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The Treehouse Boys #2
No Paine No Gain
One thing I've learned from three years as an undergrad?
College is all about balance.
Juggling a science-heavy course load, weekend bar crawls, and my plentiful dating life is an art form. An art form I've got down to a T...
Until the campus Casanova comes barreling into my biology class and throws my mojo for a major loop.
Windhaven University's most notorious womanizer is officially my lab partner, and there's nothing I can do about it.
He's obnoxious. Arrogant. Always has a dirty joke on the tip of his tongue and a pompous smirk twisting his full lips.
Even ill-fitting protective goggles and scratchy lab coats can't tamper down his appeal. With stunning hazel eyes and abs for days, the guy is undeniably gorgeous.
But I'm not succumbing to his stupid charade. His hypnotic charm and strategic smooth-talking that has women giggling like schoolgirls as they line up at his always-revolving bedroom door.
I refuse to fall for his game.
Not even when he pierces me with that dimpled smile that makes my cheeks burn and my toes tingle.
Nope. Not a freaking chance.
Because Weston Paine?
He's nothing more than a pain in my ass.
College is all about balance.
Juggling a science-heavy course load, weekend bar crawls, and my plentiful dating life is an art form. An art form I've got down to a T...
Until the campus Casanova comes barreling into my biology class and throws my mojo for a major loop.
Windhaven University's most notorious womanizer is officially my lab partner, and there's nothing I can do about it.
He's obnoxious. Arrogant. Always has a dirty joke on the tip of his tongue and a pompous smirk twisting his full lips.
Even ill-fitting protective goggles and scratchy lab coats can't tamper down his appeal. With stunning hazel eyes and abs for days, the guy is undeniably gorgeous.
But I'm not succumbing to his stupid charade. His hypnotic charm and strategic smooth-talking that has women giggling like schoolgirls as they line up at his always-revolving bedroom door.
I refuse to fall for his game.
Not even when he pierces me with that dimpled smile that makes my cheeks burn and my toes tingle.
Nope. Not a freaking chance.
Because Weston Paine?
He's nothing more than a pain in my ass.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2020
344 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 3, 2020
5 twinkling stars for this amazingly written sports romance
McKinley May is a new to me author and I'm definitely hooked for life. I accidentally stumbled across this enemies to lovers sports romance and it was totally worth it, and left me wanting more.
Lexie is smart, funny beautiful and determined. She is a soon to be doctor but that isn't what she really wants, her real interests are in interior designing but she is learning to become a doctor due to family pressure.
Weston is a popular jock. He loves soccer and is on the college soccer team which is in his blood due to his superstar father and brother. Even though he grew up in his father's and brother's shadow, he made a name for himself on the field and did it all by himself.
Lex and West knew each other due to mutual friends but they hadn't really talked. Lexie knew Weston as he was popular on campus due to his soccer skills, Weston on the other hand knew Lexie as 'Barbie' or the girl who turned him down. When Weston is Lexie's partner in bio it's the last thing she wants . They even had one of those moments with the microscope, in the bio lab in a typical 'twilight' fashion but the things going through the other's mind weren't cilvil to say the least. However, over time they realise that there is more to the other person than they thought.
I loved their occasional banter and how Lexie challenged him at every turn. Weston was kind and compassionate and I really loved how he always encouraged Lexie to do what she wanted and even showed her how she deserved more.
I really loved this book and would totally recommend it. Their sizzling chemistry was off the charts and I cannot wait to read about the other Treehouse boys. McKinley really knows how to suck readers in and leave them wanting more.
McKinley May is a new to me author and I'm definitely hooked for life. I accidentally stumbled across this enemies to lovers sports romance and it was totally worth it, and left me wanting more.
Lexie is smart, funny beautiful and determined. She is a soon to be doctor but that isn't what she really wants, her real interests are in interior designing but she is learning to become a doctor due to family pressure.
Weston is a popular jock. He loves soccer and is on the college soccer team which is in his blood due to his superstar father and brother. Even though he grew up in his father's and brother's shadow, he made a name for himself on the field and did it all by himself.
Lex and West knew each other due to mutual friends but they hadn't really talked. Lexie knew Weston as he was popular on campus due to his soccer skills, Weston on the other hand knew Lexie as 'Barbie' or the girl who turned him down. When Weston is Lexie's partner in bio it's the last thing she wants . They even had one of those moments with the microscope, in the bio lab in a typical 'twilight' fashion but the things going through the other's mind weren't cilvil to say the least. However, over time they realise that there is more to the other person than they thought.
I loved their occasional banter and how Lexie challenged him at every turn. Weston was kind and compassionate and I really loved how he always encouraged Lexie to do what she wanted and even showed her how she deserved more.
I really loved this book and would totally recommend it. Their sizzling chemistry was off the charts and I cannot wait to read about the other Treehouse boys. McKinley really knows how to suck readers in and leave them wanting more.
July 13, 2020
MANS FREAKING GAVE UP ARSENAL FOR COACHING KIDS??:?:?!!’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2020
3 stars, so this was way better than i thought it would be. i'm not usually a fan of college sports romance but weston and lexie's lab partner frenemies dynamic was so much fun. i love that they're both a bit wild and have similar communication issues with their families. the three dates portion of the book was really good as were their initial study meetings when they were getting to know each other.
the only part i didn't really agree with was how weston's conflict over signing with arsenal was handled. like we're told it's been his dream his entire childhood and the only reason he was pushing it away was the rift with his father but all of a sudden his goals change and he decides he doesn't want the aresnal contract ... like okay ?? him and lexie could have totally had a long distance relationship for a year, it would have been fine i just felt like him not wanting that premier league contract was a bit contrived.
the only part i didn't really agree with was how weston's conflict over signing with arsenal was handled. like we're told it's been his dream his entire childhood and the only reason he was pushing it away was the rift with his father but all of a sudden his goals change and he decides he doesn't want the aresnal contract ... like okay ?? him and lexie could have totally had a long distance relationship for a year, it would have been fine i just felt like him not wanting that premier league contract was a bit contrived.
April 19, 2020
It’s hard to pick which character I liked most: Lexie or Weston. They appears to be opposites on paper but once you got to know them they were very similar. They both were under pressure about their careers. To her family Lexie is Alexandra. She is the fast track to medical school. Weston is the next soccer star. Stardom in England is his birthright. I love Lexie’s character because she was a free spirit around her friends. A little wacky, talkative, a go getter, smart and can hang with the guys. Weston is the typical college player on the field and off the field, Party animal with a long list of girls. When they get together they both grow and get the strength to stand up to the pressure. A good book with good characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2025
such a great addition to the series. I’m mad at myself that I waited 3 years after I read book 1 to read this one. 🤣
Lexie & Weston were cute. I love a good college sports romance!
🔥 - 3 spicy scenes, moderate details
Lexie & Weston were cute. I love a good college sports romance!
🔥 - 3 spicy scenes, moderate details
September 17, 2020
Amazing chemistry.
April 23, 2020
Aaand now I have finished the first two books in one day - and I need the next one NOW.
They are just so easy and funny to read, that the time doesn't register at all. I love the sweet and steamy romances (with the same old tropes but it's still really good) and the friendships are to die for. The friend group grows as the boys meet their match and I will definitely be there for the rest of them to fall head over heels as well.
Next up is Cameron's book and I am so excited for his book!!
They are just so easy and funny to read, that the time doesn't register at all. I love the sweet and steamy romances (with the same old tropes but it's still really good) and the friendships are to die for. The friend group grows as the boys meet their match and I will definitely be there for the rest of them to fall head over heels as well.
Next up is Cameron's book and I am so excited for his book!!
February 13, 2020
I discovered McKinley May last year when she released her debut novel, Hard As Steel, and I immediately fell in love with her words! So when the chance arose to sign up for an ARC of the second book in her Treehouse Boys series, I was so excited!! And let me tell you, this book was sports perfection!!
We have Lexie, who is on the fast track to becoming a doctor just like both her mother, father and two sisters. But that is where her similarities with her family ends: she's open, hilarious, witty, beautiful, isn't afraid of her emotions, and loves with her entire being. When she's paired up in her advanced biology class with her besties boyfriends best friend, Weston, she's less than thrilled. She has stayed away from guys like him her entire life for good reason: he's arragont, an athlete, a womanizer, cocky beyond belief.. And he doesn't even know her name. But when a surprising friendship between the two quickly ignites into a passion filled relationship, will their love be able to survive their dreams?
Gosh, this book is so amazing! Sports romances are my kryptonite, and you could just *feel* the chemistry come alive from these two wonderful characters! I hope there will be many more installments to this series because I can't get enough!! Trust me when I say you will love this book! :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have Lexie, who is on the fast track to becoming a doctor just like both her mother, father and two sisters. But that is where her similarities with her family ends: she's open, hilarious, witty, beautiful, isn't afraid of her emotions, and loves with her entire being. When she's paired up in her advanced biology class with her besties boyfriends best friend, Weston, she's less than thrilled. She has stayed away from guys like him her entire life for good reason: he's arragont, an athlete, a womanizer, cocky beyond belief.. And he doesn't even know her name. But when a surprising friendship between the two quickly ignites into a passion filled relationship, will their love be able to survive their dreams?
Gosh, this book is so amazing! Sports romances are my kryptonite, and you could just *feel* the chemistry come alive from these two wonderful characters! I hope there will be many more installments to this series because I can't get enough!! Trust me when I say you will love this book! :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2021
Disappointed that it wasn't nearly as good as the first one. I never really felt a strong connection to the characters and I felt some events were a little randomly placed into the story, making it drag non a little.
May 18, 2021
uh i didn’t like the writing at all, this person cannot write a boy’s pov without making it disgustingly cringe and stereotypical and it everything was too rushed or didn’t fit together plot wise.
April 29, 2021
I’m only halfway through, but I have loved every second of it. The banter is witty and freaking hilarious, the characters are amazing, and although cliche, it’s original in its own right.
There are like two typos, but the fact that I’ve been laughing like a maniac to myself all day because of this book more than makes up for it.
Ah- freaking- mazing.
*Update: okay. I’m done the book now.
Official rating? 4.5 stars. I really thought and wanted Weston to end up playing/ making progress towards playing professional football on his own (not with the Arsenals) considering that it’s basically his dream. Just left me with minor weird note since it doesn’t feel finished. For me personally, the ending and epilogue left Weston’s goals unresolved.
I also thought that the way Weston handled his feelings and struggles with signing for the Arsenals was totally rushed and forced- it wasn’t what I would call a natural transition in character development. It was rather turbulent.
Anyways, still loved the book! Everything I said before I finished the book still stands- it was hilarious, the relationship built is so effortless and fun!
There are like two typos, but the fact that I’ve been laughing like a maniac to myself all day because of this book more than makes up for it.
Ah- freaking- mazing.
*Update: okay. I’m done the book now.
Official rating? 4.5 stars. I really thought and wanted Weston to end up playing/ making progress towards playing professional football on his own (not with the Arsenals) considering that it’s basically his dream. Just left me with minor weird note since it doesn’t feel finished. For me personally, the ending and epilogue left Weston’s goals unresolved.
I also thought that the way Weston handled his feelings and struggles with signing for the Arsenals was totally rushed and forced- it wasn’t what I would call a natural transition in character development. It was rather turbulent.
Anyways, still loved the book! Everything I said before I finished the book still stands- it was hilarious, the relationship built is so effortless and fun!
February 15, 2020
I loved McKinley May’s first novel, Hard as Steel. I went in with very low expectations, assuming it was would be a formulaic sports romance, however, her ability to create relatable characters and quality dialogue won me over. I’ve anxiously awaited her second book, No Paine No Gain, and was thrilled that it did not disappoint.
Weston Paine could have been a typical athlete womanizer but he was much deeper than and didn’t fall into standard cliches. I loved that Lexie was a strong female character. Also loved that May didn’t make Lexie a virgin or have a history of lackluster sex. Both H and h could hold their own in all aspects of the relationship. My favorite part was that they were just fun. Their interactions, their conversations, their time with friends were all great—overall just found the writing to be sexy, funny and smart.
Looking forward to the next TreeHouse boys book.
Weston Paine could have been a typical athlete womanizer but he was much deeper than and didn’t fall into standard cliches. I loved that Lexie was a strong female character. Also loved that May didn’t make Lexie a virgin or have a history of lackluster sex. Both H and h could hold their own in all aspects of the relationship. My favorite part was that they were just fun. Their interactions, their conversations, their time with friends were all great—overall just found the writing to be sexy, funny and smart.
Looking forward to the next TreeHouse boys book.
November 23, 2020
Wow I read this book during I bad case of insomnia and holy shit this book made me cry with laughter.
It was literally EVERYTHING.
I love that Weston knows he’s not the shit with biology. His description of the slides had me flashing back to when I was at school in science because like Weston I know nothing either 🤦🏻♀️😂
I couldn’t decide who I loved more they were both hilarious.
The book is a light read, nothing to heavy but hilarious and fun. If you’re in a slump- or not- read it and if you don’t find at least some bits of the book funny then pull the stick out your ass will ya 🙌🏻
I honestly couldn’t decide if I wanted to Weston’s best friend or girlfriend because that guy is BRILLIANT.
Let’s not take away from Lexie, she’s hilarious doesn’t back down I love her.
