Chris M

Matched ended up being a romance that is all to easy to sink into. Nate and Charlie have this natural pull to each other. The kind where you are rooting for them even when they are still pretending they do not see what is right in front of them. Watching them stumble around their feelings and still show up for each other in all these small, meaningful ways made their whole arc feel really satisfying.

If I could change one thing, I would have loved a few more intimate moments that were not tied to sex. The chemistry is there, but the softer kind of closeness they share beneath it all is just as compelling. A couple more scenes that leaned into that emotional closeness would have made their relationship land even harder.

Still, it is a fun and engaging read with characters who are easy to care about and a romance that keeps you invested all the way through.

Dared popped up for me as an Instagram ad, and that one little recommendation ended up pulling me into the entire series. The plot of this book pulled me in right away, and I was excited to see how Finn and Leo’s story would unfold.

The delivery didn’t always match the potential, though. Some parts felt rushed, especially moments that could have used a moment for everything to sink in. I kept wishing the story would slow down just enough to let the emotional pieces land the way they were meant to.

Even with that, I still liked the characters a lot. Finn has that golden retriever energy that makes him instantly lovable, and Leo’s social anxiety gives him a softness that makes you want to protect him. They’re easy to root for, even when the pacing gets uneven.

Overall, a fun read with characters I couldn't help liking, even if the execution didn’t fully live up to the promise. A solid 3.5 stars.

The Quarterback Sneak 2 feels like Jace and River finally taking a breath and looking inward. The story isn’t flashy. It’s two people trying to understand themselves well enough to be good for each other, and there’s something really honest about that. It gives the book a calmer, more thoughtful tone than the first one.

What stood out to me is how CC Black ties the pressure of football to the emotional work happening off the field. Even with the shorter length, there’s a clear sense of vulnerability and forward movement that keeps you connected to both characters. Watching them grow into themselves makes their relationship feel more grounded and more earned. By the end, it feels less like a sequel and more like the moment they finally start getting it right.

Really liked this one overall. CC Black’s writing has definitely improved. It's way smoother, more confident, and the characters feel more alive than in his earlier work. The pacing is quick, the dialogue flows, and it’s easy to get pulled in.

That said, the short story format does show its limits. One moment that really stood out was when the characters hung out Friday night and made plans to meet Saturday morning. But then… nothing. The meetup never happens, and the author doesn’t explain why. For me, that felt like a missed opportunity. It could’ve added more depth or tension, but instead it just sort of disappears. It left me wondering if something got cut or if it was meant to be left hanging.

Even with that frustration, the story still works. Black manages to pack in the thrill of the game and the personal side of the players, which kept me engaged. And honestly, it’s exciting to see how much his writing has grown. Quick, heartfelt, and worth checking out if you’re into sports stories. Even if you’ll wish a few threads had been tied up tighter.