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Boys of Riverside #1
Love the Way You Lie
Torn between my best friend and the boy who makes my heart beat again, learning the truth might break me…
My entire life changed in an instant.
One violent moment took my mother and destroyed me.
And I can’t even remember it.
All I know is…it was my fault.
Now I’m entering senior year after hiding away from the world as long as I could.
The only distraction I have from the heavy weight of my scars is my best friend, Graham.
He’s been my rock through it all.
But when his cousin Atlas appears…my world suddenly tilts on its already unsteady axis.
Everyone warns me to stay away from the star football player with a bad boy reputation and a chip on his shoulder.
I should…
Yet from the moment I climb on the back of his motorcycle, sparks fly.
Despite all the reasons to keep him at a distance, my need for the truth about the accident drives us closer.
Until the truth destroys everything…
One-click this angsty and emotional YA small town, opposites attract, love triangle romance about two best friends and the broken boy who comes between them on the search for the truth that could change everyone’s world.
My entire life changed in an instant.
One violent moment took my mother and destroyed me.
And I can’t even remember it.
All I know is…it was my fault.
Now I’m entering senior year after hiding away from the world as long as I could.
The only distraction I have from the heavy weight of my scars is my best friend, Graham.
He’s been my rock through it all.
But when his cousin Atlas appears…my world suddenly tilts on its already unsteady axis.
Everyone warns me to stay away from the star football player with a bad boy reputation and a chip on his shoulder.
I should…
Yet from the moment I climb on the back of his motorcycle, sparks fly.
Despite all the reasons to keep him at a distance, my need for the truth about the accident drives us closer.
Until the truth destroys everything…
One-click this angsty and emotional YA small town, opposites attract, love triangle romance about two best friends and the broken boy who comes between them on the search for the truth that could change everyone’s world.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2023
2230 people are currently reading
3823 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
May 9, 2023
Hmmm…
I dislike love triangles so was immediately put off but out of sheer curiosity i marched on through.
Overall, i found the plotline interesting and i was really rooting for Mackenzie to find the truth, even if it was predictable.
Usually, i’m all for people ‘making up’ and clearing the air but there is ONE person i hope she doesn’t forgive tbh.
Cue rant with potential spoilers in 3, 2, 1…
HOWEVER (spoilers) (kind of) more like venting about certain characters!
Mackenzie, fragile, weak - understandably so, although i do like how she eventually sticks up for herself.
Atlas, a tough exterior, but honestly, out of all the people in Mackenzie’s life he’s the only one transparent with her, fair enough there was that ONE thing, but how does a seventeen year old boy deal with that? He genuinely has hope for her, and wants her to be happy and be able to move forward with her life.
Chief Hart - i get his fears… BUT WHAT A CONTROLLING ASSHOLE. He has no respect or trust in his daughter… even at the beginning of the book. I’m glad Mackenzie stands up to him. Honestly, if this was a reddit thread i’d be advising her to cut that asshole off.
Graham…
Ah, sweet, Graham.
Not in the freaking SLIGHTEST. I liked him, for all of fifteen seconds. What a selfish, self centred D-bag.
Fair enough, he nursed her back to health blah blah… how much of that was because they were best friends and not because she was ‘his’. The fact he has the audacity to claim her as ‘his’ girl without her knowledge is such a dickbag move. But to try and SABOTAGE her happiness and the baby steps she’s taking to move on because those baby steps aren’t with him? ASSHOLE.
Will read book 2 and hope certain characters get beat up. 😂
I dislike love triangles so was immediately put off but out of sheer curiosity i marched on through.
Overall, i found the plotline interesting and i was really rooting for Mackenzie to find the truth, even if it was predictable.
Usually, i’m all for people ‘making up’ and clearing the air but there is ONE person i hope she doesn’t forgive tbh.
Cue rant with potential spoilers in 3, 2, 1…
HOWEVER (spoilers) (kind of) more like venting about certain characters!
Mackenzie, fragile, weak - understandably so, although i do like how she eventually sticks up for herself.
Atlas, a tough exterior, but honestly, out of all the people in Mackenzie’s life he’s the only one transparent with her, fair enough there was that ONE thing, but how does a seventeen year old boy deal with that? He genuinely has hope for her, and wants her to be happy and be able to move forward with her life.
Chief Hart - i get his fears… BUT WHAT A CONTROLLING ASSHOLE. He has no respect or trust in his daughter… even at the beginning of the book. I’m glad Mackenzie stands up to him. Honestly, if this was a reddit thread i’d be advising her to cut that asshole off.
Graham…
Ah, sweet, Graham.
Not in the freaking SLIGHTEST. I liked him, for all of fifteen seconds. What a selfish, self centred D-bag.
Fair enough, he nursed her back to health blah blah… how much of that was because they were best friends and not because she was ‘his’. The fact he has the audacity to claim her as ‘his’ girl without her knowledge is such a dickbag move. But to try and SABOTAGE her happiness and the baby steps she’s taking to move on because those baby steps aren’t with him? ASSHOLE.
Will read book 2 and hope certain characters get beat up. 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2023
Fuuuuck!! I have a love-hate relationship with love triangles. I usually always know who I want the heroine to end up with and sometimes, it actually turns out that way but not always. I knew pretty quick who I want Mackenzie to end up with. But now, I’m not sure if it’s gonna happen. Ugh. Fucking hell.
Atlas and Graham are cousins and couldn’t be more different but only one really deserves Kenzie. I just hope she makes the right decision.
I can’t say which one I love but omg, he’s seriously the best for her. Maybe not in the way that most people think but in my heart, she deserves this guy and he deserves her. Even if things didn’t end on the best terms in this. Now I have to wait til Sept to read their HEA.
This was a great angsty and enjoyable read and I hope the next one will be just as good.
My first book by this author. I highly recommend to all my sports/angsty/love triangle/sexy fans book friends. Enjoy!
Atlas and Graham are cousins and couldn’t be more different but only one really deserves Kenzie. I just hope she makes the right decision.
I can’t say which one I love but omg, he’s seriously the best for her. Maybe not in the way that most people think but in my heart, she deserves this guy and he deserves her. Even if things didn’t end on the best terms in this. Now I have to wait til Sept to read their HEA.
This was a great angsty and enjoyable read and I hope the next one will be just as good.
My first book by this author. I highly recommend to all my sports/angsty/love triangle/sexy fans book friends. Enjoy!
September 21, 2024
OBSESSED.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Hello and welcome to a review for a book I binged faster than I could blink. Oh my goodness this entire story had me in a chokehold. I’m not really one for love triangles or overly dramatic plot lines, but when I am? BRING IT. And I picked this up at the right time. I could not get enough or turn the pages fast enough to figure out where this was going to go.
I loved that it was triple-POV. I loved having both boy’s POV’s and well as Mackenzie’s. The added mystery to the story was interesting to watch play out and the way my kindle lit on fire with some very choice quotes from one of the love interests (no I’m not going to tell you, GO READ IT).
This had many cliched things like the golden boy high school quarterback and the boy from across the tracks, etc. BUT do not let that deter you. Gracie Graham wove this story beautifully and made all of these aspects WORK. I was sucked in and this is a must read for sports romance fans.
**They are high school seniors (17/18) but it is definitely written in a new adult style**
Overall audience notes:
- Sports Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Content Warnings: underage drinking, a father with a drug & alcohol addiction, grief depiction, loss of a mother (recounted), amnesia from a car accident
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Hello and welcome to a review for a book I binged faster than I could blink. Oh my goodness this entire story had me in a chokehold. I’m not really one for love triangles or overly dramatic plot lines, but when I am? BRING IT. And I picked this up at the right time. I could not get enough or turn the pages fast enough to figure out where this was going to go.
I loved that it was triple-POV. I loved having both boy’s POV’s and well as Mackenzie’s. The added mystery to the story was interesting to watch play out and the way my kindle lit on fire with some very choice quotes from one of the love interests (no I’m not going to tell you, GO READ IT).
This had many cliched things like the golden boy high school quarterback and the boy from across the tracks, etc. BUT do not let that deter you. Gracie Graham wove this story beautifully and made all of these aspects WORK. I was sucked in and this is a must read for sports romance fans.
**They are high school seniors (17/18) but it is definitely written in a new adult style**
Overall audience notes:
- Sports Romance
- Language: moderate
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Content Warnings: underage drinking, a father with a drug & alcohol addiction, grief depiction, loss of a mother (recounted), amnesia from a car accident
August 5, 2023
4.5 stars
Most love triangles have a clear winner. This one had me tied in knots.
Most love triangles have a clear winner. This one had me tied in knots.
June 16, 2024
3.5⭐️
This was definitely a me thing. I thought the story was interesting, but it was a push to stay engaged the whole time.
This was definitely a me thing. I thought the story was interesting, but it was a push to stay engaged the whole time.
November 1, 2024
3.5 stars
Plot- This was a SUPER angsty YA love triangle romance. The love triangle is between the FMC and two MMCs- her male BFF and his cousin who is new at their school. I actually enjoyed all the angst and thought the author did an outstanding job of depicting how close the FMC and her male BFF were, while also building the new relationship and chemistry with the new guy. I really empathized with the FMC who was in a difficult situation, and that says a lot since usually I want to throttle girls who can’t just make up their mind.
There were 3 things I didn’t like-
1) One of the boys started out as a TOTAL JERK, and while I was relieved that she recognized how unacceptable his behavior was, she was still attracted to him. I wish she wasn’t drawn to him until he started to be nice. Otherwise, it’s normalizing a toxic and dangerous idea that girls should be attracted to boys who treat them with disrespect.
2) I didn’t like the scene where the guy ordered her to take off his competitor’s jersey that she was wearing and then wrote his name and jersey # on her skin along the top of her bra. That crossed the line for me, from harmless and swoony possessiveness to scary ownership, and it felt almost coercive/manipulative since he didn’t ask for her consent at all. It made me feel uncomfortable.
3) I hated how she mishandled one of her relationships. After all he’d done for her and all their history, he deserved honesty and respect. She really mistreated him, albeit not intending to, and it made me sad.
Romance- The author built great chemistry between the FMC and both love interests.
Writing Good.
Characters- The 3 MCs were very well written. I felt like I KNEW them, and they each had their own vulnerabilities and struggles. They were easy to empathize with.
At the beginning, one of the guys was so disrespectful, arrogant, and mean to the FMC that I was determined to hate him. Luckily his character arc was good enough that I was really rooting for him at the end.
Content-
Language- swearing, including 44 f-words, not as a verb.
Substance abuse- underage drinking. The FMC and one of the MMCs have a drunk/tipsy scene each. The other MMC doesn’t drink or do drugs at all. A father is a junkie and that’s a big part of the character arc for one of the characters.
Spice- Some steam. There are two nudity/almost nudity scenes. Underage sex between two 17 year olds, but the curtain is pulled before it got too explicit. There is no info given about past sexual histories for any of the main characters, which I appreciated (if any of them are experienced, I don’t want to know).
Cover- good
POV- 1st person POV trades off between the 3 MCs.
Cliffhanger- YES! Book 2 is the rest of their story. Book 3 is about the jilted boy from the love triangle. Book 4 is about a different teammate, Jace.
Format- KU
How I rated the series-
Book 1, “Love the Way You Lie” - 3.5 stars
Book 2, “Love the Way You Love” - 2.5 stars (read like a soap opera with lots of familial dysfunction)
Plot- This was a SUPER angsty YA love triangle romance. The love triangle is between the FMC and two MMCs- her male BFF and his cousin who is new at their school. I actually enjoyed all the angst and thought the author did an outstanding job of depicting how close the FMC and her male BFF were, while also building the new relationship and chemistry with the new guy. I really empathized with the FMC who was in a difficult situation, and that says a lot since usually I want to throttle girls who can’t just make up their mind.
There were 3 things I didn’t like-
1) One of the boys started out as a TOTAL JERK, and while I was relieved that she recognized how unacceptable his behavior was, she was still attracted to him. I wish she wasn’t drawn to him until he started to be nice. Otherwise, it’s normalizing a toxic and dangerous idea that girls should be attracted to boys who treat them with disrespect.
2) I didn’t like the scene where the guy ordered her to take off his competitor’s jersey that she was wearing and then wrote his name and jersey # on her skin along the top of her bra. That crossed the line for me, from harmless and swoony possessiveness to scary ownership, and it felt almost coercive/manipulative since he didn’t ask for her consent at all. It made me feel uncomfortable.
3) I hated how she mishandled one of her relationships. After all he’d done for her and all their history, he deserved honesty and respect. She really mistreated him, albeit not intending to, and it made me sad.
Romance- The author built great chemistry between the FMC and both love interests.
Writing Good.
Characters- The 3 MCs were very well written. I felt like I KNEW them, and they each had their own vulnerabilities and struggles. They were easy to empathize with.
At the beginning, one of the guys was so disrespectful, arrogant, and mean to the FMC that I was determined to hate him. Luckily his character arc was good enough that I was really rooting for him at the end.
Content-
Language- swearing, including 44 f-words, not as a verb.
Substance abuse- underage drinking. The FMC and one of the MMCs have a drunk/tipsy scene each. The other MMC doesn’t drink or do drugs at all. A father is a junkie and that’s a big part of the character arc for one of the characters.
Spice- Some steam. There are two nudity/almost nudity scenes. Underage sex between two 17 year olds, but the curtain is pulled before it got too explicit. There is no info given about past sexual histories for any of the main characters, which I appreciated (if any of them are experienced, I don’t want to know).
Cover- good
POV- 1st person POV trades off between the 3 MCs.
Cliffhanger- YES! Book 2 is the rest of their story. Book 3 is about the jilted boy from the love triangle. Book 4 is about a different teammate, Jace.
Format- KU
How I rated the series-
Book 1, “Love the Way You Lie” - 3.5 stars
Book 2, “Love the Way You Love” - 2.5 stars (read like a soap opera with lots of familial dysfunction)
November 2, 2024
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It’s like a mystery and love story all in one and I love it!!! Graham is my favorite. Atlas is like this bad boy who has a bad reputation and in my opinion does not sound like the kind of person Makenzie would be with. I REALLY like Graham he is so sweet and kind and has always been there for Makenzie. It bothers me the way she goes back and forth between the 2 of them like girl pick a boy. If I could I’d give it 10 stars!!! I am most definitely team Graham 😍!!!
February 11, 2024
DNF- found this via TikTok and the writing was just lazy and immature.
December 22, 2023
Writing. Eh. Meh. Fade to black. The teenage angst is there but it could be way better. The tension isn’t well executed. And sometimes the POV changes suddenly or things are repeatedly way too close together. Or some things are said and then reiterated and idk… this could book could use a serious editor and probably be many many pages shorter… also the way it “ended”. It didn’t end. It’s like it just stopped in the middle of a chapter. Which I think was an attempt at a cliff hanger but it just fell flat and annoying to me. I was pushing myself to read this book to get it done me over with to see how things end up and instead I’m supposed to be enticed to get the next book and I’m just really not gonna. I’m not in love with this story/characters enough to remotely think of getting the next book. Actually the way it was executed made me mad so I refuse to read the next in line lol
February 26, 2025
Wow! That was good!
The tension, the back and forth, the love triangle, OMG! I’m so torn on who I want her to be with more, although the safe choice is Graham, my heart can’t help but to love Atlas and all of his damaged heart. And to think this is a YA romance with only one closed door scene. That tells you just how good it is from someone who loves some good spice!
The tension, the back and forth, the love triangle, OMG! I’m so torn on who I want her to be with more, although the safe choice is Graham, my heart can’t help but to love Atlas and all of his damaged heart. And to think this is a YA romance with only one closed door scene. That tells you just how good it is from someone who loves some good spice!
March 20, 2025
Good YA story overall but not original in its essence. Very Vampire Diaries coded.
Love triangle with a girl that survives a suspicious car accident where a parent is killed and she has survivors guilt.
A best friend that's the best choice on paper and a stellar boyfriend.
The bad boy cousin that swoops in and steals her thoughts. Very Elina, Stefan, Damon-ish.
Love triangle with a girl that survives a suspicious car accident where a parent is killed and she has survivors guilt.
A best friend that's the best choice on paper and a stellar boyfriend.
The bad boy cousin that swoops in and steals her thoughts. Very Elina, Stefan, Damon-ish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2025
3,5⭐️ so interesting.
I loved Atlas so much. He’s enigmatic but once you get to know him you can’t help but root for him.
Mackenzie pissed me off but I still felt for her.
Graham deserves his own love story.
I loved Atlas so much. He’s enigmatic but once you get to know him you can’t help but root for him.
Mackenzie pissed me off but I still felt for her.
Graham deserves his own love story.
November 6, 2023
It was pretty good👍👍 loved the relationship between the two❤️❤️
August 6, 2024
The ending felt rushed and unfinished, but the love-triangle was kinda good for a love-triangle(I hate them so much usually)
March 10, 2024
Ok, I stumbled upon this book on kindle and WOW honestly I ate this up. Some parts kinda made me cringe but over all it was so good. We love a well written love triangle.
December 30, 2023
It was amazing I really enjoyed it 🥰
It was as full of twists and turns and that ending dammmm 😅I’m ready to read the next book nowwwww!!!
It was as full of twists and turns and that ending dammmm 😅I’m ready to read the next book nowwwww!!!
July 8, 2024
kenzie seems like the person i want to be friends with!
thoughts:
- her dad needs to chill out like dont be so controlling
- poor graham
- hey there atlas!
thoughts:
- her dad needs to chill out like dont be so controlling
- poor graham
- hey there atlas!
May 4, 2023
love the way to true love...
This book.......not what I expected. If you’re reading this review wondering if you should read this the answer is YES! To preface, personally I’m a fan of enemies to lovers and certain bully romances. However; they can be boring or too brutal and the MFC is weak and often stupid. This book is none like I’ve read. It’s definitely not a bully romance, there is not hot 🥵 or twisted sex. It’s deep, emotional and gripping. The main female character is Mackenzie Hart. Daughter of a local police chief and slain mother from a car accident in which Kenzie was driving. The book starts off with her being isolated and basically held captive by her over protective- and quite ridiculous- father. She’s 17 years old and he treats her like she’s 5. Then there is Graham who is her BFF, who is actually in love with her and she’s in denial. There is love there but she doesn’t feel deeply about him. Then there is Atlas, the hot 🥵 “bad boy” who is Graham’s cousin. Atlas has had a very rough life. He has walls up and with good reason. Football is his path to living a life he truly deserves. Ppl judge him based on the sins of his upbringing yet do not know the full story. Isn’t that how life always is? We don’t know the path anyone else walks until we see it for ourselves. Atlas is the guy all the girls want. He’s silent, brooding, moody, introspective, observant and mature far beyond his years due to his past and current situation. His uncle Cal - Graham’s father - is a retired NFL star. He knows that Atlas is talented and he’s extremely encouraging to his nephew. His own son - not so much. There is a love triangle in this story that anyone can feel. It’s not a RH - thankfully! It’s young love that has some serious obstacles. Ugh the way it ends with such a cliff hanger! I’m looking forward to the release of the next book. So much needs to be found out still.
This book.......not what I expected. If you’re reading this review wondering if you should read this the answer is YES! To preface, personally I’m a fan of enemies to lovers and certain bully romances. However; they can be boring or too brutal and the MFC is weak and often stupid. This book is none like I’ve read. It’s definitely not a bully romance, there is not hot 🥵 or twisted sex. It’s deep, emotional and gripping. The main female character is Mackenzie Hart. Daughter of a local police chief and slain mother from a car accident in which Kenzie was driving. The book starts off with her being isolated and basically held captive by her over protective- and quite ridiculous- father. She’s 17 years old and he treats her like she’s 5. Then there is Graham who is her BFF, who is actually in love with her and she’s in denial. There is love there but she doesn’t feel deeply about him. Then there is Atlas, the hot 🥵 “bad boy” who is Graham’s cousin. Atlas has had a very rough life. He has walls up and with good reason. Football is his path to living a life he truly deserves. Ppl judge him based on the sins of his upbringing yet do not know the full story. Isn’t that how life always is? We don’t know the path anyone else walks until we see it for ourselves. Atlas is the guy all the girls want. He’s silent, brooding, moody, introspective, observant and mature far beyond his years due to his past and current situation. His uncle Cal - Graham’s father - is a retired NFL star. He knows that Atlas is talented and he’s extremely encouraging to his nephew. His own son - not so much. There is a love triangle in this story that anyone can feel. It’s not a RH - thankfully! It’s young love that has some serious obstacles. Ugh the way it ends with such a cliff hanger! I’m looking forward to the release of the next book. So much needs to be found out still.
September 6, 2023
I did like the book and iI felt really bad for what happened to Mackenzie and her losing her mother but, she was very annoying. She was selfish & only thought about herself when it came to Atlas and Graham. I was hoping they both found someone else and forgot about her.
And before she got mad and talked about someone she should of thought about herself, playing two cousins against one another and enjoying it, because she acted like a skank.
Well I'm on the next book and I will see what happens and I hope I will be able to finish it.
And before she got mad and talked about someone she should of thought about herself, playing two cousins against one another and enjoying it, because she acted like a skank.
Well I'm on the next book and I will see what happens and I hope I will be able to finish it.
August 3, 2023
Well written
I’d give this book 5 stars because it really is well written, but, God I dislike “Kenzie!
Sure, she’s been through a lot, but, she hadn’t grown from any of it. She’s selfish and has damn lot of growing up to do.
I’ll go as far as to say I don’t think she deserves Atlas… He really is a “doll” and he deserves so much better than her!
Graham and her were made for each other.
I’d give this book 5 stars because it really is well written, but, God I dislike “Kenzie!
Sure, she’s been through a lot, but, she hadn’t grown from any of it. She’s selfish and has damn lot of growing up to do.
I’ll go as far as to say I don’t think she deserves Atlas… He really is a “doll” and he deserves so much better than her!
Graham and her were made for each other.
November 28, 2024
Dnf 27%
Quitting because I realized I didn’t like either of the love interests enough to fathom spending 3 books with them. Kenzie was okay but the way she wanted to get over her trauma was weird and I found it unrealistic. Also (personal preference) the “doll” nickname was 🤮
In general I found the writing poor and in need of editing (was passable just clunky. Have encountered far worse - looking at you Clara Nielsen)
Quitting because I realized I didn’t like either of the love interests enough to fathom spending 3 books with them. Kenzie was okay but the way she wanted to get over her trauma was weird and I found it unrealistic. Also (personal preference) the “doll” nickname was 🤮
In general I found the writing poor and in need of editing (was passable just clunky. Have encountered far worse - looking at you Clara Nielsen)
June 16, 2023
I didn't know it would end on a cliffhanger. I probably wouldn't have read it.
The story didn't really prick my interest.
The story didn't really prick my interest.
March 10, 2025
𝜗𝜚⋆₊˚ rating: 4.5 (rounded up to 5 for gr)
ˋ°•*⁀➷ tropes:
❥ opposites attract
❥ sports romance
❥ love triangle
ˋ°•*⁀➷ plot:
love the way you lie by gracie graham is a YA sports romance set in a small town where mackenzie finds herself torn between her best friend graham and the new guy, atlas, who makes her heart race like never before.
despite warnings about atlas's bad-boy reputation, sparks fly when they connect. as mackenzie is pulled closer to him, her need to uncover the truth behind a past traumatic accident brings them together. but when the truth is finally revealed, it threatens to destroy everything she knows.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ my thoughts:
oh my god, i’d be lying if i said i didn’t love this. truthfully, i think i connected with this story so much because i could relate to mackenzie’s boy problems (which is embarrassing to admit), so i just felt like i understood her as a character, outside her past trauma.
this was such a quick read for me, and alongside reading it on kindle unlimited, i also listened to the audiobook, which was the perfect touch as we got the different povs of mackenzie, graham, and atlas.
for once in my life, i can say that all the details, both past and present, felt important to the story. nothing dragged, the pacing was perfect, and i was so invested in seeing how everything would play out.
of course, it was clear from the start that atlas was going to hurt her. the moment i heard “motorcycle” and “tattoos,” i knew what she was getting into, but after the plot twists and more twists, the final words really shocked me.
i’ll definitely be continuing with this series in the future BC I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AHHH!!
ˋ°•*⁀➷ the characters:
graham: honestly, i loved graham so much. he came off as an attractive, well-liked, and talented football player. he seemed perfect for mackenzie, but i could see how he might become a little overbearing. despite mackenzie constantly telling graham she needed time to think things through, he kept acting like they were already together. but at the same time, her actions were literally showing that they were together. ugh, i do appreciate his patience though, so i hope we move past the whole opposites attract trope and lean more into the best friends to lovers dynamic.
mackenzie: girl, i can’t even hate on you because i’ve been there, done that.
atlas: atlas, atlas, atlas… ahh, where do i even begin with you? trust me, i love the whole tatted-up, motorcycle look, but god, you annoyed me sometimes. i just felt like atlas thought he was too cool for school, and he tried WAY too hard to give off that “bad boy” persona, and it just made me cringe.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ tropes:
❥ opposites attract
❥ sports romance
❥ love triangle
ˋ°•*⁀➷ plot:
love the way you lie by gracie graham is a YA sports romance set in a small town where mackenzie finds herself torn between her best friend graham and the new guy, atlas, who makes her heart race like never before.
despite warnings about atlas's bad-boy reputation, sparks fly when they connect. as mackenzie is pulled closer to him, her need to uncover the truth behind a past traumatic accident brings them together. but when the truth is finally revealed, it threatens to destroy everything she knows.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ my thoughts:
oh my god, i’d be lying if i said i didn’t love this. truthfully, i think i connected with this story so much because i could relate to mackenzie’s boy problems (which is embarrassing to admit), so i just felt like i understood her as a character, outside her past trauma.
this was such a quick read for me, and alongside reading it on kindle unlimited, i also listened to the audiobook, which was the perfect touch as we got the different povs of mackenzie, graham, and atlas.
for once in my life, i can say that all the details, both past and present, felt important to the story. nothing dragged, the pacing was perfect, and i was so invested in seeing how everything would play out.
of course, it was clear from the start that atlas was going to hurt her. the moment i heard “motorcycle” and “tattoos,” i knew what she was getting into, but after the plot twists and more twists, the final words really shocked me.
i’ll definitely be continuing with this series in the future BC I MUST KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AHHH!!
ˋ°•*⁀➷ the characters:
graham: honestly, i loved graham so much. he came off as an attractive, well-liked, and talented football player. he seemed perfect for mackenzie, but i could see how he might become a little overbearing. despite mackenzie constantly telling graham she needed time to think things through, he kept acting like they were already together. but at the same time, her actions were literally showing that they were together. ugh, i do appreciate his patience though, so i hope we move past the whole opposites attract trope and lean more into the best friends to lovers dynamic.
mackenzie: girl, i can’t even hate on you because i’ve been there, done that.
atlas: atlas, atlas, atlas… ahh, where do i even begin with you? trust me, i love the whole tatted-up, motorcycle look, but god, you annoyed me sometimes. i just felt like atlas thought he was too cool for school, and he tried WAY too hard to give off that “bad boy” persona, and it just made me cringe.
July 1, 2024
Nach einem schweren Unfall, bei dem ihre Mutter gestorben ist, kann sich Mackenzie nicht richtig erinnern, wie es dazu gekommen ist und sie gibt sich die Schuld, ihre Mutter umgebracht zu haben. Bevor die Schule anfängt, möchte sie zu einer Party, um einen Neuanfang zu wagen, jedoch, als sie ankam, ist die Fete nicht in gange, und ihr bester Freund ist auch nicht da. Sie ist allein ohne Auto, mittendrin im nirgendwo, bis sie aufmerksam wird auf einen Kerl, der genauso etwas anderes erwartet hat, als ein Nichts, keine Party, keine Leute. Ein unbekannter junger Mann, der sie als Feigling bezeichnete, und sie gibt sich ein Versprechen, neu anzufangen, um zu leben, aber sie braucht Hilfe und entscheidet sich für niemand anderen als den jungen rebellischen Kerl, den sie gar nicht kennt.
Für Atlas bedeutet der Umzug eine neue Chance, auf ein besseres Leben, auf Football, und um ein Stipendium zu bekommen, ein Ticket für eine bessere Zukunft, er hat keine Zeit zu verlieren. Die Mädchen in der Schule, obwohl er neu und interessant ist, haben keine Chance bei ihm, aber MacKenzie kann er seit der Nacht nicht aus dem Kopf bekommen.
Graham ist mit MacKenzie schon länger befreundet, er begehrt und liebt sie, aber kann ihr das nicht sagen. Es steht zu viel auf dem Spiel, er hat Angst und möchte die Freundschaft nicht gefährden. Leider zeigt sie zu viel Interesse und verbringt viel zu viel Zeit mit Atlas, seinem Cousin. Er ist eine Bedrohung für ihn.
MacKenzie ist hin- und hergerissen. Erstens möchte sie wissen, was an dem Unfalltag geschah, dann will sie herausfinden, ob sie Graham ihren besten Freund liebt, oder ist es der Atlas, der ihr Herz jeden Tag mehr stiehlt?
Es ist ein klasse Auftakt einer Reihe, die ich mit Begeisterung verschlungen habe. Die Geschichte ist aus drei Sichtweisen geschrieben, so konnte ich die Handlung, wie auch die Taten, gut verstehen und nachvollziehen.
Ich fand die Story sehr spannend, emotional, gefühlvoll, knisternd, die Gefühle spielen Achterbahn und überschlagen sich. Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist flüssig, packend, sodass ich das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen konnte. Wunderbare Protagonisten, die ich ins Herz geschlossen habe. Ich mag Atlas der mir wirklich sehr sympathisch ist, Graham ist kein schlechter Kerl, jedoch sehr besitzergreifend. Kenzie ist traumatisiert und möchte mit dem Neuanfang rebellisch wie aber auch mutig sein. Die neben Charaktere spielen auch eine gute Rolle, die manchen mehr, die anderen weniger.
Es ist ein gelungener Auftakt wie auch eine Empfehlung und ich kann kaum den zweiten Teil erwarten. 5 verdiente Sterne
Für Atlas bedeutet der Umzug eine neue Chance, auf ein besseres Leben, auf Football, und um ein Stipendium zu bekommen, ein Ticket für eine bessere Zukunft, er hat keine Zeit zu verlieren. Die Mädchen in der Schule, obwohl er neu und interessant ist, haben keine Chance bei ihm, aber MacKenzie kann er seit der Nacht nicht aus dem Kopf bekommen.
Graham ist mit MacKenzie schon länger befreundet, er begehrt und liebt sie, aber kann ihr das nicht sagen. Es steht zu viel auf dem Spiel, er hat Angst und möchte die Freundschaft nicht gefährden. Leider zeigt sie zu viel Interesse und verbringt viel zu viel Zeit mit Atlas, seinem Cousin. Er ist eine Bedrohung für ihn.
MacKenzie ist hin- und hergerissen. Erstens möchte sie wissen, was an dem Unfalltag geschah, dann will sie herausfinden, ob sie Graham ihren besten Freund liebt, oder ist es der Atlas, der ihr Herz jeden Tag mehr stiehlt?
