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Muted Hopelessness #1
My Muted Love
Never judge a book by its cover, one of the world’s most common clichés. Though sage advice, the age-old aphorism is rarely followed. Take, for instance, Tori McNabb and Ashton Spencer, two subjects who believe by aesthetics alone, they have no reason to breathe the same air. When startling circumstances align on the campus of Blakewood State University, the two have no choice but to look beyond their exteriors. McNabb is a fighter in life as well as in the ring. She knows what she’s capable of and doesn’t want to be tested. Her only goal is to never return to Millville, New Jersey while simultaneously flying under the radar as a small fish in the big BSU ocean. Spencer, the most popular athlete on campus is well on his way to success as a professional athlete and is confident the stars have aligned in his favor. Being tested by the underdog is one he’d never fail, or so he thinks. Journey with this unlikely pair inside the pages of their ugly covers.Publisher’s My Muted Love is book ONE of a THREE book series. It ends on a CLIFFHANGER. This book contains angst, profanity, sexually explicit content, and material related to young adults. If any of these elements is not what you prefer between the pages of a novel, this is not the venture for you.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2020
479 people are currently reading
917 people want to read
About the author
Love Belvin
39 books1,890 followersLove Belvin is a native of the Tri-State area and now lives in the Delaware Valley. She's an avid reader and enjoys dinner parties with her closest girlfriends. While she enjoys many things, nothing excites her more than curling up with a glass of wine and a good romance novel.
Love has been given the moniker "adult contemporary series queen." She is the author of the "Love's Improbable Possibility," "Wayward Love," and "Love Unaccounted" serials. Her two standalones, “Love's Inconvenient Truth” and "Low Love, Low Fidelity" are available. Love Belvin is also the co-author of the "Connecticut Kings" series. She's currently penning the journey of her latest captivating clients.
You can find Love on her website www.LoveBelvin.com
Facebook @ Author - Love Belvin
Twitter @LoveBelvin
Instagram @LoveBelvin
Love's a regular on Goodreads.
Sign up to receive emails from her team (#TeamLove) -> http://eepurl.com/6ejjv
Love has been given the moniker "adult contemporary series queen." She is the author of the "Love's Improbable Possibility," "Wayward Love," and "Love Unaccounted" serials. Her two standalones, “Love's Inconvenient Truth” and "Low Love, Low Fidelity" are available. Love Belvin is also the co-author of the "Connecticut Kings" series. She's currently penning the journey of her latest captivating clients.
You can find Love on her website www.LoveBelvin.com
Facebook @ Author - Love Belvin
Twitter @LoveBelvin
Instagram @LoveBelvin
Love's a regular on Goodreads.
Sign up to receive emails from her team (#TeamLove) -> http://eepurl.com/6ejjv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
March 24, 2021
Audio 5 Stars
Story 5 Stars
Story 5 Stars
March 15, 2020
The only thing I would change…
Is the fact that I have absolutely zero willpower when it comes to a LB release even knowing going in that it’s a 3 book series! No other author that I read does character development and background as thorough and with as much attention to detail. There were so many clues, hints and tidbits touched on that I know will fully be explored and resolved as this series plays out. So not being able to transition to the next book with no wait time, is the equivalent of a slow burn. But a slow burn is a good thing, when you have confidence that journey you’re being taken on is leading up to the ultimate culmination!!
Ashton and Tori had me riveted from start to finish. And at this point I have more questions than answers. But getting to what happened, why, and how it will play out for them going forward, will keep me invested until the very end! And I have no doubt the discoveries made along the way will be emotional, explosive, and riveting, as only LB knows how to pen it. Looking forward to more Tori and Spence revelations, more LB cameos, and as always more from the supporting characters that have so far played an integral part in moving the story forward.
Is the fact that I have absolutely zero willpower when it comes to a LB release even knowing going in that it’s a 3 book series! No other author that I read does character development and background as thorough and with as much attention to detail. There were so many clues, hints and tidbits touched on that I know will fully be explored and resolved as this series plays out. So not being able to transition to the next book with no wait time, is the equivalent of a slow burn. But a slow burn is a good thing, when you have confidence that journey you’re being taken on is leading up to the ultimate culmination!!
