I loved Nash’s character arc. He had to learn how to let Violet in and overcome his fear that once she knew all his truths that she’d look at him differently. But Nash grew a lot in their two years apart. I loved witnessing him realizing he had to fight for Violet this time and he wasn’t willing to lose.

There is a maturity to Keelan’s writing and characters, and a certain tender vulnerability the heart which beats beneath the heartache and toxicity instilled behind their actions. The strength and the patience of both Violet and Nash, despite their hurts and their fears, was endearing, and I adored Violet’s awareness of her worth and what she deserved. Nash was tough and reserved with just the right amount of soft and sweet in his protective stance towards Violet and determination to do better by her this time around. The sparks flew with every touch and adoring look, and the steam they created together was electric, and I just loved these two. This was a second chance you believed in, a love worth fighting for. A little side character appreciation, I am absolutely in love with the other boys already and their subtle involvements throughout the book and how we get a bit of a sneak peek at what's going on in their lives. no condom - they do talk safety and both say they’ve never gone without protection with anyone else - h is on BC

Customer reviews

Meeting freshman year of college, Nash has eyes for only one girl until his past issues start to affect their relationship. After breaking her heart, Nash finds himself in close proximity of Violet in senior year when she becomes his athletic trainer. I really enjoyed the chapter lengths as well, they weren't long but they weren't short. They were perfect, in my opinion, because the length and the words didn't give me enough time to be bored whenever the next chapter would be right around the corner.

The tension between Nash and Vi builds as the reason for their break up slowly comes to light. I adored reading this book, and I’m so so excited for the second book in the series, The Sniper! Lots of mention of bending her over and taking her but it was always so sweet. It was more the fact that he said it repeatedly and it just never happened. I felt set up for some explosive scenes and was just so sweet all the time. However, fate seems to conspire against her as she is assigned to have her senior athletic internship with her ex’s team. She will now be working closely with Nash, the only man she ever loved but who had left her in a heap in her freshman year. Moreover, the coach knows too much about him and he is sure the last thing he would want is for him to date his daughter. His avoidance strategy has been working but then Vaugun starts failing calc and he finds himself being tutored by Luna Ward.

Violet grew just as much as Nash did in their time apart. She was more mature and able to express what she needed from Nash. She knew when to push Nash for more information and was able to let him tell her things in his own time.

Nash and Violet were a pretty good couple. The trope was definately ex-lovers-lovers to friends-friends to lovers.They get together early, so early that I was truly concerned with where she would go with this because it was a big book. She could have taken out so much of them in their happy phase (especially since the break up is late and doesn’t last long) and focused more on developing the conflict. Following a string of scandals and substandard grades, Chase is on thin ice with his teammates and tyrannical coach. The last thing he needs is to have his focus and loyalty called into question by fraternizing with his team's #1 rival. But a beautiful stranger who throws herself at him one night is too tempting to pass up... Until she throws up on his shoes. I try to keep my distance, but our chemistry is hot enough to melt an entire rink. Before I know it, Nash breaks through my defenses like no one else can, and he scores my heart for a second time.

Other than that, she prides herself on being a discovery writer, and as such, her stories sometimes take unexpected turns depending on where her characters lead. Given the chaotic nature of her writing, the duration it takes for her to get her works published varies from a few months to several years. I loved the aspect of Chase’s story that we don’t normally see in a sports romance. Very interesting to see the male POV and have a bit of role reversal.

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Okay so while Nash was an absolute tool to Vi (and I’m not excusing it), my heart absolutely breaks for him after seeing the shitty and toxic relationship he has with his father. The unrelenting pressure and consistent criticism is absolutely soul destroying.