TW: Parental abuse, spousal abuse, childhood trauma

Wicked Serve is the fourth and final installment in Grace Reilly's Beyond the Play series and it's actually my first foray into her work. I tried to give the others a go on audiobook to get some experience in before reading and reviewing this but the narrations were not so good and I didn't want them to affect how I felt about this story.

Overall I liked this book, BUT it was super long for a romance and it dragged a lot. It's a little over 450 pages when I think romances especially contemporary ones are in the 300 range. There were ALOT of obstacles for the couple to face instead of just one main thing which I thought detracted from how great this book could be. I loved the characters though, they are really fleshed out. Isabelle is a sunshiney (he literally calls her sunshine) volleyball player. She's a bit all over the place when it comes to what she wants her passion in life to be but I didn't think it was abnormal, we all are searching for our thing in life at her age. I thought she was a bit shallow at first glance but she grew on me and her self doubt was real and made me feel empathetic towards her. Nik is a hockey player who she had a summer fling with but can't get out of her head or heart. He grew up in Russia and has suffered from childhood trauma, so much so that he has panic attacks from it.

I thought their chemistry was smoking and there's loads of spice throughout this book but there's still plenty of focus on the plot as well. I liked the focus on therapy and how it can help people with such issues, the more we normalize it the more people can get help. I'm sure if I had read the other books I would've really enjoyed seeing the cameos of the other couples because they are really present in this book. The family is huge and they all band together to support one another which was very sweet.

In the end, an enjoyable read if a bit long but I will definitely give the author another go in the future. Thank you so much to Avon and HarperVoyager for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC of "Wicked Serve" by Grace Reilly in exchange for my honest review!! I am a huge sucker for college sports romance books so I was really excited to be approved for this ARC!! 

The MMC and FMC had great banter and chemistry throughout the novel. When I first picked up this arc I did not realize that this is the fourth installment in a stand-alone series. It can be read as a standalone book- although I may go back and read the first three but I did not find myself confused when reading. This was a fast-paced and sexy read!! 

"Wicked Serve" is a must-read for fans of new adult fiction!!

volleyball and hokey romance?? sign me right up!!!


I liked this book so much but before requesting this book I was so excited to read this but I wished I knew it was part of a series :( I guess that’s my fault for not doing my research beforehand. my rating has nothing to do with that but I felt necessary to put in my review.

overall I liked this story so much!! It was so cute and wholesome and the spice caught me off guard (not complaining just surprised)😭 I wasn’t expecting that from this book (I love cute book covers that seem innocent until you read the actual book hehehe) the story was so adorable and I loved that about this story, my only problem was that it was so long and dragged on for a while. Also I definitely regret not reading the other books in the series but after this book I will definitely check out the other books in this series/ books from the author.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 🫶🏼

I am SCREAMING I can't believe I got the ARC for Wicked Serve, and I also can't believe the extent to which this book exceeded my expectations!

Wicked Serve is by far my favorite book in the Beyond the Play series. I loved both First Down (4.5 stars) and Breakaway (5 stars), but I wasn't the biggest fan of Stealing Home (3.5 stars)—though Grace Reilly absolutely outdid herself with Wicked Serve.

First of all, the situationship vibes. I love how Nik and Izzy's relationship started off as just a summer thing. Very August and Cardigan by Taylor Swift + Casual by Chappell Roan. And the progression of their relationship was absolutely perfect. The tension. THE SPICE. Their relationship felt very natural, with a few bumps, as one would expect with college students. I seriously thought there was going to be a major miscommunication or third act breakup after some things were not communicated...but both characters handled everything like ADULTS and without unnecessary angst.

Moving on, let's talk about NIK AHHH. My new book boyfriend. I want to immediately reread this so I can have more Nik content lol. But I love how the author explored his childhood trauma and mental health. He was such a complex character, and his willingness to improve himself for the good of his relationship with Izzy is perhaps the most attractive thing a man could do. Also him dropping everything for Izzy in one of the scenes...UNWELL.

And Izzy! Cue Mirrorball by Taylor Swift. Her theme song. I've wanted an Izzy book this entire series, and again, this completely delivered. I loved how the book went into her trials and tribulations with volleyball and her struggle to see her worth + to avoid comparisons in a family of superstar athletes.

I also loved the "guest" appearances from the other characters and the Callahan family. Cooper and Nik's bromance was everything. And I loved how Copper wasn't annoyingly overprotective (or even worse, misogynistic) when Izzy and Nik revealed themselves as a couple.

Anyway, I can't wait for this to release in August so I can talk about it more!

Thank you so much to Avon and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of Wicked Serve. As always, my reviews are one hundred percent voluntary and all opinions are my own :)

I loved this book! The main characters, their personalities, the family dynamics of the FMC, the friendships, all of it. The spice was great and definitely spicier than I thought it would be- so big fan! The brother’s rival trope was also pretty fun!

