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Hollowbrook Academy #1
Rival's Pledge
Meg may have escaped her captor, but recovery will be the true test of her survival.
Returning to Hollowbrook Academy months after her sudden disappearance, Meg is thrust into the spotlight in a way she’s not used to. Cruel whispers spread about the former award-winning lacrosse captain, headlines pining her as a lost cause.
Thanks to the gossip trailing her across campus, Meg wants nothing more than to blend into the background. Her classes turn into interrogations, nightmares bleed into daylight, and old threats begin to stir from the shadows.
However, upon discovering her team has been hijacked by her old rival, Everest Calloway, the fire within her roars back to life. She might not want to be seen, but there’s a stronger impulse that won’t be ignored. She can’t let him win, even if she’s sleep deprived thanks to a certain asshole next door who keeps her up at night with his bad taste in music.
Luckily, she’s not completely alone. With her cyber hacking friend, Thiago, watching her back, as well as all of the campus cameras, Meg slowly begins to find herself again. She lives for the rivalry, whilst Everest thrives on control. Going head-to-head with Golden Boy is going to take all of her energy, but that’s the least of her problems.
With her captor still at large, Meg is forced to confront a terrifying truth. Surviving doesn’t mean she’s safe. And the men circling her? They don’t want to protect her. They want to ruin her.
*This dark academy romance is a Spin-Off from the Shadowed Souls series. For your enjoyment, you might want to binge that completed series before diving into Meg's world, filled with rivalry, obsession, and slow-burning devotion. Amongst these three men, loyalty is dangerous, and love may be the most reckless pledge of all.*
Returning to Hollowbrook Academy months after her sudden disappearance, Meg is thrust into the spotlight in a way she’s not used to. Cruel whispers spread about the former award-winning lacrosse captain, headlines pining her as a lost cause.
Thanks to the gossip trailing her across campus, Meg wants nothing more than to blend into the background. Her classes turn into interrogations, nightmares bleed into daylight, and old threats begin to stir from the shadows.
However, upon discovering her team has been hijacked by her old rival, Everest Calloway, the fire within her roars back to life. She might not want to be seen, but there’s a stronger impulse that won’t be ignored. She can’t let him win, even if she’s sleep deprived thanks to a certain asshole next door who keeps her up at night with his bad taste in music.
Luckily, she’s not completely alone. With her cyber hacking friend, Thiago, watching her back, as well as all of the campus cameras, Meg slowly begins to find herself again. She lives for the rivalry, whilst Everest thrives on control. Going head-to-head with Golden Boy is going to take all of her energy, but that’s the least of her problems.
With her captor still at large, Meg is forced to confront a terrifying truth. Surviving doesn’t mean she’s safe. And the men circling her? They don’t want to protect her. They want to ruin her.
*This dark academy romance is a Spin-Off from the Shadowed Souls series. For your enjoyment, you might want to binge that completed series before diving into Meg's world, filled with rivalry, obsession, and slow-burning devotion. Amongst these three men, loyalty is dangerous, and love may be the most reckless pledge of all.*
541 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
Maddison Cole
42 books701 followersMaddison Cole is a Why Choose Dark Romance Author hailing from the south east of the UK. She is a creative through and through, whether the medium is pencil, paint, wool or words.
In her books, you'll find a heavy dose of dark humour, men with filthy mouths, shocking twists, an abundance of spice and always a feisty female lead. When not writing, you can find Maddison hiding from her two children, two cats and husband with a dirty book and a naughty dessert.
Want to know where to start? To dip your toe in the water, try Beautiful Delusions, a spicy standalone with three brothers and a happily ever after. For a completed trilogy that will take your heart and run away with it, The Shadowed Souls series is sitting pretty and waiting. Stepbro, stalkers, twists and a basketball team of pure filth and fun. The ideal binge for a reverse harem lover!
In her books, you'll find a heavy dose of dark humour, men with filthy mouths, shocking twists, an abundance of spice and always a feisty female lead. When not writing, you can find Maddison hiding from her two children, two cats and husband with a dirty book and a naughty dessert.
Want to know where to start? To dip your toe in the water, try Beautiful Delusions, a spicy standalone with three brothers and a happily ever after. For a completed trilogy that will take your heart and run away with it, The Shadowed Souls series is sitting pretty and waiting. Stepbro, stalkers, twists and a basketball team of pure filth and fun. The ideal binge for a reverse harem lover!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
July 17, 2026
⌗ ──🥍🍋🟩🐈⬛ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
this was good, but i still have this feeling that something was missing. maybe it was me? we'll never know, lol. rtc
⌗ ──🥍🍋🟩🐈⬛ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
dark academy x enemies to lovers x why choose? I'M SOLDDDDDDDDDD
thanks love notes for an arc in exchange of an honest review!
this was good, but i still have this feeling that something was missing. maybe it was me? we'll never know, lol. rtc
⌗ ──🥍🍋🟩🐈⬛ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
dark academy x enemies to lovers x why choose? I'M SOLDDDDDDDDDD
thanks love notes for an arc in exchange of an honest review!
July 6, 2026
Thank you to Smuthood and Maddison Cole for the ARC!
This book was dark, entertaining, and kept me hooked from start to finish. make sure you check your trigger warnings before diving in.
the story basically centres around the FMC’s trauma and her dynamics with the multiple MMCs, each are possessive and obsessed with her. the spice is 👌 and the FMC is unapologetic about it which i’m not mad about , cos really.. why choose 😬. the plot is a bit slow but the character dynamics kept me engaged throughout. the final stretch of the book hits and im left feeling a bit baffled, confused and full of questions haha like wtf just happened!! i need book two now!! overall i had a good time reading this.
This book was dark, entertaining, and kept me hooked from start to finish. make sure you check your trigger warnings before diving in.
the story basically centres around the FMC’s trauma and her dynamics with the multiple MMCs, each are possessive and obsessed with her. the spice is 👌 and the FMC is unapologetic about it which i’m not mad about , cos really.. why choose 😬. the plot is a bit slow but the character dynamics kept me engaged throughout. the final stretch of the book hits and im left feeling a bit baffled, confused and full of questions haha like wtf just happened!! i need book two now!! overall i had a good time reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2026
4🌟, 3.5🌶️
This was a wild, addictive ride that I could not put down.
Watching Meg fight to reclaim her identity and fire after such a traumatic past is both raw and deeply empowering. The story creates an addictive, high-stakes atmosphere where the lacrosse rivalry and the complex bonds with the men in her life keep you completely hooked on every single word.
The dynamic between Meg and her three very different men is truly fascinating. Everest brings a sharp, arrogant challenge that pushes her competitive spirit, while Thiago acts as her devoted, protective digital anchor. Then there is the brooding, mysterious Reid, whose presence adds a layer of intrigue that I am desperate to understand better. Their messy, possessive, and genuinely caring interactions make for a compelling why-choose romance that feels both dangerous and surprisingly healing.
I I honestly thought I had everything figured out, but that final cliffhanger was a brilliant maneuver that left me absolutely floored. It was such a shocking twist that I am still internally screaming at myself for missing the subtle clues. This was such a solid, satisfying experience that left me eager for more.
If you need me, I will be impatiently waiting for the sequel to drop.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Maddison Cole and The Smuthood for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This was a wild, addictive ride that I could not put down.
Watching Meg fight to reclaim her identity and fire after such a traumatic past is both raw and deeply empowering. The story creates an addictive, high-stakes atmosphere where the lacrosse rivalry and the complex bonds with the men in her life keep you completely hooked on every single word.
The dynamic between Meg and her three very different men is truly fascinating. Everest brings a sharp, arrogant challenge that pushes her competitive spirit, while Thiago acts as her devoted, protective digital anchor. Then there is the brooding, mysterious Reid, whose presence adds a layer of intrigue that I am desperate to understand better. Their messy, possessive, and genuinely caring interactions make for a compelling why-choose romance that feels both dangerous and surprisingly healing.
I I honestly thought I had everything figured out, but that final cliffhanger was a brilliant maneuver that left me absolutely floored. It was such a shocking twist that I am still internally screaming at myself for missing the subtle clues. This was such a solid, satisfying experience that left me eager for more.
If you need me, I will be impatiently waiting for the sequel to drop.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Maddison Cole and The Smuthood for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
July 11, 2026
3.5
This book isn't bad, but I just couldn't really get into the story that I became invested in the characters/story. I can't pinpoint an exact reason so maybe the author's writing style is not for me. But here are some things I liked and did not like.
1) This story while I knew it was a spinoff of a series I did not realize it was recommended to read the other series for a fuller picture of these characters. That being said while I agree there were moments where it could have shed more light on certain background facts, I don't think it's completely necessary bc I do think the author did a great job at the start giving you an opening scene that I assume came from the other series so it really did set you up to understand these characters and their situation. So, I never felt like I dropped off in the middle of a story or was missing necessary information to the story.
2) when it comes to the characters I liked Meg. She is someone who is dealing with a lot of bullshit just trying to find her new normal and find herself after her world had shattered and honestly the people around her including her therapist's suck. Her art teacher did a better job of helping her express herself and feel heard when it came to her feelings than trained professions. Now this is a why choose with 3 male partners. First is Thiago a hacker recluse who I liked he definitely game Meg a soft place to land and help take care of her. Very much a green flag and I liked him. But when it comes to the other two well first let's get Reid out of the way. He is fine and he has relevant parts to the story but even then, it felt like he was a side character for the most part bc we don't know anything about him. So, for me I wasn't invested in him. Now Everest I didn't like him bc it was always about him and his plans and what he thought was best and at times he could be an unnecessary dick. Like one time he had essentially blamed Meg for her own kidnapping thinking that if she had been more aware she wouldn't have been taken. I am sorry but you can be super aware of your surroundings but if a man showed up with a gun my inability to get away safely does not make that my fault nor does the subsequent beating and kidnapping. He also then manipulates her telling her first to take back her power and confront her kidnapper after they track his ass down and when she says no and they should go to the cops he uses the fact another girl was kidnapped by the same man saying she knows what the girl is going through and how could she not do something to help her and get her back. I am sorry it is not the barely holding it together traumatized girls' job to go on some Scooby doo rescue mission with another unprepared college kid when they have the capabilities to get the cops involved. All it does it risk Meg being retraumatized which guess what it does. So was not really a fan of him.
3) The story was okay, but I can't pinpoint why I wasn't absorbed by it. Now it is a sports romance with the sport being Lacrosse which is cool, but I know absolutely nothing about the sport so I can't attest to the accuracy, but it seemed a bit repetitive using the same terms and words/movements. But I don't read sports romances for the accuracy. Now I will say there is a big reveal at the end that I did not see coming but while it makes me a little curious about how it plays out in the next book, I honestly don't know if I will read the next book.
Overall, it was an okay book, and I can't say why it wasn't for me as it has the hallmarks of things I love but not every book is for every reader.
---
This story is about Meg who has returned back to Hollowbrook Academy trying to reclaim her life after surviving her kidnapping. Her kidnapper is still at large but she is done letting him control her. But while she knew it would be hard especially after everyone in her life abandoned her, but she next expected to be thrust in the spotlight and to have cruel whispers and taunts following her. But the worst thing about being back on campus is finding out the girl's lacrosse team that she captained into champions has been hijacked by her old rival boy's lacrosse captain Everest whose failing team is now being merged with the girls' team, and he is running it into the ground. As much as she wants to fade into the background that is not who she is and she can't let him ruin everything she built. The problem is she is so sleep deprived due to nightmares and the all-night wall shaking music the asshole next door is playing that she can't form an effective offense against him. Thankfully she is not alone as she has a cyber hacker for a friend who watches her every move providing her support so that she can't start to find herself and get things back to normal even if she still has to deal with golden boy Everest and his control issues. But just because she is surviving doesn't mean she is healed or safe especially with her kidnapper at large but with all these men circling her she isn't sure if they are truly to lift her up or if some are trying to drag her down.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book isn't bad, but I just couldn't really get into the story that I became invested in the characters/story. I can't pinpoint an exact reason so maybe the author's writing style is not for me. But here are some things I liked and did not like.
1) This story while I knew it was a spinoff of a series I did not realize it was recommended to read the other series for a fuller picture of these characters. That being said while I agree there were moments where it could have shed more light on certain background facts, I don't think it's completely necessary bc I do think the author did a great job at the start giving you an opening scene that I assume came from the other series so it really did set you up to understand these characters and their situation. So, I never felt like I dropped off in the middle of a story or was missing necessary information to the story.
2) when it comes to the characters I liked Meg. She is someone who is dealing with a lot of bullshit just trying to find her new normal and find herself after her world had shattered and honestly the people around her including her therapist's suck. Her art teacher did a better job of helping her express herself and feel heard when it came to her feelings than trained professions. Now this is a why choose with 3 male partners. First is Thiago a hacker recluse who I liked he definitely game Meg a soft place to land and help take care of her. Very much a green flag and I liked him. But when it comes to the other two well first let's get Reid out of the way. He is fine and he has relevant parts to the story but even then, it felt like he was a side character for the most part bc we don't know anything about him. So, for me I wasn't invested in him. Now Everest I didn't like him bc it was always about him and his plans and what he thought was best and at times he could be an unnecessary dick. Like one time he had essentially blamed Meg for her own kidnapping thinking that if she had been more aware she wouldn't have been taken. I am sorry but you can be super aware of your surroundings but if a man showed up with a gun my inability to get away safely does not make that my fault nor does the subsequent beating and kidnapping. He also then manipulates her telling her first to take back her power and confront her kidnapper after they track his ass down and when she says no and they should go to the cops he uses the fact another girl was kidnapped by the same man saying she knows what the girl is going through and how could she not do something to help her and get her back. I am sorry it is not the barely holding it together traumatized girls' job to go on some Scooby doo rescue mission with another unprepared college kid when they have the capabilities to get the cops involved. All it does it risk Meg being retraumatized which guess what it does. So was not really a fan of him.
3) The story was okay, but I can't pinpoint why I wasn't absorbed by it. Now it is a sports romance with the sport being Lacrosse which is cool, but I know absolutely nothing about the sport so I can't attest to the accuracy, but it seemed a bit repetitive using the same terms and words/movements. But I don't read sports romances for the accuracy. Now I will say there is a big reveal at the end that I did not see coming but while it makes me a little curious about how it plays out in the next book, I honestly don't know if I will read the next book.
Overall, it was an okay book, and I can't say why it wasn't for me as it has the hallmarks of things I love but not every book is for every reader.
---
This story is about Meg who has returned back to Hollowbrook Academy trying to reclaim her life after surviving her kidnapping. Her kidnapper is still at large but she is done letting him control her. But while she knew it would be hard especially after everyone in her life abandoned her, but she next expected to be thrust in the spotlight and to have cruel whispers and taunts following her. But the worst thing about being back on campus is finding out the girl's lacrosse team that she captained into champions has been hijacked by her old rival boy's lacrosse captain Everest whose failing team is now being merged with the girls' team, and he is running it into the ground. As much as she wants to fade into the background that is not who she is and she can't let him ruin everything she built. The problem is she is so sleep deprived due to nightmares and the all-night wall shaking music the asshole next door is playing that she can't form an effective offense against him. Thankfully she is not alone as she has a cyber hacker for a friend who watches her every move providing her support so that she can't start to find herself and get things back to normal even if she still has to deal with golden boy Everest and his control issues. But just because she is surviving doesn't mean she is healed or safe especially with her kidnapper at large but with all these men circling her she isn't sure if they are truly to lift her up or if some are trying to drag her down.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2026
*Why Choose
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Academy Setting
*FMC with trauma
*Friends to lovers
*Enemies to lovers
*Building Harem (3?)
*MM scene
*Mid Burn
*Book 1 / 3?
There is a lot to unpack in this first book of the series!
Meg (Avery’s twin) is coming to terms with going back to college after her kidnapping and trauma at the hands of Harrison. She’s an absolute fighter and is determined to figure out who she now - she is closed off and definitely a barks first kind of person trying to hide the emotions underneath.
The men circling around her are certainly different characters… Thiago is honestly the best support Meg could have and he is head over heels for the girls - the things he does for her are seriously heart melting, he does have some talker tendencies (swoon) but it is only to ensure his girl is cared for and he’s there when needed :D Everest is a tricky fellow - it’s clear they have sexual tension and he is happy to be the villain in her story if it bings back her tenacious and fiery personality that he craves - in his own way it is sweet? However that’s undermined by the clear secrets he is keeping! Then there is Reid who honestly cannot get a read on yet…but he is definitely up to something that only gets one as the story progresses; yet he does provide a solace for Meg so who knows what he’s up too!
I did find at times I almost stalled reading it and it dragged a little before the next ‘element’. The relationships building and their character arcs are definitely what drives this story and I’m intrigued to find out the secrets especially after that bomb of an ending!
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Academy Setting
*FMC with trauma
*Friends to lovers
*Enemies to lovers
*Building Harem (3?)
*MM scene
*Mid Burn
*Book 1 / 3?
There is a lot to unpack in this first book of the series!
Meg (Avery’s twin) is coming to terms with going back to college after her kidnapping and trauma at the hands of Harrison. She’s an absolute fighter and is determined to figure out who she now - she is closed off and definitely a barks first kind of person trying to hide the emotions underneath.
The men circling around her are certainly different characters… Thiago is honestly the best support Meg could have and he is head over heels for the girls - the things he does for her are seriously heart melting, he does have some talker tendencies (swoon) but it is only to ensure his girl is cared for and he’s there when needed :D Everest is a tricky fellow - it’s clear they have sexual tension and he is happy to be the villain in her story if it bings back her tenacious and fiery personality that he craves - in his own way it is sweet? However that’s undermined by the clear secrets he is keeping! Then there is Reid who honestly cannot get a read on yet…but he is definitely up to something that only gets one as the story progresses; yet he does provide a solace for Meg so who knows what he’s up too!
I did find at times I almost stalled reading it and it dragged a little before the next ‘element’. The relationships building and their character arcs are definitely what drives this story and I’m intrigued to find out the secrets especially after that bomb of an ending!
July 17, 2026
This was an amazingly dark romance with why choose, and a great LaCrosse setting. Loved Meg. She was strong. Determined to with through her trauma. She wasn’t going to meet Everett beat her. And then there was Thiago, an absolute doll of a guy that wanted to be more than just friends with her. This story was a rollercoaster ride if dark twists and turns. It was so hot, so intriguing, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages with this one. D. E. V. O. U. R. E. D this so fast! I need what comes next last week.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Privileged to be a Beta reader for this book.
Wow where to start? Firstly if your new to Maddison then you won’t be disappointed with this college based sports why choose. She will draw you in instantly and hits hard at emotions!
The plot is fast paced at first but the flow soon evens out and it makes sense why it’s so fast paced by chapter 10. You need that information to get your brain ticking as to why certain characters are the way they are.
Characters - FMC is Meg who is a survivor of a very traumatic event. Following a stint in the psych ward she’s out in the world again and that means returning back to college. The college where she was a phenomenal lacrosse player. Only now she’s the one everyone whispers about
MMC - Everest is the typical cocky rich kid with the smirk that you want to wipe off his face. There is more to him which you will see throughout the book especially the control his parents have over everything!! Trust me you want to get to the end for a possible reason why 😉
MMC - Thiago oh Thiago. The Brazilian god who was there for meg carrying her away from her trauma, staying by her side and encouraging her to get back to college. He’s a hacker (can you tell where I’m going?) who hacks into every camera he can to constantly track where Meg is at all times. This also includes hacking her computer webcam but I think she secretly knew and loved it
Important characters but I won’t tell you why- Laura and Reid
We follow Meg as she tries to get her life back and that includes getting her team back from her biggest rival Everest! They get forced to be co captains and Meg is determined to prove everyone wrong - that she can cope and she will and she will bring the team to success. Outside of the team she’s struggling mentally with what happened to her - we don’t get the full details of what she went through just enough to know that whatever it was it’s changed who she is to the core. Nightmares plague her along with the thoughts of not knowing who she is now. She’s lonely and afraid - Harrison her kidnapper is still on the loose! Insteps both Everest and Thiago competing against each other for her affection and Meg can’t seem to fully commit to one.
The biggest wow factor comes from the cliffhanger! This is the juiciest cliffhanger I’ve had the pleasure of reading. You can kinda workout some of it but then Maddison hits you with a massive wham bam thank you mam addition that will have your jaw on the floor! I’m great at guessing the endings but this one had me internally screaming at myself for missing the odd clues. The war with myself over this is just proof of how amazing the writing is.
Maddison captures the scenes beautifully and weaves the characters in and out of the plot like a puppeteer pulling the strings at the perfect moment. Her descriptions draw you in and hold you right there with each character. The flow is designed to capture that tension that has you on tenterhooks. She has set up the perfect ending that has you begging for the next book, the next chapter or just the next page because you need to know.
🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 well done Maddison this book is epic and if I could give it more stars I would! One of the best books I’ve read this year. Roll on to the next instalment
Wow where to start? Firstly if your new to Maddison then you won’t be disappointed with this college based sports why choose. She will draw you in instantly and hits hard at emotions!
The plot is fast paced at first but the flow soon evens out and it makes sense why it’s so fast paced by chapter 10. You need that information to get your brain ticking as to why certain characters are the way they are.
Characters - FMC is Meg who is a survivor of a very traumatic event. Following a stint in the psych ward she’s out in the world again and that means returning back to college. The college where she was a phenomenal lacrosse player. Only now she’s the one everyone whispers about
MMC - Everest is the typical cocky rich kid with the smirk that you want to wipe off his face. There is more to him which you will see throughout the book especially the control his parents have over everything!! Trust me you want to get to the end for a possible reason why 😉
MMC - Thiago oh Thiago. The Brazilian god who was there for meg carrying her away from her trauma, staying by her side and encouraging her to get back to college. He’s a hacker (can you tell where I’m going?) who hacks into every camera he can to constantly track where Meg is at all times. This also includes hacking her computer webcam but I think she secretly knew and loved it
Important characters but I won’t tell you why- Laura and Reid
We follow Meg as she tries to get her life back and that includes getting her team back from her biggest rival Everest! They get forced to be co captains and Meg is determined to prove everyone wrong - that she can cope and she will and she will bring the team to success. Outside of the team she’s struggling mentally with what happened to her - we don’t get the full details of what she went through just enough to know that whatever it was it’s changed who she is to the core. Nightmares plague her along with the thoughts of not knowing who she is now. She’s lonely and afraid - Harrison her kidnapper is still on the loose! Insteps both Everest and Thiago competing against each other for her affection and Meg can’t seem to fully commit to one.
The biggest wow factor comes from the cliffhanger! This is the juiciest cliffhanger I’ve had the pleasure of reading. You can kinda workout some of it but then Maddison hits you with a massive wham bam thank you mam addition that will have your jaw on the floor! I’m great at guessing the endings but this one had me internally screaming at myself for missing the odd clues. The war with myself over this is just proof of how amazing the writing is.
Maddison captures the scenes beautifully and weaves the characters in and out of the plot like a puppeteer pulling the strings at the perfect moment. Her descriptions draw you in and hold you right there with each character. The flow is designed to capture that tension that has you on tenterhooks. She has set up the perfect ending that has you begging for the next book, the next chapter or just the next page because you need to know.
🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 well done Maddison this book is epic and if I could give it more stars I would! One of the best books I’ve read this year. Roll on to the next instalment
July 19, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest, voluntary review.
