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Never Say Never #5
Romanced by the Rival
Carina Rose will make you swoon in her new fake-relationship, opposites-attract romance between a pro football player and his rival’s little sister.
Romance is dead.
Believe me, I’m not exaggerating.
My ex-fiancé cheated on me. After him, I went out with a guy who was so stuck on himself I was surprised he didn’t walk around with a mirror in his hand. And my last date? Well, that one was a doozy. That man expected me to pay for dinner . . . on my birthday!
That was it.
The final straw.
I’m over relationships, and that’s exactly what I told an extremely handsome bartender that same night. Because why wouldn’t I stroll into a pub to drown my sorrows and confess everything to a sexy stranger?
Except, apparently, I told him about more than my awful date—a whole lot more. For some unfathomable reason, I felt the need to tell him I haven’t had sex in months.
So pardon me while I crawl under a rock.
I bet you’re thinking things couldn’t get worse, right? I’d say hold my beer , but that’s too on the nose.
That mouthwatering drink-slinger was in fact not a bartender but none other than my brother’s on-field Dax Sinclair, a professional football player for the DC Rockets. And then that sexy-as-sin, built-like-a-Greek-god stud of a man inexplicably announced to thousands of people—on camera—that we were engaged!
Engaged! Me, Cami Donovan, engaged to Dax Sinclair!
What was I supposed to do? I smiled, nodded, and figured we’d call off the fake engagement once the dust settled. Then he kissed me, and before I knew it, we were in an official fake relationship.
The man promised me romance and boy does he deliver! But, just as in our arrangement, things aren’t always what they seem.
Now I have to decide . . . do I stick with the home team or root for the rival?
Romance is dead.
Believe me, I’m not exaggerating.
My ex-fiancé cheated on me. After him, I went out with a guy who was so stuck on himself I was surprised he didn’t walk around with a mirror in his hand. And my last date? Well, that one was a doozy. That man expected me to pay for dinner . . . on my birthday!
That was it.
The final straw.
I’m over relationships, and that’s exactly what I told an extremely handsome bartender that same night. Because why wouldn’t I stroll into a pub to drown my sorrows and confess everything to a sexy stranger?
Except, apparently, I told him about more than my awful date—a whole lot more. For some unfathomable reason, I felt the need to tell him I haven’t had sex in months.
So pardon me while I crawl under a rock.
I bet you’re thinking things couldn’t get worse, right? I’d say hold my beer , but that’s too on the nose.
That mouthwatering drink-slinger was in fact not a bartender but none other than my brother’s on-field Dax Sinclair, a professional football player for the DC Rockets. And then that sexy-as-sin, built-like-a-Greek-god stud of a man inexplicably announced to thousands of people—on camera—that we were engaged!
Engaged! Me, Cami Donovan, engaged to Dax Sinclair!
What was I supposed to do? I smiled, nodded, and figured we’d call off the fake engagement once the dust settled. Then he kissed me, and before I knew it, we were in an official fake relationship.
The man promised me romance and boy does he deliver! But, just as in our arrangement, things aren’t always what they seem.
Now I have to decide . . . do I stick with the home team or root for the rival?
333 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2023
17 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 31, 2026
Well, this is was my favorite of the series! The best for last I guess. I loved everything about it. The fake engagement trope, the chemistry, the easy conversation between the two,.. it was such a fun easy read!
I loved both MC. Dax is just amazing, laid back, true to his word, honest...he knew what he wanted and went for it and never made stupid excuses. He was there from day one and made it absolutely clear without being too pushy. He gave her enough space to feel safe with him and choose him. Such a charming character, I love him! It's been a while since I loved a male lead as much.
Cami had a lot more baggage because of her last relationship, she was more on the cautious side but still open enough to give him a chance. See,this is what I love about this author's stories, they're fun, sweet and easy to read. There are some misunderstandings (like all romance books out there) but they're quickly resolved and all her characters are mature and willing to communicate. This is the kind of romance I've been enjoying lately, when couples actually TALK! Although, there was a review about this book where the reader was disappointed that Cami decided to quit her job and be a stay at home mom and I've got to agree that it was not what I expected and I do find it a bit disappointing too. But it did not ruin the book for me.
Anyway, very sad that this is the last one in the series. I would love to have Sally's story and maybe Dax's sister Mads.
I loved both MC. Dax is just amazing, laid back, true to his word, honest...he knew what he wanted and went for it and never made stupid excuses. He was there from day one and made it absolutely clear without being too pushy. He gave her enough space to feel safe with him and choose him. Such a charming character, I love him! It's been a while since I loved a male lead as much.
Cami had a lot more baggage because of her last relationship, she was more on the cautious side but still open enough to give him a chance. See,this is what I love about this author's stories, they're fun, sweet and easy to read. There are some misunderstandings (like all romance books out there) but they're quickly resolved and all her characters are mature and willing to communicate. This is the kind of romance I've been enjoying lately, when couples actually TALK! Although, there was a review about this book where the reader was disappointed that Cami decided to quit her job and be a stay at home mom and I've got to agree that it was not what I expected and I do find it a bit disappointing too. But it did not ruin the book for me.
