The Endgame: A Brother's Best Friend Sports Romance

Playing for Keeps #1

by Bianca Borell

Every girl with a brother grows up with one fundamental his best friend is off limits. That’s one rule she longs to break when he crashes into her life.


Amelie Weston has been taking the safe path for as long as she can remember. Not disappointing her parents by pursuing the career she wants. And not pursuing the guy she’s been crushing on.

But she’s tired of being the good girl.

Her brother’s best friend is pushing her to stop being a people pleaser and open the bakery of her dreams. Little does he know he’s also at the top of the list of her heart’s greatest desires... and he’s making himself impossible to resist.

Levi Kingston fully intends to become a legend on the field as one of the best players ever. He must stay focused and work relentlessly toward his goal. He doesn’t have time for distractions... until he meets his best friend’s sister, and his well-laid plan is challenged.

Bad timing, responsibilities, and loyalty to her brother keep them apart. But the connection between them only grows stronger. Their feelings become impossible to ignore, and the fight against them is pointless.

Will they take a chance on love? Or waste an opportunity for long-awaited happiness?

Genres: Sports Romance

314 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2022

About the author

Bianca Borell is a contemporary romance author, voracious reader, nature lover, and unapologetic daydreamer. She spends her nights deciding between getting up to write or trying to silence the voices of her characters. The battle is never-ending.

She has a weakness for tormented characters, second chances, and happy endings.

She currently lives in Germany with her amazing husband and indulges in way too many pastries than she should.

For updates, news, and releases, be sure to visit Bianca’s official website at www.biancaborell.com


Follow Bianca here:

https://linktr.ee/BiancaBorell

I'd love to connect with you.

Reviews

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was one that I was really invested in from the jump and my heart hurt for both the characters because timing was always off for them, but their love was so real and raw. Amelie and Levi meet, and their connection is instant, and the love seems to flow through them on sight, but so much stands in their way one being he is her brother’s best friend. Amelie is a people pleaser always doing what others want in order to keep from disappointing them. She could be so frustrating and yes, a tad immature but she was a teenager afraid of stepping on toes and losing those close to her never putting herself first. She kept pushing Levi away just to get pulled back into his orbit again only to push him away afraid of hurting his career and others. While Levi knew from day one that he would marry her one day and he always stayed true to their future he saw. My heart ached so much for them because it always seemed it was never a good time for them to finally connect, but you knew it was truly written in the stars. Levi knew exactly what he wanted whether it be football and a future with Amelie, but she could never put them first. Their back and forth was fine the first few times but it kept happening over and over again, so it became repetitive and frustrating. The whole reconnecting and starting over at the end seemed too much since they spent years and months apart during each “breakup” because at the heart of them they knew they were meant to be. The angst and emotions are so real and raw my heart hurt repeatedly but I couldn’t stop reading I needed to know if these two would ever be.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fantastic sports romance that I've experienced in the past week, and I devoured it in short order. Brother's best friend is a trope that tends to take a lot out of me because of the push & pull not to mention the anxiety of waiting on the truth to come out. Amelie is a people pleaser to the point that I wanted to shake her a time or two because I couldn't understand why she felt like this. Levi is the best friend of her older brother, but the age gap is only two years, which isn't much after she turns 18 of course. They have a connection but bro code is serious with best friend/teammate, and Levi was both with Amelie's brother so I got anxious waiting on that other shoe to drop with added a kicker of emotional to the mix. It didn't take away all the goodness of the fun, flirty, humorous, and sexy away as I was along for the entertaining ride with these two. So yeah, The Endgame is a story that everyone should read as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man talk about an emotionally packed story to say the least. Amelie and Levi have this amazing and instant chemistry that is off the charts hot but their timing is always off which makes the tension between they so much more. I love how dedicated and true Levi was with his feeling for Amelie. Their love story was written in the stars well before they even knew it but Levi that man right there knew Amelie was his and his alone she was it for him straight up she was his endgame!! Title perfection! This is one of those stories where you feel what the characters feel you go through their happy moments and their heartbreaks are a gut punch each and every time but you just knew they had to get their HEA and I was glad they did!! This was a fantastic read and another hit in my book!!