I have a lot of thoughts about this book. This is a sports romance, but also with elements of romantic suspense, dark romance, and why choose. Our FMC Meg has a major traumatic event that causes her life to be put on hold. She tries to recover and go back to the reality she was living prior and things are very off for her. Her life revolved around lacrosse and a rivalry with Everest, who has taken over her captain role and seems hell bent on making her transition back as difficult as possible. She also has her trusty safety net Thiago, who is her semi-stalker, but also confidant and best friend, who really wants to be more to her. Then her broody, rude next door neighbor Reid, who is as mysterious as he is hot. The men in her sphere and her continued trauma create so much complication and confusion in her life as we move through the story.
First, I think touching on many genres left me a little lost and each fell a bit short. Lacrosse was such a heavy focus for a huge chunk of the book, going so in depth I was a little annoyed, and then that part of the story was mostly abandoned. It left me feeling confused as to the purpose why it was such a focus to begin with. My mystery elements that were included could have had a bigger role and I think the story would have felt more focused. A lot of those things were present only in the last 10-15% of the book so it felt like they came out of nowhere. I would have enjoyed it more if they were sprinkled in throughout so it didn't feel like they came out of left field. Two of the MMCs seemed to have personality changes that also left me confused. Fundamental things about their characters just flipped out of nowhere and I'm not sure why.
Also, the book felt incredibly long. I think cutting down on some of the lacrosse scenes would have made the pace better as they didn't seem to lend all that much to where we ended up in the story. I get including some to possibly illustrate Meg's past and show how she has changed, but outside of a few scenes, most felt unnecessary and made the book drag. The plot "twist" thrown in at the very end made very little sense to me outside of making you want to read a second book. Even though I am curious to see where that thing goes, I don't think I would commit to reading a second in this series as I fear it may have the same problems as this one.
I did enjoy some of the humor, the author was good at giving these characters some good comedic moments. I also did generally like the characters, especially Thiago, even though he seemed like one type of person at the beginning of the book and a totally different person about half way through. The spice was also well done, so those chapters were very enjoyable.
I have a lot of thoughts about this book. This is a sports romance, but also with elements of romantic suspense, dark romance, and why choose. Our FMC Meg has a major traumatic event that causes her life to be put on hold. She tries to recover and go back to the reality she was living prior and things are very off for her. Her life revolved around lacrosse and a rivalry with Everest, who has taken over her captain role and seems hell bent on making her transition back as difficult as possible. She also has her trusty safety net Thiago, who is her semi-stalker, but also confidant and best friend, who really wants to be more to her. Then her broody, rude next door neighbor Reid, who is as mysterious as he is hot. The men in her sphere and her continued trauma create so much complication and confusion in her life as we move through the story.
First, I think touching on many genres left me a little lost and each fell a bit short. Lacrosse was such a heavy focus for a huge chunk of the book, going so in depth I was a little annoyed, and then that part of the story was mostly abandoned. It left me feeling confused as to the purpose why it was such a focus to begin with. My mystery elements that were included could have had a bigger role and I think the story would have felt more focused. A lot of those things were present only in the last 10-15% of the book so it felt like they came out of nowhere. I would have enjoyed it more if they were sprinkled in throughout so it didn't feel like they came out of left field. Two of the MMCs seemed to have personality changes that also left me confused. Fundamental things about their characters just flipped out of nowhere and I'm not sure why.
Also, the book felt incredibly long. I think cutting down on some of the lacrosse scenes would have made the pace better as they didn't seem to lend all that much to where we ended up in the story. I get including some to possibly illustrate Meg's past and show how she has changed, but outside of a few scenes, most felt unnecessary and made the book drag. The plot "twist" thrown in at the very end made very little sense to me outside of making you want to read a second book. Even though I am curious to see where that thing goes, I don't think I would commit to reading a second in this series as I fear it may have the same problems as this one.
I did enjoy some of the humor, the author was good at giving these characters some good comedic moments. I also did generally like the characters, especially Thiago, even though he seemed like one type of person at the beginning of the book and a totally different person about half way through. The spice was also well done, so those chapters were very enjoyable.
July 7, 2026
🖤 New Campus. Old Rivals. Fresh Scars.
🎓 Dark Academy
🏑 Rival Lacrosse Captains
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🔗 Why Choose MFMM
🖤 Morally Grey MMCs
🖥️ Sexy Cyber Stalker
🖌️ Damaged Artist
👀 Trauma Bonding
So as you’ll probably tell from my previous posts I have been very excited to get my hands on this new story, and let’s say the wait was worth it!🤩
This is a spin off from the Shadowed Souls series, it can be read independently but you will hear the start of Meg’s story in that series, not essential to the story but would recommend reading them first.
There’s suspense, plot twists, spice and everything you could want in a book! I was hooked and absolutely loved Maddison’s writing, she really sets the scene and you can picture it in your mind, and that can be hard to find in books🫶🏼 Maddison definitely was edging us throughout, and you’ll understand what I mean after you read it🤭 but we was left with a cliffhanger, yes that’s right a big cliffhanger IYKYK and I now need the second book asap!!👀
Meg our FMC is a twin that got caught up in collateral damage and was sold out which placed her into her captives arms to keep her twin sister safe.
Before this Meg was striving at Hollowbrook, she was the lacrosse, debate and swimming captain, everything was going so well until it wasn’t…
After Meg’s trauma dealing, she was emitted to a rehab clinic to try and nurse her mental state back, and she had a choice to stay there or return to Hollowbrook.
Going back to Hollowbrook will be a completely different experience this time round with old people removed from her life and new people joining and Meg will have to face a lot of challenges.
We have MMC Everest her rival, her enemy who replaced her as the lacrosse captain when she went missing. But now that Meg is back will she get her captain spot back or is she going to have to team up with the enemy and work together..that should go down well right?👀
But even through tough times, we do have Thiago another MMC to help Meg. He saved her from her captive and has been by her side ever since (mainly virtually🖥️.) Thiago’s spirit is intoxicating in the all the right ways and he is so lovable. He is obsessed with Meg and will do anything for her, he’s been her rock since they met. I absolutely loved Thiago!😍
And lastly we have our other MMC Reid our damaged artist. He’s the grumpy, broody and mysterious character, he keeps his cards close to his chest but is very intense. He met Meg in the rehab clinic and now they are neighbours in Hollowbrook Academy, what are the chances🙊 and we haven’t heard enough of what’s to come of Reid yet and I for one cannot wait🤪
These are such diverse characters and the way they are all detailed and described with their different traits is pure perfection🫶🏼
Not all is as it seems through the story though, and everyone is keeping secrets and I mean EVERYONE!👀
I absolutely loved this book, there hasn’t been one book of Maddison’s that I have not liked if anything the more I read the more I need! The characters she creates are unforgettable and the stories always stay with you, and that’s exactly what I need as a reader, and Maddison delivers every single time! Thank you so much for another fab story and amazing new characters🥰
I cannot wait for you all to get your hands on this! Make sure to get your copy to find out, you won’t regret it!🖤
🎓 Dark Academy
🏑 Rival Lacrosse Captains
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🔗 Why Choose MFMM
🖤 Morally Grey MMCs
🖥️ Sexy Cyber Stalker
🖌️ Damaged Artist
👀 Trauma Bonding
So as you’ll probably tell from my previous posts I have been very excited to get my hands on this new story, and let’s say the wait was worth it!🤩
This is a spin off from the Shadowed Souls series, it can be read independently but you will hear the start of Meg’s story in that series, not essential to the story but would recommend reading them first.
There’s suspense, plot twists, spice and everything you could want in a book! I was hooked and absolutely loved Maddison’s writing, she really sets the scene and you can picture it in your mind, and that can be hard to find in books🫶🏼 Maddison definitely was edging us throughout, and you’ll understand what I mean after you read it🤭 but we was left with a cliffhanger, yes that’s right a big cliffhanger IYKYK and I now need the second book asap!!👀
Meg our FMC is a twin that got caught up in collateral damage and was sold out which placed her into her captives arms to keep her twin sister safe.
Before this Meg was striving at Hollowbrook, she was the lacrosse, debate and swimming captain, everything was going so well until it wasn’t…
After Meg’s trauma dealing, she was emitted to a rehab clinic to try and nurse her mental state back, and she had a choice to stay there or return to Hollowbrook.
Going back to Hollowbrook will be a completely different experience this time round with old people removed from her life and new people joining and Meg will have to face a lot of challenges.
We have MMC Everest her rival, her enemy who replaced her as the lacrosse captain when she went missing. But now that Meg is back will she get her captain spot back or is she going to have to team up with the enemy and work together..that should go down well right?👀
But even through tough times, we do have Thiago another MMC to help Meg. He saved her from her captive and has been by her side ever since (mainly virtually🖥️.) Thiago’s spirit is intoxicating in the all the right ways and he is so lovable. He is obsessed with Meg and will do anything for her, he’s been her rock since they met. I absolutely loved Thiago!😍
And lastly we have our other MMC Reid our damaged artist. He’s the grumpy, broody and mysterious character, he keeps his cards close to his chest but is very intense. He met Meg in the rehab clinic and now they are neighbours in Hollowbrook Academy, what are the chances🙊 and we haven’t heard enough of what’s to come of Reid yet and I for one cannot wait🤪
These are such diverse characters and the way they are all detailed and described with their different traits is pure perfection🫶🏼
Not all is as it seems through the story though, and everyone is keeping secrets and I mean EVERYONE!👀
I absolutely loved this book, there hasn’t been one book of Maddison’s that I have not liked if anything the more I read the more I need! The characters she creates are unforgettable and the stories always stay with you, and that’s exactly what I need as a reader, and Maddison delivers every single time! Thank you so much for another fab story and amazing new characters🥰
I cannot wait for you all to get your hands on this! Make sure to get your copy to find out, you won’t regret it!🖤
Review of advance copy
4.25 ✨ARC REVIEW ✨
"Meg may have escaped her captor, but recovery will be the true test of her survival."
Some stories aren't about surviving the trauma—they're about surviving what comes after. This one absolutely delivered.
Meg has endured the unimaginable. After months recovering in a rehabilitation facility, she returns to college determined to reclaim pieces of the life that was stolen from her. But healing isn't linear, and she quickly realizes she's no longer the same person she once was. When she discovers her longtime rival, Everest Calloway, is now captain of her lacrosse team, it ignites a determination to fight for her place again.
Everest was such an intriguing character. He's secretive, frustrating, and impossible to fully trust, yet every glimpse behind his walls made me want Meg to choose him. His vulnerability completely changed how I saw him, and I loved watching the enemies-to-lovers tension slowly build.
Then there's Thiago.
Thiago is Meg's calm in the chaos. After helping rescue her from her captor, he remains her constant throughout her recovery, supporting her from afar while she learns how to live again. He's patient, intelligent, protective, and somehow becomes her safest place despite the darkness surrounding them. Obsessed and albeit a little stalkerish… Their connection felt incredibly genuine and gave the story moments of warmth when I needed them most.
Reid and Laura are still complete mysteries to me. Reid especially feels like he's being carefully positioned for something much bigger. While there isn't a romantic relationship between him and Meg in this installment, it's clear he sees through every wall she tries to build. I thought I had his storyline figured out... I couldn't have been more wrong.
And that ending...
I genuinely think my jaw is still on the floor. The cliffhanger completely blindsided me, and I immediately need the next book. I have so many questions, and my heart broke for Meg because I honestly don't know where things go from here.
I have to admit, I'm usually not a why choose reader. But this story won me over with its slow-burning suspense, moments of emotional depth, and focus on Meg reclaiming herself through therapy, self-discovery, and healing. It reads like a dark academia suspense with romance woven throughout—and by the final chapter, I couldn't help but wonder... did Meg really make a choice, or did the discovery at the end make it for her?
What to Expect:
🖤 Dark Academia
🖤 Lacrosse Romance
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Why Choose
🖤 Morally Grey MMCs
🖤 Cyber Stalker
🖤 Damaged Artist
🖤 Rival Captain
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Obsession
🖤 Trauma Recovery
"Meg may have escaped her captor, but recovery will be the true test of her survival."
Some stories aren't about surviving the trauma—they're about surviving what comes after. This one absolutely delivered.
Meg has endured the unimaginable. After months recovering in a rehabilitation facility, she returns to college determined to reclaim pieces of the life that was stolen from her. But healing isn't linear, and she quickly realizes she's no longer the same person she once was. When she discovers her longtime rival, Everest Calloway, is now captain of her lacrosse team, it ignites a determination to fight for her place again.
Everest was such an intriguing character. He's secretive, frustrating, and impossible to fully trust, yet every glimpse behind his walls made me want Meg to choose him. His vulnerability completely changed how I saw him, and I loved watching the enemies-to-lovers tension slowly build.
Then there's Thiago.
Thiago is Meg's calm in the chaos. After helping rescue her from her captor, he remains her constant throughout her recovery, supporting her from afar while she learns how to live again. He's patient, intelligent, protective, and somehow becomes her safest place despite the darkness surrounding them. Obsessed and albeit a little stalkerish… Their connection felt incredibly genuine and gave the story moments of warmth when I needed them most.
Reid and Laura are still complete mysteries to me. Reid especially feels like he's being carefully positioned for something much bigger. While there isn't a romantic relationship between him and Meg in this installment, it's clear he sees through every wall she tries to build. I thought I had his storyline figured out... I couldn't have been more wrong.
And that ending...
I genuinely think my jaw is still on the floor. The cliffhanger completely blindsided me, and I immediately need the next book. I have so many questions, and my heart broke for Meg because I honestly don't know where things go from here.
I have to admit, I'm usually not a why choose reader. But this story won me over with its slow-burning suspense, moments of emotional depth, and focus on Meg reclaiming herself through therapy, self-discovery, and healing. It reads like a dark academia suspense with romance woven throughout—and by the final chapter, I couldn't help but wonder... did Meg really make a choice, or did the discovery at the end make it for her?
What to Expect:
🖤 Dark Academia
🖤 Lacrosse Romance
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Why Choose
🖤 Morally Grey MMCs
🖤 Cyber Stalker
🖤 Damaged Artist
🖤 Rival Captain
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Obsession
🖤 Trauma Recovery
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
❤️🔥Dark Academy
🏑 Rival Lacrosse Captains
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🔗 Why Choose MFMM
🖤 Morally Grey MMCs
🖥️ Sexy Cyber Stalker
🖌️ Damaged Artist
👀 Trauma Bonding
🚪 A$$hole Next Door
💥 High Level Tension
🩸 Overcoming Past Trauma
🔥 Off-the-charts Steam
What to Expect:
* Academy
* College
* Dark Academia
* Emotional Scars
* Enemies to Lovers
* Damaged Artist
* Rival Captain
* Sports (lacrosse)
* Healing from Traum@/Traum@tized FMC
* Survival
* Fake Dating
* Cyber St@lker - and she likes it
* Second Chance
* Fallen Queen / Fallen Golden Girl
* Reputation Ruined
* Public Fall from Grace
* Forced Proximity
* Grumpy x Defiant
* Who Hurt You?
* Alpha Rivalry
* She’s Not as Broken as They Think
* Reclaiming the Crown
* Campus Under Surveillance
* Danger Lurking in Plain Sight
* Traum@ Bonding
* Tension
* Revenge Arc Brewing
* She Bites Back
Content Warning(s):
* Kidn@pping (past referenced)
* C@ptivity (off-page / past)
* Stalking
* Psychological manipulation
* Traum@ & PTSD symptoms (nightmares, hypervigilance)
* Bullying & public humiliation
* Rumor spreading / social ostracization
* Thr€@ts
* Obs€ssive behavior
* Morally grey love interests
* Power imbalance dynamics
* Emotional distress
* Sleep deprivation
* Dark romantic themes
* Explicit s•¥ual scenes
* P0ssessive/controlling behavior in romantic dynamics
Favorite quotes:
"Amongst these three men, loyalty is dangerous, and love may be the most reckless pledge of all."
"DID SHE JUST…CHALLENGE ME? OH NO. I WAS BORN FOR THE DARKNESS. BRED FOR IT."
"HIS KINDNESS RUINS ME IN A WAY CRUELTY NEVER COULD."
"Haven't you heard? Stalking is the new chivalry."
"Meg may have escaped her captor, but recovery will be the true test of her survival."
Meg, she is a fighter! She has been through so much! She returns to college after one fetal night that put her through a long rehabilitation process. She’s determined to get her life back on track.
And then there is Thiago. I loved when he let his walls downs slowly. He’s protective and patient and just everything she needs. He is obsessed with some st@lker tendencies but I loved their connection!
And then Everest!! He brings the tension! The enemies to lovers! I was hooked!
And that ending!!! What a cliff hanger!!
I was here for the suspense and the plot and the spice! I couldn’t get enough!
Oh and I’m still trying to figure out Reid! I can’t wait to see what comes next because he see right through her.
I have so many questions I can’t wait for the next book I’m itching for more!!
🏑 Rival Lacrosse Captains
😈 Enemies to Lovers
🔗 Why Choose MFMM
🖤 Morally Grey MMCs
🖥️ Sexy Cyber Stalker
🖌️ Damaged Artist
👀 Trauma Bonding
🚪 A$$hole Next Door
💥 High Level Tension
🩸 Overcoming Past Trauma
🔥 Off-the-charts Steam
What to Expect:
* Academy
* College
* Dark Academia
* Emotional Scars
* Enemies to Lovers
* Damaged Artist
* Rival Captain
* Sports (lacrosse)
* Healing from Traum@/Traum@tized FMC
* Survival
* Fake Dating
* Cyber St@lker - and she likes it
* Second Chance
* Fallen Queen / Fallen Golden Girl
* Reputation Ruined
* Public Fall from Grace
* Forced Proximity
* Grumpy x Defiant
* Who Hurt You?
* Alpha Rivalry
* She’s Not as Broken as They Think
* Reclaiming the Crown
* Campus Under Surveillance
* Danger Lurking in Plain Sight
* Traum@ Bonding
* Tension
* Revenge Arc Brewing
* She Bites Back
Content Warning(s):
* Kidn@pping (past referenced)
* C@ptivity (off-page / past)
* Stalking
* Psychological manipulation
* Traum@ & PTSD symptoms (nightmares, hypervigilance)
* Bullying & public humiliation
* Rumor spreading / social ostracization
* Thr€@ts
* Obs€ssive behavior
* Morally grey love interests
* Power imbalance dynamics
* Emotional distress
* Sleep deprivation
* Dark romantic themes
* Explicit s•¥ual scenes
* P0ssessive/controlling behavior in romantic dynamics
Favorite quotes:
"Amongst these three men, loyalty is dangerous, and love may be the most reckless pledge of all."
"DID SHE JUST…CHALLENGE ME? OH NO. I WAS BORN FOR THE DARKNESS. BRED FOR IT."
"HIS KINDNESS RUINS ME IN A WAY CRUELTY NEVER COULD."
"Haven't you heard? Stalking is the new chivalry."
"Meg may have escaped her captor, but recovery will be the true test of her survival."
Meg, she is a fighter! She has been through so much! She returns to college after one fetal night that put her through a long rehabilitation process. She’s determined to get her life back on track.
And then there is Thiago. I loved when he let his walls downs slowly. He’s protective and patient and just everything she needs. He is obsessed with some st@lker tendencies but I loved their connection!
And then Everest!! He brings the tension! The enemies to lovers! I was hooked!
And that ending!!! What a cliff hanger!!
I was here for the suspense and the plot and the spice! I couldn’t get enough!
Oh and I’m still trying to figure out Reid! I can’t wait to see what comes next because he see right through her.
I have so many questions I can’t wait for the next book I’m itching for more!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book captures from the start. However, as we go into the last 30%, i somewhat thought it lacked motive and progression, and at a certain part, it was a little farfetched. It was book one in a series, so that could just be it laying the groundwork for future books. That being said, most of the storyline was good, and it kept me wanting more.
The trauma and recovery were nicely done, especially Liz, the art teacher who was a better therapist than the mental rehab therapists. The lacrosse sports romance with rivals to lovers was nicely done and how their backstory affected them now.
Thiago is a true soul. The way he supports her unconditionally is so sweet. He builds her up, especially when she gets stuck in the past. He's very eccentric and whimsicle. And how he unnopologeticallyblurs the lines between stalker and protector was so cute. He is savage and petty with captain sparkles, which will definitely make you laugh, and i love it. I would have read this just for him.
The why choose wasn't in your face like many can be. It just lets her explore what she feels with no pressure to choose and with all involved being accepting. I'd like to see how that progresses, especially the whole step brother part, which my jaw touched the floor at. I did not expect that.
Overall, it would be something I'd like to continue reading further with future books.
Quotes
Thi: No. I think showing up was brave as hell. I also think you’re not done fighting for yourself yet, and that scares the people who tried to forget you.
Thi: Trust me, I’d notice. There’s nowhere you can go that I won’t look. Meg: When you say it like that, sounds kinda creepy. Thi: Haven’t you heard? Stalking is the new chivalry.
It’s not like I wanted to know how beautifully I could bleed, but Harrison showed me anyway. I’ve been bleeding out ever since, just no one notices anymore. Survival isn’t interesting
“I’m a fucking mess,” she whines. A smile stretches across my swollen lips. If only she could see through my eyes. “And I think you’re perfect anyway. If this is you at your worst, I can’t wait to see you at your best. I’m going to be with you every step of the way now. No more recovering alone, no more keeping me at a distance. When I decide what I want, there’s nothing holding me back, and I want you.”
The trauma and recovery were nicely done, especially Liz, the art teacher who was a better therapist than the mental rehab therapists. The lacrosse sports romance with rivals to lovers was nicely done and how their backstory affected them now.
Thiago is a true soul. The way he supports her unconditionally is so sweet. He builds her up, especially when she gets stuck in the past. He's very eccentric and whimsicle. And how he unnopologeticallyblurs the lines between stalker and protector was so cute. He is savage and petty with captain sparkles, which will definitely make you laugh, and i love it. I would have read this just for him.
The why choose wasn't in your face like many can be. It just lets her explore what she feels with no pressure to choose and with all involved being accepting. I'd like to see how that progresses, especially the whole step brother part, which my jaw touched the floor at. I did not expect that.
Overall, it would be something I'd like to continue reading further with future books.
Quotes
Thi: No. I think showing up was brave as hell. I also think you’re not done fighting for yourself yet, and that scares the people who tried to forget you.
Thi: Trust me, I’d notice. There’s nowhere you can go that I won’t look. Meg: When you say it like that, sounds kinda creepy. Thi: Haven’t you heard? Stalking is the new chivalry.
It’s not like I wanted to know how beautifully I could bleed, but Harrison showed me anyway. I’ve been bleeding out ever since, just no one notices anymore. Survival isn’t interesting
“I’m a fucking mess,” she whines. A smile stretches across my swollen lips. If only she could see through my eyes. “And I think you’re perfect anyway. If this is you at your worst, I can’t wait to see you at your best. I’m going to be with you every step of the way now. No more recovering alone, no more keeping me at a distance. When I decide what I want, there’s nothing holding me back, and I want you.”
July 18, 2026
🖤 ARC REVIEW 🖤
Rival's Pledge by Maddison Cole ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 ⭐
🌶️ Spice: 3/5
After surviving a traumatic kidnapping and spending months recovering in rehab, Meg returns to Hollowbrook hoping to quietly rebuild her life. Instead, she's thrown into the spotlight as cruel rumors and whispers follow her across campus, painting the once award-winning lacrosse captain as a lost cause. Between classmates treating her like she's broken, nightmares that refuse to let go, and old dangers creeping back into the light, blending into the background quickly becomes impossible.
