oh man i LOVED this one. cam and adalyn had such a beautiful love story and i loved watching them not only let down their walls for each other but the other trying to worm their way in past the other's walls. cam's love language being caretaking was just SO good and the recurring theme of him playing the long game was so good. i LOVEDDD when he said he didn't quit at halftime. i want to kidnap him and keep him forever. there were so many amazing aspects of ths novel, but the pure chemistry and desire to learn to love was what stuck out to me the most. i can't wait to read so much more by elena armas!!

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book I’ve read by this author so far but it’s not my favorite. There were many funny spots and some spicy sexy times but overall the story seemed to drag at times. Adalyn the heroine, always seemed to be running away from something and clumsier than a normal person could possibly be. The sheer number of times that Cam physically picked her up got repetitive.

Now Cameron…I loved. I’m watching Ted Lasso at the same time and was getting strong growly Roy Kent vibes which I’m here for.

This story would have benefited from more extensive editing to take out repetitive sections to move the plot along.

A slower read for me, but I liked the character growth and development though I wish more time would have been spent on the confrontation between Adalyn and her father after all the build-up.

Not a bad read, but a bit slow paced and repetitive but I did enjoy the world building.

First I want to say I’m VERY VERY thankful for the ARC.

Now this book took SOOO long to get through. I loved the small town, dual POVs, grumpy meets grumpy type. But I just didn’t get hooked. I also will be fine if I never hear the word Darling again. This book fell short and it makes me sad.

May I have your attention, please? Because guess what? My dreams have finally come true! Elena Armas has just released another breathtaking romance novel, and hold on tight because it's absolutely incredible! The characters she has created will make you swoon, burst into fits of laughter, hyperventilate, and send your temperature soaring! She combines my favorite trope, enemies-to-lovers, with the exhilarating world of soccer, giving off major "Bend it Like Beckham" and "Ted Lasso" vibes. And let me tell you, she has truly outdone herself with a grumpy hero as charming as a younger Beckham (with Roy Kent vibes) and a boss lady heroine who dons the facade of an ice queen while secretly yearning for kindness within, all while gracefully strutting around in intimidating stilettos.

Let me also mention that this is, by far, my favorite book by the author. Not only for the reasons I mentioned above, but because Cameron and Adalyn's fiery love story set in a small town feels incredibly genuine, engaging, swoon-worthy, and heartwarming.

Adalyn, after facing a major embarrassment that goes viral, finds herself exiled to a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, North Carolina, following a nerve-wracking breakdown. Leaving behind her demanding job at the Miami Flames FC, she takes on the role of manager for the Green Oak Warriors Young Club, a soccer team of little girls (one of whom insists on wearing a tutu instead of a jersey). Her neighbor and coach of the team, as well as her biggest pain in the backside, is the ex-British legendary goalkeeper, Cameron Caldani (correction: he's also half Italian, as evident from his last name and the correlation of his charm and extra hotness!).

Their initial disastrous encounter quickly turns into hate at first sight, fueling their fiery banter. Both Adalyn and Cameron carry their own demons, insecurities, and past traumas. Adalyn pushes herself to the limit to turn her team's management into a success story, hoping to redeem herself in the eyes of the media and earn her place back at her father's club. She even goes as far as convincing her biggest nemesis to work with her, hoping to win the approval of the parents of her young players. However, what she doesn't anticipate is the undeniable attraction she starts to feel for the man who despises her to the core and is just waiting for her to pack her bags and leave. Little does she know that Cameron Caldani is a warrior who would slay dragons just to be with her, hidden beneath his grumpy exterior! Will they be able to break down their barriers and open up to each other, risking the shattering of their own hearts?

Words cannot express how much I adored this book and how badly I want to adopt the incredible supporting characters, including Brandy, the blind and socially anxious goat, and San Sebastián, the rooster with nine lives. And let's not forget the two possessive cats, Willow and Pierogi. However, my absolute favorite supporting character award goes to little Maria, with her brilliant mind and the hilarious nicknames she comes up with for Cameron. She's an absolute cutie and so incredibly likable.

Overall, dear readers, do not miss out on this perfect reading experience! Elena Armas has crafted a story that will sweep you off your feet, make you laugh, and leave you yearning for more. With memorable characters, a captivating small-town setting, and a love story that will tug at your heartstrings, this book is an absolute gem.

And to the author, Elena Armas, thank you for sharing your incredible talent with the world. Your words have the power to transport us to enchanting places and touch our hearts in the most profound ways. I eagerly await your future works and can't wait to see what captivating stories you'll weave next.

Note: I have a strong feeling that there's a spin-off book in the works for Matthew and Josie! I already adore both of these characters and cannot wait to read their sequel in the near future!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this AMAZING BOOK in exchange for my honest opinions. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to dive into this literary masterpiece.

