I thoroughly enjoyed Gavin and Sienna's story. Sienna and Gavin have had feelings for one other for years but have tried to deny them. These two do everything they can to avoid each other, but considering that they share a group of friends and her brother is Gavin's best friend, it's nearly impossible to avoid each other. Because of its fast pacing, the story is quick and entertaining to read. I absolutely adore Monica Murphy's books. She has a way of capturing your attention right away, and you are unable to put it down until the very end. I'm excited to see what happens next in this series!

Thank you to Monica Murphy & NetGalley for this e-ARC.

Gavin and Sienna’s push, and pull will have you on the edge of your seat devouring every little morsel they give you. Sienna has been crushing on Gavin for years and her freshman year she thinks they have finally figured things out and can be together, but she is so wrong. Gavin isn’t a bad guy with his back and forth with Sienna, it’s just he has a lot on his plate and the pressures are building up. While that’s not a full-on excuse for his choices I still understood why he would make them in those moments. Sienna is such a great character and my heart hurt for her because she loved him with all she had and at times she felt like that wasn’t enough, but the way things happen in the end made me so happy that these two have stuck with me for a while after reading and I don’t see them escaping my head any time soon.

When reading this book I felt like I was reading about my favorite show growing up called Dawson’s Creek. Especially with all the angst, forbidden romance, best friends aspect, and close friend group. I love how Sienna is this fun loving girl full of so much sunshine and joy. She’s not afraid to be her authentic self! She has a knack for motivating people, making them feel included, and having so much loyalty to her brother and the football guys. Then there’s Gavin who is the beautiful god like man that would anything for his best friends, team, and Sienna. I find it interesting these two can be so supportive and confident for each other, but the minute they let their feelings for each other out they share a lot of similar insecurities. Yet when it comes down to it in the end they can strip away their defenses and be honest to a fault with each other. I throughly enjoyed this love story and felt it very refreshing!

Need a fantastic brothers best friend forbidden sports romance? Yes, well you get just that in this book the second in the Kings of Campus series. This is the story of Gavin and Sienna. Two people that have hidden an attraction from one another simply due to the fact that Gavin has not only been friends with her brother for years but they play on the same team. Yeah complicated is what they have trying to avoid for years.
This story is filled with the drama you would expect from their predicament and so much more. They are just two people dealing with their attraction, no they are dealing with things that will set them up for their futures. How they handle their budding and serious attraction for one another is just a first step. Will they be a one and done or are they harboring something long term and meaningful? If you have read any of Monica’s books you know the answer to that. This book has it all in spades and is seamlessly written to combine scenes from the first book so that the time lines blend and you knot only get their story but the stories of the characters in the firs book. Now that is what makes this book amazing to read. Because if you haven’t read book one, you still get a taste of the dynamic and drama from the first blended just right. Now, the only thing that I need is the release date for the next book!

Play it Off is the second book in the Kings of Campus series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Sienna and Gavin had known each other for years, and they’d both secretly liked each other. But she was his best friend’s sister, so he thought she was off limits.

These two couldn’t fight their feelings for long. And they had great chemistry.

I didn’t like Gavin all that much, at first. I mean, his decisions were…they were something. But seeing that he’s in college, I guess the way he acted made sense.

This was cute, spicy, angsty, and a great addition to the series. I can’t wait for the next book.

Monica knows how to write easy to read college romances.

- Sports Romance (football)
- College Setting
- Best Friend’s Sister
- Secret Relationship
- He Falls First

Sienna knows she shouldn’t crush on her brother’s team mate. But when she met Gav, all logic thoughts went out the window. He’s not just good looking, but also treats her with respect & finds herself being friendly with him instantly.

Gav knows he can’t want his best mates sister. But he can’t deny the instant attraction there. And one drunken night, he foolishly acts on it even though he knows he isn’t ready to give her what she deserves. This explodes and they find themselves ignoring each other for a year. Till Gav makes the effort to reach out & restart their friendship.

But all he finds is hidden feelings he can’t seem to forget. And even though they know they need to resist - they find themselves tangled in each other more than they ever anticipated.

4/5 stars with 3/5 steam.

My only negative is I wish it was longer!! I wanted more angst from Gav on his family life. Especially being a son of wealthy parents who don’t seem to put effort in to getting to know their son. I wanted to see Sienna give Gav’s dad a piece of her mind!

Play It Off by Monica Murphy is a sweet and steamy college sports romance that delivers all the swoony moments fans of the genre crave. The story follows Sienna and Gavin, whose complicated history and undeniable chemistry create a tension-filled romance that keeps you turning the pages.

What I enjoyed most was the authentic portrayal of a secret crush evolving into something more meaningful, set against the backdrop of college football and close-knit friendships. Monica Murphy captures the emotional ups and downs of young love with warmth and humor, and the banter between Sienna and Gavin feels natural and engaging. The story moves at a fast pace, making it a quick and enjoyable read.

