First book in the Kings of Campus series. It was a hit. My first Monica Murphy book and I'll definitely be continuing this series.

A sweet romance. Everleigh and Nico. Strayed away from my usual hockey romance but staying in the sporting realm of football.

Of course the FMC needs somewhere to stay and ends up in a house full of football players, I mean, logical!

I think if we know there's a grumpy / sunshine trope AND a slow burn, I'm going to love it. A broody, college football star? Sign me up! Nico sees Everleigh as a distraction, it's his final year, he needs to focus. Ever wants to keep her roommate situation friendly. Their growing/fighting attraction, banter, emotional moments are all *chefs kiss*.

If you love a good college sports romance, pick this series up, you will not be disappointed.

What can I say I love Monica Murphy’s. She is one of my fav authors and this book was just as good as the rest of her books her writing style is easy to read and it is one of my fav things I love about this book and how much I laughed and enjoyed the characters of the book

This was my first read by this author, and I absolutely loved it. The book is fast-paced, witty, and low on angst, which kept me hooked from start to finish. I finished it in one sitting! The slow-burn romance between Nico and Everleigh is full of chemistry, but the low spice level makes the relationship development feel genuine and not rushed.

The story centers around Everleigh, who, after her student housing falls through, finds herself living with some of the most popular guys on campus, including football star Nico. Their attraction is immediate, but with Nico’s resistance to commitment and their roommate dynamic, they keep their feelings hidden. I’m a sucker for a reformed playboy, so watching Nico fall for Everleigh was one of the best parts of the story.

The found family element was a highlight for me. Everleigh’s bond with her new roommates was heartwarming, and the way the guys embraced her as one of their own was beautifully done—everyone except Portia. The friendship dynamics were a perfect balance to the romantic tension.

If you’re into football, roommates-to-lovers, forced proximity, and reformed playboys, End Game is a great pick. As the first in the Kings of Campus series, I’m eager to read more about the other characters in the upcoming books!

Thank you so much Monica Murphy and Montlake for this arc🫶

Everleigh Olmstead is transferring into UC Santa Mira as a junior and not really a sports fan, so when she overhears (3) guys needing a 4th roommate, her desperate, homeless self follows them home to "volunteer as tribute". Although she's cute, the guys proceed with caution as they don't want a crazed-out football groupie into their sanctuary. As Everleigh shares her predicament with Frank, Cooper and Nico, they realize she has no idea they're popular football players on the Santa Mira team that won the national championship a couple of years ago.
This book lays the groundwork for the series as we come to know Frank and Cooper through their respective relationships with Nico and Everleigh. We also meet the quarterback for the team, Gavin, and Cooper's sister, Sienna, who fast becomes Everleigh's best friend, and who has a massive crush on Gavin.
Nico is very serious about football and not into relationships, when his reputation as a playboy confronts Everleigh in the form of an ex-girlfirend who doesn't want to be an ex.
I enjoyed the character development among all the characters and the slow burn between Everleigh and Nico. I can't wait to see which couple's up next!

I ADORE this book!

Nico and Everleigh have captured my heart by storm!! I loooved how strong Everleigh was and how she certainly knew what she wanted until Nico came into her life! I loved the dynamic in the house once Ever moved in and how Nico changed his whole life for her. I really enjoyed their slow burn roommates to lovers story.

Monica has always and will forever manage to make me fall in love with her characters in an instant!

5 Stars

One of my favorite reads of 2024! I looooove Monica Murphy books! So when I saw this one, I knew I just had to read it!! Let’s start with characters: Everleigh - she is a kind, smart, pretty and innocent transfer to California. Nico - is a sexy, funny, popular, and charming football player, who has a player reputation. Coop - is a sweet, quiet, funny, popular football player. He’s Nico’s best friend and always has his back, but is not afraid to call him out when he’s being a tool. He is constantly making me laugh throughout the book. Dollar - is a sweet guy, a gentleman, charming, and just wants to find the love of his life already. Sienna - I like her. She’s so kind and friendly to Everleigh, and she’s always sticking up for her new bestie. I love how much the guys( roommates/friends) love Everleigh and are there for her.

