4.5 stars for Pine River by Tijan. This is the third book I have read by Tijan and I really enjoyed it. I listened to the audio of this book. It was narrated by Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton. I give their performance 5/5 stars.

Synopsis:
Pine River was supposed to be a new start for me. And it was, especially attending school with my three overprotective cousins, who were the triplets at the top of the social hierarchy. Except they weren’t alone there, and the first day when I came to school, I saw him.

Scout Raiden. Tall. Lean. Tattooed. Mesmerizing.

He was a golden god with dark and piercing eyes—looking like he wanted to eat me up.

The feeling was mutual, and that was a problem. It was lust-want-must have-loathing-hate all at once. I was affected. And I couldn’t have that. No way. Not after what I’d just left in Cedra Valley.

I didn’t care how much money his uncle had. I didn’t care that it seemed every girl wanted him. I didn’t care about his reputation as an up-and-coming fighter. Or the promise of how those hands would make me feel.

What I did care about was staying as far away from Scout as possible. Because the promise of his presence, the heat that was going to turn the light back on in my world wasn’t a promise at all. It was a threat.

I wasn’t going to survive Scout Raiden.

I like Tijan's style of writing and the narrators brought the characters to life. It is told in a dual POV from the perspective of Ramsey and Scout.

Characters:
There are many characters in this story but it wasn't confusing to follow. Each character added to the story. There are lots of relationships happening in this story. There are romantic relationships, social/friendships, and familial relationships. Each one has its own dynamic and their connections are strong and emotional. I would love to see future books about some of these characters. I love the way Ramsey's cousins protected her and showed they cared about her. I love books that have found family and a strong friendship group.

Read if you like the following:
* sports romance (MMC is a MMA fighter)
* high school romance
* enemies to lover
* enemies with benefits
* angsty romance
* overprotective cousins
* cousin's best friend
* past trauma for FMC
* found family
* secret billionaire
* protective MMC

Please check trigger warnings since physical abuse and blackmail are discussed in the book.