Scrimmage

Twisted Mementos #1

by K. Moret

I want her to beg me to stop, but I know she won't.

Ashland, a junior in college, is determined to embrace every experience life can bring her, except for romance. With graduation looming and a letter she can’t seem to open, the past resurfaces, beginning to haunt her. Until she finds a distraction in the shape of a tall, moody football player. 

When she crosses paths with the golden boy of Cassium University, she finds herself at war. His perfect smile, self-sure personality, and unbridled judgment are like nails on a chalkboard. As their paths intertwine, Ashland grapples with an attraction that feels dangerous. With each encounter, the line between distraction and desire blurs, and the reality of her past begins to catch up to her.

Ashland is faced with a choice: continue running from her past or accept the uncertainty of the future.



NOTE: Scrimmage is a dark college romance with themes not suitable to those under 18. Please check CWs.

Paperback

First published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Amber Pickarts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review- Wow! This book has consumed my every thought for three straight days. It is so well written, it is so good. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and I’m so grateful to have gotten an arc of this book even though it means I’m gonna have to wait extra long till I get the next book in the series. Thank you for allowing me read this early K. 💕

[Caitlin Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I loved this book!

The friendship and chaotic energy between Ashland and Penny had me cackling! Everyone deserves a Penny in their life.

The banter and tension between Ashland and Koda was so good! They just couldn’t stay away from each other!

And the ending? I’m dying for book two!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


Please check your triggers before reading, this is a dark romance!

I did receive this book as an ARC, thank you K. Moret! This review is my own.

[Amberreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashland is a foul mouthed junior in college who lives on enough espresso to give her a heart attack, witty one liners, alcohol, and tattoos. She may as well walk around with an “F you” on her forehead and she doesn’t care if she hurts your feelings. The only person that loves her sarcastic sense of humor as much as Ashland does is her best friend, Penny.
Together, they leave a trail of empty pizza boxes, paint splatters, charcoal sketches and stolen t-shirts from the last “Chance” in their wake.
One day, they meet Koda and Alexi, brothers on the Cassium University football team. Alexi is nice and funny but Ashland doesn’t need anymore friends. After all, she’s got Penny and together, they are Cvnts of the Century and that’s all she needs.
Koda is straight-laced, meticulous, always has a plan, and is on his way to going pro but nothing gets under his skin quite like the girl with pink hair, tattoos, and the tendency to p-ss him off.

This story deep dives into the complexity of trauma and its long lasting mental and emotional effects. Incredibly well layered, you don’t get the full back story of Ashland all at once. Instead, it’s sprinkled in throughout the book so the picture slowly becomes clearer as you get to know her. I cannot rave highly enough at how well this book is written. It flows so well and I couldn’t put it down. I would recommend reviewing all the trigger warnings before reading because this book deals with some very heavy subject matters but K. Moret has delivered a something truly incredible. This isn’t your standard dark romance book. It’s so much more than that. It had me laughing out loud in one moment, sobbing in the next, gasping in shock, and even blushing from the SPICY moments we got between the two main characters.

Tropes:
Dark college romance
Fmc with complex traumatic back story
Possessive & protective mmc
Found family
Enemies to lovers
Mental health representation
SPICY
HEA
*check your TW*

[Suellynn Keil · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Immediately yes. If you love dark romance, this is for you 100%. It was a roller coaster of emotions but so freaking worth it. Ashland our FMC is such a badass and a whole freaking vibe. You’re following her while she navigates dealing with her trauma.

Koda our MMC is a football star preparing to go pro. He’s more focused on his career than anything else, until he meets Miss Ashland. We love him. He would do anything for Ashland whether she wants him to or not and I’m here for it🫣

I loved this book. I love the characters especially Penny and Alexi. I love the toxicity 😂 I will be sat for book 2🤭

Obviously check your triggers. It is DARK and heavy.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am newer to the dark romance world (I’ve read some mild ones) and this book was a great Segway into it that realm.

The characters grow throughout the book and they know they have their own toxic traits and that they feed off each other. The flash backs were epic and helped to get to know Ashland a little deeper, especially because she is so superficial on the outside.

Penny. Omg Penny. Everyone needs a ride or die like her. She is the definition of “my person” and I’m obsessed with their friendship.

The plot twist was so crazy and I didn’t see it coming. It hit at like 80% and kept me up late into the night to finish the story because I just HAD to know how it ended.

[Ashly Giner · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review – The Scrimmage by K. Moret

Okay… The Scrimmage? Unhinged. Intense. SPICY. And I devoured every bit of it.

