The Striker

Boys of Richland #2

by Daniela Romero

I can’t be fixed, no matter how hard he tries.

Gabriel Herrera saved my life.
He picked up all my broken pieces and tried to put me back together again.
But life doesn’t work that way.
And PacNorth’s star striker deserves more than a hot mess like me.
So, I pushed him away. I swore I didn’t love him back.
I lied right through my teeth.
It was for his own good.
Then Gabriel suggests we casually hook up. It’s a bad idea, right?
F$*k it. It’s fine.

Why you will love this book:
🔥 Found Family
⚽️ Trauma Bonding
🔥 Who Did This to You?
⚽️ Protective Hero
🔥 He Falls First
⚽️ Sports Romance (Soccer)
🔥 Parental Issues

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Sports, Dark Romance, College Romance, College, Soccer

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

About the author

Daniela Romero is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She enjoys writing steamy, new-adult and paranormal romance that delivers an emotional roller coaster sure to take your breath away.
Her books feature a diverse cast of characters with rich and vibrant cultures in an effort to effectively portray the world we all live in. One that is so beautifully colorful.
Daniela is a Bay Area native though she currently lives in Washington State with her sarcastic husband and their three tiny terrors.
In her free time, Daniela enjoys frequent naps, binge reading her favorite romance books, and is known to crochet while watching television because her ADHD brain can never do just one thing at a time.
Stop by her website to find all the fun and unique ways you can stalk her. And while you’re there you can check out some free bonus scenes from your favorite books, learn about her Patreon, order signed copies of her books, and swoon over her gorgeous alternative cover editions.
www.daniela-romero.com
You can join her newsletter by visiting
https://hi.switchy.io/VIP

Reviews

[booklover1816 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of the fmc 😕

This series was doing so well (😭), but Cecelia literally ruined the book. I loved everyone but her. Like, whyyyy did she have to push Gabriel away throughout the entire book. The reasoning was so freaking dumb. And then she goes on a date with a different guy?! Like come on!

Because I’ve made it this far and I love all of the other characters, I’m totally reading the next book, but I swear to god. If Cecelia pushes him away one 👏🏻 more 👏🏻 time… 😤

[Amu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.25/5

I was ready to give this at least four stars! I really liked Gabriel and his undying love for Cecilia. It was Cecilia that made my blood boil. I was on a thin line for her in the first book and here, I was just tired of her. With all due respect, she went through a lot of hardship. That’s a fact. However, I wasn’t a fan of her character. She always said she wanted to get herself together first. Unfortunately, I didn’t see her efforts. Her time with her therapist was there but it wasn’t highlighted as it was just a passing scene. And she got mad because Gabriel wanted to help didn’t sit well with me.

[Janine Vuong · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the first book, I was so hooked and needed the next one asap and it did not disappoint!!! If I thought The Savage was angsty, this one was even crazier. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next between Gabe and Cecilia. They’re both such different, yet similar individuals so to see them fight their battles was really interesting. I absolutely love Gabe and how much he’s grown protective over Cecilia. This book definitely had way more spice compared to the previous one and I can honestly say I was here for it!! I also felt so happy seeing Cecilia find bits of happiness in the little things in life like joining the swim team. She deserves all the goodness in the world <3

There were some moments where I personally felt like the story was being redundant with this back and forth between Gabe and Cecilia but I still enjoyed it!! The angst was definitely there in this one though. It got a bit frustrating at times but it added that tension to their rocky relationship. I cannot believe this ended in another cliffhanger 😭 I desperately need the next book and for them to both be happy!!!

[Catarina Vieira | umlivroduplicado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Dear Lord, another cliffhanger I AM UNWELL

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I have a few thoughts about this book.

#1. I had no idea this would turn into a trilogy. If I did I would of left this book till the release date for the 3rd book was given and was close to less than one from release date before reading this one. The first book I couldn't even remember the details since it was literally about a yr before this one was released. I couldn't even remember who was who. I'm not one of those readers that complains about when books are released but I think the readers should know in advance if a book is a duet or trilogy at least in the synopsis before even starting the book.

