Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for allowing me to read and review this book! I am giving this book a 3.5/5 stars rounded up to 4. I loved that this was a sports romance and I have never read a lacrosse romance before so that DEFINITELY perked my interest. Then an enemies to lovers and fake dating book as well?! Sign me up! There were definitely some super sweet and fun moments in this book and I loved the best friend relationship between Jordan and May. I also loved learning about Mays family but wish we could have learned more about her heritage and family, we were only given a glimpse and I wanted more. I also LOVED the twister reference as that is one of my favorite movies (actually the first and second one, I truly love both) but it also gave an idea of the heart break and turmoil that people on tornado alley face, which I enjoyed. As someone who lives in a southern state that we have to worry about hurricanes all the time, I understand the fear that comes during those “seasons”,
So it was good to shed some light on that. I also truly enjoyed the end of their story but also wish there was more or a different ending if that makes sense? I’m glad they were getting married and happy together but in the same breath the ending almost felt unfinished ? I also wish there was alittle bit MORE in their relationship. It was clear as day they loved each other and wanted to be together but their story also felt incomplete and yeah the bed of the truck happened and a few kisses but other than that it was more like they hated each other then loved each other…I just wished I got alittle more is all but overall the writing was great and an overall good story!

Cross My Heart is an emotional, beautifully written story that pulls you in with its raw honesty and unforgettable characters. Patel delivers a gripping blend of romance, heartache, and self discovery, wrapped in prose that feels both intimate and powerful. The relationships are tender yet complex, and the tension builds in a way that keeps you fully invested from start to finish. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you close it moving, addictive, and full of heart. A must read for anyone who loves character driven stories that make you feel every page.

cute romcom that requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief but if you're willing to do that (which I was) it worked. 4 stars.

I know nothing about lacrosse, but I loved this story! I loved the fake dating and second-chance tropes. It had a great pace and was easy to follow!

❓ Would you be happy for them or sad for yourself when your loved one decides to change city? ✨

✨ Colt is back to Oklahoma as a professional lacrosse player to train the women's team. The captain of the team is the spirited May Velasco. And their relationship? Complicated - because these ex-friends, enemies are now fake dating. 😂

✨ What I liked-
💕 The female characters
💕 The representation
💕 Enemies to Lovers & Fake dating
💕 small town and it's spirit shown in a beautiful way.
💕 Lacrosse games are interesting huh!

✨ What I would have liked more -
Slightly more definition for Colts career arc

✨ 8/10

✨ If you are in mood for a YA sports romance, go for it! 🥍 💕✨🫶

✨ Author - @eshapatelauthor

✨ Book releases -Today (March 24, 2026) 🎉

✨ Thank you @harpercollins360 and @avonbooks for this copy for an honest review

Tags:

#bookstagram
#romancereads #sportsromance #enemiestolovers #simplyvaish

While I’m not a huge lacrosse person, I do love sports and the culture that surrounds it so I enjoyed this book. The fake dating trope is always a fun, predictable one. May and Colt are small town friends, enemies, to lovers… took a while to get into but then I could not wait to get to the end. Sports and add in some Midwest small town charm? Count me in!

I received an ARC of this book thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The way the characters interact feels so realistic, I can totally picture this being a real story. The hurt that doesn’t immediately heal and the genuine exploration of each other was very heartwarming. Plus it was well written with amazing pacing. I do wish there was a bit more tension with the disaster that happens as it feels like the event ends quickly even though the fallout was well done. Recommend!