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Secret Trials #1
Resilient Love
This is a terrible idea.
After experiencing a tragic loss, Elise Auclair refuses to let her trauma dictate her life. With her father’s support and a whole lot of therapy, she’s ready to throw herself into her greatest dream: finishing her final season as the Blaze’s team captain and joining the women’s Olympic football team.
Rafael Romero-Castillo was once known as a carefree thrill-seeker. Until one accident changed the entire trajectory of his life. Now, as the team captain of the Wyvern Warriors, he’s content to focus solely on rugby.
After a scandal led to their coach being fired, the Blaze needs an interim coach, and Elise’s father, the head coach of the Wyvern Warriors, is determined to find one. Even if it means offering up the reclusive rugby team captain.
But what do you get when you mix the impossibly grumpy, emotionally closed off interim coach with the equally grumpy, spitfire team captain? A combination that could lead to screwing or being screwed.
After experiencing a tragic loss, Elise Auclair refuses to let her trauma dictate her life. With her father’s support and a whole lot of therapy, she’s ready to throw herself into her greatest dream: finishing her final season as the Blaze’s team captain and joining the women’s Olympic football team.
Rafael Romero-Castillo was once known as a carefree thrill-seeker. Until one accident changed the entire trajectory of his life. Now, as the team captain of the Wyvern Warriors, he’s content to focus solely on rugby.
After a scandal led to their coach being fired, the Blaze needs an interim coach, and Elise’s father, the head coach of the Wyvern Warriors, is determined to find one. Even if it means offering up the reclusive rugby team captain.
But what do you get when you mix the impossibly grumpy, emotionally closed off interim coach with the equally grumpy, spitfire team captain? A combination that could lead to screwing or being screwed.
510 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2025
17 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Giuliana Victoria
9 books202 followersGiuliana Victoria is an author based in Pennsylvania who shares her readers’ deep love of all things romance. She’s a full-time physician assistant, whose passion lies in being there for her patients during their most vulnerable moments.
When Giuliana isn’t writing swoon-worthy book boyfriends, she can be found yelling about human rights on Threads, hiking with her three large breed rescue dogs, and, of course, curled up with a good book beside her husband, the best “book boyfriend” there is.
When Giuliana isn’t writing swoon-worthy book boyfriends, she can be found yelling about human rights on Threads, hiking with her three large breed rescue dogs, and, of course, curled up with a good book beside her husband, the best “book boyfriend” there is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
July 1, 2025
I’m sad. I’m so sad because I truly…TRULY was looking forward to this book. I was selected as an ARC reader and was even in a group chat with the author…and I was just really really let down. I’m going to preface this by saying that Giuliana Victoria is a great author and extremely sweet…and I mean ZERO disrespect with this review…but I’ve always given my honest opinion and reviews with books I read, especially ones I ARC and this is no different.
There was a lot of build up for this book…one of the main draws for me was the cultural aspect of the book. There was a lot of emphasis put on the fact that they were both immigrants, Elise French and Rafael Argentinian….both living in the U.K…Elise attending university and Rafael playing rugby where Elise’s dad is the coach. Other than the occasional pet name in Spanish…there was nothing cultural about this book. And the overuse of the word “arse” does not add to the feel of them being in the uk. I think it bothered me more than it should being that I myself was born and raised in the uk…my mother being Spanish and immigrating from Spain to the uk…it just felt like she was trying too hard to make you remember that they are in the uk. And honestly…that didn’t even matter. Where they were living bore zero relevance to the story. I would have rather seen their culture shine through in their speaking. Especially since English is both of their second language…
The story felt disjointed and not very well thought out. The premise is, Elise is on a soccer team for university…but…her coach has been fired for sleeping with players. In comes Rafael to take over as coach…WHY? Oh…because his rugby coach, Elise’s DAD…told him to. Again…WHY?!? No offence but who gave Elise’s dad power over the universities soccer team? If that was explained I must have missed it. But it makes no sense because every sports team has multiple coaches. And at university level it’s even more so. So why would some random rugby play with zero affiliation to the university be coaching? I’m…in a state of confusion with my brows furrowed. 😩
Rafael and Elise are just two horny rabbits. Point. Blank. Period. They hate each other from the start but somehow forget it and end up banging in the back seat of his car. Great. But this man uses lines like…I don’t use $ex to get closer to my partner…I use it as a release… 👀👀👀 BE SO F FOR REAL RIGHT NOW! Girl RUN! But she doesn’t because she’s on the same delulu train as him.
Both MC’s have mental health issues. I will say the author handled it really well. Elise suffers from bi-polar and Rafael with depression and anxiety…these two need therapy. THERAPY. They are unwell and their actions show it. The fact that we see them BUM RUSHING each other into immersion therapy??? REALLY? The blind leading the blind. Why…and I say this with all the respect in the world, as an ER nurse myself who also suffers from mental health issues…WHY would you let someone with bipolar who is clearly unwell , still dealing with trauma…goes off her meds to pass drug tests?!?! Why would you allow this person to push you into anything. Especially immersion therapy at their hands! These are not doctors and things like this should only EVER be done by trained physicians or counsellors. I’m a full fledged BSN and I wouldn’t DARE do that…we have to be more cognisant of what we put in books. Someone can read this and think…I can do it too. No you can’t. Do not. You will hurt yourself or someone else…please…I beg of you. Do. Not.
Speaking of trauma….don’t really know what the full extent of the trauma is for Elise because we never talk about it. We do spend a whole chapter on her period though…so I mean…we have that ? 🤷🏻♀️
Communication between these two is pretty much non existent unless it has to do with them talking dirty to each other or slinging middle school insults at each other. They have lots of chats about the struggle they are having with the fact that they want each other but shouldn’t because of the whole, coach / player thing….and her dad being his coach…but those conversations happen in their heads….with themselves….these conversations never actually manifest in reality. They never vocalise any of this to each other. And why should they? Apparently everyone is A ok with Rafael and Elise being together, even her father…………………DID WE NOT JUST FIRE SOMEONE FOR SLEEPING WITH PLAYERS?!?! 😩😩😩 I guess it’s ok if it’s your coaches daughter….since he got you the job…with no ties to the university ! Guys I’m crashing out. I can’t. I don’t understand. Help!
I’m saving the best for last…the papaya. The fing papaya. Who told you a papaya eating contest was a good fundraiser for a ruby team ? I felt a bit….weird about it…not going to lie. Why papaya? Are we thinking papaya is some big thing in the uk ? It’s not…loads of other things that make sense for fundraisers. Literally ANYTHING else would have been fine. I’m really hoping this wasn’t like….a throw to the cultural aspect of the story…because if it was…ouch.