#2. I think both main characters annoyed the crap out of me. Let's dive into Cecilia first. What she went through was tragic and horrible both times. Everyone handles trauma differently...trust me I know from personal experience but this girl frustrated me many times. At the end she was angry with Gabriel going behind her back and handling Austin and literally blamed him for his second attack on her. Yea...no. Did he betray her trust.. yes. So she has a right to be angry. But no way it was his fault bc Austin always had intentions on either raping her again or doing something else that was awful. He made that very clear. And she was doing absolutely nothing about it to change it. That's why Gabriel stepped in so I'm not made at him. Her attack by Austin would of happened eventually either way.

#3. Gabriel now was an asshole with being angry with Cecilia about his mom's behavior towards him at her wedding. He should of followed his intuition and not went whether Cecila nagged him or not. Same when he was leaving he should of told Cecila to mind her business since she doesn't know the story instead of the bs talk about his mom wanting to see him. So no that was her fault his mom is a douche bag.

I read some reviews after I read the book and saw some complaints about the assaults. To be honest I have no issues reading the details about the assaults bc it's not as detailed as some readers are claiming. I personally hate to read a novel and there is some type of incident and the author glosses over it with zero details where sometimes you even have to guess what happens. I prefer to get some insight as to the incident than none at all. It is even as graphic as some claim.

Let's see how this story ends in the 3rd installment.

[Jerrica [JERSY] Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received The Striker as an ARC from The Author Agency.

4.5⭐ 3🌶

LET ME TELL YOU- I was NOT prepared for this to continue past book 2 so fair warning... It ends on a cliffhanger!
I really enjoyed book 1 and was excited to finally see Gabe and Cecelia work through their issues for an HEA. Be prepared for the roller coaster of emotions this book will put you through! Up, down, sideways, and even backwards at times.

Following book 1, Gabe and Cecilia are not on the best terms...and Gabe is determined to help her work through her trauma and see that they need to be together. Cecilia shows immense growth in her healing process, but has a hard time coming to terms with trusting Gabe. I honestly wanted to shake the crap out of her half the time because Gabe cares for her so deeply and she keeps pushing him away. He is doing the best that he can to protect those that he loves, and although it can be frustrating at times when someone is that overprotective, it also does prove their loyalty in a different way. I would have done the same thing that Gabe, Felix, and Julio did and wouldn't have felt an ounce of regret about it.

That prick Austin and his dipshit friends are another story entirely. I'm praying justice continues to finds them.. Hopefully slowly and painfully, because jail seems like too light of a sentence.

Sidenote- the endearment " babygirl" is a major ick for me...and it pops up quite a bit. Not a negative about the book, but just personal preference. 😬

And Oh my gosh.. The FREAKING ENDING! Our boy is going to make sure she is okay... or else.

Will be impatiently with for Book 3 of Cecilia and Gabe's story!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll love this if you enjoy:
🏡 Found family
⛓️ Trauma bonding
🤨 Who did this to you?
🛡️ Protective hero
🖤 He falls first
⚽️ Sports romance
❤️‍🩹 Parental issues

Picking up where The Savage ended, The Striker manages to break my heart even more! It also leads me to have a lot of questions and theories!

Let me just say, really not a fan of Gabe's Mum. She made me so smad! (Sad-Mad)

Let's talk about that cliffhanger!!!! Well, we won't, but if you've read it, you understand why I used some many explanation marks!

I neeeeeeeeeeed The Replay immediately, October can not come soon enough! Because I have a lot of questions that need answers and want to know whether my theories are correct!

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE GASP I JUST GUSPED!! Daniela!! You can’t do this to me! I received the ARC yesterday and i literally just finished it. GOBBLED this story up!!! The angst… the freaking angst… ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I’m just flabbergasted that’s how it ended. I think when you’re so into a book and you’re invested into the characters you become one with them so my mind is all over the place on what will happen next…

[Tarela♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecilia finally grew a backbone, Gabriel handled the whole wedding situation shittly, and the elephant in the room, which is cliffhanger, Daniela, please, we need book 3 ASAP

[Ive · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not even worth my following words. please please, all those authors out there, stay away from rape, attempted suicide and suicide at all if you aren't able to let the main characters heal in a proper, believable way and timeline. give those characters some depths and development. this was just ridiculous. and how the fmc behaved towards her parents and her boyfriend? really? this was such a mess. I felt so good when Gabriel broke up with her. she totally deserved it. I end this series with the second book because it's more satisfying to me than they becoming a couple 😂😅

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this book for so long after reading The Savage, and the wait was worth it! These characters do not hold back when it comes to emotions! I laughed, fanned myself, got frustrated and angry, was shocked, had a few sad moments, and was left screaming for more when I reached the cliffhanger.

Cecelia really shows character growth in this book. She’s starting to be more comfortable around people and guys in particular. She’s branching out and making a friend, dating, and joining a team. I loved when she stood her ground on things she felt adamant about. I hope in the next book we get to see her fully overcome all of her trauma and be able to move on.

Gabriel is a man on a mission this whole book. He sets a goal, and nothing will keep him from achieving it. Sometimes, I felt he got a little too pushy and clingy, and other times, I had to make sure I wasn’t drooling lol The last few chapters had my heart breaking for him. Both he and Cecelia have been through so much, and I hope they’re able to come together, heal, and get their happy ending.

I loved seeing some familiar faces and the connection between Cecelia’s new friend and Ally. I took a star off my rating because of the politics that were in this. For me personally, reading is an escape from the news, politics, and bad stuff in the world, so I don’t want to read it in my romance books when I’m trying to get a little break from it. The cliffhanger will have me impatiently waiting for the next book because I need to know what happens next!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the cliff hanger of The Savage I had to get my hands on this one! The book picks up right where it left on book one. Let me tell you I was on my toes this whole book. What's going to happen? How are they going to overcome? The push and pull between Cecilia and Gabriel is ADDICTING! I felt like Cecilia was really starting to find her footing after everything that's happened and I couldn't stop cheering her on. Now after the cliffhanger on The Striker has me shook. I need the next one now 😭

I also listened to this in audio format along with the ebook and the narration was spectacular. It's dual pov with dual narration and I loved it! They did such a great a job 🔥

Thank you @hambright_pr and @authordanielaromero for the gifted copies 😊

[Carlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gabriel. My guy. My dude. My broski. What HAPPENED to you???

When did you become completely unlikeable?

And somehow after everything that’s happened in this series so far half the commenters are hating on Cecilia as if she isn’t completely justified on wanting to not be dependent on someone else to get through the day. He’s the one who cannot respect her boundaries.

And at the end of the story somehow he becomes the ultimate victim?? Like yeah sure her making you have an uncomfortable conversation equals the attempted murder she went through because you couldn’t respect her boundaries and wishes. Totally.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morbid Curiosity

The happy moments are far a few. The way Cecilia is bullied by almost everyone in the story is tragic. The third act break up is unnecessary especially since the roles were reversed like a day prior.

Everyone thinks they know what’s best for the FMC and no one is listening to what she actually wants. It frustrating to read. This is one of those rare stories where I hope the MCs don’t end up together. The way he handles the FMC is mind boggling in a bad way.

I dislike how her abuse is mentioned or described in detail a lot. Abuse on page is already a lot to digest but have it constantly on page is cringey. It’s a lot to read it in detail the first time. It’s overkill to read it every time one of the abusers pop up or is thought about by the FMC.

But even with all that said I still want to know how it will end.

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.9 Stars)
Book 2 continues where “the savage” left off with our two struggling main characters and the situation they are in. Gabriel Herrera saved Cecilia Russo once but can she ever truly heal from what happened to her? Will she give Gabriel a chance to save her again from herself this time? The emotional journey continues for these two young adults trying to survive in the cruel world and heal separately maybe, even together. I really enjoyed this continuation of their story. I did feel the discussion in the middle about certain news topics could have been left out though. Hold on tight to your feelings as these two start to find a way to heal. Oh, and this ends in another big cliffhanger prepping you for the final book in the series. Told in first person and dual POV.

[turningthepageswithangela · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/ 5

😱 What a cliffhanger!! I’m dying for the next book!!

I am loving this series so dang much. Watching Cecilia blossom after all she’s been through was everything! How confident she was becoming and how much she trusted Gabe. She’s finally making new friends, the growth was just phenomenal. I wish I could say that I was mad at Gabe for what he did, but I’m not. Austin deserves worse in my opinion. 🤷🏼‍♀️ The Striker was much spicier than book 1, and we learn more about Gabe this time around. The ending was intense!! I was left speechless.

[thespicybooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up right where The Savage left off, The Striker is just as angsty and emotional as the first book in The Boys of Richland series but with a bit more spice. The emotional push and pull Gabriel and Cecelia continue to work through while each also continues to grow their found families carried me through all the way to the very last page and that crazy intense finish. The audiobook version is once again narrated by Ramona Master and Noah B. Perez and their performances are outstanding. They bring such emotion to Gabriel and Cecelia. You feel everything both characters are thinking and feeling. Whether reading or listening, I enjoyed The Striker, and I can't wait to find out what happens next for Gabriel and Cecelia in The Replay!

"We're just two broken people, and broken people can't fix anyone else. They need to fix themselves."

[Dani Doughty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow... I need the 3rd book ASAP😭😭😭

[cajareads · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the first book, I was annoyed at the H but in this book the h frustrated the hell out of me and totally ruined this story for me. I get that she was SA-ed and got no support in the beginning but the H told her that he’s going to help and she pushed him away?! You’re literally STILL being harassed by your r@pists in bright daylight and you pushed away those who really wanted to help you????????? Because let me tell you, if it hadn’t been because of Gabe and his friends, she would be in a way, way worse situation with her r@pists.

I also hated the fact that the author brought in the cheater character from another series of her into this book. And for what reason? She’s not worth any redemption arc. What she did was horrible and unredeemable! Please just stop pushing the narrative of this character is behaving like that or did what she did because of her own struggles or “illness”. Gabriel had every right to feel suspicious towards Adriana after what she did to Allie. This girl even forced the h, Cecilia into a date she didn’t even want to go, even when she knew the h was SA-ed! Cecilia really had a sh!tty track record for female companions. First it was Joelle and Kim and now she ended up befriending Adriana out of all people? Really??? And of course the h ended up being in trouble again for going through with this date. And of course the H had to step in and help her. Like…. God I’m just so damn frustrated with this h. Why would you subject yourself into doing something you didn’t even want to do in the first place and just listen to your own instinct! It’s the fact that she’s still talking to Adriana after what happened and letting her making decisions and giving opinions on her relationship with Gabriel????? Really, you’re letting this woman who f*cked her ex-bff boyfriend behind her back giving advices to you about your man?????? What a joke.

And that whole situation of her going out on a date with another guy, I wished she had been more firm on rejecting that idea. It was obvious she wasn’t ready. I mean, she stood on her business with preventing Gabe from going all out on her r@pists but she couldn’t do the same in this situation? I bet you if this was a reversed situation where the H going out on a date to try to forget about h, readers would be berating him to death. So while Gabriel and his friends were helping her finding evidences to take down her r@pists she went out on a date with another man instead. Good god, the disrespect I’m telling you… and don’t even get me started on the fact that she slapped the H when all he did was saying the truth. At this point I just wanted the H to push away because he deserves someone as devoted as him. And I never imagined I would say this to a male character, but I had hoped Gabriel would grow a backbone and instead of hell bent on pursuing Cecilia, let her earn his effort and devotion instead. He actually did grow a spine and walked away from her, at the 95% mark LOL. Talking about dramatic third breakup. And then that cliffhanger…. The h got into trouble again and the H had to jump into rescuing her, AGAIN. This guy can’t mourn in peace for f*ck sake.

And mind you the first part of this review was written when I was still just 49% into this book. Not even halfway through yet and I am already SO OVER this book. I ended up skimming through all the way to the end because I just cannot stand the couple, especially the h.

And now waiting for the third book.. I’m not sure if I want to read it. I lost interest with the h and kept on wishing for better and deserving woman for the H. Yeah it’s that bad.

