Defending the Player

Pierson U #3

by Elouise Tynan

IMOGEN KNIGHT
There are few people who infuriate me more than pretty boy basketball player Luke Bantempelli.
He’s all too aware there isn’t a girl on campus he can’t charm out of her skirt with nothing but a smile.
So when one accidental kiss in a Haunted House has us hooking up in secret, I know I’m losing my damn mind.
Catching feelings will only lead to heartbreak and I refuse to fall for the guy I’ve sworn to loathe for the rest of my life.

LUKE BANTEMPELLI
It's no secret as a Pierson ball player, you can get just about any girl you want on any given day.
It’s a shame the girl I want most can’t stand to be in the same room as me without us sniping at each other.
Imogen Knight might be a mouthy pain in my ass most of the time, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to get to know that mouth intimately.
And the fact she loathes me only makes these little hating games we play all the more the interesting. But only one player can come out on top.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, College, Basketball, Contemporary

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2023

About the author

Elouise Tynan is a romance author obsessed with stories about strong heroines and swoony heroes, mixed with laughter, a whole lot of love and a little bit of heat.

She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and sons.

Sign up for her newsletter at www.elouisetynan.com for news on new releases, giveaways and more!

FIND HER HERE:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B09MSV4LTJ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elouisetyna...

Reviews

[Bec (becbingesbooks) - sorry, behind with lots of catching up to do · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read of 2024 and it happened to be the sweetest, arguably best book boyfriend I've read! Bant is not what I was expecting following book 1 and I started to suspect him to be amazing toward the end of book 2. This is a college basketball romance, with Bant showing a strong, arrogant exterior but really he's a pretty insecure jock who falls fast for Imogen, a committment phobe. Bant does some incredible volunteer work and has endless respect for his mum - so adorable. Definitely recommend this one.

[Lauren Nesic · Rating 5 out of 5]

e-arc for review

This book was perfection, short, punching and brought out every emotion out of me. Anger, laughter, sadness and I went into absolute heart eyes mode. Bant was absolute perfection, he is so kind and sweet while being respectful but delivering the best O's. I am a sucker for a guy that puts on this arrogant exterior but is a secret golden retriever.

Imogen was pretending to be so not interested but Bant just made her so weak for him absolutely adored her. His backstory is so sad but a beautiful story of resilience, and the fact that a basketball player can give back to society??!?! PERFECTION.

So many beautiful scenes like the haunted house scene, the face mask scene but OFMG the locker room scene and washing machine made me weak at the knees. Their friendship was so pure before it moved to a relationship.

tropes: enemies to lovers, secret FWB, boy obsessed, sports romance (basketball)
triggers: past DV, violence, cheating

Thank you Elouise for letting me read this ARC! Fully an auto buy author now

[Jessica Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defending the Player by Elouise Tynan
5/5 stars - absolute fire 🔥

Okay, so this book? Total game-changer. If you're into college romances that make you snort-laugh and fan yourself simultaneously, buckle up buttercup!

Let's talk characters:
• Bant (aka Luke Bantempelli): Holy hotness, Batman! 🦇🔥 Arrogant playboy on the outside, secret softie on the inside. Think golden retriever energy wrapped in a "I'm too sexy for my shirt" package.
• Imogen: Our girl's got sass for days and a heart of gold. She's been through some stuff, so trust issues? You bet.


Highlights:
• The banter is *chef's kiss*
• Group chats that'll have you cackling
• A haunted house scene where I first fell in love with Bant!
• A laundry scene that's... not so low-key 😏🥵🔥
•Their chemistry is off the charts!

Tropes for days:
• College + sports romance (hello, hot basketball player!)
• Reverse grumpy sunshine
• Frenemies with benefits
• He falls first
•God-tier banter


Bottom line: This book is the whole package. Laughs? Check. Feels? Double-check. Spice that'll make you need a cold shower? Triple-check.

If you're looking for your next book boyfriend and a story that'll give you all the warm fuzzies (and hot flashes), Defending the Player is it. Trust me, you'll be sliding into your besties' DMs telling them to read this ASAP.

Go ahead, treat yo'self to this gem. Your inner romance junkie will thank you!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in the Pierson U series!!!

