Wow. Merit is hands down one of Devney Perry’s best books, and I’m so relieved to say that because I haven’t loved her last few releases. But this one? Absolutely phenomenal. It had me hooked from the very first page, and the emotional depth was next level.

The grief aspects were written so well—raw, heartbreaking, and incredibly moving. This book will make you cry, and not just a tear or two, but full on wreck you in the best way kind of crying. Devney Perry handled loss, love, and healing with such care, and it made the story all the more impactful.

The tropes were absolute perfection. We’ve got:
✔️ Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
✔️ Fake dating
✔️ Football star x ex volleyball player
✔️ Playboy and inexperienced FMC
✔️ College romance 

Maverick Houston is the golden boy, the campus football star, the playboy everyone adores—except Merit, who has hated him since they were kids. Their banter? So sharp and deliciously petty. Their chemistry was really palpable and built on the fact that they have known each other since they were children. Watching their relationship evolve from childhood rivals to fake dating partners to something so much deeper was everything I could have asked for. And the way Maverick loves his mom? Cue the waterworks.

This book had the perfect balance of angst, tension, and heartfelt moments. Merit and Maverick’s story wasn’t just about romance; it was about grief, growth, and finding unexpected love in the middle of heartbreak. If you love an emotional, deeply compelling romance that will have you laughing one moment and crying the next, Merit is perfect and the best of this series by far.

Devney Perry, you nailed this one. ❤️