End Game (Kings of Campus)

by Monica Murphy

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review."End Game" by Monica Murphy offers a charming sports romance sprinkled with sharp wit. The story features an irresistible forbidden love affair, seasoned with humor and just enough emotional intensity to captivate. In this first installment of the Kings of Campus series, a new transfer student and a charming football player find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Lovers of sports romances, particularly those with a football twist, will find "End Game" as exciting as a game-winning touchdown.

"End Game" marked my first encounter with Monica Murphy's work. The story placed the reader into the lives of Everleigh and Nico. Everleigh, a new transfer to UC Santa Mira, was eager to dive into college life. Yet, an unexpected twist in her housing situation threatened to quell her enthusiasm. Desperate for a place to stay, her luck seemed to run dry—until she stumbled upon a conversation between three guys in need of a roommate. Seizing the opportunity, she positioned herself as the prime candidate for the room, unaware that she was about to share a home with the campus's star football players.

Initially, Nico Valente was reluctant to have Everleigh join him and his two roommates. Despite his reservations, he gave in, and before long, Everleigh had moved in and was sharing their living space.

Nico and Everleigh experienced an immediate spark between them, their chemistry undeniable as it crackled throughout their story. Nico, however, wasn't looking for commitment; he enjoyed the variety of playing the field. Everleigh, on the other hand, approached with caution, still nursing the scars left by a past love. And just when things couldn't get more tangled, their living situation added another layer of complexity.

Watching the player fall hopelessly in love with his roommate was entertaining. Nico struggled to convey his true feelings to Everleigh, who had built numerous walls around her heart, and he was uncertain of her feelings in return. Everleigh's vacillating behavior was frustrating at times, but then I had to remind myself that these characters were barely out of their teenage years.

The dynamic between Everleigh and her roommates really brought the story to life. It was a pleasure delving into the lives of the secondary characters, especially Coop, who stood out as my favorite. His maturity surpassed that of his peers, and I'm particularly excited to see his story unfold.

The 'Kings of Campus' series starts off on a fairly good note, and I'm eager to dive into more of Ms. Murphy's work. With the first book setting a promising pace, it's clear that this series has a lot to offer.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading