Thank You NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the Early Listening Copy of my first K. Bromberg Sports Romance. Lucky Shot is done in dual pod with Samantha Brentmoor as Whitney Barnes and Gary Furlong as Alexander Furlong. Both narrators did a great job portraying the emotion for each characters pain and happiness. Both have childhood trauma; her foster care system after her mom lost her battle with drugs and him his father died and his mother remarried and was more obbessed with the money and status then her own son. Both had walls built up and struggled with having someone see them for who they are behind the pain. She needed to find a way to save the soccer academy and he needed to save his reputation. He was told he needed to volunteer at her academy. Without saying more just know it's a rocky ride, plenty of emotions. There is spice and once it starts it's hot!

This was such a fun read about two soccer stars with very different pasts. The story follows our FMC, a prior soccer player whose promising career was cut short by injury. She’s now running her late mentor’s soccer academy and doing her best to stay out of the spotlight… until Hardy.

Our MCC is Hardy, who is not only outlandishly cocky, but a legendary soccer player from England with a reputation for bad decisions and scandalizing headlines. He’s the kind of MMC that makes you swoon. Like, to die for. He’s charming, broody in all the right ways, and he 1000% falls first. Watching him try to prove he’s not just another tabloid story was *chef’s kiss*

As for Whitney, the FMC… I wanted to shake her at times. She had so many walls up and just refused to communicate, even when Hardy was doing everything right and trying so hard to help. I totally understood where she was coming from given her past and everything she had been through but still I wanted to be like girl, just go talk to him!!

There’s not exactly a classic third act breakup, but I wouldn’t call it 100% safe from third-act drama either. It definitely flirts with it. The ending felt a bit rushed to me and I would’ve loved a little more time to let things breathe.

As for the audiobook, 10/10 recommend. The female narrator is one of my absolute favorites (she nails every emotion), and while the male narrator took a bit of time to warm up to, by the end I was totally sold.

Overall, this one was a solid 3 stars for me. Perfect for when you’re craving a sports romance!

4.5 ⭐️

There are simply not enough soccer romances out there, but I want a million more like this one! Lucky Shot was so good, I devoured it in a day. Whitney was hard working, caring, humble, and absolutely did not know how to ask for help. Hardy was cocky, rich, and helpful - if ever someone’s love language was acts of service, it was Hardy’s. Their falling in love felt natural and real after their burning tension at the beginning.

The spice was just right for this one. Not excessive in count, but still descriptive and added to the story.

Samantha Brentmoor and Gary Furlong were both great on the audiobook narration. Samantha always manages to infuse emotions into her acting so well, and Gary had the swooniest accent. I don’t think I’ve listened to him before, but I will absolutely be looking him up for future books.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select, and JKB Publishing for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review!

THE WAY I ATE THIS UP...

⚽️ soccer romance
⚽️ forced proximity
⚽️ opposites attract
⚽️ sweet and spicy (open door)
⚽️ Dual POV

Oh wow, I just adored this from the start!! Whitney, our FMC, has had a really tough life, but soccer is the one thing that helped her push through. I loved the flashbacks we got of her life in the past, they really made you route for her throughout this whole story. Hardy, our MMC, a star soccer player with the reputation of a bad boy, finds himself at Whitney's soccer camp to help out after some bad PR hits the news cycle. What unfolds are two people who have experienced their own bouts of trauma, who butt heads and push each others buttons, and ultimately heal each other (with a side of crazy chemistry ❤️).

Rating: 4.5 stars

2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Some parts of the story that I liked were the audiobook narrators, Whitney's "flashback" moments where she remembers her mentor, and . I was sort of disappointed by the romance partly because the transition of Alexander being mean to nice wasn't really that satisfying.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an audiobook arc.

This book was a decent sports romance read. There were some parts that frustrated me, but then I thought deeper into my life that what others do or don't do also frustrate me. For example, it frustrated me that both of the MCs didn't see a therapy even thought there were multiple things that would position someone to go see a therapist. On the FMCs side she grew up in and out of different foster homes which, I think people need to see a therapist because that in itself can be a big trigger. I felt there was a lot of deeper topics (which I don't mind) but I thought the MCs could use some therapy.

The MMC was one that I had a harder time with just because he started the book as a complete a-hole but towards the end he was better. He was very condensing towards people and that is just a little bit of an ick for me (in general)

I think what increased my rating was that I enjoyed the narrators, Gary Furlong and Samantha Brentmoor. They did a great job with this book and even though the book felt like it droned on and on, I was still able to listen and enjoy how they brought it to life.

Thank you NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to dreamscape select and NetGalley for this audio arc.

This was an excellent audio arc. Samantha Brentmoor is one of my favorite, if not my fave female narrators in the audiobook game. Her voice is just so soothing to listen to! She could recite the ABCs over and over and I could listen and fall asleep!

She and Gary made the story come alive and I loved every second.

After the loss of her beloved mentor, Whitney steps up to run the struggling Prestige Soccer Academy—a place that once gave her hope during her years in foster care. Now she’s determined to give that same safe haven to underprivileged kids, using soccer as a way to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

When she sends a heartfelt letter requesting equipment for her underfunded team, it lands in the hands of the Miami Mahem Soccer Club. Hardy—a temperamental UK soccer star sent to the U.S. to help make soccer more appealing to American audiences. After punching a paparazzo, Hardy is in hot water with his team’s management. They see this as the perfect PR opportunity: visiting Whitney’s academy will not only help clean up Hardy’s image, but also bring some much-needed positive attention to the U.S. team he plays for.

But Hardy ditches the visit, claiming to be sick—only to be spotted later that night partying at a club. Whitney doesn’t let it slide and confronts him head-on. Intrigued by her fire and the fact that she doesn’t fall for his charm, Hardy shows up the next day and challenges her to a live-streamed bet. Whitney nails the shot, and Hardy finds himself stuck mentoring her team for a month.

As they clash over their vastly different worlds, the chemistry between them becomes impossible to ignore. What begins as a PR stunt quickly turns into something much deeper—for both Hardy and Whitney.

Narration-wise, Samantha Brentmoor once again proves why she’s one of the best in the game. She brings such heart and emotional depth to every character. Gary Furlong is new to me, but I really enjoyed his take on Hardy—his voice suited the role perfectly, bringing out Hardy’s charm and complexity.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

Story: 4.5 ⭐️
Steam: 4 🔥
Audio: 5 🎧


This book is very emotional and sweet. While the romance was fun and cute it also had a lot of emotional moments as well. Both the MCs had rough upbringings for different reasons but watching them be able to support each other was wonderful. I love K’s writing and how invested I get in the characters. Definitely recommend if you wanna shed a good tear or two!

Audiobook: the narrators were both perfect for these roles and did such a great job!

Audiobook Review

K Bromberg always delivers to right amount of spice with the right amount of angst. Both Hardy and Whitney needed a good shake sometimes just to overcome who they were but could be. In the end Hardy was just soo swoony. Whitney was bada$$ and totally relatable with and despite all she’s gone through. But both had the same issues, despite so different upbringings.
The cherry on the cake here was Samantha Brentmoor’s and British Gary Furlong’s performances. 👌chef’s kiss

Beyond the Sport: A Lucky Shot Experience

I always look forward to a K. Bromberg sports romance, and Lucky Shot was no exception.

What stood out to me most was the way both main characters grew throughout the story. Even though they come from completely different worlds, their struggles with loneliness, grief, and heartbreak felt so similar. I loved watching their differences actually become the thing that connected them. The male lead’s genuine care for the children they work with really hit home for me and added so much heart to the story.

Samantha Brentmoor’s narration was fantastic as always—her delivery brought so much emotion to the story. I also really enjoyed Gary Furlong’s performance; his British accent added a unique charm and made his character even more memorable for me.

Let me tell you what hooked me right away... The story opens with Whitney as a kid, sneaking into a local soccer academy just to get a little time alone with the ball. For her, growing up in foster care, the soccer field is the one place she feels safe. Fast forward to adulthood, and Whitney is now running that very same club, We find out more about that later in the story. She is doing everything she can to keep it alive for kids who need a safe space just like she did. Very early on you can see how her past shaped her determination and drive was honestly inspiring.

Whitney is desperate to keep the club going, so she’s reaching out everywhere for sponsorships. The only club that responds does so because their star player, Alexander Hardy, needs to fix his public image. Hardy’s first impression isn’t great. He stands Whitney up on the day he’s supposed to help, but then donates a much-needed sum of money instead. The kids are disappointed not to meet their soccer hero, and Whitney is left frustrated. Eventually, Hardy is forced by his club to actually show up, and when Whitney challenges him on the field and loses, he ends up having to help train the kids every day for a month.

What really made this story work for me was the growing chemistry between Whitney and Hardy. Hardy just can’t get Whitney out of his head, and he’s determined to help her and the club, even though Whitney’s past makes it hard for her to trust or rely on anyone. Their relationship is full of tension, growth, and vulnerability. I loved seeing them push each other to grow, both on and off the field.

The soccer setting in this book feels so real. Every training session and match comes alive, and as a soccer fan, I loved being immersed in that side of the soccer world. Whitney’s journey from foster kid to club owner is so inspiring, and Hardy’s struggle to prove he’s more than just a headline really adds depth to his character.

4.5⭐, 2.5🌶️

I am ashamed it sook me so long to read this book (especially because I was offered the ebook ARC and didn't read this until I got an ALC). but also I'm glad I waited and listened to this Audiobook because Gary Furlong and Samantha Brentmoor did AMAZING voicing Hardy and Whitney (respectivley).

I love how this book starts out with Hardy being the bad boy/ play boy that scorns Whitney and her soccer camp, and how quickly he has to get himself together for her (as well as how he is instantly drawn to her). His love for the camp/ and Whit by the end of the book was so freaking CUTE!

I will always love how K. Bromberg writes her sports romances. She balances the love/ character development as well as the sports into it SO WELL!

🩵Forced Proximity
🩷Opposites Attract
⚽Sports: Pro-Soccer MMC x Children's Soccer Coach FMC
🩷Bad Boy/ Good Girl
🩵Dislike to Love

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

K.Bromberg never disappoints. The narration for this book was soooooo good. Samantha Brentmoor is one of my favorite narrators so I wouldnt expect anything less. This cute story still lives rent free in my head. You will enjoy this one if you are fans of a reformed playboy, soccer romance, and a little hate-to-love. Thank you so much Netgalley and Dreamscape for this ALC.

What I loved about this story was the common interest and the struggle they are going through from overcoming the past and present which makes their connection and life have a better outcome. He started as such a jerk but once you learn about his past it makes sense, and she has to be tough as nails to keep herself and the soccer club a float she has always worked so hard. The ending was a little eh in some parts but all in all this was a enjoyable read

Thank you NetGalley for this Audio Arc in exchange for my honest thoughts.

***Check your TWs***

Tropes:
-soccer romance
-banter and tension
-opposites attract
-broody British MMC
-forced proximity
-slow burn
-he falls first
-enemies to lovers
-dual POV

So, to be completely honest, if Bromberg weren’t such a fantastic author who made this story incredible, I might not have enjoyed this story as much. I knew I loved her books and trusted her process, and I am so glad I did. Alexander and Whitney were both troubled and carried a ton of baggage. They went back and forth numerous times throughout the book. When one would be all in, the other would back off. Then vice-versa. I felt like this was necessary for both of them. They needed to heal from past trauma and realize that being together was worth any fear of history repeating itself.

Alexander Hardy is a broody, British soccer star who ends up being a cinnamon roll. He starts as a total jerk, but his layers are slowly pulled apart until you see who he is. He used his ego and attitude as a shield. I loved how respectful he was of Whitney’s boundaries and made her feel beautiful and wanted.

