False Start by Shandi Boyes is a flirty, feel-good sports rom-com that’s like The Deal with a fake-dating twist and a side of hoops. Cash “Milo” Mancini, the star basketball player for the South Harmon Hawks, is living large—popular, charming, and a total campus heartthrob—until his failing math grades threaten to bench him for the season. Desperate, he begs tutoring from McKayla Jones, who he assumes is a shy, nerdy wallflower. Surprise: McKayla’s a sassy, whip-smart firecracker who sees right through his cocky jock act and isn’t falling for it. To win her help, Cash proposes a fake-dating deal to boost her social cred, kicking off a friends-to-lovers rollercoaster that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Their banter—think study-session zingers and flirty court-side jabs—ignites sparks, with Cash’s past baggage and McKayla’s knack for reading people adding depth. The 300-page standalone, part of the Ballsy Boys series but readable solo, weaves humor, moderate spice (🌶️🌶️), and neurodiversity rep (Cash’s friend Kamil shines), plus Australian slang nods from Boyes. Fans rave about McKayla’s wit, Cash’s growth, and lines like “You’re more than a game to me,” calling it a “slam-dunk” for charm. But some readers rage, slamming the “random blame-throwing” drama, weak side plots, or cliched jock tropes, with one X post joking they wanted to “yeet the book” (except for Kamil). BookTok loves the “opposites attract” vibe, but it’s divisive—either a cozy escape or a frustrating miss. Published in 2022, it’s a quick, uplifting read that doesn’t skimp on feels.

Who Should Read It? This is for sports romance fans who love fake-dating and friends-to-lovers tropes, readers craving Icebreaker or The Hating Game vibes, or anyone into lighthearted college rom-coms with basketball flair. If you’re hooked on My Fault for drama or Happy Place for heart and don’t mind triggers like academic stress, mild bullying, or moderate spice (check warnings!), grab this—perfect for ages 17+ for a fun, breezy binge. It’s a standalone in the Ballsy Boys series, no prior reading needed. If you hate over-the-top drama, shallow side characters, or cliched jocks, it might grate—check reviews first.

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