A cute, spicy romance with all the tropes: second chance, brothers best friend, sports romance, forced proximity.
Beck and Charlie meet at 10 years old and know right then they they belong together. Beck has a difficult past and hasn't shared a lot of it with Charlie, despite their closeness, which leads to them being separated.
I raced through this and enjoyed the pace of the story. The side characters were great too and the ending leaves us wanting more from the next book. (Which I'm really hoping is Casey's book!)

Quick Summary: A NA college sports romance

My Review: Counter Play by Ava Sutton is book #1 in the Walker University Stallions series. It is scheduled for release on 5/2/25.

About the Book: "In the game of love, it’s hard to level the playing field when your opponent is the one who got away.

Charlie doesn’t want anything to do with me but I’ll be damned if I let her walk out of my life again.

When we’re down to the wire, it’s time to make a counter play and win my girl back for good. "

In My Own Words: Two former best friends turned lovers split and take steps to make their way back to each other.

About the Premise & Hook: The premise of this book was compelling enough to draw my interest. The win or lose scenario did what it does and got my attention. The more I read, the more I wanted to read.

About the Cast of Characters: The setup of characters in this book was done so effortlessly that it was easy to fall in like with them. From the players to the partners, I wanted to know what was what. They were all so interesting, particularly Casey and Noelle, as well as Liam. (It's a toss up tie for fav between Pitz and Arch, actually.)

About the Conflict: There were a number of issues in this story, but the main one concerning Beck was devastating. My heart hurt for him and his family. How do you come back from that? Thank goodness for the love and support that he and his family found.

About the Sports Angle: Go, Stallions!

My Final Say: I really enjoyed this NA romance. There was a lot to it. The story offered sweetness, spiciness, and the bitterness of the sour challenges that come with living life. The characters were charming and relatable. They all seemed to be at an in between stage of life - growing yet still in need of maturation. They did the best they could, under the circumstances. All in all, the ending and the epilogue took it there...to the place of HEA and new beginnings.

I'm totally ready for book #2. Let's go!

Readers who enjoy the following tropes will adore this read:

College Sports Romance
Brother's Best Friend
Close Proximity
Second Chance
Found family
Overcoming Tragedy
Friends to Enemies to Lovers
Dual POV

Other: I appreciated the mental health representation. It was definitely needed. The distinguishable elements were necessary for this story and for those who were involved.

Trigger: Potential readers are advised to read all author & publisher notes related to this book. There is an indication of violence and abuse, as well as alcoholism & addiction.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA
Status/Level: 💕
Pacing: M
Plot: Character-driven
Triggers: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Compass Press LLC | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful for the opportunity to voluntarily share my thoughts and opinions on this title. I look forward to continuing this series, as well as reading more from this writer.

Second chances romance with all the trimmings - childhood sweethearts, brother's best friend, forced proximity, college sports, all woven together. Misunderstandings and mean girls get in the way, but we know there will ultimately be a HEA. A bit more plot than the usual college sports romance, with a subplot of extreme child abuse in the past and it's lasting effects, so keep that in mind for a trigger.

Loved this one! I truly love Beck and that boy deserves the world. I liked Charlie as well but I was a little annoyed with her over a couple of things. After the reveal about his mom I found myself siding with Beck because Charlie seemed so naive. Also, how do you have a childhood friends to lovers type deal and she doesn't know about his mom? Seems like something you would discuss since you have been friends forever. I do really like them as a couple overall and feel like in the end they balance each other out well.

Also, this is so nitpicky and I apologize in advance but do these MC's have jobs? Beck is constantly buying Charlie flowers and those are expensive!

Small issues aside, this was a great spicy romance! Definitely recommend. I'm also looking forward to reading the others in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Compass Press LLC | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ava Sutton is an amazing romance author, this book had me hooked from the start. I love the dynamics between the characters and the way the story played out. I 100% recommend this for anyone looking for a good time with a sports romance.