Whitney, being so determined to make something of the soccer camp that saved her, was beautiful. I loved how hard she worked and the time and effort she put into making it a place where the kids could feel safe and loved. She was a gem.

I recommend this book! The audiobook was fantastic, too. Samantha Brentmoor and Gary Furlong did a tremendous job bringing the characters to life. It is available on Hoopla. You can also read it on KU. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Quotes:
“You make it so frustratingly hard for someone to love you. It’s f**king maddening.”

“There is so much more to you than you let people see, Alexander Hardy. You should let them see more of you.”

I’ve fallen for her. Gone and fucking fell for her, which is what it is, but how do you tell a woman that when she’s the first to admit she bolts?
You don’t tell her.
You show her.
And you hope she believes it.

“This is all I’ve thought about, Whitney. Being inside you again. You taking all of me until you can’t take anymore.

Spicy Chapters:
-Chapter 24
-Chapter 31
-Chapter 49
-Chapter 54
-Chapter 63

IG,TT, & FB: bookkat1214

The narrators for "Lucky Shot" are amazing! I loved the English accent! This is my first soccer/football romance, and I'm hooked!

The FMC, Whitney and MMC Hardy are both strong characters. It is a nice change of pace. Usually one or the other is "weak" in a romance book, which can become daunting.

The moment in the second epilogue brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful show of love.


Thank you, Dreamscape Select audio, and Netgalley for allowing me to listen to this ALC. It is much appreciated.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⚽️ soccer romance
🎧duel narration
🇬🇧 bad boy with an accent

When pompous soccer superstar Hardy takes a contract to play in the US he didn’t know his partying ways was going to hurt his whole career. While out one night Hardy gets into a fight with lots of onlookers recording the whole thing, now he has to save face with lots of PR charity work.

Whitney spent her childhood bounced from foster to foster home before meeting Patrick, the owner of the local soccer academy. When Patrick gives her a deal that she can attend the academy if she helps coach the young kids teams she finally finds a home.
Whitney now runs the academy that is struggling to stay afloat while it helps all the under privileged kids in the city.

Whitney is given an opportunity the get some much needed help for the academy. All she has to do is agree to have Hardy and all the media at the academy to help Hardy’s imagine. But that is only possible if Hardy ACTUALLY shows up.

This story pulls at your heartstrings from page 1!
Spending the whole time hating Hardy while also rooting for him while he learns to reform his bad boys ways. These two are total opposites from very different lives learning that the grass isn’t always greener.
I really enjoyed this story and was hooked the whole time.

This could have gone beyond 3.5 stars for me if I could feel a connection with Hardy and Whitney. The romance could have been a little bit smoother. There was just too much push going on, and not enough pull. Seriously, Hardy felt like a whiny spoilt kid.

okayish read only.

#netgalley #LuckyShot

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**"A Goal Worth Scoring!"**

*Lucky Shot* by K. Bromberg completely took me by surprise—in the best way possible. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ALC and to narrators Gary Furlong and Samantha Brentmoor for absolutely *nailing* this one. Their chemistry was fire, their emotion palpable, and their accents? *Chef’s kiss.*

I came for the spicy enemies-to-lovers sports romance, but I stayed for the heart. What starts as a sassy standoff between a grumpy British soccer star and a no-nonsense American coach quickly unravels into something so much deeper and more emotional than I expected. There’s banter, there’s steam, and there are moments that genuinely tug on your heartstrings.

Alexander and his stormy gray eyes may have stepped into this deal with a bruised ego and a damaged reputation, but it’s his slow transformation—his genuine care for the kids and for *her*—that makes this story shine. And her strength, determination, and refusal to fall for his charm too easily? Total queen behavior.

Close proximity + redemption arc + steamy tension + heartfelt moments = one unforgettable listen. This book is equal parts swoon and soul. A must-listen for sports romance fans who love their heat with a heavy dose of heart. ⚽🔥💙