"Wicked Serve" by Grace Reilly serves up a winning combination of sports, romance, and irresistible chemistry! It is the fourth book in the set, following the Callahan siblings and the people that steal their hearts. Set in the high-stakes world of competitive college athletics, this novel follows the captivating journey of Isabelle, a volleyball player who loves her sport but feels like her worth is tied up in her success, and Nikolai, a hockey star torn between his dream of playing in the NHL and his obligations to his family, as they navigate the challenges of their respective sports and unexpectedly find love in each other's arms. Reilly expertly captures the intensity of athletic rivalries, while also tenderly portraying the blossoming romance between Nik and Izzy. Their dynamic relationship is filled with passion, humor, and genuine emotion, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end. "Wicked Serve" is a must-read for fans of sports romance, delivering a power play of heartwarming moments and sizzling chemistry that will leave you cheering for more.

I love volleyball and hockey so this was right up my alley. I thought the characters were all adorable, with enough backstory to keep you interested in both the sports aspect and the character growth. The pacing of the book flowed extremely well, and it did not have the same storyline that you usually find in sports romances. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Thank you!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4!

i can not believe this series is finally over, i could cry!!!!
i really did enjoy this one as i’ve been waiting for our girl isabelle's story!!!!

i think this book definitely stretched out long and could have been condensed more, but overall i thought their love story was beautiful.

i wish we got see more of their summer together as it was the basis of their relationship and it would've solidified it more, but i think it was a wonderful story of these two characters falling in love.

grace did an amazing job writing nikolai's and his mothers trauma and handled it in the story with such care.

overall this was a good read and i'm so sad to say goodbye to the beyond the play series (,: thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review

I have been waiting to hear from the youngest Callahan since finishing Stealing Home last year! This book exceeded my expectations about how deep this book would get.

Our FMC, Izzy, is the only girl in tightknit sports/ success minded family. The three older boys always seemed to be connected at the hip in their own books and it was interesting to see how this perception affected Izzy. We really are able to see the pressure that is, indirectly, forced onto younger siblings in these types of families. Nikolai is the first person to see Izzy as a whole person. Starting with only calling her Isabelle. I melted the first time I realized he was calling her by her full name on purpose.

Nikolai has his fair share of family issuses and is SO closed off to everyone... except his sunshine girl! He tried so hard to make himself seem like he was not good enough for Izzy by pushing her away, but these two are like magnets. No matter how hard one of them tried to push away, they always seemed to come back together in the end. Once they stopped fighting being together, they finally found their person to confide in when they found their family situations to be overwhelming. They learned to open up with each other and their families through these expereinces. I am so happy they got the happy ending they both deserve!!

I am so sad this series is over, but I am so thankful to have seen inside these characters minds!

Thank you NetGalley & Avon publishing for the ARC!

Grace has such an interesting way of pacing a romance story compared to other authors. Iv noticed it with a few of her books. This couple has a pre-page fling, so the trope aside from brothers enemy is hard to nail down. It’s almost as if instead of the typical pace of chase/banter, getting together, 3rd act break up then HEA, she does the getting together very early and then the couples go through some sort of issue or tragedy together to test their relationship. It’s interesting and I really enjoy it. You get to see the couple handle life together for a large part of the book instead of the book just being about them getting together. It’s almost like an extended prologue the second half of the book.

Really no negatives here!! I loved Izzy & her being the youngest child of successful brothers was written extremely well.

Nik was amazing. I wish he could have been a bit more selfish in taking what he needed from the relationship, but he just cared too much to do that. I’m glad he got around to it somewhat.

The relationship with his father could have been touched on more, outside of what was in the past. I loved the ending with his mom.

All in all a great way to wrap up (I’m assuming) the series!

5/5⭐️
#arcreview | *no spoilers*

Oh wow. I am no stranger to Grace's incredible books, but this was just wow. The absolute perfect ending to the Callahan Family's series.

I have loved Izzy and seen so much of myself in her since First Down, so it was really special to finally get to see inside her head and her life more closely, and specially get an advance copy of it!

Wicked Serve has it all, witty banter, spice, secret dating, hot men, obsessed men, the most precious family, serious topics, heart wrenching moments, and the happiest of ever afters!

My baby Isabelle, the youngest but fieriest Callahan!
My other wounded baby, Nik, a scarred kid with an enormous heart!
I love them so much!!! Their journey at college, juggling so many emotions and things happening all at once, while trying to find themselves and what they love. Also the growth from both of them throughout the whole book was amazing!

This book is so fun, it has so many great cameos from past characters; is so spicy (never be fooled by cute covers people!); is so wholesome in many ways; but it also touches more very heavy topics, such as anxiety, panic attacks, domestic ab*se, childhood trauma, and mental health in general. Grace writes all of it so gracefully and respectfully! (pun not intended I swear😂)

Overall this is such a delightful romance story! The trust, compassion, friendship, admiration, communication and commitment from Izzy and Nik, was so incredible to get to witness! Throughout the whole book just wanted to hug them!😭 They're so precious to me!

Thank you so much Grace Reilly and Harper Collins for the ARC!💜

Wicked Serve by Grace Reilly is the 4th book in the Beyond the Play series and is available August 13, 2024!

