This was a cute roommates to lovers romance. Everleigh and Nico constantly fighting their feelings for each other. I absolutely adored this book! ❤️❤️

જ⁀➴ 4-4.2 ★ I can't really explain it but this book (and honestly a lot of this author's books) is superrr nostalgic to me and reminds me of my roots like football romance, ROOMMATES TO LOVERS, forced proximity, opposites attract, college romance LMAOO. Its like your classic academic set, sports romance with the campus' beloved football player and a girl who barely knows about any of it.

the storyline
Everleigh (h) is put in a tough situation when she arrives at UC Santa Mira for a fresh beginning but is practically left homeless after a housing mishap. Rooming with three guys was definitely not on her ideas of what the year had in store for her but when she overhears three guys talking about needing a new roommate after their intended one bailed, she finds an opportunity. Her biggest obstacle to getting that room though was the campus' star player Nico (H)who can't afford any distractions this season and already knows that Everleigh would become a huge one.

And she did.

I think what also really amplified my overall enjoyment from the book were the side characters as well who were all enjoyable and the friendship between all of them and how effortlessly the guys accept Everleigh into the fold once they get to know her a bit more.

There's a ton of push/pull in this book and is also pretty slow burn like for most people though i honestly felt like it was a fast paced read for me ahaha.

Though the one detractor would honestly be their poor communication and ability to manage their emotions despite being about to graduate college but honestly this wasn't for a hugely significant part of the book so I truly didn't mind. I would definitely consider this book a good read if you're looking for something light and entertaining.

Thank you VPR and Net Galley for the ARC from one of my favorite authors, I really appreciate it

End Game is the first book in the new Kings of Campus series by Monica Murphy. I'm a sucker for sports romance, so I was really excited to read this one!

Everleigh made the decision to transfer to a college in California and move away from everything she's known. Her start at her new school gets off to a very rocky start, as the apartment she was going to move into is now no longer available and classes start in a matter of days. By a stroke of luck, she hears three guys talking at the cafe about having a room to rent out. She knows she's got to take a leap of faith and inquire about the room. What she isn't anticipating when they finally tell her the room is hers, that she is moving in with three of the schools well-known football players!

Nico is on the football team and is one of the most sought after bachelors out there. He is known for not having relationships, but for being a player. He also was the one person who was not in favor of Everleigh moving in with he and his teammates Coop and Dollar. His fear is that everything will change because a female is living with them. While he might have been right about that, things didn't change in the way he thought!

I really liked the dynamic of Nico and Everleigh, but I do wish we would have gotten more about her background, and what led her to leave home. I would have liked for there to have been more time for Nico and Everleigh to interact in ways that would have shown more development in their relationship. I felt like it took way too long to actually get them together with a lot of the same conversations. I liked the secondary characters a lot and I'm hoping we will get books for them in the future.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Everleigh is at new college and finds herself homeless. She's in desperate need of a place to stay and happens to hear a small group of guys needing an extra roommate. She introduces herself and convinces them to let her move in, but unbeknownst to her these three super cute, big buff new roomies of hers are college football royalty. She finds herself very attracted to one roomie in particular, Nico, who happens to be known all over campus as a habitual playboy and ladies man. Nico finds himself tempted by his forbidden female roommate and things start to get a little messy around the house.

This is a super slow burn with them denying their feelings and not wanting to screw up the roomie situation if things go south after they hookup. Everleigh puts up a good fight against Nico's smile and charm, but one night while trying to fake out one of Nico's crazy past hookup they kiss and that sets things in motion for these two. Nico is absolutely adorable and so far out of his element when he's crushing on her and making zero progress. I loved seeing his growth toward the second half of the story. I honestly felt like this story could happen in real life, and I kinda loved that about it.

There were some pretty great background characters setting us up for the series and I cannot wait to see whose story is next!

This is surprisingly deep for a college romance. And I’m not saying that this author’s other works don’t have all the emotion and angst and humor like this one, but this story? It’s got more…growing up involved. And in the best ways, honestly.

Nico is a player. Full stop. But he sure isn’t playing much now. Not since meeting Everleigh. He doesn’t WANT to want her, but he does. He doesn’t want to just be friends, but they are. And he definitely doesn’t want to upset the good thing they all have going as roommates, but…he might. He’s maturing in ways he didn’t expect. He’s falling in a way he never planned to do. And he’s got to get his head and heart together to win Ever’s trust. Sure, he’s got her body on board. But that’s not his end game here. And both his mother and Coop remind him that not all feelings are bad, especially if they bring the potential of a forever love his way.

Everleigh is growing and maturing also. She doesn’t have as much to do as Nico, but she does have to face some fears and some uncomfortable truths. But she does, and Sienna proves to be an excellent friend to both her and Nico, which just makes me adore her more.

