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Take Her On
Maya's final year at university is off to a rocky start.
Between pining for her childhood best friend, trying to revitalise her football team after another year of defeat, and dealing with her own family problems, she's already overwhelmed.
Enter Jamie. As if dealing with her arch rival wasn't enough, Maya must now find a way to play alongside this annoying loudmouth without losing her mind every five minutes.
Jamie just wanted a fresh start after all the drama at her last university. Love is the last thing on her mind; she just wants to focus on football and listen to her eighties music. But she has to admit, riling up her new and incredibly attractive captain is seriously entertaining. There’s just something about Maya that Jamie can’t keep away from.
As the championship draws near, tensions rise and secrets threaten to unravel. Are the games strictly on the field? Or have the two rivals finally met their match?
Between pining for her childhood best friend, trying to revitalise her football team after another year of defeat, and dealing with her own family problems, she's already overwhelmed.
Enter Jamie. As if dealing with her arch rival wasn't enough, Maya must now find a way to play alongside this annoying loudmouth without losing her mind every five minutes.
Jamie just wanted a fresh start after all the drama at her last university. Love is the last thing on her mind; she just wants to focus on football and listen to her eighties music. But she has to admit, riling up her new and incredibly attractive captain is seriously entertaining. There’s just something about Maya that Jamie can’t keep away from.
As the championship draws near, tensions rise and secrets threaten to unravel. Are the games strictly on the field? Or have the two rivals finally met their match?
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2024
341 people are currently reading
1766 people want to read
About the author
Emily Wright
6 books255 followersEmily Wright is a dog-loving, book-sniffing, ukulele-playing author who lives in Barnsley in the UK. When she isn’t attached to her computer writing, she loves the outdoors, especially the crash of the ocean, the smell of pine, and starry night skies that make her feel absolutely obsolete. When not drinking tea and eating an unthinkable amount of Bourbons, she spends the rest of her time chasing her two naughty Cocker Spaniels around the house to stop them from eating anything and everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
September 18, 2024
Take on me (take on me)
Take me on (take on me)
I'll be gone
In a dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Take me on (take on me)
I'll be gone
In a dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
November 28, 2024
You know when a book comes along just when you need it and parts of it feel like they were made in a lab specifically to cater to you and your interests? WELL!
New adult? Sapphic? Rivals to lovers? Grumpy/ sunshine? WOMEN'S FOOTBALL? Set at uni but encompassing different experiences of it that aren't all sunshine and roses. Difficult family dynamics and responsibilities and fear of next steps and of what would happen if you let go too much. Being just as scared that things could be great as you are they could go wrong... Genuinely this appealed to me from 27 different directions and makes me feel a little like l've been punched too.
This was such a gorgeous romance to me. The pushing away and allowing in and letting go. That eventual trust and relinquishing of control. Jamie who is soft and masc and all care and teasing and music. Maya who is wound so tight and couldn't have dreamt of how much she'd need the safe space her most hated rival would offer to unravel in.
The family dynamics here affected me in ways I can't properly articulate yet. Just make sure to check out the content warnings and take care of yourselves while reading
This is a wonderful new sapphic sports romance with some book girlfriends of note and I can't wait to read more from Emily Wright now!
New adult? Sapphic? Rivals to lovers? Grumpy/ sunshine? WOMEN'S FOOTBALL? Set at uni but encompassing different experiences of it that aren't all sunshine and roses. Difficult family dynamics and responsibilities and fear of next steps and of what would happen if you let go too much. Being just as scared that things could be great as you are they could go wrong... Genuinely this appealed to me from 27 different directions and makes me feel a little like l've been punched too.
This was such a gorgeous romance to me. The pushing away and allowing in and letting go. That eventual trust and relinquishing of control. Jamie who is soft and masc and all care and teasing and music. Maya who is wound so tight and couldn't have dreamt of how much she'd need the safe space her most hated rival would offer to unravel in.
The family dynamics here affected me in ways I can't properly articulate yet. Just make sure to check out the content warnings and take care of yourselves while reading
This is a wonderful new sapphic sports romance with some book girlfriends of note and I can't wait to read more from Emily Wright now!
