Maybe I’m in a book slump, but Game On had me feeling like I walked into a party already in full swing—drinks poured, music blaring, and people making out in the corner—while I was still trying to figure out whose house I was in.

The story kicks off at a sprint, and by chapter two, we’re already in very intimate territory. No slow burn, no buildup—just straight into the action. While I usually love a fast-paced romance, I struggled to connect with the characters because I felt like I missed their introductions. Who are they? Why should I root for them? Give me some tension, some flirty banter, a little emotional groundwork before we dive straight into the spice!

That said, if you love books that skip the slow burn and jump straight to the heat, Game On might be your perfect match. But for me, I needed a bit more lead-up to fully invest in the romance. Maybe it’s just my book slump talking, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark.

Lighthearted with some emotional moments. With the length of the book,I feel like the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more. Their inner dialogues felt somewhat repetitive at times, and unfortunately I think the plot was just not that interesting, and sometimes predictable. Relied on cliches that are seen in every other sports romance book released in the past few years. It’s a shame since the author’s previous works, all independently published, had a touch of vulnerability and the characters conflicts were more complex and interesting. They all have some layers and a kind of softness specific to the author that differentiated them from other sports romance stories, for me. This one lacked some depth compared to those previous books. Their relationships with their parents for example, I kept being told what they were like, but never shown. The main characters could have used some more interactions with their friends and teammates just to see their personalities and their growth throughout the story, but again, not as developed as they could have been with the length of the book. I’m trying to think of standout moments from Game On, but overall I think the most memorable parts were in relation to other characters that may or may not get their stories, based on how their issues kept being brought up but ultimately not really explained. The ending was good, albeit predictable, but still satisfying enough that made me not hate it completely. It succeeded in making their makeup and ending well deserved, since before that, their relationship felt sort of surface level to me. I ended up believing in their connection a bit more towards that third act and last chapters. Would recommend to sports romance readers who don’t really pick their reads for the plot, but for the tropes and specific moments. I’m sure I would have liked this book more had it been published a year ago or so, but the amount of stories and characters that could be interchangeable with Ella and Hudson by now made me not enjoy it much. A couple spelling mistakes here and there that hopefully will not make the final book, fingers crossed.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Sweet college romance that kept me engaged to the story the whole time. It felt realistic and with the times especially at the emotionally charged ages these characters are. There were some dialogue and interactions between the main characters that felt off to me but overall they were charismatic and their chemistry was great. This author did a good job unraveling their story until the end, which did feel complete but not completely satisfying. The writing was good too and I enjoyed the way Stephens writing ebbed and flowed with the plot. I loved the male lead and his story, much different than what you'd expect from a college football hero. As they both struggle with personal insecurities they come together and find that they are better together which is a trope I adore reading and Ki Stephens does not disappoint.

Game On is such a classic fluffy sports romance. Hudson and Ella’s story, while not new to the world of romance reads, is so beautifully written. The classic unknown of falling for someone but being insecure in yourself and your worth is a common problem when dating and Hudson and Ella are not the exception.
They both struggle with their own past and identities of themselves that through each other they find who they’re meant to be.

The author clearly knows what she’s talking about when she writes about the cheer aspect of the story with realistic visual details that make you feel like you’re the one flying in the air. Her descriptive details on both the cheer and football plotlines are well written. If you yourself are in a sport or have an understanding of the concept of what it means to work hard for what you want you’ll love this book.

The plot wasn’t anything I haven’t read before and there were no surprising plot developments I didn’t see coming. Yet, despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is something I’d recommend reading on vacation or introducing into a book club. It’s light, fluffy, and heartfelt. Hudson makes you yearn for a lover that pines for just a glance of you while Ella makes you wish for someone to love you no matter your faults. I’d be willing to read more from this author and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

I loved Ki Stephen’s Coastal University Series, so I was excited to read this one. Game On follows Ella, a cheerleader, and Hudson, a quarterback, who meet at a bar and end up spending the night together. What started as a one-night stand became more than either one had ever anticipated. This was a fast, fun, and easy read. The banter and chemistry were enjoyable, and the conflict wasn’t too overly drawn out or dramatic. An exciting and promising start to new characters and a new world.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The cover got me on this one. But the story truly did not work for me. I did not enjoy the beginning but I pushed through, the middle was okay and the ending just didn't work. It truly made for a mediocre read. Not my favorite.

I didn’t love this one but I also didn’t dislike it. Ella and Hudson felt like very realistic characters, both young college students with big dreams yet realistic views. I’m just not a fan of the whole “casual” relationship that turns serious. It’s very clear from the beginning where it’s heading and I just get annoyed with the characters in the interim. I also found a lot of the cheer/football routines and practice scenes to be quite boring, this is probably just a “me” problem as I’m not huge into sports. I will say however that the ending was perfect and wrapped up the story neatly.

This sizzling sports romance delivers the perfect mix of tension, heart, and undeniable chemistry. When Oxford transplant Ella Davies arrives at Whitland University, she’s focused on one goal: proving herself on the elite cheer squad. But fate—and the annoyingly irresistible quarterback, Hudson Fox—have other plans. What starts as a no-strings-attached fling quickly becomes anything but, as their undeniable pull threatens to upend both of their carefully laid ambitions.

Ella is a refreshing and determined heroine, bringing a bold, competitive spirit to the world of collegiate cheerleading. Meanwhile, Hudson embodies the brooding, driven athlete who’s sworn off distractions—until he meets the one person he can’t ignore. Their banter crackles with energy, and the slow burn of their romance makes every stolen moment feel electric.

Beyond the swoon-worthy romance, the novel shines with its deep dive into sports culture, exploring the pressures of collegiate athletics, personal ambition, and the sacrifices that come with chasing dreams. With sharp writing, strong character development, and a storyline that keeps readers rooting for love, this book is a must-read for fans of sports romances, opposites-attract dynamics, and the thrill of falling for someone you were never supposed to.

A cute sports romance. A bit more sports than I expected and there was a fun twist to the usual cheerleader/football star formula. Fun romance, fun characters, cute and spicy story.

I ended up DNF'ing this book around the 52% mark.

I had complex feelings around DNF'ing as there were some things I really LOVED about this book! For one, the character dialogue was so well written. There were so many times when I got lost in the main characters conversations because it felt real. I also think the author did an excellent job of creating an engaging opening. I was sold, ready to follow Ella to America! The fact that he ex was going to be on the same campus added a layer of tension that was exciting!

I ultimately ended up not finishing the book due to how Ella's character fell flat. It felt like more work was put into the character ARC for Hudson so I found myself skimming through Ella's chapters. For a while, I was also struggling with being invested in the main characters entirely. Then I realized I was unsure of the stakes for the characters. In the end, I just wasn't invested enough to continue in Hudson and Ella's story.

This is honestly the book my dreams, just like all of Ki’s books are. I’m feeling so grateful to have gotten to read this already! To have read her trad debut already! I remember knowing how special Ki was when I first arc read Spring Tide!

Ella and Hudson are perfection. A one night stand to no strings attached but also so many strings!! They also became such good FRIENDS! And I love watching them figure it out, and try to fight their feelings for as long as they could! But their instant connection was delicious and there was no getting away from that.

I loved how vulnerable they were able to be with each other. Despite the temporariness of their situation they couldn’t help but feel so comfortable and safe in their relationship. Hudson was able to open up about his mental health and Ella was able to tell to him about her strained family situation.

Also my favorite thing about Hudson, among many things obviously, was that football was not his end goal. It was still very much a sports romance, but the fact that he wasn’t hoping to make it to the NFL felt so refreshing. And I LOVED that they got to bond over cheer! It was SO FUN. And it was so important to both of them, and I loved that they got to share that.

I am a fan of Ki for life, I will always read her books! And I cannot wait for more from this series??!!

Thank you so much to SMP for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

For whatever reason this one just wasn’t able to hold my attention. I love sports romances, especially football and cheer, but it seemed overly technical to me. I get needing to explain how stunts are done and how football practices/games go, but it was so focused on those details that my attention kept waning and I’d have to reread pages several times. There was more focus on those things than progressing the story at times, it seemed.

Game On follows Ella as she moves from Oxford to Nashville for a study abroad year. She encounters lots of culture shocks - the biggest one being Hudson, the school's football star. They agree to a no-strings-attached relationship and who would guess.. they get attached.

This book was a fun time and definitely worth the read for fans of new adult and college romances!