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this sports/brothers best friend romance story! I loved this story! It was funny, sexy, and melted my heart! Lexi and Amelie were made for each other. This was a fun, feel good book that was well written and just totally enjoyable read! Looking forward to reading more books by this amazing author. Happy reading everyone

[Lymari Yenderrozos · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was all sorts of angsty, and I do love a sibling’s best friend. Entertaining read with good spice and great characters, but the writing was a bit all over the place for me. Still enjoyed this! *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Franjessca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review posted at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

I’ve always been a fan of the Brother’s Best Friend trope in romance books, and when I found out that trope was in The Endgame, I immediately added this book to my TBR. Thanks to InkSlinger PR for allowing me to read it before it was released because I enjoyed The Endgame. I now have another author, Bianca Borell, to add to my ever-growing list of authors, and I now instantly buy their books without question.

Here’s the thing, I fell head over heels for the MMC in the book Levi Kingston. Unfortunately, since he’s way too young for me, he can’t be a book boyfriend, but he can go on my list of favorite MMCs I’ve read in a New Adult/Contemporary Romance book that I will constantly remember and think about often. (I’m turning forty next year, and Levi is too young for this Book Lovin’ Mama.)

Besides the constant back and forth between the two, I enjoyed everything else in the book. Levi won me over immediately with how smitten he was with Amelie. It broke my heart what happened to him in the long run, but he ended up doing something else that helped others. He also was there for Amelie, even when she didn’t know he was there. He was her biggest fan and supporter when it came to her goals in life, which involved her baking. I loved how he was there for her. This is why I will never forget his character. He may be too young to be my book boyfriend, but he is unforgettable.

Their ending was perfect, and I loved how Bianca Borell had everything come together for Levi and Amelie at the end. It took some pain to get there, but they were meant for each other in the end.

Overall, I give this book four stars and look forward to reading more books from this fabulous author. Bianca Borell, you had my emotions going in this book, and when you have this Book Lovin’ Mama crying in the middle of the night while reading, you instantly become a fave author.

Genre(s)/Trope(s)/Element(s): Brother’s Best friend. Sports/Football Romance. Dirty Talker MMC. Virgin Heroine. Sweet/Innocent Heroine. Football Player MMC. Baker/Business Owner FMC.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. This book is for you if you are a fan of the trope Brother’s Best friend and Sports Romance stories. Warning: In this book, you may need tissues since the author puts the characters through pain to find their HEA. Don’t worry; they do get one, but it takes some time to get there. Levi, the MMC, never gives up. =)

Favorite Quote(s): “All I’ve been thinking about since I first saw you is kissing you. I want to know if you taste as sweet as your cupcakes.”

“You’re in my veins, Amelie, rooted in every bone, embedded in every cell. How could I forget the woman I love? Because I love you so damn much, with all of me. My only constant. Everything else pales in comparison.”

[Caroline F · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a difficult review for me to write as I always like to stay positive about any books I read out of respect for the author, but this one really tested me! I'm a pretty easy reader to please and I rarely give reviews less than 4 stars, so I feel mean when I do!

"Endgame. The thought hits me like two linebackers at once. I want the girl and the ball."

When Amelie Weston first meets her older brother's best friend, Levi Kingston, she's only 17 and he's 19. Both he and her brother are on the cusp of a glorious NFL career. There is an instant connection between them but she is firmly off-limits. Levi's focus has been solely football, until Amelie comes into his life. They have chemistry for days and a, irresistible connection. While her brother is forging ahead with his dreams, she finds that she has to put her bakery dreams aside, at her parents' request, because they want her to be the one with a steadier job. Both Levi and the bakery become dreams that are not quite ready for her to grasp, as she sticks with the straight and narrow and be the good girl who does what her parents want her to do. However, once she gets to college, things start to change.

"When you're ready, come back to me. I'll take you in any way, love you unconditionally."

I stuck with this story because I became invested in both Levi and Amelie, even though the more I read, the more frustrated I became. Even though this story spanned a good few years, at times, it felt like Amelie was forever 17 because she was bratty, passive aggressive and so immature that I wanted Levi to throw the towel in and give up on her. He worshipped the ground she walked on. His love for her was solid, irrevocable and abiding. No matter what happened between them, he was faithful through the years to her and the dream of her being his forever. I admired his patience in waiting for her to grow up and realise her dreams; his tenacity in waiting for her to realise that she can't live without him any more than he can live without her. She was stubborn to the point of sheer pigheadedness that I swear that even she didn't know what the hell she was doing. Just when I thought they were on the home straight, something big happens and they fall to pieces again. Grrrrrr!!! Levi had just had a life-changing, career-changing incident - the poor guy just needed space to come to terms with it but, no, Amelie somehow made it all about her. I could go on nitpicking because by the end of the story, I wasn't even sure what he saw in her and I didn't like her very much. LOL. Don't get me wrong, she seemed like a good person and I felt bad for her when neither her parents nor her brother supported her dreams. Therefore, you'd think that the one person who has had her back the whole time deserved more than her stubbornness and cold shoulder. Overall, this was an angsty, sexy story, with a fantastic hero, but the heroine disappointed me.

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[Daisy Knox · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

Amelie is a people pleaser, so she’s going to college for accounting, even though she’s a gifted baker and wants to run her own bakery. She’s not happy but wants to make her parents proud so she has to be the rule follower while her brother gets to live his dream of playing professional football. When she meets her brother’s best friend, Levi, there’s an instant connection between them but they both acknowledge that the other is off-limits, until they can’t fight it anymore. Levi doesn’t care about the rules and just wants to be together, but she pushes him away at every turn. I liked Amelie right away and understood her initial hesitance since she was only seventeen but started to get frustrated as they got older and she didn’t step up.

Her family might be disappointed but they loved her and would get over it. There was no indication that they would cut her off or treat her badly and there was no trauma or anything to explain why she refused to go after what she wanted. That made it a bit tough to keep rooting for her, especially since Levi had endless patience and seemed determined to wait for her forever, even if she never came around. They went in and out of one another’s lives for years but it was mostly Amelie pushing him away for reasons that weren’t made clear.

I liked the characters, especially Levi, but there was too much angst here for me, especially since there didn’t seem to be any real reason for it. The dialogue is a bit stilted too and didn’t seem natural, but that was probably more a function of editing than the writing style. Still, the characters were compelling enough that I wanted to see it through and I did enjoy their ending.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read by Bianca Borell.
I have seen and read reviews of 3 stars with this book, and yes it was very slow burn until Amelie and Levi find themselves together again finally. Yes this story does end in a HEA, but not until your emotions have gone through the wringer as Amelie and Levi did meet too young at only 17 and 19 and Levi had an Endgame that did not include distractions of a woman, especially one that connected to his soul as Amelia did.
We go through their ups and downs....more downs than ups, as Levi has to act the gentleman whilst pining for his other half. Amelie also finds she thinks of no one except Levi. But true to her word she is the good girl in the family and to please her parents she chooses College instead of following her own dreams, unlike her brother Ian.
They both come together early in their budding friendship for a couple of hot nights together....how that is wrangled into the story is stunning as Levi has to tread carefully and avoid Amelie's brother Ian, his best friend and team mate. Hiding his feelings becomes more difficult, but they never seem to connect where they can just be!
AND when FINALLY they decide to make a go of taking their friendship further, the unimaginable happens to Levi.
He becomes a different person, one he hates himself for, and sends Amelie away!
OMG!! I was just getting used to them loving each other without any hindrance and HE SENDS HER AWAY!! Like WTAF!! LOL To say I was distressed on Amelie's behalf is an understatement!
How does Levi come back from that? How do they reach their HEA?
Well if you love a slow burn, heart wrenching undying love story with plenty of angst, with a MMC remaining faithful to his one true love whilst the MFC also never seeks the comfort of another man while she knows her heart belongs only to Levi, then this is the book for you. Be sure you give yourself time to sit back and relax with this book as you will not want to put it down until the last page!

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Endgame by Bianca Borell is the story of a young girl, Amelie Weston, who loves to bake and wants nothing more than to open her own bakery. Amelie meets her brother’s teammate and best friend from college, Levi Kingston and falls instantly in love with him, and he with her. Levi lives by the “bro code” where the sisters of their best friends and/or teammates are completely off limits, and normally he has honored this code, but there is something very different about Amelie that makes him hesitate and unable to walk away. Over the years Levi becomes part of Amelie’s family so that he is constantly around her presenting many opportunities for them to act on their feelings, but their time alone is always hidden. Over the years they each pursue their dreams, while being on and off with their secret relationship. They both become quite successful but remain unable to figure out how to move their relationship forward. The story is very long and repetitive, and although the author tried to be very creative about Amelie and Levi’s status remaining in limbo, it was not enough to keep it fresh and new. This was a shame because the story started off so well and was interesting and a page-turner. The chemistry between Amelie and Levi was steamy and sizzling, but just when I thought they had resolved their situation (which I honestly did not understand because it wasn’t well explained) and I hoped they would move forward, Amelie would be upset (not clear about what or why) and their relationship would end again. The story is interesting, but just too long and repetitive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment he walked through the door Amelie Weston was completely enamored by Levi Kingston, there was this magnetic pull between them that could not be ignored. Just as she started dreaming of kissing him and their happily ever after her brother waltzed through the same door behind him and wrecked any plans she had... Levi was the off-limits friend her brother was bringing home for the weekend. She knew then there was no way she'd ever have a chance with Levi, since her over protective brother would never let him get too close... it was a hopeless crush that'd never lead anywhere, or would it?

This addictive little page-turner had me hooked within minutes of cracking the cover, I met this perfect pairing, liked them instantly, could feel their instant sparks and I had to see where those sparks would lead. Those sparks took me places I never saw coming and squeezed my heart in all the best ways.

I loved everything about this pairing! They drew me into their story, made me feel the emotions behind the words, tortured me with their angst and indecision, made me swoon with their sneaky little encounters, and left me smiling with their happily ever after! This was such a perfect read, it had all the feels, love, and steam my heart could handle! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy did I find another book boyfriend. Levi is the best, right from the start you are like ooh I love him. So sweet and man when you read all what he does and goes through. Its like damn where are all the good men hiding? Oh yeah, in books. So dive into this book. Amelie is a female who just wants to open her own bakery shop after high school however her parents think its just a hobby. But thats all she has ever dreamed of. Until she meets her brother’s best friend/teammate. Then can it be possible to have another dream?

Levi who only ever dreams of becoming a football star. With only his dream of becoming a football star can he look past that dream?? Ian brings his best friend Levi home and sparks fly when he meets Amelie. Ian says you are not to be with my sister. For fear of him breaking her heart.

But can they be apart and be whole? This book is a come on come on just go for your dreams and realizing you can have more than one dream.
I don’t want to give anything away, however it does take time for things to fall into place and think wow. Whether that be shared adventues and dreams or separately.
You will want to pick this book up. Don't miss out, find your next book boyfriend in The Endgame.

[Brandy Abed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am suck a sucker for an older brothers best friend book.

This book from beginning to end had me captivated but also at times I wanted to just walk away because they were both so stubborn and it annoyed me. Amelie is a people pleaser. She let’s go of her dreamjob to please her parents, she doesn’t act on her crush on her brother’s best friend Levi. Levi has always had a one track kind football and becoming a professional footballer player. He’s never let girls mess up his way of thinking until he meets Amelia Ian’s little sister and he instantly connects with her. But Levi doesn’t want to fight his feelings or the connection they have. But Amelia doesn’t want to mess up or ruin Levi’s relationship with her brother she so she continues to ignore it. But what happens when she stays in the city with her brother and Levi???

But how can you not love it? Hello hot a hell football player, older brothers best friend, all the angsty feels and of course all the chances after chances only to figure it out until they lose each other to find their way back!!! Like come on and sign me up for all of it already!

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Endgame is book one of the Playing For Keeps Series.

Amelie and Levi have a very tragic relationship together filled with a lot of ups but an even more amount of downs. There is a lot of pain these two go through. And each of them causes some of it at some point in time. They both have to figure out their lives and their wants and desires before they can finally work on having a future together. There are a lot of moments where you might doubt how they are going to be together, but there is a process which each person needs to go through for their happiness to prevail.

I loved Levi's dedication to always being there for Amelie. Even when you don't think he is there supporting her, he most definitely is. I loved when Amelie stood up for herself and her dreams. You really see how over time they both mature and become the best selves they can be in order to have a strong future. Both are determined in what they see for themselves and the love you feel, even through the darkest times is very strong.

This one gave me a lot of feels while reading. I was sad or angry or happy with them as they both went through their troublesome moments. Such a good read!

[Brooke Torrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved End Game by Bianca Borell!!! I am already obsessed with her other books, and this one didn’t disappoint. I love the tropes of a forbidden relationship with a best friend's sister, and to top it off, it being a football romance was the cherry on top!!! I loved the space of time this book covered with Levi and Amelie's story. I thought the storyline was original and page-turning. I devoured this book when I got it on my Kindle. Oh, the drama, secrets, angst, and spice were spot on in this book. I thought the characters were complex, had a heartbreaking history, and it kept me turning the pages until I reached the end. The side characters were intriguing, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series!!!

Amelie was independent, loved her family and friends. My heart broke for her throughout this story, but her strength to go on was amazing. I thought Levi was broody and was trying to accomplish his dreams, but kept missing something. I enjoyed their chemistry; it was undeniable and intense. Such a beautiful love story filled with all the heartbreak and redemption I love in a romance.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being new to Ms.Borell's work i've been meaning to get into her books for quite some time. I found out about this book while on social media and i knew i had to pick it up. I so enjoyed it!

Amelie and Levi's journey grabbed my attention! Amelie is the little sister of Levi's best friend. As these two and their paths keep crossing, can they ignore their growing attraction? Or will they give into what they feel?

I really liked how Amelie and Levi got my attention quickly and the way they were brought into each other's lives. I wasn't sure how they'd tackle their feelings and other things in their lives which i enjoyed. The chemistry between these two was so good! I related in the sense of trying to find yourself and going after what your heart wants. These two had me feeling various things throughout reading.

With The Endgame, Ms.Borell has created a good read that got my attention and made me feel many things! I am so looking forward to reading more from this author!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Grey's Promotions / the author*

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must not have read the blurb correctly because I really did think I would struggle with this book after reading the first few chapters. My issue was that Amelie is still in high school at the start of the book, and that’s not something that I usually gravitate towards. But thankfully I persevered, because this book spans quite a few years so what I thought was a red flag only ended up being a blip.
There is so many ups and downs in Amelie & Levi’s romance. The whole brothers best friend was just the beginning, and without giving the whole storyline away, this is just the start of many hiccups for them. Honestly there were times I ended up really frustrated with them both, but mainly Amelie and I even had to put the book down and walk away. But having said that, once I read the final word I can definitely say that their story could not have been written any other way. It was nothing short of outstanding. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book

[C.L. Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough one for me. Right off the bat, I loved Levi and Amelie. I am a huge sucker for a love at first sight story. And the plot at the beginning was everything. She is an aspiring baker and he is her brother’s best friend and teammate. It’s a forbidden romance, but they are just drawn to one another.

As we got to the middle of the book, I felt like the same thing kept happening over and over and over. One character hurt the other, they would come groveling, and just when you think they’re having a breakthrough, nope. I understand this happens in a lot of books, but I feel like it just went on too long in this one.

I am giving this one a 3.5 stars, but I will round it up to 4 stars for my reviews. I really did like the plot and I loved the way the couple came together. I just think we probably would’ve had a lot less book to read if they would’ve moved forward at a more realistic pace.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I must not have read the blurb correctly because I really did think I would struggle with this book after reading the first few chapters. My issue was that Amelie is still in high school at the start of the book, and that’s not something that I usually gravitate towards. But thankfully I persevered, because this book spans quite a few years so what I thought was a red flag only ended up being a blip.
There is so many ups and downs in Amelie & Levi’s romance. The whole brothers best friend was just the beginning, and without giving the whole storyline away, this is just the start of many hiccups for them. Honestly there were times I ended up really frustrated with them both, but mainly Amelie and I even had to put the book down and walk away. But having said that, once I read the final word I can definitely say that their story could not have been written any other way. It was nothing short of outstanding. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book"

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised this couple didn't combust! This was angst all the way, push-pull, intense. Powerful and overwelming, confliction, love and need... They both should have stood up to what they wanted, dreams and togetherness. I get she was young and just starting the next stage of her life, I really didn't get her parents being so anti wanting her to follow through baking or why that wasn't a safe option career choice. Levi knew what he wanted but let fear get in his way, it almost cost him everything. Redemption was hard won. I got completely caught up in this relationship, screaming in my head at them then relaxing, it was a rollercoaster emotionally and I wanted to slam their heads together at times but in the end I was glad, i think the turmoil and pain made them stronger and long lasting. Now I'm going to read something lighter to let my mind and heart settle down because they need a rest. Consuming and wonderful.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can your very first crush be your first real love your future your Endgame for Amelia her brothers bestfriend is a dream and just a dream her brother will never allow anything to happen between her and Levi and her brother he's all about football and a career in the NFL so are Levi's and Amelia her only dream has been to open her own Bakery one day but dreams don't always become reality and Amelia will have to put aside her dreams and that chemistry for awhile threw heartache and emotional turmoil dreams of more and her parents demands of Accounting when dose she get to live her dream. Levi used to think a career in the NFL was his only goal until he met his friends little sister now his goals are changing he's changing but there future will take awhile but Levi never really gives up on Amelia he just has to wait for her to relize there better together and they can have everything they want together. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Nic_key_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

How often do you read a book and think about how it could be made into a movie? The Endgame was that book! I felt like I was watching these characters on the television and got to see them grow up and make mistakes.

The Endgame is a beautifully written story between two characters who will have your heart feel what they are feeling. This one will bring out the heartache all while you will be rooting for these two.

Amelie and Levi are forbidden. He’s her older brother’s best friend. But what sets this story apart from all the others is they didn’t grow up knowing each other their whole lives. They are drawn to each other from the beginning

Bianca wrote a beautiful emotional love story. It’s not all hearts and roses. It has up and downs and in the end it will leave you with one incredible story.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word did I love this book!

Is it instalovy? Well yeah, but at the same time no. If you read the book you'll understand what I mean.

I loved Amelie and Levi together. I felt their chemistry, their bond, and could not wait to see everything they were going to need to go through to get their happily ever after. And boy oh boy did they have to go through some stuff.

A little over half way through the book I thought this is it, they're getting their happily ever after now. But then I looked at the % of the book I read, and instantly knew the characters were about to go through something very difficult.

This book was filled with emotions, passion, heartache, separation, healing, and a great connection. The Endgame was my introduction to Bianca Borell, and I cannot wait to check out more books from this author! I'm hooked.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca Borell is a new author for me but when I saw this was a brothers best friend sports romance I knew I wanted to read it. This book is full of angst, emotional roller coasters, spice, tender moments, major swoon and will leave you with all the feels! This is the story of Amelie, the ultimate people pleaser..willing to sacrifice all her dreams to avoid disappointing others, and Levi..her brothers best friend and football teammate, who only thinks about football. They have an instant connection but lots of obstacles stand in their way. Timing has never been on their side but can they figure out how to reach their dreams, both independently and together? This book was a good read. I thought the characters were interesting and Levi was pretty great. I look forward to reading more from this author

[Heather Bosch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 star rating

This is a good sports and brother's best friend story. I did fall in love with the characters but I felt like this story didn't need so much angst. There was a point where I wanted to just put the book down and not finish it but Bianca does a great job getting you invested in the characters life. Amelie is a girl who loves to bake and dreams to open a bakery one day. Levi is the topically brother's best friend who tries to stay away but when things happen outside of his control, he finally gives in. Amelie is a people pleaser over anything she wants. Levi is a football player that gets his dream when he is signed to the NFL.

There were some predictable parts to the story that just made it a little too long. I also am not a fan of the third act break up and there were a few to many in this story.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Brother's best friend
- He falls first
- Football romance

This quick read had a lot of angst and chemistry! The book started out fast paced and remained that way. And I was just along for the ride...

I felt pretty bad for FMC Amelie for most of the book. She is firmly in her older brother's shadow, with him being a football player and her being told what to do for her life. Her parents didn't support her dreams...just her brother's, which made me sad.

When her brother's best friend Levi, also a football player, comes back into her life as an adult, her brother once again imposes his will on her and forbids them to see one another. Of course, the two find their way to one another, as you do....

However, the road to romance is by no means a smooth journey. And I will say, a lot of the conflicts are caused by each of the main characters.

[Only.ever.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelie is a good girl. And in being so, she wants to make her parents proud and attends college. Despite wanting to own her own bakery. Her brother lives his dream by playing pro football. Then she meets his best friend Levi. And they click on instant. But considering themselves off limits. But Levi, being the opposite of Amelie, doesn’t care about locker rooms and bro codes. And after agreeing with Amelie for a while, he wants to be together with her. But being so young Amelie turns him down. For a long time that is. Not to affect his career amongst others. Levi always knew he would marry Amelie, and that is what he is fighting for. But it never seemed to be a good time for them. And so it took them some time to be on the same page. Their story was raw and had all the feels and steam.

[Jenna Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was one that I was really invested in from the jump and my heart hurt for both the characters because timing was always off for them, but their love was so real and raw. Amelie and Levi meet, and their connection is instant, and the love seems to flow through them on sight, but so much stands in their way one being he is her brother’s best friend. Amelie is a people pleaser to the point that I wanted to shake her a time or two because I couldn't understand why she felt like this. Levi is the best friend of her older brother, but the age gap is only two years. It was funny, sexy, and melted my heart! Lexi and Amelie were made for each other. This was a fun, feel good book that was well written and just totally enjoyable read!

[Are Vazquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE END GAME

FORBIDDEN, SECOND CHANCE, SPORTS!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️3.7/5

The fact that it was her brother best friend and it’s a forbidden love per se is delicious. Such a good story to read, fun all around, that connection was instant. No warnings almost! The spice is good as well, definitely a page turner. Levi has a passion for football, didn’t think that might soon chance after coming in contact with his best friends sister Amelia. While Amelia may have some stirred up feelings about Levi, she surely doesn’t want to be the reason for conflict between her bother’s friendship with Levi.

Check this sports romance novel out. Fun and keeps you hooked from the beginning to end. Find out if Levi & Amelia can keep their secret hidden or if they will slip out and be found out.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

Levi always knew the two things he wanted out of life… a NFL career and his best friends sister Amelie. Amelia on the other hand wasn’t the best decision maker. She knew she loved to bake but was afraid to tell her parents what her real dreams were. She knew she had real feelings for Levi but when things got tough she ran. This book took place over several years with a lot of going back and forth. I loved Levi and his determination, Amelia I wanted to reach though the book and shake her hard! I enjoyed the story, the banter and the great characters. I look forward to reading more books by this author.