While some plot elements felt familiar and the characters didn’t always fully resonate with me, the overall execution and heartfelt moments made up for it. The blend of sports drama, romantic tension, and personal growth creates a satisfying story that fans of contemporary college romance will appreciate.

Overall, Play It Off is a solid four-star read for anyone looking for a sweet, sexy romance with strong chemistry and emotional depth. It’s a fun addition to the Kings of Campus series and a great pick for readers who enjoy slow-burn romances set in the world of college athletics.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Another sports romance by Monica Murphy for me to obsess over! I loved Sienna and Gavin’s story!! They fought their feelings off for so long (forbidden romance, brother’s best friend)!! Gavin was an absolute dream!! Sienna has such a fun personality. I also liked that we saw glimpses of Everleigh and Nico’s stories overlapping with Sienna and Gavin’s.

What a fun, easy to read sports romance! I always love a Monica Murphy sports romance, she does them so well and this one is no different. Gavin and Sienna have been skirting around each other for years after one hookup Sienna’s freshman year because Gavin is afraid to give into his feelings for Sienna and risk his best friend since he’s teammates with Coop, Sienna’s brother. However, Gavin hits his breaking point and that’s when the book really begins, especially when Sienna is finally taking the time to date again, move on from him, and do it in his face. Gavin’s friends make fun of him for his feelings and I found that hilarious especially as they pushed him to take a chance and actually start seeing Sienna, and then he does it in secret 🤦‍♀️ because he’s still dealing with his fears, but once they are outed it, Gavin owns it in the best way. I also loved seeing Nico and Everleigh from an outsiders perspective, it was so cool, especially with how much I loved their book! I can’t wait to see who Coop and Frank end up with!

Play it Off by Monica Murphy is a sweet, sexy, slow-burn college romance packed with tension, longing, and heart-fluttering moments that had me smiling like crazy. If you love brother’s best friend romances where the chemistry is undeniable but the stakes are sky-high, this is the perfect pick for you.

Sienna Cooper has spent years trying to act like Gavin Maddox — college quarterback and her brother’s best friend — doesn’t make her heart race. After one unforgettable night together, they’ve kept their distance, trying to be polite and detached. (Key word: trying.)

Meanwhile, Gavin knows Sienna is off-limits. His last year of football is everything to him — he can’t afford distractions. But staying away from her? It’s getting harder every single day, especially when the lingering memories between them refuse to fade.

Their connection felt so real — full of stolen glances, casual touches that meant way too much, and that slow, magnetic pull neither of them could escape. I loved watching both Sienna and Gavin battle their feelings, fight against their history, and slowly realise that some things are just meant to be.

It’s a story about second chances, trusting your heart, and finding your way back to the person who’s always been right there — even when it’s complicated.

If you love forbidden romance tension, college sports vibes, and heroes who try to resist but fail gloriously, Play it Offwill be right up your alley. It’s sweet, steamy, and guaranteed to leave you rooting for Sienna and Gavin’s happily ever after.

4.5 ⭐️ Friends to lovers, forbidden love and a huge slow burn is going to do it for me every time and its a bonus if its written by Monica herself!! I ate this up i could tell from page 1 that i loved Monica’s writing it’s so easy to read and so fast paced while still keeping an incredible plot line and the sweetest romance. I must add though i’ve found a new book boyfriend mr Gavin Maddox himself!! Because holy shit that man is hot and the way he loves oh I’m so done for. Gavin and Sienna’s story was so cute with them both being friends pretty much there whole lives because Gavin is Sienna’s brothers teammate and how they’ve always been in love but never wanted to admit it oh it was so good. I loved seeing them grow and adapt as a couple all the way through and the angst and tension they had throughout the whole book was an amazing build up for the relationship at the end. The spice was the perfect amount only added in when necessary to show how much the characters love each other. It was quite honestly the most perfect sweetest romance i have read so far. Even with it being a college romance the characters act so grown up and the found family within the friendship group is really good, im looking forward to the rest of the books in this series and i absolutely need to read book 1 because i need to read Eveleigh and Nico’s story now!!

Ah, this book? Absolutely ate it up and went back for seconds. Sienna and Gavin had me hooked from the jump with their chaos, tension, and can’t-look-away chemistry. I was flipping pages like my life depended on it.

Sienna’s sharp, fearless, and refuses to wait around for Gavin to figure it out. And Gavin? He’s a golden retriever pretending he’s not already obsessed.

Their banter? Perfection. Their chemistry? Had me sweating. Gavin’s glow-up from “this can’t happen” to “try and stop me” was everything.

If you’re into spicy sports romances with forbidden vibes and a heroine who won’t quit, this one’s a win.