Ashland is a straight-up firecracker; one of the most emotional, chaotic, complex characters I’ve ever read. She’s the bully in this bully romance and honestly? It works. Koda is that quiet, broody type who’s also a total softie when it comes to her, and I ate it up. Their dynamic? Toxic, messy, electric. Yes, please.

And the side characters?? Alexi is the MVP best friend/brother. we love a sexy protective chaotic boy who brings humor to every scene. Penny deserves her own fan club. “I didn’t say it was about you, but if the shoe fits shove that bitch on, Cinderella” might live rent free in my head forever.

If The Ritual, God of Fury, and Lights Out had a baby raised on spice and emotional damage, it would be this book. Dark romance readers, this one’s for you. It’s intense, layered, hot as hell, and left me begging for book two.

Overall: 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a cold shower
Tropes: unhinged heroine, broody love interest, bully romance (but SHE’S the bully), found family, dark & twisty💜

[Tahtyana Ernest-King · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Reader Review -

JUST WOW. For almost 4 straight days, I couldn’t do anything else but think about Ashland and Koda. This is my first dark romance and I’m really glad that this was my first.

The writing is fantastic. The dialogue is clever and striking. Literally a pleasure to read.

The plot is fantastic. Everytime I thought I could guess what would happen next, something else happened. I love that.

The characters were developed so nicely. I loved reading both perspectives. I loved getting to know both main characters and even the supporting ones!

The spicyness was EVERYTHING! Legitimately raunchy and just so real.

I can’t say enough about his much I enjoyed this book. I need book 2 ASAP

[Carmen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to K. Moret for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If chaos had a favorite child, it would be Ashland. She’s a junior at Cassium University with a mouth that could make a sailor blush, an espresso addiction bordering on medical emergency, and enough snark to fuel an entire roast battle. She’s raw, unapologetic, and pretty much allergic to feelings—unless you count her ride-or-die best friend Penny, who’s equally wild and wonderfully unhinged. Together, they’re a hurricane of art supplies, attitude, and questionable decisions, and honestly? I kind of love them for it.

Enter Koda and Alexi—brothers, football players, and total opposites. Alexi is chill and charming, but it’s Koda, the buttoned-up, future-NFL golden boy, who finds himself completely thrown off by Ashland’s sharp tongue and pink hair. Their dynamic? Think verbal sparring, lingering glances, and tension so thick you could cut it with a palette knife.

But Scrimmage isn’t just banter and burn-your-lips spice (though yes, the steam is real). This story goes deep. K. Moret does a phenomenal job unraveling Ashland’s past in fragments, giving you just enough to stay curious, until suddenly, it all hits you at once—and hard. The trauma she carries is no side note; it’s central to who she is, and watching her navigate that with a mix of rage, vulnerability, and reluctant healing is powerful.

What I really appreciated was how well the heavy themes were balanced with humor, romance, and just enough found-family vibes to warm your heart. The writing is fluid and addictive—one chapter turns into five before you even blink. It’s not your typical dark college romance. It’s grittier, smarter, and packed with emotional weight.

Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in, but if you’re looking for a bold, emotionally complex, spicy-as-hell story with layered characters and top-tier banter? Scrimmage delivers. And then some.

4.5 ⭐️s

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was completely and utterly addictive. It’s one of those books that alters your brain chemistry.

This dark romance follows Ashland who has a very traumatic past. She’s haunted, snarky, abrasive, and crud€. But she’s smart, talented, and caring in her own way. By Chance (haha), her and her best friend Penny, meet Alexi and Koda. Koda is a demanding broody a hole with his own past trauma. While his adopted brother Alexi, is the laidback kind.

After Alexi fails to hook up with Ashland, he wants to befriend her and Penny. At first, Koda has a deep hate for Ashland but quickly turns into infatuation. They can’t deny their physical attraction. She doesn’t do feelings or relationships and isn't his typical Stacy.

This story follows Ashland and Koda’s toxic relationships and complicated lives. There are so many highs and lows, but ultimately they have to determine if their futures, together or separately, outweighs the demons of their past.

- Dark college romance
- Found Family
- Lots of 🌶️
- She’s the bully
- Unhinged MC’s

📚This book was a mental and emotional roller coaster. I thoroughly enjoyed how this book was written. It is long but I only found myself wishing the pacing was different in a few spots. The timeline was pretty smooth for the most part. I did however find myself wanting to learn more about Kodas past. There’s still so many pieces of Ashlands story that we don’t have either. This is book only the first book in the series and I’m sure we’ll get more in the next book. I’m so anxious for Carcinogen-book2!
✨ARC Review

[Tiredteacher.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scrimmage had a solid concept, and I enjoyed the mix of football, drama, and dark romance. There were definitely moments that pulled me in, and the story had good momentum overall.

That said, the pacing felt a bit inconsistent—some parts flew by while others dragged a little. Ashland was an interesting character, but she sometimes came off as an alternative pick-me girl… and yet, also not at all? It made her hard to pin down, which I liked in some ways but also found a little frustrating. She had one mode: unhinged and kinda mean. I wish we got more of the depth (other than her insecurity) that was hinted at in her character- because it was there!!! It was just hard to buy into sometimes.

And Koda… was very much a man in a dark sports romance book. He had his moments, but didn’t totally stand out for me until the very end. The payoff was worth it though.

All in all, I did enjoy the read—it just didn’t quite all come together for me the way I hoped.

Overall though, this was just book 1. I’m excited to see where the rest of the series takes us! I think there is definitely more to Ashland & Koda’s story (not to mention the side characters) that I’m eager to explore!

*thank you to K. Moret & team for the an ARC!*

[Claire Carruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG where to begin!
Immersive and could not put it down -5stars!

Ok lets start with the cover- this is what pulled me in straight away- it is gorgeous, my favourite colour and has stars, so a definite yes!
Next up the dedication - would love to know the background to this but hilarious.
As a dark college romance this novel gives you it all and more, K Moret has not held back on that experience and I loved it- make sure you read the trigger warning first just in case. There is so much witty "eye rolling" banter and laugh out loud moments that have you kicking your legs its so funny.
Although funny the darkness is there with the complex history of the FMC- Ashland which teases out the further you go through the book. The main characters relationship and exchanges throughout the book have you on the edge of your seat. Ashland has the most foul mouth ever but I kid you not, it is everything you have ever wanted to say to people you don't like but are too polite!
Please tell me book 2 is releasing before the end of the year as I cannot wait!
My thanks to K. Moret for allowing me to be an arc reader of Scrimmage. All comments are my own and I look forward to the rest of this series

[Chante Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm completely blown away by the story, it's raw and gritty and dark, so do check the trigger warnings.


Ashland is a total and utter wreck; she starts out a wreck and ends a wreck, but man, the more you read,, the more you understand her.  She's a typical wreck, all those obvious signs, hypersexuality, black out drunk, fear of vulnerability, it all paints a decidedly horrific picture and as the story goes on, the picture being painted gets even more horrific, and I loved every minute of it.


This isn't the classical dark college romance, the two main characters are definitely toxic for each other in a traumatic yet sweet kind of way, Koda, he was hard to get a read on, bar his trauma is most likely just as horrific as Ashlands, and they work well together when they aren't snarling at each other.


I must admit I really want a second book, as that ending gives second book vibes, and I really want to read Penny's story, not only to see her again, but I do still have unanswered questions.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!! K. Moret this book was awesome!!! This is a darker romance so please read the triggers.

Ashland is our foul mouth, no filter, doesn't care if she hurts your feeling fmc! She is a junior in college. Her and her best friend Penny are hilarious! Ashland has allot of past trauma and that's why she acts how she does.

Koda is our obsessive, kind of psycho mmc. He will do whatever he has to to be in Ashland's life. Him and his brother Alexi are very close. Koda is a star football player looking to go pro.

Each of the characters seem to have some sort of trauma going on. I can't wait for more books in the series to come out especially Penny. I did like where there were the flashbacks from what Ashland went through because it gave you a better perspective and into her thinking. I feel like their was great character growth with Koda and Ashlyn by the end of the book. this was a five star read for me and a book I would probably go back to and read again.

[Midnight Fantasy Fables · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrimmage is a dark and emotionally charged dark college romance that explores grief, vulnerability, and the tension between past and future. The FMC, Ashland, is a strong independent junior. She has sworn off romance while trying to outrun the pain of a haunting past—one that resurfaces with a traumatizing reminder of an unopened letter and the unexpected pull of a new distraction. Enter the MMC “golden boy” Koda. He is confident, intense, and everything Ashland claims to avoid. These two drove me insane at times. This wasn’t just a roller coaster of emotions, it was a roller coaster that went backwards. Their chemistry is undeniable, and as their connection deepens, so does Ashland’s internal struggle between self-protection and emotional honesty. I know this is hard for Ashland, but I also think this is the best way for her to heal and have a healthy relationship. With sharp character dynamics, moments of raw vulnerability, and a heroine who refuses to apologize for who she is. Overall I feel this book is a compelling story of learning to let go, face the truth, and embrace the unknown.

[Adri_reads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Ashland our unhinged fmc, with a glowing personally . She thrives on sarcasm, witty banter, alcohol, tattoos, one night stands and commitment issues and a past that haunts her.

“Sarcasm bleeds from her tongue... she’s the kind of girl that toys with you because she knows she can”.

Then there’s Koda, strait laced, looking for a regular girl to eventually settle down with, and a college football star. The compete opposite from Ashland.

“She’s like a tornado tearing through everything in site”.





This book had it all. Traumatic back story ✔️ Toxic Love ✔️ Girl bonding ✔️. If you need a good read that will put you through a roller coaster with a heavy dash of spice 🌶️, this is the one to add to your tbr.

[Brie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!!! What a freaking ride!!! Ashland is the sassiest female ever. Ever. Ever. And I loved every second of it. Ashland has a traumatic past that we get snippets of throughout the story as she navigates coping and healing while being a wild college girl all along side her BFF, Penny.

Insert Koda, who seems to have it all figured out. He’s the football star who likes things clean and in order. Ash comes in to his life like a tornado. Seeing how they navigate their ‘relationship’ was entertaining, hilarious, spicy AF, and heartbreaking.

Check your triggers then dive right in because this story was fun, fast paced, thrilling, and shocking. I loved every second of it!

[Leah Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Okay to start off, I’m not a huge dark romance fan, I like to dip my toe in the pool, every now and again.

BUT I LOVED THIS! Ashland is a freaking bad ass chick, I just love it and her friendship with Penny is a friendship we all need in our lives. Like she is that ride or die friend.

Throughout the book we see why Ash is the way she is in a sense and whilst she navigates the past trauma. The characters develop throughout the book and Koda is one of those MMCs that will do ANYTHING, even if you don’t want him to.

I’m so grateful to @kmoretwrites & @bookishhoursocial for sending me an ARC, I am now sat for book 2😂

[Ashley Serino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazingly written. The plot, the characters, the secrets... All of it.

You can tell the author put so much heart into this story for each character. The trauma the FMC goes through can be felt throughout this story.

It's amazing how intense this book is, but to be able to aff humor that doesn't make it awkward is an amazing talent.

At one point, I did want to cry. Each character has their own growth, and you'd better buckle up for Ashland and her story.

I don't want to say too much and give anything away.

This is definitely a Dark Romance book, with a ton of trigger warnings.

Once I started the book, I could not put it down.

[Priscilla Herchold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I had read Duplicity of Thieves, which is a dark romance retelling, by K. Moret so I already knew that I liked that writing style. Now a dark college romance? Yeah, let's go!

College romances aren't always my thing, but this one was done so well. There's SO MUCH EMOTION between the Ashland and Koda, our MCs - he's obsessed with her, and she is... well her past is traumatic to the say least. But Moret does an amazing job flashing back to the trauma and developing it. The side characters of Penny and Alexi are wonderful, too.

Check the triggers, but if you like dark, this is one to check out!

[Madi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBH i am literally obsessed with everything about scrimmage. K kept me completely hooked from beginning to end with all of the chaotic energy and constant plot twists. Penny and Ashland remind me so much of my own chaotic ass friendships and i will forever be quoting the COTC until i die. Now im just sitting here not so patiently waiting for book 2 to come out because I NEED TO KNOW WHO THIS MAN IS.....

Scrimmage tells us about the truest form of friendship between Ashland and Penny, two cunts who can never be separated or torn down as long as they are together no matter what life throws at them.

[Lauren McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi! I wanted to start off by saying thank you to K.Moret for letting me ARC read for her in exchange for a completely honest review. Ashland (FMC) is the embodiment of a teenager's brain during finals. She has a caffeine addiction and a mouth that would make a sailor offended. She says what she wants when she wants. Her BFF Penny who is her equal and partner in crime.

Koda (MMC) is the laid back golden retriever of the school. When he meets the pink haired, dirty minded girl he is in for a verbal sparring. Koda's dream is to be in the NFL. But, this girl making him rethink everything.

The banter? Beautiful. The SPICE? Hot. The tension? Painfully good.

This isn't just your average smut sport book-it's an emotional roller coaster. Ashland has a traumatic past the author loves to foreshadow the whole book. Making you think "oh girls a bit traumatized" but then at the end you're like "oh shit I want to give girl a hug and defend her with my heart.