Es ist ein klasse Auftakt einer Reihe, die ich mit Begeisterung verschlungen habe. Die Geschichte ist aus drei Sichtweisen geschrieben, so konnte ich die Handlung, wie auch die Taten, gut verstehen und nachvollziehen.
Ich fand die Story sehr spannend, emotional, gefühlvoll, knisternd, die Gefühle spielen Achterbahn und überschlagen sich. Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist flüssig, packend, sodass ich das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen konnte. Wunderbare Protagonisten, die ich ins Herz geschlossen habe. Ich mag Atlas der mir wirklich sehr sympathisch ist, Graham ist kein schlechter Kerl, jedoch sehr besitzergreifend. Kenzie ist traumatisiert und möchte mit dem Neuanfang rebellisch wie aber auch mutig sein. Die neben Charaktere spielen auch eine gute Rolle, die manchen mehr, die anderen weniger.
Es ist ein gelungener Auftakt wie auch eine Empfehlung und ich kann kaum den zweiten Teil erwarten. 5 verdiente Sterne
September 15, 2023
Mackenzie & Atlas. review book 1&2. ⚠️🚨🚨Spoiler alert.
I liked the title more than the storyline. It is a young story with lots of angst and no bullying. The storyline rotates around Mackenzie's healing process from an accident where she loses some of her recent memories. She does not know what caused the car accident and why. She is retained at home by her overprotective father; she is separated from her friends, school, and cheerleader activity. Her best friend Graham convinces her to go to a party before the start of senior year. However, at the last minute, Graham and his friends change the party's location, so when Mackenzie arrives at the previous location, she meets Atlas and has no party. Graham is secretly in love with Mackenzie; he never has the opportunity or the courage to express his love for Mackenzie. Mackenzie loves Graham but not as a lover. Atlas is considered the bad boy; he is Graham's cousin and had a tragic and unfortunate childhood. Atlas is the boy who helps Mackenzie to acquire some of her lost memory. Atlas and Mackenzie have a connection. With the return of some of Mackenzie's memories, secrets are revealed, and relationships are questioned and challenged.
Atlas is a talented football player; his only purpose is to continue being a dedicated, serious, and hard-working football player so he can finally obtain a scholarship and escape poverty and his current living situation. Graham becomes jealous of Atlas and feels that Atlas has robbed him of his status and role as an adored football player, his friendship with Mackenzie, and his father.
Graham's father is a retired NFL; he is hard on his son and has high expectations. Graham and his father have a very complicated relationship. However, Graham's father, Atlas's uncle, admires Atlas's play and encourages him by giving him advice on his play. It causes a divide between Graham and Atlas. I liked Mackenzie and Atlas's character. However, I was not too fond of Mackenzie's stubbornness. She was inflexible in forgiving Atlas, although he explained the happening. I liked the writing and the plot. I am curious about Graham; however, I am still deciding if I will read Graham's book.
I liked the title more than the storyline. It is a young story with lots of angst and no bullying. The storyline rotates around Mackenzie's healing process from an accident where she loses some of her recent memories. She does not know what caused the car accident and why. She is retained at home by her overprotective father; she is separated from her friends, school, and cheerleader activity. Her best friend Graham convinces her to go to a party before the start of senior year. However, at the last minute, Graham and his friends change the party's location, so when Mackenzie arrives at the previous location, she meets Atlas and has no party. Graham is secretly in love with Mackenzie; he never has the opportunity or the courage to express his love for Mackenzie. Mackenzie loves Graham but not as a lover. Atlas is considered the bad boy; he is Graham's cousin and had a tragic and unfortunate childhood. Atlas is the boy who helps Mackenzie to acquire some of her lost memory. Atlas and Mackenzie have a connection. With the return of some of Mackenzie's memories, secrets are revealed, and relationships are questioned and challenged.
Atlas is a talented football player; his only purpose is to continue being a dedicated, serious, and hard-working football player so he can finally obtain a scholarship and escape poverty and his current living situation. Graham becomes jealous of Atlas and feels that Atlas has robbed him of his status and role as an adored football player, his friendship with Mackenzie, and his father.
Graham's father is a retired NFL; he is hard on his son and has high expectations. Graham and his father have a very complicated relationship. However, Graham's father, Atlas's uncle, admires Atlas's play and encourages him by giving him advice on his play. It causes a divide between Graham and Atlas. I liked Mackenzie and Atlas's character. However, I was not too fond of Mackenzie's stubbornness. She was inflexible in forgiving Atlas, although he explained the happening. I liked the writing and the plot. I am curious about Graham; however, I am still deciding if I will read Graham's book.
September 26, 2024
no one come for me, but I love a good love triangle especially when it’s done right and to me this one was. even though this is a YA series the tension was there and it honestly was a great story of your first love in high school. that ending though is not what I saw coming.
I did love that this book is told from Mackenzie, Atlas & Graham’s POVs, normally I feel like the more people you have to keep up with the more confused you get but that was not the case here.
Mackenzie needed a hug this whole damn book, especially at the end because wow girl got an info dump of a lifetime. I did get a little frustrated at her about the whole Graham situation, I get not wanting to hurt his feelings and in return ruin your friendship but girl if you’re not in it that he needed to know and not find out the way he did. I had to remind myself though that she’s 17 and he was there for her through everything. i’m hoping for more of a backbone from her in book 2 though tbh because her dad & Graham treating her like she’ll break had done nothing to help her, like Atlas sad.
Graham was not someone I rooted for, especially after her ratted Kenzie out because he was butt hurt. I felt like Graham tried to force a relationship even though he told Mackenzie to take her time… but yet his actions did not reflect that. I felt bad for him though with his relationship with his dad but I did not understand the immediate hatred for Atlas when he initially did noting to piss him off. i’m sure he’ll try to play white knight to Mackenzie in book 2 🙄.
Atlas, sweet boy, I’m rooting for you! (but also you have a lot to fix 🙈) because not telling Mackenzie what he knew… big mistake, HUGE. he’s your typical bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, he gave me JJ from OBX vibes. I hated what he found out about his father and that he already felt like he didn’t deserve Kenzie so then he felt like he couldn’t be honest with her. then to get his own bomb at the end of this book… i’m curious to see how this all plays out for him.
I did love that this book is told from Mackenzie, Atlas & Graham’s POVs, normally I feel like the more people you have to keep up with the more confused you get but that was not the case here.
Mackenzie needed a hug this whole damn book, especially at the end because wow girl got an info dump of a lifetime. I did get a little frustrated at her about the whole Graham situation, I get not wanting to hurt his feelings and in return ruin your friendship but girl if you’re not in it that he needed to know and not find out the way he did. I had to remind myself though that she’s 17 and he was there for her through everything. i’m hoping for more of a backbone from her in book 2 though tbh because her dad & Graham treating her like she’ll break had done nothing to help her, like Atlas sad.
Graham was not someone I rooted for, especially after her ratted Kenzie out because he was butt hurt. I felt like Graham tried to force a relationship even though he told Mackenzie to take her time… but yet his actions did not reflect that. I felt bad for him though with his relationship with his dad but I did not understand the immediate hatred for Atlas when he initially did noting to piss him off. i’m sure he’ll try to play white knight to Mackenzie in book 2 🙄.
Atlas, sweet boy, I’m rooting for you! (but also you have a lot to fix 🙈) because not telling Mackenzie what he knew… big mistake, HUGE. he’s your typical bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, he gave me JJ from OBX vibes. I hated what he found out about his father and that he already felt like he didn’t deserve Kenzie so then he felt like he couldn’t be honest with her. then to get his own bomb at the end of this book… i’m curious to see how this all plays out for him.
February 28, 2023
ARC
This was such a brilliant read. It’s a YA contemporary romance, it’s a sports romance, with a love triangle (where we get ALL THREE POV’s!!!), and it has so many incredible tropes.
Mackenzie had a life-changing accident almost a year ago, and has been hidden away recovering ever since. And she doesn’t remember anything about that fateful day. Her father, the chief of police, is understandably overprotective, but Kenzie is ready to find herself again and remember what happened.
Graham is her best friend in the entire world, and he’s not-so-secretly totally in love with her. He’s the absolute golden boy, star football player, and he gets dissected by his father in everything he does, when all he wants to do is make him proud.
Then there’s Graham’s cousin, Atlas Scott. Atlas is your stereotypical bad boy - complete with the motorcycle and tattoos, and a stint in juvie. He’s been dealt the short straw his whole life, with an absent mother and an addict for a father. He gets judged based on the hand he’s been dealt, through no choice or fault of his own, and that breaks my heart.
I loved getting all three POV’s, because you could genuinely see how both boys would be a good match for Mackenzie, for different reasons. But dang, Atlas and Graham both tend to be very possessive, and treat Kenz as if she’s a prize to be won or territory to be claimed. This behaviour only started about 80% of the way through, though.
I didn’t expect any of the plot twists that came later on, even though most had been hinted at the whole way through. And I was pleasantly surprised that I hadn’t guessed any of them ahead of time.
This book did end on a complete cliff-hanger, so quite a few plot points were left unresolved to build suspense for the sequel. This frustrated me PURELY because I desperately want to know what happens next, and how these things get resolved.
Thank you to the author, Gracie Graham, for this eARC.
This was such a brilliant read. It’s a YA contemporary romance, it’s a sports romance, with a love triangle (where we get ALL THREE POV’s!!!), and it has so many incredible tropes.
Mackenzie had a life-changing accident almost a year ago, and has been hidden away recovering ever since. And she doesn’t remember anything about that fateful day. Her father, the chief of police, is understandably overprotective, but Kenzie is ready to find herself again and remember what happened.
Graham is her best friend in the entire world, and he’s not-so-secretly totally in love with her. He’s the absolute golden boy, star football player, and he gets dissected by his father in everything he does, when all he wants to do is make him proud.
Then there’s Graham’s cousin, Atlas Scott. Atlas is your stereotypical bad boy - complete with the motorcycle and tattoos, and a stint in juvie. He’s been dealt the short straw his whole life, with an absent mother and an addict for a father. He gets judged based on the hand he’s been dealt, through no choice or fault of his own, and that breaks my heart.
I loved getting all three POV’s, because you could genuinely see how both boys would be a good match for Mackenzie, for different reasons. But dang, Atlas and Graham both tend to be very possessive, and treat Kenz as if she’s a prize to be won or territory to be claimed. This behaviour only started about 80% of the way through, though.
I didn’t expect any of the plot twists that came later on, even though most had been hinted at the whole way through. And I was pleasantly surprised that I hadn’t guessed any of them ahead of time.
This book did end on a complete cliff-hanger, so quite a few plot points were left unresolved to build suspense for the sequel. This frustrated me PURELY because I desperately want to know what happens next, and how these things get resolved.
Thank you to the author, Gracie Graham, for this eARC.
February 17, 2023
Format-eArc
Love the Way You Lie is a young adult novel by Gracie Graham that follows Mackenzie, a teen girl who had her life turned upside down after being the cause of the car wreck that killed her mother. A year later, Mackenzie still can’t remember a lot surrounding the events that led up to the crash. Her best friend, Graham, tries to be there for her as much as possible but it seems like something isn’t quite clicking with them. Enter Atlas-a motorcycle riding bad boy that is new to town and just so happens to be Graham’s cousin. Sparks begin to fly between Mackenzie and Atlas but while that flame is new, the existing bond with her best friend Graham is strong as well. Can the boys keep their fighting over Mackenzie from the football field and lead their team to a championship?
I really enjoyed this book! It’s been awhile since I have read a young adult contemporary like this and I see why I liked them so much growing up! While I couldn’t relate to the characters as well as I could have fifteen years ago, I still love the angst of the love triangle this author built. I really loved how this was a love triangle where you could easily root for both boys. We get all three characters’ perspectives which I don’t think I have really seen in a young adult book. There was also mystery plot woven in to keep the book’s overall momentum up. The way this ended makes me super curious to see where the next book goes! I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys romance but doesn’t necessarily need spice mixed in as this is a fade to black book.
I would give this a 4.5* just because there were a few things pace-wise that seemed rushed to get to the next big scene. While I appreciate there not being a lot of “slow time,” it did feel a little disjointed. But other than that, this was fantastic!
Thank you so much to the author for the arc!