I thought this was a really easy read. Sienna and Gavin had chemistry for days. They were a good match in the sense that they both felt overlooked by their parents even though they have opposite quality of families. It’s sweet, steamy, and wonderfully character driven. Gavin and Sienna are just adorable- the down bad college quarterback and his best friend’s little sister.

Rate: 5/5 Spice: 5/5

I love a classic football sports romance! If you’ve never read Monica Murphy you should add to your tbr! This was such an easy read! I loved Sienna and Gavin’s story! You have forced proximity, brothers best friend, secret relationship, second chance, found family, ice cream, QB, and will they won’t they. The tension in this book is thick! The spice was 🔥🔥and we love a little dirty talk😍 If you love sports romance this book did not disappoint! I highly recommend and can’t wait to read more from this group of characters!🩷🏈

this book was not for me, and that makes me so sad because i loved the first one is this serie and the other books ive read of Monica Murphy and i was so excited that i got an arc for this book. it felt so differently written than the first book in the series and i couldn't get into the story or connect with the characters, i am sad to say that I dnf'd this book

Sierra has always had a crush on Gavin. He plays on the football team with her brother, so he is off limits. But that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate him from afar.

Gavin doesn’t have the best family life, I mean his father is a complete asshole to him. He is so afraid he will be just like his father so he avoids any relationships. But he can’t help but be captivated by Sierra.

Gavin and Sierra find themselves making out one night after a bar before being interrupted by her roommate. Afterwards the two try to keep away from one another and have anyone convinced they hate each other. But the chemistry is there. They become drawn to one another and the spice is hot. They keep the relationship a secret because they are not sure how her brother Coop or the other teammates will feel about them being together.

4⭐️
3🌶️

Thank you to Valentine PR, Monica Murphy and NetGalley for and e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is book 2 of the Kings of Campus series it can be read as a standalone but is probably better if you read book 1 first. This book follows Sienna Cooper and Gavin Maddox. Sienna has been obsessed over quarterback Gavin Maddox since Freshman year where they kissed but didn't take things further then for 2 years avoided each other until one night at a dinner at Sienna's brother's house they decided to be friends. Until one night they take things further. Gavin has always secretly had a crush on Sienna and can't deny his attraction to her any longer. They decide to keep their hookups a secret from their friends since Sienna's brother is Gavin's teammate.

I was eagerly awaiting this story and it didn't disappoint. I am glad they got their story and their happy ending. I loved how their relationship developed throughout the book and the sexual chemistry between these two was fire! I am a sucker for a best friend's sister book trope and Monica Murphy is one of my favorite authors and I love her writing style. She wrote another hit. I just loved these two together. The way I devoured this book and couldn’t put it down until there were no pages left. I have a book hangover now.

🏈𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸🏈
𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ★★★★
𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨: 𝟢𝟦/𝟤𝟫

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ🗒️

I devoured this book! It was sweet, cute and spicy! The chemistry and banter between them was amazing I was giggling they way the just understand each other so well

I was definitely hooked from the first chapter, The way they literally avoided each other so things wouldn’t get messy between them after what happened but now it’s two years and they wanna try to be friends

They relationship was such a roller coaster of emotions but I definitely enjoyed reading about their relationship and can’t wait for the next book

tropes

✰Brother’s bestfriend
✰Secret hookups
✰Secret relationship
✰Mutual pining
✰College football

Gavin and Sienna's book was great. From the first chapter I couldn't put it down. After I was finished I wanted more.
I love the Kings of Campus world. I love when we see more of the characters from the other books interconnected in the next book.
Gavin and Sienna both had secret feelings for each other but neither would act on them for fear of what their friends and family would say.
They each completed each other's personalities.
Gavin was the rugged football player and Sienna brought out his soft side.
While Sienna was sweet and kind and Gavin brought out her inner confidence and let her dream and be he own person and not the shadow of her brother.
Their chemistry was intense and they were a great couple!
Can't wait to see who the next book will be about.
Monica writes amazing characters and the world's they live in..

Sienna Cooper started crushing on her brother, Coop's teammate, Gavin, as soon as she arrived on campus. One drunken evening they got a taste of the forbidden fruit. Both recognized the risk to their respective relationship with Coop so they stayed away from each other for two long years. Fast forwarding to the present, and Gavin and Coop are in their senior year and pursuing another trip to the national championship game which could launch their career into the pros. Gavin's more mature now, but his father's constant berating and lack of faith wears on his self-confidence and focus. His attraction for Sienna continues to grow, but he still tries to keep her at arm's length, thus confusing her and hurting her feelings. When she tries to move on with other dates, the green-eye jealousy monster in Gavin pushes him into making a definitive decision.
These two are sweet together, and this was an enjoyable read. It might have been more fun to see more scenes where they might have almost gotten caught by their friends since they kept their relationship a secret from all of them. I hope we eventually get Coop and Dollar's stories!