August 13, 2024
4.5⭐️
New adult novels are not my usual go-to, but Wright writes mature characters, yet shows the fears that come with stepping into adulthood. Wright portrayed the uncertainty of that time in life perfectly. I liked the first interaction between Maya and Jamie. The residual rivalry from their past encounters is still vivid in Maya’s mind while Jamie’s provocative self stayed on the field. I loved how she gets under Maya’s skin without doing anything, or even when she cares for her. It made the relationship really feel alive. Even with their blossoming relationship, the banter remains, even in bed, and that was really refreshing. The chemistry is definitely there; the sex scenes were really hot and/or vulnerable.
Wright’s novel feels really complete as it brings up topics such as difficulties with family relationships, taking care of a sick loved one, death, and friendship (from deceptive ones to true ones).
Another really good read from Emily Wright.
P.S.: I really like the title now that I’ve read the book.
New adult novels are not my usual go-to, but Wright writes mature characters, yet shows the fears that come with stepping into adulthood. Wright portrayed the uncertainty of that time in life perfectly. I liked the first interaction between Maya and Jamie. The residual rivalry from their past encounters is still vivid in Maya’s mind while Jamie’s provocative self stayed on the field. I loved how she gets under Maya’s skin without doing anything, or even when she cares for her. It made the relationship really feel alive. Even with their blossoming relationship, the banter remains, even in bed, and that was really refreshing. The chemistry is definitely there; the sex scenes were really hot and/or vulnerable.
Wright’s novel feels really complete as it brings up topics such as difficulties with family relationships, taking care of a sick loved one, death, and friendship (from deceptive ones to true ones).
Another really good read from Emily Wright.
P.S.: I really like the title now that I’ve read the book.
August 17, 2024
football. gays. meaningful topics. yorkshire grandpa. what more do you need? hence finishing it in just over 24 hours lol
September 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
maybe I'm biased (because I love sports romances & Emily Wright), but this was perfect!!! The book was full of emotion, from romantic scenes to tear-jerking scenes. I love the chemistry between Maya and Jamie, I especially loved Jamie! The mentions of 80s music also gave me a great feeling. Plus the super great title, which immediately makes you think of take on me!!!
maybe I'm biased (because I love sports romances & Emily Wright), but this was perfect!!! The book was full of emotion, from romantic scenes to tear-jerking scenes. I love the chemistry between Maya and Jamie, I especially loved Jamie! The mentions of 80s music also gave me a great feeling. Plus the super great title, which immediately makes you think of take on me!!!
August 22, 2024
Take Her On by Emily Wright was a quick and fun rivals-to-lovers read with a lot of spice and heart. Our two mains are young adult college students who begin as rival football (soccer) players and end up on the same team. Both are seniors with graduation looming and hope to end their university careers on a winning high. The relationship begins with friction between competitors and a bit of sexual tension. I didn't initially care for Maya. She seemed somewhat immature, but I attribute that to age, and she grew on me. I found myself quite fond of Jaime, though. I enjoyed the playfulness of their relationship and how they encouraged one another.
This was my first book by Emily Wright, and I liked her writing style. It was easy to follow and had well-written intimate scenes. Regarding those scenes, there were several on-page, and they fogged up my glasses.
Family dysfunction adds to complications balanced by a solid found family.
It was good to see some character growth from our mains as well.
Positive mental health coping methods were included to contrast some poor coping mechanisms that were also present.
It wrapped up with a HEA and a nice little epilogue.
#mentalhealthrep #copingmechanisms #rivalstolovers #football #soccer #foundfamily #dysfunctionalfamily #universitylife #deathofalovedone #HEA #sports #80smusic #sweetgrandparents
I received this free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
This was my first book by Emily Wright, and I liked her writing style. It was easy to follow and had well-written intimate scenes. Regarding those scenes, there were several on-page, and they fogged up my glasses.
Family dysfunction adds to complications balanced by a solid found family.
It was good to see some character growth from our mains as well.
Positive mental health coping methods were included to contrast some poor coping mechanisms that were also present.
It wrapped up with a HEA and a nice little epilogue.