Things only get worse when she discovers her rival, Everest Calloway, is now captain of her lacrosse team. The rivalry between them is intense, and despite everything she's been through, Meg refuses to let him win.
Thiago was hands down my favorite. 🖤 We love the cyber-hacking genius who has been secretly watching over and protecting Meg since everything happened. Yes... he's technically her stalker (watching her back through campus cameras and even her own computer), but somehow he became my favorite of the three love interests. We just love him that much.
Everest? I spent a good portion of this book wanting to punch him in the face. He's heavily controlled by his parents, which definitely contributes to the cocky attitude he puts on.
Reid didn't get nearly enough page time for me. What we do get is the damaged artist blasting loud music through the walls every night (keeping Meg awake), who also happened to be in rehab with her. He's mysterious, which only left me with even more questions.
While I didn't connect with this story quite as much as I expected, and I struggled to fully immerse myself at times, I still really enjoyed it. The dark academia atmosphere, the mystery, the emotional healing journey, and of course the why choose romance kept me turning the pages.
I'm definitely invested enough to pick up book two because I need to know what happens next.
Tropes I loved:
🖤 Why Choose
🏑 Dark Academia
🖤 College Romance
🏑 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Fake Dating
🏑 Sports Romance (Lacrosse)
🖤 Forced Proximity
🏑 Grumpy × Defiant
🖤 Rival Captain
🏑 Healing from Trauma
🖤 Morally Grey Love Interests
🏑 Competitive Tension
Rival's Pledge by Maddison Cole ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 ⭐
🌶️ Spice: 3/5
After surviving a traumatic kidnapping and spending months recovering in rehab, Meg returns to Hollowbrook hoping to quietly rebuild her life. Instead, she's thrown into the spotlight as cruel rumors and whispers follow her across campus, painting the once award-winning lacrosse captain as a lost cause. Between classmates treating her like she's broken, nightmares that refuse to let go, and old dangers creeping back into the light, blending into the background quickly becomes impossible.
Things only get worse when she discovers her rival, Everest Calloway, is now captain of her lacrosse team. The rivalry between them is intense, and despite everything she's been through, Meg refuses to let him win.
Thiago was hands down my favorite. 🖤 We love the cyber-hacking genius who has been secretly watching over and protecting Meg since everything happened. Yes... he's technically her stalker (watching her back through campus cameras and even her own computer), but somehow he became my favorite of the three love interests. We just love him that much.
Everest? I spent a good portion of this book wanting to punch him in the face. He's heavily controlled by his parents, which definitely contributes to the cocky attitude he puts on.
Reid didn't get nearly enough page time for me. What we do get is the damaged artist blasting loud music through the walls every night (keeping Meg awake), who also happened to be in rehab with her. He's mysterious, which only left me with even more questions.
While I didn't connect with this story quite as much as I expected, and I struggled to fully immerse myself at times, I still really enjoyed it. The dark academia atmosphere, the mystery, the emotional healing journey, and of course the why choose romance kept me turning the pages.
I'm definitely invested enough to pick up book two because I need to know what happens next.
Tropes I loved:
🖤 Why Choose
🏑 Dark Academia
🖤 College Romance
🏑 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Fake Dating
🏑 Sports Romance (Lacrosse)
🖤 Forced Proximity
🏑 Grumpy × Defiant
🖤 Rival Captain
🏑 Healing from Trauma
🖤 Morally Grey Love Interests
🏑 Competitive Tension
July 17, 2026
Rival’s Pledge by Maddison Cole is a gripping, emotionally charged dark academy romance that pulls you straight into Meg’s turbulent world and refuses to let go.
Returning to Hollowbrook Academy after surviving captivity is no triumphant homecoming for Meg. Instead, she faces cruel whispers, invasive questions, and the heavy weight of being labeled a lost cause.
The way the author portrays her struggle to reclaim her place, haunted by nightmares, desperate to disappear into the background, yet unable to let go of her fire is raw and incredibly compelling.
The lacrosse rivalry with Everest Calloway injects sharp, addictive tension. Watching Meg’s competitive spirit roar back to life as she refuses to let her old rival take over her team delivers some of the most satisfying enemies to something more moments I’ve read in a while.
What really makes this book stand out is the slowburn obsession building around Meg. Between the arrogant, controlling Everest, the mysterious neighbor whose terrible music choices keep her up at night, and the fiercely loyal Thiago with his hacking skills and watchful presence, the “why choose” dynamic simmers with danger and devotion.
These men are complicated, part protection, part ruin and their circling intensity keeps the stakes high. The romance is messy, possessive, and layered with genuine care that develops alongside Meg’s healing journey.
The sports element adds energy and rivalry without overshadowing the darker themes of trauma, survival, and the lingering threat of her captor.
The author balances suspense, academy drama, and steamy tension beautifully, making Meg’s path to reclaiming her strength feel earned and empowering.
As a spin off from the Shadowed Souls series, it stands well on its own while teasing a bigger world.
If you enjoy dark academy romances with strong heroines fighting their way back, intense rivalries, and a why choose romance filled with obsession and loyalty, Rival’s Pledge is a fantastic read.
It’s angsty, addictive, and left me eager to see where Meg’s story goes next.
Highly recommended those who are fans of the genre.
🦋
4.5 ⭐️
Returning to Hollowbrook Academy after surviving captivity is no triumphant homecoming for Meg. Instead, she faces cruel whispers, invasive questions, and the heavy weight of being labeled a lost cause.
The way the author portrays her struggle to reclaim her place, haunted by nightmares, desperate to disappear into the background, yet unable to let go of her fire is raw and incredibly compelling.
The lacrosse rivalry with Everest Calloway injects sharp, addictive tension. Watching Meg’s competitive spirit roar back to life as she refuses to let her old rival take over her team delivers some of the most satisfying enemies to something more moments I’ve read in a while.
What really makes this book stand out is the slowburn obsession building around Meg. Between the arrogant, controlling Everest, the mysterious neighbor whose terrible music choices keep her up at night, and the fiercely loyal Thiago with his hacking skills and watchful presence, the “why choose” dynamic simmers with danger and devotion.
These men are complicated, part protection, part ruin and their circling intensity keeps the stakes high. The romance is messy, possessive, and layered with genuine care that develops alongside Meg’s healing journey.
The sports element adds energy and rivalry without overshadowing the darker themes of trauma, survival, and the lingering threat of her captor.
The author balances suspense, academy drama, and steamy tension beautifully, making Meg’s path to reclaiming her strength feel earned and empowering.
As a spin off from the Shadowed Souls series, it stands well on its own while teasing a bigger world.
If you enjoy dark academy romances with strong heroines fighting their way back, intense rivalries, and a why choose romance filled with obsession and loyalty, Rival’s Pledge is a fantastic read.
It’s angsty, addictive, and left me eager to see where Meg’s story goes next.
Highly recommended those who are fans of the genre.
🦋
4.5 ⭐️
July 20, 2026
i'm genuinely annoyed at how good it was because now i have to wait for book two.
soo meg comes back to hollowbrook after being kidnapped and everyone's treating her like some lost cause which is rich considering none of them even reached out when she was found. she just wants to blend in and be left alone but then she finds out everest calloway took over her lacrosse team and suddenly she's not so interested in being invisible anymore. she's still dealing with nightmares and hyper vigilance and all this trauma stuff but she's also not letting that define her.
everest is everyyythingg. cocky rich kid with the smirk you wanna wipe off his face but then you find out his parents are basically controlling his whole life and it makes so much sense why he is the way he is. the tension between him and meg is not your cute flirty enemies to lovers stuff, it's more like they genuinely wanna destroy each other but also can't stay away.
thiago is the hacker bestie who found meg after she was taken and has been with her ever since. he hacks into campus cameras to watch her and enrolled at the school just to be closer and she's lowkey fine with it. he's her safe place and I loveee him
reid is the neighbor who blasts music at all hours and hogs the hot water and she met him in rehab. we don't get a ton of him but every interaction had me wanting more because he sees right through her and i have no idea what his deal is yet.
harrison is still out there which gives the whole book this underlying dread that something bad is gonna happen at any moment.
it's slow burn but still spicy. this is a spin off from the shadowed souls series but you can read it without having read those first (I know bc I haven't read them)
that ending ahhh i thought i figured it out and then the last few pages just proved me wrong :(((
tropes
🏑 rival lacrosse captains
🖤 dark academia
😈 enemies to lovers
🔗 why choose
💻 cyber stalker love interest
🎨 damaged artist
🚪 asshole next door
🩸 trauma recovery
🔥 slow burn
👑 fallen golden girl
👀 he sees right through her
🎭 morally grey mmcs
💀 captor still at large
💤 sleep deprivation
team everest and i'm not sorry about it
soo meg comes back to hollowbrook after being kidnapped and everyone's treating her like some lost cause which is rich considering none of them even reached out when she was found. she just wants to blend in and be left alone but then she finds out everest calloway took over her lacrosse team and suddenly she's not so interested in being invisible anymore. she's still dealing with nightmares and hyper vigilance and all this trauma stuff but she's also not letting that define her.
everest is everyyythingg. cocky rich kid with the smirk you wanna wipe off his face but then you find out his parents are basically controlling his whole life and it makes so much sense why he is the way he is. the tension between him and meg is not your cute flirty enemies to lovers stuff, it's more like they genuinely wanna destroy each other but also can't stay away.
thiago is the hacker bestie who found meg after she was taken and has been with her ever since. he hacks into campus cameras to watch her and enrolled at the school just to be closer and she's lowkey fine with it. he's her safe place and I loveee him
reid is the neighbor who blasts music at all hours and hogs the hot water and she met him in rehab. we don't get a ton of him but every interaction had me wanting more because he sees right through her and i have no idea what his deal is yet.
harrison is still out there which gives the whole book this underlying dread that something bad is gonna happen at any moment.
it's slow burn but still spicy. this is a spin off from the shadowed souls series but you can read it without having read those first (I know bc I haven't read them)
that ending ahhh i thought i figured it out and then the last few pages just proved me wrong :(((
tropes
🏑 rival lacrosse captains
🖤 dark academia
😈 enemies to lovers
🔗 why choose
💻 cyber stalker love interest
🎨 damaged artist
🚪 asshole next door
🩸 trauma recovery
🔥 slow burn
👑 fallen golden girl
👀 he sees right through her
🎭 morally grey mmcs
💀 captor still at large
💤 sleep deprivation
team everest and i'm not sorry about it
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A series of unfortunate events
Overview
Meg is in the process of reintegrating back into her former life at Hallowbrook Academy after her disappearance, but campus life is not as she left it.
With her old rivalry with Everest back at the forefront and larger than ever, a noisy neighbour, and her computer hacker bestie, Thiago, Meg’s dream of peace is quickly shattered. Will she retreat and sink, or swim?
The Verdict
Rival’s Pledge is a spinoff from Maddison Cole’s Shadowed Souls series. While it is suggested to read this series prior to venturing into Rival’s Pledge, it’s not necessary. Maddison Cole has done a great job of placing the reader in her world and reveals what is needed to understand Meg without any prior reading (gaining one star).
That being said, the story was quite messy. Some of the reveals felt thrown in at the last minute, rather than thought through. An example of this was
Overall, Rival’s Pledge was too unbelievable. It felt very unedited and like a book fresh off Wattpad. Thiago, for example, while a fun character and good comic relief,
This was read and reviewed as an Advanced Reader Copy.
Tropes to Expect
- Multiple partners
- Academy setting
- Sports Romance - Lacrosse
- Healing from trauma
- Only-one-bed
- Hacker/ stalker
⭐ Rating: 2/5
🌶️ Spice: 3/5
Consumed via: Ebook
POV: Multiple - FMC,MMC and MMC
Series: Hollowbrook Academy - Book 1
Overview
Meg is in the process of reintegrating back into her former life at Hallowbrook Academy after her disappearance, but campus life is not as she left it.
With her old rivalry with Everest back at the forefront and larger than ever, a noisy neighbour, and her computer hacker bestie, Thiago, Meg’s dream of peace is quickly shattered. Will she retreat and sink, or swim?
The Verdict
Rival’s Pledge is a spinoff from Maddison Cole’s Shadowed Souls series. While it is suggested to read this series prior to venturing into Rival’s Pledge, it’s not necessary. Maddison Cole has done a great job of placing the reader in her world and reveals what is needed to understand Meg without any prior reading (gaining one star).
That being said, the story was quite messy. Some of the reveals felt thrown in at the last minute, rather than thought through. An example of this was
Overall, Rival’s Pledge was too unbelievable. It felt very unedited and like a book fresh off Wattpad. Thiago, for example, while a fun character and good comic relief,
This was read and reviewed as an Advanced Reader Copy.
Tropes to Expect
- Multiple partners
- Academy setting
- Sports Romance - Lacrosse
- Healing from trauma
- Only-one-bed
- Hacker/ stalker
⭐ Rating: 2/5
🌶️ Spice: 3/5
Consumed via: Ebook
POV: Multiple - FMC,MMC and MMC
Series: Hollowbrook Academy - Book 1
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where to begin.. hoping to not have any spoilers here.. I went into this book completely blind. I did see the info and tropes and trigger warnings, but I didn’t read them. So I honestly had no idea what I was getting into except that lacrosse would be involved.
So… this book is the first of a series. Apparently there is a series before it that explains more of the FMC past and trauma. I honestly would’ve liked to read it to see more of her background on page, but this book does well in keeping you informed and I think the other series is her sister’s story.. so again, you’re not missing out on much without reading those.
Meg has trauma and this book is about her healing and overcoming them and continuing on with her life. She starts back at uni again and runs into her rival Everest who “inspire” her to join her old lacrosse team and be more involved with school than she had planned on for her return. During her trauma she also met Thiago who she is really good friends with online, and he gives her the support she needs from a friend… then there’s Reid (iykyk) her neighbor in her new dorm who she also previously knows from her trauma time.. so all in all, the books is her journey back in the real world and how these 3 guys affect her, motivate her, piss her off, and more…
I really liked this book. It’s the first book I’ve read where I wasn’t too sure how these guys were going to play out, is one of them the villain, is this the first ever RH where the guys hate each other and aren’t already friends?? The questions, the questions…
I would give more, but like I said I don’t want to spoil anything. Just know that this is a good book, a little heavy but not dark, and that it ends on a cliffhanger. I am very much looking forward to the next book!!
Thank you to the author and agency for providing me with the eARC for my honest review. I was not expecting the plot twist- even though I had my guesses!
So… this book is the first of a series. Apparently there is a series before it that explains more of the FMC past and trauma. I honestly would’ve liked to read it to see more of her background on page, but this book does well in keeping you informed and I think the other series is her sister’s story.. so again, you’re not missing out on much without reading those.
Meg has trauma and this book is about her healing and overcoming them and continuing on with her life. She starts back at uni again and runs into her rival Everest who “inspire” her to join her old lacrosse team and be more involved with school than she had planned on for her return. During her trauma she also met Thiago who she is really good friends with online, and he gives her the support she needs from a friend… then there’s Reid (iykyk) her neighbor in her new dorm who she also previously knows from her trauma time.. so all in all, the books is her journey back in the real world and how these 3 guys affect her, motivate her, piss her off, and more…
I really liked this book. It’s the first book I’ve read where I wasn’t too sure how these guys were going to play out, is one of them the villain, is this the first ever RH where the guys hate each other and aren’t already friends?? The questions, the questions…
I would give more, but like I said I don’t want to spoil anything. Just know that this is a good book, a little heavy but not dark, and that it ends on a cliffhanger. I am very much looking forward to the next book!!
Thank you to the author and agency for providing me with the eARC for my honest review. I was not expecting the plot twist- even though I had my guesses!
July 17, 2026
Same school but a different Meg
"Meg may have escaped her captor, but recovery will be the true test of her survival."
First off I was absolutely unprepared for that ending. I thought I knew what the cliffhanger was going to be but I was so very wrong. I did not see that scene happening like that at all. I am absolutely feral for what comes next.
Meg has been through a lot since she was kidnapped. So many revelation and events happened before she was finally able to return to school. Formerly the lacrosse captain and psych major She is now studying art and trying to be okay again. Meg is a fighter and she isn't ready to give up yet.
Thiago is the sweetest green flag guy with some grey morals. He is Meg's safe place and has already decided she would be his. He is a brilliant hacker and has to come out of his shell when he us forced to enroll at the school. He needs to be closer than the cameras allow. These two are the sweetest together.
Everest and Meg have this immediate rivalry when she discovered he was the captain of the new coed lacrosse team. Everest is from a very affluent family and Daddy dearest is definitely pulling strings. These two are all heat, violence, and passion.
Lastly we have Reid. He is her broody artist neighbor who loves to play music to deafening tones all hours if the night. They have this battle of wills going on that sits on the edge of will they fight or give into the attraction. Their relationship is the most confusing as they don't interact much. You know the tension is there but there are so many unknown with him.
I am so invested in this group. I can't wait to get mire backstory on Reid. There is obviously a lot going on that we know nothing about and I can't wait to see what it is.
This story is a slow burn but with a lot of heat. Even with the slow burn it is still spicy. Pretty sure this us going to get a lot spicier in the next book and I'm here for it.
"Meg may have escaped her captor, but recovery will be the true test of her survival."
First off I was absolutely unprepared for that ending. I thought I knew what the cliffhanger was going to be but I was so very wrong. I did not see that scene happening like that at all. I am absolutely feral for what comes next.
Meg has been through a lot since she was kidnapped. So many revelation and events happened before she was finally able to return to school. Formerly the lacrosse captain and psych major She is now studying art and trying to be okay again. Meg is a fighter and she isn't ready to give up yet.
Thiago is the sweetest green flag guy with some grey morals. He is Meg's safe place and has already decided she would be his. He is a brilliant hacker and has to come out of his shell when he us forced to enroll at the school. He needs to be closer than the cameras allow. These two are the sweetest together.
Everest and Meg have this immediate rivalry when she discovered he was the captain of the new coed lacrosse team. Everest is from a very affluent family and Daddy dearest is definitely pulling strings. These two are all heat, violence, and passion.
Lastly we have Reid. He is her broody artist neighbor who loves to play music to deafening tones all hours if the night. They have this battle of wills going on that sits on the edge of will they fight or give into the attraction. Their relationship is the most confusing as they don't interact much. You know the tension is there but there are so many unknown with him.
I am so invested in this group. I can't wait to get mire backstory on Reid. There is obviously a lot going on that we know nothing about and I can't wait to see what it is.
This story is a slow burn but with a lot of heat. Even with the slow burn it is still spicy. Pretty sure this us going to get a lot spicier in the next book and I'm here for it.
July 16, 2026
What a story, and what an ending...
Well, after closing the book, I found myself a bit surprised by the whole thing and curious as to where it is going to go. Meg, man, this poor girl is put through the ringer. She is just living her best life and then finds herself constantly caught up in the desires of others. From the first chapter, you find that she doesn't have any choice in any of it, and as the book continues, she is just trying to find ways to survive, find a new normal, and navigate the three guys who all have different ways of being in her life.
All I can say is, thank the cybergods for Thiago. I do not like that he invades her privacy, but for the rest, I am glad she has him. He is as much a crutch for her as she is for him. I do not think there is anything he wouldn't do for her because of how much he cares for her. Maybe obsessed is a better word.
Everest, on the other hand, oy, he is a dick that I think she needs to distract herself. He brings her back to lacrosse, the sport she loved so much, and the rivalry between them. He is manipulative and is not used to hearing no, and Meg could not care less.
Reid, another jerk, but a strong, silent, artsy type. He no doubt has reasons for being said jerk, as she starts off with him in a group therapy session at the beginning of the book. Mainly, I find he is just there to annoy her, but there are moments where he brings more to the story that are notable. There is a lot to unpack with him that opens up at the end.
I have come to understand that this is a spin-off, so there might be context I am missing, but it worked well as a standalone, and I am curious to see where this story goes.
There is so much manipulation of Meg that I don't know how she keeps herself as sane as she does, but I look forward to seeing how she continues to keep it all together.
Well, after closing the book, I found myself a bit surprised by the whole thing and curious as to where it is going to go. Meg, man, this poor girl is put through the ringer. She is just living her best life and then finds herself constantly caught up in the desires of others. From the first chapter, you find that she doesn't have any choice in any of it, and as the book continues, she is just trying to find ways to survive, find a new normal, and navigate the three guys who all have different ways of being in her life.
All I can say is, thank the cybergods for Thiago. I do not like that he invades her privacy, but for the rest, I am glad she has him. He is as much a crutch for her as she is for him. I do not think there is anything he wouldn't do for her because of how much he cares for her. Maybe obsessed is a better word.
Everest, on the other hand, oy, he is a dick that I think she needs to distract herself. He brings her back to lacrosse, the sport she loved so much, and the rivalry between them. He is manipulative and is not used to hearing no, and Meg could not care less.
Reid, another jerk, but a strong, silent, artsy type. He no doubt has reasons for being said jerk, as she starts off with him in a group therapy session at the beginning of the book. Mainly, I find he is just there to annoy her, but there are moments where he brings more to the story that are notable. There is a lot to unpack with him that opens up at the end.
I have come to understand that this is a spin-off, so there might be context I am missing, but it worked well as a standalone, and I am curious to see where this story goes.
There is so much manipulation of Meg that I don't know how she keeps herself as sane as she does, but I look forward to seeing how she continues to keep it all together.
July 18, 2026
This book was my first read by Madison Cole and now I think I’m addicted This book had me hooked from the very first page and kept me there until the last.
The fmc Meg is trying to find herself again after a brutal kidnapping. She was such a force to reckon with before, and now she is a shell of her formal self. It does not help that her former classmates and friends are saying and treating her so unkindly. They have no idea what she went through especially because none of them reached out to her after she was found.
Then there is her former rival, Everest, who is trying to take her place as captain of the lacrosse team. There is no way she will let this arrogant, entitled, everyone worship me a hole take her spot. They have a complicated relationship but maybe there is more to him than he lets the world believe.
Next we have her dorm neighbor, Reid, who blasts his music day and night and steals all the hot water. She first met him in rehab, and he unnerves her because he can see right through her and what she is trying to hide. He seems to have some secrets of his own.
Lastly, there is Thiago who has been there for her and was the one who found herself again after. He is a cyber geek who may or may not use his skills to not only engage in criminal activity for a paycheck but possibly to hack into live camera feeds to watch Meg. This is all to keep her safe of course. Thiago is her safe place and he accepts her as she is without requiring much in return.
These characters are all so easy to love.Let’s not forget about the delicious spice. Then there’s that shocking twist at the end which leaves us on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read more about these characters and their backstories. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this arc. I loved this book so much!
July 18, 2026
Okay. I need a minute.
I went in thinking this was going to be just another dark academy sports rivalry romance and it absolutely RUINED me in the best way.
Meg. My girl. She escaped her captor and comes back to Hollowbrook months later and instead of support she gets whispers and headlines calling her a "lost cause"?? I was ready to fight the whole campus for her. She's not this fragile broken girl though — she's angry, she's tired, she has nightmares that bleed into the day and still she wants her throne back. That lacrosse captain comeback arc? I ate it up.
And then EVEREST CALLOWAY. Golden Boy my ass. This man lives for control and he took her TEAM while she was gone. The tension between them is insane. It's not cute enemies to lovers, it's "I want to ruin you but I also want no one else to touch you" energy. Every single scene of them head to head had me holding my breath.
Thiago deserved so much more page time, I love a hacker bestie who is literally watching through campus cameras because he's that protective. And the boy next door?? The one with the terrible music taste who keeps her up at night? Yeah, I'm obsessed with him too. Maddison Cole knew what she was doing with the whole "they don't want to protect her they want to ruin her" thing.
It IS dark — captivity aftermath, stalking, trauma, the captor is still out there so you're on edge the whole book. But it's also slow-burn devotion that actually feels earned. I listened to Storm by Ruelle on loop while reading and it fit so perfectly I got chills.
You can read this without reading Shadowed Souls (I haven't finished that series yet) but now I HAVE to go binge it because this world is so addictive.
If you like dark academy, obsessive rivals, broken FMCs who are still fighters, and MMCs who are completely unhinged for her — read this. Now.
Team Everest btw. I said what I said.
I went in thinking this was going to be just another dark academy sports rivalry romance and it absolutely RUINED me in the best way.
Meg. My girl. She escaped her captor and comes back to Hollowbrook months later and instead of support she gets whispers and headlines calling her a "lost cause"?? I was ready to fight the whole campus for her. She's not this fragile broken girl though — she's angry, she's tired, she has nightmares that bleed into the day and still she wants her throne back. That lacrosse captain comeback arc? I ate it up.
And then EVEREST CALLOWAY. Golden Boy my ass. This man lives for control and he took her TEAM while she was gone. The tension between them is insane. It's not cute enemies to lovers, it's "I want to ruin you but I also want no one else to touch you" energy. Every single scene of them head to head had me holding my breath.
Thiago deserved so much more page time, I love a hacker bestie who is literally watching through campus cameras because he's that protective. And the boy next door?? The one with the terrible music taste who keeps her up at night? Yeah, I'm obsessed with him too. Maddison Cole knew what she was doing with the whole "they don't want to protect her they want to ruin her" thing.
It IS dark — captivity aftermath, stalking, trauma, the captor is still out there so you're on edge the whole book. But it's also slow-burn devotion that actually feels earned. I listened to Storm by Ruelle on loop while reading and it fit so perfectly I got chills.
You can read this without reading Shadowed Souls (I haven't finished that series yet) but now I HAVE to go binge it because this world is so addictive.
If you like dark academy, obsessive rivals, broken FMCs who are still fighters, and MMCs who are completely unhinged for her — read this. Now.
Team Everest btw. I said what I said.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm not gonna lie, I was looking forward to read this one. I found out that I enjoy these darker romances and why choose aspect is always a plus for me. And to be honest with you, I did like this book. The trauma involved was handeled well, it wasn't too much and it wasn't the sole focus of the book. I have enjoyed Meg and I have enjoyed the MMCs, Thiago with his golden retriever energy especially. What has ruined this book for me was the ending.
Let mi clarify why I can't give this book more stars. That is why I'm disappointed and I'm not sure if reading the second book is for me.
Let mi clarify why I can't give this book more stars. That is why I'm disappointed and I'm not sure if reading the second book is for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I honestly don't even know where to begin with this book because there is so much happening, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Rivals Pledge follows Meg; a former lacrosse star whose life is forever changed after she's kidnapped and eventually found alive. The person who rescues her, Thiago, becomes a constant in her life as he helps her through her recovery, hospital stay, and transition back to school. Once she's back, she's forced to navigate seeing her old rival, Everest, while also realizing that her next-door neighbor, Reid, is the same guy she met during rehab.
That's about as much as I can say without giving away major plot points.
This story has so many moving pieces—dark themes, sports romance, mystery, trauma, complicated relationships, and multiple love interests—but it never felt like too much. Every character, every interaction, and every seemingly small detail felt intentional and added something meaningful to the overall story. Maddison Cole did an incredible job weaving everything together while keeping me constantly questioning what was really going on.
And then... the ending.
I genuinely wasn't prepared for those final pages...and I literally mean like the last 10 pages, Maddison really threw a wrench into everything. Mind blown. The cliffhanger completely blindsided me and left me questioning everything I thought I knew. It's one of those endings that makes you immediately want to start theorizing while simultaneously scrambling to preorder the next book.
If you're looking for a dark sports romance with, Why Choose elements, layered characters, plenty of suspense, and twists that keep you guessing until the very end, I definitely recommend giving Rivals Pledge a chance.
Rivals Pledge follows Meg; a former lacrosse star whose life is forever changed after she's kidnapped and eventually found alive. The person who rescues her, Thiago, becomes a constant in her life as he helps her through her recovery, hospital stay, and transition back to school. Once she's back, she's forced to navigate seeing her old rival, Everest, while also realizing that her next-door neighbor, Reid, is the same guy she met during rehab.
That's about as much as I can say without giving away major plot points.
This story has so many moving pieces—dark themes, sports romance, mystery, trauma, complicated relationships, and multiple love interests—but it never felt like too much. Every character, every interaction, and every seemingly small detail felt intentional and added something meaningful to the overall story. Maddison Cole did an incredible job weaving everything together while keeping me constantly questioning what was really going on.
And then... the ending.
I genuinely wasn't prepared for those final pages...and I literally mean like the last 10 pages, Maddison really threw a wrench into everything. Mind blown. The cliffhanger completely blindsided me and left me questioning everything I thought I knew. It's one of those endings that makes you immediately want to start theorizing while simultaneously scrambling to preorder the next book.
If you're looking for a dark sports romance with, Why Choose elements, layered characters, plenty of suspense, and twists that keep you guessing until the very end, I definitely recommend giving Rivals Pledge a chance.
July 16, 2026
ARC review of Rival's Pledge by Maddison Cole.
This is my first book by Maddison Cole.
As I read along, my first thought was that there was too much going on and the plot was dragging, but when I looked at how Madison is making the series, I realized that this is just the first book and that the entire series will follow the characters in this book. So at the beginning of the book, we actually got a more detailed introduction to the entire series.
Meg returns to college after a severe trauma and some time spent in treatment. She is not sure about her decision and all the circumstances that she encounters only deepen her doubts about it.
Thiago is the only sure constant in her life since the trauma. He is the one who is always there for her and provides her with immense support. Thiago is someone you love immediately.
Everest has been her rival since before the trauma, they competed in everything. The discovery that he was the one who took over her lacrosse team didn't sit well with Meg. As much as she thought she wouldn't be returning to lacrosse after all, the rivalry with Everest puts her in an awkward position.
Reid was in the same treatment facility with Meg, but she didn't even notice him until the last day. And then it turns out that he's the one in the room next to hers at college. He's kind of a side character for most of the book. Although as the end approaches, we realize that he's much more involved than we thought.
The book ends in a way that I can't wait for the next one to see what happens next.
What to Expect:
🏦 Dark Academy
🥍 Rival Lacrosse Captains
😈 Enemies to Lovers
😉 Why Choose
🖤 Morally Grey
🖥️ Sexy Cyber Stalker
🖌️ Damaged Artist
🔗 Trauma Bonding
Thank you so much Maddison Cole and Love Notes PR for the ARC!
This is my first book by Maddison Cole.
As I read along, my first thought was that there was too much going on and the plot was dragging, but when I looked at how Madison is making the series, I realized that this is just the first book and that the entire series will follow the characters in this book. So at the beginning of the book, we actually got a more detailed introduction to the entire series.
Meg returns to college after a severe trauma and some time spent in treatment. She is not sure about her decision and all the circumstances that she encounters only deepen her doubts about it.
Thiago is the only sure constant in her life since the trauma. He is the one who is always there for her and provides her with immense support. Thiago is someone you love immediately.
Everest has been her rival since before the trauma, they competed in everything. The discovery that he was the one who took over her lacrosse team didn't sit well with Meg. As much as she thought she wouldn't be returning to lacrosse after all, the rivalry with Everest puts her in an awkward position.
Reid was in the same treatment facility with Meg, but she didn't even notice him until the last day. And then it turns out that he's the one in the room next to hers at college. He's kind of a side character for most of the book. Although as the end approaches, we realize that he's much more involved than we thought.
The book ends in a way that I can't wait for the next one to see what happens next.
What to Expect:
🏦 Dark Academy
🥍 Rival Lacrosse Captains
😈 Enemies to Lovers
😉 Why Choose
🖤 Morally Grey
🖥️ Sexy Cyber Stalker
🖌️ Damaged Artist
🔗 Trauma Bonding
Thank you so much Maddison Cole and Love Notes PR for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finally an ARC I can get behind 100%. Ah, I loved this one! I debated reading the previous trilogy first so I could get Meg's full backstory, but I decided to jump right in, and I'm so glad I did. The author gave me enough to understand Meg's trauma while making me want to go back and read everything that came before.
Off the jump, I loved me some Thiago (Thi). A gentle protector with a stalker's bent? Yeah...that's my kind of fictional man. And every time he showed up, I was grinning.
Liz deserves all the flowers because she was better than any therapist Meg could have asked for. She brought the kind of support and stability Meg desperately needed without ever overshadowing her journey.
Now Reid...I'm suspicious. Very suspicious. I still don't know exactly what role he plays, but every little breadcrumb made me more invested in finding out. His story is unfolding in the most delicious way.
Then there's Everest. I need his dirty little secret immediately. His parents are the definition of "with family like that, who needs enemies?" As frustrating as he could be, I couldn't help feeling sorry for him. His upbringing has clearly taught him to sabotage any genuine connection before it has a chance to grow, and I can't wait to see where his character goes from here.
What I appreciated most was that Meg's recovery wasn't magically fixed because she escaped. The story shows that surviving and healing are two very different battles, and that emotional journey added so much weight to the rivalry, mystery, and romance. And that ending...Ma'am. You have absolutely no mercy. I need book two as of yesterday.
Off the jump, I loved me some Thiago (Thi). A gentle protector with a stalker's bent? Yeah...that's my kind of fictional man. And every time he showed up, I was grinning.
Liz deserves all the flowers because she was better than any therapist Meg could have asked for. She brought the kind of support and stability Meg desperately needed without ever overshadowing her journey.
Now Reid...I'm suspicious. Very suspicious. I still don't know exactly what role he plays, but every little breadcrumb made me more invested in finding out. His story is unfolding in the most delicious way.
Then there's Everest. I need his dirty little secret immediately. His parents are the definition of "with family like that, who needs enemies?" As frustrating as he could be, I couldn't help feeling sorry for him. His upbringing has clearly taught him to sabotage any genuine connection before it has a chance to grow, and I can't wait to see where his character goes from here.
What I appreciated most was that Meg's recovery wasn't magically fixed because she escaped. The story shows that surviving and healing are two very different battles, and that emotional journey added so much weight to the rivalry, mystery, and romance. And that ending...Ma'am. You have absolutely no mercy. I need book two as of yesterday.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How do I even put into words how much I loved this book?
First things first… yes, this is a spin-off, but Maddison Cole’s world-building is so seamless that you can absolutely start here. If you haven’t read the previous series yet, trust me, you’ll be adding it to your TBR before you’ve even finished this one.
I’ve always felt like Meg had so much more story to tell, but I wasn’t prepared for just how raw, heartbreaking and inspiring her journey would be. Watching her fight to reclaim pieces of herself after everything she’s endured felt so real. Healing isn’t quick, neat or easy, and Maddison captures that beautifully.
And the boys… Thiago had me smiling every time he appeared. Protective, loyal, morally questionable? Say less. Then there’s Everest… the arrogant rival I wanted to both shake and hug because there is so much more beneath that cocky exterior. The tension between them all had me completely hooked.
The pacing pulls you in from the very first chapter, the mystery keeps you constantly questioning everything, and just when you think you’ve figured it out… Maddison reminds you who’s in charge.
Then came that ending.
Excuse me, Maddison… are you okay? Because I certainly wasn’t! I genuinely sat there staring into space wondering how I’d missed the clues while simultaneously demanding book two immediately.
This woman has a gift for creating characters you invest your whole heart in and plots that refuse to let go. Every single book reminds me why she’s one of my favourite authors.
Now, if anyone needs me, I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting for the next instalment and pretending I’m fine… even though I’m absolutely not.
First things first… yes, this is a spin-off, but Maddison Cole’s world-building is so seamless that you can absolutely start here. If you haven’t read the previous series yet, trust me, you’ll be adding it to your TBR before you’ve even finished this one.
I’ve always felt like Meg had so much more story to tell, but I wasn’t prepared for just how raw, heartbreaking and inspiring her journey would be. Watching her fight to reclaim pieces of herself after everything she’s endured felt so real. Healing isn’t quick, neat or easy, and Maddison captures that beautifully.
And the boys… Thiago had me smiling every time he appeared. Protective, loyal, morally questionable? Say less. Then there’s Everest… the arrogant rival I wanted to both shake and hug because there is so much more beneath that cocky exterior. The tension between them all had me completely hooked.
The pacing pulls you in from the very first chapter, the mystery keeps you constantly questioning everything, and just when you think you’ve figured it out… Maddison reminds you who’s in charge.
Then came that ending.
Excuse me, Maddison… are you okay? Because I certainly wasn’t! I genuinely sat there staring into space wondering how I’d missed the clues while simultaneously demanding book two immediately.
This woman has a gift for creating characters you invest your whole heart in and plots that refuse to let go. Every single book reminds me why she’s one of my favourite authors.
Now, if anyone needs me, I’ll just be over here impatiently waiting for the next instalment and pretending I’m fine… even though I’m absolutely not.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC Review ✨
'Haven’t you heard? Stalking is the new chivalry.'
🏑 Rivals Pledge by Maddison Cole 🏑
Rivals Pledge is the first book in the Hollowbrook Academy series by Maddison Cole. This is a dark academic sports why choose romance, a spin off from her Shadowed Souls series.
“I just see you clearly. Even when you try to make yourself invisible.”
I instantly knew I was going to love this from the first page. If there is one thing that Maddison Cole is amazing at is how to write a delicious slow burn with plot for dayyyyyyssss 👏🏻👏🏻 and her characters are just *chefs kiss*😘
“You don’t belong in the background, and you don’t get to disappear a second time.”
After all the events that happened in SS with Meg I needed to know that she was going to get a HEA too! I loved that even though she went through some trauma she was still feisty as hell and knew how to throw a great throat punch! I cannot wait to see how her healing journey goes.
“You’ve never kneeled for a man before. Don’t start now.”
Now the boys!! I absolutely loved them all. The sweet and slightly stalkerish Thi, he genuinely just wants what's best for her and treats her like the queen she is. Everest is hot as hell, I loveeeed the rivals aspect of these two and the spicy history as well!! The chemistry between them was 🔥 and Reid, the broody secretive neighbour, but you know we all love a broody tortured bad boy!
“There are billions of women in the world and I’m only interested in one.”
I really had a hard time putting this one down, so much action and plot twists to unpack in this and that shock twist at the end! Be ready for a brutal cliffhanger! This is out now!!!
🏑 Rival captains
💻 Hacker hero
🎨 Artist hero
❤️🩹 A survivor’s healing journey
🔎 Mystery, danger, and dark secrets
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75/5
🌶️🌶️/5
'Haven’t you heard? Stalking is the new chivalry.'
🏑 Rivals Pledge by Maddison Cole 🏑
Rivals Pledge is the first book in the Hollowbrook Academy series by Maddison Cole. This is a dark academic sports why choose romance, a spin off from her Shadowed Souls series.
“I just see you clearly. Even when you try to make yourself invisible.”
I instantly knew I was going to love this from the first page. If there is one thing that Maddison Cole is amazing at is how to write a delicious slow burn with plot for dayyyyyyssss 👏🏻👏🏻 and her characters are just *chefs kiss*😘
“You don’t belong in the background, and you don’t get to disappear a second time.”
After all the events that happened in SS with Meg I needed to know that she was going to get a HEA too! I loved that even though she went through some trauma she was still feisty as hell and knew how to throw a great throat punch! I cannot wait to see how her healing journey goes.
“You’ve never kneeled for a man before. Don’t start now.”
Now the boys!! I absolutely loved them all. The sweet and slightly stalkerish Thi, he genuinely just wants what's best for her and treats her like the queen she is. Everest is hot as hell, I loveeeed the rivals aspect of these two and the spicy history as well!! The chemistry between them was 🔥 and Reid, the broody secretive neighbour, but you know we all love a broody tortured bad boy!
“There are billions of women in the world and I’m only interested in one.”
I really had a hard time putting this one down, so much action and plot twists to unpack in this and that shock twist at the end! Be ready for a brutal cliffhanger! This is out now!!!
🏑 Rival captains
💻 Hacker hero
🎨 Artist hero
❤️🩹 A survivor’s healing journey
🔎 Mystery, danger, and dark secrets
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75/5
🌶️🌶️/5
July 17, 2026
This was my first Maddison Cole book and it did not disappoint! Every time I thought I knew what was happening, I was quickly reminded that NO. THE FUCK. I DIDN’T.
I definitely wished I was able to buddy read this with someone because yapping to myself through every twist and turn just didn’t hit the same.
I was hooked from the very beginning and quickly grew fond of Meg. Her story is a traumatic one and throughout the book I watched her fight like hell to regain just an ounce of who she was before the kidnapping.
Thiago, my man my man my man! I can’t begin to tell you how perfect this obsessive Brazilian hacker is! He is by far my favorite MMC and can do no wrong in my eyes, although he did call me out for “sitting around reading when you know there are chores you should be doing” but minding his business is not his forte so I’ll let it slide.
Everest aka Meg’s #1 hater, motivator, and rival took a minute to grow on me but I guess that was the whole point. He comes with his own set of trauma, drama, and secrets but in his mind everything he did was for Meg’s wellbeing. He has a lot of explaining to do.
Speaking of a lot of explaining to do, REID WILDER TO THE FRONT PLEASE! I was suspicious of him from the start. Which is crazy because I love me a quiet and mysterious man with white/silver hair. There was just something off about him and I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I had an inkling of what his deal was and after that mind fuck of a cliff hanger I’m proud to say I WAS RIGHT!
All that to say I really enjoyed this book. I need book 2 like yesterday, that ending was diabolical and I am not okay!! I hope you’re happy! 😭🤣
July 18, 2026
Ummmm that cliffhanger....
I need the next part.
That last chapter. Maddison you got some splainin to do....
I enjoyed this why choose, lacrosse, dark romance.
Meg returns to Hollowbrook Academy after a traumatic event. Once the girls lacrosse captain, she's unsure how she's just going to cope day to day. Then she sees the team has gone coed and her rival Everest has taken over as captain. Everest is cocky, smug, and everything you want to hate but there's just something about him, & you learn that like onions, he's got layers, riddled with some blackmail and a lot of unanswered questions in the end.
Thiago is our sweet introverted hacker who happened to be in the wrong place right time to meet Meg & fell for our girl. He was there protect & watch over her virtually and when he thought she needed more he gave into his fears and joined her at Hollowbrook.
Meg is trying to get her life back together, deal with the rumors, live with her kidnapper still on the loose, mentally hold it together, and lead a team to figure out how to win. She struggles with nightmares, tries to hold it together alone, and Everest & Thiago both want her, so naturally they're working together to heal her in hopes she picks one but I hope they figure out and she says los dos. Another girl Laura goes missing after going to a party with Meg and the fear is Harrison took her and now Meg is dealing with that.
Reid was in rehab with her and ends up her neighbor, annoys her with loud music and plays hot and cold with her. Thiago figures a piece of it out. We see why at the end and then are left on a cliff with a million question so I'm ready for book 2.
I need the next part.
That last chapter. Maddison you got some splainin to do....
I enjoyed this why choose, lacrosse, dark romance.
Meg returns to Hollowbrook Academy after a traumatic event. Once the girls lacrosse captain, she's unsure how she's just going to cope day to day. Then she sees the team has gone coed and her rival Everest has taken over as captain. Everest is cocky, smug, and everything you want to hate but there's just something about him, & you learn that like onions, he's got layers, riddled with some blackmail and a lot of unanswered questions in the end.
Thiago is our sweet introverted hacker who happened to be in the wrong place right time to meet Meg & fell for our girl. He was there protect & watch over her virtually and when he thought she needed more he gave into his fears and joined her at Hollowbrook.
Meg is trying to get her life back together, deal with the rumors, live with her kidnapper still on the loose, mentally hold it together, and lead a team to figure out how to win. She struggles with nightmares, tries to hold it together alone, and Everest & Thiago both want her, so naturally they're working together to heal her in hopes she picks one but I hope they figure out and she says los dos. Another girl Laura goes missing after going to a party with Meg and the fear is Harrison took her and now Meg is dealing with that.
Reid was in rehab with her and ends up her neighbor, annoys her with loud music and plays hot and cold with her. Thiago figures a piece of it out. We see why at the end and then are left on a cliff with a million question so I'm ready for book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
You’ll enjoy this book if you like:
🥍 Secrets/Lies
🥍 University
🥍 Forced Proximity
🥍 Sports Romance (Lacrosse)
🥍 Why Choose (MFMM)
🥍 Enemies to Lovers
🥍 Trauma
I have no words.
None.
Like I assumed there would be some kind of twist, but now I’m sat here with my jaw on the floor, attempting to connect dots (read as failing miserably), and saying “WHAT??” over and over.
I desperately need Rogue’s Promise in my hands.
This book had me hooked immediately. I really liked Meg and it was nice to watch her lean into the guys and work on her recovery after being kidnapped.
Naturally, I’m in love with Thiago. The cyberstalker obsessed with our FMC Meg, watching her 24/7, seeing everywhere she goes, and everything she does? Green flag obviously. 😂
But actually, he’s such a sweetheart it’s adorable.
Not fully sure how I feel about Everest yet. He had some sweet moments, and he had some… less than ideal moments… but I think I’m gonna like him with a little more context/background. I do really love his concern for Meg though, and how always he saw her.
Desperately hoping for more Reid content next book, and based on the “Special Thanks” page, I think I’ll be very happy next book. 🤭 I have so many questions about our mysterious man!
Apparently I never finished the Shadowed Souls series, so now I’m off to go dive into that while I wait for Rogue’s Promise!
Thank you so much to Maddison Cole and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book. All thoughts are my own. 💗
🥍 Secrets/Lies
🥍 University
🥍 Forced Proximity
🥍 Sports Romance (Lacrosse)
🥍 Why Choose (MFMM)
🥍 Enemies to Lovers
🥍 Trauma
I have no words.
None.
Like I assumed there would be some kind of twist, but now I’m sat here with my jaw on the floor, attempting to connect dots (read as failing miserably), and saying “WHAT??” over and over.
I desperately need Rogue’s Promise in my hands.
This book had me hooked immediately. I really liked Meg and it was nice to watch her lean into the guys and work on her recovery after being kidnapped.
Naturally, I’m in love with Thiago. The cyberstalker obsessed with our FMC Meg, watching her 24/7, seeing everywhere she goes, and everything she does? Green flag obviously. 😂
But actually, he’s such a sweetheart it’s adorable.
Not fully sure how I feel about Everest yet. He had some sweet moments, and he had some… less than ideal moments… but I think I’m gonna like him with a little more context/background. I do really love his concern for Meg though, and how always he saw her.
Desperately hoping for more Reid content next book, and based on the “Special Thanks” page, I think I’ll be very happy next book. 🤭 I have so many questions about our mysterious man!
Apparently I never finished the Shadowed Souls series, so now I’m off to go dive into that while I wait for Rogue’s Promise!
Thank you so much to Maddison Cole and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book. All thoughts are my own. 💗
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