I could relate so much to Imogen in this book…I completely understand why she self sabotaged what her and Bant had together 🥹😭 I also really loved how the fmc was the one that needed to grovel! 🫣

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

•enemies to lovers/benefits
•boy obsessed
•angst/steamy
•miscommunication

Ughh Elouise just slays it every time with her books! I fell in love with this series since the first book and this book was no different! 😩🫶🏼

I loved how the story progressed and the enemies to lovers plot was everything! I loved how we got to see snip it’s of Bant and Imogen since the beginning and for them to finally get a book and see what was going through their heads was everything!!

I also loved the aspect of the “enemies with benefits” trope that was sprinkled in there!😭🤭 I am a sucker for that trope and to see it had me giggling, screaming and rooting for them!! The angst, and the hate sex was sooooooo steamy!! PLSS

And don’t get me started on the way Bant slowly showed his layers and how he was literally soo obsessed with Imogen since the beginning and the way he was attentive and patient and UGHHH THE PERFECT BOOK BOYFRIEND!! I LOVE HIMMM!!🤭🤭

Ugh everyone needs to read this series!! Plss!! So so good!!

[Yvonne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was ready to look past how short this story was, being all tell and no show. But, ugh. FMC started off fine but then went downhill so fast. Stubborn, self sabotage - “you were going to eventually cheat on me”. Her inner monologue was sooo annoying. Her refusal to grovel until the last minute because of her pride was even more infuriating. And in the end it wasn’t even a good one.

I actually really liked Bant, as I’m a big fan of a reformed playboy.

I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series but I don’t know what happened with this one. 🙄

[ananya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
probably my fav in the whole series!!! i originally saw a reel about this and then saw it was a series so i read the whole thing and ended up liking all of them. imgoen and bant were EVERYTHING i wanted and more!!!!

[jaclyn ☽ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ugh i wanted to like this more but it really fell off after like 70% bant deserved better

[Litwak Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ This book was cute and highly anticipated after meeting Bant + Imogen in book one. Their banter and bickering made for many laugh out loud moments.

[Staceyinkindleland · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘪𝘵’𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩.

Thank you so much to Elouise for sending me this ARC to read.

I love a sports romance, I’ve never read a basketball romance before and HELLO BANT 🥵!! You’re welcome on my kindle any time 😂. I was obsessed with the banter between Bant and Imogen.

They constantly argued, had the funniest back and forth and Imogen did not let up 😂. I do have to say at some points though I was just yelling at my kindle begging her to just do the damn thing 😂 (the damn thing being Bant)

I will definitely go back and read the first books in this series as I am excited to read the other characters stories. Thank you so much again for sending this to me 😍

[Stephanie Hazeltine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogen and Bant bring all the banter and spice in this enemies-to-lovers college basketball romance. It's sweet and funny, and you'll fall hard for the dreamy Bant. A five-star, must-read for all romance lovers

[No · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.95* I liked the story about imogen and Brant, how they hated each other till their happy ending 🤗 Overall I loved this series a lot, the way the mc all cared about the fmc ahh anyways it was spicy tho but there we’re a lot of cute moments too. Maybe I almost cried too maybe 🤫

[Jen ♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rant and spoilers! Please skip it if you don't want to be spoiled 😅


These two MCs have been one of the most annoying pair I've ever encountered so far this year and that was saying something as I had already read a lot of books since January.


******** Bant ********

I never liked manwhore H, it's either a hit or miss for me, yet I still went ahead and read this because I liked the first two books in this series. Thus making my hopes for this third installment so high (guess that's my fault)

But boy oh boy, Bant just took the top spot in the list of the most obnoxious MMCs I've ever read (so far). There's nothing I despise more than a manwhore H and his playboy ways than reading these things:

- Descriptive scenes of him with other women
- Doing the deed with said other women but imagining it was the FMC. Gag!
- How he was so freaking proud of his promiscuity
- Claiming he's been in love with her for a long time, but still fuck around a lot like it was his sole purpose in life
- And that his shallow reason for screwing so much was “I sleep around because I’m an athlete in college”

Moreover, reading these lines from him, surely convinced me how much he cares for her 🙄

"But college wasn’t the place for that. Not when there was an endless parade of girls willing to bone down on any given day. So I wanted to add Imogen to that roster. Was that a crime?"

“We both know you want me, Im. All that pent-up hostility is just a cover for how much you’re dying to meet my disco stick.”

"I wasn’t into her. I wanted to sleep with her, there was a difference"

Also, was it necessary that there's always women hanging beside or around Bant? Him convincing Imogen to actually give him a chance made me roll my eyes so hard. He asked her so many times, yet there are women who clings to him, not at every turn at least, but the point is he was not pushing them away or making a point to show Imogen that he was only interested in her. And this attitude ruins the image the author was portraying that somehow Bant was serious with his intentions.

After the first time they slept, it's like he finally realized he had to acknowledge how he actually and truly feel for her. As per his POV "No girl had ever affected me the way Imogen did. One look, one touch, one taste of her, and I was hooked." Which I really find so unbelievable, I just couldn't buy this crock of shit.

On the other hand, I felt sad for what made him a cynic and jaded when it comes to having relationship. His ex was real piece of crap. Yet I don't think resorting to become a playboy should be the way to cope for that. But who am I anyway? I'm just a reader 🤷‍♀️

As the story goes, Bant did try to show Imogen that he cares for her. But to be honest, all they had was physical connection. They didn't even had serious conversations. He only told her about the shelter because he wasn't able to make it to their date and he was beaten up. As for what his ex did, Imogen has to know it from Stella 'cause again he didn't mention it to her. He didn't tell her the things that played a great role (bad/good) in his life, unless he was cornered. Yet he wants her to be part of his life.

Don't get me started with him having a woman sitting on his lap when they broke up. I knew he was hurting but was there really a need for a woman while he was drinking away his sorrows and broken heart? I just don't get it. He stooped so low to the level of Imogen's pettiness. I was expecting more mature response from him, even if his heart feels like shattering to a million pieces.

Anyway on the positive side, I did like Bant's volunteering in the shelter. How he used his free time helping out those women and children to start their new lives. It was admirable how he used his past experience to do something good towards other people.


******** Imogen ********

I partially admire how she kept bantering with Bant. But deep down I know, her attraction masked as annoyance will eventually prevail. And I can't freaking understand why Imogen would act on it, when she was so adamant of not being associated with Bant.

She was weak and horny, I can't believe I waited for her book. The way how she would despise Bant for bedding so many women, yet she freaking seek him every time. What happened to not being another notch in his bed post? Gosh! I can't believe out of the three FMCs in this series I actually thought she would be my favourite, she's definitely not!

I had to be reminded most of the time how she saw Bant as the campus player, yet she couldn't stay away from him.

"There was no way I could trust a guy like him when he was surrounded by girls dying for a piece of him and he regularly partook without a second thought. If the girls of Pierson U were a buffet, Bant was a repeat customer, sampling anything and everything they had to offer"

She's a walking contradiction, one minute she was scoffing at the idea of sleeping with Bant then another hot minute, she was running after him because she was a horny mess. I mean, get it straight girl, be consistent about what you really want!

I understood the trust issues, she has because of the multiple times she was cheated on. But it was still irritating how this concern was the main driving factor why she couldn't trust Bant. To be fair to Imogen, Bant's reputation doesn't help as well. Imo, it was reckless to put your heart on the line with someone who never do relationship and mostly known for sleeping around a lot. Then again, aside from his nasty reputation, Bant has never given Imogen any reason not to trust him. But that's trust issue, and sometimes it just really hard to see past through it.

What she did because she was freaking scared wasn't cool at all. Abso-fucking-lutely. Not. Cool. It was such a cop out move and she could do so much better dealing with her fears and insecurites. Again, Bant's being MIA didn't help as well with her overthinking, but still she had to have at least some sort of trust in him. They've been sleeping around for quite some time, I think she would've at any rate know how he is as a lover/person or that there must be a valid reason for him not contacting her.

Her pride and stubbornness too didn't improve the situation. I dislike it so much when FMCs know they did something wrong but wouldn't apologize for it and instead act so witchy because apparently expressing regret was seen as weak and they won't have it any other way. Would it really be so dreadful to say sorry?

Imogen was awful with Bant, I don't like him but it doesn't mean I'm all for hurting his feelings. She should grovel more for what she did, but all I got was some sort of love declaration and admission of feelings that they've been feeling for quite some time.

Then they decide to finally be together. Yay! 😒


******** Overall ********

This book didn't do it for me. I tried so much and so hard to actually like Bant and Imogen's story like I had with the previous books of this series, but it never worked. Most of the time I'm just exasperated with their childish antics and I feel like I want to jump inside the book to actually shake them both so hard for acting so immature.

Sad to say I'm really really looking forward for this book, but unfortunately I was disappointed with this installment. Maybe this will work out for some readers out there. This wasn't just for me.

[Madi - Fire + Spice Co · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. This book is EVERYTHING! I was lucky enough to be gifted an advanced copy of this book and boy, oh boy, did it tick all the boxes and then some!

The banter, the spice, the friendships and the romance was all top notch - Bant is top tier book boyfriend material!

If you haven’t picked up this series before now - don’t wait, you won’t regret it. Off Campus eat your heart out, this series has it beat tenfold 🫶🏻

[rachel dulay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️/5⭐️

My 18th most anticipated read of the year. I was intrigued by Bant and Imogen’s story while I was reading West and Monty’s because who doesn’t love an enemies to lovers! I love how we got to see more of Bant’s life and backstory, kinda wished we got more of what happened with Imogen’s life at home, it felt unfinished tbh. Nonetheless I like this series and the group of friends!

SPOILERS AHEAD:

Things I liked:
* “He nodded at me. “Come on, Sweets, you know I deserve the point.” “You deserve syphilis.”
* Luke telling a guy who’s been hitting on Imogen since Freshman year that she’s his
* HES GOOD WITH KIDS (and volunteers at the woman’s shelter)
* “West was obsessed with her and had been since they first met.” (Monty and West my babies)
* “I shrugged. “My mother taught me to have dreams. My dream is to see Luke Bantempelli chopped up into tiny pieces.”
* “Bant crowded my space, the heat of him overwhelming me. His mouth closed over mine, his lips warm and soft and urgent.”
* FIRST KISS AND SHE KISSED BACK
* Stella catching Imogen and Bant
* Imogen and Bant literally just cuddling
* Bant getting along with her younger sister
* “Bant appeared behind me, the warmth of him melting into my back.”
* “He leaned over my shoulder, his other hand gripping my hip possessively, and offered Aaron a bro slap.”
* Bant going over to Imogen’s house after Stella said she’s having a bad day
* “I tried not to laugh at how ridiculous he looked with my green seaweed face mask spread all over his skin.”
* “His gaze landed on mine. “Any night with you is as close to perfect as it gets for me.” My cheeks heated”
* “His gaze softened. “There’s no one like you, Imogen.”
* Imogen agreeing to go out with Bant!!!!
* Bant punching the abusive husband of a woman and kid at the shelter he volunteers at
* Them both sitting in the bath but it’s Bant who’s laying on her lol
* “He took my wrists, wrapping my arms around him until my hands were settled on his pecs.”
* “I reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear. “Thank you.” She smiled back at me, genuine affection in her eyes. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be right now.”
* HES BEEN MEETING UP WITH AFTER EVERY CLASS!!!
* “You’re the one who’s obsessed, playboy.” He took my hand, reeling me back in. “Damn right I am.”
* “I can’t, I’m a taken man!” he repeated over and over, shaking his head and trying to back away.”
* “I glanced over my shoulder at Imogen, who smiled down at Kelsie with genuine affection. “Don’t worry, she knows she comes second to my best girl,” I whispered back. Imogen nodded and Kelsie’s expression filled with pride.”
* WEST CAMEO MY BABY
* Their big ‘I love you’ moment
* “His arms wrapped around my waist, his giant body enveloping me. “Fuck, I love it when you’re mad.” I rolled my eyes. “Shut up and kiss me.”
* “Monty piped up and West’s arm tightened around her neck, pulling her closer. He whispered something in her ear and she smiled up at him, the two of them sharing a quick kiss.”
* “Whenever we were together, he had to be touching me at all times.”

[Jesse Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Defending the Player by Eloise Tynan
Book 3 in the Players of Marycliff University series

If you’re a fan of Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series and love a fast-paced, emotionally satisfying romance with humor, chemistry, and a touch of sass, then Eloise Tynan’s Defending the Player should absolutely be on your radar. As the third installment in the Marycliff University series, this book continues the tradition of delivering swoon-worthy characters, whip-smart banter, and heartfelt growth in a binge-worthy package.

This time around, the spotlight is on a “bad boy” athlete who hides a surprisingly soft and loyal heart beneath all the swagger. He’s the kind of character who could easily be typecast as a typical player, but Tynan does a great job peeling back the layers and showing us the vulnerability beneath the bravado. His love interest, meanwhile, is the perfect foil: quick-witted, sharp-tongued, and fiercely protective of her circle. She doesn’t fall easily—but when she does, it’s with all her heart, and that tension makes for a delicious slow burn with just enough spice and sweetness.

Despite being part of a series, Defending the Player can stand alone without confusion, though readers who’ve followed along will appreciate the continuity and cameos from past characters. The pacing is tight, the dialogue sparkles, and the emotional moments land without feeling overwrought. It’s a book you can devour in one sitting and feel completely satisfied—but also wanting just a little bit more.

My only real wish? A follow-up book or extended epilogue that brings all three couples together for one final send-off. I’d love to see where they are now, maybe over a holiday or event that ties everything up with the same warmth and humor the series has consistently delivered.

In short: If you’re craving a romance with heart, heat, and just enough drama to keep things interesting—Defending the Player hits the mark.

[Priscilla Stanfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defending the Player By: Elouise Tynan • ARC Review, No Spoilers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 • 🌶️.5/5

This has been the most anticipated release of 2023 for me and I’m so happy I was able to get my hands on an ARC for it. Thank you to Elouise for the opportunity to read Bant and Imogene’s book!
Now I can say with full certainty that I would do anything and everything for Bant. All of the guys in the Pierson U series are amazing and never disappoint. Bant had some big shoes to fill and he did and then some.
Now I won’t lie but Imogen and I didn’t click how I wanted us to. I really liked her more in the first two books but something wasn’t connecting. I don’t know if it’s because I couldn’t understand completely why she was doing what she did. I did want more development to her than just about her past relationships. We got a little bit of her home life but that was another that kind of felt cut off so I couldn’t get that connection with her.
I do think the conflict at the end was a turn off but this is me who doesn’t particularly like third act breakups most of the time. Especially when they feel so rushed at the end.
Now their relationship I am a big fan of. I do love a good grumpy sunshine but you go and do reverse grumpy sunshine? I’m there. Nothing else has to be said to me. Their banter ugh just was amazing. Their sexual tension off the charts. There was a good about of build to make their relationship that much more entertaining from the first two books.
Now the little glimpses from the other guys being there for Bant was such a nice touch because I love all of guys and then having Monty and Stella there for Imogen was amazing as well because I love their friendships. Literally so much I love about this series and to see it round out with Bant and Imogen and their story is bittersweet but I still love it and just know this’ll be a series I will always want to reread!!

[Author J.B. Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to begin with this one...

I loved everything about this book - Luke Bantempelli is the perfect player!
He portrays himself as your typical ballplayer, but he is so much more than that!
He is a gentleman who cares and loves hard especially Imogen.
He has a terrible past, but he gives back by helping others at the women's shelter.
Bant has such a big heart for his family and friends around him, and I love that about him!

I love all the banter between Bant and Imogen at first. They pretend to hate each other, but really like each other. I love the haunted house scene and all the scenes where Bant takes care of Imogen by wearing green face masks with her, eating pizza, listening to audiobooks, getting tattoos, and bringing her to and from classes. I also love the scene where Imogen shows that she cares about him when he is injured after the shelter incident. The laundry scene was pure fire! The ending of the book was heartbreaking. I love how Imogen has to fight for Bant as well as everyone graduates!!! GO PIERSON UNIVERSITY!! YAAY!

I also love all the banter between all the other characters. We get to see West and Van again, which I like. Also Davis... is being his usual self, which I enjoy! I hope this won't be the end of Pierson University. I love these characters and these books!

Thanks Elouise for writing another masterpiece! You are amazing, and I hope that you never stop writing! :)

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your incredible ARC Team!

PS: I think Bant's my favorite player....pssss don't tell the others!

[Phylicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I enjoyed this read. The characters were heartfelt and sweet. There was lots of depth to their back stories. A nice pairing and I was entertained by their journey together. Easy read, I smashed it out in a few hours. The spice was delicious and very steamy at times. It was a lovely graduation of all the previous characters in this series too.

There were just a few things that irked me in this read. Purely personal things that activated me, so take what you will from the rest of the review.
For me this was not so much enemies to lovers as I’m morally opposed to my assumption of your values to even entertain hooking up with you for the first 5 chapters…until I see you nakie in the shower. I don’t think the MMC even had any dislike or “enemies” feelings towards her at all actually. It’s a mistrope for me on that front.

I’m a gargantuan dark romance girl so I get non con, proactive following, jealous ott stuff and love it however this book is not a dark romance. So when the FMC for reals, several times, is telling him she wasn’t interested in pursuing things with him, it felt a bit disrespectful to continue this pursuit when she’d flat out refused him. For me it felt like those rom coms where the hottie, charming MMC just annoys the FMC enough so she concedes spending time with them. It sets up poor boundaries when pursuing peeps. I get it if your whole premise is dark romance but this didn’t sit right within the story for me. I would’ve liked it if he offered her more choice in the pursuit of their relationship is all.
In the end it was a delightful read.

[Cat 🌼 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how to explain it but this stupid, cliche sports romance made me cry. It made me cry because I could see myself in every doubt Imogen had about herself... I was reading sentences that I had thought about myself at a certain point in life and that made me feel seen which is kind of weird because this is not that type of book but I couldn't help but see myself in Imogen. So yeah I cried reading a book about a ball player and girl who self-sabotages her life.

So I really don't care about stuff that people might think is odd in this book, I couldn't help but root for them, for them to fix everything and be happy because even though they're fictional characters it gives me a bit of hope.

When I was reading the other books in the series I knew that Imogen and Bant would end up together but I actually didn't expect much of their book. Let me tell you something... I was very wrong. Elousi somehow gave them a different dimension that I didn't expect after Monty and Stella's books. I really wasn't expecting to like this series as much as I have but I seriously recommend it!

It was too soon to tell. Or maybe I was just doing what I always did. Keeping my heart so protected I wasn't sure it was still there.

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️s

Bant. I absolutely adored him, and I won’t lie; it never occurred to me that I would from the glimpses we got of him in the first two books. He was kind and genuine (when he was ready to be) and heartfelt, and I melted!

I really enjoyed Bant and Imogen’s slow spiral into their relationship. I liked that when Bant knew he felt more for her than physical attraction, he flipped a switch and actually TRIED. It made him so endearing.

On the flip side, the miscommunication and forced separations were both a little too much for my taste. Neither one had a good excuse for that third act break up. Imogen specifically, who honestly fell a little flat for me in this book. The self sabotage was laid on pretty thick, and I wish we’d focused less on that and more on their time together (which I thought a lot of took place off page). I did appreciate that Bant made Imogen work for it a bit at the end. I’m a sucker for a good grovel.

At the end of the day, this is a must read for Bant’s book boyfriend status alone. He deserves the world.

Spice: 2/5 🌶️s

[Jess (fromthebookshelfofdreams) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, I’ve been saying it for a long time, but can now confirm… Bant is officially my favourite PU boy. I’m so stupidly obsessed.

He’s cocky and arrogant, but witty and incredibly sweet at the same time. And the tension between him and Imogen while they constantly bicker was sending me so feral. I think they were fantastic together and really balanced each other out with their grumpy/sunshine personalities.

I was hurting so much for Bant and Imogen – their secret hooks up turned relationship journey was full of so many ups and downs, and I was so heartbroken right alongside them. I understood where Imogen was coming from and it was devastating to know how set she is on protecting her heart at all costs.

The spice was of course immaculate, and I am an absolutely sucker for the whole ‘boy obsessed’ trope and Bant is absolutely obsessed.

Loved it so much. I cannot wait for whatever it is Elouise is going to be blessing us with next.

[Slide Between the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have loved Bant since book 1 in the series and were so excited to read his book.

The typical playboy jock from the outside, girls flock to Bant for both his status as a College Basketball player and his charm and good looks. However, not all is as it seems with Bant, he has a much deeper side to him and is a true sweetheart when it matters.

We loved finding out more about Bant and falling even more in love with him.

From book 1 you could tell that Imogen was awesome, a true friend, kind hearted and sassy. However, trust doesn't come easy to Imogen and she was far too caught up in the surface level persona of Bant to explore his true nature.

Bant and Imogen's story was not easy, and boy did Imogen make Bant work for it but hey, who doesn't love a good forced proximity, enemies to lovers story with some hot steamy hate scenes in between.

Highly recommend you read this book.

