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4.5 stars

Play it off is book 2 of the Kings of Campus Series. I really liked that this book was in the same timeline as End Game (book 1). It's been a little since I read it, and I it was a nice reminiscing of what was going on. in book 2, the main characters are Sienna and Gavin. Gavin is the QB, and Sienna is Cooper (Gavins teammates), younger sister.

This book had drama, angst, spice, comedy, and i really liked how it showcased Siennas feelings of dealing with what it's like to have a brother who is the best and is destined for the NFL. We also got a character that you can hate is Ryland.

It was a fun, quick, and easy book to read. if you liked football romance with brothers' teammates and secret relationships, this is right up your ally.

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I loved everything about Gavin and Sienna's love story!
Both are crazy attracted to each other but its forbidden as Sienna's brother Cooper is Gavin's teammate.

One night they finally give into that attraction only to be interrupted by Sienna's flat mate!!!

Now 2 years have passed and both have been avoiding each other until once again they find themselves giving into their attraction.

However, Gavin really is an idiot and tells Sienna to give him more time, only Sienna has already given him a lot of time so she thinks its better for the both of them that maybe she should move on ...

lol all I can say is you have to read to find out what happens next!

Monica has a way of writing the cutest love stories and this one was just so good!

Gavin is so silly trying to push Sienna away even though she is the only person he can be himself with. Sienna is just madly in love with him and just wish he would give into his feelings for her and give her a chance.

Overall, I loved this one and I cannot wait for book #3!!!

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Monica Murphy is my go to Author for best Sports Romance which are sexy, sweet and full of Chemistry between the characters. I've been reader of hers for a long time but this book is going to be on top of the list.

I Consumed this book from start to end. Sienna and Gavin were amazing together. Highly Recommend it to all readers.

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Firstly a big thank you to @monicamurphyauthor & @valentine_pr_ for my arc and having me on your content team I'm beyond grateful! After reading the first book in the series I was beyond excited for Sienna & Gavin's story! I love me a bros best friend trope, absolutely adored how forbidden it was! This was spot on, I couldn't put it down! Loved their banter and their chemistry was through the roof!! Also loved getting to see the rest of the gang, cannot wait for the next book! Would highly recommend this one along with the rest of the Kings of campus series!

If Monica Murphy writes it you'll be certain I'm reading it 🫶🏻💗🖤

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Gavin and Sienna's story really surprised me. While I knew they would be fire together, I couldn't have predicted their story in any way. Sure, they burned up the sheets.
Sure, their chemistry was off the charts.
Yes, the banter was fun.
And yes, there were sweet moments in between.

It had all of the good stuff mixed in with some drama and uncertainty and yet... I feel like it was missing something.

It wasn't a bad story, not at all. It was filled with all the aforementioned deliciousness but it just didn't hit the same as the first book for me.

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4.5⭐️ | 3.5🌶️

Some books feel like a breath of fresh air — Play It Off is one of them. Monica Murphy delivers an irresistible brother’s best friend, second-chance romance filled with heart, heat, and emotional depth.

From the very first page, I was hooked. Sienna Cooper, fierce yet vulnerable, captured my heart the moment she appeared in book one, and now? I’m fully obsessed. Her growth, her honesty, her quiet strength — every part of her felt so genuine. And Gavin Maddox? He’s exactly what I hoped for: broody, loyal, a little bit lost — and completely wrecked over Sienna. Their chemistry is off-the-charts good, but it’s the soft, vulnerable moments that truly shine. The way they see and understand each other makes their romance feel so much more than just a physical connection.

The tension between them is delicious, layered with years of unspoken words and what-ifs. Murphy writes slow-burn longing so well that every stolen glance and almost-kiss had me holding my breath. I devoured this story at lightning speed and closed the book floating in a full-blown book hangover, already missing Santa Mira and its messy, lovable characters.

There’s a certain magic to how Monica Murphy writes found family, late-night college adventures, and the bittersweet ache of growing up. This story is the perfect blend of fun, heartache, and swoon — a true standout in the Kings of Campus series.

Bottom line: Play It Off is an addictive, heart-stealing read you won’t want to miss!

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Accepting their feelings
This is a great story. I loved the camaraderie between the teammates and the girls that are part of their inner circle. Sienna is a strong and independent woman, she’s Coop’s sister which makes her off limits to the team. She knows her own heart but is unsure of her place in Gavin’s life.
Gavin has had a tough childhood with a difficult father, which causes self doubt and a little imposter syndrome.
This brother’s best friend, dual secret crush, college romance focuses on Gavin and Sienna who have intense chemistry, but doubts and guilt have them pushing each other away. Forced proximity and jealousy make them realise the truth and take a chance.
Full of deep emotion, humour, drama, angst, steam, friendships and family.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

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5 ⭐⁣
3 🌶️⁣

I was so excited for this one when we first met them in End Game. Oh man. I couldn't put this one down. Definitely unputdownable!! ⁣

Sienna has feelings for Gavin, but he should be off limits because he's her brother's friend and teammate. Gavin was in the same situation. Because Sienna is his friend's sister, she is off limits. They decided to be just friends, but there is no way they can keep their hands off each other. 😏 ⁣

I love how Sienna and Gavin are there to support one another. They tug me at my heartstrings. And OMG. Those spicy scenes....the things that come out of Gavin's mouth. 🤭 It's a heartwarming, sweet, and cute read! I really hope this series has more books. Lol⁣

Totally recommend it!!!

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Thank you @monicamurphyauthor , Netgalley, & @valentine_pr_ for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Play It Off is a a sweet, sexy story about the secret crush between a college QB and his teammate’s sister. 🏈

I’ve had a thing for Gavin Maddox ever since I was a freshman, but it’s a mission doomed to fail. Of all the guys I could have picked on campus, I had to go too far with the quarterback, my brother’s best friend. 🫣

We’ve spent the last two years avoiding each other. It’s not that easy when you have the same friends, not to mention I can’t forget the way it felt to be with him. But I can be civil. Polite. Detached.✨

I think...🫣

This was a fun, good bantered, chemistry filled story! I’m a sucker for sports romances and a brother’s best friend trope 😌

Gavin….the quarterback, the football god. “Everyone wants him, that was my crime” The dirty talking, swoon worthy, alpha with the pressure of being enough. Sienna the kind, funny, girl who wants to be seen! I love these two together and witnessing the chemistry they have.🙌🏽

The beginning was a good pace for me and I really enjoyed reading! I would have liked to have a little bit more moments towards the end that explored their relationship, but nonetheless this is a must-read! 🔥

I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I would recommend this book to those who love college football romances, spicy scenes, and a teammate’s sister trope! If this sounds like something you like, I recommend you check it out! 🗓️

Thank you again to Monica Murphy, NetGalley & Valentine PR!!!💗💗

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⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book one of the Kings of Campus series introduced us to this wonderful college sport world and Monica Murphy has kept this world alive and popping. Monica wrote a lovely story that I couldn’t put down. Add on the slight drama of the MCs best friend/brother aspect to it all, this book has it all.

The chemistry between Sienna and Gavin was evident in book one and in book two, it ignites. In book one as side characters, I needed their story and was so happy when Monica announced it. These two were so fun to read about and I loved their relationship dynamic. They tried to stay away from each other, but due to being in the same friend group, that wasn’t easy. Neither one knew the other was pining for the other and when they finally talked, the floodgates opened!

Sienna has such a big heart, but she finally decided she has to give her heart what it wants also. She can’t deny how she feels about her brother’s (Cooper) best friend. After an almost night of passion, the next day she is destroyed when Gavin acted like it never happened, but two years is long enough to hold in her feelings.

