In Your Court

by Amanda Cirilli

Welcome to Westbridge State!

This cozy college town is buzzing with excitement as The Men’s basketball team heads toward the NCAA March Madness tournament!

Holly Lange couldn’t care less. She’s focused on her studies, her books, and keeping to herself. Romance? Distractions? Not on her game plan.

That is…until she’s paired up with Westbridge’s star center, Hunter Jace,
for a tutoring assignment she never signed up for.
Hunter is charming, determined, and impossible to ignore.

Yet, the more they get to know each other, the harder it becomes to pretend this connection is just academic.

As March Madness heats up, so do their feelings—but between Holly’s carefully guarded heart and hunter’s battle to overcome a serious physical setback, love might be the toughest game they’ve played yet.

Will they make it through the season undefeated…or will they lose everything when the final buzzer sounds?

Paperback

First published March 1, 2026

About the author

Amanda Cirilli is a passionate storyteller who writes across genres - from dreamy fantasy worlds filled with elemental magic and slow-burn romance to laugh-out-loud children’s books inspired by the chaos and charm of motherhood (especially life with twins).

When she’s not writing, Amanda is chasing her three kids, enjoying books from her favorite authors, or enjoying some coffee.

Amanda loves plotting her next heart-thumping scene. She believes in strong heroines, swoony villains, and book boyfriends who will ruin you for real life.

Follow Amanda to keep up with new releases, behind-the-scenes peeks, and newsletter exclusives.

Reviews

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a treat! A classic giggling, kicking my feet rom com that gave me butterflies. I really liked the challenges that Holly and Hunter faced and the journey they went through. It is also clear the author knows basketball and was able to describe what was happening in a digestible manner! I was able to learn the terms along with Holly lol Also... 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😍 SPICY

[Chrystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter’s smooth and sweet lines had me blushing a few times. Every time he says “you’re such a good girl” my cheeks flush like an inexperienced schoolgirl and not the 36 year old mom of 2 that I am 😩🤣

Big fan of the guy everyone wants wanting only one girl, even more so when the girl “doesn’t make sense”. TAKE THAT, BASKETBALL BIMBOS.

I was right there with Holly during the Baylor game, I’d like to meet that Hunter too 🥵🤣

The spice was good, sprinkled throughout the story tastefully between the sweetness.

It was a quick read but I enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait to see what comes next for the series.

[Maya Delgado · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ☆

Thank you Amanda Cirilli for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, it was super sweet, cute, and funny. The banter was kicking feet material and honestly I was having a good time. It was also cool to learn about basketball and the terms the sport uses, and especially all the march madness details.

I will say I felt like this book could’ve been shorter and there was also no need for the third act breakup. Some scenes were randomly thrown in there and I was starting to miss how part one of the book was written. The ending felt rushed and there was so many spicy scenes that could’ve been left as cute- it was starting to get repetitive. There’s nothing wrong with spice, but it gets to a point, especially in a romance book that had a much fun, playful start. I personally wish they knew each other for more than two weeks before deciding that they loved each other that much.

There were also a few times where Holly sounded a bit like “I’m not like other girls”. I get a bit cringed out anytime lines that give off those vibes are brought up- I just wish her shyer and gentler demeanor was described in a simpler way. Though, Holly was a sweet character and I loved her love of reading. Hunter himself was a green flag, a very supportive and loving boyfriend.

All that being said, it was a good palette cleanser romance, but it just wasn’t my personal favorite.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Holly, the main character, I’m not into sports and would rather relax with a good romance. But if all sports romances are like In Your Court, I might have a new favorite genre. I flew through this book, kicking my feet with a grin on my face the whole time. I really liked the main characters, and their chemistry fit the story perfectly. Their connection led to some very spicy scenes and made me root for them from the moment Hunter bumped into Holly outside the Library. The story also gives a glimpse of what’s coming next in the series, and I can’t wait to read Brandy and Nash’s story.

This book is perfect for fans of:
*Spicy Sports Romances🥵🏀
* HEA ❤️
*Forced Proximity Trope

In Your Court is out March 18th.

Thank you to Amanda Cirilli for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of In Your Court. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[CJ Greiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for this book!

Let’s start off with, “Short-stack” might be the cutest nickname ever written?? Hunter had some absolutely elite one-liners in this book and I was fully obsessed. Like… “You look like mine in it” and “Let’s go before I don’t let you” — sir, please.
This was my first read by Cirilli and I was genuinely impressed by her writing and attention to detail. She also did great with the characters (love Holly and Hunter SO much!), the story, and the smut (open door spice). Also my first basketball romance (hockey girl here!) and she had no problem keeping me hooked. I read this entire book in one sitting. Definitely reading more from her!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Meet Cute Marketing and the author for this advanced reading copy. This was a fun basketball romance. The basketball star and his tutor! Some of the tropes are forced proximity, strangers to lovers, he falls first and mutual yearning. Campus vibes with lots of dorm spice.

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book and spoilers ahead

This COULD have been a fun book, but was more of a hot mess. From the blurb, I got star athlete x tutor which reminded me of Nathan and Haley from One Tree Hill. The book is fast paced, which I didn't mind at first, but quickly became a little too unrealistic. For reference, Holly and Hunter have only known each other for about 2 weeks from their first run in (literally) to them having sex.

Some scenes were sweet like the first time Hunter and Holly have sex, but others were so cringe I wanted to claw my eyes out. For example, "if my panties weren’t wet before from all those boyish grins, then they might be now", "this man is a walking thirst trap", and "unwrapping his little snack" in reference to Hunter taking off Holly's shirt.

There's barely any conflict between Holly and Hunter. They almost break up once, but that lasted about two pages at most and ended with them having sex without protection. The only other major conflict isn't until chapter 34 (with only 40 chapters in the book) where Hunter is being drafted for the pros. This conflict did cause them to go on a break.

The final chapter is an epilogue set 9 months into the future where spoiler, Holly and Hunter did long distance and Hunter ends up proposing.

What also irritated me was the lack of consistency. For example, they started off using condoms, went bare with no condoms for two sex scenes, and then back to using condoms. I also found it odd that Holly was hesitating to say Hunter is the guy she loves (in chapter 30) when she already said it before in chapter 20.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
In Your Court by @amanda.cirilli.author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Holly and Hunter have a sweet, sexy first-love romance that feels instantly magnetic. From the moment they literally run into each other, the chemistry is there—and it never lets up.

When Holly becomes Hunter’s tutor, they’re pulled into each other’s orbit, trading witty banter for genuinely tender moments. There’s an innocence to their connection that feels nostalgic in the best way, without losing the spark.

Hunter is perfection—smart, kind, and completely devoted, with the added bonus of a very sexy athlete’s body. He meets Holly exactly where she is, respecting both her introversion and her inexperience, and he’s all in on building a future that includes her. Truly the sweetest golden retriever.

Holly is a girl after my own heart—a total bookworm whose biggest (and honestly most relatable) hobby is reading. Watching her navigate being pushed into the spotlight by Hunter’s notoriety hit hard, especially with how unnecessarily cruel the girls on campus can be. I was two seconds away from stepping into the book and fighting them myself.

Thank you to @meetcutemarketing for the ARC!

For fans of:
🏀 Basketball Romance | 📚 Athlete x Tutor | 🎓 College Age | 💘 He Falls First | 🪢 Forced Proximity | 🐶 Golden Retriever MMC | 💬 Witty Banter | 🌶️ Open Door Spice

#InYourCourt #AmandaCirilli #WestbridgeState #SportsRomance #BasketballRomance #CollegeRomance #AthleteRomance #HeFallsFirst #GoldenRetrieverMMC #ForcedProximity #WittyBanter #OpenDoorRomance #Bookstagram #RomanceReader #RomanceBooks #BookReview #ARCReview #RomanceCommunity #BookRecommendations #TBR #ReadersOfInstagram

[Hannah Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own. ✨

"From the moment we literally ran into each other, and I looked into your eyes, I knew you were different. You've had my attention from that second on. You're my peace, my strength, and the person who believes in me when I don't even believe in myself."

I literally read this book in one day. Yes, one day. I absolutely loved this sports romance. Our MMC, Hunter, is different from most sports romance MMC's I've read. He doesn't let the fame go to his head, not full of himself, and totally and utterly obsessed and devoted to our FMC, Holly. Holly prefers to stay in the background and keep her nose in a book (same, girl. Same) she doesn't know how to deal with the attention that comes with dating a star basketball player but Hunter does everything he possibly can to reassure her that no one matters but them. The mouth on Hunter- HOT. SMOKING HOT. The spice was spicing. I absolutely loved the health rep in this book! I absolutely loved this book! It's been a good minute since I read a sports romance that wasn't cliche- and this one did not disappoint. I can't wait to see what happens next with our next couple.

⭐️- 4.5
🌶️- 3/5
•Dual POV
•HEA
•basketball star
•book nerd FMC
•athlete/tutor
•SPICE

[blueberrynuggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

**This is an ARC Review; I’m incredibly grateful to the author for the opportunity to read it before its release.**

Okay. I had to.. sit with this for a second. Not because it was bad, but because that’s how hard this hit me.

Our FMC—Holly. I saw so much of myself in her that it’s not funny. Introverted, shy, awkward, bibliophile.

Our MMC—Hunter. I actually loved him so much and how she wrote his character.

The spice? Immaculate. No notes.

This circles around him needing help with school work and her tutoring him and it turning into something beautiful and rare. “And if it was divine intervention? Then, I’ll gladly drop to my knees and thank whatever god decided I deserved her.” — STOP.

Did they move a little quick, yeah, maybe. But it’s still beautiful to just read. I think, in the end, I’d probably give it like 4.75 stars? Yeah, that feels solid.

But I’m excited to read more from her; this was my first ever book from this author, and I’ve got nothing but good vibes about it.

[Carina · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't need to be athletic to binge this book... Even if it is a sports romance 😝

✨ Vibes ✨

- Very wholesome spicy scenes

- Perceptive + emotionally mature MMC

- Neither character stops having their own life when the romance happens

🫠 Didn't vibe 🫠

- Not as much as a slow burn as I'd like, though I'm just a huge romantic

- Petty, but the many grammatical errors that survived several rounds of editing, such as 'than' instead of 'then' turned me off a bit

- Inconsistent chapter length that seemed to fluctuate with what was happening in the plot

😈 SpiceLevels 😈

3.5/5

🔖Why it deserves bookshelf space 🔖

Just trust me, bro.

Nah, jk Jk 🤭

Because it's one of those books that linger in your mind, because although you might not love what's happening at a specific moment, it's impossible not to develop a genuine emotional attachment to the characters.

It's a sports romance that makes bookworm girls feel seen and empowered.

-----
I was lucky enough to ARC this title 💙

[ReadswithEvyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one of the Westbridge State Series!

A college romance between a bookworm and the popular athlete perfect for March Madness.

Holly and Hunter's story is a love at first sight with a happily ever after. Though it does have obstacles, they over come them together.

I won't spoil it too much, but Holly is not a sports girl at all but she's assigned to be Hunter's tutor. After three run in's with each other, Hunter is smitten with Holly.

I was flying through the book and yes as a sports girl myself, I got anxiety reading the outcomes of the games

Reasons to read the book, you will get happy moments, laughter, spice, cute nicknames and a couple sad moments. They also say "Ily" fairly quickly lol I guess when you know you know. After all she was in his court

Tropes
•He Falls First
•Star Athlete x Tutor
•Basketball Romance
•Forced Proximity
•Spice

P.S. If book two involves the two people I think it does, l can NOT wait 😆😆

[Rosi Colmenares · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC of this title.

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance (basketball)

For fans of:
Rom-com
Tutor x star athlete
NCAA / March Madness vibes
College sports
Witty banter
Forced proximity
He falls first

This was a wholesome romance, but it didn’t fully work for me.

The setup had a lot of potential and I liked the overall vibe, especially with the college sports setting and the dynamic between a tutor and a star athlete. The banter was fun at times and it had that light rom-com feel.

But for me, the relationship leaned more physical than emotional. I was missing that deeper connection and buildup that really makes you feel something. I tend to prefer romances with more emotional depth, so that made it harder for me to fully connect with the story.

Overall, it was a sweet and easy read—just not one that completely clicked for me.

[a.masha_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏀🏀🏀🏀

This was such a cute🥰 and spicy🥵 sports romance. I didn’t expect a book to make me blush this much! Also, look at the cover!!! It is super cute!! 🙈😍

Hunter, a popular basketball player, and Holly, his quiet tutor, had such a sweet dynamic. Holly isn’t a sports girl or an extrovert, but she’s always there for Hunter in the ways that matter. And Hunter? Completely head over heels for his girl.

The college setting and basketball games were really fun to read. The match scenes felt exciting, like you were experiencing the energy right along with them.

Hunter’s father was a little annoying, but it added some tension to the story. In the end, Hunter and Holly work through everything without letting go of each other, which made the ending really satisfying.

This book is a sweet and spicy fast read I finished in one sitting. I enjoyed it a lot!!

Perfect for readers who love
🏀 cute and spicy sports romances
👩‍❤️‍👨 sweet couples
📏 height difference
🎓 college romance

[Patrick Dizon · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

I was offered the opportunity to read an arc for this book, and I really enjoyed it. I love the tutor/jock trope very much and this one for sure didn’t disappoint. Hunter and Holly were both perfect in their main character roles. I loved that we didn’t have to wait forever for their relationship to blossom and the connection between the two just flourished more and more throughout the book. I really enjoyed how much Hunter fell for Holly first and harder and was so unapologetic about his feelings. The flow of the book was great and at times it would keep you guessing what would happen between the two leads. It was a truly heartwarming love story and will have you cheering for the couple! Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Mailani Scherzberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5

Short Stack and Hot Shot’s story was a really sweet pallet cleanser. The banter was adorable and Hunter had some really good pick up lines. I was giggling and kicking my feet.

I will say that I was stressing out around 75 it 80% of the book because I was expecting him to die or have a crazy heart attack or something, so I’m glad that didn’t happen.

Butttttt a 3rd act breakup-ish is not my vibe and there was a little too much sex in the filler chapters that was a tad overdone.

Overall the book had me stressing/overthinking about his poor heart, but the book was cute.

“Basketball might be where your heart is. But it’s not the only thing that makes it beat.”

[Jessica Tittermary Culp · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Your Court was my first read from Amanda Cirilli and i really enjoyed the story. It follows a tutor/basketball player trope of opposites attract, cinnamon role MMC with terribly shy and anxious FMC. This was my first basketball sports romance in awhile but it was really good. It follows Holly and Hunter and navigating through final years at college and their opposites attract post. Hunter falls first, and falls hard for Holly - like insta-like. Holly was a bit more reserved due to her insecurities. This was a dual POV, but heavily was centered on Holly’s perspective with Hunter peppered in there. I really enjoyed their story and relationship development.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Holly literally bumps into Hunter, the star of their college basketball team, she never thought she would speak to him again. But when tutoring becomes part of her job at the library she is paired with Hunter. The sparks start to fly and they start an unlikely relationship, the shy introvert and the star athlete. Things become hard as Hunter is thrust into the spotlight.

I really enjoyed this sports romance. I loved that they were opposites. Hunter was the perfect cinnamon roll mmc. And this one had a whole lot of spice.

My favorite line....."you're in my court, you are my end game."

I highly recommend this one to all romance fans

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In your court was a very good book I loved it. I liked holly she was just sweetest. I am a lot like her I don't do sports I would rather read and be by myself. Then she gets paired to tutor smooth talking, charming hunter. Then things go from there. I think the author did an amazing job with this book. I loved the character. I wished all sport romance books were wrote like this. I loved it and I need more. This is book 1 in The Westbridge State series, and I can't wait for more. I am waiting like a kid at Christmas.

[Ana Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
If you love a cozy college town setting, a slow-burn romance, and a bit of sports drama, Welcome to Westbridge State is calling your name. Holly and Hunter are total opposites; bookworm meets basketball star, and watching them collide was such a fun ride. Their chemistry? Off the charts. I loved seeing Holly slowly open up while Hunter proved there’s more to him than just being the campus celebrity. The NCAA March Madness backdrop added just the right amount of tension and excitement!

[Tracey Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recieved ARC copy from Author! A sweet and Spicy sport rom com! Will drag you in just enough that you'll catch yourself saying just one more chapter! Hunter and Holly are cute and sweet! The spice is 🔥🔥🔥🔥. My only downfall is a little more drama from the "Blonde Basketball Bimbos" would have been great! Overall great read! Definitely add to your TBR for a cute spicy read!

[Erin Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC review*

Fell instantly in love with Hunter and Holly. Loved their banter and the ways in which their two very different worlds collide to create something special.

Enjoyed the basketball elements throughout the book, the way author Amanda describes the game atmosphere, you feel like you're sitting courtside!

Looking forward to spending time with more of the Westbridge State crew soon!

[Sierra Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: In Your Court by Amanda Cirilli🏀🧡

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨️Who knew basketball could be this spicy!?✨️

This book was so well written and a joy to read. It is refreshing to read a book where the plot was mainly light and fun all throughout.

The romance between Holly and Hunter was electric. It's like they were drawn together from the very beginning and could not stay away from eachother!

And for all you readers who like spice with your romance, this spice was very well-written and appeared throughout the entire novel. You will NOT be disappointed.

If you want a relaxing romance that will make you swoon, I would pick up this book!

Maybe I should have tutored in college....👀😉

💫AVAILABLE 3-18-26💫

TROPES:
🏀Tutor x athlete
🧡He Falls First
🙈Nicknames
😉Teasing/Banter
📚Book Lover FMC
🌶Spicy

[Kelsey Seltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic sports rom-com but the spice was reeeaal with this one! 🌶️🥵 Quick, entertaining, easy read that I was able to get through in a couple of hours.


I loved the FMC, Holly, right away. She’s described as someone who has few friends, mostly acquaintances, and her only hobby is reading. Same, girl, same. Short-stack and hot shot are quite possibly the cutest ‘pet names’ ever and the banter between Holly & the MMC, Hunter, is great.


This was first book of Amanda Cirilli’s that I’ve read and I’ll definitely be reading more from her!


*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[lo :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine, I just kind of expected more. I guess it makes sense for a college romance, but their relationship felt purely physical and that personally just isn’t for me.

[maja28 ✮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

-3.25 stars-

i love a cute librarian & hot basketball player 😝

kind cute but sometimes way to cheesy & smutty at the wrong times

[Hallie Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

i loved this book! this is a sweet and spicy college basketball romance.

basketball romances are few and far between and everytime i read one i devour it. i love a sports romance.

holly and hunters story was sweet, sassy, with the perfect amount of spice. hunter definitely fell first and harder and did whatever it took to keep his sweet innocent tutor safe and loved. 


[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love it when the bookworm gets the jock. It’s been one of my favorite tropes! We get some spice, banter and swoony moments. I’m glad Holly got out of her head and gave the relationship a chance. Hunter was such a great MMC and he knew exactly what he wanted and got it’ ! I finished it really fast! 4 stars!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book.