[Faith Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

BANT SUPERIORITY!!! This book gets 5 stars from me! When Elouise said he was gonna be the new fave I couldn’t get past West because HELLO its West! Bant blew him out of the water tenfold! I loved how his and Imogene’s relationship evolved and the storyline flowed so much better in this book. The writing improved so much in this book and everything about Bant and Im was perfect. From the banter to the sweet moments shared between the two, it was just everything. I did start to get annoyed with them towards the end but only because I was rooting so hard for them to see past their stubborn ways and just be together but there is a HEA and the heartbreak is ALMOST worth it. This book was long waited and so worth the wait. How Elouise delivered this masterpiece while growing and then delivering a baby is beyond me but I thank her for giving me yet another perfect book boyfriend.

[caitys.booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

2024:
I would have to say that Imogen and Bant's story was my second favourite of the series -
coming in just above Monty and West but still not quite winning over Stella and Van.
The narrator Bryant Walker who speaks for Bant however, is definitely my favourite of all the male narrators for the series. His voice was just - perfection.
I loved that even though you meet Imogen and Bant all the way in book one, their characters still feel fresh for their own story. At no point does it feel like Tynan and has repeated her work just to fill in the gaps. Over the 3 books, there is such a well planned and steady progression of story and it was a great way to see these relationships develop naturally.
This series has such a great sense of authenticity and fun - I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick read or listen.

[Ruby Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of the Bunch (Even if It’s Still Miscommunication Central)

Defending the Player is hands down the strongest book in the Pierson U series so far. Yes, we’re still stuck in the Land of Misunderstandings™—seriously, can someone just send these characters a functioning group chat?—but at least this time around, the main couple makes it worth our while.

Their chemistry actually sizzles, the banter is sharp without being forced, and most importantly, they seem like people you wouldn’t mind sitting next to at a party. Unlike previous books, where I sometimes rooted for the conflict to win, here I was genuinely invested in the outcome.

If Elouise Tynan insists on running with the same trope, this is how you do it right.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Elouise has delivered!

Bant and Imogen's story is truly amazing! If you haven't read the first two books in the Pierson U series, Bant and Imogen were the friends that were always at eachothers throats. I knew from the moment I met them that I needed them together. And I got so excited when Elouise said she was writing their story. The banter is *chefs kiss*, and I loved every single minute of it! Imogen is one sassy FMC, and she has quickly become one of my favorite female book characters!

If you love:
- sports romance
- sassy FMC
- the BEST banter
- enemies to lovers
- playboy basketball player
- MMC falls first

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a must-read! Also, I loved how much the other couples from the previous two books were involved. Thank you, Elouise, for this beautiful story. Cannot wait to see what you write next.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 / 5 Stars
2 / 5 Steam

I love a good enemies to lovers trope and this book is definitely that. It follows Luke Bantempelli (Bant) and Imogen. Bant is on the basketball team and Imogen basically hates him. He's always had a bit of a thing for her, but she won't give him the time of day. And he loves their bantering. They end up hooking up and from there he is persistent with trying to get her to actually date him. It's hilarious how much he tries and how she shoots him down every time...until she doesn't.
I absolutely adored Bant, but Imogen grated on me a bit. I understand how why she was so hesitant and nervous but the things she does throughout the book annoyed me. She was pretty terrible to him at some points. I also feel like she didn't really do enough in the end to make up for it, but I was really happy that Bant got his HEA. Despite some frustrations with the female character this was a very enjoyable read.
The series as a whole is great. Quick, easy, cute, and steamy. Definitely recommend checking it out!

[Jennah Sobevski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and all I can say is WOW! The banter between Bant and Imogen was on point and I absolutely loved watching their relationship develop. And don’t even get me started on the 10 out of 10 spice…it was *chef’s kiss*

It was a fast paced book and I read it in 3.5 hours because I could not put it down. The side characters were incredible and I cannot wait to read their stories.

Elouise is now an auto-buy author for me and I can’t wait to own all her books!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun enemies to lovers basketball romance from Elouise Tyran! It’s the third book in the Pierson U series. Luke “Bant” Bantempelli is the hot playboy basketball player who is a lot deeper than anyone gives him credit for. Imogen is the sassy girl he has been intrigued with for years but won’t give him the time of day. These two have great banter..the chemistry is hot! And when they do get together..whew..the spice is hot! I really liked watching their relationship grow…their hateful banter to realizing they actually like each other. Really good book, good series!