Ashton and Tori had me riveted from start to finish. And at this point I have more questions than answers. But getting to what happened, why, and how it will play out for them going forward, will keep me invested until the very end! And I have no doubt the discoveries made along the way will be emotional, explosive, and riveting, as only LB knows how to pen it. Looking forward to more Tori and Spence revelations, more LB cameos, and as always more from the supporting characters that have so far played an integral part in moving the story forward.
December 4, 2022
i'm surprised that I don't see more readers picking up this trilogy!!!
in the now timeline we met two characters, Tori and Ashton..she is a boxing champion and he is a journalist who will do a story on her..but these two have a history 13 years ago when Tori was a freshman and Ashton was a senior they went to the same collage...most of the storyline is in the past...
Tori is my type of heroine, an underdog!! she also has a complicated family life and is practically all alone in the world. Ashton is her opposite, an entitled and pompous ass and I hope he grows in the next books because he was awful here; bullying and condescending towards the heroine
I'm excited to continue with the series
The cliffhanger is not too bad I feel we just dived into the storyline...
in the now timeline we met two characters, Tori and Ashton..she is a boxing champion and he is a journalist who will do a story on her..but these two have a history 13 years ago when Tori was a freshman and Ashton was a senior they went to the same collage...most of the storyline is in the past...
Tori is my type of heroine, an underdog!! she also has a complicated family life and is practically all alone in the world. Ashton is her opposite, an entitled and pompous ass and I hope he grows in the next books because he was awful here; bullying and condescending towards the heroine
I'm excited to continue with the series
The cliffhanger is not too bad I feel we just dived into the storyline...
October 2, 2023
I’m Rooting For Tori..
I am in love with how LB pens her stories. The details within their journeys are just amazing.
Tori is at a prestigious HBCU for their boxing program but she’s basically poor and on her own. My heart went out to her almost immediately. We know from the beginning that she is now a successful boxer but this book is a journey into the past - college and how she met Ashton. Guys, Ashton is on my sh*tlist. It’s gonna take ALOT for him to redeem himself. He was a bully..but eventually became intrigued with Tori. Her mama was trash so Tori didn’t have money, clothes, a phone. Nothing. Ashton began to look out for her.
I’m anxious to see how this goes. On to the next book…
I am in love with how LB pens her stories. The details within their journeys are just amazing.
Tori is at a prestigious HBCU for their boxing program but she’s basically poor and on her own. My heart went out to her almost immediately. We know from the beginning that she is now a successful boxer but this book is a journey into the past - college and how she met Ashton. Guys, Ashton is on my sh*tlist. It’s gonna take ALOT for him to redeem himself. He was a bully..but eventually became intrigued with Tori. Her mama was trash so Tori didn’t have money, clothes, a phone. Nothing. Ashton began to look out for her.
I’m anxious to see how this goes. On to the next book…
April 1, 2020
SPOILER FREE REVIEW: My Muted Love (Muted Hopelessness book 1) by Love Belvin
is a solid 4 Star Read!!
My Muted Love opens with a guy by the name of Ashton Spencer. Ashton receives a request from his mentor to step in for him and complete an assignment. Yet, it's at the mention of Tori McNabb's name that readers become acutely aware of something. SUDDENLY, it's as if you know that this woman (Tori) left an imprint on this man (Ashton).
It was all in his reaction, silent but impressionable all at once. While the book starts off in the present, it's not long before it shifts to the past. Soon readers are up close and personal with how our two main characters meet.
Tori McNabb is struggling when she gets to Blakewood State University. Any little thing seems to set her off and boom she's ready to throw it all away.
Some tough love...well actually, I don't know if I can call it that really. So let's go with, some harsh words from a mentor keeps her planted at BSU but staying comes with a price.
Tori must put in the work and get in the ring to show why she's there in the first place. At least in her mind, she has to and if I'm honest others are thinking the same thing too. It's not easy though and overnight it appears that BSU's star athlete takes it upon himself to be the one that will make her or break her at BSU.
"You're one of them."
"One of who?"
"One of them welfare recipients.The new student who didn't earn their way to BSU, but got here by way of the pity train." -Ashton to Tori
The Bad Humans Clique:
That's the name Tori gives them. 'Them' being the rich, black Beverly Hills 90210 humans at BSU. They're mean, they think oh so highly of themselves, their generational wealth is worn like a badge of honor and because of that wealth things in this world come more easily to them.
Tori, a total badazz in the boxing ring finds herself on the wrathful receiving end of the bad humans, of which Ashton Spencer is the leader. Ashton is the big man on campus. And let me tell you, this guy is a handsomely smart, all American Division I star quarterback and clear NFL prospect. He knows it. Tori knows it. His pretty, skinny, equally rich girlfriend Aivery knows it.
The whole damn school knows it. Knowing it is one thing but with Tori however, she could care less about all that. The girl is focused and no bad humans are gonna stand in her way.
Just when things are going well there's a shift. One I was NOT expecting at all.
Ashton:
O. M. GEEEEEEEEE. Listen to me, you will not like this guy. Or maybe it's just me. *shrugs* Whatever, believe me when I tell you he will only soften you up just to piss you back off again. Overall, he grew on me and I'm eager to know more about him. I sloooooowly fell for Ashton.
I consider him to be the perfect blend. He has that old money proper vibe mixed with a little hood. As you read the book you realize his background has provided him life experiences from both worlds. This works well for his character, which for me is a big plus cause honey I like them with a touch of hood!
Tori:
Tori. Tori. Tori. * Blows out air from my mouth in exasperation* My feelings are mixed when it comes to her. Not really a fan to be honest. Then, I spent most of the book feeling bad for her only to feel a little played by her as the book ends. Do I still feel bad for her? Yes, but that's circumstantial at best now. *narrows eyes in contemplation*
Yeah...I need more intel on this chick. I thought I had her figured out somewhat and now I'm thinking maybe I don't. However, I can admit that Belvin did leave me some slight clues along the way that eluded to certain things within her character complexity.
The character I'm most eager to learn more about?
Why NormaJean of course. Her entire being in this story is somewhat jaw-dropping. I can already tell from the snippets of her we received.
The character I would love to see Tori knock on their a$$?
Aivery. Gosh, I hope it happens. LOL!!!!
The character that surprised me?
Tori. My section titled Tori: explains.
Fave Lines:
"Bitch got a name" - Tori
"You're a real Panther now, Nabby-girl"- Ashton
Series:
Yes, this is book one in a three-book series. Book two is due Summer of 2020
Recommendation:
Read the book! Though this is a romance, romance does not really play a big part in this book in my humble opinion. It kind of flies beneath the radar in an obvious way but does not overtake the book. Again, that's in my humble opinion.
Plot/Storyline:
Belvin has the worlds of two focused athletes colliding in an unexpected way...especially when it leads with them being athletes as certain common ground.
The story is somewhat emotional for both lead characters. Two extremely different people of the opposite sex are clashing at pivotal points in their lives.
Writing:
The writing was good, characters are laid out well, and readers will definitely want more. Hopelessness was a theme to a degree but not on overload to the point you feel bombarded by it. The two mains are NOTHING like what I expected them to be and I'm ok with that. I can't wait to see where this story goes.
is a solid 4 Star Read!!
My Muted Love opens with a guy by the name of Ashton Spencer. Ashton receives a request from his mentor to step in for him and complete an assignment. Yet, it's at the mention of Tori McNabb's name that readers become acutely aware of something. SUDDENLY, it's as if you know that this woman (Tori) left an imprint on this man (Ashton).
It was all in his reaction, silent but impressionable all at once. While the book starts off in the present, it's not long before it shifts to the past. Soon readers are up close and personal with how our two main characters meet.
Tori McNabb is struggling when she gets to Blakewood State University. Any little thing seems to set her off and boom she's ready to throw it all away.
Some tough love...well actually, I don't know if I can call it that really. So let's go with, some harsh words from a mentor keeps her planted at BSU but staying comes with a price.
Tori must put in the work and get in the ring to show why she's there in the first place. At least in her mind, she has to and if I'm honest others are thinking the same thing too. It's not easy though and overnight it appears that BSU's star athlete takes it upon himself to be the one that will make her or break her at BSU.
"You're one of them."
"One of who?"
"One of them welfare recipients.The new student who didn't earn their way to BSU, but got here by way of the pity train." -Ashton to Tori
The Bad Humans Clique:
That's the name Tori gives them. 'Them' being the rich, black Beverly Hills 90210 humans at BSU. They're mean, they think oh so highly of themselves, their generational wealth is worn like a badge of honor and because of that wealth things in this world come more easily to them.
Tori, a total badazz in the boxing ring finds herself on the wrathful receiving end of the bad humans, of which Ashton Spencer is the leader. Ashton is the big man on campus. And let me tell you, this guy is a handsomely smart, all American Division I star quarterback and clear NFL prospect. He knows it. Tori knows it. His pretty, skinny, equally rich girlfriend Aivery knows it.
The whole damn school knows it. Knowing it is one thing but with Tori however, she could care less about all that. The girl is focused and no bad humans are gonna stand in her way.
Just when things are going well there's a shift. One I was NOT expecting at all.
Ashton:
O. M. GEEEEEEEEE. Listen to me, you will not like this guy. Or maybe it's just me. *shrugs* Whatever, believe me when I tell you he will only soften you up just to piss you back off again. Overall, he grew on me and I'm eager to know more about him. I sloooooowly fell for Ashton.
I consider him to be the perfect blend. He has that old money proper vibe mixed with a little hood. As you read the book you realize his background has provided him life experiences from both worlds. This works well for his character, which for me is a big plus cause honey I like them with a touch of hood!
Tori:
Tori. Tori. Tori. * Blows out air from my mouth in exasperation* My feelings are mixed when it comes to her. Not really a fan to be honest. Then, I spent most of the book feeling bad for her only to feel a little played by her as the book ends. Do I still feel bad for her? Yes, but that's circumstantial at best now. *narrows eyes in contemplation*
Yeah...I need more intel on this chick. I thought I had her figured out somewhat and now I'm thinking maybe I don't. However, I can admit that Belvin did leave me some slight clues along the way that eluded to certain things within her character complexity.
The character I'm most eager to learn more about?
Why NormaJean of course. Her entire being in this story is somewhat jaw-dropping. I can already tell from the snippets of her we received.
The character I would love to see Tori knock on their a$$?
Aivery. Gosh, I hope it happens. LOL!!!!
The character that surprised me?
Tori. My section titled Tori: explains.
Fave Lines:
"Bitch got a name" - Tori
"You're a real Panther now, Nabby-girl"- Ashton
Series:
Yes, this is book one in a three-book series. Book two is due Summer of 2020
Recommendation:
Read the book! Though this is a romance, romance does not really play a big part in this book in my humble opinion. It kind of flies beneath the radar in an obvious way but does not overtake the book. Again, that's in my humble opinion.
Plot/Storyline:
Belvin has the worlds of two focused athletes colliding in an unexpected way...especially when it leads with them being athletes as certain common ground.
The story is somewhat emotional for both lead characters. Two extremely different people of the opposite sex are clashing at pivotal points in their lives.
Writing:
The writing was good, characters are laid out well, and readers will definitely want more. Hopelessness was a theme to a degree but not on overload to the point you feel bombarded by it. The two mains are NOTHING like what I expected them to be and I'm ok with that. I can't wait to see where this story goes.
March 1, 2022
Man, Where do I start? I truly enjoy reading/listening to author, especially romance author that are able to pen stories and characters with Depth! I absolutely love a story filled with more than just the typical boy meet girl, they fall in love and live HEA (Although that is my bottom line in a romance story) type of story...and this story was anything but! I NEED a story and let me tell you....This is definitely another author for me that provides a lot of detail with a complete story fill with depth in her primary and secondary characters. While I'm working, I usually listen to my audiobooks....This story was so captivating for me, I honestly can't say I was a productive employee while listening to this book. I always enjoy authors that bring in characters from other books and for me this was only my second book of Love's and she provided me a glimpse of Ragee & his grandmother prior to The Rhythm of Blues Series and his friendship with Tori....I love how she starts off present day to set the stage of what's happening and then looks back to give us the full picture of how Tori entered BSU and met Ashton for the first time. The all encompassing complicated relationship the two of them have totally captivates me....Now, I didn't understand why she didn't stop the direct deposit (read/listen to the story) so that she could get her money....but, I had to remember that during this time, she was an 18 year old girl....I have already pre-ordered book 2.....I can't wait....Oh Did I mention this book was narrated by two (2) of my absolute favorite narrators....Emmanuel & Wesleigh were absolute amazing as always for me conveying this story!
October 6, 2021
Spoilers Ahead
I've been told I have a weird brain so I'm going to attribute that weirdness to my departure from the majority of 4+ reviews.
I just could not get behind this love story. First, Ashton, his girlfriend, and his friends acted less like seniors in college and more like freshman in high school. Ashton literally barks at Tori the first time they cross paths. A grown man within a year of receiving a college degree barks at female based on her appearance. The first time it happens I gave him the benefit of the doubt. He was transferring his frustration with his manipulative girlfriend to the poor girl on campus. Ok, fine. When he does it again eliciting laughs from the surrounding student body, nah, now you just being mean, the worst kind of mean, a bully who picks on the less fortunate. Tori actually loses her only source of income as a result and he brushes it off as, 'I was just playing. I didn't mean for you to lose your lil' job'. Really???!!! But then he does this strange code switch thing where he schools Tori on the history and tradition of the HBCU they attend, essentially telling her to get her sh*t together because she was amongst greatness. I pretty much checked out then.
I read to the end because I had hoped a miracle would happen and I would find something redeeming about Ashton.
I didn't.
I've been told I have a weird brain so I'm going to attribute that weirdness to my departure from the majority of 4+ reviews.
I just could not get behind this love story. First, Ashton, his girlfriend, and his friends acted less like seniors in college and more like freshman in high school. Ashton literally barks at Tori the first time they cross paths. A grown man within a year of receiving a college degree barks at female based on her appearance. The first time it happens I gave him the benefit of the doubt. He was transferring his frustration with his manipulative girlfriend to the poor girl on campus. Ok, fine. When he does it again eliciting laughs from the surrounding student body, nah, now you just being mean, the worst kind of mean, a bully who picks on the less fortunate. Tori actually loses her only source of income as a result and he brushes it off as, 'I was just playing. I didn't mean for you to lose your lil' job'. Really???!!! But then he does this strange code switch thing where he schools Tori on the history and tradition of the HBCU they attend, essentially telling her to get her sh*t together because she was amongst greatness. I pretty much checked out then.
I read to the end because I had hoped a miracle would happen and I would find something redeeming about Ashton.
I didn't.
May 9, 2022
This was a different kind of love story but in a good way! I really enjoyed the “where it all began” with Ashton and Tori! The character development was very detailed and I feel like I know them personally. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them!
March 16, 2020
I don’t think anyone can compare to the character development and background as Love does with each masterpiece she pens... I am absolutely stuck on this train of Ashton and Tori and can’t wait until summer to figure what the happened between the two of them that’s got them both spooked out LOL! But baby when Tori gave my mans the business and broke out of there I hollered!
I definitely recommend this one and didn’t expect anything less from my fav!
I definitely recommend this one and didn’t expect anything less from my fav!
November 10, 2025
I listened to the audio version of this book. I enjoyed the narration and the plot. I will be listening the audio for book 2.
December 29, 2024
😩
My first read from Love Belvin and it did not disappoint! Tori and Ashton took me on a journey and I am eager to read the rest of the series. I felt bad for Tori about 98% of the book. I can tell she’s got some fight to her but the way the, “college aged students” acted towards her frustrated me so much! I hope she shows them who she is soon! I like Ashton but he is definitely settling with Aivery. On to the next book!
My first read from Love Belvin and it did not disappoint! Tori and Ashton took me on a journey and I am eager to read the rest of the series. I felt bad for Tori about 98% of the book. I can tell she’s got some fight to her but the way the, “college aged students” acted towards her frustrated me so much! I hope she shows them who she is soon! I like Ashton but he is definitely settling with Aivery. On to the next book!
December 12, 2023
I’m pretty sure this is my first completed Love Belvin book. I attempted something by her years ago and it wasn’t a good fit for me. On my quest to find a series, this is what I am embarking on.
I wasn’t disappointed. I am rooting for Tori in every possible way. Those damn kids a BSU got me ready to square up against them, I’ll be your friend Tori, because F them. Ashton, I want to believe his going to become a decent human but I’m nervous, I really hope his intentions or genuine.
I wasn’t disappointed. I am rooting for Tori in every possible way. Those damn kids a BSU got me ready to square up against them, I’ll be your friend Tori, because F them. Ashton, I want to believe his going to become a decent human but I’m nervous, I really hope his intentions or genuine.
December 24, 2024
This was my first book by Love Belvin. (I know. Don’t judge.) I thoroughly enjoyed it. The character & plot development was so well done. I love that she didn’t rush through the writing of this novel. It’s a great story, & I can’t wait to dive into Part 2 of Our Muted Recklessness.
July 7, 2022
I hope the next book gets better. College seniors? More like high school seniors.
February 7, 2021
Tori McNabb is the underdog at Blakewood State University. She doesn't fit in, but she's only there for her education. Ashton Spencer and his clique make it hard for Tori to JUST get her education. While tutoring Tori, Ashton realizes that it's so much more to the girl that sticks out like a sore thumb on campus. This is an enemies to lovers storyline that had my attention from the beginning. I love the way Love Belvin pens a story. Definitely moving on to the next installment.
July 18, 2023
I enjoy the performance of these narrators. I think their voices work well together.
Let's move on to this book. Only the first and last chapter are in present day. The rest is set in the past. These characters, except Tori, acted like children in high school instead of twenty-something seniors in college. They really stood around like cool kids in a cliché drama and made fun of Tori because she was poor. Avery, Ashton's girlfriend, went so far as to say she wanted to bully Tori so much she quit college. Of course she didn't use that term, but that's what it was. Ashton actually BARKED at Tori during their first few encounters. Tori did nothing to them! She was just visibly poor.
So when she finds out he's her tutor, she clearly doesn't want to go. During that first session he had the nerve to lecture her about HBCUs. That was an eye roll for me as a Black reader. He never saw the irony in that lecture and how he had been treating Tori.
He's practically forced to be nice to her when her athletic director goes to his. Then his athletic director didn't admonish Ashton for his behavior in general. Why treat someone like that? Instead he said he didn't want Tori to sue because she's a woman, or something close to that. Throughout the book, I got the feeling the author had extreme feelings about Me Too (for lack of a better term) and allowed it to show in this book. It was annoying.
By the end of the book, I wondered why Tori started feeling him. Yeah, he did some nice things for her but only in secret. I already own the audio for book 2, so I'll listen to that. Depending on that I'll move on to book 3.
Let's move on to this book. Only the first and last chapter are in present day. The rest is set in the past. These characters, except Tori, acted like children in high school instead of twenty-something seniors in college. They really stood around like cool kids in a cliché drama and made fun of Tori because she was poor. Avery, Ashton's girlfriend, went so far as to say she wanted to bully Tori so much she quit college. Of course she didn't use that term, but that's what it was. Ashton actually BARKED at Tori during their first few encounters. Tori did nothing to them! She was just visibly poor.
So when she finds out he's her tutor, she clearly doesn't want to go. During that first session he had the nerve to lecture her about HBCUs. That was an eye roll for me as a Black reader. He never saw the irony in that lecture and how he had been treating Tori.
He's practically forced to be nice to her when her athletic director goes to his. Then his athletic director didn't admonish Ashton for his behavior in general. Why treat someone like that? Instead he said he didn't want Tori to sue because she's a woman, or something close to that. Throughout the book, I got the feeling the author had extreme feelings about Me Too (for lack of a better term) and allowed it to show in this book. It was annoying.