Anyway, very sad that this is the last one in the series. I would love to have Sally's story and maybe Dax's sister Mads.
May 7, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I read this book in a day. It was light and sweet. Dax was adorable and it was great to finally get Cami's story. I loved the fake engagement and Dax's mission to make Cami believe in romance again. This book is a perfect beach read, and while it's nice to revisit other characters from Carina Rose's football series, it isn't necessary to have read her other books.
June 24, 2023
Maybe it’s just me, but I was so bored and didn’t feel any connection between the main characters.
Oh, and I hated the epilogue - she was career-driven through the whole book, got her MBA…and then the epilogue shows us that she gave up her career to be a stay at home wife/mom!!! It made no sense and made me angry (I don’t mind stay at home parents…but it was so opposite everything this book made her out to be).
Oh, and I hated the epilogue - she was career-driven through the whole book, got her MBA…and then the epilogue shows us that she gave up her career to be a stay at home wife/mom!!! It made no sense and made me angry (I don’t mind stay at home parents…but it was so opposite everything this book made her out to be).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
This was a HOT and swoony read about 2 strangers who understand each other more than they thought possible. It's not their fault they just happen to root for each other's opposing football team. Such a fun book in the series. Definitely hard to put this one down.
May 24, 2023
Still swooning over all that is Dax Sinclair! He’s the man that will show you romance is not dead. Cami was over men period, she wasn’t looking for a man and she wrote off romance forever. One chance meeting and Dax knew she was the one.
This book will have me swooning for days. Think Jake Ryan swooning! This author always delivers the best and this one was exceptional.
This book will have me swooning for days. Think Jake Ryan swooning! This author always delivers the best and this one was exceptional.
August 14, 2023
Las personas siempre dicen que el físico no importa, pero no dejamos de leer a personajes muy atractivos como protagonistas... Supongo que o era tener una portada bonita o tener una linda historia, las dos cosas no podían ser 😢
Rating: 2.5/5 ⭐⭐
Romance: 1/5 ❤️
Si tuviera que describir a este libro es una frase sería algo como “una historia que no logra encontrar su identidad".
Empezando por la idea de no saber si tomar el camino de una comedia romántica o ser solo un romance. Y es que el libro comienza con una vibra divertida, con personajes adultos que transmiten tranquilidad y confianza, pero conforme avanza la historia se vuelven un poco aburridos y la química que comporten es solo porque sí.
La historia del libro se mueve mucho por la idea de (1) ser un compromiso falso y (2) existir una rivalidad deportiva, y sinceramente ninguna de las dos ideas está bien planteada.
El compromiso falso es tan falso que puedes quitarlo del libro y la historia fluye de la misma manera, los personajes seguirían teniendo citas, desarrollaría sentimientos, se separarian y volverían a estar juntos. La construcción que debía existir para acoplar este tropo a la historia es casi nula, se siente esa inestabilidad en la historia.
Y de igual manera la rivalidad es en primera absurda, miren fui muchos años fanática del fútbol y aún tengo un equipo favorito en la liga, me emociona verlos ganar, que sus principales oponentes pierdan y me molesta verlos perder, pero nunca he apoyado nada que haga que esas emociones salgan fueran del campo, por supuesto algún pequeño comentario entre personas de confianza que sean de otro equipo, hasta ahí, pero que venga un tarado a querer insultar que flojera, ignorarlo y como si no existiera. Ahora podemos decir que Cami tiene una relación más cercana al equipo porque su hermano juega en un club y su novio en otro, y lo entiendo, realmente mi comentario de que es una rivalidad absurda en el libro va ligada a qué en primera su hermano y sus amigos tienen que ser inestables para “odiar" o molestarse con que ella esté saliendo con un jugador de otro equipo porque al final de cuentas es un jugador que firmó por ese equipo por tales años y puede cambiar en cualquier momento, es una rivalidad de campo que sucede por coincidencia, si esto fuera algo como en el fútbol que los jugadores iniciaron desde pequeños y sienten un sentido de pertenencia mucho más grande, pues tal vez ahí si.
El verdadero no tiene sentido en esa rivalidad que se menciona en la portada, sinopsis y en el contenido del libro es que en realidad esa rivalidad nunca es obstáculo para nada y se desvanece en un segundo, y no estoy diciendo que quería que su hermano fuera literalmente un golpea paredes porque su hermana salía con un tipo que juega en un equipo contrario, para nada, lo que yo quiero decir es que esos supuestos detonantes (1 y 2) de la trama nunca tienen el peso necesario para que la historia se construya alrededor de ella.
Es como si hiciéramos un pastel de chocolate, pero solo estuviera cubierto de chocolate y el pan de dentro no tuviera el sabor a chocolate. El libro se vende como tropos que solo sirven para atraer al lector y nunca se toma el tiempo para usarlos y desarrollarlos de la forma en que se debe.