Moret perfectly portrayed how different people can cope from trauma in different ways. She shows how one scenario can make serval people cope a different ways.

This book is for the readers that are looking for a romance book with real emotional weight. I don't like when books are like a wattpad book(no offense I love them), when it's just romance and nothing else. I love when books have romance and the characters are more real, with real problems and emotions. It makes the reader feel as if they were transported into the book. Making you feel for the characters like they are your longtime friends.

This book is perfect for you if you love any of the popular Booktok books but wanted more emotion in them instead of AO3 and Wattpad vibes.

Thank you so much K.Moret! I hope I can ARC for you again!

[Kelsey Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wooo this was an emotional roller coaster with a lot to unpack. A dark college romance. If you've been looking for a kickass FMC who can hold her own with a sarcastic mouth meet Ashland, and don't forget her best friend Penny. Want a MMC who would do anything for his woman including putting up with her fighting him every step of the way and punching a guy in the face for you? Meet Koda and don't forget his teddy bear of a brother Alexie.

This book does have a lot of mental health and ptsd undertones resulting from sexual abuse and grooming.

[Samantha McJunkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Wow!!! Like hit you in EVERY. SINGLE. FEEL!!! Darkness recognizes darkness and love can bloom in that combined darkness! Trauma brings people together and these two have their own fair share! But Penny, oh Penny, oh everybody deserves a Penny in their life! A ride or die bestie who knows you better than yourself! Ashland is a badass who makes no apologies for the way she lives her life and is just grateful to be living! 77/10 highly recommend if you life dark romance, funny asf banter, and an absolute I don’t give af attitude you will LOVE this!!!

[Stephanie Hawco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most captivating books I’ve read in a long time. From the minute I started reading I loved Ashland’s character. Yeah she’s morally grey and has her issues but her trauma made her and she gives ZERO fucks and I love it! All the characters are written wonderfully and they all mesh so well. Lots of banter and wit, lots of sexual chemistry and tension. Lots of spice as well! The triggers are very present so read with caution. But if you love a dark, romance with enemies to lovers and all that jazz, read this. Promise you’ll like it!

To the COTC! 🖤

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you to K. Moret for allowing me to read this as an ARC reader😊
WOW. I think that is all I can say right now.
An extremely strong FMC and very determined MMC and some of the best friend/siblings people could ever ask for.
this book is dark ( it could be too dark for some, so make sure you check your trigger warnings!)
it is full of ptsd, trauma, grooming, consensual spice, and love.

I do not want to give any spoilers to this so just go read it. I promise you it is worth it!!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wild ride, for sure, and I really liked how things wrapped up at the end (except for what Ash says to Alexi in the epilog which feels like it invalidates the last 500 pages we took to get to this point).

But it's a long book, a lot of repeated cycles of plot. Some of the spicy scenes feel robotic, especially from Koda's point or view (which is his thing). Maybe I consider this closer to 3.75 stars.

[Amanda Frye · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book!! If you like dark romance this is one you won’t want to miss. This book had me screaming at the characters while trying not to be upset with them. This one took me one a roller coaster. The spice was mixed in with humor. These character left me wanting more! I hate that the book ended !!

[Nicole Falcon · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Just…Just let me take care of you. Let me love you.”

Mr. Koda Armory 🥵🥵 This ARC sent me on the emotional roller of the year. Between the amazing relationship between Ashland and Penny and the brotherly love between Koda and Alexi… this story gave me all the feels. Ashland is sarcastic and too honest… Koda is observant and loyal to a fault. I don’t wanna give too much away but this story!? This plot line!?!? It is an absolute MUST! You won’t regret it!

**Check your trigger warnings guys! Lots of dark themes in here**

Opposites attract. Feisty/stubborn FMC. OTT obsessive/possessive MMC. Banter. 1st person, duo PVO

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC from the author; this does not impact my review and all thoughts are my own.

The pacing and story moved quickly, which I prefer. The FMC, MMC, and side characters were super snarky with each other which I eat up like a little popcorn gremlin.

I did come to the conclusion that this specific trope just isn't my vibe. Readers who are into the dark and heavy will LOVE it.

[Jen Falkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the prologue and kept on going. I couldn’t put it down. The banter between the FMC and MMC is snarky and keeps the plot moving. I also loved the character development through the book.

If you are a dark romance reader this is a great book for you. There are twists and unexpected turns which kept me wanting more.