Laith Brinley, #5 of the Harvard men's lacrosse team, is a swift and stealthy player, quiet and unassuming on and off the field. One would never know behind his silent stoicism that he is Boston royalty, coming from old money and generations of influential politicians, including a father in Congress and older siblings groomed to follow suit. One would also never glean he harbors a shocking secret that must never leave the walls of the Brinley compound.
Laith seemingly has it all as he carefully downplays his heritage and shiploads of family money and influence, trying to blend into the background behind a wall of quiet fortitude as he's been carefully trained to do all his aristocratic life. To that end, he never seems to notice or care about the attention he unwillingly garners. He never, ever wants the spotlight. He just always steps up for his family and teammates on the Crimson Crew, quiet and steadfast, like a rock.
But even the hardest and most polished of stone can crack under too much pressure. As Laith bears the weight and utter lie of perfection in silence, he must eventually choose once and for all: legacy or liberation?
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: In book three of the Crimson Crew series, college lacrosse player, Laith Brinley, is quiet, self-possessed, and protective of his past. Enter journalist Brooke Summers. She wants to learn as much as she can about each of the players—and she's also a disarming influence on Laith and all he wants to conceal.
Prose: The prose immediately engages readers in Laith's story, even those unfamiliar with the previous books. The author has a clear handle on scene-building, and develops the romance quickly, but authentically.
Originality: The focus on the Harvard men's lacrosse team is decidedly unique, and the author integrates an awareness of the sport with sizzling scenes and strong character development.
Character/Execution: Readers who haven't picked up the previous books will, nevertheless, be intrigued by the cast of characters. Whitcoma capably develops backstories, insecurities, and contradictions, while delivering gratifying romance.
Date Submitted: August 15, 2022
The rousing third installment of Whitcoma’s Crimson Crew romance series pairs a shy and unwaveringly silent college lacrosse player, Laith Brinley, with the inquisitive, unrelenting journalist Brooke Summers. Laith, a man of few words who avoids talking to anyone outside of family, finds himself in a challenging situation when a determined Brooke sets out to interview every member on the lacrosse team for the college newspaper. Laith initially tries desperately to avoid her questions, but eventually he gives in—only to find himself opening up about a long-kept family secret while falling in love with Brooke at the same time.Whitcoma immediately pulls readers into this story with expertly crafted characters and humorous dialogue, and the fast-paced romance sizzles from the start. Laith is accompanied by an astounding, witty cast of side characters from previous books in the series that adds to the story without causing confusion, and Whitcoma skillfully makes the novel’s main players as relatable as they are intriguing. Though sad at times, Laith’s journey feels deeply personal and intense, and readers will be immersed in his transformation. Whitcoma deftly builds to touching moments that will elicit tears as well as red-hot love scenes sure to fulfill any romance reader’s desire for spice.
The strength of this story lies in the author’s mix of sweet moments between engaging leads with well-thought-out flaws set against heartbreaking backstories. Each character is well-rounded and convincingly detailed, and Whitcoma elevates that detail through intimate writing and penetrating inner monologues that bring the cast to life. This addition adds a thrilling touch to the series, and as an expert in fast-moving romance, Whitcoma hits all the right spots for fans who prefer hot and spicy reads that still deliver the perfect amount of complexity.
Takeaway: This fast-paced Ivy League romance satisfies with memorable characters and a dash of spice.
Great for fans of: Elle Kennedy’s The Deal, Elena Armas, Ali Hazelwood.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: B
