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Last Chance
An injured athlete desperate for a comeback. A career-driven team owner. Passion ignites when they meet, but will victory cost them true love?
Nora Brady has one last shot at the career she adores. After a devastating injury knocks her off the women’s football A-list, the tenacious midfielder accepts an offer to play for a struggling young team longing to compete in the big time. With matches to win and a reputation to prove, nothing can disrupt Nora’s laser-focus on her goal…except her ridiculously sexy new boss.
Gabriella Dean will do whatever it takes to build a top-tier program. Even if it means signing the hot, confident player who awakens her long-slumbering passion. The more Gabby gets to know Nora, the more her attraction and feelings for the younger woman grow, but giving into her desires could lead to professional failure, public embarrassment, and the heartache she’s guarded herself against for so long.
As Nora and Gabby’s connection deepens, it threatens their careers and the future of the lovable, motley group of young women they’ve both come to view as family. With the weight of the entire team’s hopes and dreams resting on them, will they risk everything to follow their hearts?
Set in the fast-paced, heart-pounding world of professional football, Last Chance is a spicy and captivating age-gap sapphic romance guaranteed to leave you cheering and swooning.
Nora Brady has one last shot at the career she adores. After a devastating injury knocks her off the women’s football A-list, the tenacious midfielder accepts an offer to play for a struggling young team longing to compete in the big time. With matches to win and a reputation to prove, nothing can disrupt Nora’s laser-focus on her goal…except her ridiculously sexy new boss.
Gabriella Dean will do whatever it takes to build a top-tier program. Even if it means signing the hot, confident player who awakens her long-slumbering passion. The more Gabby gets to know Nora, the more her attraction and feelings for the younger woman grow, but giving into her desires could lead to professional failure, public embarrassment, and the heartache she’s guarded herself against for so long.
As Nora and Gabby’s connection deepens, it threatens their careers and the future of the lovable, motley group of young women they’ve both come to view as family. With the weight of the entire team’s hopes and dreams resting on them, will they risk everything to follow their hearts?
Set in the fast-paced, heart-pounding world of professional football, Last Chance is a spicy and captivating age-gap sapphic romance guaranteed to leave you cheering and swooning.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
174 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Claire Highton-Stevenson
43 books366 followersAward-Winning and best selling, Claire Highton-Stevenson is an Independent author of contemporary romance and crime novels.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 21, 2025
3.4⭐️ I enjoyed the football action in this book. This was my first book by Highton-Stevenson and I’ll read more of her back catalog.
The mcs were a bit under developed as was the dialogue. Nora was the soccer player who was seriously injured twice while playing for Chelsea. and is given another chance to play on a new team just starting in the NSL. Gaby is an older woman who owns the new team. Gaby and Nora are attracted to each other from the first meeting. I liked that they both agreed to get to know each other before starting a sexual relationship. There are two disgruntled players who added a bunch of tension and action to lived up the story.
The mcs were a bit under developed as was the dialogue. Nora was the soccer player who was seriously injured twice while playing for Chelsea. and is given another chance to play on a new team just starting in the NSL. Gaby is an older woman who owns the new team. Gaby and Nora are attracted to each other from the first meeting. I liked that they both agreed to get to know each other before starting a sexual relationship. There are two disgruntled players who added a bunch of tension and action to lived up the story.
May 26, 2024
Enjoyed this story with its soccer background. The main characters were likeable and well-drawn and it’s always satisfying to have a side character you love to hate. The characters making up the team were also great so you were definitely cheering them all on when they hit the field.
February 19, 2025
Age-gap, workplace romance between Nora, footballer and Gabby, lady boss aka club owner. Interesting plot with plenty of drama, a vindictive opponent lurking somewhere at the back. A very enjoyable read for yours truly.
4+ ⭐️
4+ ⭐️
June 7, 2024
I love this book! Gabriella who owns the Harries a football/ soccer team, is taking a chance on Nora. Who is coming back from her second ACL injury (caused by a tackle, and a blatant kick to the knee). As soon as Nora sees Gabby she is smitten, and the same goes for Gabby with Nora. The description of the football play is so real!
This is a wonderful age gap/ boss, employee /HOT love story!
This is a wonderful age gap/ boss, employee /HOT love story!
May 26, 2024
4 - 4,5 ⭐️
May 20, 2024
I love football! This love story on the pitch just makes it better!
Claire Highton-Stevenson knows her way around the pitch and the locker room! I enjoyed the team spirit, the comradely that grows during the season and of course the MC’s interactions as the heat between them grew. The plot is well thought out and the twists are great. I love the style of play in the writing and on the pitch! All in all very enjoyable.
Claire Highton-Stevenson knows her way around the pitch and the locker room! I enjoyed the team spirit, the comradely that grows during the season and of course the MC’s interactions as the heat between them grew. The plot is well thought out and the twists are great. I love the style of play in the writing and on the pitch! All in all very enjoyable.
May 3, 2024
If you loved Scarlett Fever you'll love this one!. Loved every minute of it
December 8, 2025
This was so strange because I don’t know why I liked it so much, aside from the fact that Gabby and Nora may now have their pictures posted next to the official description of “going at it like bunnies” 😂
I purposefully lose myself in fiction though because why the hell not and this was a smooth and easy read for me so yeah maybe that was it. Onto the sequel or spin-off or whoever book 2 has cast for our MCs
I purposefully lose myself in fiction though because why the hell not and this was a smooth and easy read for me so yeah maybe that was it. Onto the sequel or spin-off or whoever book 2 has cast for our MCs
May 23, 2024
A Fast Paced & Exciting Adventure To Love!
CHS has done it again. A love story wrapped up in the world of women’s football. It was exciting with a little secret. Nora Brady almost thirty is getting a chance, possibly her last, to play again after her second ACL injury in two years. This team, The Bath Street Harriers, wants her and she needs it. When she meets coach Scott and the owner of the team, Gabby Dean, who catches her eye, she accepts. As Nora is getting to know the team and how they play, she is also getting a little distracted by Gabby who is forty seven, and has her own eye on her. As the two try to navigate their feelings, all while trying to prepare to make the WSL. You have an angry ex, woman football toughness, trying to fit in a team, a secret relationship, a betrayal all coming to together for an exciting story.
CHS has done it again. A love story wrapped up in the world of women’s football. It was exciting with a little secret. Nora Brady almost thirty is getting a chance, possibly her last, to play again after her second ACL injury in two years. This team, The Bath Street Harriers, wants her and she needs it. When she meets coach Scott and the owner of the team, Gabby Dean, who catches her eye, she accepts. As Nora is getting to know the team and how they play, she is also getting a little distracted by Gabby who is forty seven, and has her own eye on her. As the two try to navigate their feelings, all while trying to prepare to make the WSL. You have an angry ex, woman football toughness, trying to fit in a team, a secret relationship, a betrayal all coming to together for an exciting story.
May 18, 2024
Scores a goal
With womans sport exploding all over the world, especially Football ⚽ this story was a great example. Well written and the games described so well I really enjoyed being with this team. I do think you need to know a bit about the game to fully enjoy it. The mention of names that we have been accustomed to was pleasing, Milly Bright etc especially since Chelsea has just won the league for the fifth time. There's a touch of Ted Lasso with the club owner and struggling club itself, great characters throughout Nora the returning player and the romance I was fully involved and loved them, intimacy and relationship very well handled and pretty 🔥 thoroughly recommended for the romance and sports lover. Hope they make it in the WSL.