#mentalhealthrep #copingmechanisms #rivalstolovers #football #soccer #foundfamily #dysfunctionalfamily #universitylife #deathofalovedone #HEA #sports #80smusic #sweetgrandparents
I received this free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.
August 14, 2024
Another cracking novel from Emily Wright!
What Wright does particularly well is create believable characters, believable because they’re as flawed as the rest of us. I especially loved Jamie and all her sunshine and Maya’s adorable grandparents. The chemistry between Maya and Jamie fizzled from the pages - I enjoyed the build in their relationship, and Maya’s arc… she had a lot of growing up to do, but she got there and didn’t lose the girl!
If you like grumpy vs sunshine, enemies to lovers and lots of spice 🌶️ …then you’ll love this book!
(ARC reader)
What Wright does particularly well is create believable characters, believable because they’re as flawed as the rest of us. I especially loved Jamie and all her sunshine and Maya’s adorable grandparents. The chemistry between Maya and Jamie fizzled from the pages - I enjoyed the build in their relationship, and Maya’s arc… she had a lot of growing up to do, but she got there and didn’t lose the girl!
If you like grumpy vs sunshine, enemies to lovers and lots of spice 🌶️ …then you’ll love this book!
(ARC reader)
August 3, 2024
Great book, keeps you full immersed from beginning to end with a feel good factor throughout. Binged this over 48hrs as didn’t want to put it down! It’s great for us football fans, but still ok for non football fans to keep up. While funny at times it also encompasses subjects like Trans and sexual exploitation and raises awareness which can only be a positive the more it’s brought out into the open and spoken about. Basically this book has something for everyone! You’ll be up all night bingeing saying “one me chapter.”
August 5, 2024
What a fab book, so much to enjoy here from the obvious sapphic football, all the feels from the two main characters Maya and Jamie, various love for only fools and horses and the journey through change in so many aspects. The story is set in dual point of view and is wrote in such a way that it’s a pleasure to read what happens next in their journey, also if your not a massive football fan this does not in any way overpower the story plus there is a very generous amount of spice that defo does not disappoint! Totally rooting for team all the way through, loved the book can’t wait to read more in the future from @emilywrightwriter. Thanks to her and allowing me to be part of the ARC team.
August 2, 2025
relatable characters ✓
some of the best spice i’ve read ✓
women’s football ✓
emotional family storyline ✓
happy ending ✓
fastest i’ve ever read a 400+ page book
some of the best spice i’ve read ✓
women’s football ✓
emotional family storyline ✓
happy ending ✓
fastest i’ve ever read a 400+ page book
September 17, 2024
College sports romances are beginning to become one of my favorites. This is a new adult, rivals to lovers sports romance. Jamie and Maya are both coming to terms with adulthood and the fears that come with it. It was refreshing to read as I had some of the same reservations. Jaime was on the rival team of Maya but ends up moving schools so they have to work together. They both are going through their own struggles which causes issues in their “relationship”. Jamie definitely stood out to me. She had such a good heart and tried so hard for Maya to know the real her. With Maya being so closed off it was difficult. Once they get to know each other it’s 🔥 🔥🔥🔥 The chemistry between the two was intense and kept me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the banter, slight angst, spice and most def the 80s music reference .
August 16, 2024
College sports romance + enemies to lovers 😵🙌
Emily is a truly amazing writer. Her writing style is so descriptive and beautiful, but also leaves you wanting more! This book was exactly what I needed right now, easy going WITH SPICE 🌶️
It takes a lot for me to enjoy female characters but I loved both Jamie and Maya. Obsessed with them both from the beginning! Before reading, I was concerned that it might be a bit too football heavy, but it was the perfect amount ⚽️
Much love for the hendos relish reference and I was absolutely creasing when she mentioned the Balti king !! A true Sheffield legend.
Looking forward to reading more of Emily’s work and wish her the best of luck for the future 🥰
Emily is a truly amazing writer. Her writing style is so descriptive and beautiful, but also leaves you wanting more! This book was exactly what I needed right now, easy going WITH SPICE 🌶️
It takes a lot for me to enjoy female characters but I loved both Jamie and Maya. Obsessed with them both from the beginning! Before reading, I was concerned that it might be a bit too football heavy, but it was the perfect amount ⚽️
Much love for the hendos relish reference and I was absolutely creasing when she mentioned the Balti king !! A true Sheffield legend.
Looking forward to reading more of Emily’s work and wish her the best of luck for the future 🥰
August 2, 2024
This was so cute! I really liked this book. Jamie and Maya are so freakin adorable. From the very first meeting, I was invested in their relationship. I love the way Emily writes! It’s hard for me to get into 3rd P.O.V. books and usually takes me awhile; but with this (and her others I’ve read) it took no time at all. I really like the rivals to lovers. It’s not quite enemies to lovers but it’s close and I love it. This book was great!
🏳️🌈Sapphic
⚽️Sports
❤️🔥Rivals to Lovers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
🏳️🌈Sapphic
⚽️Sports
❤️🔥Rivals to Lovers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
August 14, 2024
She shoots - she scores! Emily Wright has done it again - she has the great knack of writing a story that contains heart, and tackles (see what I did there!) relevant topics - but also seamlessly adds a generous amount of well written and fun sapphic spicy content. I love all the 80s music references - Emily if you haven't already, please create their CD as a Spotify playlist!
Huge thanks to Emily for letting me be part of her arc team.
Huge thanks to Emily for letting me be part of her arc team.
September 1, 2024
I really liked the characters in this book - mostly because they felt very real. The setting, environment and supporting characters helped fill out the nuances and layers of Maya and Jamie. Their interactions were snappy and smart - a facet that continued throughout the development of their relationship - and I enjoyed how neither of them suddenly transformed into someone different as they grew more intimate. If anything, I think the closeness they develop actually consolidated a lot of character traits and I really liked how that was done through humour and sadness, through gains and losses.
If you like enemies to lovers, you'll adore this. Set in the context of football, the scenes of play were fast-paced and exciting (and who doesn't love women's footie, right?), as were the more intimate moments between Maya and Jamie.
If you like enemies to lovers, you'll adore this. Set in the context of football, the scenes of play were fast-paced and exciting (and who doesn't love women's footie, right?), as were the more intimate moments between Maya and Jamie.
September 23, 2024
It was good, i enjoyed the characters and the writing was good. Some good spice too. Kinda wish the enemy to lover was more slow burner. it was a complete universe with different characters, all enjoyable. But i kinda wished for more drama.
February 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this! I’m not a high football fan but I’m a sucker for a sapphic sports romance! I love Emily Wrights books and can’t wait to read more.
This is Rivals to Lovers, Grumpy x Sunshine, Grieving. 2x POV’s, third person. 4x spicy scenes (straps and lap dancing)
This is Rivals to Lovers, Grumpy x Sunshine, Grieving. 2x POV’s, third person. 4x spicy scenes (straps and lap dancing)
May 25, 2025
this one was such an incredible journey 🥹
I started this book in the middle of my final exams so it was such a safe place, to read my dear Maya and my lovely Jamie when I was tired of studying.
The tension in the beginning of the book was insane, I absolutely loved the rivals to lovers building and the way they became close to each other and trusted each other.
I loved the scenes with Maya's grandpa, the car rides when Maya and Jamie got to know each other better and, obviously, the soccer games!! I adore sports romance but it's even better when it's a wlw sport romance.
It's the first book I've read by this author and I've loved her writing style and I've already ordered another one of her books because I fell in love with her characters in this one and I trust her to make me fall in love with more of her characters.
⚽ sapphic sports romance
⚽ college football
⚽ rivals to lovers
⚽ grumpy x sunshine
🌶️ STRAP SCENE!!!
⭐ 5/5
I started this book in the middle of my final exams so it was such a safe place, to read my dear Maya and my lovely Jamie when I was tired of studying.
The tension in the beginning of the book was insane, I absolutely loved the rivals to lovers building and the way they became close to each other and trusted each other.
I loved the scenes with Maya's grandpa, the car rides when Maya and Jamie got to know each other better and, obviously, the soccer games!! I adore sports romance but it's even better when it's a wlw sport romance.
It's the first book I've read by this author and I've loved her writing style and I've already ordered another one of her books because I fell in love with her characters in this one and I trust her to make me fall in love with more of her characters.
⚽ sapphic sports romance
⚽ college football
⚽ rivals to lovers
⚽ grumpy x sunshine
🌶️ STRAP SCENE!!!
⭐ 5/5
August 14, 2024
It was so good!! Personally I’m not a big soccer fan but this book truly was good :)
The characters development was spot on and was not force.
I recommend this book!! About 3.5 🌶️
The characters development was spot on and was not force.
I recommend this book!! About 3.5 🌶️
August 21, 2024
This is one of those books I didn't want to stop reading but work got in the way... Yes I sulked for having to go lol
August 28, 2024
*4.5 i can never resist a sapphic sports romcom
September 26, 2024
⚽️⚽️🎭👴🏼☠️
October 5, 2024
a little cringe in parts but a cute read!
Read
December 13, 2024dnf at 36% i just couldn’t get into it
March 25, 2025
soccer romances are top tier >>>>
(did lose some brownie points for the poem at the funeral tho)
(did lose some brownie points for the poem at the funeral tho)
July 22, 2025
very cute
September 20, 2024
This was good and I liked the growth of the characters, especially Maya. I feel like some things were glossed over and didn't get the conclusion that it needed but overall I enjoyed this story.
July 3, 2025
did i love this book? no. did it make me cry? yes
October 8, 2024
Emily wright can do no wrong for me
Possible downside to this book is you might have ‘take on me’ stuck into your brain for 6 to 7 business days
Possible downside to this book is you might have ‘take on me’ stuck into your brain for 6 to 7 business days
August 14, 2024
Take her on is a dual POV, enemies to lovers sports romance. It follows Maya and Jamie, two football (soccer) player’s who have been rivals for years. Maya’s final year of uni is approaching and her one dream has been to win the championship, but every year Milton university lost to the Harriers. Jamie’s dream is to go pro. Maya is determined this is the year Jamie won’t stop her only to find this year Jamie would be on her team.
This book truly pulled at my heartstrings. It has a wonderful found family element to it with side characters whom have their own intricacies and they have my heart. One of my all time favourite scenes is a moment Maya has with side characters that’s such a vulnerable but sweet moment. As well as Maya’s moments with her grandparents. It was truly so sweet. The back and forth between Maya and Jamie had such great banter and was truly so wholesome. Jamie was so gentle with Maya and the way they built such a sweet connection despite really going through it. Maya’s growth was beautiful. They made each other’s lives better, and I just loved that so much. It was also steamy scenes that were 🥵 but also at times extremely vulnerable. Which I really loved that aspect. It just made for their relationship being so much sweeter to me. I also really enjoyed the way Emily brought meaning into the title. I thought it was a nice touch symbolically. This hit the mark for me and i definitely recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a new sports romance to check out.
I received a free copy of this book from Emily and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW: health issues, death, family dynamic issues, cheating, anxiety, alcohol
Rep: Lesbian MC’s, Pansexual side character, Bisexual side character, Trans side character.
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 4
This book truly pulled at my heartstrings. It has a wonderful found family element to it with side characters whom have their own intricacies and they have my heart. One of my all time favourite scenes is a moment Maya has with side characters that’s such a vulnerable but sweet moment. As well as Maya’s moments with her grandparents. It was truly so sweet. The back and forth between Maya and Jamie had such great banter and was truly so wholesome. Jamie was so gentle with Maya and the way they built such a sweet connection despite really going through it. Maya’s growth was beautiful. They made each other’s lives better, and I just loved that so much. It was also steamy scenes that were 🥵 but also at times extremely vulnerable. Which I really loved that aspect. It just made for their relationship being so much sweeter to me. I also really enjoyed the way Emily brought meaning into the title. I thought it was a nice touch symbolically. This hit the mark for me and i definitely recommend checking it out if you’re looking for a new sports romance to check out.
I received a free copy of this book from Emily and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW: health issues, death, family dynamic issues, cheating, anxiety, alcohol
Rep: Lesbian MC’s, Pansexual side character, Bisexual side character, Trans side character.
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 4
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews