Reagan Reynolds…Water polo god.Owner of a face that belongs under Wikipedia’s definition of drop dead gorgeous.Too charming for his own good.But most importantly––the worst driver on the planet.No, really, I’m pretty sure his blind nana taught him how to drive.I had no idea who he was until he almost ran me over. And frankly, I kind of wish I still didn’t because then I wouldn’t have a sprained … because then I wouldn’t have a sprained ankle to show for it. And my leg wouldn’t resemble a boa constrictor that’s swallowed a feral pig.
Yeah, it’s that bad.
I’ve spent years saving every penny I’ve ever earned to be able to transfer to Malibu University. And now my entire future––including my scholarship––is in jeopardy.
So I either accept the help he insists on giving me, or lose everything I’ve sacrificed for.
In the meantime, I’m going to ignore the fact that we’re becoming friends.
And I’m definitely going to pretend he’s not turning into the object of my…umm, dirty fantasies.
That’s not happening.
Not even a little.
Because the minute I clapped eyes on him I knew he was nothing but trouble.
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I received a review copy of the book before release for an honest review.
This is the first in a brand new series about college kids who have some really serious issues and problems. The first in the series is the story about Alice and Reagan. Reagan is a swimmer but his family wants him to go to med school and become a doctor. He is a very rich kid who is also very popular. Alice is a transfer student from NJ who wants to be a filmmaker but she is also is the scholarship kid.
Her first day in town she gets run over by Reagan and that forms a friendship type of relationship between the two. When she can’t work her job because of her injury, Reagan tries to help her out and she ends up spending more time with him.
Reagan really needs a friend and they have this really beautiful relationship that forms until a tradedgy occurs and he struggles to deal with the aftermath. This was a really special and wonderful story about two crazy kids in their early twenties and the pressure they feel from themselves and their families.
Nothing But Trouble is P. Dangelico’s first foray into New Adult, and it is a sigh-worthy, funny, sexy and entertaining sports romance that packs an emotional punch. You do not want to miss this book! As the university’s star water polo player falls for the quirky, newly-transferred film major, you’ll feel absolutely everything, and you won’t want to say goodbye to these characters. I’m already anxiously awaiting the next book in this must-read series.
Recommendation appeared on Frolic on March 24, 2019.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Because although he started as nothing but trouble, he’s become everything and more. And, God, do I want a new beginning with him. I want it all.”
Nothing But Trouble is my first foray into a P D’Angelico book. I signed up to read an ARC of it for a couple of reasons: (1) I love to read new authors and (2) waterpolo players as characters. Typically, sports romances revolve around football, baseball, or hockey (maybe a little soccer). Rarely do we venture into the pool. Quite frankly, more romance authors should take a note from P Angelico because swimmers and water polo players typically have incredible bodies, and they’re half naked (all the best ingredients for a sexy romance).
That being said, I was excited to read Nothing But Trouble. And it didn’t disappoint.
This is an angsty, but funny “opposites attract” story. Alice and Reagan, the main H and h, of this story are decidedly different. She’s a poor filmmaker with a bit of an edge, who hails from the East Coast. Reagan is the wealthy star waterpolo player for Malibu University who struggles with his future as his family’s expectations overwhelm him. While Reagan seems like that privileged jock, he struggles to be everything to everyone. This causes him to disconnect from relationships with women because the commitment can be too much. Enter Alice who has absolutely no interest in Reagan, but these two have an undeniable chemistry from their meet-cute.
It’s this chemistry that drives both the humor and angst of the story. From afar, these two shouldn’t work. They have different goals, different lives, and different interests. Their differences set up their tension, resulting in moments of hilarity. Yet, those differences also fuel their lust for each other. Even more, their different backgrounds cause the angst between the two. At different moments in the story, my heart broke for each. We are reminded through their stories that “not everything is as it seems.” A privileged life doesn’t make one happy. Even more, love will prevail in the end, even when it has broken us a little.
There is so much to love about this Nothing But Trouble: Alice and Reagan’s “push and pull,” the supporting cast (who have books coming in the series), and the locale. I haven’t read too many New Adult/Contemporary romances, but my interest has been peaked through P. Angelico’s book. I know that I’ll be “tuning” into the next books in the series because the power of the story coupled with the characters create a message for all of us: that we need to ultimately love ourselves before we can love others.
Overall:
NOTHING BUT TROUBLE is first book in a new Malibu University series by P. Dangelico. It was an engrossing page-turner that had me hooked from start to finish. This was a Sports Romance about Water Polo which was a new sport to me and I enjoyed reading about it.
I loved all the characters in this story. Reagan and Alice, as friends these two were really cute together and when they became more than friends the chemistry was hot and steamy. The secondary characters added great levity and support to the story and I will admit I would love to know more about a few of them most especially Dallas.
This was a slow burn romance with some hilarious moments, some steamy, some angsty moment and even some sad moments however you will enjoy every moment of this novel.
This was a great start to this new series, it held my interest and left me wanting to know more about the other characters. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. This was a great read and I would highly recommend this to all lovers of NA romance and sports romance.
I love, love, LOVE THIS BOOK!! I’m totally addicted to romances embedded in college and if I get a sexy athlete as the main character I’m gone. And let me say- Reagan Reynolds is a WET dream (pun intended) of every young woman. I’m completely in love with him! At the beginning I was a bit confused because the sport discipline that the main character play was not known to me (I had to google what the hell is water polo) but now I fully understand the fascination with this sport. Imagine a young athlete with the body of a Greek god… in Speedos. With water droplets running down the perfectly sculpted chest… Whew!
Alice transfered to Malibu University on scholarship, where she fulfills her dream and studies cinematography. As she’s not one of the kids with a trust fund, she must work hard to keep her place at college. One day, she’s almost hit by a car driven by another student, which results in a sprained ankle. And that’s how she meets Reagan- an extremely handsome student who, as it turns out later, is a college star and the object of every woman’s sighs. The guy feels guilty about what happened and can’t sleep at night from guilt, so he forces Alice to accept his help. And what started so unfortunate turns into friendship. However, the chemistry between the two is so strong that it becomes increasingly difficult to control it. They are both at such a stage in life that the relationship would be a complete distraction, so they try to extinguish the growing desire at all costs. But the game of the cat and mouse finally has to end, right?
These two… Their initial banter were hilarious! I love Alice’s sassiness. It’s a complete surprise for Reagan, who’s used to the fact that everyone knows him and loves him. This introverted girl is full of strength and loyalty and she’s surrounded by a wonderful family and great friends. Reagan in turn has many layers. At first glance he gives the impression of a typical cocky athlete but inside there’s so much more. He’s caring and loyal. He’s also possessive, what may have sent mixed signals to Alice but also proves that he cares about her. This couple, although at first glance completely unmatched, is the perfect combination. Alice and Reagan are created for each other.
In addition to battle of feelings, characters also fight with personal problems, what gives the whole story a bit of angst. This book isn’t just a love story of two young people. There’s also pain, suffering, disappointment and guilt. The fact that the author decided to bring up serious topics in this story is a big plus.
And let’s not forget about supporting characters! Both Alice’s friends and Reagan teammates are just great! Each of them immediately catched my attention, without shadowing the main characters. I can’t wait to get their stories in my hands!
Nothing But Trouble is the New Adult perfection. P. Dangelico created an original story that moves, entertains and captures the heart. One minute it makes you laugh and in the second it makes you cry. I hope that I won’t have to wait long for the next parts in the series because I’m completely hooked by the world of Malibu University!
I loved this book. A perfect blend of friends-to-lovers, angsty, witty, New Adult romance. P. Dangelico created two characters for whom are perfectly suited yet weren’t anywhere near ready to meet that perfect match. A calamity of a friendship ensues forever altering the ways of both the Reagan Reynolds and Alice Bailey, Jersey Girl.
Dangelico’s dual point of view story telling style worked great within the structure of her character development. I was glad to get both points of view in this book and both equally played important roles in the forward motion of the plot. Both Reagan and Alice had personalities you can’t help but fall for which makes them such a great couple. Charming, sarcastic, and a penchant for easy yet brutal honesty makes them an unstoppable and highly enjoyable force. This author’s writing and world crafting worked so well for the age group she’s portraying and the setting of her story, which also played a huge role.
This story was everything I look for when it comes college-aged romance. It had an athletic component, great camaraderie between two separate friends groups, intrigue, banter, angst, excellent writing, and most importantly great characters. I highly recommend Nothing But Trouble to those who love fun, NA Romance. Can’t wait for the next installment of the Malibu University series – there’s some characters whose stories I most definitely need!
Nothing But Trouble by P. Dangelico is book One in the Malibu University Series. This is the story of Reagan Reynolds and Alice Bailey.
Alice has been focused on working and saving to go to a University. When that dream is so close she ends up having her car break down and then almost run down by Reagan. Now he wants to help her but she tries to resist his help. They end up working in the ‘Friend Zone’ until their true feelings start to show through.
I am a big fan of Ms. Dangelico’s writing so I try to grab her books whenever I can.
This was like a unicorn for me. Nothing But Trouble was well written, had great characters, and the right amount of both sexiness and angst.
Alice was just a great Heroine. Strong, but sweet. And Reagan…cocky, but had real depth.
Fun banter and light hearted camaraderie, yet deep enough to invoke a true emotional connection. And can’t forget the chemistry!
Loved it and thought it was a great start to a new series.
Nothing But Trouble was my first book by this author, and it definitely WON’T be the last!
I didn’t know how desperate I was to read a brilliantly written NA, sports romance until I started this book. I can honestly say I can’t remember the last one I read. So this book was the PERFECT story I needed at the PERFECT time. It’s like my hypothetical ‘NA romance maidenhead’ grew back, and this book blasted right through it with a battering ram. Was that a little TMI?….oh, well….you’ve most likely read worse, so you’ll survive. *shrug*
Nothing But Trouble has ALL THE THINGS needed in a great freaking novel! Humor, heat, friendship, angst, witty banter, chemistry, heartache and sickeningly sexy romance that makes your pulse race and your blood boil!
This story starts out with a bang….almost literally. *snort-laugh* (Just read it, then you’ll know what I’m talking about.) I LOVED the evolution of Reagan and Alice’s relationship….from somewhat enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, their connection was pure fire right from the start. And the more you learn about them individually, you can’t help but root for them to become a real couple throughout the entire story. Just when you think “YES, YES! It’s finally happening!”, a wicked wrench gets thrown into the mix, causing all your hopes and naughty dreams to fly out the window. My emotions were put through the proverbial wringer as I endured the highs and lows, the ups and downs, and maybe the ‘ins and outs’ *another snort-laugh* (see what I did there?) of Reagan and Alice’s relationship. You may be wondering, “But their love prevails in the end, right?”….maybe? Maybe not. Love isn’t easy. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies… no matter how much we wish it was.
This book was utterly fantastic! I fell in love with both characters immediately and didn’t want this story to end. The only thing I could’ve wanted was a bit longer of an ending. After Reagan and Alice endured so much in the story, the ending seemed a bit incomplete. It didn’t distract or take away from the rest of the story line at all, not one bit…that’s just me being greedy. I just wanted more!
Without a doubt, a highly-recommended must read! Don’t pass it up!
Man my heart broke for these characters. The scenes and devastation were real and raw. You could feel the emotions coming off the pages and were hoping for the best along the way.
Reagan looks like he has it all. Great athlete, rich family, tons of friends, but looks are always deceiving. He was so much more than all of those things. He was caring, trustworthy, honorable, and an all round great guy. He would drop anything to help people even when it wasn’t in his best interest, and he didn’t let anything stand in the way of supporting those he loved.
Alice is trying to survive and reach her dream. She has so much riding on her college career and doesn’t have time for outside distractions. She is fierce, competitive, and willing to stand up for herself at all times. She was such an amazing heroine who wasn’t willing to play games to get what she wanted. She was always straight forward and honest.
The secondary characters added so much more to this story. It became more than just a romance. The characters were some of my favorites. Their banter, loyalty, and friendships will stand the test of time, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.
I loved the beginning of this series, and I hope we get the rest of the series soon.
-An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
Reagan and Alice story is just a steamer, friends to lovers story is always a one I like reading, but the drama and romance provided in this book had me reading it all day until I was done. The angst, twists and romance is in a perfect balance. I am now in love with water polo.
Nothing But Trouble is the first book in the Malibu University series and can definitely be read as a stand alone. This book is SO good! I didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised and amazed.
Alice is my spirit animal as she’s feisty, her sense of humor is on point, she’s selfless and so relatable to the point that I wish I had her as a friend in college. She and Reagan are from two different worlds as she’s a struggling college student on scholarship and a budget barely making ends meet and he’s a rich college student on the water polo team who has everything going for him. I like the fact that Reagan is compassionate with so much heart, down to earth and the complete opposite of the stereotypical rich kid. He and Alice literally met by accident and their quirky and entertaining friends to lovers relationship develops from there. Their witty banter and movie references humor (Anchorman…YES!!) won me over immediately and made me smile big.
Nothing But Trouble’s plot is smooth and flows with efficiency. I was consumed and honestly didn’t want to let these characters go. Not only is this book hilarious at times, it is also deep, meaningful and emotional. It’s also a slow burn romance but I encourage you to stay with it, trust me it’s worth it.
Ms. Dangelico did an excellent job with writing memorable secondary characters and I’m looking forward to reading their books. Nothing But Trouble is a fantastic start to this series and I can’t wait for more.
I don’t read many college, YA sort of stories very much. But this author has been a must read in a while, so I dove in. What an amazing 5 star story this was.
Alice is a transfer student to a university in California. Reagan is a star athlete that literally bumped into her. He feels guilty for her misfortune so he tries to help her and she wants nothing to do with him. Then she gets to know the real him.
I started reading this amazing story and a few short hours later, I was done and I wanted more. I loved strong heroines that don’t take crap and are independent. He’s a selfless man that is so much more underneath. This storyline was addicting and captivating. Secondary characters were funny and entertaining. Bottomline this is a must read.
Standalone told in dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story. I can’t wait for more.
He may look like he has a perfect life but looks can be deceiving.
His future is decided for him. High expectations upon his shoulders.
A scholarship keeps her on the straight and narrow. She can’t afford to obliterate her dreams.
Two different worlds collide in a near miss. Not exactly love at first sight that’s for sure!
My first read of P.Dangelicos and I must say I wasnt disappointed!
Young adult coming of age reads that are done well are the best way to spend an evening, and this is written in such a way that you feel everything they do!
The anger, the pain, the hurt and inconvenience all bleed into you from their words and actions.
An amazing read from start to finish! with characters that are so easy to love and adore.
Reagan is everything a book boyfriend should be. Droolworthy, persistent, caring and considerate. He had me as soon as he felt guilty!
Alice is independent, stubborn but so loving and compassionate. She’s a beauty that any guy would be lucky to have by their side.
Lots of quirky friends bring smiles and chuckles to you amidst the drama and angst.
A fantastic introduction to her books and I can’t wait to read more!
A wonderful, quick, light, easy and addictive read. I love sports romance, and I thought I’d pretty much read across all sports, but water polo is new to me. I’ve googled the heck out of it and yes water polo players have fantastic bodies, hot, hot, hot. So yes we’ve got a hot as hell main character Reagan Reynolds, the thing is, Reagan is also a great person, and when he nearly knocks down Alice Bailey in his car, Alice ends up with an ankle injury, and Reagan does everything in his power to help her. Alice however is unwilling to accept his assistance, she’s very independent and stubborn, this however only makes Reagan more determined. Herein starts an unlikely friendship, both feeling the attraction, but unwilling to act on it. Wonderful writing, characters (and friendship groups), and an all round great story that had me shedding a tear at one point. I am so looking forward to more in this series. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Alice is a Jersey transplant. Reagan is THE REGEAN REYNOLDS, star of the water polo team. They meet when Reagan almost hits her with his Jeep. Feeling awful he stalks her until she agrees to his help. They develop an unlikely friendship and Reagan fights his attraction because school and family. With the help of their friends they finally push past the “friend zone”. But, tragedy strikes Reagan’s family and he begins to lose himself. After a 4 month separation Reagan returns back to Alice, heart in hand, asking if she is still willing to try anything, including forgiving him.
This is my first read by P. Dangelico. A cute, easy read, filled with sexual tension, a fantastic tribe of friends, with a splash of heartache that has you aching and rooting for Reagan and Alice.
“Love doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s inextricably intertwined with self-sacrifice, vulnerability, risk…and yes, pain. Maybe that’s why we’re so often disillusioned by it. We demand it to be perfect when in essence love can’t exist without the risk of pain and the cost of safety.”
P. Dangelico scores again! I loved every minute of this slow burn, witty story filled with lots of snappy dialogue. From the first page, I was transported into the world of Reagan and Alice, who meet in college when Reagan almost runs Alice over. Reagan and Alice are total opposites. Reagan is a rich, entitled, popular water polo player. Alice is a sarcastic, smart mouthed New Jersey native thrown into the rich, glamorous world of Malibu. She doesn’t recognize Reagan and has never heard of water polo.
Reagan is a good guy and feels bad for injuring Alice when he nearly hits her with his car. He comes from money and parents with a lot of expectations. He wants to help Alice but she continually refuses his help and that drives Reagan crazy. He is not used to being ignored. Alice grew up with a lot of love but little money. She is snarky, fun, honest, down to earth and Reagan is drawn to her.
This college sports romance is a great start to a new series by P. Dangelico. I fell in love with Reagan and was also highly entertained by his water polo teammates. I love all the entertaining interactions between Reagan and his friends. I was laughing out loud at all their bantering. Alice girlfriends are fun and snarky, too. My only problem with the story was its abrupt ending. I was so invested in these characters I needed more.
Alice and Reagan are the main character in this slow burn sweet new adult romance novel. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was funny with interesting characters. Alice makes a retrospective of her journey from the start when she comes to new city, school, how she meets her new friends and how she falls in love. Great written novel with wonderful interesting well developed characters. Both Alice and Reagan are interesting and easy to love. I loved the whole story with what I was bothered was Reagan disappearing. I cannot wait to see what happens with the next watrepolo boy.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly
This was my first time reading anything by P. Dangelico, and I loved Nothing But Trouble so much, and can’t wait to read more of the series when it comes out!!
Alice and Reagan meet when he “runs” her over with his jeep. With his background, and pedigree, he feels as though he needs to take care of Alice and to make sure she’s not going to sue him.
Alice doesn’t want anything to do with him, as she’s trying to make sure she is going to pass her classes. Reagan can’t stay away. He then realises that he actually likes Alice, and can’t stay away.
He does everything he can to be near her.
Alice knows he’s trouble, with a capital T, and eventually she can’t stay away from him.
One thing leads to another, and they can’t help the attraction to one another. His family is NOT like hers. Can they mix, and be together? Can they both get through college, and water polo, and get through without having to sell her expensive camera equipment.
My fave quotes:
1. I loved the quote from Steve Jobs at the beginning!!!
2. Just because my vagina is blinded by his good looks doesn’t mean my head stops working. – LOL!!! I laughed so hard!
3. Sizzle in my tummy, sizzle between my legs. This is a really an inconvenient sizzle. – Alice knows the effect Rea is having on her.
4. Me: be with me. – SWOON MOMENT!
5. “Fuck more, worry less.” – Aunt Peg cracks me up!
This author never fails to pull me right in, folks, even when I find myself nervous about the territory I just strayed into. As a lover of relationship angst, I’m usually good for a quick rumble in the jungle of romance when it features back and forth bickering and witty banter that ultimately leads to a HEA. What can I say? I’m not one to shy away from romantic troubles if the main couple are worth rooting for. The synopsis seemed to spell that promise of a story line out pretty clearly.
In its college young adult backdrop, you’ll find some common themes often portrayed in this genre. Hot hunky jocks from rich, entitled families, in this case water polo teammates who also happen to be roommates, as they live the life of Riley. Grueling practices and fierce competition, yet plenty of play time to party, especially with the ladies who swoon at their feet. We are given glimpses each guy has some hidden issues that will likely be resolved in future books by the most unlikely leading ladies you’d match up with them. You see, on one hand you’ve got Alice and her band of unlikely, mismatched friends, and on the other Reagan’s posse of team bros, who I suspect will fall for them. I did enjoy seeing these two groups rally around their friends when needed. Dora, Zoe, Blair, and Alice especially became protective of one another. Power to the sisterhood, ladies!
Oh, Brock, baby, you’re the one I can’t wait to see get your own HEA. The strong, silent, reasonable, always does the right thing, virgin hero is likely going to mix things up with the rich, sassy, life of the party, speaks before she thinks loyal friend of Alice. I think we will find there is way more to her than meets the eye.
Dallas isn’t done either, folks. I’m thinking this wild child man will be tamed by the quiet, sweet, rather naive/innocent girl in this bunch.
Cole is really the hard core partier/womanizing player of the pack. Considering the scenes Alice accidentally walked in on with him and OW, he’s got a whole heap of something that is causing him to live life too far out on the edge.
For a book that started out centering around the struggles of Alice, who felt like she had just fallen down the proverbial rabbit hole when she started attending Malibu University, it eventually seemed to be more about Reagan, the hero. Now he was a complicated, hot mess. Stereotypical rich boy with over domineering, uncaring parents and a sad side plot featuring a sibling desperately in need of being saved from himself, he didn’t seem to know what to do about anything. Naturally, he carried the weight of the school on his shoulders, as well, by being team captain of the school’s beloved sport.
The heroine obvious was going to make this guy a better man by firming up his manhood. Hey, I’m referring to his backbone by helping him realize he needs to be the one to take charge of his own life. Sure, there are some very heated, smexy scenes where your mind may have just wandered later on in the story. These two do dance around each other for quite awhile. By looking at the cover, I’m thinking you likely know that is a given.
Alice’s heart takes a beating more than once, that’s for sure. She at first came across determined not to fall for Reagan’s charm. She put up a good fight for awhile, but I must say she forgave him too quickly at the end for an unexpected heartbreaking stunt, which did not involve OW, btw.
With its “I want you, but can’t date you/don’t want anyone else to touch you” theme on both sides at times, these two knuckleheads made their own journey to love a difficult one. It will be up to you to decide if it was all worth it.
Title: Nothing but Trouble, Series: Malibu University (Book 1), Author: P. Dangelico, Pages: 292, stand-alone but part of a series, college young adults, very steamy scenes, reluctant to commit hero, back and forth relationship angst, strong but also a doormat at times heroine, no love triangle, kisses but not intimate with others after meeting. Rating: 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)