With womans sport exploding all over the world, especially Football ⚽ this story was a great example. Well written and the games described so well I really enjoyed being with this team. I do think you need to know a bit about the game to fully enjoy it. The mention of names that we have been accustomed to was pleasing, Milly Bright etc especially since Chelsea has just won the league for the fifth time. There's a touch of Ted Lasso with the club owner and struggling club itself, great characters throughout Nora the returning player and the romance I was fully involved and loved them, intimacy and relationship very well handled and pretty 🔥 thoroughly recommended for the romance and sports lover. Hope they make it in the WSL.
May 20, 2024
I’m A Sucker For Soccer Stories
I love athletic centered Sapphic stories, especially football (soccer). And this story delivered. In a lot of Sapphic romances, the conflict central to the story is between the main characters but not here. Instead, all the difficulties are external to the couple. Also, as usual Claire Highton-Stevenson writes with a clarity and grace about her characters that brings them to life.
I won’t add any direct spoilers here but I greatly enjoyed this book. If you’ve cread this far, hopefully you will too.
I love athletic centered Sapphic stories, especially football (soccer). And this story delivered. In a lot of Sapphic romances, the conflict central to the story is between the main characters but not here. Instead, all the difficulties are external to the couple. Also, as usual Claire Highton-Stevenson writes with a clarity and grace about her characters that brings them to life.
I won’t add any direct spoilers here but I greatly enjoyed this book. If you’ve cread this far, hopefully you will too.
May 19, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! Women and football is already a fantastic combination in my mind, but add in an awesome romance and a mysterious antagonist into the mix and you’re onto a winner! Claire writes so well and you are sucked in from the beginning. Another brilliant read and one I may ready again it was that good!
May 14, 2024
Hot and spicy!
A brilliant story about an athlete, an investor, a football/soccer team, and a long term grudge.
An interview leads to sparks and later to love. Most of the team are supportive, and one teammate gets into trouble out of jealousy, which leads to unexpected consequences. A character has been ruminating on something that happened a long time ago.
A brilliant story about an athlete, an investor, a football/soccer team, and a long term grudge.
An interview leads to sparks and later to love. Most of the team are supportive, and one teammate gets into trouble out of jealousy, which leads to unexpected consequences. A character has been ruminating on something that happened a long time ago.
June 2, 2024
Soccer, steam, and relationships
Last Chance is a well-paced, effective story of passion — the passion Gabby Dean exhibits as a successful, respected businesswoman, WSL Harriers soccer team owner, and as a lesbian falling in love.
Highton-Stevenson also writes of the fervor driving U.S. soccer star Nora Brady to fight back from two horrific knee injuries to continue her beloved football career.
Gabby is determined to solidify the Harriers’ wobbly spot in the Women’s Super League, the highest league of professional women’s football in England.
As the first step in her development plan, Gabby targets Nora to join her young team for what may be the midfielder’s last chance to play professionally.
Nora’s signing a one-year Harriers’ contract with Gabby also kickstarts a passionate attraction to the sexy, smart, committed, gorgeous team owner.
The author accentuates the story by portraying the camaraderie and competitiveness among Nora’s new teammates; building suspense around the Harriers’ risk of being deregulated (demoted) out of the WSL; tossing angry detractors at the fledgling couple; creating a fun, loving family to support Nora’s efforts both back with a team and a potential long-term relationship; and peppering the off-pitch scenes with plenty of passionate play between the sheets.
Score!
Last Chance is a well-paced, effective story of passion — the passion Gabby Dean exhibits as a successful, respected businesswoman, WSL Harriers soccer team owner, and as a lesbian falling in love.
Highton-Stevenson also writes of the fervor driving U.S. soccer star Nora Brady to fight back from two horrific knee injuries to continue her beloved football career.
Gabby is determined to solidify the Harriers’ wobbly spot in the Women’s Super League, the highest league of professional women’s football in England.
As the first step in her development plan, Gabby targets Nora to join her young team for what may be the midfielder’s last chance to play professionally.
Nora’s signing a one-year Harriers’ contract with Gabby also kickstarts a passionate attraction to the sexy, smart, committed, gorgeous team owner.
The author accentuates the story by portraying the camaraderie and competitiveness among Nora’s new teammates; building suspense around the Harriers’ risk of being deregulated (demoted) out of the WSL; tossing angry detractors at the fledgling couple; creating a fun, loving family to support Nora’s efforts both back with a team and a potential long-term relationship; and peppering the off-pitch scenes with plenty of passionate play between the sheets.
Score!
June 11, 2024
the last chapters felt a little long but this was fun!!
January 23, 2025
A good story based around English Football so enjoyable. Bordered on WTF but stayed just this side. A good author who is on my ‘always read’ list.
May 30, 2024
brilliant
CHS has done it again. This book will have you up on your feet time and time again.
The two main characters in this book couldn’t be better. I know it’s an age gap story, but I was kind of surprised every time it was mentioned. The characters just seem so in tune with each other.
Plenty of side characters to get behind as well, I wonder if we are going to see more stories from Bath Street. I hope so.
This is truly a great story with a few twists you might not see coming.
CHS has done it again. This book will have you up on your feet time and time again.
The two main characters in this book couldn’t be better. I know it’s an age gap story, but I was kind of surprised every time it was mentioned. The characters just seem so in tune with each other.
Plenty of side characters to get behind as well, I wonder if we are going to see more stories from Bath Street. I hope so.
This is truly a great story with a few twists you might not see coming.
June 25, 2024
The only reason I finished this book was because Highton-Stevenson is such a good writer and I love her books. Not knowing the first thing about soccer, I was skipping a lot of the vast play descriptions. The storyline is good, age gap, a bit more than I prefer, but it works in this story.
I know most people that like or understand soccer would enjoy this book but as I mentioned, too much of the play by play was a bit boring.
As always, Claire writes great dialogue, interesting characters, it's sexy and entertaining. Looking forward to Claire's next story.
I know most people that like or understand soccer would enjoy this book but as I mentioned, too much of the play by play was a bit boring.
As always, Claire writes great dialogue, interesting characters, it's sexy and entertaining. Looking forward to Claire's next story.
June 29, 2025
If you like stories about women's soccer and a little bit of sex, this book is a good choice. It was lust (or love?) at first sight when Nora met Gabby. That was inconvenient because Nora was just hired to play for the soccer team Gabby owned. She's also about 20 years older than Nora.
In some way (blurb/reviews?) I expected it would be very spicy, but until halfway in, not much happened. Only some pining. You could even call it slow burn. There was some push and pull. It was all a bit confusing. I was kind of disappointed because I expected something different.
It also was a little predictable to me. It maybe would have been more excited if it hadn't been clear who snapped the picture in the changing room.
It borders on boring, but it had a somewhat crazy and unbelievable storyline popping up in the end. I still don't really know how I feel about that.
3.5⭐️
In some way (blurb/reviews?) I expected it would be very spicy, but until halfway in, not much happened. Only some pining. You could even call it slow burn. There was some push and pull. It was all a bit confusing. I was kind of disappointed because I expected something different.
It also was a little predictable to me. It maybe would have been more excited if it hadn't been clear who snapped the picture in the changing room.
It borders on boring, but it had a somewhat crazy and unbelievable storyline popping up in the end. I still don't really know how I feel about that.
3.5⭐️
June 6, 2024
I have said before that there is no such thing as a bad Claire Highton Stevenson book. And having read this latest one I just have to repeat myself.
This is an age gap romance set in a women's football club . Now football is not really my thing - however it used to be when I was a kid. I had a Liverpool Football kit when I was about 8 and wanted nothing more for Christmas than a matching tracksuit. Opened a parcel on Christmas Day and I was confused. To my Liverpool shaped eyes it looked like a Spurs tracksuit. And it was my cousin who supported them. They tried to convince me it was a Liverpool away kit tracksuit - but I was smarter than that. In those days you had to be grateful for what you got so I had to wear it till it literally dropped off me. But anyway I digress.