Trust me, this isn’t your standard Monica Murphy athlete needs to grow tale. This series is going to hit a little harder with the changing from boys to men. And I am all in for whoever finds their way from boy of a certain mentality to man on a mission next!

End Game by Monica Murphy is a college football romance. Everleigh is new to the college and needs a place to live. Nico is the college football star wide receiver and needs a roommate to join the house with teammates Frank and Cooper. I loved the instant chemistry between Everleigh and Nico. They tried to deny it and come up with every excuse why they shouldn’t be together. The supporting cast of characters in the roommates, teammates, and friends really makes this book entertaining. I love the premise of the story and everything about it. I didn’t want it to end and I want to see what happens with the other characters. This author is fantastic and I love everything she writes.

nd Game by Monica Murphy 💖
Kings of Campus, Book 1
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NA • Sports Romance
ARC Review
287 pages
🗓️ September 17

•football romance
•college romance
•good girl/bad boy
•roommates to lovers
•close proximity
•found family

📌“I waved at her. She waved back, and my heart tripped over itself when she did.”

First, don’t be jelly I got to read this first. You’re going to love it just as much as I did once you read it too 😜

Second, I almost doubted Nico for a second there but never Monica Murphy. She delivers these flawed MMCs straight to our hearts😌

Third, while you probably won’t see this until the day after… I finished this book the day football returned and it’s a sign of how much the gods must favor me 😜😂

Lastly, you can’t give me a sports romance with an alpha hero and not expect it to become my absolute favorite Monica Murphy?! It was inevitable 🥹

I also very much adore all those boys. Even you Gavin. Even you 🫣

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

Listen, I am not opposed to a slow burn romance.. but when they finally bang at 98% it feels kind of useless. This was a tortuoussssss slow burn, like what are yall waiting for?

I will admit the rest of the storyline was good and I enjoyed watching Everleigh find her footing at a new school, and with a great group of friends. But I just find it hard to categorize this book as a romance, when the actual romance was covered so little, and only developed in the legit last 10% of the book…

I did enjoy the setting up and introductions of everyone in the friend group, and I would definitely continue reading other books if it becomes a series, this one just missed the mark for me. I think I would be super interested in seeing Gavin and Sienna’s relationship next as long as it happens before 90% of the book is over lol

I’m a sucker for a sports romance and when I saw that Monica Murphy was releasing this new book, I was so excited.

I found this book very fast paced and I managed to read it very quickly. I easily liked the characters and the friendships that were formed, getting me excited for future books in this series and seeing some of the other side characters get their happy ending (*cough* Gavin and Sienna *cough*).

I loved some of the tropes that were present in this book and although some of the outcomes were predictable, I loved seeing Everleighs friendship grow with the guys, Sienna and eventually Nico. I will say, this book was a slow burn, the couple do not properly get together until the last like 10% of the book but we still had some cute moments between them in between, as well as a lot of miscommunication and ignoring each other…

As much as I did enjoy this book, I will say that we moved on from situations quickly or I felt as if they were never quite handled. Despite the reconciliation at the end, all the characters went from either being best friends and joking around to ignoring each other and getting annoyed by them.

But this didn’t stop me from enjoying the little parts of this book and I can’t wait to see who’s next in this new series.

I’m always eager to get my hands on new releases from this author because her stories are engaging and addictive. 3.5, rounded to 4 stars.

Everleigh is the new girl on campus, not a super thing to be, as a Junior in college, but she made it happen. Football players convincing her to move in as their new roommate was definitely a win for her.

The guys are your typical football guys, and it was endearing to watch her engage with them. Nico wasn’t my favorite choice for her because of his self-centeredness and player behavior. In my opinion, he gained more from her presence than she did from having him in her life. But overall, they worked together.

There is a mutual attraction and chemistry between Nico and Everleigh, but it ebbed and flowed. Sometimes I felt like it wasn’t really there at all, or questioned why it should be.

I enjoyed this story in one sitting and adored the way the plot unraveled for the characters. Despite some challenges, their journey towards a happy ending matched what I had hoped for and expected.

I do recommend this author this book, and I enjoyed my time with these characters. I just wanted to love it more than I did.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary copy of this one from Netgalley (thank you), and happily leave my review.

I absolutely devoured End Game! It came as a complete shock TBH how much I enjoyed this book. Sports romances and new adult books can be hit or miss for me, as sometimes I just can’t take the immaturity of younger characters, but the characters in this book were completely delectable.

Literally, this read was a guilty pleasure for me. It felt like a mix of a sports romance with New Girl vibes, and I was totally here for it! I definitely didn’t know going into this book that it’d be a 5-star read for me, but I really had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait for the next books in this delicious new sports romance series!

You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
- Sports romance
- Bad boy falls for good girl
- Found family
- Alpha hero
- Roommates to lovers
- Opposites attract
- Grumpy sunshine

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first book in the Kings of Campus series, also my first book by this author. I love a good football romance 😍 it was so cute, I loved it from the very beginning. It was giving New Girl vibes, I absolutely love that show! This is like Nick and Jess had a baby named Everleigh 😅

Everleigh has found herself “homeless”, her housing falling through when she just moved to town to attend college. She overhears a group of guys in need of a roommate, she wants the room. It doesn’t matter that it lands her living with 3 football players, one whom she may or may not have a crush on 😉

I loved this book, I seriously finished it in less than 24 hours. I loved Everleigh’s relationship with all of her new roommates, a sense of found family. Watching her and Nico’s relationship develop, the slow burn 🔥 I’m excited to see where this series goes next 😍

Thank you Monica Murphy and VPR for the ARC!

Ahhhh!!! I can't say enough good things about this book! I started right after my kids went to bed last night and could not put it down until I finished! The angst and pining were superb with a great group of friends which made so many scenes fun and enjoyable. I love when a book can have a great mixture of the angst/pining/ chemistry between the main characters and then also have fun side characters that you can hope one day get their on book.

The book started when the FMC, Everleigh is down on her luck and her roommate situation fell through. She had just recently transferred to a new picturesque college that is near the ocean. It is apparently the ideal location with the beach near by, all the coffee shops/restaurants/bars within walking distance. You know what dreams are made of @ Luckily for her she over hears a group of guys talking about needing a fourth roommate. Enter the fun group of guys to the chat

Nico the MMC is the handsome, somewhat broody guy who smiles at her, Cooper is a large stocky tattoo man, and then there is Dollar who is a big teddy bear desperate for love.She doesn't know but they are on the football team for the college and a big deal on campus. The story develops from there with lots of chemistry, new characters being added and fun antics.

I highly recommend you checking this book out! I hope all the characters get a book and l'll also be hoping that / certain football player wakes up!!!

Tropes:
Sports romance
Bad boy vs good girl
Found family
Alpha hero
Roommates to lovers
Opposites attract
Grumpy Vs sunshine

I love that this book is extremely character driven. The main characters, secondary characters, and the background characters were all very much involved within the story. I loved Nico and Ever! I can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the arc of this book.

I'm a huge fan of other books by Monica so was stoked to get this opportunity to ARC read this story from a new series!

I haven't read many sports romances, but this one I really enjoyed. I liked how Everleigh wasn't just there watching games, but also ends up working for the team too. Definitely bought the sports trope into it in a different way to what I have read before.

I would have liked to know more about Everleigh and her past, but not knowing didn't effect how this story was told, would have just been a nice to know.

I know Nico was portrayed as a massive player and arsehole, but I honestly didn't feel that from him.

Ultimately this was a short and sweet story. Whilst I think it was a real good read, I don't think it would have fallen flat if it were longer with more exploration of both main characters separately and together.

I liked all the supporting characters. I want to know more about Sienna and Gavin. Frank NEEDS a HEA. And I want to know more about Cooper for sure! Set up really well for future books.

My first Monica Murphy book and I enjoyed it. The book was easy to read and the characters were fun. The side characters seem fun and can't wait for their books.

Perfect for the 2024 college football season, End Game will definitely get you in the mood to watch your favorite teams fight it out on the gridiron. Once again, Monica Murphy channels her love of football with these Kings of Campus who not only 'rule' their school out on the field but set hearts afire with just a smirk or wink. For Everleigh Olmsford, a transfer student, the poor girl is simply looking for a roommate and as fate would have it, ends up as the 4th in an apartment with these so-called Kings and from that moment on, all of their lives are never the same.

End Game is a bit lighter on the angst meter than the usual Murphy book, but is no less full of the kind of sweet feels she can deliver like no other. Nico Valente becomes the focus of Everleigh's heart but their chemistry may not be enough to cross that line between roommate and more. And so begins their push and pull, both somewhat afraid of getting too close and ruining not only their roommate arrangement but affecting Frank and Coop, the other two Kings who share their living space as well.

All the guys are vastly different from each other, play different positions on their team yet will always be there when it matters. Frank, in particular, is a softie who is everyone's friend no matter what and just wants to find a girl for his own. Coop is a bit of a mystery thus far but his sister Sienna is quite the woman who befriends Everleigh and has her own issues with the star quarterback, Gavin, giving plenty of advice and truths that may hurt at times but need to be said.

This book features another kind of coming-of-age storyline with most of the guys ready to tackle the world as college seniors but still have immature hearts when it comes to love. The romance between Nico and Everleigh can be frustrating at times but as they grow closer, thoughts of not being together just won't do, thank goodness.