En cuanto a los personajes, Dax es medio intenso al principio, entiendo que quiera salir con Cami, pero oye por lo menos en la primera cita no trates de decirle si se quiere casar contigo cuando te dijo que no está interesada en una relación. Fuera de ello y a pesar de que en ocasiones parece pintarsele como el hombre perfecto, es un tipo lindo en actitud y en su interés de lo que quiere en una relación y lo que está dispuesto a ofrecer en ella.
Cami, fue divertida el principio y definitivamente ella merecía su comedia romántica, el personaje empezó gustando me, pero no se le dio una historia buena. El conflicto final de ellos es molesto por Cami, y te hace enojar por su reacción, pero eso solo es consecuencia de que desde un principio ella dijo que no quería una relación y nunca se le dio el tiempo de superar su estado emocional, tener tiempo para sanar y aprender en su soledad y soltería, y después darse el tiempo de conocer a alguien. Al final yo estaba reafirmando mi punto de que las personas que tenemos problemas que afectan demasiado nuestra vida (y que es mega evidente necesitamos ayuda para resolverlo) no deberíamos de entrar en relaciones amorosas y cargas a otras personas con problemas que no les corresponden, ya que ellos no son nuestros psicólogos o hadas madrinas, pero después recordé que Cami desde un principio no quería una relación, sus motivos eran diversos, pero al final el como resultaron y el como la falta de acción de ella y la forma negativa en que puede ser vista el personaje por otros, es culpa de que no se supiera dar el tiempo a tratar al personaje y lo que sucede con ella y todo por culpa de querer hacer un romance alrededor de ella cuando no era el momento.
🌼 Con ello no quiero decir que es un libro horrible o que lo colocaria en mis peores lecturas del año, para nada de hecho durante mucho tiempo fue agradable de leer y no abandoné el libro (lo cual es una buena pista), en donde sí lo pondría es la lista de decepciones ya que tiene un portada linda y la vibra que transmite la sinopsis y primeros capítulos son de una historia bonita y una comedia romántica, pero esa idea nunca encuentra el camino correcto.
🍂 Al final es un libro entretenido, que dentro de todo se lee rápido, pero tiene sus fallos y muchas veces se siente sin pies ni cabello en lo que que es y en lo que quiere contar.
❤️ Al final es decisión de cada uno leerlo y crear su propia opinión ✌🏼
Rating: 2.5/5 ⭐⭐
Romance: 1/5 ❤️
Si tuviera que describir a este libro es una frase sería algo como “una historia que no logra encontrar su identidad".
Empezando por la idea de no saber si tomar el camino de una comedia romántica o ser solo un romance. Y es que el libro comienza con una vibra divertida, con personajes adultos que transmiten tranquilidad y confianza, pero conforme avanza la historia se vuelven un poco aburridos y la química que comporten es solo porque sí.
La historia del libro se mueve mucho por la idea de (1) ser un compromiso falso y (2) existir una rivalidad deportiva, y sinceramente ninguna de las dos ideas está bien planteada.
El compromiso falso es tan falso que puedes quitarlo del libro y la historia fluye de la misma manera, los personajes seguirían teniendo citas, desarrollaría sentimientos, se separarian y volverían a estar juntos. La construcción que debía existir para acoplar este tropo a la historia es casi nula, se siente esa inestabilidad en la historia.
Y de igual manera la rivalidad es en primera absurda, miren fui muchos años fanática del fútbol y aún tengo un equipo favorito en la liga, me emociona verlos ganar, que sus principales oponentes pierdan y me molesta verlos perder, pero nunca he apoyado nada que haga que esas emociones salgan fueran del campo, por supuesto algún pequeño comentario entre personas de confianza que sean de otro equipo, hasta ahí, pero que venga un tarado a querer insultar que flojera, ignorarlo y como si no existiera. Ahora podemos decir que Cami tiene una relación más cercana al equipo porque su hermano juega en un club y su novio en otro, y lo entiendo, realmente mi comentario de que es una rivalidad absurda en el libro va ligada a qué en primera su hermano y sus amigos tienen que ser inestables para “odiar" o molestarse con que ella esté saliendo con un jugador de otro equipo porque al final de cuentas es un jugador que firmó por ese equipo por tales años y puede cambiar en cualquier momento, es una rivalidad de campo que sucede por coincidencia, si esto fuera algo como en el fútbol que los jugadores iniciaron desde pequeños y sienten un sentido de pertenencia mucho más grande, pues tal vez ahí si.
El verdadero no tiene sentido en esa rivalidad que se menciona en la portada, sinopsis y en el contenido del libro es que en realidad esa rivalidad nunca es obstáculo para nada y se desvanece en un segundo, y no estoy diciendo que quería que su hermano fuera literalmente un golpea paredes porque su hermana salía con un tipo que juega en un equipo contrario, para nada, lo que yo quiero decir es que esos supuestos detonantes (1 y 2) de la trama nunca tienen el peso necesario para que la historia se construya alrededor de ella.
Es como si hiciéramos un pastel de chocolate, pero solo estuviera cubierto de chocolate y el pan de dentro no tuviera el sabor a chocolate. El libro se vende como tropos que solo sirven para atraer al lector y nunca se toma el tiempo para usarlos y desarrollarlos de la forma en que se debe.
En cuanto a los personajes, Dax es medio intenso al principio, entiendo que quiera salir con Cami, pero oye por lo menos en la primera cita no trates de decirle si se quiere casar contigo cuando te dijo que no está interesada en una relación. Fuera de ello y a pesar de que en ocasiones parece pintarsele como el hombre perfecto, es un tipo lindo en actitud y en su interés de lo que quiere en una relación y lo que está dispuesto a ofrecer en ella.
Cami, fue divertida el principio y definitivamente ella merecía su comedia romántica, el personaje empezó gustando me, pero no se le dio una historia buena. El conflicto final de ellos es molesto por Cami, y te hace enojar por su reacción, pero eso solo es consecuencia de que desde un principio ella dijo que no quería una relación y nunca se le dio el tiempo de superar su estado emocional, tener tiempo para sanar y aprender en su soledad y soltería, y después darse el tiempo de conocer a alguien. Al final yo estaba reafirmando mi punto de que las personas que tenemos problemas que afectan demasiado nuestra vida (y que es mega evidente necesitamos ayuda para resolverlo) no deberíamos de entrar en relaciones amorosas y cargas a otras personas con problemas que no les corresponden, ya que ellos no son nuestros psicólogos o hadas madrinas, pero después recordé que Cami desde un principio no quería una relación, sus motivos eran diversos, pero al final el como resultaron y el como la falta de acción de ella y la forma negativa en que puede ser vista el personaje por otros, es culpa de que no se supiera dar el tiempo a tratar al personaje y lo que sucede con ella y todo por culpa de querer hacer un romance alrededor de ella cuando no era el momento.
🌼 Con ello no quiero decir que es un libro horrible o que lo colocaria en mis peores lecturas del año, para nada de hecho durante mucho tiempo fue agradable de leer y no abandoné el libro (lo cual es una buena pista), en donde sí lo pondría es la lista de decepciones ya que tiene un portada linda y la vibra que transmite la sinopsis y primeros capítulos son de una historia bonita y una comedia romántica, pero esa idea nunca encuentra el camino correcto.
🍂 Al final es un libro entretenido, que dentro de todo se lee rápido, pero tiene sus fallos y muchas veces se siente sin pies ni cabello en lo que que es y en lo que quiere contar.
❤️ Al final es decisión de cada uno leerlo y crear su propia opinión ✌🏼
May 15, 2023
Carina Rose will make you swoon in her new fake-relationship, opposites-attract romance between a pro football player and his rival's little sister.
Romance is dead.
Believe me, I'm not exaggerating.
My ex-fiancé cheated on me. After him, I went out with a guy who was so stuck on himself I was surprised he didn't walk around with a mirror in his hand. And my last date? Well, that one was a doozy. That man expected me to pay for dinner . . . on my birthday!
That was it.
Loved Dax & Cami's story! I was hooked within the first few pages. Dax definitely makes you believe that romance is not dead. Lots of swoon worthy moments throughout this book! Highly recommend.
The final straw.
I'm over relationships, and that's exactly what I told an extremely handsome bartender that same night. Because why wouldn't I stroll into a pub to drown my sorrows and confess everything to a sexy stranger?
Except, apparently, I told him about more than my awful date—a whole lot more. For some unfathomable reason, I felt the need to tell him I haven't had sex in months.
So pardon me while I crawl under a rock.
I bet you're thinking things couldn't get worse, right? I'd say hold my beer , but that's too on the nose.
That mouthwatering drink-slinger was in fact not a bartender but none other than my brother's on-field Dax Sinclair, a professional football player for the DC Rockets. And then that sexy-as-sin, built-like-a-Greek-god stud of a man inexplicably announced to thousands of people—on camera—that we were engaged!
Engaged! Me, Cami Donovan, engaged to Dax Sinclair!
What was I supposed to do? I smiled, nodded, and figured we'd call off the fake engagement once the dust settled. Then he kissed me, and before I knew it, we were in an official fake relationship.
The man promised me romance and boy does he deliver! But, just as in our arrangement, things aren't always what they seem.
Now I have to decide . . . do I stick with the home team or root for the rival?
Loved Dax & Cami's story! I was hooked within the first few pages. Their story was beautifully written and swoon worthy! Highly recommend!
Romance is dead.
Believe me, I'm not exaggerating.
My ex-fiancé cheated on me. After him, I went out with a guy who was so stuck on himself I was surprised he didn't walk around with a mirror in his hand. And my last date? Well, that one was a doozy. That man expected me to pay for dinner . . . on my birthday!
That was it.
Loved Dax & Cami's story! I was hooked within the first few pages. Dax definitely makes you believe that romance is not dead. Lots of swoon worthy moments throughout this book! Highly recommend.
The final straw.
I'm over relationships, and that's exactly what I told an extremely handsome bartender that same night. Because why wouldn't I stroll into a pub to drown my sorrows and confess everything to a sexy stranger?
Except, apparently, I told him about more than my awful date—a whole lot more. For some unfathomable reason, I felt the need to tell him I haven't had sex in months.
So pardon me while I crawl under a rock.
I bet you're thinking things couldn't get worse, right? I'd say hold my beer , but that's too on the nose.
That mouthwatering drink-slinger was in fact not a bartender but none other than my brother's on-field Dax Sinclair, a professional football player for the DC Rockets. And then that sexy-as-sin, built-like-a-Greek-god stud of a man inexplicably announced to thousands of people—on camera—that we were engaged!
Engaged! Me, Cami Donovan, engaged to Dax Sinclair!
What was I supposed to do? I smiled, nodded, and figured we'd call off the fake engagement once the dust settled. Then he kissed me, and before I knew it, we were in an official fake relationship.
The man promised me romance and boy does he deliver! But, just as in our arrangement, things aren't always what they seem.
Now I have to decide . . . do I stick with the home team or root for the rival?
Loved Dax & Cami's story! I was hooked within the first few pages. Their story was beautifully written and swoon worthy! Highly recommend!
May 10, 2023
Carina Rose has delivered another sweet story in her A Never Say Never Football Romance series. I've really been enjoying how all these interrelated characters have been each getting their time to shine in the sun with Cami Donovan and Dax Sinclair our latest couple to find their happily ever after.
There are plenty of swoony moments beginning with Dax taking care of a drunk Cami as she decides to swear off men after a disastrous blind date. Then their worlds collide once more as the football star and the PR/marketing whiz find themselves at a gala and Dax announces that Cami is his fiancee when they barely even know one another! What follows is a series of lies to loved ones, including Cami's overprotective brother Lucas (football star and rival of Dax who has his own book, Charmed by the Player), while our couple finds themselves falling for the other when that was definitely not the plan they put in place.
But both are truly wonderful people who deserve to find a soulmate and why not the person you are pretending to be engaged to? Makes perfect sense to me and Carina Rose plays out this adorable farce beautifully. Especially since others can see how much they adore one another even though Cami may not want to believe Dax would want her in every way possible.
When looking for an easy-going romance that is delightful, touching and full of heart, look no further than Romanced by the Rival. Light on steam but heavy on feels, I happily give this well-written and charming book a huge 4 stars!
There are plenty of swoony moments beginning with Dax taking care of a drunk Cami as she decides to swear off men after a disastrous blind date. Then their worlds collide once more as the football star and the PR/marketing whiz find themselves at a gala and Dax announces that Cami is his fiancee when they barely even know one another! What follows is a series of lies to loved ones, including Cami's overprotective brother Lucas (football star and rival of Dax who has his own book, Charmed by the Player), while our couple finds themselves falling for the other when that was definitely not the plan they put in place.
But both are truly wonderful people who deserve to find a soulmate and why not the person you are pretending to be engaged to? Makes perfect sense to me and Carina Rose plays out this adorable farce beautifully. Especially since others can see how much they adore one another even though Cami may not want to believe Dax would want her in every way possible.
When looking for an easy-going romance that is delightful, touching and full of heart, look no further than Romanced by the Rival. Light on steam but heavy on feels, I happily give this well-written and charming book a huge 4 stars!
May 28, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. This was my first book by Carina and it definitely won’t be my last. I will be going back to read the other books in this series. But this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Cami has decided to swear off men and relationships for a while. After what her ex-fiancé did to her and now this disaster of a blind date, she is officially done. She goes to a bar to drown her sorrows and ends up meeting Dax. He’s a handsome bartender who offers to see her home safely since she ended up drinking too much while she gave him the sad story of her birthday date.
Dax was just working at the bar to help his best friend out. He wasn’t expecting to finally meet a woman who had no idea he was a famous football player. She just saw him as the nice bartender who wasn’t trying to take advantage of her. Dax wants to help her see that romance isn’t dead after all.
Together they decided to pretend to be together so that Dax didn’t have to go on a reality show cruise to “find true love” and Cami wouldn’t have to be set up by her friends any more. Neither was truly expecting to find that forever kind of love. Can Dax get past the wall Cami has build around her heart or will sins of the past tear them apart.
Dax was definitely the most swoony book boyfriend. I really loved how he was with Cami and everyone else in the story. This book was just perfect in my eyes.
Cami has decided to swear off men and relationships for a while. After what her ex-fiancé did to her and now this disaster of a blind date, she is officially done. She goes to a bar to drown her sorrows and ends up meeting Dax. He’s a handsome bartender who offers to see her home safely since she ended up drinking too much while she gave him the sad story of her birthday date.