Also Elise and Rafael are bi, but it never really comes up except for Rafael saying he’s slept around with men and women looking for a spark but never found it…and I know nothing about Elise’s experience because she never talks about it 🤷🏻♀️
Ok. I’m done. I’m exhausted. This was a lot. Feel free to journey down the rabbit hole if you choose. Like I said. The author is great. This book just wasn’t it for me for a lot of reasons. Reviews are mixed. But this is just my honest opinion. Happy reading, loves X
Thank you to Giuliana Victoria for the opportunity to ARC read this book 💙
🏉Sports Romance
⚽️Soccer Player FMC
🏉Rugby Player/Soccer Coach MMC
⚽️Coaches Daughter
🏉Forbidden
⚽️Grumpy x Grumpy
🏉Mental Health Rep
⚽️Enemies to Lovers
🏉Bi for Bi
⚽️She’s French
🏉He’s Argentinian
⚽️Age Gap (21/33)
🏉Found Family
⚽️Forced Proximity
🏉Multi POV
⚽️HEA
There was a lot of build up for this book…one of the main draws for me was the cultural aspect of the book. There was a lot of emphasis put on the fact that they were both immigrants, Elise French and Rafael Argentinian….both living in the U.K…Elise attending university and Rafael playing rugby where Elise’s dad is the coach. Other than the occasional pet name in Spanish…there was nothing cultural about this book. And the overuse of the word “arse” does not add to the feel of them being in the uk. I think it bothered me more than it should being that I myself was born and raised in the uk…my mother being Spanish and immigrating from Spain to the uk…it just felt like she was trying too hard to make you remember that they are in the uk. And honestly…that didn’t even matter. Where they were living bore zero relevance to the story. I would have rather seen their culture shine through in their speaking. Especially since English is both of their second language…
The story felt disjointed and not very well thought out. The premise is, Elise is on a soccer team for university…but…her coach has been fired for sleeping with players. In comes Rafael to take over as coach…WHY? Oh…because his rugby coach, Elise’s DAD…told him to. Again…WHY?!? No offence but who gave Elise’s dad power over the universities soccer team? If that was explained I must have missed it. But it makes no sense because every sports team has multiple coaches. And at university level it’s even more so. So why would some random rugby play with zero affiliation to the university be coaching? I’m…in a state of confusion with my brows furrowed. 😩
Rafael and Elise are just two horny rabbits. Point. Blank. Period. They hate each other from the start but somehow forget it and end up banging in the back seat of his car. Great. But this man uses lines like…I don’t use $ex to get closer to my partner…I use it as a release… 👀👀👀 BE SO F FOR REAL RIGHT NOW! Girl RUN! But she doesn’t because she’s on the same delulu train as him.
Both MC’s have mental health issues. I will say the author handled it really well. Elise suffers from bi-polar and Rafael with depression and anxiety…these two need therapy. THERAPY. They are unwell and their actions show it. The fact that we see them BUM RUSHING each other into immersion therapy??? REALLY? The blind leading the blind. Why…and I say this with all the respect in the world, as an ER nurse myself who also suffers from mental health issues…WHY would you let someone with bipolar who is clearly unwell , still dealing with trauma…goes off her meds to pass drug tests?!?! Why would you allow this person to push you into anything. Especially immersion therapy at their hands! These are not doctors and things like this should only EVER be done by trained physicians or counsellors. I’m a full fledged BSN and I wouldn’t DARE do that…we have to be more cognisant of what we put in books. Someone can read this and think…I can do it too. No you can’t. Do not. You will hurt yourself or someone else…please…I beg of you. Do. Not.
Speaking of trauma….don’t really know what the full extent of the trauma is for Elise because we never talk about it. We do spend a whole chapter on her period though…so I mean…we have that ? 🤷🏻♀️
Communication between these two is pretty much non existent unless it has to do with them talking dirty to each other or slinging middle school insults at each other. They have lots of chats about the struggle they are having with the fact that they want each other but shouldn’t because of the whole, coach / player thing….and her dad being his coach…but those conversations happen in their heads….with themselves….these conversations never actually manifest in reality. They never vocalise any of this to each other. And why should they? Apparently everyone is A ok with Rafael and Elise being together, even her father…………………DID WE NOT JUST FIRE SOMEONE FOR SLEEPING WITH PLAYERS?!?! 😩😩😩 I guess it’s ok if it’s your coaches daughter….since he got you the job…with no ties to the university ! Guys I’m crashing out. I can’t. I don’t understand. Help!
I’m saving the best for last…the papaya. The fing papaya. Who told you a papaya eating contest was a good fundraiser for a ruby team ? I felt a bit….weird about it…not going to lie. Why papaya? Are we thinking papaya is some big thing in the uk ? It’s not…loads of other things that make sense for fundraisers. Literally ANYTHING else would have been fine. I’m really hoping this wasn’t like….a throw to the cultural aspect of the story…because if it was…ouch.
Also Elise and Rafael are bi, but it never really comes up except for Rafael saying he’s slept around with men and women looking for a spark but never found it…and I know nothing about Elise’s experience because she never talks about it 🤷🏻♀️
Ok. I’m done. I’m exhausted. This was a lot. Feel free to journey down the rabbit hole if you choose. Like I said. The author is great. This book just wasn’t it for me for a lot of reasons. Reviews are mixed. But this is just my honest opinion. Happy reading, loves X
Thank you to Giuliana Victoria for the opportunity to ARC read this book 💙
🏉Sports Romance
⚽️Soccer Player FMC
🏉Rugby Player/Soccer Coach MMC
⚽️Coaches Daughter
🏉Forbidden
⚽️Grumpy x Grumpy
🏉Mental Health Rep
⚽️Enemies to Lovers
🏉Bi for Bi
⚽️She’s French
🏉He’s Argentinian
⚽️Age Gap (21/33)
🏉Found Family
⚽️Forced Proximity
🏉Multi POV
⚽️HEA
June 10, 2025
I was lured in by the cover and trope map. But alas, I am so very disappointed by this read. Too much showing, not enough telling-and that’s definitely not a writing style I enjoy. But moreover, key conversations between the MCs to establish trust and vulnerability, were woefully missing in the text. And I mean that the characters have entire internal dialogues in their POVs where they work out their feelings, but the actual conversation between main characters is completely skimmed over on page. It’s supremely frustrating. Whole chapters (albeit short) that added absolutely nothing to advance the plot or character development. But perhaps key for me… 1) no conflict and 2) little to no culture.
Regarding each of these:
1) There is so little conflict between these main characters that the entire premise is boring. Sure, the MMC is older by about a decade and he’s her interim soccer coach…but there are NO stakes here. All their friends are supportive and even her father, HIS rugby coach, is accepting. SO IN THE END AFTER 350+ pages, WHAT IS THE POINT?! And, well, even though the conflict was mostly internal, these main characters bulldozed past it relatively quickly.
2) Marketed as “multicultural” leads, there are minimal cultural touch points in the text (and they really only take place after 85% when the pair visit Argentina). Why bother naming specific nationalities or identities for these characters if it’s not going to play a part of the plot? In fact, it added nothing to enhance the story. These characters just so happened to be French and Argentinian, but nothing in the text makes this aspect of their identities distinctive or worthy of commentary, even though they are both immigrants and living in the UK. They could have been Wonderful Bread White and you wouldn’t note a difference in their relationship or plot development. So I ask, what was the point?
Other plot points that missed the mark for me:
-Rafael’s immediate objectification of Elise, which morphs into a consistent internal monologue of him blaming her for his inability to control said ogling and objectification of her every time she’s on the pitch or in his office.
-The plot hole involving Elise’s roommates policing her medication count early on in the text. After the relationship with Rafael begins, no mention of medication is revisited. Nor do Elise’s roommates continue to police her medication intake.
-Physical over emotional intimacy at the outset. Yes it’s a choice to have these MCs just “get it out of their system,” but the relationship pacing is too inconsistent and too dependent on inferences from off page conversations (same with the plot pacing).
-The whole scene in chapter 28 involving the rugby team eating papaya as a fundraising stunt. It was weird and gross.
-Elise and Rafael becoming each other’s de facto therapists. Rafael deciding to force Elise into exposure therapy for her fear of heights; Elise deciding to force Rafael to confront his guilt through an over the top stunt in Argentina. It just didn’t work.
-This book is marketed as bi for bi. Much like the cultural identities of the main characters, there is minimal mention of their bisexuality. So again, what was the point of inclusion?
This feels like a case of an author in need of a stronger alpha and beta reading team. You need more than just cheerleaders! You need critical readers who will tell you that this story is dragginggggggg. Because it does. My god it does.
Bonus: Take a shot every time someone’s eye color is needlessly mentioned. I counted 33.
🥴
🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃
Regarding each of these:
1) There is so little conflict between these main characters that the entire premise is boring. Sure, the MMC is older by about a decade and he’s her interim soccer coach…but there are NO stakes here. All their friends are supportive and even her father, HIS rugby coach, is accepting. SO IN THE END AFTER 350+ pages, WHAT IS THE POINT?! And, well, even though the conflict was mostly internal, these main characters bulldozed past it relatively quickly.
2) Marketed as “multicultural” leads, there are minimal cultural touch points in the text (and they really only take place after 85% when the pair visit Argentina). Why bother naming specific nationalities or identities for these characters if it’s not going to play a part of the plot? In fact, it added nothing to enhance the story. These characters just so happened to be French and Argentinian, but nothing in the text makes this aspect of their identities distinctive or worthy of commentary, even though they are both immigrants and living in the UK. They could have been Wonderful Bread White and you wouldn’t note a difference in their relationship or plot development. So I ask, what was the point?
Other plot points that missed the mark for me:
-Rafael’s immediate objectification of Elise, which morphs into a consistent internal monologue of him blaming her for his inability to control said ogling and objectification of her every time she’s on the pitch or in his office.
-The plot hole involving Elise’s roommates policing her medication count early on in the text. After the relationship with Rafael begins, no mention of medication is revisited. Nor do Elise’s roommates continue to police her medication intake.
-Physical over emotional intimacy at the outset. Yes it’s a choice to have these MCs just “get it out of their system,” but the relationship pacing is too inconsistent and too dependent on inferences from off page conversations (same with the plot pacing).
-The whole scene in chapter 28 involving the rugby team eating papaya as a fundraising stunt. It was weird and gross.
-Elise and Rafael becoming each other’s de facto therapists. Rafael deciding to force Elise into exposure therapy for her fear of heights; Elise deciding to force Rafael to confront his guilt through an over the top stunt in Argentina. It just didn’t work.
-This book is marketed as bi for bi. Much like the cultural identities of the main characters, there is minimal mention of their bisexuality. So again, what was the point of inclusion?
This feels like a case of an author in need of a stronger alpha and beta reading team. You need more than just cheerleaders! You need critical readers who will tell you that this story is dragginggggggg. Because it does. My god it does.
Bonus: Take a shot every time someone’s eye color is needlessly mentioned. I counted 33.
🥴
🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃
June 29, 2025
Thank you so much to Giuliana Victoria for this E-ARC!
I am such a fan of Giuliana’s books and from the moment I saw what this book was about, I got excited!!
Resilient Love follows Elise “sunshine” Auclair and Rafael “sunny D” Romero-Castillo (iykyk). Elise is a football (it’s set in the UK) star and Rafael plays rugby for her dad’s team. Some dramaaa with the old football coach goes down (he was sleeping with players) and Elise’s dad asks (tells) Rafael to coach the girl’s team.
The fireworks and banter start immediately and the chemistry between Elise and Rafael is undeniable! Are they able to let their guards down and find out what it means to be loved? Read to find out! Out now on paperback, hardcover, and KU!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Find more on my IG @kayreads_romance
⚠️ !! Please be sure to check any TWs before diving in !! ⚠️
What to expect:
⚽ College Women's Football Captain
🏉 Pro Men's Rugby Captain
🌞 Grumpy x Grumpy
❌ No Third Act Breakup
📱 Spicy Texts
🥅 Coach's Daughter
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🏳️🌈 Bi for Bi
🤌🏼 He's Her Interim Coach
↕️ Age Gap (12 years- 21 & 33)
❤️🩹 Bipolar 1 Disorder (FMC), Grief Healing (both MCs), Undiagnosed Learning Disability (FMC), Undiagnosed Depression (MMC)
💕 Unbreakable Friendships & Found Family
💖 Multicultural relationship
🥰 Praise
👥 1st Person/ Multi POV
Spicy chapters:
2
22
24
29
30
34
35
38
41
45
47
50
73
My thoughts while reading:
🚨ALERT SPOILERS AHEAD🚨
Oh uh ohhhh the previous coach had to go bc they were sleeping w the players oop
OH THATS WHY THE CHAPTER TITLE IS EIFFEL TOWER
Oh Rafael!!! “Sex is a physical release, not a way to grow closer to my partner, and after several rounds of trial and error with both men and women, sometimes both at the same time, I’m resigned to the idea that I probably won’t find anyone who matches my needs without wanting a switch or looking for an emotional attachment that I’ll never be able to offer.”
“You’re my interim coach, not my daddy…”
But maybe 👀👀
Ugh I just love BANTER I live for the back and forth!!!
Chapter 13 🥺🥺
I won’t lie, chapter 19 was a hard one for me, but this is so important.
“No, Elise,” he grits out, “I don’t need to talk about it. What I need is a goddamn distraction.” Ohhhhhhh heheheheh
“Evidently, I’m attracted to unhinged men, like this one, who looks like he could simultaneously fulfil all of my wildest and most erotic fantasies as he tears my heart and mind apart, piece by dreadful piece.”
Real Elise, so real
DIRTY TALK DIRTY TALK
“Crawl to me” ahhhhhhn hehehehe I’m d*ad
Chapter 35 my goddddddd
Hehehehe they cuddled and slept together omgggg I’m smiling so big rn
Omg wait is Elise bi too??? 💕💕
“Through all the chaos and her unrelenting sass, I see her. I see Elise Auclair for who she truly is, and buried beneath the rubble of a difficult past and emotionally taxing mental illness is someone just fighting to get to the next thing each day. She’s resilient. And through seeing her, I’m able to see myself reflected a little more clearly too.”
😭😭😭😭😭😭
Honestly I relate to Elise so much I am also severely scared of heights
Chapter 39 is breaking my HEART
Chapter 41 🥰🥰🥰🥰💕💕💕💕💕😭😭😭😭😭😳😳😳😳😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
“But it’s not because I don’t want to be here. It’s because I have an early class in the morning, and frankly, I feel like I’m growing a little too attached to you, too quickly, and I need the space to gather my emotions and not run the risk of falling into something that neither of us is comfortable with. Does that make sense?” LOVING THE COMMUNICATION!!!!!
The trench coat!!! Ahahahahahahah
“You were right, but not about the telly.”
Giu you could have sh*t me and it would have been less painful!!!!
🥰🥰Baby🥰🥰
“I think I’m ridiculously in like with you,” he says, his voice small.”
AHHHHH heheheheheheeeebdhxvhshshxhjd
He calllleddd her bc they both couldn’t sleep!!!!!!
“I’ll protect you with my life, because you are my life, Elise.” SCREAMING OMG
OHHHH SHIT SHE SAID CALL ME MOMMY AHHHHSKXJJDJSKXJXJSKS
AND SHE SAID CRAWL TO ME IM DYING
“Because, mi vida, with you, I feel whole.” GOD
Omg he left her in the bathroom aloneee ajshndkdjxnxndnxj
Chapter 62 HAHAHHAAHHAHAAH
“and I do give him that blowy, even if he didn’t deserve it.” LOL PLEASE
“When Rafael is annoyed and grumpy, all he wants later are cuddles. He’s a lot like me on my period.” Hahaha
I just loved this book so much I love Elise and Rafael 😭
I am such a fan of Giuliana’s books and from the moment I saw what this book was about, I got excited!!
Resilient Love follows Elise “sunshine” Auclair and Rafael “sunny D” Romero-Castillo (iykyk). Elise is a football (it’s set in the UK) star and Rafael plays rugby for her dad’s team. Some dramaaa with the old football coach goes down (he was sleeping with players) and Elise’s dad asks (tells) Rafael to coach the girl’s team.
The fireworks and banter start immediately and the chemistry between Elise and Rafael is undeniable! Are they able to let their guards down and find out what it means to be loved? Read to find out! Out now on paperback, hardcover, and KU!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Find more on my IG @kayreads_romance
⚠️ !! Please be sure to check any TWs before diving in !! ⚠️
What to expect:
⚽ College Women's Football Captain
🏉 Pro Men's Rugby Captain
🌞 Grumpy x Grumpy
❌ No Third Act Breakup
📱 Spicy Texts
🥅 Coach's Daughter
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🏳️🌈 Bi for Bi
🤌🏼 He's Her Interim Coach
↕️ Age Gap (12 years- 21 & 33)
❤️🩹 Bipolar 1 Disorder (FMC), Grief Healing (both MCs), Undiagnosed Learning Disability (FMC), Undiagnosed Depression (MMC)
💕 Unbreakable Friendships & Found Family
💖 Multicultural relationship
🥰 Praise
👥 1st Person/ Multi POV
Spicy chapters:
2
22
24
29
30
34
35
38
41
45
47
50
73
My thoughts while reading:
🚨ALERT SPOILERS AHEAD🚨
Oh uh ohhhh the previous coach had to go bc they were sleeping w the players oop
OH THATS WHY THE CHAPTER TITLE IS EIFFEL TOWER
Oh Rafael!!! “Sex is a physical release, not a way to grow closer to my partner, and after several rounds of trial and error with both men and women, sometimes both at the same time, I’m resigned to the idea that I probably won’t find anyone who matches my needs without wanting a switch or looking for an emotional attachment that I’ll never be able to offer.”
“You’re my interim coach, not my daddy…”
But maybe 👀👀
Ugh I just love BANTER I live for the back and forth!!!
Chapter 13 🥺🥺
I won’t lie, chapter 19 was a hard one for me, but this is so important.
“No, Elise,” he grits out, “I don’t need to talk about it. What I need is a goddamn distraction.” Ohhhhhhh heheheheh
“Evidently, I’m attracted to unhinged men, like this one, who looks like he could simultaneously fulfil all of my wildest and most erotic fantasies as he tears my heart and mind apart, piece by dreadful piece.”
Real Elise, so real
DIRTY TALK DIRTY TALK
“Crawl to me” ahhhhhhn hehehehe I’m d*ad
Chapter 35 my goddddddd
Hehehehe they cuddled and slept together omgggg I’m smiling so big rn
Omg wait is Elise bi too??? 💕💕
“Through all the chaos and her unrelenting sass, I see her. I see Elise Auclair for who she truly is, and buried beneath the rubble of a difficult past and emotionally taxing mental illness is someone just fighting to get to the next thing each day. She’s resilient. And through seeing her, I’m able to see myself reflected a little more clearly too.”
😭😭😭😭😭😭
Honestly I relate to Elise so much I am also severely scared of heights
Chapter 39 is breaking my HEART
Chapter 41 🥰🥰🥰🥰💕💕💕💕💕😭😭😭😭😭😳😳😳😳😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨
“But it’s not because I don’t want to be here. It’s because I have an early class in the morning, and frankly, I feel like I’m growing a little too attached to you, too quickly, and I need the space to gather my emotions and not run the risk of falling into something that neither of us is comfortable with. Does that make sense?” LOVING THE COMMUNICATION!!!!!
The trench coat!!! Ahahahahahahah
“You were right, but not about the telly.”
Giu you could have sh*t me and it would have been less painful!!!!
🥰🥰Baby🥰🥰
“I think I’m ridiculously in like with you,” he says, his voice small.”
AHHHHH heheheheheheeeebdhxvhshshxhjd
He calllleddd her bc they both couldn’t sleep!!!!!!
“I’ll protect you with my life, because you are my life, Elise.” SCREAMING OMG
OHHHH SHIT SHE SAID CALL ME MOMMY AHHHHSKXJJDJSKXJXJSKS
AND SHE SAID CRAWL TO ME IM DYING
“Because, mi vida, with you, I feel whole.” GOD
Omg he left her in the bathroom aloneee ajshndkdjxnxndnxj
Chapter 62 HAHAHHAAHHAHAAH
“and I do give him that blowy, even if he didn’t deserve it.” LOL PLEASE
“When Rafael is annoyed and grumpy, all he wants later are cuddles. He’s a lot like me on my period.” Hahaha
I just loved this book so much I love Elise and Rafael 😭
July 8, 2025
ive gotta say, this was a rollercoaster for me in the beginning. I truly had to lock in and try my hardest not to dnf, which sounds crazy I know but stay with me. the fmc was pissing me off in a way ive never seen before. she was so cocky and annoying and making what I would consider all the wrong choices for herself and the team, just continuously the wrong decision over and over and i was like... I dont know if I can do this. then she goes off her BPD meds and I really was ready to quit. that whole thing had be sitting there like I like the mmc even though he too is annoying me but like girl, I what world would this be the right choice for this situation (trust me it was not the right choice and obviously the bad choice and she so happily picked it) but seeing the mmc and her come together after that, and her calm down and explain basically why shes been acting this way and promising to stop, I decided I could read a little bit more. then they started hunching. I could read more cause they was HUNCHING I mean my girl was going to Paris before, she's a freak and we loved it (hence why i kept reading) but I mean they wad on and popping and then they started opening up to each other and next thing you know, im smiling at my phone like I'm in the book. how did you turn this on me? im sitting in my car, not getting pic of a hot rugby man and yet smiling big as could be. whatever. then they had the audacity to be good and cute together and helpful to each other and their mental health as well as their education and sports goals. like why was i thinking of dnfing? i was waiting for the shoe to drop, something bad to happen and when faced with the big challenge, I won't ruin it, I realized these two must have said their prayers cause the outcome was not what I thought it was going to be at all.
with all this said there is a ton of grief in here and survivors guilt that as someone with a ton of that trauma I loved seeing one being healed but still sad and the other asking for help. hearing their stories after them being mentioned kind of hurt more than I was expecting. I thought it was going to be like a finally you've been teasing this forever 🙄 get it over with and instead it had me sitting there thanking myself for not reading it the week before my period because I would have been in tears. all in all I gave 4 stars because I did almost throw my kindle multiple times but I did really like this book and I mean this was such a real and raw portrayal of grieving and moving on (you're a bit of an 🍑 when you're grieving, at least i was) and coming out and starting to heal is you realizing you can't push everyone away all the time and thats what this was, while being wrapped up in a VERY SPICY romance. but very spicy, like has you blushing but also wishing for your own Rafael
with all this said there is a ton of grief in here and survivors guilt that as someone with a ton of that trauma I loved seeing one being healed but still sad and the other asking for help. hearing their stories after them being mentioned kind of hurt more than I was expecting. I thought it was going to be like a finally you've been teasing this forever 🙄 get it over with and instead it had me sitting there thanking myself for not reading it the week before my period because I would have been in tears. all in all I gave 4 stars because I did almost throw my kindle multiple times but I did really like this book and I mean this was such a real and raw portrayal of grieving and moving on (you're a bit of an 🍑 when you're grieving, at least i was) and coming out and starting to heal is you realizing you can't push everyone away all the time and thats what this was, while being wrapped up in a VERY SPICY romance. but very spicy, like has you blushing but also wishing for your own Rafael
June 25, 2025
Giuliana Victoria is so incredibly skilled about writing about disability, mental health struggles, trauma, etcetera, because it's so clear that she cares and does the research. I can't remember the first time I've read a book with a main character who is bipolar, showcases a lesser-accepted display of that disorder, and still was surrounded by love and support and care without being coddled. This was so incredibly lovely to read, so I wanted to start my review off with that.