PS, please I’m begging this author on my knees, not to pair Julio with that cheater if he ended up having his own book. I’d take anyone but her. Because Julio deserves someone so, so, so, sooooo much better. Some characters are irredeemable and that’s okay and let’s leave it like that.

Also I appreciate and respect the author’s firm stance on the gen0cide happening right now.

[Kaitlyn Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm. I honestly can't say if I like fully liked this book, or not. I'm confused by my emotions haha

So first, this book is a continuation of Book 1 "The Savage" - however neither book is promoted as like a duet or anything more than a standalone. When I read book 1, I thought it was a standalone (in a series) only to be left on a cliffhanger. Then this book came out, and I knew it was a continuation, but even in the author's note, it's like you don't have to read "The Savage" before "The Striker" - but like... you do. They're literally a continuation of one another haha

AND THEN THIS BOOK ALSO ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER. And I feel like everyone was under the impression it would wrap up the story. So now I'm just annoyed hahaha I don't hate cliffhangers, and I didn't hate this book. I just was under the impression it was the end of a duet, but apparently it's a middle book. And it left me unsatisfied because of that.

I love Gabriel - he's so protective and good for Cecilia. And I really love the found family he has in his friend group, and how they welcome Cecilia in and look after her as well.
My heart breaks for Cecilia. Her story is heartbreaking, and honestly a bit much. I love a traumatized character, but give the girl a break!! She goes THROUGH it in these books. It's so unfair. Just give her a break, Daniela.

Anyways - mixed emotions on my end, clearly.
3.5 ⭐

[Savannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was willing to overlook that the first book said nowhere it was going to be a duet, but to throw a third book and a cliffhanger in out of nowhere at the end of 400 pages? Not cool.

[Evie_Book_Revs *Evie Book Reviews* · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the much anticipated release, The Striker by Daniela Romero readers return to PAC North University, and pick up right where Gabe and Cecilia left off in The Savage. Gabe and Cecilia decide on being friends with benefits, only to blur lines when it comes to Cecilia getting justice on her attackers, and pursuing a relationship. Romero delivered another enticing plot twist to Gabe and Cecilia’s love story in The Striker. While I was disappointed that I did not get the ending I was hoping for, meaning the story turned into a trilogy, my dedication to this story remains.

Overall, this rating is for continued plot development and good pace of story. Hoping the concluding third-act breakup gets a happily ever after.

[Erin Stapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY??? This series had me on edge waiting for book two. After reading this book i was hoping for closure not leaving me more emotionally wrecked then before and wanting to scream at my kindle. This book had me drawn in seeing what was to come for Gabe and Cecilia. The emotional rollercoaster sends the reader craving for more. The characters emotions for one another are strong but is it bc of love or trauma bonding. I can’t wait for the next book this author makes you crave more wanting to see how it ends.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to stop reading hen author gets involved in discussing the Israeli conflict without understanding the situation. She jumps on the bandwagon of the uneducated who justify the October 7 attack.

It is a shame because this book deals with truly sensitive issues of rape and bullying.

I am extremely disappointed.

[Micol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

The political stiff i could have done without

[RomanceBookLoverinSeattle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to stop reading before I hit the 25% mark, but I decided to keep going. I really loved the first two thirds of the first book, but it fell apart at the end when the problem creating the cliffhanger ending felt a bit contrived. This book had pockets where I enjoyed the characters and the story, but overall I felt like things were dragged out and conflicts created just for the purposes of creating a trilogy rather than because the story itself really required three books. In fact, I think it could have probably been done in one book. In this one it felt like the characters really changed who they were. Maybe it was reading it right after the last one, but Gabriel who was a bulldog before with Cecelia is suddenly not quite that way at times. He has a moment early on where he thinks to himself that he isn't going to just let her push him away, but then he actually does just that. Cecelia initially pushes him away because she knows he won't let what happened to her go, but then later seems to have completely forgotten why she was pushing him away. Then she goes on a date with someone else? Just to see if she can and be normal? It just didn't work for me. AND that she went with him in his car. I get that you wouldn't have had the big, huge conflict without that, but it made no sense for this character to do that. When we finally have the big conflict at the end and Cecelia is angry with Gabe and pushing him away, it felt forced and nonsensical when her keeping it quiet is no longer viable anyway. Add in the last bit with Gabe's mom and it came sort of out of left field and I felt like Cecelia pushing him was ridiculous considering what she just went through and how she felt about him pushing her for things she wasn't ready for, but she is doing that to him.

This book was hugely problematic for all of those reasons. But what really made me want to stop reading was the author's political views being shoved in our faces. She was very clear with her bias and how she feels. Even if I agree with your politics, I don't want it in my romance. I've taken stars away for this before, and this is for topics I believe in and agree with and support, but I don't want to read them in my romance books. Here, the author takes a complicated and complex and nuanced situation and tries to make it seem like a very simple and easy thing and brings opinions in to play as facts. I just don't need or want this in a romance and it didn't at all fit with the rest of the book. None of her other classes had any sort of details to them, so it didn't fit to just randomly throw it in here. It didn't fit with the story in any way at all and was clearly just a way for this author to present their views. That's just not for me.

Dealing with a story that has such a sensitive topic - a girl who was drugged and raped at a party by three men - can be tricky. In book one there is talk about slut shaming and references to how awful this is. But then in this book when Cecelia goes on a date with someone, it's implied by her and others that if she had chosen to have sex with this man that would make her "easy". I found that really gross and jarring considering the topics in this series and what had come in the first and second book.

[Nikole · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's still getting tormented and nothings really changed.
The only things that have changed are she has a friend, she's on the swim team, and she is pushing Gabe away continuously. It was ironic at the end she did to him what he did to her. I'm hoping for a HEA but these 2 really need some time apart to grow.

Im kinda pissed though. When I started this series, I thought it was complete. I never start an incomplete series. But when I started this amazon only had 2 books for this series and everything i saw when i pulled up the Savage only had that and this. So you know, here's me thinking its a duology not a trilogy. JFC now I have to wait until October 5th to find out what happens.

I really don't see these two working out. Yeah, they both have shit to deal with, he was trying to protect her and yeah, he brought some shit down on her, but honestly he did more than she was ever going to do. Also, he didn't do it just for her, he did it for the teenager the dude was taking advantage of as well. This guy has gotten away with it him and his friends for so long. His parents get him out of everything no matter if he's right or wrong. like come on, she was never ever going to speak up so she was always going to be a shell. He was tormenting her daily and his friends started in on her too like they aren't to blame for their own actions.

honestly, when I first started this, I was hoping for some huge revenge plot. Gabe would help her capture the 3, dose them like they did her, and have one of the guys rape the other 2 in the ass, with no lube, and make it look like one of them fought back and killed the rest. You know, since he was doped up. But no, nothing like that. Don't get me wrong, it's a damn good story. Fucking loved it. it's dark. Their sex especially in this book is amazing, he's no longer treating her like she's breakable, so he fucks her right. :D But still, she's a idiot pushing him away and in the end he tells her to fuck off and loses her. I kinda feel like a bitch cause when that cliff hanger hit, all I could think about was 'that's what you fucking get idiot' (to Gabe) 'cause if he wouldn't of done what he did, she wouldn't of been missing. so :P

Alright, im going to stop bitching now and hope I remember to finish this series in October jfc.


Spice 1.5/5
Humor 0/5
Emotional 4/5
World Building 4/5
Overall 4/5

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will just start by saying I had no idea this was a trilogy. I guess I convinced myself that Gabe and Cecilia’s story would only be two books, so when I tell you I was shook when I got to the end and was hit with the cliffhanger!! I was totally not expecting it.

I love Gabe. I loved him in the first book and this book he was just as good!! I just wanted to give him a hug!! His mom was truly the worst and my heart sank during their entire interaction. I really hope him and his dad start to rebuild their relationship or Gabe can have some closure.

I will admit Cecilia really annoyed me this book. I did not see any growth in her. I was really rooting for her but she really had no character development or growth. Also, I could not stand how she treated Gabe. I understood where she was coming from and how she felt like she couldn’t trust Gabe but she didn’t need to blame him and she didn’t even consider where he was coming from UNTIL Gabe was finally done with her. I guess I was just a bit disappointed in her in this book.

Honestly the most growth from characters were Cecilia’s parents. And, I was so annoyed how Cecilia was treating her parents towards the end of the book. They were just trying to be supportive and I don’t think she even gave them the benefit of the doubt.

Gabe’s friends are everything!! I really just love them. I’ve never read a more supportive friend group, and I hope we see more of them in the next book.

I listened to this book and just like the first book I think the audiobook made this book even better. The narrators, Ramona Master and Noah Perez are just incredible and are the perfect voices for Gabe and Cecilia. Both characters have a lot of emotional parts and they executed it perfectly.

Even though the cliffhanger made me want to fling my phone out the window I am invested and I need to know what happens next!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Audio: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
Dual POV

⚽️ Sports romance
⚽️ College romance
⚽️ Found family
⚽️ Who did this to you?
⚽️ Friends with benefits
⚽️ Protective hero

Thank you so much to the author and Hambright PR for the alc!

[Szandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for the ARC opportunity for Hambright PR and the author. As always, this is an honest, voluntary review.

I honestly don't know how I feel about this book. I could get into how Gabriel is obsessive and Cecilia is using him but I accepted in book 1 that they have a toxic relationship. One what is even worse than in book 1 with Gabe holding on for dear life and Cecilia just stringing him along, deciding the only sort of communication she's willing to do is sex. It's jarring but again, I get where they're coming from so I accepted it.

My problem is that Cecilia broke things off at the end of book 1 in order to work on her issues. She does anything but that in this book. She still doesn't talk about what happened to her (that one time with the therapist leaves me with questions of... was it a one off or did she start talking?) unless someone or something forces her. She was supposed to confront her trauma instead we got more of her ignoring it then lashing out when finally, the truth came out.

I'm not saying what Gabe did was smart but Cecilia calling it a betrayal boiled my blood. Blaming Gabe for the attack to the level she did was unfair. She keeps saying he should back off because she can handle things but all she does is cower from Austin and allows him to terrorize her, that's her way of handling things. I just really hoped that in book 2 we'd find her building herself up again but she's still a passive character in her own story what is a tad bit frustrating.

The ending was... Yeah, it was the ending I expected. I just hope it won't be too bad for Cecelia because she's been through enough and honestly, so was Gabe and so was I. I know it's unlikely but I'd appreciate if book 3 was actually everybody working on their issues and healing instead of more trauma hoarding. Regardless, the writing is so engaging and I really like the style so I'm here for book 3 no matter what.

P.S.: Please, do not put politics into romance books. I read romance to avoid reality. If I want politics, I'll open the news or read a non fiction book.

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the moon and back, because Daniela Romero has given us what we so badly need after The Savage with The Striker, the second book in the Boys of Richland series. If you are a college soccer romance lover that loves their stories full of angsty emotional tension, all the heat and feelings, twists and turns and non stop fluctuating emotions—than you need this book in your life!!! Packed full of non stop deliciousness that checks all the marks (found family, trauma, possessive and over protective who did this to you vibes, where the mmc falls first) I couldn’t put this book down and highly recommend it! Just mind the triggers before diving in, as this is quite the trauma packed journey.

Cecelia used to have it all, until one night changed it all for her and she realizes just how much she lost. Betrayed and abandoned by her friends, hiding from her family, pulling into herself and just wanting to escape it all she decides to finally end it. However fate’s not done with her yet…

Gabriel Herrera is the ultimate of bad boys with tons of parental drama to cause himself plenty of headaches, but one chance encounter with Cecelia one night changes everything for him and sets him on a new path. That of a savior. A protector. A friend. The only problem is…Cecelia doesn’t quite want to be saved and isn’t ready to be healed just yet. But Gabriel is persistent and knows exactly what he wants, and man do I love their give and take!!!

Overall this is a true D. Romero book and will take you once again on an emotional journey along with these characters, and is worth every However…just so you know…we’re not quite at the end of the story for Gabriel and Cecelia so buckle up my friends. That ending is a doozy 😂