Spoiler Alert: Nico & Evers love story is too cute, spicy, comical, and fun!! Classic love story of wanting what you can’t have! Such a great cute read with the same spicy scenes we love and expect from Monica. Monica has a way of enticing you with every page and she describes the picture perfectly. Definitely a must read!!

Sometimes you just need a short and sweet book and this is exactly what it was. It’s just cute. It’s a simple concept from start to finish with a few minor inconveniences/bit of drama trickled in before a happily ever after. This book felt like the equivalent of watching a cute chick flick, only thing missing was a few funny shenanigans.

After reading the description, the story and its characters are what you would expect. You know who to root for, you know who to dislike and you know when the characters are being a little dumb. After they learn their lessons, of course everything falls into place.

It’s an easy and sweet read that was a great palate cleanser between some deeper reads. It’s perfect for back to school.

Thank you to the Monica Murphy, @valentine_pr_ & Netgalley for the eARC.

Monica Murphy's book End Game is the first in the Kings of Campus series. Everleigh's housing arrangement abruptly fell through, leaving her in desperate need of a place to live in. She can't help but hear these guys complaining about how they need a new roommate, so she takes the chance without realizing that they're elite football players. Nico is at the peak of his game and doesn't need any distractions, but having Everleigh live with them makes that difficult. They dive into each other's personal space, resisting their mutual attraction at every opportunity. There was definitely chemistry between the two main characters in End Game, which was such a beautiful slow-burning romance. As they grow close, they each have a secret crush on the other. I'm looking forward to seeing what this series will bring.

this was a fun sports romance. I loved the friendship group in this book but for some reason the romance was lacking. It was just a bit immature for the characters being 21/22. I can tell the series is going to be good though I loved Sienna and Gavin and hoping for their book !!!

I just finished reading End Game by Monica Murphy, and I absolutely loved it! The story is incredibly engaging with a perfect mix of romance, drama, and unexpected twists. The characters are so well-developed, and their chemistry is off the charts. I found myself completely immersed in their journey rooting for them every step of the way. They have such a cute dynamic. This book makes you want to be friends with these characters. The ending was particularly satisfying, tying up loose ends while leaving just enough intrigue for the next book. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you hooked from start to finish, I highly recommend “End Game.” Can’t wait for the next one in the series!

Ever's first semester is not off to a great start. When her housing falls through at the last minute, she is desperate to find a place. When she overhears some guys talking about needing a roommate she jumps at the opportunity. Sure, living with three football players isn't ideal but it's better than her current situation. The only problem is one of her new roommates already has a crush on her and the other has decided to despise her for no apparent reason.

Nico was looking forward to an uncomplicated football season, and a gorgeous roommate who is temptation personified living under his roof wasn't part of that plan. He doesn't mean to come off so bad, but he has to keep her at arm's length because he's not a relationship guy and if this goes south there's nowhere for either of them to go. Not to mention, Dollar has already decided he's head over heels for her. When an ex tries to get back with him, he ropes Ever into being his fake girlfriend, which it turns out is not a great idea when he's trying to turn off his very real feelings.

If you are a found family lover, then buckle up because you are going to LOVE this new friend group. I loved Ever and Nico, but the side characters really stole the show. This one is angsty with lots of misplaced anger especially coming from Nico but once he figures it out, he's all in. Also, fair warning that his one is a very slow burn. You're going to be edged right to the brink but don't worry these two eventually figure it out.

I cannot wait to see what happens next especially with one oblivious football player and an unrequited love. I also NEED Dollar to get his own story. That poor little hopeless love lover needs to find his perfect girl ASAP.

"End Game" by Monica Murphy offers a charming sports romance sprinkled with sharp wit. The story features an irresistible forbidden love affair, seasoned with humor and just enough emotional intensity to captivate. In this first installment of the Kings of Campus series, a new transfer student and a charming football player find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Lovers of sports romances, particularly those with a football twist, will find "End Game" as exciting as a game-winning touchdown.

