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Always, Axel

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Axel Thomas
Everyone knew that name at
Hillside U.
Being the most talented football
player came with benefits.
Fame
Popularity
Adoration of all
Women flocked to him
People wanted to be like him

So why would he have any interest
in an innocent, book nerd like me?
I owed him a favor.

“Be my girl,” he said.
“Let’s have fun,” he said.
And when the fun was over,
we would go our separate ways.

Harmless, right?
But what if it wasn’t?

Because I realized…
Axel did nothing in half measures
And whatever he wanted,
he would do everything in
his power to have it.

I just didn’t realize
he would break me in the process.

Unknown Binding

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About the author

Rose Croft

13 books577 followers
Rose Croft is a wannabe poet and a writer in her own mind. She’s a wife and mom to a beautiful daughter and lives her own happily ever after. For updates on her books or if you just want to visit and chat about anything and everything, visit her at:
Facebook—https://www.facebook.com/rose.croft.758
Instagram—https://www.instagram.com/rosecroft.a...
Email—mailto:croftrose12@gmail.com

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Profile Image for Alexandraa XX.
705 reviews802 followers
September 26, 2023
The first scenes in the book gave me a headache tbh🤷🏼‍♀️🥵 And the whole first 30 minutes or 45 minutes in the book also gave me a headache…. It was confusing, childish, low communication and low chemistry. And both of them are still childish which made it more confusing and annoying a bit 🥵


If you know my reviews then you know i have to be honest with everything and just tell you the juicy details 😌 I will go straight to it kay!

FIRST SCENES OF THE BOOK START WITH THE HERO have some woman who is trying to get naked for him in the freakin library that the heroine is actually worked as a librarian… First thing ever! That’s how they meet for the first time! Isn’t that something😳🫠 NOT ONLY THAT. THERE’S MORE! When the heroine saw the hero and remembered who he is, she even claimed that the hero is BIG ASS MANWHOR3. Who already did this and that to literally almost any woman at campus🥶🥵😓😓😓 Like she knows the whole history… And it’s also freakin true. Not just a rumour 😩 ALSO the heroine is very insecure 😓😓 I hate the scenes where she so insecure about herself that she doubt herself every single freakin day. Yes every day! 🫠 Which is exhausting to read🥲 SO THAT IS THE FIRST SCENES OF THE BOOK. Prepare yourself 😬

After that whole crazy meet for the first time thing… The hero saw the heroine in the library and the other woman at the time was mad at the heroine. But the hero told her to go away and never ever touch the heroine. Btw the other woman is just a ex fvck buddy but only for a week, not more. The hero immediately looked at the heroine and took an interest ok her…. Which is so sweet. Cause after that, the hero immediately remembered her face and look for her everywhere. He soon realize that the heroine is in the same class as him so he took a sit behind her the next day and even next to her too for several days… At first he tried to talk to her but she ignored him all the freakin time. Then after like three days when she continues to ignores him, he closed her laptop and demanded her to say her name to him. And when she tells him, he even more curious about her. The hero asked her to go have a lunch with him but she said no that day. The next day she said yes because the hero was following her around campus… Then in the cafeteria they meet with the OTHER WOMAN AGAIN but only for the hero to tell her to go away though. and the hero asked the heroine to go with him to the formal thing with the football players, she said no and goes away. At night they meet again at a club like outside of the club and the heroine accidentally hit the hero’s car because her break was reversed she said. Then the hero offer to help her but also told her to go out with him to that pike formal and after several attempts he made she said YES… They go to that thing but also nothing romantically happened. And also during those pike formal, on the way there and when they were there and after, NOTHING HUGE. They don’t even have a great convo either. Mostly silent which is odd from the hero😩 I can’t blame the heroine because she is childish insecure child who said yes but the hero? I expected more from him. But thankfully he didn’t do anything crazy to the heroine… Also his friends at the time was super nice and friendly to the heroine. Not a single mean words to the heroine ever 😌 Then the heroine and hero went back home.





‼️‼️‼️THE SLOW BURN HERE IS SO FREAKIN EXHAUSTING AND ANNOYING. IT’S A SLOW BURN. Why it’s annoying? Here’s why: For many times, they didn’t even talked. Like three months, a week, two weeks. And this happens for almost all the freakin time. They see each other but never ever more. Which is annoying. Like where’s the romance? WHERE? 🥵 But as soon as the heroine talked to another male or have another male talked about her, he goes to see her and immediately say to his friends to stop talking about her in any way. Or he goes to the heroine and say no touching or close to any man. Which is frustrating!!!! The back and forth and slow burn like this is freakin CHILDISH. TOXIC EVEN 😮‍💨
AND ALSO that i find it so freakin wrong and weird in a bad way that THE SLOW BURN, when things are getting heated between the couple, the hero never ever EVER kiss the heroine. He knows the heroine is innocent and new to relationship things, he never made the first move to kiss her or even just kiss her forehand. NEVER! EVEN WHEN HE MADE HER COME FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS HER DOING IT BY HERSELF WHILE HE IS ONLY WATCHING HER AND NOT ACTUALLY DO MUCH. He only touch her boob that first time she made herself come in front of him and secondly when he made he come again, she was rubbing herself in his thigh. HIM??? NOPE. He let the heroine do that and only touch her boob AGAIN. AND DURING ALL THOSE HEATED MOMENTS OF THEM, THE HEROOO NEVER KISS HER. Which i find it super weird😩 LIKE IF THIS IS THE BEGINNING AND EVEN THE MIDDLE, I CAN’T IMAGINE MY HEAD WILL BE AFTER READING IT ALL….


UNFORTUNATELY i stop reading this book when the hero finally ask the heroine for a second date and even told her that he like her. I thought things will be better, UH NOPE. After he told her that, he also told her “I want you to be my girl. Yeah for now.” JUST FOR NOW?! 🫠That made me immediately stop reading and don’t want to continue this book further. Also during the slow burn and the whole relationship thing, FOR ME IT JUST SOOOO FREAKIN CHILDISH. TOO MANY UNNECESSARY CHILDISH DRAMA AND TOXIC 😮‍💨 SO MANY TIMES THEY DIDN’T EVEN TALKED FOR A LONG TIME, THE HERO SEE THE HEROINE MANY TIMES BUT NEVER EVER WANT TO TALK TO HER FIRST because he said that usually the woman chase him…. Not him🥲 He even disrespected her many times and embarrassed her publicly. Like bullying but in a very mean way🥵 Like the couple will be like, the next few weeks few months few days silence. No talking. The hero never ever really genuinely pursue her. He only do that if he saw the heroine talking to another male. ONLY THAT FOR MANY TIMES WHICH IS EXHAUSTING TO SEE! HE CLAIMS TO WANT THE HEROINE SOOO BADLY seriously! BUT DID HE EVEN CHASE HER? NOPE. HE DID CHASE HER IN THE MIDDLE BUT THEN ONLY SAYING, BE MY GIRL JUST FOR NOW 🥵 ALSO MANY TIMES THE HERO EVEN MANIPULATED THE HEROINE character because he knows that she is a virgin and nerd and innocent. And yes he even say that to the heroine! AND THE HEROINE OMG. I LOVE YOU GIRL YOU ARE FROM NEPAL WHICH I LOVE. BUT WHY ARE YOU SOOOO CHILDISH AND NOT EVEN SASSY? THE HEROINE IS SOOO EASILY TO BE MANIPULATED BY THE HEROINE AND SUCH A DOORMAT WEAK ASS WOMAN😩😩😩🥲😓😓😓 SHE ALWAYS SAY TO THE HERO THAT SHE NEVER DONE THIS AND THAT. AND WHAT THE HERO DID? HE JUDGED HER AND EVEN TAKE THAT AS SOMETHING HE CAN USE TO HER… AND THE OTHER WOMAN IS ALWAYS IN A WAY. SHE MADE A APPEARANCE FOR LIKE MORE THAN TWICE!!!! 🥵 THE HEROINE IS SOO WEAK AND STUPID SHE SOMETIMES JUST CAN’T DEFEND HERSELF TO THE OW 😓😓😓😓 ANNOYING AF.


The hero reminds me of a narcissistic toxic childish man. THE HERO IS OVER THE TOP POSSESSIVE ALPHA MALE and many like many many times jealous scenes. But he never really actually pursue her in a right way or even a romantic way… I just can’t.


I want to save myself from reading it further cause the headache of reading this is insane. It could be great with the heroine being innocent and the hero is a popular male also he is over the top possessive like that. It could be… But it wasn’t 🥵


Hopefully the author will come up with a better story next time without the OTHER WOMAN and without a crazy childish toxic narcissistic hero 🙏🏼


I’m sorry if my review is different than yours. If you like this book then good for you. I’m sorry that I don’t like this book. I will see if i can continue reading this but if I don’t edit my review then it means the book is that bad for me🤣😆 If i edit my review then it means the book has improved and i continue reading it.
‼️‼️‼️I READ IT GUYS. OMG THE HEROINE IS SUCH A DOORMAT TILL THE END. THE HERO SAY BAD THINGS TO HER AND REALLY HORRIBLE THINGS BUT SHE DOESN’T GIVE HIM ENOUGH TO GROVEL. HE ONLY SAY I MISS YOU SORRY AND SHE IMMEDIATELY MISS HIM. WHAT THE HECK! And the way he apologizes is too easy for me and she was so easily to be manipulated omg I can’t 😩😩😩😩 THE HEROINE IS TOO WEAK I DON’T LIKE IT PERIOD. And their whole romance is soooo low!!!! I don’t know is just really missing something. And because of the hero and heroine being like that, it just really ruins the romance… Unfortunately it is tho.

The hero finally kissed her but that happened like in the middle of the book. Which is annoying. Like a kiss that takes that long for it to happened? Terrible 🥲


‼️‼️‼️What I love about the book is that the heroine is a virgin and she’s nepali, no cheating, hero is OVER THE TOP POSSESSIVE PROTECTIVE ALPHA MALE, MANY JEALOUS SCENES FROM THE HERO, the heroine finally kick the other woman and defend herself, the hero loves and worship the heroine’s body, great smut scenes, and a football player and they end up getting married. Only that.
But other than that, the book is not that really good for me… Too many childish unnecessary toxic drama😓😓😓😓 I tried guys…
Profile Image for Beth Dew.
82 reviews
September 12, 2023
Goshhh, I was sleep-deprived 'cause I really want to finish this book 🥹 the leads here are both adorable ❤️ A full-length review will follow.


5 stars

Always, Axel
Rose Croft

Synopsis:
Axel Thomas reigned as the football deity at Hillside U, a name known to all. He requested a favor from an unassuming bookworm like Nataliyah Pradhan, offering a brief flirtation. But Axel's pursuit had no limitations, and it quickly became evident that he was in it for the long haul. In the end, the intensity of Axel's desires changed her forever.

This book was endearing, sweet, and steamy.

Characters:
I both loved and adored the main characters here, so let’s start with the female protagonist. Contrary to the expectations of a quiet bookworm, Nataliyah is far from the typical innocent, good girl that Axel was used to encountering in his circle. Despite her innocence, she is determined and resilient when faced with challenges or obstacles. One trait also that I like about her is that she can assert her opinions and desires confidently without being overly aggressive and has a strong moral compass.
Next is the male protagonist, based on the previous installments from My Roman to Darling Dmitri, Axel Thomas possesses a great sense of humor that brings laughter to any situation thus, making him interesting to be around. While in this book, he shows the other side of himself which is him being serious in any situation that is related to Natalie and his ability to be both serious and funny makes his character incredibly charismatic and captivating. I also loved how Axel is so unabashedly in love with Natalie. He’s possessive and sweet when it comes to her.

Plot:
I surprisingly love the plot that Rose used in this story to establish the close proximity between the two main leads and their interactions with the other side characters. The pacing was also okay, and the side characters were given enough exposure that didn’t overshadow the main characters they served their purpose well in this book. I enjoyed the banter, smut, and moments of compassion that the characters have for each other.

Conclusion:
I highly recommend this book to those people who are hopelessly romantic and just want to have a light read for the sake of enjoyment. This book has the perfect amount of tension, angst, chemistry, and spice.
I’m excited to read the next installment of this series which is Trey and Lizzie’s story.
I would like to express my gratitude to the author for providing me with an ARC to review. Their generosity is greatly appreciated.

Profile Image for Vanessa (When Vane Reads).
753 reviews270 followers
September 15, 2023
What a great story, it gave me all the feelings, it's so steamy, fun, I devoured it in one sitting.

Axel is so sexy, I love him so much, the way he chases Natalie without giving up, the way he's obsessed with her, he is so jealous and possessive, Natalie is a sweet and shy girl who doesn't want to give up to him but can't avoid falling for Axel. They are so different but at the same time they complement each other so perfectly.

Their explosive chemistry is off the charts, and the tension between them is palpable throughout the pages, their scenes are pure fire. I loved the way the author narrates the evolution of their relationship and how little by little feelings arise between them. Sexy, entertaining, Always Axel is the perfect combination of feelings and steamy, it is so good. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Brittany Johns.
116 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2023
4⭐️ 3.5🌶️
Boys on The Hill Series
By Rose Croft

College Romance
Fake Dating (but in an unconventional way)
Sports Romance
Touch her and die


Okay, so I have LOVED all of The Hillside Boys, but man, is Axel spicy. We love a good time boy who is secretly a little unhinged. Axel is cocky, he is manipulative, he is sexy, and he is a dirty talking king. Natalie is sweet, innocent, inquisitive, and a beautiful Nepali women who gets Axel’s attention without ever intending to. I love, love, love all of the cultural references in this book. I love that Natalie’s family life was heavily delved into, it really made me fall in love with her as a character. I think she is probably my favorite female from the series. This book is just so good, just the right amount of spice, and honestly do yourself a favor and read the whole series. Perfect for Football Season!

Thank you so much to Rose Croft for allowing me to read this as an ARC. I can not tell you how giddy I was when I got accepted, I am a huge fan of the series.
Profile Image for Patricia.
972 reviews11 followers
September 3, 2023
5 stars

I want to start and say how proud I am of how this book came about. Thank you Rose for letting me beta read Axel and it was an honor brainstorming with you.
Now, the fruits of your labor finally came out and I couldn't be more prouder.

I read this book 4 times and I saw the development of your writing from draft to it's final product. This made Axel have a really special place in my heart �� I'm not saying this just because I'm biased but Rose Croft's writing really improves everyday. I just can't fathom the idea of her being so underrated like she deserves so much more readers!

Axel Thomas was a great surprise knowing his quirky and playful personality on the first 3 books, yet you will see a different side to him in this book. I love the boy obsessed side to him and ofc Natalie our heroine who is not really a fan of Axel at first but eventually fell for him because of Axel's assertiveness. I loved the chemistry between these two characters. They were definitely HOT together. The LOVE is just too huge AND OFC THE STEAM ALSO SERVED 🥵💜

I can't wait for the next book, Trey *wink wink* hehe. Thank you Rose for always trusting me 💜 I love you. Btw, that dedication and acknowledgements made me tear up 🥹🫶🏼
Profile Image for hopelesslyinlovewith_books.
817 reviews19 followers
September 17, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. Axel was more than I was expecting and Natalie was such a sweet girl. Axel was the all star football God and Natalie was the nerdy girl but they had a lot of experiences in their lives that were the same. And I loved that ending! This book flowed so smoothly and I loved every second of it. Even the part where I wanted to slap Axel off the planet lol.
Profile Image for Katelynn.
976 reviews30 followers
September 19, 2023
Always Axel is about running back Axel and his nerdy future sports medicine trainer Natalie. Natalie catches him in an uncompromising position that puts her on his radar. Axel uses an accident to his advantage to bring her as a date to a fraternity event where he starts to realize he has an interest in the innocent Natalie. Natalie's life changes drastically and once football season starts their relationship starts progressing. As does Axel's jealousy over his teammates fawning over her. So they agree to become a "project" where they sew each other until it stops being fun. But that point in time may be very different for this young couple.

Axel is jealous over the top and absolutely obsessed with Natalie even if he doesn't understand why. Natalie is trying to decipher Axel and his confusing motives but he's so charming she can't stay away. She's also dealing with guilt and family pressure to fit the ideal mold they have created for her future. These two couldn't seem like more opposites, but I loved that about this story. Their attraction is powerful and translates well in the book. I loved their connection and genuine feelings even if neither wanted to recognize it for what it was. I'm definitely going back to read the rest of this series because I'm so curious about the other couples.
2,023 reviews15 followers
September 17, 2023
So it appears that this is my first book by this author and honestly I am simply blown away with what I have just read.
I was first attracted to Axel and Natalie’s story because it’s a sports romance novel which just happens to my favorite. There is little to no on field sports action in this book, and in other books this would be a major turn off for me as I enjoy that part almost as much as the romance side. But with this novel in particular, I definitely didn’t feel like I missed out at all. The romantic side of this book was very much the forefront and I was literally on the edge of my seat needing to know what was going to happen next.
The build up to these two getting together was outstanding and when they finally took that step it was everything I could have hoped for. Yes, it is not smooth sailing and that is also exacerbated by the differences in their nationalities. But that just added a bit more uncertainty to how they could possibly make it work and how this part was written not only came across as authentic but I thought it was done beautifully as well. I honestly cannot recommend this book more highly and I will definitely make sure I will read Roses back catalogue but also whatever she releases in the future as well
Profile Image for Laurel Nilsen.
511 reviews13 followers
September 10, 2023
Always Axel is book 4 in the Boys on the hill series. This book had me from the first page and I wasn’t able to put it down. Axel’s name is on everyone’s lips except for Natalie, she’s just the nerdy girl that says no and she becomes he’s next challenge. This book was my favourite in this series and Axel will steal your heart. 5 big stars ⭐️
Profile Image for Cheryl O'Harney.
1,278 reviews21 followers
October 8, 2023
Rose Croft is back with the fifth book from her Boys on the Hill series, Always, Axel.

Shy, innocent book nerd Natalie finds herself being chased by the hot, sexy Axel who’s rather obsessed with her, to the point where he becomes jealous and possessive over her. Despite trying to resist his charms she can’t help but fall for the lovable Alex. The may be complete opposites but they do compliment one another perfectly, after all they do say that opposites attract. 

Fantastically written with combustible tension and chemistry which is perceptible throughout the pages, with a good mix of feelings and steaminess 🥵🥵 guaranteeing readers are kept captivated from start to finish. A great addition to the series, one I highly recommend.

𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈 & 𝐵𝑒𝓎𝑜𝓃𝒹 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑔
𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
Profile Image for Danah.
273 reviews5 followers
September 26, 2023
3.8 stars

When I started reading this book my vibe was to read a hero chasing after the heroine and grovel but when I found this book ohhh man.

If you have read “ untouchable” from Sam Marino you know that carter has his own fan base and Im included. therefore when I read this book I caught myself comparing Axel ( the hero of this book ) to carter. although he isn’t as crazy as carter but he shared some of his traits.
Profile Image for Chay Charita Reads.
586 reviews13 followers
September 21, 2023
I’ve always been a fan of the Boys on the Hill Series, and always wondered about Axel, and WOAH, after reading this fourth installment of the series, which is, Always Axel, I am convinced that Rose Croft has pulled out all the stops! I believe she’s given the best one yet!

Axel is a complicated and intriguing character, always seems in control and charming and dominating. One of the big men on campus and superseding in football aiming for the NFL. He exudes an aura in which he never has to seek out anyone, quite the opposite especially with women.
That is until Natalie, the unassuming nerdy girl with glasses and baggy clothes captures his attention and he finds himself on the other side of that dynamic.

This story grabbed me from the get go!
Now I can’t wait to read read Forever Trey to see more of these beloved characters!
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,010 reviews58 followers
September 19, 2023
Always Axel is one of those stories that has you on the edge of your seat from the start, right to the end. At times I felt like I was holding my breath waiting for the explosion. Axel appeared to be in control and the life of the party but deep down you knew there was more. Natalie was the nerdy innocent girl who was drawn to the bad boy. A car crash, a project and living life to the fullest, what really could go wrong. The chemistry between these two was intense and the possessiveness that raged from Axel was almost awe inspiring. However when rules are broken, feelings become overwhelming and heated words are thrown, it will take everything including some wild suggestions from Dimitri to ensure that Axel finally gets the girl. A story filled with plenty of drama, witty banter and so much heat and steam your kindle will almost melt. I sat on the fence at times unsure whether to love or hate Axel but this bad boy with a huge heart ended up stealing mine too.
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,063 reviews66 followers
September 29, 2023
Review by: Jennifer
(5 Stars)

Is it me or are these boys getting better with each story? Axel, I was not sold on him, and didn't think anyone would be better than Dmitri but boy was I wrong! Axel takes the top prize. I could completely relate to Natalie and her feelings, and that may have been a huge part in why this story sucked me in, but watching Axel become more than the facade that he has always shown, was amazing to see. The naughty bits were even hotter, the drama while not as trigger warning as the last two stories was still very good. I loved everything about Axel and Natalie's story and give them 5 stars.
Profile Image for Chivon.
339 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2023
Thank you so much Rose for an arc and I was so excited to finally read Axel !! We have all been long awaiting Mr Playboy lol .
So what happens when the playboy meets a girl who doesn’t fall at his feet …
He chases her , cars be damned lol
Axel meets Natalie who is different from his usual type and she doesn’t give him the time of day …
Game on …
We have the back and forth , some fake/bet dating , diverse cultural differences, class dynamics, football college Romance and HEA . The burn was slow and the spice hit when it’s delivered and we see the friends from Hillside and other books and loved all their banter . Another great one in the series .
Profile Image for Cat.
2,222 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2023
I absolutely LOVED reading this book,
Rose Croft constantly surprises and impresses me with her words.
You may think yea I have heard this type of story before...Girl meets boy..he is an Asshole etc ..But Rose's books have so much depth and charm it makes them stand out above the rest....and they are super sexy !!!
Axel is your typical cocky football player self assured,self absorbed and likes to get what he wants and what he wants but doesn't like to admit is Natalie.
Axel always appears so calm and cool nothing gets to him,he is always in control except when it comes to Natalie...For some reason he turns into a jealous enraged monster.
Natalie is the complete opposite of what Axel usually goes for..She is a nerd,a hot mess half the time,highly intelligent,plain ordinary,no social life and.....A Virgin.
But she is ok with her life in college until Axel bulldozes his way into her life,and makes her rethink everything.
He makes her crave things and she makes him crave things and they drive eachother crazy.
Axel is possessive,Natalie is nonchalant and makes Axel do something that he has never done before,and that is pursue a woman,ask a woman on a date and think about a woman constantly..he has never waanted someone as bad as he wants Natalie.
This story had me tangled up in Knots of anticipation the sexual tension was electric between them and I was eager to see what would happen between them everytime I turned the page.
I loved the softness Axel possessed underneath his facade..because there is more to this man than meets the eye..He is so sexy and demanding generous and caring.
The friction,chemistry and attraction that hovers between Axel and Natalie is so freaking hot..I was on the edge of my seat waiting for them to finally cross the line...and its worth the wait as Axel teaches innocent Natalie all the things about sex.The banter between them also is very witty and entertaining.
Rose Croft is an incredible story teller her writing drew me in immediately.
I was easily able to get lost with this story forgetting any concept of time ,I was so engrossed,and totally swallowed up by Axel and Natalie's steamy encounters and compelling romance.
Always Axel is an Excellent read that I thoroughly enjoyed and adored.
Simply PHENOMENAL
5 Stars.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,940 reviews101 followers
September 21, 2023
"So it appears that this is my first book by this author and honestly I am simply blown away with what I have just read.
I was first attracted to Axel and Natalie’s story because it’s a sports romance novel which just happens to my favorite. There is little to no on field sports action in this book, and in other books this would be a major turn off for me as I enjoy that part almost as much as the romance side. But with this novel in particular, I definitely didn’t feel like I missed out at all. The romantic side of this book was very much the forefront and I was literally on the edge of my seat needing to know what was going to happen next.
The build up to these two getting together was outstanding and when they finally took that step it was everything I could have hoped for. Yes, it is not smooth sailing and that is also exacerbated by the differences in their nationalities. But that just added a bit more uncertainty to how they could possibly make it work and how this part was written not only came across as authentic but I thought it was done beautifully as well. I honestly cannot recommend this book more highly and I will definitely make sure I will read Roses back catalogue but also whatever she releases in the future as well"
Profile Image for Tori.
Author 11 books177 followers
September 13, 2023
First off, let me say I have loved all the guys from the Boys on the Hill series! Some more than others and one did have to grow on me (I’m looking at you Roman), and Axel was another heartthrob.

Rose Croft kept the ANGST going in this story the WHOLE WAY THROUGH. But she was a genius with it. I never experienced the angst fatigue that can sometimes happen when there’s too much. The waves of beautiful relationship growth, even if they were baby steps, flowed.

Axel is the All American, football god everyone loves. Girls fawn all over him, chase him. He’s bored. Wanting something more, but not realizing it. Natalie is the good, studious girl. She’s hiding in obscurity. An uncomfortable meeting in the library will change their lives.

I felt for Natalie throughout. Axel’s blindness to his feelings was oh-so-dang frustrating. I wanted to beat him over the head and knock some sense into him. And then he would do something so charming and win me over again.

This is a “can’t put down” will stay up past my bedtime romance. It keeps you engaged, cheering and hoping for their HEA.
Profile Image for E..
732 reviews6 followers
September 22, 2023
In the latest installation of the BOYS ON THE HILL series, the hero showed another side to himself as he falls for the heroine. Delving towards a part of his personality that hasn't been shown before in the previous books, the hero truly opened up in this book, giving readers a whole new side of him that makes him such an intriguing character. Not to say that the heroine is a wallflower; nope, the heroine is as interesting as the hero in this book. The culture and family structure are an integral part of the heroine, but there's also the individuality that she's growing into during this book. Along with the main couple are the various secondary characters that makes the story better with their personalities and interactions. As an expectation of the author, the focus of the romantic relationship between the hero and the heroine really makes the book an enjoyable read, especially when you include the sexy scenes that I was introduced to in my first Rose Croft book. Definitely a solid addition to the series.


** Thanks to The Author Agency and the author for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. **
613 reviews4 followers
September 28, 2023
This was my first book by Rose Croft and it won't be my last. It was such a great story both fun and steamy.

Axel Thomas is my new OTT possessive book boyfriend. He had me in a puddle with his swagger and dirty mouth. Oh, and that nipple piercing, HOT DAMN!

Natalie, the FMC, was a sassy bookworm, but she was also so much more. I loved how she went toe to toe with Axel and traded sarcastic banter with him when he got too full of himself. She made him work for the chance to be around her, which Axel was very much unaccustomed to, and made Natalie that much more appealing to him. Natalie was confident in expressing her opinions and desire, and oh boy did Axel just absolutely fall hard for that.

Axel was king of the school with the promise of an NFL career in his future. I drooled over is possessiveness when it came to Natalie and I loved how equally tender and OTT he was towards her. His cockiness made for some great banter when Natalie called him out on it.

The story was fast paced and there was never a dull moment for me. I enjoyed all the friend side characters, especially the interactions between Axel and his teammates. The spice was on point and I enjoyed every bit of it. That Axel had it going on and brought it every time.
Profile Image for Ade.
784 reviews27 followers
September 26, 2023
This is my first Rose Croft book and it won’t be my last. It is the fourth in the Boys on the Hill series and features Axel, the star quarterback and the nerdy librarian he falls in love with.

It wasn’t what I was expecting as it surpassed my expectations. I enjoyed the college/sports set up and the multi-cultural vibes (even though I wanted more).

The friendship between Natalie and Lizzie was really good and I cannot wait to read Lizzie’s story.

Axel! Axel!! He is in a league of his own. I liked his charisma, his friendship with his teammates and his possessiveness.

I like how the issue of arranged marriage came up with neither parent forcing the issue when their wards backed out. I enjoyed the ending and the double epilogues (you will have to read to find this out).

If you enjoy college and sports romance then you will enjoy this.

I received a copy of this book and the review is entirely mine and voluntary.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,011 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2023
Yes! It’s finally time for Axel’s turn!
I always knew there was another hidden side to him that we hadn’t seen yet and all I can say is I wasn’t ready!
Axel is the typical stereotype of the cool, charming, full of himself football player that everyone adores.
Girls trip over themselves to get a chance with him but nothing seems to hold his interest, until Natalie.
Natalie is the complete opposite of Axel and I loved how she gave him a run for his money.
The tension between these two was electric. The anticipation was off the charts and I was living for it all.
As always the banter between all the characters does not disappoint.
They’re a crazy bunch but I wouldn’t have them any other way.
This was a fantastic addition to an incredible series. I bloomin loved it!
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.2k reviews258 followers
September 24, 2023
This is the fourth book in this series, and this is Axel and Natalie’s story. Axel is the talented running back football player, who has fame and popularity, but from the moment he sees Natalie, who is an innocent bookworm, he knows what he wants. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable.
This is a well written tale which is an opposites attract story, with guilt, drama, family, friendships, romance, jealousy, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining and compelling page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
4,415 reviews41 followers
September 22, 2023
Wow....Axel, where have you been all my life. I absolutely positively loved this book. Alex was everything from a dirty talker, confident, gorgeous ad football player. Natalie was a book nerd, beautiful, and very inexperienced. These two crushed their project in so many ways with banter, sexiness, teaching moments and overall love. You must read this story, as always this author gave us a phenomenal story.
Profile Image for Clayre Tower.
297 reviews7 followers
September 18, 2023
Ahhh Axel is amazing!!!
At first I wasn't sure I was going to love him but I absolutely did. The way he was so possessive of Natalie when she was interning and how he took care of her, swoon.
I adored Natalie. I love how Rose Croft writes diversified characters and gives insight to different cultures.
I cannot wait to see what she has in store next.
Profile Image for Gabby.
275 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2023
This is probably my favorite one of the Boys on the Hill series. I love how Axel is with Natalie, protective and possessive, but like a typical playboy, he wants what he can't have. Natalie doesn't give him the time of day at first and that's something he isn't used to.

Will he be able to get the girl?

- College Romance
- Football
- jealousy
- HEA
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
September 26, 2023
Gahhhh I freaking loved Abel and Natalie so much. Axel rubbed me a little wrong in the beginning but boy let me tell you this man made up for everything with the way he went for Natalie the way he wanted to give her everything. Axel is everything you could want sexy possessive and just all around he blew my mind because he is so much more then what he gives off to the world! This man loves hard.
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