Love the Way You Lie is a young adult novel by Gracie Graham that follows Mackenzie, a teen girl who had her life turned upside down after being the cause of the car wreck that killed her mother. A year later, Mackenzie still can’t remember a lot surrounding the events that led up to the crash. Her best friend, Graham, tries to be there for her as much as possible but it seems like something isn’t quite clicking with them. Enter Atlas-a motorcycle riding bad boy that is new to town and just so happens to be Graham’s cousin. Sparks begin to fly between Mackenzie and Atlas but while that flame is new, the existing bond with her best friend Graham is strong as well. Can the boys keep their fighting over Mackenzie from the football field and lead their team to a championship?
I really enjoyed this book! It’s been awhile since I have read a young adult contemporary like this and I see why I liked them so much growing up! While I couldn’t relate to the characters as well as I could have fifteen years ago, I still love the angst of the love triangle this author built. I really loved how this was a love triangle where you could easily root for both boys. We get all three characters’ perspectives which I don’t think I have really seen in a young adult book. There was also mystery plot woven in to keep the book’s overall momentum up. The way this ended makes me super curious to see where the next book goes! I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys romance but doesn’t necessarily need spice mixed in as this is a fade to black book.
I would give this a 4.5* just because there were a few things pace-wise that seemed rushed to get to the next big scene. While I appreciate there not being a lot of “slow time,” it did feel a little disjointed. But other than that, this was fantastic!
Thank you so much to the author for the arc!
March 4, 2025
It has been banger after banger for me lately and this book is no exception.
I first found out about Love the Way You Lie from a social media ad. Nothing like one quote to get me to drop everything I'm doing.
This book follows Mackenzie, Graham, and Atlas and each of these characters have POV. Mackenzie is the main character and is torn between two guys. Graham has been her best friend for years and has had feelings for Mackenzie for a long time. Atlas is Graham's cousin who recently moves to town to play on the school football team and causes a shift in the dynamics while doing so. Graham and Atlas don't exactly get along. It doesn't help that they are both interested in Mackenzie.
This book has angst, pining, and the dreaded love triangle. I've said it before, but Twilight has prepared me for this. Usually, there is a clear favorite in the triangle. I may be in the minority because while I do like Atlas (seems to be a fan favorite), I also like Graham (hello all around gentleman and green eyes, are you kidding?). Both have their faults, of course, but I feel like they each can give Mackenzie something that the other cannot. Mackenzie is not my favorite character, and she is not perfect. She has flaws and she knows this. She has recently been through something traumatic and is reasoning with what she thought she knew vs what is the truth. I have to give her a pass because of this.
I knew from the very beginning that this would bring me pain. I'm not sure how many books are dedicated to these characters as I'm trying to avoid spoilers. Let me just say I'm all in and will be jumping immediately into the next book. I cannot get these characters and their situations out of my head.
I first found out about Love the Way You Lie from a social media ad. Nothing like one quote to get me to drop everything I'm doing.
This book follows Mackenzie, Graham, and Atlas and each of these characters have POV. Mackenzie is the main character and is torn between two guys. Graham has been her best friend for years and has had feelings for Mackenzie for a long time. Atlas is Graham's cousin who recently moves to town to play on the school football team and causes a shift in the dynamics while doing so. Graham and Atlas don't exactly get along. It doesn't help that they are both interested in Mackenzie.
This book has angst, pining, and the dreaded love triangle. I've said it before, but Twilight has prepared me for this. Usually, there is a clear favorite in the triangle. I may be in the minority because while I do like Atlas (seems to be a fan favorite), I also like Graham (hello all around gentleman and green eyes, are you kidding?). Both have their faults, of course, but I feel like they each can give Mackenzie something that the other cannot. Mackenzie is not my favorite character, and she is not perfect. She has flaws and she knows this. She has recently been through something traumatic and is reasoning with what she thought she knew vs what is the truth. I have to give her a pass because of this.
I knew from the very beginning that this would bring me pain. I'm not sure how many books are dedicated to these characters as I'm trying to avoid spoilers. Let me just say I'm all in and will be jumping immediately into the next book. I cannot get these characters and their situations out of my head.
October 29, 2023
Love the Way You Lie, book one of the Boys of Riverside series by Gracie Graham-
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I wasn’t disappointed. It was easy to immerse myself in the story and it was a quick read, for me. The plot is strongly carried through the entire book. There’s a mystery to solve, and a plot twist that I never saw coming. The cast of support characters were written so well, and man, you love to hate some of them!
There’s a love triangle and it doesn’t appear that there is a clear choice for Mackenzie, the FMC. Does she choose Graham, her best friend that comes from a reputable family, who has been there for her through everything, including the recent death of her mother? Or does she choose Atlas, Graham’s cousin and boy from the wrong side of the tracks, who just needs someone to believe in him?
Honestly, there were many times I just wanted to smack Mackenzie for leading the two MMC’s on. Pick a side, girl. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Graham, what he did at the end, unforgivable. And Atlas, this kid can’t catch a break but I rooted for him from the very beginning and continue to do so. I’m disgusted with Captain Hart and I was glad to see Mackenzie finally stand up to him.
This was a great contemporary YA romance with some good tropes in it. You’ve got the sports romance, the love triangle, the angst, THREE pov’s, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, cheating (not between the MMC’s,) as well as other tropes I haven’t listed. Gracie Graham’s writing has definitely got my attention and I’ll be moving on to book two in the series, immediately.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I wasn’t disappointed. It was easy to immerse myself in the story and it was a quick read, for me. The plot is strongly carried through the entire book. There’s a mystery to solve, and a plot twist that I never saw coming. The cast of support characters were written so well, and man, you love to hate some of them!
There’s a love triangle and it doesn’t appear that there is a clear choice for Mackenzie, the FMC. Does she choose Graham, her best friend that comes from a reputable family, who has been there for her through everything, including the recent death of her mother? Or does she choose Atlas, Graham’s cousin and boy from the wrong side of the tracks, who just needs someone to believe in him?
Honestly, there were many times I just wanted to smack Mackenzie for leading the two MMC’s on. Pick a side, girl. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. Graham, what he did at the end, unforgivable. And Atlas, this kid can’t catch a break but I rooted for him from the very beginning and continue to do so. I’m disgusted with Captain Hart and I was glad to see Mackenzie finally stand up to him.
This was a great contemporary YA romance with some good tropes in it. You’ve got the sports romance, the love triangle, the angst, THREE pov’s, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, cheating (not between the MMC’s,) as well as other tropes I haven’t listed. Gracie Graham’s writing has definitely got my attention and I’ll be moving on to book two in the series, immediately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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