I just got this ARC from NetGalley this morning and already finished it. What an amazing read for today. It was so much fun from start to finish, and I really loved all the characters. The title For The Arena felt so fitting for all the battles they went through. I do wish it had shown whether they managed to win before graduation, but even without that, the ending was perfection. Fast-paced, intense, and such a satisfying conclusion. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Bree Hayden delivers an unforgettable story in Call the Shots—a book that grabbed me from the first chapter and didn’t let go until the very last page.

The plot itself was a joy to read. The tension builds in such a natural way that I found myself turning pages long after I meant to stop. Hayden balances humor, heartache, and heat seamlessly.

One of the standout qualities of this book is how authentic the central relationship feels. There’s no rush, no forced moments—it grows organically. Each interaction feels earned, making the romance not just believable but deeply satisfying. Watching two characters move from enemies to sparks to something solid and lasting was pure joy.

I loved Bear’s quiet, steadfast support of June. Those moments—where he’s simply there for her without needing to fix or control anything—absolutely broke me in the best way. It was tender, raw, and enough to bring me to tears.

Beyond the central romance, Hayden masterfully creates a sense of community and belonging. The “found family” element shines, reminding us that love and home aren’t always about blood ties but about the people who choose to stand beside you. This layer of warmth gives the book incredible depth and makes it resonate even more.

Having said all of that… I am also convinced that this is what improv in a book would look like. It felt like she just kept saying Yes, and? The first antagonist is dealt with about 60% into the book roughly? I found myself at that point going how do I have so much book left. There were also paragraphs where I felt like whole sentences were missing. Either that or on a couple of them the joke flew over my head.

Also, nowhere that I could find mentioned that this ties into the authors other series. Overall I would still recommend it and I had a lovely time reading it.