"End Game" marked my first encounter with Monica Murphy's work. The story placed the reader into the lives of Everleigh and Nico. Everleigh, a new transfer to UC Santa Mira, was eager to dive into college life. Yet, an unexpected twist in her housing situation threatened to quell her enthusiasm. Desperate for a place to stay, her luck seemed to run dry—until she stumbled upon a conversation between three guys in need of a roommate. Seizing the opportunity, she positioned herself as the prime candidate for the room, unaware that she was about to share a home with the campus's star football players.

Initially, Nico Valente was reluctant to have Everleigh join him and his two roommates. Despite his reservations, he gave in, and before long, Everleigh had moved in and was sharing their living space.

Nico and Everleigh experienced an immediate spark between them, their chemistry undeniable as it crackled throughout their story. Nico, however, wasn't looking for commitment; he enjoyed the variety of playing the field. Everleigh, on the other hand, approached with caution, still nursing the scars left by a past love. And just when things couldn't get more tangled, their living situation added another layer of complexity.

Watching the player fall hopelessly in love with his roommate was entertaining. Nico struggled to convey his true feelings to Everleigh, who had built numerous walls around her heart, and he was uncertain of her feelings in return. Everleigh's vacillating behavior was frustrating at times, but then I had to remind myself that these characters were barely out of their teenage years.

The dynamic between Everleigh and her roommates really brought the story to life. It was a pleasure delving into the lives of the secondary characters, especially Coop, who stood out as my favorite. His maturity surpassed that of his peers, and I'm particularly excited to see his story unfold.

The 'Kings of Campus' series starts off on a fairly good note, and I'm eager to dive into more of Ms. Murphy's work. With the first book setting a promising pace, it's clear that this series has a lot to offer.

End Game is a great start to the Kings of Campus series! From time to time, I like reading college romances and Monica Murphy is just so great and bringing out the feels of college love and angst. Everleigh is my kind of girl--cautious, low-key, and isn't a privileged brat. She's scrapping by on her own, needing new living arrangements to attend college. She ends up eavesdropping on a jock convo (she doesn't know they're pdopular college jocks) about needing a roommate and has no shame offering to be their roommate. Living with 3 dudes is not going to be a cakewalk, especially when she's crushing on Nico, but being crushed on by Frank. Ever and Nico try to play it cool, but they cannot deny the attraction and have close calls. I appreciate Nico finally realizing his flaws as a ladies' man, and taking his time to woo Ever. I can't wait for the next book!

End Game by Monica Murphy is the start of the Kings of Campus Series. This is Everleigh and Nico‘s story.
 
Everleigh transfers to the UC Santa Mira to finally have a great college experience but when her living arrangement falls through on her first day, it doesn’t look promising. She is determined to make it somehow work and becomes the roommate of three football players. I always love roommate stories, and this was such a good one. Everleigh is such a good person, and she totally deserves to find her own happily ever after.
 
Nico is living and breathing football and that’s his main focus and why he doesn’t want a relationship. He was burned in the past and is totally fine with being popular and a player. At first Nico was the typical college jock but there was so much more to him, and I loved discovering that and I definitely fell in love with him as well.
 
This book has all the new adult and college vibes and it’s exactly what I hoped for. I loved seeing the friendships and roommate dynamic and Everleigh and Nico slowly became more. The romance was the perfect mixture of sweet and tender moments and some more spicy ones. It was the little things in this story that made it amazing, and I hope a lot of the other characters also get a book.
 
Overall, if you also like college sports romances, this is a must-read. 4,5 stars.
 
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Right off the bat, I knew that this was gonna be a 5 ⭐️ read. I just could not stop reading Nico and Everleigh’s story. The chemistry and tension between the two was insane. Their romance burned slowly. It was a push and pull game. I was on the edge of my seat every time I turn to the next page. I also adored the friendship in this book. It warmed my heart on how nice and caring they were to Everleigh. They also added some hilarious and entertaining scenes to the story. I cannot wait to read their stories in the future 😆.

Overall, End Game was a great read. I definitely recommend it as you’re next sports romance read 🙌🏻.

✨ 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ✨

𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗵𝘆
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🏈 college football
💙 roommates to lovers
🏈 forced proximity
💙 grumpy/sunshine
🏈 reformed playboy
💙 open door romance
🏈 dual POV

𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗕: Everleigh has just been dealt the worst luck ever. Her room has unfortunately fell through since she just transferred to Santa Mira & is now attending a new college homeless. Her luck seems to get a bit better when she overhears a couple of football players talking about renting out a bedroom in their house. It takes some convincing & bargaining, but Everleigh is now the only female roommate with three male football players. Everleigh is instantly attracted to Nico, but Nico has a playboy reputation for himself. Everleigh also knows it wouldn’t be smart to get involved with one of her roommates. Is that enough of an excuse to fight the connection that is clearly happening between them though?

𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦: It’s football season babyyyyy & this was the perfect sweet & spicy romance to start out the season with! Everleigh is so sweet & turns these football player’s lives around when she enters the house. She cooks for them, cleans up after them, teaches them yoga, & brings out the best in them. Nico is your typical playboy hot shot football star. That is, until Everleigh rejects him. That is when Nico starts turning himself around & truly realizes what he wants in his life. Everleigh brings out Nico’s sweet side & I am so glad that they were able to put aside their differences & accept each other for who they truly are!

this was very cute & immediately gave off new girl vibes - college sports romance/forced proximity/roommates tropes all made for a good mash up here.

I love a reformed playboy but Nico was a bit too arrogant/annoying at some points that it was hard to get past - I didn’t love the miscommunication from everleigh’s side as well, but I did love the found family aspect overall and I’m interested to see where else the series will go!

I have been on a Monica Murphy kick recently after binging the Lancaster Prep books and any spin-offs they had. I had mixed emotions and felt reading End Game was a refreshing book to start so I could grasp whether Murphy’s books are for me. Had I read too many Lancaster books at once or were they not my cup of tea?
End Game was a college romance which focused on football.
Everleigh is prepared for the full college experience but her plans are thwarted when her living arrangements fall through. She’s in a new town, alone with no one she knows around her and she’s starting to stress about what happens next. After overhearing a group of guys discussing how they need another roommate she doesn’t overthink it and jumps at the opportunity, pleading her case to these strangers out of sheer desperation to make her next chapter a success. Two out of three roommates become smitten with Everleigh, but broody and grumpy Nico is still uncertain about her but things will definitely change between them.
This book was super easy to read. There were no emotionally overwhelming plot points that were tough to read. It was pretty relaxed and uneventful honestly. Now, I’m all for a laid back read but once it becomes boring I mentally check out or start skimming pages. I didn’t feel connected to the characters, they weren’t very deep. Nothing happened with the plot. She overhears a conversation, finds a place to live, makes friends and then begins a relationship with Nico. Apart from that, not much happens.
Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. It didn’t keep my attention throughout and I wasn’t rooting for the success of the characters.
Thank you for the eARC though!

This book started off really cute and the premise of the story gave me New Girl vibes (which I loved). I really enjoyed the side characters and roommates, and I liked them a lot more than Nico (sorry sir, hehe). I’m soooo ready for Sienna and Gavin’s story, although I almost want better for her than Gavin so I’m hoping his redemption arc is top tier.

the mmc was a little annoying to me and I didn’t really see the appeal of his character and why he was desirable, other than being hot. I also didn’t love how quick these two went from dating to being in love, but I’m also not a fan of the insta love trope so this could totally be just me.

thank you Valentine PR for an arc in exchange for a honest review!

Thank you to Valentine PR, Netgalley, the publishers and the author Monica Murphy for letting me read & review this advanced copy. This is the first book in Monica Murphys new sports romance series called Kings Of Campus that releases Tuesday September 17th 2024. End Game has the perfect book tropes; which are Football Romance, Reformed Playboy, Enemies to Lovers ,Sports Romance, Friends to Lovers, Roommates and Forced Proximity. Everleigh is the female main character who wanted a real college experience and decides to transfer to the university UC Santa Mira. Right upon arriving at the college she finds out her on campus housing was cancelled with no back up plan. Everleigh ends up friending a group of football guys who have an open room, which she accepts the offer. One of the roommates Nico is a senior at the university who is now one of Everleigh's roommates but doesn't get along with her. He thinks she would be a distraction. This was a amazing five star romance read that I loved every second of.