By the end of the book, I wondered why Tori started feeling him. Yeah, he did some nice things for her but only in secret. I already own the audio for book 2, so I'll listen to that. Depending on that I'll move on to book 3.
January 31, 2023
There is so much happening in this story, which is the backstory of Ashton & Katoria
He’s a heir and she is trailer trash (literally). She’s leaving her podunk town to go to Blakewood State University on a boxing scholarship. She arrives on this elite campus without a dime to her name. She’s awkward and doesn’t like people. She doesn’t want to be at school but she wants to box. She immature and afraid. He’s the leader of the Im better than you crew and the star quarterback. Upon initial encounter him & his “girlfriend” call her names and make fun of her. It sets the tone for the rest of the story. She avoids people, human connection, and touching. She even has a hard time connecting with her roommate. So when the AD makes makes Ashton & Tori train together it puts them on road that neither of them are sure how they got on.
….
I’ll be back with my thoughts after I collect them
He’s a heir and she is trailer trash (literally). She’s leaving her podunk town to go to Blakewood State University on a boxing scholarship. She arrives on this elite campus without a dime to her name. She’s awkward and doesn’t like people. She doesn’t want to be at school but she wants to box. She immature and afraid. He’s the leader of the Im better than you crew and the star quarterback. Upon initial encounter him & his “girlfriend” call her names and make fun of her. It sets the tone for the rest of the story. She avoids people, human connection, and touching. She even has a hard time connecting with her roommate. So when the AD makes makes Ashton & Tori train together it puts them on road that neither of them are sure how they got on.
….
I’ll be back with my thoughts after I collect them
January 5, 2022
I could not stop listening. There is less in your face romance here and I still can’t quite figure out Tori or Ashton but I am invested. I will definitely continue onto book two. Talk about ending on a cliffhanger. I am glad I read this after each book into the series was published because I’d be heated having to wait to see how their story continues. I like the then and now aspect as well.
I wanted Tori to get Avery just one good time. Ashton’s approach with Tori surprised me and I appreciated how he cared for her but I also was annoyed by him as well. She didn’t need saving but I am appreciative of his ability and willingness to do what he could for Tori.
I wanted Tori to get Avery just one good time. Ashton’s approach with Tori surprised me and I appreciated how he cared for her but I also was annoyed by him as well. She didn’t need saving but I am appreciative of his ability and willingness to do what he could for Tori.
March 24, 2024
This series had me in the blender. Love Bevlin put a little bit of crack in these books. This seems like sports romance but labeling it as that is doing it a disservice, it’s a very small fraction of the story. It’s soooooo much more. Asher. That damn Asher. He was the quintessential jock with the perfect little girlfriend, and the perfect life……until Tori enters from a completely different side of the tracks. This is their beginning. Love Bevlin wrote the heck out of this.
August 14, 2020
I’m kicking myself for finishing this book so fast. I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait for book 2 but I need it yesterday. There are soooo many questions I have that the first book didn’t answer.
March 16, 2020
Definitely wasn’t ready for this group 😂, but Damn I fiending for book two like a crackhead. Any chance of an early release 😜? continues to share her God given talents as Amazing writer by doing what she does best in her latest release about formerly introducing her newest set of clients. 🙌🏽💯🙌🏽
April 25, 2020
Some advice: Stop using big words for which you don't know the meaning because it doesn't make you smarter or the writing better, and get a better editor. After more than just a few awkward and wrong word choices I gave up on completing this book.
March 19, 2020
Love Belvin is........ EVERYTHING her writing gives me life. Every emotion I feel reading her books. I become those characters 😩😍TORI & ASHTON are becoming my favorite couple OMG their chemistry is 🔥 BOOK 2 ME PLEEEEAASSSSEEE. 🌟MUST READ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 9, 2021
The story was super slow and the male narrator lacked energy.
February 6, 2021
3.5 ⭐
I didn't realize going into this it would be a bully romance, and usually bully romances are not my thing. But, with that being said, I really loved the atmosphere of this book and the fact that this book was set at a HBCU campus. The friendships and comradery of the characters was enjoyable to read about.
I especially enjoyed that Tori was a boxer and she was a bad ass. It was refreshing to read about a female protagonist who was sure of herself and her talent. I had a hard time being a fan of Ashton at first because of how rude he was to Tori, but I started to warm up to him even though I still don't all the way trust his intentions.
I thought the flashback of this book was an excellent start to this series and I really want to finish this series soon!
I didn't realize going into this it would be a bully romance, and usually bully romances are not my thing. But, with that being said, I really loved the atmosphere of this book and the fact that this book was set at a HBCU campus. The friendships and comradery of the characters was enjoyable to read about.
I especially enjoyed that Tori was a boxer and she was a bad ass. It was refreshing to read about a female protagonist who was sure of herself and her talent. I had a hard time being a fan of Ashton at first because of how rude he was to Tori, but I started to warm up to him even though I still don't all the way trust his intentions.
I thought the flashback of this book was an excellent start to this series and I really want to finish this series soon!
April 13, 2023
It took me a while to pick and read this book. I'm still wondering why it took me so long to get there because this book had me glued to it.
I really hated Ashton when it started (hate is such a strong word, but it's what it is). Then he switched up suddenly, and I was looking at him stupid 😂 Like, "what's the deal with this guy?"
Then I fell in love with the book. I think this is the most engrossed, I've been reading a book this entire year. I haven't been this hooked in a minute.
Honestly, I don't even know how to put it, but this book put me out of a slump that I've been fighting for close to two months.
Good one, Love Belvin 🌹
I really hated Ashton when it started (hate is such a strong word, but it's what it is). Then he switched up suddenly, and I was looking at him stupid 😂 Like, "what's the deal with this guy?"
Then I fell in love with the book. I think this is the most engrossed, I've been reading a book this entire year. I haven't been this hooked in a minute.
Honestly, I don't even know how to put it, but this book put me out of a slump that I've been fighting for close to two months.
Good one, Love Belvin 🌹
January 24, 2021
I am a continuous support of Love Belvin. Admittedly, I have not been a fan of every book. However, this book tops the charts for me. Love Belvin is a slow burn aficionado, and this body of work is the perfect example of her skills. I am a sucker for bully romance and always search for black bully romance but come up empty handed.
Tori and Spencer give me the perfect amount of bully romance and enemies to friends to lovers trope that I crave. I loved the character building and how Belvin takes time to make us care about the characters and understand their viewpoints.
Tori and Spencer give me the perfect amount of bully romance and enemies to friends to lovers trope that I crave. I loved the character building and how Belvin takes time to make us care about the characters and understand their viewpoints.
October 31, 2020
When the Exclusive and the Excluded fall for each other...
I loved this story. Just be prepared for a slow build. As I read, I often wondered how Tori and Spence’s romance would materialize. I’ve been a fan of Love Belvin’s style since the beginning. Therefore, I knew that this love story would be layered and engaging. This one exceeded my expectations; I bought the second book before I was done!
I loved this story. Just be prepared for a slow build. As I read, I often wondered how Tori and Spence’s romance would materialize. I’ve been a fan of Love Belvin’s style since the beginning. Therefore, I knew that this love story would be layered and engaging. This one exceeded my expectations; I bought the second book before I was done!
June 27, 2021
Intrigued 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨
I'm enjoying the backstory of the two main characters of the book, although I loathe these "she's/he's not good enough/upper crust enough for you, so we/interfering Grandma/Ma will choose your future wife for you, books. Does that 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 work?!?!🤬🤬🤬
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
🚨SPOILER ALERT🚨
I'm enjoying the backstory of the two main characters of the book, although I loathe these "she's/he's not good enough/upper crust enough for you, so we/interfering Grandma/Ma will choose your future wife for you, books. Does that 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 work?!?!🤬🤬🤬
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
July 10, 2023
I listened to this on audio and loved the narration. But I hated nearly every character except for Tori. Where do college students act like these people? Despite that, I’m going to keep going because I’ve seen so many great reviews for this series and I have to know how it ends.
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