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Rival Love #1
Kiss Now, Lie Later
One boy. One girl. Two feuding towns.
MAEVE
I've heard a lot of things about Weston Cole. He’s popular. Conceited. Obnoxious. Most importantly, he’s spent the past three years steadily dismantling my family’s football legacy. I should hate him. And I did. Until I encountered him freshman year and discovered he’s also troubled. Captivating. Considerate. When our paths cross again senior year, that knowledge becomes even more dangerous than his suggestive smirk. Hating him was easy. Before I met him.
WESTON
No girl in Glenmont is more untouchable than Maeve Stevens. She lives across enemy lines. Her father is Glenmont’s head football coach. Her twin brother is their quarterback. My latest problem? One conversation with Maeve makes me forget about the decades long rivalry between our two towns. Makes me forget there’s a team of guys relying on me to lead them to victory against our main rival. A few forbidden kisses, and there’s only one thing I want to fight for. Her.
MAEVE
I've heard a lot of things about Weston Cole. He’s popular. Conceited. Obnoxious. Most importantly, he’s spent the past three years steadily dismantling my family’s football legacy. I should hate him. And I did. Until I encountered him freshman year and discovered he’s also troubled. Captivating. Considerate. When our paths cross again senior year, that knowledge becomes even more dangerous than his suggestive smirk. Hating him was easy. Before I met him.
WESTON
No girl in Glenmont is more untouchable than Maeve Stevens. She lives across enemy lines. Her father is Glenmont’s head football coach. Her twin brother is their quarterback. My latest problem? One conversation with Maeve makes me forget about the decades long rivalry between our two towns. Makes me forget there’s a team of guys relying on me to lead them to victory against our main rival. A few forbidden kisses, and there’s only one thing I want to fight for. Her.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
1595 people are currently reading
30896 people want to read
About the author
C.W. Farnsworth
37 books5,236 followersC.W. Farnsworth is the author of numerous adult and young adult romance novels featuring sports, strong female leads, and happy endings.
Charlotte lives in Rhode Island and when she isn’t writing spends her free time reading, at the beach, or snuggling with her Australian Shepherd.
Find her on Facebook (@cwfarnsworth), Twitter (@cw_farnsworth), Instagram (@authorcwfarnsworth) and check out her website www.authorcwfarnsworth.com for news about upcoming releases!
Charlotte lives in Rhode Island and when she isn’t writing spends her free time reading, at the beach, or snuggling with her Australian Shepherd.
Find her on Facebook (@cwfarnsworth), Twitter (@cw_farnsworth), Instagram (@authorcwfarnsworth) and check out her website www.authorcwfarnsworth.com for news about upcoming releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,431 reviews
August 7, 2023
PLEASE TELL ME THAT IRL AMERICAN TOWNS ARE NOT SO OBSSESSED WITH HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL AND THAT THE RIVALRY WAS JUST THE STUFF OF BOOKS????
I'm confused about the rating tbh. Everything that had to do SOLELY with the main couple was greatly written, full of sweet moments, mutual support and respect. It was an adorable first love kind of story. This author knows how to bring to people together in a believable way, if only she wouldn't also include third act break ups in her stories 🤣😅
But a lot of supporting characters grated on my nerves. Like the heroine's twin-brother, who really expected her life to revolve around HIS high-school football career and not her happiness. Or the father, who completely ignored her impressive athletic achievements in order to always be there for her brother. Or the brother's best friend, seemingly sweet guy Matt, who kissed the heroine without her permission; didn't believe her when she said she was involved with someone else; petulantly demanded to give him a chance; tried to smear the hero's name in front of the heroine upon learning his identity; basically called the heroine a naive fool for falling for the hero in front of the whole class and said to never crawl back to him crying when the hero would break her heart after getting "the only thing he could want from the heroine". Dude, your pathetic side is showing 💀
Also, the fact that the twin-brother chastised the heroine and said she "could've let down his bestie easier" tells you all about the toxicity of this character. The fact that he gets his own love-story next bothers me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I would've liked to see more of the couple's established relationship after all was set and done.
I'm confused about the rating tbh. Everything that had to do SOLELY with the main couple was greatly written, full of sweet moments, mutual support and respect. It was an adorable first love kind of story. This author knows how to bring to people together in a believable way, if only she wouldn't also include third act break ups in her stories 🤣😅
But a lot of supporting characters grated on my nerves. Like the heroine's twin-brother, who really expected her life to revolve around HIS high-school football career and not her happiness. Or the father, who completely ignored her impressive athletic achievements in order to always be there for her brother. Or the brother's best friend, seemingly sweet guy Matt, who kissed the heroine without her permission; didn't believe her when she said she was involved with someone else; petulantly demanded to give him a chance; tried to smear the hero's name in front of the heroine upon learning his identity; basically called the heroine a naive fool for falling for the hero in front of the whole class and said to never crawl back to him crying when the hero would break her heart after getting "the only thing he could want from the heroine". Dude, your pathetic side is showing 💀
Also, the fact that the twin-brother chastised the heroine and said she "could've let down his bestie easier" tells you all about the toxicity of this character. The fact that he gets his own love-story next bothers me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I would've liked to see more of the couple's established relationship after all was set and done.
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April 22, 2025Available now!
May 12, 2022
I somehow missed the fact that this was a high school romance before reading it 😅 But I had great time! I love how ordinary the stories of C.W. Fransworth are. All characters , main, side, are just so realistic and likeable. And it was very satisfying!
February 19, 2023
maeve and wes deserve to kiss and go anywhere they want without the mess😭
(retracting one star because i hated how i had to go through that break up dance)
but a steady 4⭐️ because the romance, their secret dates, the longing, the everything between them was perfect. easily a forever ship now and and and FLOWERS AND DANCING IN THE RAIN ON HER BDAY?? top book bf behaviour <3
(retracting one star because i hated how i had to go through that break up dance)
but a steady 4⭐️ because the romance, their secret dates, the longing, the everything between them was perfect. easily a forever ship now and and and FLOWERS AND DANCING IN THE RAIN ON HER BDAY?? top book bf behaviour <3
October 26, 2022
For a typical YA it was going fine, kinda boring and lacking in romantic chemistry but fine, until Wes became your typical dumbass jock that jumps to the first conclusion before even hearing out a proper explanation and uses his woe is me and my parents aren’t perfect boohoo thing to excuse his own behavior and unfaithfulness. Don’t even get me started on how the misunderstanding was because someone made a move on the FMC without her consent. Just saying, if my boyfriend kissed a girl in front of me because he refused to listen and decided to believe the worst of me? Then, he proceeded to excuse it because he was angry, hurt, drunk, and we were broken up? It’d be over after I say a few choice words to his cowardly ass and maybe dump a drink or two on his head.
Like, oh boohoo for someone that claims cheating is unforgivable, he was so quick to cheat over a MISUNDERSTANDING. Now, some people might agree with him and say it’s not cheating because they were broken up. First, they never really talked about where they stood, he just ignored her, said some mad hurtful shit to her, then told her to leave. Second, I raise to you this: He deliberately made out with a girl he used to hook up with in front of the heroine in an attempt to HURT her because if he’s in pain (over some bullshit, I remind you), so should she…. And they say romance is dead <3
Little boy needed to grovel and grow tf up idc. Does he apologize? Eventually, but personally, it wasn’t enough after what he did and what he said.
Yes, he’s a high schooler with Daddy issues (Join the fucking club along with the thousands of other high school romance MMCs), but it’s kinda pathetic considering his reflection is Maeve, and she’s eons more mature and emotionally intelligent even with her neglectful home environment. He just looks mad childish and dumb because he’s matched with someone levels above him.
I felt like Maeve deserved way more, from Wes and basically everyone else around her (her family, her friends, her classmates, etc.) Homegirl was a Mary Sue but she was the only character with some semblance of depth in this entire book. She was also, to me, the main pursuer of the relationship. I felt like she had more commitment and dedication to their relationship, while Wes was just: there.
Anyways, I wouldn’t have had as much problems with the aforementioned things if this book was under a different genre, but it’s a YA, very pg book. For me, I’m a bit critical when it comes to YA because of the impressionable audience it targets and the harmful, irresponsible messages that can be relayed to them. Teens, children, whoever the fuck else this book is marketed to, if your partner intentionally uses your weaknesses to hurt you and refuses to listen to you, maybe rethink the relationship.
Like, oh boohoo for someone that claims cheating is unforgivable, he was so quick to cheat over a MISUNDERSTANDING. Now, some people might agree with him and say it’s not cheating because they were broken up. First, they never really talked about where they stood, he just ignored her, said some mad hurtful shit to her, then told her to leave. Second, I raise to you this: He deliberately made out with a girl he used to hook up with in front of the heroine in an attempt to HURT her because if he’s in pain (over some bullshit, I remind you), so should she…. And they say romance is dead <3
Little boy needed to grovel and grow tf up idc. Does he apologize? Eventually, but personally, it wasn’t enough after what he did and what he said.
Yes, he’s a high schooler with Daddy issues (Join the fucking club along with the thousands of other high school romance MMCs), but it’s kinda pathetic considering his reflection is Maeve, and she’s eons more mature and emotionally intelligent even with her neglectful home environment. He just looks mad childish and dumb because he’s matched with someone levels above him.
I felt like Maeve deserved way more, from Wes and basically everyone else around her (her family, her friends, her classmates, etc.) Homegirl was a Mary Sue but she was the only character with some semblance of depth in this entire book. She was also, to me, the main pursuer of the relationship. I felt like she had more commitment and dedication to their relationship, while Wes was just: there.
Anyways, I wouldn’t have had as much problems with the aforementioned things if this book was under a different genre, but it’s a YA, very pg book. For me, I’m a bit critical when it comes to YA because of the impressionable audience it targets and the harmful, irresponsible messages that can be relayed to them. Teens, children, whoever the fuck else this book is marketed to, if your partner intentionally uses your weaknesses to hurt you and refuses to listen to you, maybe rethink the relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2025
4-4.5⭐️ Maeve Stevens and Weston Cole should hate one another. From waring towns with rival sports teams, they have grown up lesrning to hate the “other side”. But when a chance encountered leads to friendship, and eventually more, Maeve and Cole will need to keep their relationship hidden from those they love most.
I meant to read just a few pages of this one, and before I knew it, I was one-third of the way in. It is a breeze to read, highly entertaining (think 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝑻𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒚/𝑻𝒐 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒔 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 vibes) and features a few of my favorite tropes including of course, forbidden love.
It is angst fueled, both because of their family rivalry, but also in that way that first love is always wrought with emotion and turmoil. I will note that while not perfect, because of course we need a third act breakup, they did have rather good communication skills, and the romance itself was pretty darn swoony (mildly open door). By the time I reached the end, I was ready to move right on to the second book in the series.
Read if you like:
▪️sports romance
▪️young love
▪️rival towns
▪️forbidden romance
▪️secret relationship
▪️small town
Thank you Entangled Teen for the gorgeous copy.
I meant to read just a few pages of this one, and before I knew it, I was one-third of the way in. It is a breeze to read, highly entertaining (think 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝑻𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒚/𝑻𝒐 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒚𝒔 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑩𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 vibes) and features a few of my favorite tropes including of course, forbidden love.
It is angst fueled, both because of their family rivalry, but also in that way that first love is always wrought with emotion and turmoil. I will note that while not perfect, because of course we need a third act breakup, they did have rather good communication skills, and the romance itself was pretty darn swoony (mildly open door). By the time I reached the end, I was ready to move right on to the second book in the series.
Read if you like:
▪️sports romance
▪️young love
▪️rival towns
▪️forbidden romance
▪️secret relationship
▪️small town
Thank you Entangled Teen for the gorgeous copy.
November 16, 2022
did i spend all my time reading this book instead of working on an essay? i sure did and i have no regrets
August 2, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“Secret relationships are tricky. They’re complicated, complex, and confusing. Especially mine, if for no other reason than I don’t even know if we’re in a relationship.
Partly because I’ve never been in one, and mostly because whatever Maeve and I have defies the norms of what any rational person would consider to be one.”
Yes, sometimes, on occasion, you will find me reading a M/F book, like Kiss Now, Lie Later - no judgments, please. It wasn't that bad, per se, but the rival angle seemed a bit of a stretch, because while the couple's relationship was a secret, due to the rivalry and enmity between their two respective schools, the resolution of said conflict was rather softly-handled.
“Why did you kiss me back at that party, Maeve?” I whisper. She bites her lower lip, and we’re close enough I can see the enticing pink retreat from the indentations her teeth are making.
Instead of answering, she tosses a question back at me. “Why haven’t you kissed me since?”
Maeve Stevens and Weston Cole may attend rival schools - Glenmont & Alleghany - where football is all the rage, but an accidental meeting in enemy territory quickly proves that they share something in common - they're both attracted to each other. And one memorable kiss etched forever in their hearts is enough of an incentive to sneak around and steal stolen kisses, exchange warm affection and tender touches, and prove to the other that if not for this inane competitiveness between their towns, they would not hide in the shadows. 🥹 🥹
It was nicely shown - they shared some really cute moments together and Wes proved to be a real dear, despite his star stature as the imposing captain of the football team. Maeve is a girl also to be proud of - senior captain of the girls' soccer team, strong studious student, and also, the twin sister to the captain of her own school's football team. I empathized with Maeve's underlying fear and frustration and confusion of a supposed betrayal to her family by having feelings for Wes. 💕💕
And aside from the romance, I also appreciated how it also centered around their own personal lives at home and at school. There was a healthy balance between all three storylines that successfully showed how each was vital to the other. Seeing Maeve gain the courage to stand up for herself and earn her father's respect and attention was a rewarding moment and for Wes to see that even under the veneer of his parents' unsatisfactory marriage, there were still the hints of love that tethered them together. If it was not for their own tryst, this little appreciations may have gone unwarranted for a lot longer - so, in a way, there was some good that came out of their secret liaison. 💞💞
“If my feelings for Maeve have taught me anything, it’s that sometimes you love the people you shouldn’t. Because I do. Love her. Even though there are a lot of reasons why I probably shouldn’t.
Those reasons have never made sense, though, and they’ve become sillier and sillier the more time I’ve spent with Maeve.”
What particularly peeved me that for all the intensity that the two opposing towns rivalry was depicted as - it only took a public loud drunken break-up, a heated apology, and a begrudging acceptance from Maeve's friends, to see that their rivalry was indeed petty, and that they truly were better off as friends and finding a balance between the two opposing sides. I think I was actually hoping for more drama or action to ensue after their relationship was brought to light - it felt very down-played and low-key, rather than the expectations of fear they had been harboring. Because, once their differences were settled, it mattered very little in the end, because when they do finally interact, it's apparent to everyone involved that there really is nothing that sets them apart from each other. 😔😔
So, while it wasn't all that dramatic in pulling out the emotional punches, it was still a decent enough read. I feel a bit betrayed that the second book focuses on Maeve's older brother, Liam, instead. As abruptly as it ended, with Maeve and Wes standing in solidarity, that it's their love and nothing should come between them, I would have liked to have seen what the reaction would have been for their schools in the future, as well - if they would be as accepting and forgiving as they thought they would be. 😞
“Secret relationships are tricky. They’re complicated, complex, and confusing. Especially mine, if for no other reason than I don’t even know if we’re in a relationship.
Partly because I’ve never been in one, and mostly because whatever Maeve and I have defies the norms of what any rational person would consider to be one.”
Yes, sometimes, on occasion, you will find me reading a M/F book, like Kiss Now, Lie Later - no judgments, please. It wasn't that bad, per se, but the rival angle seemed a bit of a stretch, because while the couple's relationship was a secret, due to the rivalry and enmity between their two respective schools, the resolution of said conflict was rather softly-handled.
“Why did you kiss me back at that party, Maeve?” I whisper. She bites her lower lip, and we’re close enough I can see the enticing pink retreat from the indentations her teeth are making.
Instead of answering, she tosses a question back at me. “Why haven’t you kissed me since?”
Maeve Stevens and Weston Cole may attend rival schools - Glenmont & Alleghany - where football is all the rage, but an accidental meeting in enemy territory quickly proves that they share something in common - they're both attracted to each other. And one memorable kiss etched forever in their hearts is enough of an incentive to sneak around and steal stolen kisses, exchange warm affection and tender touches, and prove to the other that if not for this inane competitiveness between their towns, they would not hide in the shadows. 🥹 🥹
It was nicely shown - they shared some really cute moments together and Wes proved to be a real dear, despite his star stature as the imposing captain of the football team. Maeve is a girl also to be proud of - senior captain of the girls' soccer team, strong studious student, and also, the twin sister to the captain of her own school's football team. I empathized with Maeve's underlying fear and frustration and confusion of a supposed betrayal to her family by having feelings for Wes. 💕💕
And aside from the romance, I also appreciated how it also centered around their own personal lives at home and at school. There was a healthy balance between all three storylines that successfully showed how each was vital to the other. Seeing Maeve gain the courage to stand up for herself and earn her father's respect and attention was a rewarding moment and for Wes to see that even under the veneer of his parents' unsatisfactory marriage, there were still the hints of love that tethered them together. If it was not for their own tryst, this little appreciations may have gone unwarranted for a lot longer - so, in a way, there was some good that came out of their secret liaison. 💞💞
“If my feelings for Maeve have taught me anything, it’s that sometimes you love the people you shouldn’t. Because I do. Love her. Even though there are a lot of reasons why I probably shouldn’t.
Those reasons have never made sense, though, and they’ve become sillier and sillier the more time I’ve spent with Maeve.”
What particularly peeved me that for all the intensity that the two opposing towns rivalry was depicted as - it only took a public loud drunken break-up, a heated apology, and a begrudging acceptance from Maeve's friends, to see that their rivalry was indeed petty, and that they truly were better off as friends and finding a balance between the two opposing sides. I think I was actually hoping for more drama or action to ensue after their relationship was brought to light - it felt very down-played and low-key, rather than the expectations of fear they had been harboring. Because, once their differences were settled, it mattered very little in the end, because when they do finally interact, it's apparent to everyone involved that there really is nothing that sets them apart from each other. 😔😔
So, while it wasn't all that dramatic in pulling out the emotional punches, it was still a decent enough read. I feel a bit betrayed that the second book focuses on Maeve's older brother, Liam, instead. As abruptly as it ended, with Maeve and Wes standing in solidarity, that it's their love and nothing should come between them, I would have liked to have seen what the reaction would have been for their schools in the future, as well - if they would be as accepting and forgiving as they thought they would be. 😞
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May 19, 2025very, very cute but i wouldn't be caught dead wearing the rival team's jersey for a boy (even for weston fucking cole). sorry, could never be me.
November 28, 2023
I don't usually like to read high school romance anymore cause I'm past that stage, but this one surprised me! I was hooked from the beginning. Rival towns? 'Forbidden' relationship? sneaking around? sign me up!!
Wes and Maeve were really cute. I was giggling and kicking my feet for most of this book. I especially liked that before any attraction was there, they both felt like they could talk to each other about their messed up home situations. Above being a nice couple, they were genuinely *real* characters people could resonate with.
Things were going so good that I genuinely forgot about a third act break-up. When it did happen, even though they weren't on speaking terms they still showed up for each other when it came to their games (he plays american football and she plays soccer aka real football lol). This was such a fun time, I was smiling so much it hurt and crying a bit at the end cause things got too real, and I didn't want it to be over. But I'm glad I read it and will definitely be reading more from the author! 🫶🏻
Wes and Maeve were really cute. I was giggling and kicking my feet for most of this book. I especially liked that before any attraction was there, they both felt like they could talk to each other about their messed up home situations. Above being a nice couple, they were genuinely *real* characters people could resonate with.
Things were going so good that I genuinely forgot about a third act break-up. When it did happen, even though they weren't on speaking terms they still showed up for each other when it came to their games (he plays american football and she plays soccer aka real football lol). This was such a fun time, I was smiling so much it hurt and crying a bit at the end cause things got too real, and I didn't want it to be over. But I'm glad I read it and will definitely be reading more from the author! 🫶🏻
September 3, 2024
this book was so good. to whoever on tik tok recommended this, you have great taste. now this is the rival player/coach’s daughter read I was looking for. chefs kiss 💋
September 25, 2022
Spoilers: FUCK Wes. Sorry not sorry because I don’t give a fuck. I loved him and I loved the book up until he kissed another girl because he didn’t believe his own gf. But that wasn’t even where it started, red flags went up when he went on a DATE with this same fucking girl after he started going out with Maeve. You can say what you want but if you’ve hooked up with someone and you not just give them a ride home but offer to take them out for a lunch date or some shit, that’s fucked and also disrespectful so I don’t care how he classifies it even though he never does because that is quite literally A DATE. Maeve never knew about this by the way. And even after the kiss he still keeps that one bitch around. At the end of the book when Maeve shows up wearing his jersey to show him that she chose her, he celebrates with the same bitch he’s hooked up with, and kissed by hugging her in front of everyone and has the audacity to say “i hope Maeve isn’t watching” or some shit like that. FUCK him after that. This man was so disrespectful and you didn’t see Maeve do ANY of that shit with Matt even though she did nothing wrong. She cut that mf off and shut him down so quick. If she pulled any of the shit he did, like kiss him in front of him after he did the same, go out with him, and keep him around after fucking around with him, he would lose his fucking shit and for me, that shit pissed me off so FUCK HIM.
May 18, 2024
The sweetest love story ever!
The cute romantic gestures between Maeve and Weston made my heart melt. Despite the little hiccup I'm so glad they got their HEA❤️
The cute romantic gestures between Maeve and Weston made my heart melt. Despite the little hiccup I'm so glad they got their HEA❤️
August 11, 2025
Cute romantic book! Very Romeo & Juliet as coaches daughter starts a relationship with rival football team quarterback. I love that he FMC also has struggles as a soccer star but competes with twin brother who is star football player- father goes team football each time. Loved the struggle!
April 10, 2023
Soooo good, finished it in one night
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
January 10, 2021
What a nice contemporary romance! I wasn't really sure what to expect going in especially because I was getting Romeo and Juliet vibes from the synopsis, but I really enjoyed this book!
This book started off strong! It started with how our main characters, Mauve and Weston, first met. I liked experiencing this moment rather than hearing about it later in the story. It was also kinda fun to see how the characters differ a little 3 years later.
Sometimes with books where the main guy character is a popular and well-liked jock, the girl is shy and nerdy or whatever. But I liked in this book how Mauve, our main girl, was popular and athletic as well. She was captain of her soccer team and worked really hard to lead them, on top of her other academic activities. It felt like the characters were more equally yoked this way.
I also had a lot of fun getting to know both characters' sets of friends. We don't spend loads of time with each group since our main characters are always sneaking away to see each other, but I appreciated the time we had with them.
One thing that kinda bothered me was the timing of things. Like one chapter something would happen and then the next chapter would take place a week or two later. And that's how most of the book was. As well, there were a few times where Mauve or Weston would mention something that happened between the two of them, but it was like off the record. For example, Mauve got one of Weston's sweatshirts, but we never see her get it. She just tells her she got it from him at some point. This happened with things a few times which I didn't love, but it didn't ruin the story for me.
Lastly, I wish I could have gotten to know Mauve's twin, Liam, a little better. Or he at least could have had more screen time. He's basically only mentioned in passing until the very end which I was sad about. To be such an important person in Mauve's life, we hardly ever see him.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! While there were a few things I didn't love, those things didn't ruin the rest of the book for me. I liked the romance between Mauve and Weston and liked seeing them grow in the relationship.
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This book started off strong! It started with how our main characters, Mauve and Weston, first met. I liked experiencing this moment rather than hearing about it later in the story. It was also kinda fun to see how the characters differ a little 3 years later.
Sometimes with books where the main guy character is a popular and well-liked jock, the girl is shy and nerdy or whatever. But I liked in this book how Mauve, our main girl, was popular and athletic as well. She was captain of her soccer team and worked really hard to lead them, on top of her other academic activities. It felt like the characters were more equally yoked this way.
I also had a lot of fun getting to know both characters' sets of friends. We don't spend loads of time with each group since our main characters are always sneaking away to see each other, but I appreciated the time we had with them.
One thing that kinda bothered me was the timing of things. Like one chapter something would happen and then the next chapter would take place a week or two later. And that's how most of the book was. As well, there were a few times where Mauve or Weston would mention something that happened between the two of them, but it was like off the record. For example, Mauve got one of Weston's sweatshirts, but we never see her get it. She just tells her she got it from him at some point. This happened with things a few times which I didn't love, but it didn't ruin the story for me.
Lastly, I wish I could have gotten to know Mauve's twin, Liam, a little better. Or he at least could have had more screen time. He's basically only mentioned in passing until the very end which I was sad about. To be such an important person in Mauve's life, we hardly ever see him.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! While there were a few things I didn't love, those things didn't ruin the rest of the book for me. I liked the romance between Mauve and Weston and liked seeing them grow in the relationship.
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August 25, 2025
3⭐️ I ADORED this book….until I didn’t!
I get why some people call it boring, it’s definitely slower at times, but honestly, that’s exactly what I love. I want the gradual buildup, the little moments that bring two characters together, the slow falling-in-love. And this book delivered. Wes and Maeve were adorable, and I ate up every scene: their training sessions, their private talks, the way their bond grew. They felt so real and relatable that I couldn’t stop reading.
But…then came the third-act breakup. And that’s where things fell apart for me. Not the reason behind it, that part made sense, but Wes’s reaction afterward. He didn’t fight for her, didn’t apologize enough, didn’t even try the way you’d expect someone in love to. Instead, it almost felt like Maeve was the one convincing him to stay together, which left me annoyed.
The line that really made me want to throw the book across the room, though, was this one:
“Maeve, all I did was kiss Natalie that night… I haven’t slept with her, or anyone else since that night I first kissed you.”
“I think I would have forgiven you. If you had.”
BITCH WHAT? You would have forgiven him??? 😒
Well, suffice to say, that response ruined so much of the ending for me. If not for those 2 sentences, I would have rated it at least 4 stars.
For context: Wes kissed another girl, his ex hookup, out of spite when he thought Maeve had cheated on him. He regretted it almost immediately, but still…it was immature, and he didn’t grovel enough for my liking.😫
So yeah, overall, I loved the slow burn and thought their relationship was super sweet, but I can’t give it more than 3 stars with how things wrapped up.
Olga, you were right about this one.
I get why some people call it boring, it’s definitely slower at times, but honestly, that’s exactly what I love. I want the gradual buildup, the little moments that bring two characters together, the slow falling-in-love. And this book delivered. Wes and Maeve were adorable, and I ate up every scene: their training sessions, their private talks, the way their bond grew. They felt so real and relatable that I couldn’t stop reading.
But…then came the third-act breakup. And that’s where things fell apart for me. Not the reason behind it, that part made sense, but Wes’s reaction afterward. He didn’t fight for her, didn’t apologize enough, didn’t even try the way you’d expect someone in love to. Instead, it almost felt like Maeve was the one convincing him to stay together, which left me annoyed.
The line that really made me want to throw the book across the room, though, was this one:
“Maeve, all I did was kiss Natalie that night… I haven’t slept with her, or anyone else since that night I first kissed you.”
“I think I would have forgiven you. If you had.”
BITCH WHAT? You would have forgiven him??? 😒
Well, suffice to say, that response ruined so much of the ending for me. If not for those 2 sentences, I would have rated it at least 4 stars.
For context: Wes kissed another girl, his ex hookup, out of spite when he thought Maeve had cheated on him. He regretted it almost immediately, but still…it was immature, and he didn’t grovel enough for my liking.😫
So yeah, overall, I loved the slow burn and thought their relationship was super sweet, but I can’t give it more than 3 stars with how things wrapped up.
Olga, you were right about this one.
July 2, 2023
This was such a fun YA romance about two high school rivals that fall in love against all odds. I didn’t love the miscommunication/ third act break up, but then I had to remind myself that the MCs are in high school and what happened can be quite realistic. I also wished for some more development with the side characters! Still, I do recommend this and really enjoyed the book on audio!
Read if you like:
-YA reads
-High school athletes
-Rivals to lovers
-Secret romance
-First love
Read if you like:
-YA reads
-High school athletes
-Rivals to lovers
-Secret romance
-First love
October 28, 2022
4.25⭐️ This book was so cute and I loved it so much! This book has rival towns and the couple are from opposite sides. This trope is so underrated and we don’t see it enough. Weston and Maeve are so cute together.
February 9, 2025
3.5! a little sad bc it started off so strong before falling flat in the later half... but it was cute, fun to read overall, and exactly the kind of book i needed rn :)
June 21, 2023
are high schoolers actually this obsessed with their football rivals? because i’m a (freshly former) american high schooler and it’s never been that serious…
May 15, 2025
THIS WAS GREAT. Something was just missing for me story-wise tho
But the plot twist couple in the end ?! GASP
But the plot twist couple in the end ?! GASP
July 21, 2024
I loved this adorable young love YA read. I enjoyed how much of the story just focused on them; them spending time together and bonding. The whole growth of feelings and intimacy building was really enjoyable to read here. The coming of age storylines were cute too. Just a sweet feel good romance that had some good drama and angst too. It’s been a while since I actually felt sad for the couple once the third act breakup happened. Usually I’m super excited for them because I love the drama and angst but I was totally crushed for both of them here.
Overall: 4.5 because I do wish the H was more aggressive at times but it’s YA so I wasn’t surprised.
Overall: 4.5 because I do wish the H was more aggressive at times but it’s YA so I wasn’t surprised.
December 24, 2023
I saw a teaser for this book on Tik Tok, so I decided to give it a try! I found the story to be fun and easy to fly through. Does anyone remember the MTV show, “Two-A-Days?” Team rivalries are very much real and very much THAT SERIOUS. 😂 Maeve and Weston were precious. Weston- star quarterback of the opposing football team. Maeve- daughter to the home team’s football coach AND twin sister to Liam, their home team’s starting quarterback; double whammy! I especially loved the epilogue. It gave the most perfect ending and the closure I needed on their relationship! I was so satisfied with how the story played out.
If you grew up in neighboring towns in close proximity to each other then you know how deep team rivalries can reach, especially for those still in school competing in athletics and other extracurricular activities.
Are hometown rivalries a little petty? Sure.
Do some adults get a bit too wrapped up in childish antics? I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
As silly as it may seem to an outsider, those rivalries made for some of my favorite Friday night memories. The atmosphere was electric! Even though this specific story is nothing like my own high school experience or anyone I know, it for sure sparked a walk down memory lane.
If you grew up in neighboring towns in close proximity to each other then you know how deep team rivalries can reach, especially for those still in school competing in athletics and other extracurricular activities.
Are hometown rivalries a little petty? Sure.
Do some adults get a bit too wrapped up in childish antics? I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
As silly as it may seem to an outsider, those rivalries made for some of my favorite Friday night memories. The atmosphere was electric! Even though this specific story is nothing like my own high school experience or anyone I know, it for sure sparked a walk down memory lane.
March 25, 2024
OMG THIS BOOK GAVE ROMEO AND JULIET VIBES , I honestly loved this book.
The chemistry and banter between Weston and Meave was uncanny , I couldn’t stop laughing and loving them. I seear I’m going to say “huh” from now on. Like Meave says it just sticks with you 😭🫢🙈❤️🫶🏽
The chemistry and banter between Weston and Meave was uncanny , I couldn’t stop laughing and loving them. I seear I’m going to say “huh” from now on. Like Meave says it just sticks with you 😭🫢🙈❤️🫶🏽
June 12, 2025
So cute cringey type of book, but I’m obsessed…got this book from a giveaway, and it’s not like something I’d usually read.
It was a very fast paced book, I read it in a morning. I love the Romeo & Juliet theme, entwined with the high school sports. Overall, it was a fun read and super addictive
It was a very fast paced book, I read it in a morning. I love the Romeo & Juliet theme, entwined with the high school sports. Overall, it was a fun read and super addictive
October 22, 2022
guys this book was great. like yeah it was dramatic and yeah it was bad. but it was great. like so bad it's good. it read like a wattpad story. it was great. if you are my friend emma rizzuto read it. you would like it i know you would. it's right up your alley.
October 19, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
June 26, 2024
Did I like this book? Absolutely. Would I re-read it? Don’t think so.
This book follows the story of two towns at odds for a reason oblivious to everyone.
It brings Maeve, an athlete who lives in the shadows of her dad, football coach, and her brother, hometown quarterback, and Weston, who’s the rival team’s quarterback. She’s a beautiful goodie two shoes nerd who follows orders. And he’s a hot athlete with domestic problems. They’re attracted to each other. They find a connection. They’re mighty cute.
Is he an obsessed alpha? Well no. Is he devastated to lose her in the third act breakup? Kinda. I am not very convinced.
It was a short and cute book but not too special. Especially the epilogue. It was ok-ish.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The reason for their breakup is well warranted, HOWEVER, Weston should have given her the benefit of the doubt. But instead he goes and kisses his usual hookup pre Maeve in front of her publicly in a party!!!
BUT!! The fact that after making up she tells him that she would have forgiven him if he actually cheated on her when he was mad! SAY THAT AGAIN?!!
Yeah not C. W. Farnsworth’s best work.
October 30, 2022
Dos institutos rivales. Wes es el capitán del equipo de fútbol americano rival al del hermano de Maeve. Ambos equipos y en general toda la población de ambas ciudades se odian a muerte. Pero que pasa cuando Wes y Maeve se conocen y son sólo Wes y Maeve 🥹❤️🩹🫶🏻
Me ha gustado mucho a pesar de tener el típico drama de insti. La relación entre ellos ha sido muy bonita, como han confiado el uno en el otro y como han luchado por dejar atrás la rivalidad entre ambas ciudades.
Para llevar unas semanas en parón me lo he leído en menos de 24h 🥳
Me ha gustado mucho a pesar de tener el típico drama de insti. La relación entre ellos ha sido muy bonita, como han confiado el uno en el otro y como han luchado por dejar atrás la rivalidad entre ambas ciudades.
Para llevar unas semanas en parón me lo he leído en menos de 24h 🥳
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