The "meet-cute" and the slow-building tension between the leads are highlighted as strong points.

Initially appearing as a "pompous arrogant jock," Reece is revealed to be deeply caring and intelligent. He has his own complex family dynamics, feeling pressure from a father who is wary of his football success. Critical Reception

According to reviewers from Jo Reads Romance and HEA Novel Thoughts, the book is praised for:

A "math nerd" who is socially inexperienced but determined to break out of her shell. Throughout the book, she evolves from a "mousy" and "downtrodden" individual into a self-reliant and empowered woman.

Dealing with "hard-hitting issues" like dysfunctional families and emotional abuse in a way that feels real.

She begins conducting interviews for a candidate to help her with this goal. Reece Michaels, the university’s star football receiver with NFL aspirations, accidentally walks in on one of these interviews. Intrigued and protective, Reece offers to be her guide through her list of firsts—with one strict rule: no sex. As they spend time together ticking off activities like skinny dipping and partying, their platonic agreement is tested by an undeniable connection.

Persephone "Seph" Alexander is a math genius who has lived a highly sheltered life under the strict, almost abusive control of her father. With only one semester of freedom left at Fulton University before her father forces her into a PhD program, Seph creates a list of "firsts" she wants to experience—the most pressing being to lose her virginity.