Elena Armas' The Long Game initially left me with mixed feelings because there were aspects of the story that I enjoyed more than others.

I enjoyed Cam's determination to take care of Adalyn and break through her tough exterior. I enjoyed Adalyn's tenacity and willingness to make the best of less-than-ideal circumstances. I liked Josie and her small-town shenanigans. And, I really liked Maria, her family, her pets and her teammates; they were all adorable.

I had trouble with the pacing of the story, it was slow to start and the slowest of slow burns. I also had difficulty understanding Cameron and Adalyn’s continued antagonism towards each other. The main characters were both stubborn to a fault and for every step forward they seemed to take two steps back; it became frustrating at times.

Things did pick up after the halfway point and saved this story for me. Once Cam and Adalyn stopped fighting and admitted their feelings their story became super sweet. I feel that The Long Game had a lot of potential that, in my opinion, it did not quite reach. Overall, I did enjoy the Cam and Adalyn’s story and I feel that if you enjoyed Armas' previous novels, you too would enjoy The Long Game

I was looking forward to this book because I really enjoyed Armas’ two other books, but it missed the mark for me.

I loved Cam’s character and found him interesting, while Adalyn really ruined this book for me. She was so immature despite not being super young. The immaturity made this a tough read for me.

4.5 stars

Slooooow burn romance! Whew!

Adalyn Reyes is an executive for a professional soccer team. After a PR nightmare that puts the team in a bad light, she is sent to help run a girls youth team in a small town far from Miami. She meets Cam/Cameron, the coach and retired pro soccer player who is trying to go unnoticed in the town.

Adalyn has trauma from her father (team owner) and past relationships. Cam has his own trauma that is revealed through the course of the novel as well. Their aversion to each other is the first obstacle they have to get through – and both are grumpy and prideful which adds funny banter. The alternating pov works well.

The Long Game also includes a cast of young characters – the girls on the Green Oak Warriors – who help Adalyn and Cam as they open up to each other. There’s nothing like the frankness of an 8-10 year old to offer perspective!

The epilogue at the end of the novel left me with questions when it finished. I hope there is more to come!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

This is a beautiful slow burn romance. Cam and Adalyn are great together, I loved seeing their story unfold. There were also some amazing side characters like Josie and Maria.
It had a twist in the end I did not see coming.
It is a slow burn so it takes some time for them to get together but when they do it's very good.

I adored the Ted Lasso vibes of this one! Hello Roy Kent, I mean Cameron.

If you’re a fan of soccer or slow burns this one is for you!

I struggled with the length of the book and thought it could be cut down. I also had a hard time feeling the connection between the couple.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Adalyn Reyes, the daughter and employee of the owner of the MLS team in Miami, becomes an internet sensation and not in a good way she is shipped off in disgrace by her father to the middle of nowhere North Carolina to save the face of the MLS organization to whom she has devoted her life.

There, with the job of managing a U-10 girls soccer team, she meets the coach, Cameron Caldani, a would famous footballer who suddenly retired and is now trying yo escape the limelight. And then…classic meet cute and Tom com ensues.

Was it a little transparent? Maybe. Did I have a problem with it? No way. It was perfect for my reading mood needing something light and fun (and I read it in 2 sittings - that should say something). Elena Armas has found the formula for a modern American romance blending American and Hispanic culture. Thank you netgalley for this early copy in exchange for my opinion.

Themes: ⚽️🥅🏟️❤️💞😽🗣️🗣️

My thoughts: 😀😍🥰😘🤭🫠

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I thought this book started out really strong. I loved loved loved the girls soccer team. I absolutely loved Maria, her personality was the cutest.

I liked how Adalyn and Cameron started out, I kinda liked they were both grumps. I’ve seen this book being compared to Ted lasso and can confirm Cameron gives major Roy Kent vibes.

I think what didn’t work for me was that I ultimately didn’t feel the spark between them, and so the book felt a little long.

I will say, it’s unique and there were lots of parts I didn’t expect which is always fun.

A fun and flirty slow burn romantic comedy, this book had me flipping the pages non-stop!

Adalyn is used to a fast paced life in the city, but a mishap at work lead the CEO (who also happens to be her father) to send her on a mission in rural North Carolina. The mission: help turn around the local youth soccer team. Upon arriving, Adalyn learns her next door neighbor is retired soccer pro Cameron who is just trying to live a quiet and secluded life.

This was like a heart-hug every step of the way. I enjoyed the open communication between the two main characters, watching the growth both experienced, and all the truly comical moments that the soccer team brought with them!

I would recommend this to anyone looking for their next contemporary romance read!

Loved this book. I was so excited when the publisher sent me an email with a widget. I love sports romance. 4.5 stars because the beginning of the book was very slow but it was soo cute and I binged it in a day! If you love enemies to lovers trope and Ted Lasso then you should read this book!

