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The Crossover

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All bets are off when a headstrong college equestrian and carefree basketball player are forced together as workout partners.

Stella Williams has a full scholarship to Mountain Ridge University as a member of the equestrian team, and she’s not about to let anything—or anyone—prevent her from winning the conference championship. She’s sworn off relationships, determined to be the most accomplished student in her class by the time she graduates. Nothing is going to stop her in her tracks. That is, until she meets Owen Moore.

Owen is a transfer student on the basketball team and prides himself on being happy-go-lucky and the life of the party. Oh, and he’s never been interested in a serious relationship. When Owen gets paired up with Stella in their exercise science class, sparks fly immediately, and Owen begins to reconsider his outlook on dating. But despite their obvious chemistry, Stella isn’t interested, and Owen reluctantly agrees to be just friends.

As they spend more time in the gym together and the fire between them grows, remaining just friends becomes a nearly-impossible task. With Owen’s spot on the basketball team and Stella’s future in the equestrian industry on the line, will they make the game-winning shot or fizzle out as the final buzzer sounds?

The Crossover is a New Adult sports romance with low spice, high feelings, and sizzling chemistry, perfect for fans of The Cheat Sheet and Icebreaker.

341 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2024

21 people are currently reading
239 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Ward

2 books63 followers
Sarah Ward has been writing and telling stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Georgia with her husband and dog. Her hobbies include daydreaming about dragons, watching baseball, and drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate. A former teacher and library assistant, Sarah writes stories for both children and adults. Her published books include The Crossover, a college sports romance, and her debut middle grade novel, Victory Gallop.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Joyce Fernandez (Prestel).
289 reviews13 followers
August 14, 2024
Cute story. Feels very YA, even though it’s set in college.

I learned a lot about equestrian and appreciate the research the author must have engaged in to make the sport so comprehensive in the book.
Profile Image for Lauren.
245 reviews53 followers
August 4, 2024
Actually 4.5⭐️! I ate this book up! 🥰

First of all, thank you Sarah Ward for the opportunity to read this ARC copy!

The Crossover is centered around 2 college students, Stella and Owen. Stella is a headstrong college equestrian who doesn’t let anything or anyone get in her way of winning. Owen is a carefree basketball player who recently transferred to the University and enjoys being the life of the party. The two wind up being forced together as workout partners for a class they are both in. As they spend more time together, both see their walls fall down and hearts open.

I LOVED this book! I was cheesing the whole way through! Seriously loved seeing Stella and Owen grow in their relationship. It was so cute and well written. I felt like I was back in college experiencing some of these moments too!

There were not just fun and flirty moments but also more intense ones as well which gave the book depth. It was all so great. I seriously read this in less than 24 hours! Add it to your TBR and read it when it comes out on August 20!
Profile Image for Rombookfanlove.
340 reviews16 followers
August 12, 2024
This was a nice read ☺️

I don’t read a ton of college aged fiction as it usually feels a bit too young for me at almost 40, depending how it’s written and the age of the characters. However, the premise caught my eye - I liked the idea of a basketball player vs equestrian and the whole opposites attract vibe.

This definitely read too young for me but that hasn’t impacted my rating or review and I think others who like books with MC’s in the beginning 20s age may enjoy this book. I also don’t tend to do low spice and it is low spice/closed door, so just putting both of those factors out there for my typical review readers as an FYI.

This book captured university aged vibes well, reminded me of being in college/uni and the fun of just being around people who are studying but also the focus on making and hanging out with new friends. It also evoked all the feelings of kind of hanging out with a guy “platonically” while feeling out the waters, there’s a lot of that in this book - kind of giggly secret crush vibes which were fun to read.

Owen is a golden retriever basketball player who takes things lightly but tries to get a bit more serious for super-organised Stella who has her eye on big goals but could use some balance of fun.

They are both good athletes with a dose of competitiveness that made me laugh a few times. Owen has his struggles and so does Stella. When those come out, they are so caring with each other and have a true friendship.

This book was sweet. It’s not my usual pick personally which is my bad for not looking carefully enough on ARC signup!- but the writing was nice and I would recommend for anyone who likes a cozy, early college/university, mild spice/closed door, sport romance.
4/5 ⭐️ for this type of story!

I received an advance copy of this book and have left my honest review.
Profile Image for A Curly Book Dragon.
91 reviews
September 1, 2024
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨
Spice Rating: 🫑🫑
Language Rating: 💚

This was such a fun cute read. I love quick college sports romance books and this scratched all the itches.
You got a super focused, dedicated horse girl vs a fun loving, play boy basketball player. This was definitely the epitome of “When you know, you know.” / “Love at first sight”.
Stella I think will resonate with the super driven perfectionists and the anxiety that comes with that. What I appreciated though is that a lot of times that leads to the MC being completely self centered and can’t relate / empathize with others but Stella went out of her way at times to help Owen and make him also feel special and wanted.
Owen’s story is going to hit for those that have felt like they weren’t enough and no one ever took the time to care about them the way that they should be. While not having the most ideal up bringing you watch him grow throughout the book and that sort of glow up is always a personal favorite for mine to watch.
I loved how obsessed Owen was with Stella and unapologetically so. Also his communication to Stella about how serious he was about being interested in her and only her was perfection.
For as quick and fun as this read is, with lots of flirty tension and lots of friend zoning for the greater good. The whole premise of letting those you care about know that they are important and loved and worthy along with you can reach your goals while also finding happiness is something much deeper than what you initially think you’re getting into starting off this book.
This book was low on the spice but high on the tension so for my non spicy friends this is definitely a great option for you!!!
If you love insta love, he falls first and HARD, they help each other heal, HEA alllll the way. This is for you.

🌶️ Spicy Chapters 🌶️
Chapter 24 - 💋 to closed 🚪 🌶️
Profile Image for Read Letter Day.
114 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2025
I'll start with: if you like YA and maybe are new to sports romance this might be for you.

But there just wasn't enough sports for me, and the promise of an equestrian is what piqued my interest in the first place, but I should have judged by the cover and realized I was not going to get the equestrian element I wanted.

We barely see the horse sport (so much so that until the epilogue I didn't even know what type of riding Stella did with her personal horse - the only hints are that they jump) We get quite a bit of basketball and gym time, so if that's your thing, maybe this one will work for you.

It also didn't feel college/new adult to me. There are SO MANY exclamation points, and I found myself generally disliking Stella. TBH, based on her personality, I think her mother was right to dissuade her from her dream of being a horse trainer. She's far too reactive and oversensitive.

The friends to lovers story line was cute enough, and it was nice to see them support each other so thoroughly.

FWIW the following is not about this book specifically (though it applies here, especially to Stella) but why does almost every sports romance have to be that the characters are always the absolute BEST at their sports? Winning without much effort or hardship? Maybe I've just read too many lately, but really?
Profile Image for Elodie’s Library ✨.
131 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2024
First of all, thank you Sarah for trusting me with your work, it’s an honor 🫶🏻

All bets are off when a headstrong college equestrian and carefree basketball player are forced together as workout partners.

This book was 10/10 ! Like literally nothing bad to say, everything felt so right reading this book, its just flows right through while reading, you just start and then BAM, you’re done because you just can’t take your eyes of this book.

Of course you know how much I love sports romance but I absolutely ADORE when they are both into sports !! And the fact that this is not basic sport but equestrian and it is so well written for both the equestrian part and the basketball part you can see that some research was made for this book, its not just some random facts thrown in there.

I love how Owen becomes part of her routine and doesn't try to change her, that he fully acknowledges her dreams and her sport.

I love that they start by being friends and it is one of the few books with no spice but the banter and the connection between the characters is all you need. Sometimes it gets boring with no spice but not in here ! This relationship was perfectly written.

Thank you Sarah, i really really loved this book ! Im now gonna spiral into booksta to find more equestrian romance 👀
Profile Image for Amber Tentnowski.
125 reviews5 followers
August 27, 2024
✨ARC REVIEW✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🐴 basketball x equestrian
🐴 sports romance
🐴 forced proximity
🐴 just friends
🐴 he falls first
🐴 closed door

All bets are off when a headstrong college equestrian and carefree basketball player are forced together as workout partners.

This was such a refreshing and sweet take on a college sports romance. Having Owen and Stella start off as friends and really build their friendship into a relationship throughout the book makes it feel genuine and gets you truly invested in them as a couple but also as individuals. Both come with baggage and a rough family upbringing but manage to find common ground and help each other work through it. I think the academic and future career pressure (self imposed and by others) came off realistic. I saw some people mention this came off a bit YA to them and I’m sure that’s to do with the fact that it’s a closed door romance in a college (under 21) setting. I didn’t mind. I found it made me more invested in the connection between Owen and Stella.

Thank you Sarah for the ARC opportunity. I learned so much about equestrians and appreciated a new take on a sports romance by having it included.
Profile Image for JD 📚.
19 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2024
This was such a fun and super cute read! At first, it felt that the main characters were a bit cocky, knowing they are good at what they do. But continuing on, it really paints a perspective as to why they are, in fact, the best at what they do. Stella and Owen set high standards for themselves as individuals but also for each other, knowing what they can achieve if they work hard for it. They are very different from each other, and despite trying to hold it back, they fell for each other hard. They compliment each other so well. One holds a quality the other lacks and they learn those qualities from each other. I feel it showed what it really means to work hard for something. Stella and Owen not only worked hard towards their life goals, but also for their relationship. I really did enjoy this story and it was a great break from the dark romantasies I usually read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ChasseReviews.
129 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2024
Stella is at college for Equestrian and is headstrong and doesn’t let anything or anyone get in her way of winning. She’s gone as far as to swear off relationships to ensure she graduates top of her class.

Owen is a basketball player who transfered to the University and is the life of the party. He’s never been interested in a serious relationship.

These two are complete opposites who are forced to work together for a class they’re both in. We soon see sparks between these two but both are reluctant to change their ways - Stella more than Owen.

This book gives us both the fun and serious and the flirty and intense moments and big chemistry, lots of feelings, and a slow burn sports romance.
2 reviews
August 21, 2024
I love a sports romance! And The Crossover checks all the boxes for a great one, & I loved it! As I was reading, the thought that really kept coming up for me was how real this story feels. It really brought back memories of what it's like to be 20 & in college. Stella & Owen truly read as college students- they're mature, yet young, still figuring out themselves, under immense pressure to get their lives together. Their romance is so sweet & so healthy. I loved seeing how they grew & brought out the best in each other. The sports aspects were really well done, & I was totally invested in the basketball games & horse shows. This book gave me the warm fuzzies & made me smile. Give it a shot!

The Crossover is a college sports romance with low spice & all the feelings.
Profile Image for Alexis Dreffer.
63 reviews
August 30, 2024
The Crossover is a closed-door romance between two college aged young adults that participate in basketball and an equestrian! I’ve never read about an equestrian athlete, so this was a nice change from the normal sports romance. Since this is a sport I don’t really know much about, it kept me engaged and I enjoyed the main characters and side ones that were also a big part of the story.

It was a quick read, which is always a plus in my book when it doesn’t feel like it’s taking 10 years to get through the book. The story flowed naturally and I didn’t feel like it was forced, which made it seem also believable.

It’s a solid book I’d recommend if you’d prefer something engaging with low spice levels!
Profile Image for Lucy Gould.
Author 3 books60 followers
August 13, 2024
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book. The following review represents my honest opinion.

I don’t think it’s possible to explain how much I freaking loved this book!!! I love horses and if it was an option for me growing up I definitely would be an equestrian, I’m even considering joining the team in college. I felt such a kinship with Stella, especially with all the self-imposed academic pressure she faces. The romance was so well-written. The pacing of all the events was so immersive and realistic. I especially love how the small time jumps were done. The epilogue made me so happy because finally we have an epilogue where the couple isn’t having a baby!
Profile Image for Karen B.
1,555 reviews24 followers
December 12, 2024
Their lives collided and started to crossover where she tried to fight the connection and he never gave up. Be still my heart. Stella, a sophomore on her college’s equestrian is a good girl through and through, determined to not let any distractions to success get in her way. She didn’t count on meeting Owen, a rising star on the basketball team and rumored to be a playboy. The banter and chemistry and slow burn romance compounded by the real life college-related hurdles and family issues and then support they provide to each other…so relatable and so good! A closed-door, opposites attract romance gem.
Profile Image for Shama (thor.oughlyfantasy).
437 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2024
It was a sweet and easy read
The plot was on point and the characters were brilliant

Both the main characters are very supportive and get each other so well. Both have family issues and shitty past but have grown to become such good people

Owen is a Basketball player. He is very cocky but a true gentleman . The way he approached her and later treated her was really admirable

Stella is an Equestrian (horse riding). She is determined, competitive and also compassionate. I find her inability to dive straight up into a relationship so relatable.
Profile Image for Natalie.
106 reviews
September 5, 2024
What to expect:
🏀good girl x playboy
🏀they make bets
🏀athletes
🐎he falls first
🐎she helps him study
🐎closed door

The Crossover features struggles, competitiveness, early college/university timeline, insta lust/love and much more. Throughout, there were flirty moments and tension between the two main characters. They both experienced fears and insecurities, family dynamics and were able to communicate and be there for one another.

Owen - he was open and honest with his feelings. From the moment he saw her, he was so into her, I think it was insta-lust turned into love. He made the effort to do little things for Stella and he wanted to learn about being an equestrian. I loved when he stood up for her, even though, he didn’t need to, but he didn’t appreciate Stella being told that the path she chose was not worth it.

Stella - she was so focused on getting good grades and has big goals for herself. She is guarded and chooses to friend zone Owen because she’s afraid a relationship will distract her focus.


I found it cute when they switched sports and both got to experience what the other did. They’re both good athletes and there’s some friendly competition that goes on. As they interact, Stella is able to slowly let her walls down.


•check content warnings!

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to arc read this!
Profile Image for Rachael.
491 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2024
The sports focus in this book was so fun! I love a strong FMC, and Stella is a beast. I came in knowing nothing about equestrian competitions, and really enjoyed getting a peek into her world! Especially at the collegiate level.

As an exercise science major myself, there was a lot of fun nostalgia with their classes and assignments. The details included in this book really brought it to life!

The romance was cute and sweet. Owen and Stella have a kind of ying yang thing going, and they really complement each other. I read this book in almost one sitting! It was such a fun escape!
Profile Image for Claire.
590 reviews11 followers
August 21, 2024
This was a really cute romance and I have read a lot of sports romance but not a lot of basketball or equestrian romance so this was an interesting change of pace for me. Stella and Owen were cute together and their friends first and slow burn vibe made the story really fun to read. This is a nice closed door romance that I would highly recommend. Thank you to Sarah Ward for the ARC of this story.
Profile Image for Caty Ordonez | Catysreads07.
80 reviews
August 21, 2024
I did enjoy this book a lot. It was a closed door romance, which I enjoy more. I've only ever read a basketball sports romance and that was last year so it was cute to see it again.

I love how they just supported each other and how they are both into sports. I didn't even know what equestrian was (it's basically horse riding) and I would recommend if you want a cute and good romance!

Out August 20!
Profile Image for Dreama.
138 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2024
Okay so this is One Tree Hill in the best way!

Owen is a perfect mix of Nate and Luke with a little Jake thrown in! Sweet and cocky with some mom drama and a great sense of humor.

Stella is a perfect mix of Haley and Brooke but throw in a love for horses! She’s smart and talented and doesn’t take anyone’s crap!

It’s for the family drama and college level problems and just a great storyline!! 100% check this out!
Profile Image for Mackenzie Hirschmann.
66 reviews31 followers
August 8, 2024
This story was so beautiful. The way their relationship grew and their character developments grew was amazing. I couldn’t stop reading once I started. It was also intriguing to learn more about equestrians. Stella and Owen are so damn cute. It’s low spice but the banter was bantering. I think the story was perfect. Appreciate having the opportunity to read this🩷
Profile Image for Kaytlyn 🖤💋.
5 reviews
August 22, 2024
Arguably one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. It made me laugh, cry, swoon, and all the other feel good emotions. Stella was easy to relate to in wanting to push yourself to prove to people you CAN make a career doing what you love while still finding love. If I could rate it more than 5 stars I would.
Profile Image for Tayla Dimov.
Author 1 book11 followers
September 11, 2024
Very cute book! I devoured this quite quickly. I’ve never read an equestrian book before so I really appreciated the research that went into writing this to help me understand better because I know absolutely nothing about horses.
Owen and Stella officially have my heart I loved their dynamic and I’m a sucker for a protective MMC
Profile Image for J. Lambert.
Author 1 book7 followers
August 10, 2024
I loved everything about this book. Stella is a new favorite character & I really enjoyed how everything was described that even a ‘newbie’ to being an equestrian could follow along. The romance was excellent & the banter was impeccable.
Profile Image for Taylor May.
69 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2024
The Crossover was a fun, sport romance that takes place in during the MC college years. The MC learn more about each other and their sports while teaching and getting to know each other in a deeper level. The author has done an amazing job at researching the sports involved and giving accurate details.

This novel does feel YAish, but I read a lot of DR, fantasy, and thrillers. There are some TW, so be sure to double check them before starting!
73 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2025
omg- swoon worthy!

As someone who grew up in the hunter/jumper world, I can honestly say that this book was every young woman’s dream. Totally swoon worthy! Highly recommend reading this one!
125 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2024
A cute cozy read. Closed door romance with college athletes. It is a great palate cleanser after a serious read or just something to give you the warm fuzzies
Profile Image for Ella-Rose.
119 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2024
I was so excited to read this book as part of an ARC copy that I received, but after finishing half of the book, I honestly didn't want to finish the second half. The writing is good, plot is alright but it lacked a little where I thought it would shine.
Profile Image for lina rabon.
199 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2024
it was okay but not great
i liked that the communication was open and you didn’t have to sit there for chapters waiting and waiting but the writing lacked maturity
Profile Image for Krissy  Smut_Sommelier.
85 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2024
3.5 stars

This was a good read and excellent introduction into the equestrian world for me.

I enjoyed Stella and Owen college love romance, I'm old lol so it felt like I was reading a YA romance and had me feeling ancient 😄 😆 🤣 ( it's been a while since I was college age).

I felt this book was serious as Stella and while good it didn't give me a happy giddy feel good vibe. I enjoyed this authors writing style and definitely would recommend.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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