Dax was just working at the bar to help his best friend out. He wasn’t expecting to finally meet a woman who had no idea he was a famous football player. She just saw him as the nice bartender who wasn’t trying to take advantage of her. Dax wants to help her see that romance isn’t dead after all.
Together they decided to pretend to be together so that Dax didn’t have to go on a reality show cruise to “find true love” and Cami wouldn’t have to be set up by her friends any more. Neither was truly expecting to find that forever kind of love. Can Dax get past the wall Cami has build around her heart or will sins of the past tear them apart.
Dax was definitely the most swoony book boyfriend. I really loved how he was with Cami and everyone else in the story. This book was just perfect in my eyes.
May 19, 2023
Excellent edition to this series. Fake relationship (engagement) / Opposites attract and the story includes the infamous Jake Ryan!! What is there not to like?
Cami is having the worst time with "love" - ex fiance had cheated on her, next boyfriend should have just dated himself, there was no room left in the relationship next to his ego and the last date ended with Cami paying for her own birthday meal! What do you do after that, head to the nearest pub, drown your sorrows in a glass of something hard to wash away your emotions and share with the sexy bartender EVERYTHING!!
Dax is helping fill in for his buddy at the bar while his buddy's wife is heading to have their baby. By day Dax is actually a pro footballer. He is an all around good guy. He tries to help Cami through this horrific night like any bartender/therapist would do.
After the wild night of her failed birthday, Cami wants nothing to do with dating. Of course her career has brought her to a dating cruise / reality event. Dax has been roped into a dating cruise / reality event by his agent. They both want nothing to do with this so of course the natural decision is to announce your (fake) engagement to the world?!
What these two weren't expecting was the growing feelings they have while trying to maintain this fake relationship - not so fake now!
Cami is having the worst time with "love" - ex fiance had cheated on her, next boyfriend should have just dated himself, there was no room left in the relationship next to his ego and the last date ended with Cami paying for her own birthday meal! What do you do after that, head to the nearest pub, drown your sorrows in a glass of something hard to wash away your emotions and share with the sexy bartender EVERYTHING!!
Dax is helping fill in for his buddy at the bar while his buddy's wife is heading to have their baby. By day Dax is actually a pro footballer. He is an all around good guy. He tries to help Cami through this horrific night like any bartender/therapist would do.
After the wild night of her failed birthday, Cami wants nothing to do with dating. Of course her career has brought her to a dating cruise / reality event. Dax has been roped into a dating cruise / reality event by his agent. They both want nothing to do with this so of course the natural decision is to announce your (fake) engagement to the world?!
What these two weren't expecting was the growing feelings they have while trying to maintain this fake relationship - not so fake now!
May 19, 2023
Excellent edition to this series. Fake relationship (engagement) / Opposites attract and the story includes the infamous Jake Ryan!! What is there not to like?
Cami is having the worst time with "love" - ex fiance had cheated on her, next boyfriend should have just dated himself, there was no room left in the relationship next to his ego and the last date ended with Cami paying for her own birthday meal! What do you do after that, head to the nearest pub, drown your sorrows in a glass of something hard to wash away your emotions and share with the sexy bartender EVERYTHING!!
Dax is helping fill in for his buddy at the bar while his buddy's wife is heading to have their baby. By day Dax is actually a pro footballer. He is an all around good guy. He tries to help Cami through this horrific night like any bartender/therapist would do.
After the wild night of her failed birthday, Cami wants nothing to do with dating. Of course her career has brought her to a dating cruise / reality event. Dax has been roped into a dating cruise / reality event by his agent. They both want nothing to do with this so of course the natural decision is to announce your (fake) engagement to the world?!
What these two weren't expecting was the growing feelings they have while trying to maintain this fake relationship - not so fake now! Review submitted by C. Seymour - blogger
Cami is having the worst time with "love" - ex fiance had cheated on her, next boyfriend should have just dated himself, there was no room left in the relationship next to his ego and the last date ended with Cami paying for her own birthday meal! What do you do after that, head to the nearest pub, drown your sorrows in a glass of something hard to wash away your emotions and share with the sexy bartender EVERYTHING!!
Dax is helping fill in for his buddy at the bar while his buddy's wife is heading to have their baby. By day Dax is actually a pro footballer. He is an all around good guy. He tries to help Cami through this horrific night like any bartender/therapist would do.
After the wild night of her failed birthday, Cami wants nothing to do with dating. Of course her career has brought her to a dating cruise / reality event. Dax has been roped into a dating cruise / reality event by his agent. They both want nothing to do with this so of course the natural decision is to announce your (fake) engagement to the world?!
What these two weren't expecting was the growing feelings they have while trying to maintain this fake relationship - not so fake now! Review submitted by C. Seymour - blogger
May 18, 2023
Prepare to swoon as we are introduced to our newest leading man in the never say never football romance series!
Dax Sinclair is all that and a bag of chips! A pro football player, good looking, funny, sweet, kind and will do anything to help out his friends. That is how he ended up behind his friend's bar slinging drinks while he buddy's wife was in labor. Little did he know that a petite bundle of sweet and sassy was about to go belly up to the bar and tell him her troubles. Cami Donovan is having the worst dating life in forever! Her run-on cheaters, cheap skates, and egotistical men is at an all-time high! She has just run off on a very bad date on her birthday when she drops into a local watering hole to catch her breath. There she finds more than a shoulder to cry on she hit the bartender jackpot when she meets Dax. Oh, my word I loved this couple. They are funny, cute, sweet, have that sizzle and they soon find out that Cami is the little sister of one of Dax's biggest playing rivals. If that wasn't interesting enough, they now find themselves caught up in a fake engagement!! What a fun and oh so entertaining story!!
~~Michele McMullen~~
Dax Sinclair is all that and a bag of chips! A pro football player, good looking, funny, sweet, kind and will do anything to help out his friends. That is how he ended up behind his friend's bar slinging drinks while he buddy's wife was in labor. Little did he know that a petite bundle of sweet and sassy was about to go belly up to the bar and tell him her troubles. Cami Donovan is having the worst dating life in forever! Her run-on cheaters, cheap skates, and egotistical men is at an all-time high! She has just run off on a very bad date on her birthday when she drops into a local watering hole to catch her breath. There she finds more than a shoulder to cry on she hit the bartender jackpot when she meets Dax. Oh, my word I loved this couple. They are funny, cute, sweet, have that sizzle and they soon find out that Cami is the little sister of one of Dax's biggest playing rivals. If that wasn't interesting enough, they now find themselves caught up in a fake engagement!! What a fun and oh so entertaining story!!
~~Michele McMullen~~
May 16, 2023
In the fifth installment of Carina Rose’s football romance series, Dax Sinclair pulls out all the stops to show Cami Donovan that romance really does exist. Their initial meeting comes after her disastrous birthday dinner when she finds herself at the bar where he was filling in for a friend. Certain crucial facts come to light when Dax asks Cami to pose as his fiancee to get out of appearing on a reality show. Despite the circumstances that initially bound them together, genuine feelings develop for both of them. Dax is utterly charming and capitalizes on their predicament to attempt to show Cami what a true romance can be. The conclusion of the book is almost literally from a classic movie, which was fitting for this fairy tale romance. It’s hard to have a favorite couple in this series when each story is so unique and memorable. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.
May 11, 2023
Carina never disappoints!! This book was fantastic and I didn’t want it to end!
When these two characters meet in a chance situation, there’s no denying that there was instant attraction.
The two little details, one being that Dax Sinclair is a professional football player for the DC Rockets and the other being that Cami is the sister of Lucas Donovan, the longtime rival of Dax and a player for the Virginia Thunder. This complicate things a bit for both Cami and Dax and when this comes out- both are absolutely shocked. Will they both be able to carry on with their plan for a fake relationship or will this just be too much to bare?
This fake relationship, enemy to lovers story should not be missed. I absolutely love this group of characters and their relationships with each other and hope there is more to come in this world!
When these two characters meet in a chance situation, there’s no denying that there was instant attraction.
The two little details, one being that Dax Sinclair is a professional football player for the DC Rockets and the other being that Cami is the sister of Lucas Donovan, the longtime rival of Dax and a player for the Virginia Thunder. This complicate things a bit for both Cami and Dax and when this comes out- both are absolutely shocked. Will they both be able to carry on with their plan for a fake relationship or will this just be too much to bare?
This fake relationship, enemy to lovers story should not be missed. I absolutely love this group of characters and their relationships with each other and hope there is more to come in this world!
May 8, 2023
Where can I find a Dax Sinclair. The man is everything a woman is looking for, he’s all about family, friends and showing Cami Donovan that romance is not dead.
Cami Donovan has had her heartbroken and is not looking for any kind of romance but when a bad blind date has her meeting Dax by chance things take a turn for the better.
Dax & Cami have an unconventional start but they can’t help the chemistry they have with each other but helping the other out can get a little tricky and what starts out as fake soon starts to feel very real.
Watching Dax & Cami navigate through it all is fun to see and cheering them on to become that couple that everyone sees as real has a swoon worthy effect on me.
Cami Donovan has had her heartbroken and is not looking for any kind of romance but when a bad blind date has her meeting Dax by chance things take a turn for the better.
Dax & Cami have an unconventional start but they can’t help the chemistry they have with each other but helping the other out can get a little tricky and what starts out as fake soon starts to feel very real.
Watching Dax & Cami navigate through it all is fun to see and cheering them on to become that couple that everyone sees as real has a swoon worthy effect on me.
June 8, 2023
Cami Donvan and Dax Sinclair moved into my “favorites” character category. And Dax certainly knows how to “romance” the girl -- in all the best ways.
Readers will find a treat with low level angst, a perfect “love at first sight” meet/greet situation and an all-around fun-to-read delight. There's plenty of steam -- but Rose keeps it pretty clean. But you'll be treated to all the feels that'll melt your heart.