You can clearly feel Claire's love of the game in this book. And her knowledge of the game and the structure of women's football.
She can describe the way the ball moves across the pitch as well as she can describe the multitude of emerging, often confusing feelings between Nora and Gabby.
They both have 'issues' with a prospective age gap relationship due to their previous experiences.
One of the interesting things in this story is how Gabby's vulnerability has been highlighted. She's big and bold in the world, full of confidence until she's vulnerable.
Also of interest is another Art bar - Art Too. Great continuity in a familiar space.
I enjoyed this.
This is an age gap romance set in a women's football club . Now football is not really my thing - however it used to be when I was a kid. I had a Liverpool Football kit when I was about 8 and wanted nothing more for Christmas than a matching tracksuit. Opened a parcel on Christmas Day and I was confused. To my Liverpool shaped eyes it looked like a Spurs tracksuit. And it was my cousin who supported them. They tried to convince me it was a Liverpool away kit tracksuit - but I was smarter than that. In those days you had to be grateful for what you got so I had to wear it till it literally dropped off me. But anyway I digress.
You can clearly feel Claire's love of the game in this book. And her knowledge of the game and the structure of women's football.
She can describe the way the ball moves across the pitch as well as she can describe the multitude of emerging, often confusing feelings between Nora and Gabby.
They both have 'issues' with a prospective age gap relationship due to their previous experiences.
One of the interesting things in this story is how Gabby's vulnerability has been highlighted. She's big and bold in the world, full of confidence until she's vulnerable.
Also of interest is another Art bar - Art Too. Great continuity in a familiar space.
I enjoyed this.
September 2, 2024
Give me a sports romance and I’ll read it in one day! This story was everything. There was no third act breakup, which I love, but, there was plenty of drama within its pages. The way Nora held herself up while dealing with the scandal of a photo being leaked of her in a compromising position with her girlfriend, owner of the soccer team she’s currently playing for, she was nothing but sensible and adaptable.
Nora’s relationship with Gabby was something that you knew was always going to happen and they were good for each other. When neither wanted a relationship, love is definitely what got them there. And then some.
This book had humor, whit, family relationships (good and bad-ish), supportive teammates and coaches and lately love.
I would highly recommend this book if a football romance is right up your alley!
Nora’s relationship with Gabby was something that you knew was always going to happen and they were good for each other. When neither wanted a relationship, love is definitely what got them there. And then some.
This book had humor, whit, family relationships (good and bad-ish), supportive teammates and coaches and lately love.
I would highly recommend this book if a football romance is right up your alley!
July 30, 2025
I've never bothered to write a review but I feel like this book deserves one.
Last Chance was the type of book that I had time to finish faster, but I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters so I read it slowly to enjoy it longer.
I loved the MC's development and how they talked through everything before even risking hurting each other. The side characters were very interesting as well, adding some fun and drama. I think a story with Ladonya being mc would be good for a second book (obviously not saying that just to spend more time wondering about Nora and Gabby)
I feel like the ending was a bit rushed tbh, I'd have loved an end of season drama. Maybe that's because I love football, maybe another reason why I loved the book.
Besides that, it had been a while since I enjoyed a book so much! Looking forward to reading more from the author.
Last Chance was the type of book that I had time to finish faster, but I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters so I read it slowly to enjoy it longer.
I loved the MC's development and how they talked through everything before even risking hurting each other. The side characters were very interesting as well, adding some fun and drama. I think a story with Ladonya being mc would be good for a second book (obviously not saying that just to spend more time wondering about Nora and Gabby)
I feel like the ending was a bit rushed tbh, I'd have loved an end of season drama. Maybe that's because I love football, maybe another reason why I loved the book.
Besides that, it had been a while since I enjoyed a book so much! Looking forward to reading more from the author.
June 9, 2024
Good book
Nora a football player has a torn ACL but comes back and gets hurt again by the same person. This time she is just looking for a team to play with. Gabby Dean is the owner of the Harriers. With a new team and things looking up she find herself like the boss. Gabby and Nora have chemistry and they don't if the should feel the team. Things get complicated when a picture is taken of the two of them. A wonderful story that has lots of twists and turns that will keep you reading
Nora a football player has a torn ACL but comes back and gets hurt again by the same person. This time she is just looking for a team to play with. Gabby Dean is the owner of the Harriers. With a new team and things looking up she find herself like the boss. Gabby and Nora have chemistry and they don't if the should feel the team. Things get complicated when a picture is taken of the two of them. A wonderful story that has lots of twists and turns that will keep you reading
October 25, 2024
Delightful
The Last Chance is a delightful sapphic football romance. Nora Brady is on her last chance. Recovered from a serious injury but unable to get a spot with a big team, gets an offer from newly promoted but tipped for relegation Bath Street Barriers and their captivating owner Gwen. An entertaining spicy romance with great characters who's relationship really comes across as genuine. Tensions, jealousy and an obsessive rival add extra dimensions to the story. I like Claire Highton-Stevenson's books and this is one of the best. Highly recommended.
The Last Chance is a delightful sapphic football romance. Nora Brady is on her last chance. Recovered from a serious injury but unable to get a spot with a big team, gets an offer from newly promoted but tipped for relegation Bath Street Barriers and their captivating owner Gwen. An entertaining spicy romance with great characters who's relationship really comes across as genuine. Tensions, jealousy and an obsessive rival add extra dimensions to the story. I like Claire Highton-Stevenson's books and this is one of the best. Highly recommended.
May 26, 2024
Enjoyable
Enjoyed this story with its soccer background. The main characters were likeable and well-drawn and it’s always satisfying to have a side character you love to hate. The characters making up the team were also great so you were definitely cheering them all on when they hit the field.
Enjoyed this story with its soccer background. The main characters were likeable and well-drawn and it’s always satisfying to have a side character you love to hate. The characters making up the team were also great so you were definitely cheering them all on when they hit the field.
May 27, 2024
🥰
This was a really good story, I got confused on the wording and had to think about what was being said, never seen that in her other books. The spice was about a 2 out of 5 which was surprising because normally her spice is really good. She is still one of my favorite authors. This is definitely a good read and I recommend it 👏🏼
This was a really good story, I got confused on the wording and had to think about what was being said, never seen that in her other books. The spice was about a 2 out of 5 which was surprising because normally her spice is really good. She is still one of my favorite authors. This is definitely a good read and I recommend it 👏🏼
June 13, 2024
Sizzling Sapphic Age Gap!
4.5⭐️. Great story! Well written and exciting! Nora and Gabby were on fire! 🔥 Poor Nora though! Omg I just wanted to take her aside and protect her from any more injuries! Well, Gabby did a pretty good job ;). Plenty of steam done right. Age gap. Rich girl/poor girl (Sort of). Hot for boss. Highly recommend!!
4.5⭐️. Great story! Well written and exciting! Nora and Gabby were on fire! 🔥 Poor Nora though! Omg I just wanted to take her aside and protect her from any more injuries! Well, Gabby did a pretty good job ;). Plenty of steam done right. Age gap. Rich girl/poor girl (Sort of). Hot for boss. Highly recommend!!
July 13, 2024
Nice footie themed book
I really liked Nora & Gabby's story. It flowed well and all tied in nicely at the end. I'm a fan of womens football and enjoyed the older boss lady & hot younger star player storyline.
The 🔥 scenes were 🔥🔥🔥 but the romance was also sweet.
Really good read.
I really liked Nora & Gabby's story. It flowed well and all tied in nicely at the end. I'm a fan of womens football and enjoyed the older boss lady & hot younger star player storyline.
The 🔥 scenes were 🔥🔥🔥 but the romance was also sweet.
Really good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews