She’s a wary soccer mom. He struggles to contain his short fuse on the pitch. When push comes to shove, can they call full-time on love?
Tori Atkins is done with men. So when the single mom’s eight-year-old son embarrasses her by running up to his sporting idol, she dismisses the player’s kind eyes as a one-off encounter. But when the same guy shows up at her community youth center with a plan to train disadvantaged kids, she can’t ignore their growing attraction.
Chance Lawrence's hot temper is a major problem. Suspended after a taunt drew a punch in response, the talented striker does his best to show he’s no troublemaker by taking therapy and getting youngsters engaged. But the explosive pro isn’t sure he can keep his calm whenever he’s around that pretty woman…
Though Tori feels safe by her new lover’s side, she worries their public outings may be a selfish ruse to get the star forward back on his team. And as Chance takes a risk and introduces the captivating lady to the other guys, an off-the-cuff remark could tear them apart forever.
Can they find their happily ever after before the final whistle blows?
Header is the intense first book in the Bradley FC sports romance series. If you like relatable characters, real-world drama, and moderately steamy scenes, then you’ll adore Toni Denise’s delightful kickoff.
I am an author, an engineer, a wife, and a mother to four kids!
We live in Virginia with our three dogs where we work and stay busy with kid's activities. I enjoy writing and am also an avid reader of both contemporary and historical romance.
Writing is my passion, something that I love to do and always have. My journey to author wasn't straightforward but I am so glad I made it here and I get to share with everyone the stories that I love.
My motivation for choosing this book was to challenge my prejudice on football players. I am European and it is common knowledge on our side of the pond that professional football players are easily the most obnoxious breed on the face of the Earth (except anyone who’ve ever played the Danish national team. I will fight you on this.).
Chance and is teammates put my assumptions to shame. All characters share the common trait of being sweethearts, you really get the feeling that everyone have the best intentions. Atlas, not everything turns out just right, but you get the sense that there must be something in the water around Bradley FC for everyone to be so agreeable. Except ofcourse the villain – he could do with chugging a few hundred liters or so.
I would not say the characters are the most dynamic or deep characters I’ve ever come across, but it still works because the author manages to showcase the traits and thoughts need to make the plot progress. Here I’m especially thinking about the romance between the main characters. Their connection is stormfull and quick paced, which easily could get a bit ridicules, but since they remember and think about the romance being quick it makes it okay. It is sort of instalove, but not really since they try to keep their head on. I enjoyed this, considering the situation of both character I think it speaks to something very realistic that they try to hold back.
I think we’ve all seen the title ‘Header: A steamy soccer romance’ and the rather bold use of ‘steamy’ sat some expectations for me. The book left me high and dry, so to speak, as the steamy-ness was there but not a lot. I was going to write a rather upset segment in my review about that until I did some research and saw that the book description says ‘moderately steamy scenes’. So, there is a clash between the cover and the back of the book, where the back is definitely the best description for the story. Don’t get me wrong; I can read books without smut and still enjoy them but when you promise me steamy – you better bring it. And if an author don’t want to jam a million sex scenes into a short book that’s fine, but steamy could also be flirting, dirty talk or non-sexual physical touch. In my opinion Tori and Chance’s relationship could have benefited from either of these things as is could have strengthen their connection to the reader as it would be a sign of them being comfortable with one another.
The moderately steamy description did however explained why the author sat a world where pro athletes apparently live together in a house and refrained from writing a reverse-harem story.
Overall I think this story is sweet. I would recommend it if you are searching for a short and sweet read, but don’t expect it to be the next new classic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book one in The Bardley FC Soccer Romance series and it is Tori and Chance’s story. Tori is a divorced single mom to her eight year old son Emmett after she found out that her husband had been cheating on her for most of their marriage and because her life was always so busy she didn’t have time for anything else especially men after what she had been through so now she just concentrates on her job, works hard and lives for her son who is her world. Chance plays soccer for the FC but had just been suspended after one too many fights and altercations which is disrupting the game and team so now he is on his way to live in Beacon while he gets himself together before he completely destroys his career and ended up being kicked off the team so now he had T try and move forward without losing everything that he had worked so hard for. When Tori and Chance meet for the first time the attraction and chemistry between them was instant but Tori had been deceived too many times and didn’t think that someone like Chance would ever want to be with someone like her so she just walks away when he asks her out on a date. Tori is the athletics manager and trying to do all the scheduling for staff, coaches, players etc which sometimes is a really daunting task but then Tori gets a shock when Chance walks in and they find out that they will be working together and over time there feelings for each other grows so strong and just when everything seems to be going really well something happens that completely breaks everything apart between them but will they be able to communicate and start to trust in each other and how they feel so that they can get the happiness and future that they both want and deserve while also helping Chance stay on the team while Chance, Tori and Emmett become a family. Tori and Chance had gone through so much and even though they had many ups and downs and there relationship was definitely not plain sailing they were absolutely perfect for each other and together and Chance was so good with Emmett and showed him so much love, affection and patience. I really enjoyed reading this book so much and ended up reading it in one sitting because I couldn’t put this book down because it was so addictive and I absolutely loved the outcome. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Chance Lawrence is a popular player on the Bardley FC, but he's also a hothead known for his brawls on the field. He's the favorite player of Tori's son, Emmett. They attended the game where Chance had had his latest meltdown and attacked a player from the opposing team. However, this time Chance had gone too far.
Sam Harrison, the owner of Bardley FC, and Derek Park, the team coach, have finally had enough. They aren't firing him at this time, but he's been suspended for the rest of the season. Sam wants him to stay away from the team, so they'll learn how to play without depending upon him. Since he can't live in the house with the team members, Sam furnishes a house for him to rent. A house not too far from Tori's.
When Tori and Emmet are grocery shopping, Emmet spots Chance and wants to approach him. Tori tells him no because that would be rude. While she's distracted, Emmet races off to talk to Chance.
Chance decides it's time for him to get his act together once and for all. His plan is twofold: first he'll start therapy and learn to control his temper. Then he'll work with his teammates and hold a soccer clinic with the Parks and Recreation Department. It's only when he shows up for the meeting that he learns Tori is the Athletics Manager. It will be up to her to figure out the logistics and scheduling for the clinic.
The more she's around Chance, the more she's drawn to him. She's angry at herself for falling for his charm when she overhears a couple of his teammates congratulating him for snagging a single mother to aid in cleaning up his reputation. Chance doesn't deny it. Bad enough he's using her, but to involve Emmet...
She's upset with him. He has no idea why. Then her horrible ex-husband does a little studying up on Chance and figures out how to get him to react. He just has to call Tori vile names in front of Chance, but unfortunately Emmet, too. He gets his reaction, but it didn't work quite as expected...
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Header is a steamy soccer romance story, which is the first story in the Bardley FC Soccer romance series. Header follows the story of the two main characters, Chance Lawrence and Tori Atkins. Tori is a single mother of an eight-year-old son and she’s done with men. Her son embarrasses her when he runs up to his sporting idol, Tori dismisses the player’s kind eyes as a one-off encounter. Before Tori knows it this player is showing up at her community youth center with a plan to train disadvantaged children, and she could no longer ignore their growing attraction. Chance is a hot temper has become a major problem. Chance is suspended after a taunt drew a punch in response, the taunted striker who does his best to show that he is no longer the troublemaker by taking therapy and getting youngsters engaged in something else other than something destructive. Now this is all the information that I’m going to reveal about Header because I don’t want to completely spoil the book for future readers. Header is definitely a sports romance story that I would give as a recommendation to other readers who love reading these kinds of romance stories. Header is an entertaining, enjoyable, interesting, and intriguing sports romance, and I typically don’t read very many sports romances because I’m not into sports. However, Header was an amazingly written, well-developed, and beautifully executed by Author Toni Denise. Author Toni Denise has done a fabulous job with creating this fascinating romance story. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next book of this series will be about and what the main characters of the story will be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bad boy soccer player seeks redemption. Tori is a single mom to an 8 year old. He's her whole world, but he keeps her on her toes. And he loves soccer - watching it and playing it. It's not all bad, though. There's definitely a particular player she doesn't mind catching an eye-full of! Imagine her surprise when they meet him in the grocery store! Chance is a soccer player. He's loved by the fans and respected by his teammates. But he has a temper. During a recent match he got in another fight, and he's been all but suspended for the rest of the season. He has one last shot to be better, or he won't see next season. He's grocery shopping when he's accosted by an 8 year old fan, followed by his apologetic mother. But Chance and Tori are both surprised when he walks into the local Parks and Rec to talk about his idea for a kids soccer clinic, and she's the Athletics Manager he'll be working with. As they work together, Chance feels a pull toward Tori. Her son is great too. Playing soccer with him just draws them all closer. He can't really explain how he feels. But then his teammates throw a wrench in the works. Before he realizes it, Tori has basically ghosted him, and he doesn't even know why. Not to mention her tool of an ex trying to throw his weight around. Can they both learn to trust again? Or will they let others get in the way of their happiness? This was a good read, with a single mom and her hyperactive son, supportive friends, a bunch of annoying teammates, and an angry soccer player who remembered why he loved his sport. This is the first in a new series, and I can't wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked the characters in this book, as well as the underlying message it relayed. Chance and Tori, the main characters, don't appear to have anything in common and are from two financially different worlds. He's a soccer star, while she's a divorced mom of an athletic son who loves soccer. Chance happens to be his idol. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Chance has an issue controlling his aggression on the field and needs to improve his image. During the process of doing this, he crosses Tori's sphere. Maybe they're not so different once you get to know them?
I fell in love with Chance. Yeah, he needed to fight less and pull fewer flags, no doubt, but I understand his mental process behind things. My heart hurt for him when he hurt, and I wanted to smack him a couple times too. 😆 As for Tori, she'd been bashed down by her ex and had zero self esteem, yet it seemed like she wasn't too interested in changing that fact either. Exasperating is my best word for her and I got tired of it quickly, especially since Chance was so great. Yeah, I know I shouldn't play favorites. She eventually won some points though... never fear. Little Emmitt was just simply the cutest (her son). Actually, all the characters were written and used well and I'm hoping to see alot more of some of them in books to come.
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Chance is a hothead footballer and has just been in another fight. Coach calls him into his office and forces him away from the team, not as a suspension, but a chance to "get reacquainted with why he plays the game." So, he's going to clean up his image and come back with a better attitude, ready to play. Emmett is a cute kid and a distraction. His mom has to bribe him with a box of fruit snacks to get through the grocery store in under an hour....maybe not! When he spots Chance in the store, he gets so excited that he races off and fairly jumps into his arms. Tori's totally embarrassed and apologizes profusely, but Chance will have none of that because he really likes this kid. Tori's life has been challenging ever since she found out that her husband had been cheating for years; but now, she and Emmett are charting a new path. This is a really cute story with a good message.
I loved Header: Book 1 of Bardley FC Soccer. When Chance gets out on break from the team he’s surprised to meet soccer mom Tori at the supermarket, she’s got a great kid also. They seem to connect but when he asked her out she said no. It’s a coincidence when he sets up free training for the city and she works there. It pushes them in the right direction. Unfortunately, Tori has some bad baggage from her divorce and no matter what Chance does he’s not sure she will ever trust him. When she pushes him away it may be the last straw. I loved the storyline and the characters. It’s a sweet story. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have really enjoyed this story, seeing these two meet and date has made me smile so much, I liked the support they got from their friends (I hope to read their story or stories) and I believed their connection and chemistry and was willing them to get to their HEA. I felt for both of them as they went through some tough times, wanted to hug Emmett and I really wanted to sort out a certain character myself!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Header: A steamy soccer romance story of chance and Tori..A pro soccer player who's been suspended having a hot temper and a trouble maker is taking therapy and getting youngsters engaged at the community youth center with a plan to train disadvantaged kids..A single mom who's done with men but when their crossed path fate have other idea..A wonderful,intense,enjoyable,steamy with a bit of drama and romance..Book 1 of Bardley FC Soccer Romance Series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5-4* Chance has issues with controlling his anger and gets suspended from Bardley FC. He decides to make changes by therapy and community work. Tori is mistrusting after being hurt by her Ex. Her 8 year old son triggers a meeting between them. I enjoyed the storyline which was a bit of a rollercoaster filled with tension, chemistry, some steam, hurt, mistrust, growth, and sweetness. I wished for just a bit more depth but this was a good start to this new series and I look forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tori and Chance were so cute and has the most natural meet cute. I loved how down to earth this book was. Chance was sweet and adorable with Emmett and totally ready to step into a relationship with her. They had great chemistry and lots of steam. I also loved the teemate and hopefully we will get to read more about them. Definitely will be checking out more by Toni Denise!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Once I started reading this book, I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. Chance is a soccer player and Tori is a single mom. They are different but alike in many ways. Will they be able to work it out to get to an HEA? What obstacles will stand in the way? I don't want to spoil this book so no details from me. I recommend picking it up and reading!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a cute story and has potential, but it reads like a first draft. Lots of typos and grammatical errors. The third person pov didn’t work for me either. Pacing was off, sometimes moving super slow then speeding forward. I’m still not sure if this happened over the course of a few weeks or longer. With some revisions and proper editing, I think this could be a great story.
What a fun book. A bit of a Rollercoaster as any good book should be :) I think a lot of people can relate to the heroine as trust doesn't come easy once your burned and I love that this bumpy ride wasn't immediately resolved. The tension kept me intrigued. Looking forward to reading more from this author!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is quite fine. There is something a bit missing to make it exceptional. The storyline is good and the characters are as well. Overall I feel it is very deserving of the fine three stars I am giving it here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tori & Chance: Book 1 of Bardley FC Soccer Romance Series: Single mom soccer romance: Quick read. Toni Denise did a great job setting up a new series with this book. I like the main and side characters, and I look forward to reading more about them in the upcoming books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a quick read with minimal drama. With the third act breakup I think there was a try for drama... but really this was a predictable, low angst story. If you are looking for an escape, with a hot H and a single mother you can identify with this is for you.