Enjoy reading this as much as I did, fuckers! 🤘🏻
It was literally EVERYTHING.
I love that Weston knows he’s not the shit with biology. His description of the slides had me flashing back to when I was at school in science because like Weston I know nothing either 🤦🏻♀️😂
I couldn’t decide who I loved more they were both hilarious.
The book is a light read, nothing to heavy but hilarious and fun. If you’re in a slump- or not- read it and if you don’t find at least some bits of the book funny then pull the stick out your ass will ya 🙌🏻
I honestly couldn’t decide if I wanted to Weston’s best friend or girlfriend because that guy is BRILLIANT.
Let’s not take away from Lexie, she’s hilarious doesn’t back down I love her.
Enjoy reading this as much as I did, fuckers! 🤘🏻
April 24, 2020
I loved Weston and Lexie! This was so much fun to read. I enjoyed pretty much everything about it and had very little to critique. For me this is a runner up compared to the first book in this series. I'm not sure anything can top Vaughn and Rayne!
I am excited to read Cameron's story and I'm thrilled I won't have to wait long for it! I hope McKinley May writes one for the rest of the single Treehouse boys; Parker, and Diego. I have a feeling I would be LOLing at Diego's story from start to finish!
McKinley May has done such a great job of creating interest in all sideline characters! GREAT JOB!
I am excited to read Cameron's story and I'm thrilled I won't have to wait long for it! I hope McKinley May writes one for the rest of the single Treehouse boys; Parker, and Diego. I have a feeling I would be LOLing at Diego's story from start to finish!
McKinley May has done such a great job of creating interest in all sideline characters! GREAT JOB!
August 10, 2020
I loved this book just as much as the first one. Loved Lexie and Weston's relationship. Weston actually apologizes! I was amazed that the guy apologized instead of trying to show why he was right as is common in many romance books. I was surprised on what the conflict ended up being between the two.
The only thing that was kind of weird (but this may just be a me thing so I didn't take any stars off) was the number of times they scraped their teeth over their bottom lip. Like it just makes me picture a creep and made me uncomfortable. But it may be a totally normal thing.
I still recommend this book.
The only thing that was kind of weird (but this may just be a me thing so I didn't take any stars off) was the number of times they scraped their teeth over their bottom lip. Like it just makes me picture a creep and made me uncomfortable. But it may be a totally normal thing.
I still recommend this book.
August 16, 2022
No Paine No Gain
I really enjoyed this book. Its my least favorite of the three put so far, but its still really good. I like how the stories focus on the building of the couple, the chemistry they have, more than the inevitable angst. I'm also glad there isn't a whole lot of that. I feel Weston gave up so much more throughout the book.
Stories don't have to be read on order. Lexie and Weston get their HFN. Told from dual POV. Definitely recommend the series. True sports romance and well written.
I really enjoyed this book. Its my least favorite of the three put so far, but its still really good. I like how the stories focus on the building of the couple, the chemistry they have, more than the inevitable angst. I'm also glad there isn't a whole lot of that. I feel Weston gave up so much more throughout the book.
Stories don't have to be read on order. Lexie and Weston get their HFN. Told from dual POV. Definitely recommend the series. True sports romance and well written.
March 8, 2023
4.5
this book was originally going to be a solid 4 stars just because the first 20 chapters were pretty boring to me. like it was just too slow for my liking but the characters were great so that’s why i suck around but right after the 20 chapters i was hooked and reading this fast. so the second half of this book was why i give this book a 4.5. i did enjoy the writing not so much the pace but that’s a personal opinion.
this book was originally going to be a solid 4 stars just because the first 20 chapters were pretty boring to me. like it was just too slow for my liking but the characters were great so that’s why i suck around but right after the 20 chapters i was hooked and reading this fast. so the second half of this book was why i give this book a 4.5. i did enjoy the writing not so much the pace but that’s a personal opinion.
March 16, 2024
Why did I wait so long to read?
So, I have had this book waiting so patiently to be read do a loooonnnnggg time. I am glad I finally read it. Lexie and Paine, who knew they were just the male and female version of each other? Expect Lexie is incredible smart and quick witted, which I love and Paine, he is more than what is on the surface. They just had to find their people…each other… but man family can be just toxic. Love the book and look forward to continuing the series.
So, I have had this book waiting so patiently to be read do a loooonnnnggg time. I am glad I finally read it. Lexie and Paine, who knew they were just the male and female version of each other? Expect Lexie is incredible smart and quick witted, which I love and Paine, he is more than what is on the surface. They just had to find their people…each other… but man family can be just toxic. Love the book and look forward to continuing the series.
February 19, 2020
Lexie is trying to become her own person in the medical field. Weston's at the top of the food chain at college. When they're paired together as lab partners a surprising friendship starts.
This was a good sports romance with a nice and catching trope.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a good sports romance with a nice and catching trope.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2020
This is my first read from this author and I LOVED it. Weston and Lexie are perfect for each other. I loved that they got to know each other before any thing physical happened. A really nice slow burn. I am definitely going to check out the first book in the series and of course be on the look out for more books from this author.
May 14, 2020
First time read
This is my first time reading this author book and I must say I’m not disappointed at all. I really enjoyed this book and I read it in a day. I couldn’t put this book down . The writing is amazing and it like a movie but on my tablet. I can’t wait to see what’s the next book this author writes.
This is my first time reading this author book and I must say I’m not disappointed at all. I really enjoyed this book and I read it in a day. I couldn’t put this book down . The writing is amazing and it like a movie but on my tablet. I can’t wait to see what’s the next book this author writes.
May 14, 2020
MUST READ!!!!
The treehouse series is amazing! Captivating from the first page! You will laugh, cry and have every emotion in-between. This is the second book in the series and I do suggest you read the first book before but you could get away with not reading it. I don’t want to give anything away but I loved this.
The treehouse series is amazing! Captivating from the first page! You will laugh, cry and have every emotion in-between. This is the second book in the series and I do suggest you read the first book before but you could get away with not reading it. I don’t want to give anything away but I loved this.
May 15, 2020
Low key
Not a lot happened here. Just when you think there will be some ow drama, nothing. Which really did not mesh with how the ow was portrayed. Even in the last part of the book, with the major conflict, it was just kinda oh, eh, yeah that sucks. I expected more emotion, more plot, more ... something, but I was disappointed.
Not a lot happened here. Just when you think there will be some ow drama, nothing. Which really did not mesh with how the ow was portrayed. Even in the last part of the book, with the major conflict, it was just kinda oh, eh, yeah that sucks. I expected more emotion, more plot, more ... something, but I was disappointed.
May 30, 2020
Best book in a long time
This book was perfect. Had me hooked from the beginning. Fell in love with the characters. I couldn’t put it down. It was a humor that matched my own. I laughed out loud many times. Connecting with an author Is hard to do, so when it happens you want to read whatever they have to offer. Great Job McKinley! Looking forward to her future reads.
This book was perfect. Had me hooked from the beginning. Fell in love with the characters. I couldn’t put it down. It was a humor that matched my own. I laughed out loud many times. Connecting with an author Is hard to do, so when it happens you want to read whatever they have to offer. Great Job McKinley! Looking forward to her future reads.
June 8, 2020
OMG I have fallen in love with this book. I can't wait to read more. Once you start reading it you will not be able to put it down. Weston and Lexie are perfect. What I like about this book is they don't wait till the end for the couples to get together. This series is the best I can't wait for the rest of the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2020
4.5 stars. The first book of this series was a surprise hit for me, and this one did not disappoint either. Really liked the way the relationship between the MCs developed from enemies to friends before they became involved with each other. Love this author's writing style and story development and I hope she continues with this series if not other ones.
March 23, 2021
Laughing so hard I had tears
Weston and Lexi are contagious. These two and their back and forth and hilarious chemistry is just amazing. Loved reading this sequel to the Treehouse gang. If your looking for a funny, witty, and downright addictive read this is it. Such a great story and easy to get lost in these characters.
Weston and Lexi are contagious. These two and their back and forth and hilarious chemistry is just amazing. Loved reading this sequel to the Treehouse gang. If your looking for a funny, witty, and downright addictive read this is it. Such a great story and easy to get lost in these characters.
June 27, 2023
once in a while i find and indulge in some brainless mind numbing college (sports) romance but this one kinda hit different, there are some deep emotional elements that i didn’t expect. weston and lexie are stinkin cute and the lab heart rate scene is smth personal fr. rounding up to 5, let’s hope the other books in this series are good too
February 22, 2020
Weston was a treat
Loved Lexus her character was fierce and unapologetic about life. Weston was more complex and interesting and loving them the first glances we got from Hard as steel.
I can't wait for Cam's story hoping it has a certain someons 's sister as his love interest
Loved Lexus her character was fierce and unapologetic about life. Weston was more complex and interesting and loving them the first glances we got from Hard as steel.
I can't wait for Cam's story hoping it has a certain someons 's sister as his love interest
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews