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More Than a Game #1
The Golden Goal
Shaw Daniels is the bane of my existence.
Always has been. Always will be.
When we were kids, he annoyed me to no end by being good at everything. He didn’t have to study or really even try. Meanwhile, I tried too much and still lost to him.
Then when we were teenagers, our rivalry became twisted. He started sabotaging all my relationships. I retaliated by doing the same to him.
Now, we’re adults and we should be able to move on. But when I become a physical therapist for his professional hockey team, it seems as though we can’t let go of our rival tendencies.
Suddenly, our teasing starts to border on flirting. Bets are made and lines are crossed. The kind of lines that once crossed … you can never go back to the way things were before.
Always has been. Always will be.
When we were kids, he annoyed me to no end by being good at everything. He didn’t have to study or really even try. Meanwhile, I tried too much and still lost to him.
Then when we were teenagers, our rivalry became twisted. He started sabotaging all my relationships. I retaliated by doing the same to him.
Now, we’re adults and we should be able to move on. But when I become a physical therapist for his professional hockey team, it seems as though we can’t let go of our rival tendencies.
Suddenly, our teasing starts to border on flirting. Bets are made and lines are crossed. The kind of lines that once crossed … you can never go back to the way things were before.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2023
1435 people are currently reading
13287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 1,423 reviews
August 11, 2024
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 4 stars
This book was so adorable.
Sutton is ready to start her new job as a physical therapist for the Rockets, a nhl team, Shaw, her brother best friend, is one of the top players of that team. This book is marketed as an enemies to lovers but it wasn’t like that at all (I’m not complaining though) it’s more of a childhood rivals to lovers.
I think this is one of the cutest book I’ve read lately, this was light hearted and fluffy. This is what I’ve been looking for these days, nothing too serious and just something swoony. It felt like a breath of fresh air after reading a lot of dark romance for the last few months.
The pace was good, it is a slow burn but it didn’t felt dragging and I enjoyed the banter between them. Totally recommend it if you want to read something quick, with no spice and lovely.
My rating might be totally biased because I really enjoyed reading it and I’m sucker for really cute and sweet books🤭
💌tropes:
: ̗̀➛ brother best friend
: ̗̀➛ childhood rivals to lovers
: ̗̀➛ boy obsessed
: ̗̀➛ hockey player
: ̗̀➛ she is the physical therapist for the team
: ̗̀➛ he takes care of her when sick <3
: ̗̀➛ no third act breakup
: ̗̀➛ slow burn
____________________________________
pre-read:
The description looks promising and I love the brother's best friend trope. I have a feeling that this one is going to be cute 🤞🏻
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹“He makes me feel seen. It’s ironic that the man I’ve spent most of my life coming in second to makes me feel like I’ve just won an Olympic gold medal.” ⋆𐙚₊˚⊹
This book was so adorable.
Sutton is ready to start her new job as a physical therapist for the Rockets, a nhl team, Shaw, her brother best friend, is one of the top players of that team. This book is marketed as an enemies to lovers but it wasn’t like that at all (I’m not complaining though) it’s more of a childhood rivals to lovers.
I think this is one of the cutest book I’ve read lately, this was light hearted and fluffy. This is what I’ve been looking for these days, nothing too serious and just something swoony. It felt like a breath of fresh air after reading a lot of dark romance for the last few months.
The pace was good, it is a slow burn but it didn’t felt dragging and I enjoyed the banter between them. Totally recommend it if you want to read something quick, with no spice and lovely.
My rating might be totally biased because I really enjoyed reading it and I’m sucker for really cute and sweet books🤭
💌tropes:
: ̗̀➛ brother best friend
: ̗̀➛ childhood rivals to lovers
: ̗̀➛ boy obsessed
: ̗̀➛ hockey player
: ̗̀➛ she is the physical therapist for the team
: ̗̀➛ he takes care of her when sick <3
: ̗̀➛ no third act breakup
: ̗̀➛ slow burn
____________________________________
pre-read:
The description looks promising and I love the brother's best friend trope. I have a feeling that this one is going to be cute 🤞🏻
August 16, 2024
4.25⭐
Genre ~ sports romance
Series ~ More Than a Game #1
Setting ~ Alabama
Publication date ~ book ~ January 4, 2024, audio ~ July 30, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 257 (31 chapters +e, + a bonus e)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 19 minutes
Narrator ~ Kim Churchill & Oliver Clarke
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ hockey player, physical therapist, childhood rivals to lovers, brother’s best friend, best friend’s sister, slow burn, he falls first, no steamage
Sutton (23) & Shaw (20's) (cute names) have been rivals since they were children. Now they’re going to be seeing a lot of each since she’ll be working for the hockey team he plays for.