I have been a fan of Elena Armas from the outset, and this book did not disappoint at all.

The title of the book can be applied to to so many different aspects of this novel: the relationship between Adalyn and Cameron, the relationship between Adalyn and her father, the literal game of soccer that the Green Warriors are pushing through, and more. What stood out as different in this novel versus the two previous ones (no series relation) was the strength of character development that I felt in this one. Because the two MCs were doing a will they/won't they dance for so long, the reader got to pick up on a few more nuances that if they had simply succumbed to their sexual tension early on.

This book perfectly set the stage for (I hope) Matthew and Josie to continue the adventures of Green Oak!

There are a few things I love in life and two of them are romances and soccer. I squealed with delight when I saw that I was approved for this book! The Long Game was perfect. Like truly, perfect. Adalyn flipping out was totally relatable, the setting was so cozy, and Cameron Caldani is now one of my top book boyfriends. I was actively swooning while reading. What a perfectly written MMC!! If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Adalyn is the daughter of a soccer team owner. She has built her life around this team, specificaly to please her father. But it never seems to be enough. After a social "faux pas" that went viral on social medias, she is sent in the little city of Green Oak, North Carolina, to take care of a soccer team.
There, she realises that it's not what she thought. And that the soccer coach is a MLS star, Cameron Caldoni. But their first encounter is rather explosive, and they can't stand each other. But little by little, they happen to know each other, and a sweet romance could take place.

This story is the right amount of banter, slow burn, and spice. Add the "little town romance" trope, and you have a really great new book from Elena Armas. And I can already see coming the other stories that can happen in the small town. And I can't wait !

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book to read and review. Adalyn is the daughter of a rich businessman and a model. Cameron is a retired soccer player. They are in small town North Carolina for different reasons. They get roped in together to help young girl’s soccer team. This isn’t my first Elena Armas book. I adored The Spanish Love Deception and was bored and disappointed with The Roommate Arrangement. This falls somewhere in between. Cameron’s character seemed at best undeveloped and at worst a walking trope. Adalyn too borders on a walking trope. All in all not a bad book, just nothing new. I was hoping for the freshness of the author’s first book but instead it was the same old same old.

This is romance book perfection and why Elena Armas is one of my favorite authors.👌🏻

Enemies to Lovers in a slow burn where they both are involved with a little league soccer team, The Green Warriors.

There’s goat yoga (and also a large mysterious athlete who is quite afraid of said goats). Sharp and snappy youth soccer players who are not afraid to say what’s on their mind but also hype you up if they think you need it. There are also two darling cats: Willow and Pierogi.

I’m this story Adalyn has had an embarrassing moment go viral and her father/boss has sent her away on a charitable assignment to lay low. While there Adalyn meets Cameron who is a European soccer (football) star. They start our icy and the slow burn to lovers is gooood (and so is the spice).

5/5 stars this book is excellent and I NEED the sequel now because it ends on a cliffhanger.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cameron and Adalyn have my heart so do the Green Warriors, Brandy, Josie, Mathew, the whole Green Oak gang really. The small town, slow burn, soccer vibes, grumpy leads... perfection >>

This is my favorite of Elena Armasbooks

Also.... those last few lines of the epilogue... such a tease Miss Armas such a tease

BLESS NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER FOR GIVING ME AN EARLY COPY OF THIS BOOK. I'VE NEVER WANTED ANOTHER ARC SO BAD. Below is my honest review!

Honestly, what's not to like about this book? Elena Armas does it again!!! (Aka stole my heart and has raised the standards for men so high!!!) This is an enemies-to-lovers in a small town romance story. Both the hero and the heroine are grumpy people who can't stand each other, but then after being forced to work together to save the town's little league soccer team, they realize that they can actually tolerate and even love each other.

Because this is a slow burn, you as the reader get to see the two characters fall in love. And it's not like they're just sending sexy eyes to each other. No. They actually interact and do different activities together, allowing their personalities to shine in a way that many romance novels do not. The side characters also have their own little quirks that add to the story, such as Maria and even the blind goat.

I will say though that the ending felt a little rushed compared to the rest of the book, which is why it's not a 5 star read for me. Plus there were a few things thrown in at the end that I still have mixed feelings about (when you read it, you'll understand, but it's not anything too major).

Overall, I love Elena Armas and will read anything she writes.

Would I recommend this book? HELL YEAH!!!

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. This is the 2nd book I've read from Elena Armas. I found this book cute and interesting at first and then a little hard to follow the story at times.

Elena Armas does it again! This new universe that Elena created has it all - ice queen vs. grump, cozy cottagecore vibes and incredible banter. The heroine, Adalyn, was so relatable and modern. And Cam was a secret cinnamon roll that any reader will quickly fall in love with. I adored this book!! I can't wait to see Josie's love story next (hopefully!) :)

Adalyn and Cameron first meet and immediately dislike each other. Their situations make the other character a major inconvenience but they just keep running into each other.

With any enemies-to-lovers story, there’s a turning point when one or both of the characters start to feel differently. And whether that’s gradual or instantaneous, as a reader I want to see it happen. I want to understand the progression from one state to another by witnessing the shift, either through the characters’ thoughts or actions. But unfortunately, that’s not what happened in this book. At least, not with Cameron.

I saw Adalyn’s feelings towards Cameron shift because of how tender his actions were towards her after a certain point. But I don’t know what prompted Cameron’s shift. Instead of reading through what made him change his views on Adalyn, I was just told one chapter that now he felt soft and fuzzy things towards her.

I did appreciate how Cameron continually emphasized to Adalyn that she should believe in her own self worth and that she is not a burden to those around her.

Elena has done it again. She’s a wizard at weaving characters into my brain that now live rent free. I loved Adalyn and Cameron and their soccer romance. What a great book!

Adalyn Reyes makes one mistake that is caught in a video that goes viral and uproots her life. Her father instead of sticking up for her sends her to North Carolina on special assignment. She doesn't realize until she gets there that she will be working with a kids girl soccer team.

This is a fun grumpy romance book. She will be working with Cameron Caldini who is the world's best goal keeper who is hiding out in Green Oak. They meet at do not get along but they are neighbors and have to work together.

Maria is just the brightest kid and I love all the things she says. I thought goat yoga was funny. All the events that Cam and Adalyn have to do together and the heat between them building up was intense.

Cameron treats her so well and sees her for who she is and loves her and wants to protect her. It is so endearing and heart felt. this will make you believe in second chance romance and happily ever after.

This is first sports romance I have read. I loved the Spanish Love Deception and couldn't wait to read this.

4 Stars Elena Armas is a slow-burn romance queen! This enemies to lovers romance is full of fire and female rage, and I am here for it!

After an altercation with a team mascot goes viral, Miami Flames FC employee Adalyn Reyes is caught in a PR nightmare. The team owner—aka her father—sends her on a charitable assignment to rural North Carolina to get her out of the spotlight. There, Adalyn is challenged to turn around a local U10 soccer team, the Green Warriors. Strangely, former soccer great Cameron Caldani is also in this small town, coaching the team and staying out of the spotlight as well. Cameron would rather Adalyn just leave, but she’s determined to prove him and her father wrong so she can get back to Miami.

There was so much going on in this book, between the main characters, themes, and the fun side characters and stories. The real star here is the emphasis on female rage; how it’s denied, used against women to push them out of spaces, and how it is an absolutely valid feeling. Adalyn has been used and manipulated by those who were supposed to love and care for her. Finding that out would understandably make anyone snap, especially someone who is so used to keeping her feelings bottled up and in control. So when that rage is released, however brief, it’s used as an excuse for why she’s incapable of doing her job or eventually leading the FC. Adalyn’s story is an echo of so many other women’s stories and how their rage has been denied, instead of validated. Every woman can see herself in Adalyn and understands how good it can feel to let that rage go.

Adalyn and Cam were fantastic romantic leads. I loved the scenes of Cam caring for Adalyn and the small moments when he proved how he really saw her, just as she is. They were beautiful. My only criticism of this novel was that while the first half of the novel felt so fast, the ending felt somewhat rushed and like there should have been more of an explanation for her father’s actions. I thought this would be addressed in the epilogue, but it was not. Though the epilogue did set up what will hopefully be another book set in Greek Oaks, so maybe we will see more.

Stopped at the end of chapter 4. I was really enjoying the first three chapters, but I failed to connect with chapter 4, and I felt really annoyed for the chicken.

I have to question if I'm understanding what happened correctly with the chicken - because I'm seriously irked if we killed the pet chicken for no reason, and I'm just like, if this was a dog or a cat, would we be so blasé about it all? It kind of seems like the chicken got away after being hit by the car? ... I hope they did...

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC.

I really enjoyed the Spanish Love Deception so i had high hopes but i have to say i struggled a bit with this book. It felt like I'd already read this story/trope before. The writing was good, but i did find the FMC very unrelatable so that might be why I didn't enjoy it. That being said banter and writing were good just wasn't for me.

i'm so happy that I got the opportunity to read this book because Elena is one of my favorite romance authors. This book did not disappoint, if you like elena's other books then you'll love this one. I loved the ted lasso vibes in this book, the little girl's soccer team warmed my heart.
I think this is the softest of all her books, it was so pure and selfless and definitely the slowest burn. I adore cameron and adalyn so much. It's definitely a story about two damaged people who open up to one another and love one another wholeheartedly, flaws and all. It's sweet, really funny (I was cracking up a couple of times) and definitely has spice like her other books. it's perfect. read it when its out.
Thank you to netgalley and atria books for this ARC.