A big thank you to @monicamurphyauthor & @valentine_pr_ for my arc I'm so grateful 🫶🏻 I'm a big MM fan so was super excited about this release and it didn't disappoint! I absolutely adored Everleigh 🥰 Nico - what a man! Loved how protective he was of Ever regardless fighting his feelings! Loved the whole storyline, forced proximity becoming roommates was the best! Always a fave! Loved seeing the gang/side characters and their relationships grow, cannot wait to see who's book is next 🤭 This was a slowburn but loved the angst/tension and the chemistry was just undeniable 😍 the spice was fab as always too 🔥 would defo recommend reading this beaut it won't disappoint 🙌🏻💖

3.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️

I liked this, but I didn’t LOVE it. I wish there was more to the story. I was obsessed with it at the beginning when Everleigh started rooming with three famous football players at her new college. But the further it went it felt like there was a plot missing. Unless it was Nico turning from playboy to committed? But honestly the events that happened at the end would’ve been so much better towards the middle to really drive the story. Regardless I’m still interested to see how Gavin&Sienna, Dollar, and Coop end up within the series.

Tropes:
•sports/football
•close proximity/roommate
•band of brothers
•playboy/ good girl.

Monica Murphy is definitely the queen of young adult romance! This book is such a perfect example, young kids about to finish college, with the hopes and ambitions for their future, but also with the insecurities that come from not being all that experienced yet. Such is the case of Nico and Everleigh.

Nico is a football star in UC Santa Mira, California, adored by many, pursued by the groupies, he sort of lives in an elite group where they don’t mix so much with the regular students. Everleigh arrived in town for junior year, leaving her crappy home, and looking forward to a better life. Her first day in town was truly awful, she lost her rental room, her car was broken into and her stuff taken, but she lucked in that she got a room with this group of guys who just had a cancellation on their extra room. She begged, she won, and now she’s rooming with the Kings of Campus and doesn’t know it!

I loved all the aspects of the book, from the college life as depicted, the hassle of football, studying, working to make rent, the friends, the groupies, the boozy parties, the jealousy and above all, the feeling of wanting someone but feeling it’s forbidden. All that back and forth was delicious for me, angsty for them, and just plain adorable. Seeing Nico not as cocky as usual was sweet, and Ever was mature, kind, helpful. She helped the guys feeding them nutritious meals and gave them yoga lessons to help the loosen up. I had visuals of big hunky men all twisted on the floor! Yum!

In this first installment, I can already tell I’m going to love all the guys. Frank the guy who tries too hard, Gav the oblivious one, and Cooper my favorite, a little closed off, always kind, always observant, quiet and a great friend. I loved the closed proximity together with the slow burn, what some may call reticence but I think was more a tad insecurity. Anyway, I saw love, I saw interest, and I saw they needed to sort their issues. And I enjoyed every step of the way!

Everleigh aka Ever is wanting to have a true collage experience as a transfer student. To start things off on the wrong foot, her housing got cancelled with her car broken into. Ever meets a group of football players that happen to have a room available, and she agreed to cook for them in exchange for living there. One of the player’s named Nico has a crush with sparks when they first meet but he doesn’t do relationships or feelings. Having Ever living with him just might be able to change his mind. Nico and Ever a slow burn romance with engaging chemistry that keep you clued to your kindle. I adored Dollar I hope there next in the series.

I’m obsessed with this book! Nico and Everleigh end up becoming roommates. She has no idea she is sharing a house with 3 of the most popular football players. Nico has his walls up and is a no commitment kind of guy. This is definitely a slow burn. Nico ends up catching feelings for his roomie and Everleigh is making him work for it. She was not planning on falling for his smooth talk. I loved all the side characters and I’m so excited for more in this series!

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 🙌🏻.