Audiobook Review: Return Policy (Crystal Bay University #1) by Hailey Dickert

 

TITLE: Return Policy

SERIES: Crystal Bay University #1

AUTHOR: Hailey Dickert

PUBLISHER: Hailey Dickert

PUBLISHED: June 23, 2023

PAGES: 446

GENRES: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, College Romance, Sports Romance

SOURCE: Audiobook

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

Elijah Anderson

I was the big man on campus.

Everything in my life was going exactly according to plan until a wrecking ball reminded me that there were more important things than touchdowns, booze, and pretty girls.

In the most turbulent time of my life, I felt lost and defeated until the moment my eyes landed on her.

Sophia Summers is everything I never knew I wanted. A sweet shot of sunshine in the unrelenting hurricane.

There’s just one little problem. She doesn’t trust in love, and she definitely doesn’t trust me.

But I’m a patient man, and she’s worth waiting for. Soon she’ll realize that I want every part of her—the darkness, the light, and the shadows in between. I’m already hers, whether she likes it or not.

No returns, no refunds.

This is the first novel in the Crystal Bay University series by Hailey Dickert.

Return Policy can be read as a standalone; however, since Sophia is a side character from Dickert's first novel The Sister Between Us, it is suggested to read that first for the best reader experience.

GOODREADS | STORYGRAPH | AMAZON

This book sounded right up my alley and I was so very right! It's like this book was generated using a template on lock down in my brain. I am so over the moon for this story and these characters!

Hailey Dickert is a new author for me and I am absolutely smitten with her writing! Her writing voice, the pacing, the development of the characters, the execution of the story - they were all perfection. Going into this book, I knew that there was a book published prior to this one but I elected to read this one first because the synopsis spoke to me more. I had no issues following along and the past events were laid out well without spoiling the other book. I am definitely going back and reading this author's previous books. Characters from this book are in those books so I am even more excited to read them. 

Dickert's writing style really resonated with me so strongly. I was immediately drawn into this story and I was locked in from start to finish. I was utterly captivated. The world-building was vivid and captured me effortlessly. The plot was so addicting and so well written. I was hanging on every word. 

There was one thing that stuck out to me while reading and it is that the main characters made a lot of millennial pop culture references. Since I grew up in that era it didn't bother me. I actually got a good giggle here and there. While I got all the references, it didn't seem like they would be references that college kids in this day and age would get or even make. 

I fell hard for these characters. It certainly didn't take long either because they were so well developed. I felt an immediate connection with both main characters. They were such a joy. It was so easy to fall into their shoes. They both had incredible character growth as well. The cast of secondary characters made this book for me. Seriously, I am here all day long for a book with convincing squad goals. Each character in this friend group was distinct, engaging, and important to the story. I felt just as much for them as the main characters. It definitely made me want to hear their stories ASAP. 

Elijah Anderson was top-tier book boyfriend material. Hands down, he was a dreamboat. The "he falls first" trope was executed to perfection in this story. Eli was smitten for Sophia in such a genuine and heartwarming way. I loved the natural progression of their relationship. It wasn't rushed and felt perfect. The two of them started out as friends and Eli wore her down over time. It was obvious that he truly cared about her. Their banter was so intoxicating. I was living for it. Their chemistry was a five-alarm fire from day one and it just kept building and building the more time they spent together. The steamy scenes were hot and felt so right for the two of them. I could rave about this couple all day long.

I listened to the audiobook for this and it was beautifully narrated. Both voice actors felt perfect for the characters. 

Overall, this was an emotional yet lighthearted college sports romance that truly dazzled me. The story touches upon some sensitive topics but does so gracefully. If you love college football romance with impeccable writing, devastatingly addicting characters, and a romance with the perfect balance of spice and feels then this book should be your next read! I am jumping on the Hailey Dickert bandwagon and I'll be on this ride for the long haul!

This book knocked down all my walls and started a riot! What was the last book that you read that made you feel all the things? Also, let me know all your college romance recs!