope

✈︎ one bed trope

✈︎ amazing supporting friends

I rate my books in 2 ways

should you read this book ? ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ yes if you love sport romance

My rating of this book overall 3.5/5

my fav quote:

“I liked kissing her. Sue me”

Saw this on tik tok and loved the premise and i have been trying to find good books in this genre! excited to read this :))

[Natalie Jane (bookscoffeelover) · Rating 5 out of 5]

New book boyfriend

This book had me bursting with laughter and crying my heart out! Monty and West were seriously made for each other! Can West be my boyfriend?? Not only did this book have a sweet romance but it also had a plot!

Will definitely be reading more by this author

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Emily who is heading to college at Pierson University to become a writer one day but her stalked ex decided to follow. This is when Emily runs up to a random guy not knowing he is popular, known for getting around and a hotshot in the basketball team. West decides to help her out and play the role of a fake boyfriend but Emily puts up boundaries and she doesn’t want to be another girl on his hit list who is not interested in dating or becoming an item.

This was such a fun, quick easy read. I loved it and the narration was fantastic. West is dreamy and Emily stood her ground but they were obsessed with each other. There were only a few spicy scenes. Looking forward to starting the next book very soon.

If you love:

🔹Basket Ball
🔹College Life
🔹Faking It
🔹He Falls First
🔹Crazy Ex
🔹Quick Easy Read

Genre/Type: Sports Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook Scribd
Audio Length: 5hrs 19mins
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book 1 in the Pierson U series
Tropes or Themes: Fake Dating, Sports, Basketball, College & He Falls First
Check Triggers ⚠️

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Scribd | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[darcey arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

lit so in love with this book, can’t wait for van’s book & the rest of the series!

[laeticia · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick and easy read perfect if you’re a fan of the off campus series it’s the same vibe

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. I’m a sucker for fake dating so I was hooked from the first chapter 🫠🙈 The way West cared and protected Monty made me swoon 🥹

I was so happy there was no 3rd act breakup exactly and the conflict was resolved really well!

I’m in love with Elouise’s writing style and cannot wait to read the rest of the series 💖

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO good. I loved the storyline between Monty and West. There was a little bit of angst and action and a lot of romance wrapped up into one fantastic book. I also appreciated that there were parts of the book that centered around actual basketball. I’m not so patiently waiting for the next book in the series!

[Meghna Bose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an amazing read. It was my first one by this author. Looking forward to more such great reads by her.

I loved Monty and West. I love a good sports romance. The college setting was a bonus. The side characters were good as well and well fleshed out.

I loved both the romance and friendship between everyone.

I want a West for myself after reading this book!!!!

The element of dread was executed fantastically. I would read this again and again. This is a good book to recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Slide Between the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were lucky to receive an ARC of Waiting to Score and absolutely loved Monty & West's love story.

Monty is dealing with a Stalker ex and what better way to fake date the hot college basketball player, West.

You won't be able to help falling in love with Monty & West, as well as all the side characters.

If you love a sport romance, with fake dating, witty banter & steamy scenes, then you will LOVE Waiting to Score!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading this book, and I absolutely loved it!

[Jen Zingaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good story for a debut author.
-> Fake relationship
-> Sports
-> College
-> Suspense/Stalker
Once I read the blurb, I knew that I had to read this.

The opening scene really grabs you. I appreciate that. My biggest struggle with books is getting past the beginning to get hooked. The characters are really interesting and I love when a guy that is used to getting everything so easily has to try a little harder. ;) It really brought me back to the college days when you realize that you have chemistry with someone and the possibilities are endless. And there was the suspense component that kept me on the edge of my seat. This story sets you up with more books about the other characters and I can't wait to read them.

[Karen Thurecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great read! This book is funny and sexy with a troubling dark undercurrent. So well-executed. I have been converted. This genre belongs to you Elouise Tynan!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily “Monty” Montgomery crosses paths with West Wright (the stupidly hot star of the Pierson University’s basketball team) when she mauls him with her mouth to escape her crazy ex on the quad. How was she supposed to know in that split second decision how crazy hot he was and that he was the college’s campus king?!

West Wright has as many scores on his headboard as he does on the court and Monty has no desire to be his next conquest. When West agrees to be her “fake boyfriend” to avoid her stalker ex, things get complicated between these two and the lines and boundaries they set become blurred.

“Waiting to Score” for me was one of those unexpected reads. Going into it, I knew it was a sports romance but it was unexpected for me because it was unlike any sports romance I’ve read before.

This book brought a unique and refreshing plot and won me over not only by the strength and beauty in this authors writing style, but also by the way that the author was able to construct such a well developed plot. From such likeable and relatable characters to its engaging plot, I devoured this book from beginning to end. I also loved all of the pop culture references from “Taylor Swift” to “Riverdale”. It was written in such a way that it has the ability to engage a wide audience of romance readers.

Also! I have such high expectations of men now after reading this book. Can I just have my own Mr West Wright PLEASEEEEEEE?! 😆

This spicy and swoon-worthy sports romance is perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy’s ‘Off-Campus’ and ‘Briar U’ series’, lovers of sports romances and fans of the “fake dating” + “slow burn” tropes. The end of the book also contains an excerpt of book two “Shooting to Win”. After falling in love with both Monty and West, I absolutely can’t wait to read Van’s story. After reading this, I think you will all know who Van can’t stop thinking about… 😉❤️

I can’t wait for all of you to read it when it’s released on 22nd December. Be sure to preorder it on Amazon! Don’t forget to get yourselves an early Christmas present this year because this is one book you’ll want to devour ASAP! 😍❤️

This book was sent to me by Elouise Tynan in exchange for an honest review.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK so I've read this whole book in a day and omg I LOVE it! The best book to get you through an Off-Campus hangover! Amazing!

[Kate.talks.books1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

TROPES
-fake dating
-Sports romance

I actually quite liked this book I always love a good sports romance. I do think that the plot could’ve been slow down more but that might just be a personal thing. Absolutely loved the banter thought it was so funny, some lines from the main character had me dying laughing. 100% recommend

[Michael Tynan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever read, A must read for everyone!

[(: · Rating 4 out of 5]

the ending was a lot for me to process but i understand it helped the plot and the whole alec situation. i really loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in this series bc who doesn’t love a good college athlete romance?? the only reason it’s not 5 is bc like i said the ending was a lot for me BUT that’s def just a personal thing. i would compare this book to the off campus series (which i also adored) soooo worth the read. i read it in less than a day

[˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

(read it last year)

I don't typically read new adult book but I liked the blurb I read and it was a quick read. It has a meet cute (aside from the psycho ex) and the two MCs are likable. The side character who I will assume get their own books too were also likable. In all the book could have been better if the author spent more time developing more about the characters to add more depth, but for what it is, it was still a good book with a good story.Would recommend to anyone who needs a quick fluff read. There's the incredibly believable fake-dating trope,Monty is not only strong and sassy, but she has a heart of gold and is totally relatable. And West isn't your typical alpha-hole hotshot. He's incredibly sweet and patient and everything you could want in a hero. The romance, the banter - it's off the charts hot.

It was a quick read, started this morning and ended in the evening.

[Alaina Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ It was a cute love story that basically guarantied a HEA but I will most likely never want or need to re-read this book and i’m just not as invested in the characters as I thought I would be.

[ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was looking for a fun college sport romance and this was hit every spot! i loved it, such an easy read which is exactly what i needed! loved the fake dating trope in this book, the characters and their friendships made me love it even more!

i received an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Amanda Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still just as good the second time around! Just refreshing before I read book 3, Defending the Player, later this week.