Kudos to Carina Rose on another great addition to the “Never Say Never” series. If you’re a sports fan – and especially sports-related romances, add this one to your winning touchdown with extra points category!
July 7, 2023
While the book description drew me in I wasn’t a huge fan of this book. This was my first read by this author so perhaps their style and mine just don’t match up. I do not like the insta love trope and this somewhat has it. The main plot of the book doesn’t really hit (for me at least) until chapter 9 and after a few chapters even that faded out. It was a decent enough read and while sometimes the characters were charming I felt they lacked the banter and chemistry to really draw me in. I enjoyed the family/friend dynamics in the book but overall just an okay read for me.
May 16, 2023
Romanced by the Rival is a swoon worthy read. I don't read many books in one sitting but this was so fun, light, and enjoyable. There are only two things keeping Dax and Cami apart. One she thinks romance is dead and two Dax plays for a rival team against Cami's brother and friends. The book and story ... a touchdown. I loved it and highly recommend it. You really should read them all. They are all stand alone but you get to me the whole gang.
May 25, 2023
I always love the tie in to each of the previous books in the series. Cami's story was funny at times then romantic. I wish it went further with the romance part. I didn't get enough of the warm fuzzy feeling from this book that I was hoping for. It needed another chapter that went into the fact that they got back together a little bit more before just coming out and saying they eloped and by the way she's pregnant. Felt rushed
May 13, 2023
Cami and Dax’s story was amazing. She had her heart broken by a cheating ex and wrote off men. He was determined to show her that he was different and would prove it. They started out in a fake relationship which became very real. I loved seeing this story play out. Each book in this series was unique and I loved them all. You definitely will want to grab this 5 star read. Great job Carina!
May 15, 2023
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:💭:
•That phone scene in chapter 3 - Sneaky man😏😆
•Chapter 8 flower note😊…the PS at the end of the note 😂
•The kitchen fire story 😂
•Dax is such a sweet, romantic guy! - Swoon!😍
•Undeniable chemistry
•Stop being in denial, Cami…he’s got it bad for you!
•Strong bonds
~ I love the family & friendship bonds in this story…the people helping each other out…it’s sweet.
•HEA
•That phone scene in chapter 3 - Sneaky man😏😆
•Chapter 8 flower note😊…the PS at the end of the note 😂
•The kitchen fire story 😂
•Dax is such a sweet, romantic guy! - Swoon!😍
•Undeniable chemistry
•Stop being in denial, Cami…he’s got it bad for you!
•Strong bonds
~ I love the family & friendship bonds in this story…the people helping each other out…it’s sweet.
•HEA
May 16, 2023
I just Love how Cami and Dax meet and form a relationship. Dax is her brothers Lucas' rival and never did these two see this coming. The road isn't easy as Cami has been burned on relationships but a little fake relationship just might blossom into a full on Love affair. This author has given me a fun and amazing story.
May 16, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in a day! Dax and Cami are great together!
I love a good fake relationship/fake engagement book and this one was really well done. I loved being able to see glimpses of the previous couples in this series as well!
The chemistry was great and I loved how Dax tried to get Cami to believe in love again.
I can't wait to see what comes next!
I love a good fake relationship/fake engagement book and this one was really well done. I loved being able to see glimpses of the previous couples in this series as well!
The chemistry was great and I loved how Dax tried to get Cami to believe in love again.
I can't wait to see what comes next!
May 27, 2023
I loved this story!! I loved the way that Dax and Cami met, how their relationship evolved, and you know there was a falling apart and the getting back together..... totally romantic and perfect for Cami. I loved the rival part to it. And every thing was just a sweet, and perfect!
May 24, 2023
ByGones
Letting go of our past is a nightmare we need to face our past head on in order to see our future for happiness may pass us by.
Letting go of our past is a nightmare we need to face our past head on in order to see our future for happiness may pass us by.
June 29, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
July 12, 2023
Another touchdown from Carina Rose
Another great book in the series from Carina Rose. Sweet and funny but still genuine. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Another great book in the series from Carina Rose. Sweet and funny but still genuine. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
October 4, 2023
Wow
SIXTEEN CANDLES is one of my favorite movies ever. Jake Ryan/Dax is the bestest book boyfriend. Absolutely love everything about this story.
SIXTEEN CANDLES is one of my favorite movies ever. Jake Ryan/Dax is the bestest book boyfriend. Absolutely love everything about this story.
May 14, 2023
Carina has written another touchdown with Romanced by the Rival! I couldn’t put down this fun and sweet read. As always we get a lot of sweet….a lot of swoon and a whole lot of love. Two people who try to fake it but end up falling instead. Highly recommended.
Will extend my review on release day.
Review team read.
Will extend my review on release day.
Review team read.
May 14, 2024
5 STARS
Loved this book and the whole series! Dad and Call were a great H/h! Carina Rose never disappoints! She's has another winner!!💖
Loved this book and the whole series! Dad and Call were a great H/h! Carina Rose never disappoints! She's has another winner!!💖
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