Nikolai Abney-Volkov is forced to transfer to McKee University for his senior year. Unfortunately, McKee is home to his on ice rival, Cooper Callahan. Cooper also happens to be Nik’s new team captain and older brother to the girl he shared a summer fling with, Izzy. Isabelle Callahan’s goals going into the school year are to win back her position on the Volleyball team and forget about Nik, the hot hockey player she spent the summer with. Things couldn’t get messier, that is until Nik and Izzy see each other and their summer fling is rekindled. Their secret relationship is filled with hot hookups and deep conversations. Nik is dealing with some really heavy stuff and Izzy wants to be there for him. Secrets can only stay hidden for so long and the two have to decide if their relationship is worth it.
I really love this series and this book did not disappoint! Some difficult topics are covered in this story- childhood trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, and panic attacks. Reilly discusses these subjects with great care. I was so happy to be back at McKee and loved all the glimpses we get into the lives of the characters from the previous books. I’m so sad this series is over.
Read this is you like:
-new adult college sports romance
-secret relationship
-brother’s rival
-he falls first and falls harder
-found family
-positive therapy rep
-spicy

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

A big thank you to Grace Reilly, her team, and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I am so so sad that this is the last of the Callahan siblings. I have absolutely loved and devoured these books.

This one made me giddy, and happily kick my feet but also had in me in tears. I loved Nik and Isabelle. I love their journey and support for each other.

I think Grace’s writing only continues to get better and better and I cannot wait to see what she has in store next.

Grace Reilly has done it again! This was one of my most anticipated reads, and I feel like she gave this one her all.

I adored Izzy from her first cameos in the other series installments, and I hoped that she would get her own HEA. I was so pleased with the depth of both Izzy's, and Nicolai's, character. Both were so dynamic and brought so many emotions to this story. Izzy represents anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or "less than" compared to their close friends and family, and it was so beautiful to see her develop and accept herself and her interests. Nicolai's own familial difficulties complimented the story nicely, and made the novel feel cohesive as he mirrored Izzy's own journey. (AND the chemistry/spice! WOW. These two characters were electric together).

My only complaints are that the story itself felt slow towards the middle, which bogged down the overall pacing. I also didn't love the "third act kind-of" breakup. I understand Nicolai having to get help for his mental health and trauma, but cutting Izzy out for that time while also saying "don't worry, I'm coming back for you," was like keeping someone on a string (and not in a good way). These together brought this down to an overall 4 stars.

This was cute! I had fun reading it & I loved the spice. It did drag a little bit & took me longer to get through than most contemporary romances. It could have been a hundred or so pages shorter. Over all, I had a fun time & can’t wait to read more from this author!

While this was fun, it wasn’t a super believable romance. I struggle when a couple is kinda together from the beginning cause it destroys the possibility for any angst.

Also a standalone contemporary romance should never be this long it’s obscene.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

Grace’s writing has always been excellent, but she has continued to blow me away with this series and I swear she has sprinkled something extra special in this one! I truly didn’t think I could love another of her books as much as I loved Stealing Home — and Mia + Seb will always hold a special place in my heart — but HOT DAMN Izzy + Nik are addictive! I mean, I think we’ve all fallen in love with sassy and bubbly Izzy throughout the series, but in Wicked Serve Grace really peels back the layers and shows us who Izzy really is. How would you show you’re enough in a family of competitive athletes when you feel like you’re the only one not performing? One of my favorite things that Grace highlighted in Izzy’s storyline was her relationship with Richard. Boy oh boy have we had some ups and downs with dear old Papa Callahan. But his relationship with his daughter, and the baby of the family, is a lot different than his relationship with the boys. While Richard did the work to repair things with the boys when he screwed up, seeing him interact with Izzy the way he did really made me all mushy and sealed any remaining cracks I still had about the family foundation. And obviously I loved every single moment we had with the Callahan brothers and their ladies (and pets!) — Grace really had the perfect balance of focus on Izzy + Nik and Callahan family dynamic.
And that brings me to Nikolai… WOW. Just wow. I mean, it should be enough to say that as soon as me and my two besties starting reading Wicked Serve, we immediately started arguing over who had book boyfriend claiming rights to Nikolai. He is GOOD, no scratch that, he is AMAZING, no scratch that, he is PERFECT in the most deliciously broken way. And I do love me a broken boy. Their relationship was so special. I absolutely loved their love 💕

This was cute, but kinda dragged on.
It's the kinda book you pick up after a hangover: fluffy, romantic, and doesn't require much brainpower.

Omgggggg
Omgggggg
Omgggggg
OMGGGGGG

THIS WAS SO FUCKING CUTE
THE PLOT
THE SPICE
THE FUCKING RELATIONSHIPS
THE GROWTH

NIKS GROWTH WAS TOP FUCKING NOTCH

I MEAN SERIOUSLY.

HE KNEW IZZY DESERVED BETTER SO HE BECAME BETTER. IGH MY STUPID HEART.

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0

i loved this book so much it's easily my favorite of the whole series. I loved seeing Izzy & Nik's relationship develop past just casual. I honestly thought the book was gonna end around 200 pages because they'd solved most of their issues and then the second plot started becoming more important.