In fact, Gavin has never forgotten the almost night with Sienna, but has convinced himself he is too busy and possibly ruining his relationship with his best friend, her brother, isn’t worth it. When Sienna finally lays it all out on the line, he is all in as well. But now they have to navigate their relationship not only with each other but Cooper also. Gavin is so sweet and a total golden retriever.

Monica definitely knows how to pull her readers in with heat, spice, a dash of drama, and delicious tension! The way she develops her character has readers begging for them to finally give in and she loves edging us. But when she finally gives readers what they are begging for, it is done so well!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏈Forbidden Love
🎀Alpha MMC
🏈Boy Obsessed FMC
🎀Secret Relationship
🏈College Football
🎀Found Family
🏈Best Friend’s Sibling

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Where do I start? Sienna.. this woman has the patience of a saint. She tried a few relationships over the past two years. But in reality she was waiting for Gavin to get his head on straight. It took that man so long, and a crazy bought of jealousy before that happened. I will say I could have done without the other guy. He wasn't worth the words that were put to paper about him.

i loved Gavin and Sienna. I loved getting to know them and going crazy over their push and pull. I would have liked less inner monolog, especially closer to the ending. But But this book truly was a joy. It was spicy. It was sweet. My favorite part? The talk in Gavin's bed before anything happened. These two were meant to be and nothing was stopping that. Loved it!

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Monica Murphy is certainly the queen of football romance! I just adore this series SO much. It’s sweet, steamy, and wonderfully character driven- and chock full of first love butterflies and coming of age nostalgia. Gavin and Sienna are just adorable- the down bad college quarterback and his best friend’s little sister. This story is such a fun and refreshing breath of fresh air- and it’s now out in all formats! Grab it up and swoon!

I love Monica Murphy on audio and this book was great for the format. Narrated by Avery Caris & Victor Quixabas, neither narrator I was familiar with prior to this audio listen, but I really enjoyed both performances. They brought a lot of charm and sincerity to the roles.


What to expect:
💙College
🏈Sports (football) romance
💙Secret hookups/secret romance
🏈Best friend’s little sister/forbidden
💙Found family
🏈Jealous/possessive MMC
💙Unrequited love
🏈Cute nickname (Freckles)
💙He’s super protective
🏈No third-act breakup
💙Good girl friends
🏈boy obsessed

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I really wanted to love this book...I just couldn't get passed how all they thought about each other was just physical...there was no depth to their "romance" other than hooking up all the time... I obviously don't mind spice but when it parades around as a romance and they can't find one non-sexual nice thing to say or think about the other person, while claiming to be in love, it just feels juvenile to me.

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This sweet and sexy sports romance captures the thrilling chemistry between a college quarterback and his teammate's sister, making it impossible to put down. Murphy's signature storytelling shines through, delivering a heartwarming tale filled with passion and relatable characters. The protagonists are well-developed, with relatable backstories that draw readers in. Their chemistry is palpable, making every interaction feel electric and genuine. The storyline revolves around a secret crush, adding an element of suspense and excitement. The blend of sports and romance creates a unique backdrop that enhances the narrative. Murphy expertly weaves in emotional moments that resonate with readers, making them feel invested in the characters' journeys. The balance of humor and heartfelt scenes keeps the reader engaged throughout. The author's writing is fluid and engaging, making it easy to immerse oneself in the story. Descriptive language brings the settings and emotions to life, enhancing the reading experience. "Play It Off" is a delightful read that combines sweetness with steamy moments, perfect for fans of the genre.
Monica Murphy has once again proven her talent for crafting captivating romances that leave a lasting impression.

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Even though Sienna has had feelings for Gavin, her brother’s friend and teammate, for years she has also come to realize that one steamy moment is all they are destined to share. She will continue to be his friend, but it is time for her to pursue her own path where she will be appreciated for who she is and not for who she knows.

Gavin has been denying his feelings for Sienna as he needs to focus on playing football and isn’t prepared for the turmoil that getting involved with her would entail both on and off the field. That plan was working for him until he realizes he isn’t prepared to let her be anyone else and now he must decide if he is going to pursue the woman he has always wanted.