I’m so happy this was a clean romance just because of their age, which is my personal preference at this point in my life. There’s definitely a new adult vibe with some of their possessions, interactions and thoughts being OTT and immature, but the banter was good since they’ve known each other for a very long time, so there’s a sort of ease to it.
The burn is super slooooowwww, almost too slow, so I wish their declaration of feelings happened a bit sooner. I’m thrilled this was dual POV because Shaw really brought his A game with his feelings. The brother's best friend/best friend's sister trope was well done.
Overall, this was really caaauuutttte and sweet! The bonus epilogue gives us a sneak peek of what’s to come in the next book and I’d totally be interested in reading or listening to it.
Narration notes:
They both did a perfectly fine job. She sounded age appropriate.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ sports romance
Series ~ More Than a Game #1
Setting ~ Alabama
Publication date ~ book ~ January 4, 2024, audio ~ July 30, 2024
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 257 (31 chapters +e, + a bonus e)
Audio length ~ 7 hours 19 minutes
Narrator ~ Kim Churchill & Oliver Clarke
POV ~ dual 1st
Featuring ~ hockey player, physical therapist, childhood rivals to lovers, brother’s best friend, best friend’s sister, slow burn, he falls first, no steamage
Sutton (23) & Shaw (20's) (cute names) have been rivals since they were children. Now they’re going to be seeing a lot of each since she’ll be working for the hockey team he plays for.
I’m so happy this was a clean romance just because of their age, which is my personal preference at this point in my life. There’s definitely a new adult vibe with some of their possessions, interactions and thoughts being OTT and immature, but the banter was good since they’ve known each other for a very long time, so there’s a sort of ease to it.
The burn is super slooooowwww, almost too slow, so I wish their declaration of feelings happened a bit sooner. I’m thrilled this was dual POV because Shaw really brought his A game with his feelings. The brother's best friend/best friend's sister trope was well done.
Overall, this was really caaauuutttte and sweet! The bonus epilogue gives us a sneak peek of what’s to come in the next book and I’d totally be interested in reading or listening to it.
Narration notes:
They both did a perfectly fine job. She sounded age appropriate.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
December 14, 2024
I need him soo bad it’s not funny.
4.68 stars (for now, I’m conflicted)
this is the cutest thing ever, I already want to reread and I don’t like rereading books 😭 mini rtc
4.68 stars (for now, I’m conflicted)
this is the cutest thing ever, I already want to reread and I don’t like rereading books 😭 mini rtc
Read
January 13, 2024There’s a couple make-out scenes that got a little steamier then I prefer and am comfortable with, so that’s why I won’t be rating this book. To be fair, the author did warn about that at the beginning of the book and I read it away.
They are a little too noticing of the other physically and way too physically attracted to the other, but they’re really cute together at the same time. He started calling her love, and, well, I’m weak, that was precious. That said, there were many moments that were a bit over the top with them noticing or being bothered by the other.
I do feel like the pacing was a little bit slow, I was expecting them to best her ex and for Shaw to cream the jerk of an ex-boyfriend way prior to when it did happen. I get so giddy at these rom-coms because they can be so cute, I must confess, but I also get so embarrassed because of the high rates of secondhand embarrassment in them.
I did feel like Sutton & Shaw felt super young to be professionals in their respective fields. It made sense that they were 23, but they were those 23-year-olds that think they know everything about their careers and are wise. It felt like a bit of a stretch (no pun intended) that she was able to get a job as a professional team’s PT basically right out of school—we the reader know that that was Shaw’s doing, but she didn’t question it? Regardless, they definitely had their moments of being unprofessional.
Love her name, but like with most main girls for an enemies-to-lovers trope, she was a wee bit frustrating about her views on the main guy. The more I saw her personality, the more I realize it wasn’t gonna go over well when she finds out that he got the job for her. Wasn’t gonna go over well at all. But it actually never came up? I kept waiting for the shoe to drop and it never did, which was an interesting thing.
I hate to not give this book a rating because I did like different parts of it. It was really cute at times because Shaw had it SO bad for Sutton, it was adorable. But at last, I cannot give a rating because of some content and not feeling comfortable with it.
Main Content:
There’s a couple mentions of Sutton praying, but it’s never mentioned towards Who.
Pain & Injuries; Mentions of pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, and hockey-related violence.
Sutton & Shaw both drink here and there at a bar, parties, and/or a fancy fundraiser; Mentions of drinking, drunks, bars, & alcohol; Mentions of parties; Mentions of alcoholics & drug addictions (Shaw’s parents who are divorced); Mentions of divorces; A few mentions of smoking & cigars.
No major language is used but mentions of curses (“so-and-so cursed”); Minor language such as stupid, screw up, crummy, etc. are used; Hot and Sexy are used up to a few times each; Sutton & Shaw both lie to each other in the name of teasing/banter/their relationship (not about serious things).
Lots of kisses & kissing (some make-out sessions lasting a full page or two, one including tongue); Recalling kisses (up to semi-detailed); Shaw also thinks often about kissing, touching, & embracing Sutton (some that leave him needing a shower, up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Cuddling, Pulling her into his lap, Nearness, Warmth/Heat, Smelling, & Longing/Desire (easily up to semi-detailed to detailed at times); Lots of noticing (her curves and his muscles, up to semi-detailed); Lots of flirting; Sutton gives Shaw massages and they’ve both affected by it (up to semi-detailed); Shaw hangs around Sutton shirtless a few times & during PT sessions they get very close & touch each other (up to semi-detailed); Shaw makes a shirtless photo of himself Sutton’s screensaver on her phone (inducing teasing); Mentions of kisses, kissing, & making out; Mentions of flirting.
Sutton’s ex-boyfriend is a pill and makes different comments about her (which Shaw doesn’t take well and pummels him for); Other guys comment on Sutton’s appearance and body (which, again, Sutton warns them about making such comments); A few innuendoes in different scenes (thinking about the other in bed, talking to the other on the phone when in the bath, her needing a towel after showering and him trying not to look); A few mentions of bikinis (including Shaw saying he wants to see Sutton in one); A few mentions of a female assistant waiting for her boss in lingerie; A couple mentions of a scantily clad woman; A couple mentions of a cheating wife leaving her husband and daughter.
They are a little too noticing of the other physically and way too physically attracted to the other, but they’re really cute together at the same time. He started calling her love, and, well, I’m weak, that was precious. That said, there were many moments that were a bit over the top with them noticing or being bothered by the other.
I do feel like the pacing was a little bit slow, I was expecting them to best her ex and for Shaw to cream the jerk of an ex-boyfriend way prior to when it did happen. I get so giddy at these rom-coms because they can be so cute, I must confess, but I also get so embarrassed because of the high rates of secondhand embarrassment in them.
I did feel like Sutton & Shaw felt super young to be professionals in their respective fields. It made sense that they were 23, but they were those 23-year-olds that think they know everything about their careers and are wise. It felt like a bit of a stretch (no pun intended) that she was able to get a job as a professional team’s PT basically right out of school—we the reader know that that was Shaw’s doing, but she didn’t question it? Regardless, they definitely had their moments of being unprofessional.
Love her name, but like with most main girls for an enemies-to-lovers trope, she was a wee bit frustrating about her views on the main guy. The more I saw her personality, the more I realize it wasn’t gonna go over well when she finds out that he got the job for her. Wasn’t gonna go over well at all. But it actually never came up? I kept waiting for the shoe to drop and it never did, which was an interesting thing.
I hate to not give this book a rating because I did like different parts of it. It was really cute at times because Shaw had it SO bad for Sutton, it was adorable. But at last, I cannot give a rating because of some content and not feeling comfortable with it.
Main Content:
There’s a couple mentions of Sutton praying, but it’s never mentioned towards Who.
Pain & Injuries; Mentions of pain, injuries, blood/bleeding, and hockey-related violence.
Sutton & Shaw both drink here and there at a bar, parties, and/or a fancy fundraiser; Mentions of drinking, drunks, bars, & alcohol; Mentions of parties; Mentions of alcoholics & drug addictions (Shaw’s parents who are divorced); Mentions of divorces; A few mentions of smoking & cigars.
No major language is used but mentions of curses (“so-and-so cursed”); Minor language such as stupid, screw up, crummy, etc. are used; Hot and Sexy are used up to a few times each; Sutton & Shaw both lie to each other in the name of teasing/banter/their relationship (not about serious things).
Lots of kisses & kissing (some make-out sessions lasting a full page or two, one including tongue); Recalling kisses (up to semi-detailed); Shaw also thinks often about kissing, touching, & embracing Sutton (some that leave him needing a shower, up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Cuddling, Pulling her into his lap, Nearness, Warmth/Heat, Smelling, & Longing/Desire (easily up to semi-detailed to detailed at times); Lots of noticing (her curves and his muscles, up to semi-detailed); Lots of flirting; Sutton gives Shaw massages and they’ve both affected by it (up to semi-detailed); Shaw hangs around Sutton shirtless a few times & during PT sessions they get very close & touch each other (up to semi-detailed); Shaw makes a shirtless photo of himself Sutton’s screensaver on her phone (inducing teasing); Mentions of kisses, kissing, & making out; Mentions of flirting.
Sutton’s ex-boyfriend is a pill and makes different comments about her (which Shaw doesn’t take well and pummels him for); Other guys comment on Sutton’s appearance and body (which, again, Sutton warns them about making such comments); A few innuendoes in different scenes (thinking about the other in bed, talking to the other on the phone when in the bath, her needing a towel after showering and him trying not to look); A few mentions of bikinis (including Shaw saying he wants to see Sutton in one); A few mentions of a female assistant waiting for her boss in lingerie; A couple mentions of a scantily clad woman; A couple mentions of a cheating wife leaving her husband and daughter.
December 8, 2024
A fast paced swoony hockey romance!
Only kissing and no language.
Only kissing and no language.
August 23, 2024
SO. FRICKING. GOOD. AHHHHHHH
review soon!
thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the arc <3
---
pre-read
Hockey romance and brother's best friend? about time i see what the hype is about 🤭🤷♀️
I’m predicting a 5 star readdd
review soon!
thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the arc <3
---
pre-read
Hockey romance and brother's best friend? about time i see what the hype is about 🤭🤷♀️
I’m predicting a 5 star readdd
January 2, 2026
့းိ preread ——— first read of the yearrrr
🎀tropes: sports romance, enemies to lovers, childhood “friends”, brothers best friend, he falls first
⛸️❄️💍
「 my thoughts 」
5⭐️ this book was absolutely adorable i loved it so much!! the characters where all so sweet and likable🩷i’m so excited for the next books!!
。၄၃ characters ၄၃ 。
_॥ shaw॥ : i love how protective of sutton he is even when they were young. it was genuinely so sweet how much he loved her and all the things he did for her
_॥ sutton॥ : respectfully i didn’t really like her name sorry if that’s rude. i feel like it’s a bit weird that all of the sudden one day she was like oh wait he’s attractive!! i mean what? but i still loved her and im so glad she fell in love with him too. i also loved what a good physical therapist bc she stood her ground against shaw and kept him safe and did her job well even tho she could’ve relaxed and let it go
_॥ brock॥ : he was really funny i loved him🫶🏻 he lowk reminded me of my brother
_॥ connor॥ : he seemed like a genuinely sweet guy so i felt kinda bad for him when she broke up with him
ଽ favorite quotes
“I know the real her, and even if she wouldn't believe me, I love that version of her the most.”
“One day, I hope to have all of it. All of her. I want all her dreams and fears, her sleepy smiles, her sick days, her uncontrollable laughter and her tears. Because I may know Sutton better than any person at this party, but I know there's so much more to learn. If I'm lucky, I’ll get a lifetime of learning every little quirk and trait of hers.”
“”Well, I must be redefining the word impossible, because I love everything about you, Sutton Rae Jones. I love your Star Wars obsession and how you hate the new movies but cried when Kylo Ren died. I love how you open presents like you're trying not to ruin the wrapping paper even though it's going to be thrown away. I love that you have a list for everything and that you have expensive taste but don't want anyone to know it. I love seeing your face light up while you're ice skating and the furrow in between your brows when you're working on something. I love your witty remarks, your smile, and your brown eyes that look like rich hot cocoa. I love you.””
“Whatever it is, whatever I’m doing, I just want Sutton there with me”
🎀tropes: sports romance, enemies to lovers, childhood “friends”, brothers best friend, he falls first
⛸️❄️💍
「 my thoughts 」
5⭐️ this book was absolutely adorable i loved it so much!! the characters where all so sweet and likable🩷i’m so excited for the next books!!
。၄၃ characters ၄၃ 。
_॥ shaw॥ : i love how protective of sutton he is even when they were young. it was genuinely so sweet how much he loved her and all the things he did for her
_॥ sutton॥ : respectfully i didn’t really like her name sorry if that’s rude. i feel like it’s a bit weird that all of the sudden one day she was like oh wait he’s attractive!! i mean what? but i still loved her and im so glad she fell in love with him too. i also loved what a good physical therapist bc she stood her ground against shaw and kept him safe and did her job well even tho she could’ve relaxed and let it go
_॥ brock॥ : he was really funny i loved him🫶🏻 he lowk reminded me of my brother
_॥ connor॥ : he seemed like a genuinely sweet guy so i felt kinda bad for him when she broke up with him
ଽ favorite quotes
“I know the real her, and even if she wouldn't believe me, I love that version of her the most.”
“One day, I hope to have all of it. All of her. I want all her dreams and fears, her sleepy smiles, her sick days, her uncontrollable laughter and her tears. Because I may know Sutton better than any person at this party, but I know there's so much more to learn. If I'm lucky, I’ll get a lifetime of learning every little quirk and trait of hers.”
“”Well, I must be redefining the word impossible, because I love everything about you, Sutton Rae Jones. I love your Star Wars obsession and how you hate the new movies but cried when Kylo Ren died. I love how you open presents like you're trying not to ruin the wrapping paper even though it's going to be thrown away. I love that you have a list for everything and that you have expensive taste but don't want anyone to know it. I love seeing your face light up while you're ice skating and the furrow in between your brows when you're working on something. I love your witty remarks, your smile, and your brown eyes that look like rich hot cocoa. I love you.””
“Whatever it is, whatever I’m doing, I just want Sutton there with me”
July 25, 2024
The Golden Goal by Annah Conwell - 4 Stars
(More Than a Game Book #1)
How CUTE was this ya'll!? I really enjoyed this audiobook! If you love a good dual narration rom-com, this is one to pick up! Annah's writing is great and I loved the ending so much! Seeing our main guy take care of her when she was sick - *chef's kiss!*
This follows Shaw and Sutton - they are basically enemies to lovers in this book. He is her brother's best friend and she becomes the physical therapist for his hockey team. Let the rivals begin!
There was so much tension, banter and laughs in this one I really enjoyed. We do see a bit of Sutton holding on to a grudge probably a little longer than I usually like, but overall I really enjoyed the book. I also love that Shaw loved her first -- so great to see his POV.
As far as the narration, I loved both narrators. I felt like the guy really sounded like a Hockey player voice and did a great job. Dual narration is always great. No third act breakup.
If you love sports romance, pick this up! We had a lot of good hockey scenes too! Excited to continue the series :)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content: Clean rom-com, kisses with some make outs, but I was generally ok with it. No language.
(More Than a Game Book #1)
How CUTE was this ya'll!? I really enjoyed this audiobook! If you love a good dual narration rom-com, this is one to pick up! Annah's writing is great and I loved the ending so much! Seeing our main guy take care of her when she was sick - *chef's kiss!*
This follows Shaw and Sutton - they are basically enemies to lovers in this book. He is her brother's best friend and she becomes the physical therapist for his hockey team. Let the rivals begin!
There was so much tension, banter and laughs in this one I really enjoyed. We do see a bit of Sutton holding on to a grudge probably a little longer than I usually like, but overall I really enjoyed the book. I also love that Shaw loved her first -- so great to see his POV.
As far as the narration, I loved both narrators. I felt like the guy really sounded like a Hockey player voice and did a great job. Dual narration is always great. No third act breakup.
If you love sports romance, pick this up! We had a lot of good hockey scenes too! Excited to continue the series :)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content: Clean rom-com, kisses with some make outs, but I was generally ok with it. No language.
March 10, 2026
3.5 stars
This was super cute. Quick, easy and feel good. Hockey romance, brother’s best friend, and enemies to lovers.
This was super cute. Quick, easy and feel good. Hockey romance, brother’s best friend, and enemies to lovers.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Kim Churchill & Oliver Clarke
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 4 stars
October 22, 2025
I understand why so many people loved this because there were definitely some swoony “quote worthy” moments! One of those books where you see a quote on Instagram and want to read it just for that!
Unfortunately for me, it was one of those books that had some great moments, but overall fell flat. This one was hard for me because I didn’t like the first 3/4 of the book and then I really enjoyed the end (where all those swoony quotes were!) Here’s a bit of my feelings on this one…
My favorite rom coms are ones with adult characters who act and think like adults. Their interactions are mature and their relationship grows through great communication, respect and friendship. Unfortunately, this book was not that. Shaw and Sutton acted like teenagers… immature teenagers and I want to apologize to all teenagers for even making that comparison. Their interactions were childish and full of “pig tail pulling” so to speak. Sutton is a professional physical therapist, but massaging Shaw’s wrist after a hockey injury somehow sends her into a full horny inner monologue about his abs and muscles and scars and how hot he is.
Furthermore, professional athletes are… well, professionals. They’re worried about working hard so they can play, not flirting with the team therapist. Sutton stands on a barstool in the middle of a bar and tells all the hockey players (the ones on the team that she works for) that she will not date them so they shouldn’t even try! Mmmkay. The next second, she decides to go to a team party and flirt (but only with guys who don’t flirt with her… her words, not mine!) There were just several instances of Sutton being unprofessional (these were only a small sample) and I just couldn’t get attached to her character.
THEN they got together and it was so cute! Adorable even, but the book was practically over. So I unfortunately didn’t connect with the entire build up of the relationship, which ruined it for me overall. Shaw did have a few 😍 lines though!
Unfortunately for me, it was one of those books that had some great moments, but overall fell flat. This one was hard for me because I didn’t like the first 3/4 of the book and then I really enjoyed the end (where all those swoony quotes were!) Here’s a bit of my feelings on this one…
My favorite rom coms are ones with adult characters who act and think like adults. Their interactions are mature and their relationship grows through great communication, respect and friendship. Unfortunately, this book was not that. Shaw and Sutton acted like teenagers… immature teenagers and I want to apologize to all teenagers for even making that comparison. Their interactions were childish and full of “pig tail pulling” so to speak. Sutton is a professional physical therapist, but massaging Shaw’s wrist after a hockey injury somehow sends her into a full horny inner monologue about his abs and muscles and scars and how hot he is.
Furthermore, professional athletes are… well, professionals. They’re worried about working hard so they can play, not flirting with the team therapist. Sutton stands on a barstool in the middle of a bar and tells all the hockey players (the ones on the team that she works for) that she will not date them so they shouldn’t even try! Mmmkay. The next second, she decides to go to a team party and flirt (but only with guys who don’t flirt with her… her words, not mine!) There were just several instances of Sutton being unprofessional (these were only a small sample) and I just couldn’t get attached to her character.
THEN they got together and it was so cute! Adorable even, but the book was practically over. So I unfortunately didn’t connect with the entire build up of the relationship, which ruined it for me overall. Shaw did have a few 😍 lines though!
January 5, 2024
I will read anything Annah Conwell writes. The chemistry between the Sutton and Shaw, the banter, the shared memories of their past, and so much more had me gripped. I couldn't stop reading until I finished, which meant late night reading but it was so worth it. I even loved the bonus epilogue. I'm looking forward to book 2 but may have to revisit Sutton and Shaw before then.
July 14, 2025
a cutie patootie closed door hockey romance 🤭💕
October 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ this is a hard one for me to rate. I honestly enjoyed the story a lot. There were a lot of swoon worthy moments. But at the same time, the entire premise felt very unrealistic (like no guy would ever say the things Shaw does or be that in love for so long and not say anything, I don’t care what his reasons were. Also, the FMC was so purposefully obtuse about the MMC being in love with her for years. And honestly, she was just sometimes a bitch to him. He doesn’t fully admit he’s loves her till 82% and they finally kiss and then…nothing. Just kissing till the end. I had no idea this nook had zero spice and honestly, it didn’t make all the tension and yearning with it. I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the story and then the last 25% left me wanting more.
Also the FMC says she so independent but then always made adjustments for her boyfriends. Like catering to them and changing herself for them. So what is it? Is she independent or not?
Also the FMC says she so independent but then always made adjustments for her boyfriends. Like catering to them and changing herself for them. So what is it? Is she independent or not?
January 12, 2024
Another SUPERB goal was made in the clean hockey romance world with this story! A golden goal some might say.
It was tension, banter, and chemistry filled from the first on page interaction until the bonus epilogue!
There is something so wholly heartwarming about a “known each other their whole lives” trope. The act of being truly KNOWN by someone just melts my heart. Then we add the rivals trope on top and it’s just a fun time all around.
Shaw was a-swoon worthy! Thoughtful, watchful, protective, and just a total sap for Sutton and I was here for every moment…
Sutton was a strong independent woman who struggled to let her heart go. But watching her thaw, and become okay with being loved, spoiled, because he wanted to was sweet!
I’m READY for the other boys to get their stories! And maybe we’ll see our Brock get a HEA too??
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
It was tension, banter, and chemistry filled from the first on page interaction until the bonus epilogue!
There is something so wholly heartwarming about a “known each other their whole lives” trope. The act of being truly KNOWN by someone just melts my heart. Then we add the rivals trope on top and it’s just a fun time all around.
Shaw was a-swoon worthy! Thoughtful, watchful, protective, and just a total sap for Sutton and I was here for every moment…
Sutton was a strong independent woman who struggled to let her heart go. But watching her thaw, and become okay with being loved, spoiled, because he wanted to was sweet!
I’m READY for the other boys to get their stories! And maybe we’ll see our Brock get a HEA too??
4/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
August 9, 2024
I have never understood the hockey romance trope. It Well sports romance in general.
Color me changing my mind. I actually enjoyed the heck out of this book!
Sutton and Shaw have never gotten along, their rivalry through their teens had no limits but when Sutton ends up as the sport therapist to the hockey team Shaw stars on and they find that their rivalry may have been more than they realized.
It was well done, Im not a fan of enemies to lovers either but this book really changed the dynamic in such a way for me that the tropes worked.
I likes the banter, I enjoyed the tension. I liked how well they already knew each other.
Really solid audio and I get the feeling there will be another book...
4 stars
Color me changing my mind. I actually enjoyed the heck out of this book!
Sutton and Shaw have never gotten along, their rivalry through their teens had no limits but when Sutton ends up as the sport therapist to the hockey team Shaw stars on and they find that their rivalry may have been more than they realized.
It was well done, Im not a fan of enemies to lovers either but this book really changed the dynamic in such a way for me that the tropes worked.
I likes the banter, I enjoyed the tension. I liked how well they already knew each other.
Really solid audio and I get the feeling there will be another book...
4 stars
January 14, 2024
the amount of times i had literal tears in my eyes because this man is just too perfect and probably because i know that i'll never experience the kind of love that i read in real life..
and i have never felt more alone 😭💙
and i have never felt more alone 😭💙
December 12, 2023
If this is an enemies to lovers then my name is Steve!
Read
March 20, 2024Couldn’t finish, officially my first DNF of the year
──★ ˙ ̟🎀 !!𝐏𝐑𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
We love a good sporty romance
──★ ˙ ̟🎀 !!𝐏𝐑𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖
We love a good sporty romance
August 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Really nice hockey romance for the lovers of the genre!
I read I don´t know how many hockey romances until now and sometimes they all look the same.
The Golden Goal was a refreshing, fast, and super sweet book that all lovers of this genre should read.
💖Brother Best Friend / Childhood friend
💖Reverse grumpy x sunshine
💖He falls first (actually he fell a long time ago)
💖´Fake´ enemies to lovers
💖amazing banter
I love how the author approached some of the tropes, for example from Sutton's pov we really think they are Enemies to Lovers, but when reading the MMC, Shawn, we realize he is just so in love with her he doesn´t even know how to behave and it was just too good.
All the little things Shawn does for Sutton! He really was the gold of this book!!
As always thank you my beloved Dreamscape fot the ALC! I loved both the voice actors, but maibe a little more Oliver Clarke, thanks to his beautiful character.
Really nice hockey romance for the lovers of the genre!
I read I don´t know how many hockey romances until now and sometimes they all look the same.
The Golden Goal was a refreshing, fast, and super sweet book that all lovers of this genre should read.
💖Brother Best Friend / Childhood friend
💖Reverse grumpy x sunshine
💖He falls first (actually he fell a long time ago)
💖´Fake´ enemies to lovers
💖amazing banter
I love how the author approached some of the tropes, for example from Sutton's pov we really think they are Enemies to Lovers, but when reading the MMC, Shawn, we realize he is just so in love with her he doesn´t even know how to behave and it was just too good.
All the little things Shawn does for Sutton! He really was the gold of this book!!
As always thank you my beloved Dreamscape fot the ALC! I loved both the voice actors, but maibe a little more Oliver Clarke, thanks to his beautiful character.
March 9, 2026
*no spice* sports romance showcases a selfless type of love, while predictable, I deeply enjoyed seeing this theme from the MMC explored along with the FMC understanding what healthy love really is. Shaw MMC acts in so many little ways for Sutton FMC to prove he’s there/dependable for her; such as cooking for her when she’s sick, always having a hair tie on him, cheering her up on a bad day, setting boundaries for respect from others for their relationship, going at her pace romantically. I thoroughly adored this novel and will miss the characters. (however didn’t see the trope of her brother’s best friend never really went anywhere.)
The best things this novel includes:
-He falls first and got it bad!
-misunderstood rivals to lovers
The best things this novel includes:
-He falls first and got it bad!
-misunderstood rivals to lovers
February 15, 2026
This was my first Annah Connell book, and it was so cute! I love a hockey romance, and I really loved the history Shaw and Sutton shared in this one. I can’t wait to continue the series and see Shaw’s friend’s stories (and hopefully some cameos of these two as well)!!
Content: detailed kissing, no language
Content: detailed kissing, no language
January 5, 2024
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
SHAW Y’ALL.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
If you know anything about my romance reading preferences, y’all would know, HE FALLS FIRST is one of my favorites. And dang did Shaw fall HARD Y’ALL. I can’t even with him. The entire book turned me into a puddle. I am goo. Shaw was thoughtful, intense, silly and endearing in all the ways.
And I really loved Sutton too! Both of these main characters were written beautifully. While I wouldn’t call this enemies to lovers, I did love the snarky banter between Sutton and Shaw. I found myself smiling like a fool because of the well placed quips. It had a fantastic level of heat without the spice and those kissing scenes were FIRE.
I thought the plot was fast paced and easy to fly through. There were so many good stand out moments I could list (but you should go read and love on them so we can flail together). And there was actual hockey content in here so I can without a doubt say THIS is a sports romance.
And one you should read ASAP.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Sports Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of parents with alcohol and substance abuse
SHAW Y’ALL.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
If you know anything about my romance reading preferences, y’all would know, HE FALLS FIRST is one of my favorites. And dang did Shaw fall HARD Y’ALL. I can’t even with him. The entire book turned me into a puddle. I am goo. Shaw was thoughtful, intense, silly and endearing in all the ways.
And I really loved Sutton too! Both of these main characters were written beautifully. While I wouldn’t call this enemies to lovers, I did love the snarky banter between Sutton and Shaw. I found myself smiling like a fool because of the well placed quips. It had a fantastic level of heat without the spice and those kissing scenes were FIRE.
I thought the plot was fast paced and easy to fly through. There were so many good stand out moments I could list (but you should go read and love on them so we can flail together). And there was actual hockey content in here so I can without a doubt say THIS is a sports romance.
And one you should read ASAP.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Sports Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of parents with alcohol and substance abuse
January 4, 2024
SHAW FREAKING DANIELS. 🫠 gah, love him. love hockey romance and the golden goal checked all of the boxes for me. the rivalry between shaw and sutton created the perfect tension and the chemistry between these two was absolutely electric. their love language? sarcasm and quips. (also mine 🤭)
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳–𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘯. 𝘞𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.”
i loved shaw’s fierce protectiveness for sutton and how absolutely gone he was for her. his gestures to show sutton exactly where he stood made me giddy. he truly had a heart of gold and it always belonged to her. i really enjoyed the natural and realistic progression of their relationship. sutton was an amazing heroine in her own right. i loved her independent nature and the way she stood her ground when it came to her job. i also loved the caretaking, “good girl”, and the MINE moment 🫠. i highly recommend this if you’re looking for something that sizzles with tension and will absolutely make you swoon!!
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩.”
“𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴?”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪. 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
content: kisses
thank you to the author for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳–𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘯. 𝘞𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.”
i loved shaw’s fierce protectiveness for sutton and how absolutely gone he was for her. his gestures to show sutton exactly where he stood made me giddy. he truly had a heart of gold and it always belonged to her. i really enjoyed the natural and realistic progression of their relationship. sutton was an amazing heroine in her own right. i loved her independent nature and the way she stood her ground when it came to her job. i also loved the caretaking, “good girl”, and the MINE moment 🫠. i highly recommend this if you’re looking for something that sizzles with tension and will absolutely make you swoon!!
“𝙄’𝙢 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩.”
“𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴?”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪. 𝘼𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙊𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
content: kisses
thank you to the author for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
April 16, 2024
Um obsessed😍 Shaw and Sutton are so adorable and actual goals!!! I loveeee the hockey romance vibes and the guys friendship was amazing!! Also some of the best tropes!!
⛸️ Enemies to lovers
⛸️ Brothers best friend
⛸️ He falls first
⛸️ Rivals
⛸️ Hockey romance
Y’all I literally can’t recommend this book enough! Shaw is such a romantic and I loveee that Sutton loves dressing up but also loves a cozy night in!! I loveee the swoony quotes as well!! “All I see is her. Our surroundings blur and fade into a grayscale, while Sutton stays in blazing color.” Read it!! ✨🫶🏻🏒
Pages: 257
Language🤭: 0
TW⚠️: unhealthy relationship, strained parent relationship, drug and alcohol abuse mentioned
Genre: Romance
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Would I recommend to others: yassss
⛸️ Enemies to lovers
⛸️ Brothers best friend
⛸️ He falls first
⛸️ Rivals
⛸️ Hockey romance
Y’all I literally can’t recommend this book enough! Shaw is such a romantic and I loveee that Sutton loves dressing up but also loves a cozy night in!! I loveee the swoony quotes as well!! “All I see is her. Our surroundings blur and fade into a grayscale, while Sutton stays in blazing color.” Read it!! ✨🫶🏻🏒
Pages: 257
Language🤭: 0
TW⚠️: unhealthy relationship, strained parent relationship, drug and alcohol abuse mentioned
Genre: Romance
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Would I recommend to others: yassss
January 27, 2024
i know this is going to sound weird, but there weren't enough commas
July 22, 2024
I think I would give this a 3.5/5
It was definitely a cute closed door romantic comedy book!
But in the book these are supposed to be adults and honestly they acted more like teenagers than anything else.
Sutton was an interesting character but I feel like her whole personality was just challenging Shaw about everything. Shaw was a bit the same because he was infatuated with Sutton and everything about her.
Super cute book and I’ll definitely read the next book!
It was definitely a cute closed door romantic comedy book!
But in the book these are supposed to be adults and honestly they acted more like teenagers than anything else.
Sutton was an interesting character but I feel like her whole personality was just challenging Shaw about everything. Shaw was a bit the same because he was infatuated with Sutton and everything about her.
Super cute book and I’ll definitely read the next book!
August 1, 2024
3.5 rounded up
A sweet enemies to lovers, forced proximity, dual POV hockey romance that had great banter. I really enjoyed this kissing only sports romance. Perfect for fans of The Appies series by Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor. I am excited for the next book in this series featuring a pro golfer. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
A sweet enemies to lovers, forced proximity, dual POV hockey romance that had great banter. I really enjoyed this kissing only sports romance. Perfect for fans of The Appies series by Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor. I am excited for the next book in this series featuring a pro golfer. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
February 12, 2025
A sweet hockey romance, I really liked the story and the characters. Am I becoming a sports romance fan? Yes...yes I am.
3.5⭐
3.5⭐
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