I will say that there could have been more wrt the playa reputation that Nico has earned, since he really didn't engage anyone else in the book once Everleigh was in his orbit. Sure, there is a bitter ex that is always around at the worst times but otherwise the man has stayed celibate for a while now. The interactions, for the most part, are between the guys as they navigate this new existence with a girl as a roommate, with Everleigh winning over Frank (also known as Dollar) and Coop pretty early one with her mad cleaning and cooking skills. Nico takes a bit longer but that's just because the poor guy doesn't know what to do with these intense feelings he has never had to experience.

Overall, End Game is a very easy read. One that is sweet, cute and full of the schmexy men Monica Murphy loves to bestow upon us. She also gives us smart, resilient and sharp women who give as good as they get and always get their guys to figure out a way to deserve them. But to be fair, only Murphy men would be able to handle these remarkable women and I'm happy that Nico finally got his head straight and figured out how to win over Everleigh for good.

I look forward to more in this series, especially the current substory involving Sienna and Gavin, hoping they can figure their issues out once and for all. When looking for that college romance that is witty, joyful and easy on the heartl, look no further than End Game.

3.5 stars

Thank you net gallery for a chance to review. I am a huge Monica fan so was excited to get into this one. This is a quick easy read & I was able to read within 24 hours.

- Sport Romance
- College Setting
- Forced Proximity (house mates)
- Friends to Lovers
- Slow Burn

When Everleigh's college housing falls through at the last minute, she over hears the local college football guys are also looking for a house mate. She jumps at the opportunity and even though the boys are reluctant - They can't deny her when she offers her cooking skills too.

Nico is in this final year of college for the dolphins football team. He has his goals set on the NFL career & nothing is going to stop him getting there, especially a girl. Even if that girl is gorgeous and his house mate - And soon to be a close friend. She may be different to the other girls he has played around, but Nico is strong on keeping his wall up. Until, he isn't. And as soon as that wall is down, he will stop at nothing to make Everleigh his.

Everleigh has experienced some bad relationships, and really doesn't want to experience another failed relationship with her house mate. Especially one that is known as the play boy with sweet talking. She promises herself she won't fall for his words, even when is actions are showing they want her. But as friendship turns into so much more, she may have to let her walls down too to experience the true love they both deserve.

3.5/5 stars. 2/5 steam.

Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me. I did enjoy reading it and once again, Monica had me addicted with her writing. But I needed more background information to feel an emotional connection to the characters. I feel like Everleigh's past was brushed over & I simply just needed more to feel connected to her. I also was disappointed that they don't properly get in a relationship till 90% - So we unfortunately don't get to read much about them actually having a tackle at being in a relationship after both being such commitment phobes.

A steamy slow burn college (new adult) romance, set in a football house. It’s low-angst and surprisingly sensitive - in a good way. Everleigh has transferred in, and through a convolution of romance reasons finds herself sharing a house with three elite football players. The one she fancies is Nico, and luckily, it’s mutual. However...

They are both sensible enough to realise that sleeping together won’t help their living situation and neither feels ready for a relationship. I loved that it was Everleigh who put the brakes on, and kept them on. It’s a very slow burn - but they get there. They are both busy with study and work/sporting commitments.They do get to know each other, even if they are crushing for most of it.

I’d have liked to see more of their backstories, especially their relationship with their own families, and see them do more together. Nico is a good guy, self-involved and a bit entitled, but he pays attention to Everleigh. I needed to remind myself how very young they are and how new they are to caring about someone else. The side characters are great - Sienna adds girl time in the house and the boys are good value. There’s a bit of a stereotyped villain, but it’s not toxic. This is easy reading, low-angst college fun.

Rounded up to four stars. Thank you NetGalley, Monica Murphy and Montlake for the ARC.

I have been on a Monica Murphy binge lately. I love her writing style and her stories.
End Game is her new sports romance series, Kings of Campus.
I just loved Everleigh, Ever as is her nickname, from the start. She is a transfer student and hoping for a real college experience. She doesn’t start out too well though. Her housing gets canceled and her car broken into. Down on her luck she meets a group of guys, football players that have an empty room. She agrees to cook for them and they agree to let her rent their room.
Nico is one of the football players, he doesn’t want to like Ever but he is attracted to her. And she to him.
Nico and Ever have a slow burn romance, will they or won’t they, but I enjoyed their back and forth and getting to know each other.
I loved seeing Ever have fun and be a real college student. Ever and Nico were so good together once they got together.
I also liked all the supporting characters and can’t wait for their stories.
This was a quick read that I devoured. I love sports romances and Monica Murphy can write them!