Gavin is a complicated man as he appears to have everything he wants but he is also fighting his internal demons while Sienna is conflicted as she knows she needs to move forward with her life but with Gavin being part of it she finds it difficult to imagine a future without him.

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Monica Murphys college romance novels always make me instantly love them!
Especially if you couple it up with sport and brothers best friend!! Gaah give it to me instantly!

Sienna has had a crush on Gavin since she's met him. Those two characters really made me fall in love with them super fast! Gavin was so not the playboy that I expected him to be. He was more soft and totally swoonworthy!

I really enjoyed this story!!

4.5 Stars

Thank you to Monica & VPR for sending me this book for an honest review.

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I was already intrigued by Gavin and Sienna in End Game, the first Kings of Campus novel but Plah It Off has blown my mind in the most amazing way.

Firstly, only work (and life) stopped me from reading this in one sitting but I devoured it nonetheless.

I loved that I had Gavin so badly pegged in End Game and I'm ashamed that I was so judgemental.

Sienna is his perfect partner and they definitely are each others' biggest supporter.

The 'forbidden' secret aspect to this lovely book makes it a bit more...of everything.

Play It Off is a perfect addition to this compelling series.

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This was my second ARC from Monica Murphy and also the second book in the series — and let me just say, I’m OBSESSED!! 🥰

First off, I love how easy Monica’s books are to fly through ✨. They’re playful, witty, and just straight-up fun to read! But at the same time, there’s always so much emotional growth and depth in her characters — and this one was no exception 💭❤️.

Okay, let’s talk about the setup:
We’ve got a college football player 🏈 (hey Gavin) who’s got a super tense, estranged relationship with his dad, and the classic good girl next door vibe (hi Sienna aka Freckles!) — oh, and she just happens to be his best friend’s sister 👀. So yeah, things are complicated. Gavin’s trying not to cross any lines with Coop, and Sienna’s out here doing some serious soul-searching post-college while trying not to let her QB crush push her to the sidelines 🫠.

The chemistry?? Off the charts. The angst?? Perfectly done. The banter?? Chef’s kiss 👌🏼.

This book was SO well written and honestly such a fun, fast-paced read — I breezed through it in no time! ⏳✨

Definitely recommend if you love football boys, forbidden vibes, and heroines who are figuring it all out 💕.

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Sienna is Coop's little sister. She has grown up around football and has always been super supportive to Coop and his team. Gavin is best friends with Coop and the quarterback for their team. Sienna and Gavin are always around each other and seem to get under each other's skin, but Sienna has had major feelings for Gavin for years now and she's tired of waiting for him. When things finally seem to be headed in the right direction, Gavin sticks his foot in his mouth. Sienna doesn't want to be second choice or thought.
I really enjoyed this story! I was super excited to get Sienna and Gavin's story and this was perfect. I love how supportive Sienna is and understanding of how important football is for Gavin. She is always praising him and building him up. I also loved seeing Nico and Ever from a different point of view.

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The first book of this series was so much fun, I was excited to head back to college with this group of friends. Gavin is a college, quarterback who has NFL ambitions. Two years ago, Gavin had a moment with his best friend, Coop's, little sister Sienna. Ever since then, they have been avoiding each other, but neither can stop thinking about the other.

Sienna has always wanted Gavin, but she can't figure out his hot and cold attitude. She tries to avoid him but the magnetism between them seems to always pull them together. When the draw gets to strong they start sneaking around, but feel guilty for not telling those closest to them.

This is a quick read and I loved how you could tell books 1 and 2 were happening at the same time. I loved Sienna's relationship with Everly and the rest of the guys. I also loved how they were all always there for each other, even when it was uncomfortable. This is a great group of friends and I cannot wait to see who is next.

Received ARC from Monica Murphy and Valentine PR in exchange for voluntary honest review.

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