I absolutely adored Cam. He is grumpy but sweet underneath and so caring. Also sounds super hot. Adalyn is a female in a male dominated world of soccer and I loved how she was portrayed. Having to put on a facade and be strong all the time and then there’s Cam there to support and help her but not take over and telling her that all the other males in her life who are putting her down are wrong and she shouldn’t believe them. Also having her recognize and actually work through her issues rather than flossing over them. I really appreciated that. OMG the kids soccer team was amazing. Just the right amount of fun and sass. Little Maria may be my favorite character in the whole book.

Overall a cute romcom that is predictable but heartwarming and fun. Now we need a Matthew book!

Banished for “bad behavior”, Adalyn Reyes has been sent to a small town to manage a youth soccer team. Unbeknownst to her, their coach is an ex goalkeeper and stunner extraordinaire. Coach meets manager, they take immediate dislike to each other, and hilarity ensues.

I love a slow burn. The yearning really built this story up so nicely. Cameron was such a beautiful love interest and I so enjoyed reading about his and Adalyn’s relationship growth throughout this story.

Also, can we have a round of applause for the supporting cast?! I love a ragtag group from a small town and this band of characters was so precious.

If you love sports romance and small town stories, definitely pick this one up!

I’m obsessed with this cover!! I enjoyed the other two books by this author so very excited to get this one. Adalyn took time to warm up to for me. I liked the seeing the story unfold. I do think the story was a tad bit too long and some things could’ve been taken out without impacting the story. If you like slow burns, this one is for you!! I can’t wait to see what Elena writes next!

Ted Lasso fans will adore this sweet and hilarious romance from Elena Armas. It's a slow burn but worth the wait, with complex characters and a fun, well developed setting of a small town. I don't think you see many books that involve soccer so fans of that game will enjoy that too!

The Long Game" by Elena Armas exceeded my high expectations, delivering an exceptional enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of a small town and soccer. Adalyn, a fired soccer exec, and Cam, a retired pro soccer goalie, come to life through the brilliant narration of Frankie Corzo and Shane East in the audio version, creating an immersive experience.

This novel is a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers, sports romance, and second-chance stories. Adalyn's journey to redeem herself by coaching a struggling children's soccer team in a quirky town is both heartwarming and hilarious. The chemistry between Adalyn and Cam simmers deliciously, and their slow-burning romance is filled with tension and sparks.

Elena Armas crafts a standalone gem with this book, incorporating family drama and emotional depth into the narrative. With themes of redemption, self-discovery, and overcoming personal obstacles, "The Long Game" is a compelling and entertaining love story that leaves readers rooting for Adalyn and Cam's happily ever after. Whether you're a fan of sports romance or simply enjoy captivating character dynamics, this novel is an absolute delight.

This was so cute! I was hesitant going into this because I didn't know what to expect, but I was definitely left smiling by this adorable story. There was just so much to love and I don't think I was prepared to enjoy this as much as I did.

Elena Armas has given us a warm, funny and captivating book that will definitely have you hooked from the very beginning. These characters were so well written, and the chemistry and tension was just off the charts.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted book that's sure to put a smile on their face.

I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley. As always, my opinions are entirely my own.

Enemies to Lovers, laugh-out-loud moments, and Ted Lasso vibes? AMAZING! Rom-com fans will eat this up! So excited to recommend this one!

If you enjoy slow burns, this book is for you! I did like it, but it felt a little slow for my liking. I know that my patrons will enjoy it though, so I definitely will recommend it for purchase at my library.

Definitely one of my MOST anticipated romance reads of 2023 and it did not disappoint!!

Simon & Schuster made my day by sending me both a physical ARC copy AND providing early access to an ALC version. After flipping between both formats I have to attest the audio is the way to go with Frankie Corzo's excellent narration of recently fired soccer exec Adalyn and Shane East's swoony voicing of sexy former pro soccer goalie, Cam's accent!!

This is a must if you like enemies to lovers, small towns, comeback/second chance stories, sports romance, "good girl", slow burns, great mental health rep (anxiety & panic attacks (her)), SPICY, never feeling good enough, tattooed MMCs plus a coterie of goats, chickens and kids, oh my!!

If any of that sounds good you won't want to miss this newest from the best-selling former indie author Elena Armas of The Spanish love deception and The American roommate experiment fame. This one is a complete standalone and has lots of family drama and emotional depth too!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my early review copies. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own!

I really wanted to like this one, but I couldn’t get into it. I liked the idea for the storyline, but the characters were too unlikable for me.

Excellent adult romance fiction. This book was written in true Elena Armas fashion—the slow burn was delicious, the characters and their plights were relatable, and the fierce, passionate love that the characters are driven to was…well, it was hot. It’s a must read, and you gotta know that she has another romance in the works when two adorable side characters just happen to FaceTime. I know I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!

I think this author’s style isn’t for me. I don’t mind a slow burn but this was just plain slow.

I feel like the heroine made things harder than they needed to be and who hits someone with their car and doesn’t apologize?