When Rafael becomes the interim coach to Elise's football (soccer) team as a favor to Elise's father, who is the coach of Rafael's rugby team, they both are immediately turned off by each other's attitudes. Over time, they slowly but surely fall for each other and give into their forbidden desires while becoming safe places for each other to land as they both live lives burdened by guilt and trauma.
Their chemistry was off the charts and I truly feel like factored into the true balance they provided one another. Elisa and Rafa are true partners, and this is one of those age gap romances where their age gap actually adds much-needed balance and perspective to two otherwise highly-strung, grumpy individuals LOL. I also enjoyed how much this book seamlessly incorporated their respective native languages and cultures!
I did struggle a bit with the pacing after about the 60% mark; it just seemed like the narrative slowed down majorly. While these sections do have moments of Elise and Rafa bonding and hunching, some of these moments are glossed over in a, "we spent all night talking" kind of way where I wished I was privy to these moments. But I am also a nosy woman, so that could just be a me thing!
4 ⭐️s
2.5 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 06/26/25
When Rafael becomes the interim coach to Elise's football (soccer) team as a favor to Elise's father, who is the coach of Rafael's rugby team, they both are immediately turned off by each other's attitudes. Over time, they slowly but surely fall for each other and give into their forbidden desires while becoming safe places for each other to land as they both live lives burdened by guilt and trauma.
Their chemistry was off the charts and I truly feel like factored into the true balance they provided one another. Elisa and Rafa are true partners, and this is one of those age gap romances where their age gap actually adds much-needed balance and perspective to two otherwise highly-strung, grumpy individuals LOL. I also enjoyed how much this book seamlessly incorporated their respective native languages and cultures!
I did struggle a bit with the pacing after about the 60% mark; it just seemed like the narrative slowed down majorly. While these sections do have moments of Elise and Rafa bonding and hunching, some of these moments are glossed over in a, "we spent all night talking" kind of way where I wished I was privy to these moments. But I am also a nosy woman, so that could just be a me thing!
4 ⭐️s
2.5 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 06/26/25
July 1, 2025
Resilient Love by Giuliana Victoria
405 Pages
Secret Trials Book 1
Wow, wow, wow and wow, this book was such an emotional ride, between both their traumatic pasts and their on going struggles Rafael and Elise are a match made in heaven,
Resilient Love follows Elises and not letting her past define her and what she wants her goal is the Women's Olympic Football team, that is until her team are in need of a new coach following a recent scandal, in enters Rugby Captain Rafael, he may be grumpy and he may have some delicious thighs but her dad coaches his rugby team the Wyvern Warriors but will that stop the undeniable chemistry?
I love the start of a new series getting to know everyone and looking forward what the rest of the series will bring and this is certainly no exception, I can't wait to see what else this series has to offer, especially with the little tid bits we learn about the rest of Elise's friend group.
I love the representation of certain mental illness's that we usually would see and how it can affect those around you, it was beautifully written.
I would highly recommend that you read this and the rest of Giuliana's works they are swoony and spicy with the perfect amount of sweet! Honestly difficult to put down, For Fans of Football Romance, Rugby Romance, Age Gap, Traumatic Pasts, Coaches Daughter and delicious spicy content.
405 Pages
Secret Trials Book 1
Wow, wow, wow and wow, this book was such an emotional ride, between both their traumatic pasts and their on going struggles Rafael and Elise are a match made in heaven,
Resilient Love follows Elises and not letting her past define her and what she wants her goal is the Women's Olympic Football team, that is until her team are in need of a new coach following a recent scandal, in enters Rugby Captain Rafael, he may be grumpy and he may have some delicious thighs but her dad coaches his rugby team the Wyvern Warriors but will that stop the undeniable chemistry?
I love the start of a new series getting to know everyone and looking forward what the rest of the series will bring and this is certainly no exception, I can't wait to see what else this series has to offer, especially with the little tid bits we learn about the rest of Elise's friend group.
I love the representation of certain mental illness's that we usually would see and how it can affect those around you, it was beautifully written.
I would highly recommend that you read this and the rest of Giuliana's works they are swoony and spicy with the perfect amount of sweet! Honestly difficult to put down, For Fans of Football Romance, Rugby Romance, Age Gap, Traumatic Pasts, Coaches Daughter and delicious spicy content.
June 27, 2025
Elise is embarrassed and ashamed of her mental health, bipolar disorder and doesn’t want many people to know about it, especially her new hot coach. Elise plays on a soccer team and her dad hires one of his rugby players to coach them since they are without.
Rafael also has some mental health/depression struggles. He doesn’t like others to know about them either. He is not very excited to be thrown into coaching, but doesn’t have much of a choice, so he does what he can.
The push and pull between the characters starts right away. There is a sexual connection, but they are off limits. She is his coaches daughter and he is her coach. But when he needs him, he is there for her.
The banter between these characters was so good. There was raw chemistry between them, but their circumstances made it impossible. And both of them were struggling internally and on a deeper level.
There were some parts that were just a miss for me, in the beginning the random other character point of views had me thrown off.
3.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Rafael also has some mental health/depression struggles. He doesn’t like others to know about them either. He is not very excited to be thrown into coaching, but doesn’t have much of a choice, so he does what he can.
The push and pull between the characters starts right away. There is a sexual connection, but they are off limits. She is his coaches daughter and he is her coach. But when he needs him, he is there for her.
The banter between these characters was so good. There was raw chemistry between them, but their circumstances made it impossible. And both of them were struggling internally and on a deeper level.
There were some parts that were just a miss for me, in the beginning the random other character point of views had me thrown off.
3.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️
June 22, 2025
So far I've loved everything Giuliana writes and this was no different! Read it in two sittings! I loved the banter between Rafael and Elise from the start. If there's one thing that will pull me into a book, it's the banter, especially when they dislike each other! But I also love the mental health rep in this book too. Both Elise and Rafael have experienced some trauma and seeing them work through this and how vulnerable they are with each other had my heart so full. Overall, I can't wait to see where this series takes us!
What to expect:
-Pro rugby MMC x College soccer FMC
-Coach's daughter
-Forbidden
-Hate to love
-Grumpy x grumpy
-Age gap
-He's her interim coach
-Mental health rep
-Found family
Thank you to Giuliana Victoria for letting me read and enjoy this beautiful book!
What to expect:
-Pro rugby MMC x College soccer FMC
-Coach's daughter
-Forbidden
-Hate to love
-Grumpy x grumpy
-Age gap
-He's her interim coach
-Mental health rep
-Found family
Thank you to Giuliana Victoria for letting me read and enjoy this beautiful book!
June 23, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
This enemies to lovers, coach’s daughter book delivers a beautiful healing story between two people that felt broken by their respective pasts.
Rafael, a rugby player, is asked to take over the coaching position for his rugby coach’s daughter’s soccer team. From there he meet Elise, our star soccer player. While they disliked each other at first, they served top tier banter right from the start and I loved every minute of it. What I enjoyed the most out of this story was their ability to be vulnerable with other with their struggles and the way they were able to support each other. We get a beautiful and respectful representation of mental health in this book, which is something you can always expect from this author.
After meeting a couple of Rafa and Elise’s teammates throughout this book, I look foward to see what will come next in this series.
I would like to thank Giuliana Victoria for the opportunity to read and review Resilient Love.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
This enemies to lovers, coach’s daughter book delivers a beautiful healing story between two people that felt broken by their respective pasts.
Rafael, a rugby player, is asked to take over the coaching position for his rugby coach’s daughter’s soccer team. From there he meet Elise, our star soccer player. While they disliked each other at first, they served top tier banter right from the start and I loved every minute of it. What I enjoyed the most out of this story was their ability to be vulnerable with other with their struggles and the way they were able to support each other. We get a beautiful and respectful representation of mental health in this book, which is something you can always expect from this author.
After meeting a couple of Rafa and Elise’s teammates throughout this book, I look foward to see what will come next in this series.
I would like to thank Giuliana Victoria for the opportunity to read and review Resilient Love.
June 26, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spicy: 🌶️ 🌶️
Elise Auclair is a force fiercely determined, healing from tragedy, and laser-focused on her Olympic dreams. Rafael Romero-Castillo, on the other hand, is all broody ex-thrill-seeker turned reluctant rugby coach. When he’s roped into coaching Elise’s team after a scandal, sparks fly… and not always the good kind.
What I like about this book is it stand out and hits the heart. Both Elise and Rafael carry real emotional weight grief, guilt, ambition and the story never rushes their healing. Instead, it builds tension through vulnerability, trust, and the reluctant way they begin to understand each other.
It’s grumpy x grumpy perfection, with just enough spice, team dynamics, and emotional depth to keep the pages turning.
Spicy: 🌶️ 🌶️
Elise Auclair is a force fiercely determined, healing from tragedy, and laser-focused on her Olympic dreams. Rafael Romero-Castillo, on the other hand, is all broody ex-thrill-seeker turned reluctant rugby coach. When he’s roped into coaching Elise’s team after a scandal, sparks fly… and not always the good kind.
What I like about this book is it stand out and hits the heart. Both Elise and Rafael carry real emotional weight grief, guilt, ambition and the story never rushes their healing. Instead, it builds tension through vulnerability, trust, and the reluctant way they begin to understand each other.
It’s grumpy x grumpy perfection, with just enough spice, team dynamics, and emotional depth to keep the pages turning.
July 6, 2025
Who doesn't like a grumpy vs grumpy enemies to lovers story? Elise plays soccer and her team needs a new coach, enter Rafael, a rugby player on her dad's team. She feels like he's just there to report back to her dad. They butt heads but there is an attraction under it all. They decide to just get it out of their systems. Too bad it doesn't work out like that. What will happen if they keep their relationship going?
June 27, 2025
2.5⭐️? need to sit on it for a minute. RTC
July 1, 2025
I enjoyed the banter between the main characters. It was a super cute, quick, fun read.
July 5, 2025
✦Series: Secret Trials #1
This is a standalone to start a new series.
✦POV: Dual first-person
Mostly, but then we get a few chapters with Elise’s friends’ POVs which felt oddly placed and took me out of the story. Otherwise, they had decent banter even though I thought they were a bit insufferable.
✦Spice: Open door, and explicit…
���but there were some scenes which faded to black, or which were only alluded to as a recollection which would’ve added more to the story to be shown, rather than told. They do have some pretty spicy scenes, and Rafael is definitely a dirty talking book BF. Giuliana Victoria knows how to bring on the tingles. 😮💨
» Their romance moves at warp speed without much emotional substance or connection, so it felt jarring, like watching high-schoolers in relationships. There’s a lot of internal monologue and processing, not quite enough communication.
♡ Final thoughts: There were some parts that were heart-warming like the story of how Rafa became a cat daddy, but I found myself cringing or confused by plot holes and loose ends too often to make it enjoyable overall. Other readers loved it fiercely, but ultimately, it just wasn’t for me.
⚠️ Please check trigger warnings and read with care.
✨ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🚨 ⇣⇣ My thoughts while reading – CONTAINS SPOILERS ⇣⇣ 🚨
Connect with me on Instagram for more bookish content!
This is a standalone to start a new series.
✦POV: Dual first-person
Mostly, but then we get a few chapters with Elise’s friends’ POVs which felt oddly placed and took me out of the story. Otherwise, they had decent banter even though I thought they were a bit insufferable.
✦Spice: Open door, and explicit…
���but there were some scenes which faded to black, or which were only alluded to as a recollection which would’ve added more to the story to be shown, rather than told. They do have some pretty spicy scenes, and Rafael is definitely a dirty talking book BF. Giuliana Victoria knows how to bring on the tingles. 😮💨
» Their romance moves at warp speed without much emotional substance or connection, so it felt jarring, like watching high-schoolers in relationships. There’s a lot of internal monologue and processing, not quite enough communication.
♡ Final thoughts: There were some parts that were heart-warming like the story of how Rafa became a cat daddy, but I found myself cringing or confused by plot holes and loose ends too often to make it enjoyable overall. Other readers loved it fiercely, but ultimately, it just wasn’t for me.
⚠️ Please check trigger warnings and read with care.
✨ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🚨 ⇣⇣ My thoughts while reading – CONTAINS SPOILERS ⇣⇣ 🚨
Connect with me on Instagram for more bookish content!
July 6, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Giuliana really gave us two grumpy assholes who can't stand each other and made them horny af.
When I say I loved these two I mean I loved them with every fibre in my being. Everything about Rafael and Elise was perfection, from the way they hated each other to their hot af sexual chemistry.
GV had me hooked right from the beginning (iykyk) and each passing chapter just had me more and more invested in not only Elise and Rafael but also all the other characters.
Between the forbidden love, the team shenanigans, the friendships and the two grumpy horny assholes, I couldn't get enough of this one.
I could go on and on about this one but honestly just read it.
🌶🌶🌶
✨enemies to lovers
✨grumpy x grumpy
✨rugby x soccer
✨coach's daughter
✨he's her interim coach
✨cat daddy
✨age gap
✨forbidden love
✨bipolar 1 disorder rep
✨grief healing
Giuliana really gave us two grumpy assholes who can't stand each other and made them horny af.
When I say I loved these two I mean I loved them with every fibre in my being. Everything about Rafael and Elise was perfection, from the way they hated each other to their hot af sexual chemistry.
GV had me hooked right from the beginning (iykyk) and each passing chapter just had me more and more invested in not only Elise and Rafael but also all the other characters.
Between the forbidden love, the team shenanigans, the friendships and the two grumpy horny assholes, I couldn't get enough of this one.
I could go on and on about this one but honestly just read it.
🌶🌶🌶
✨enemies to lovers
✨grumpy x grumpy
✨rugby x soccer
✨coach's daughter
✨he's her interim coach
✨cat daddy
✨age gap
✨forbidden love
✨bipolar 1 disorder rep
✨grief healing
July 9, 2025
ARC kindly provided for the author in exchange for an honest review
Ranking: 4.5⭐
Resilient Love was my first Giuliana Victoria book and I really enjoyed reading this new author. I fell in love with the way she presented her characters, especially the girls on the soccer team! (who I'm dying to read). I LOVED where she took Rafael & Elise's love story, EVERYTHING it made me feel with these two characters, their personal stories, and all the people they have around them. Plus, I think this book had the perfect balance between funny, heartbreaking, and adorable moments.
Elise is a girl who is fighting to achieve her dream of playing soccer professionally and making it to the Olympic team. Her father is a coach of a professional rugby team, and he's an amazing man with whom Elise has a relationship of trust, love, and respect that I loved reading throughout this story. Another thing I LOVED about Elise was her honest, determined, strong, and grumpy personality that gave her a different touch, it also broke my heart reading about her struggling with her bipolar disorder and all the difficulties it brings to her life, BUT I loved that this part of her plot also served to learn more about the bond she has with her teammates and best friends.
I loved Rafael too, especially because his personal story broke my heart a little more, and I think that's why I loved knowing how much Elise's dad supports him, and reading the meaningful conversations he has with his brother Carlos. I also loved that this character finds his love for soccer again thanks to the position his own coach imposes on him as interim coach of Elise's team. I loved reading him with Mrs. Purrito, with his teammates and the way his grumpy personality fits so well with hers.
Elise & Rafael are much more complex than they seem. They are both broken in different and very similar ways at the same time, I think that's why they feel such a strong connection from the first time they decide to flirt a little. I also really liked that, despite neither of them being good at talking about their feelings, they are both able to be vulnerable, to trust each other when they need to, and to always support each other unconditionally. I also loved that there was ALWAYS communication between them, especially from Elise when things got more complicated for her.
⚽Elise: 4/5
🏉Rafael: 4/5
⚽Plot: 5/5
🏉Love story: 4.5/5
⚽Secondary: 5/5
🏉Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Puntuación: 4.5⭐
Resilient Love fue mi primer libro de Giuliana Victoria y disfruté mucho leyendo a esta nueva autora, me enamoré de la manera en la que presentó a sus personajes, especialmente a las chicas del equipo de fútbol! (a las cuales me muero por leer). AMÉ por donde llevó la historia de amor de Rafael & Elise, TODO lo que me hizo sentir con estos dos personajes, sus historias personales y todas las personas que tienen a su alrededor, además, creo que este libro tuvo el balance ideal entre momentos divertidos, dolorosos y adorables.
Elise es una chica que esta luchando para conseguir su sueño de jugar fútbol profesionalmente y llegar al equipo olímpico, su papá es entrenador de un equipo profesional de rugby, y es un hombre encantador con el que Elise tiene una relación de confianza, amor y respeto que me encantó leer a lo largo de esta historia. Otra cosa que AMÉ de Elise fue su personalidad sincera, decidida, fuerte y gruñona que le dio un toque diferente, también me rompió mucho el corazón leerla luchando contra su desorden bipolar y todas las dificultades que esto trae a su vida, PERO me encantó que esta parte de su trama también sirviera para conocer más del vinculo que tiene con sus compañeras de equipo y mejores amigas.
Rafael también me gustó mucho, especialmente porque su historia personal me rompió el corazón un poco más, y creo que por eso me encantó saber lo mucho que el papá de Elise lo apoya, y leer las conversaciones tan significativas que tiene con su hermano Carlos. También me encantó que este personaje encuentre de nuevo su amor por el fútbol gracias a la posición que su propio entrenador le impone como entrenador interino del equipo de Elise, amé leerlo con Mrs. Purrito, con sus compañeros de equipo y la manera en la que su personalidad gruñona encaja tan bien con la de ella.
Elise & Rafael son mucho más complejos de lo que parece, ambos están rotos de maneras distintas y muy similares a la vez, creo que por eso es que sienten esa conexión tan fuerte desde la primera vez que deciden coquetear un poco. También me gustó mucho que, a pesar de que ninguno de los dos es bueno para hablar de sus sentimientos, ambos sean capaces de mostrarse vulnerables, de confiar en el otro cuando lo necesitan y de apoyarse incondicionalmente siempre, además, me encantó que SIEMPRE existiera comunicación entre ellos, especialmente de parte de Elise cuando las cosas se ponían más complicadas para ella.
⚽Elise: 4/5
🏉Rafael: 4/5
⚽Trama: 5/5
🏉Historia de amor: 4.5/5
⚽Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏉Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
Ranking: 4.5⭐
Resilient Love was my first Giuliana Victoria book and I really enjoyed reading this new author. I fell in love with the way she presented her characters, especially the girls on the soccer team! (who I'm dying to read). I LOVED where she took Rafael & Elise's love story, EVERYTHING it made me feel with these two characters, their personal stories, and all the people they have around them. Plus, I think this book had the perfect balance between funny, heartbreaking, and adorable moments.
Elise is a girl who is fighting to achieve her dream of playing soccer professionally and making it to the Olympic team. Her father is a coach of a professional rugby team, and he's an amazing man with whom Elise has a relationship of trust, love, and respect that I loved reading throughout this story. Another thing I LOVED about Elise was her honest, determined, strong, and grumpy personality that gave her a different touch, it also broke my heart reading about her struggling with her bipolar disorder and all the difficulties it brings to her life, BUT I loved that this part of her plot also served to learn more about the bond she has with her teammates and best friends.
I loved Rafael too, especially because his personal story broke my heart a little more, and I think that's why I loved knowing how much Elise's dad supports him, and reading the meaningful conversations he has with his brother Carlos. I also loved that this character finds his love for soccer again thanks to the position his own coach imposes on him as interim coach of Elise's team. I loved reading him with Mrs. Purrito, with his teammates and the way his grumpy personality fits so well with hers.
Elise & Rafael are much more complex than they seem. They are both broken in different and very similar ways at the same time, I think that's why they feel such a strong connection from the first time they decide to flirt a little. I also really liked that, despite neither of them being good at talking about their feelings, they are both able to be vulnerable, to trust each other when they need to, and to always support each other unconditionally. I also loved that there was ALWAYS communication between them, especially from Elise when things got more complicated for her.
⚽Elise: 4/5
🏉Rafael: 4/5
⚽Plot: 5/5
🏉Love story: 4.5/5
⚽Secondary: 5/5
🏉Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
ARC amablemente proporcionada por la autora a cambio de una reseña honesta
Puntuación: 4.5⭐
Resilient Love fue mi primer libro de Giuliana Victoria y disfruté mucho leyendo a esta nueva autora, me enamoré de la manera en la que presentó a sus personajes, especialmente a las chicas del equipo de fútbol! (a las cuales me muero por leer). AMÉ por donde llevó la historia de amor de Rafael & Elise, TODO lo que me hizo sentir con estos dos personajes, sus historias personales y todas las personas que tienen a su alrededor, además, creo que este libro tuvo el balance ideal entre momentos divertidos, dolorosos y adorables.
Elise es una chica que esta luchando para conseguir su sueño de jugar fútbol profesionalmente y llegar al equipo olímpico, su papá es entrenador de un equipo profesional de rugby, y es un hombre encantador con el que Elise tiene una relación de confianza, amor y respeto que me encantó leer a lo largo de esta historia. Otra cosa que AMÉ de Elise fue su personalidad sincera, decidida, fuerte y gruñona que le dio un toque diferente, también me rompió mucho el corazón leerla luchando contra su desorden bipolar y todas las dificultades que esto trae a su vida, PERO me encantó que esta parte de su trama también sirviera para conocer más del vinculo que tiene con sus compañeras de equipo y mejores amigas.
Rafael también me gustó mucho, especialmente porque su historia personal me rompió el corazón un poco más, y creo que por eso me encantó saber lo mucho que el papá de Elise lo apoya, y leer las conversaciones tan significativas que tiene con su hermano Carlos. También me encantó que este personaje encuentre de nuevo su amor por el fútbol gracias a la posición que su propio entrenador le impone como entrenador interino del equipo de Elise, amé leerlo con Mrs. Purrito, con sus compañeros de equipo y la manera en la que su personalidad gruñona encaja tan bien con la de ella.
Elise & Rafael son mucho más complejos de lo que parece, ambos están rotos de maneras distintas y muy similares a la vez, creo que por eso es que sienten esa conexión tan fuerte desde la primera vez que deciden coquetear un poco. También me gustó mucho que, a pesar de que ninguno de los dos es bueno para hablar de sus sentimientos, ambos sean capaces de mostrarse vulnerables, de confiar en el otro cuando lo necesitan y de apoyarse incondicionalmente siempre, además, me encantó que SIEMPRE existiera comunicación entre ellos, especialmente de parte de Elise cuando las cosas se ponían más complicadas para ella.
⚽Elise: 4/5
🏉Rafael: 4/5
⚽Trama: 5/5
🏉Historia de amor: 4.5/5
⚽Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🏉Portada: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5
July 7, 2025
Let me tell you this novel was such a valued read. First of all let me introduce you to our fmc Elise. She presented qualities of being a hardworker, but she does have a temper/kinda-sorta a hothead, but let me tell you she loves her sport and is very passionate about her dad's rugby team. I loved how prior and after pursuing a relationship with our mmc she does not back down her wants and needs, she sticks to her ideals, she pushes herself to be ahead, reminds me of aiming for perfection, expecting nothing but the best from herself and if not accomplished she will push herself to be better. Those qualities of Elise is what makes me favor her character so much because of her condition/diagnosis of Bipolar 1 she does not let her mind nor her health limit her and doesn't let the mental health condition define her from her path. Now onto our mmc Rafa, he not only favors his coach but he does not say no to him, but let me tell you he could not say no to his daughter, but I digress. Anyway our mmc Rafa is so strong, his past, trauma and how even like our fmc he doesn’t let the hurt nor the past deter him from progressing in life. Rafa's love for his team, his coach, Elise is what makes our mmc a well-rounded supportive character & loverboy. Now onto the lovestory of Elise and Rafa, let me tell you Elise & Rafa chemistry was made from closeness, banter and high attraction, the characters being ab;le to understand their mental health, coping, and sexuality and the effects that many issues has on themselves their ability to grown is what made their relationship more purseable, highlighting the growth, healing for a more healthier romantic and friendship dynamic. Overall, this novel was such an uplifting read that gave representation, highlighted neurodivergent characters, characters with mental health, the love built upon healing, connection, chemistry and being true to yourself to the fullest.
🏷️ The characters Rafa and Elise hold a special place in my heart, from the story highlighting representation, pushing for healing and allowing the release of trauma, and the past issues away in order to better your present and future self and livelihood. The laughs, banter, love and acceptance is why I love this read and recommend everyone to read.
Tropes:
⚽ College Women's Football Captain
🏉 Pro Men's Rugby Captain
🌞 Grumpy x Grumpy
❌ No Third Act Breakup
🇦🇷🇫🇷 Multicultural relationship
🥅 Coach's Daughter
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🤌🏼 He's Her Interim Coach
↕️ Age Gap (12 years- 21 & 33)
❤️🩹 Bipolar 1 Disorder (FMC), Grief Healing (both MCs), Undiagnosed Learning Disability (FMC), Undiagnosed Depression (MMC)
💕 Found Family
🏷️ The characters Rafa and Elise hold a special place in my heart, from the story highlighting representation, pushing for healing and allowing the release of trauma, and the past issues away in order to better your present and future self and livelihood. The laughs, banter, love and acceptance is why I love this read and recommend everyone to read.
Tropes:
⚽ College Women's Football Captain
🏉 Pro Men's Rugby Captain
🌞 Grumpy x Grumpy
❌ No Third Act Breakup
🇦🇷🇫🇷 Multicultural relationship
🥅 Coach's Daughter
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🤌🏼 He's Her Interim Coach
↕️ Age Gap (12 years- 21 & 33)
❤️🩹 Bipolar 1 Disorder (FMC), Grief Healing (both MCs), Undiagnosed Learning Disability (FMC), Undiagnosed Depression (MMC)
💕 Found Family
July 11, 2025
Resilient Love is the first book in Giuliana's new series, The Secret Trials and like her other series, it really drew me in.
From the prologue I was hooked on this story; both MCs backstories ended, leaving me with so many questions and then there was a jump forward several years and we see them as they are now. I really liked this approach to telling their story.
The sexual tension and banter between Elise and Rafa start immediately; there is no buildup to it. The clear dislike had me wondering how they were going to get to the lovers part, but that did not disappoint.
I really enjoyed the relationship development between these two as well. While in the beginning there was the Frenemies to benefits compontnet, I really enjoyed how that was developed into an actual relationship.
I thought that each character was written and developed very well, although I would have loved more consistent mental health rep, as there were moments I forgot that that was part of this novel. That being said, the mental health rep is written with so much care; it is clear that she is trying to honor those who struggle with their own mental health.
I really thought the way they communicated with each other was portrayed well. I loved how open and vulnerable they were able to eventually become with each other and I loved how they each held space for the other. They didn't rush each other to make big decisions; they gave each other time to process big emotions or come to terms with the unexpected emotions.
It was fun to read a book where it's not just the MMC who is a top-tier athlete, but the FMC and all of her friends are as well. I think we need more women in sports novels. and they weren't just on a team and it was talked about; Giuliana included the matches.
I loved the friend groups. I loved that they supported each other. I would have loved more of them, but there easter eggs were definitely there and I cannot see what comes next.
Thank You Giuliana for the ARC in return for an honest review.
What to expect:
⚽ College Women's Football Captain
🏉 Pro Men's Rugby Captain
🌞 Grumpy x Grumpy
❌ No Third Act Breakup
📱 Spicy Texts
🥅 Coach's Daughter
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🏳️🌈 Bi for Bi
🤌🏼 He's Her Interim Coach
↕️ Age Gap (12 years- 21 & 33)
❤️🩹 Bipolar 1 Disorder (FMC), Grief Healing (both MCs), Undiagnosed Learning Disability (FMC), Undiagnosed Depression (MMC)
💕 Unbreakable Friendships & Found Family
💖 Multicultural relationship
🥰 Praise
👥 1st Person/ Multi POV
From the prologue I was hooked on this story; both MCs backstories ended, leaving me with so many questions and then there was a jump forward several years and we see them as they are now. I really liked this approach to telling their story.
The sexual tension and banter between Elise and Rafa start immediately; there is no buildup to it. The clear dislike had me wondering how they were going to get to the lovers part, but that did not disappoint.
I really enjoyed the relationship development between these two as well. While in the beginning there was the Frenemies to benefits compontnet, I really enjoyed how that was developed into an actual relationship.
I thought that each character was written and developed very well, although I would have loved more consistent mental health rep, as there were moments I forgot that that was part of this novel. That being said, the mental health rep is written with so much care; it is clear that she is trying to honor those who struggle with their own mental health.
I really thought the way they communicated with each other was portrayed well. I loved how open and vulnerable they were able to eventually become with each other and I loved how they each held space for the other. They didn't rush each other to make big decisions; they gave each other time to process big emotions or come to terms with the unexpected emotions.
It was fun to read a book where it's not just the MMC who is a top-tier athlete, but the FMC and all of her friends are as well. I think we need more women in sports novels. and they weren't just on a team and it was talked about; Giuliana included the matches.
I loved the friend groups. I loved that they supported each other. I would have loved more of them, but there easter eggs were definitely there and I cannot see what comes next.
Thank You Giuliana for the ARC in return for an honest review.
What to expect:
⚽ College Women's Football Captain
🏉 Pro Men's Rugby Captain
🌞 Grumpy x Grumpy
❌ No Third Act Breakup
📱 Spicy Texts
🥅 Coach's Daughter
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🏳️🌈 Bi for Bi
🤌🏼 He's Her Interim Coach
↕️ Age Gap (12 years- 21 & 33)
❤️🩹 Bipolar 1 Disorder (FMC), Grief Healing (both MCs), Undiagnosed Learning Disability (FMC), Undiagnosed Depression (MMC)
💕 Unbreakable Friendships & Found Family
💖 Multicultural relationship
🥰 Praise
👥 1st Person/ Multi POV
June 23, 2025
I always really enjoy Giuliana Victoria's books and this one was no different.
Elise Auclair is a college football star who dreams of making it onto the Olympic team. She’s overcome a lot to get where she is and she knows she’s a star. As team captain of the Blaze football team she understands she’s only as strong as her team. When their team coach is caught in a scandal and let go, her dreams of making it to the Olympic team are left hanging in the balance because they can’t play without a coach.
Rafael Romero-Castillo is starting to think about his future knowing his rugby career is coming to an end. When his coach offers him the opportunity to take over as the coach on his daughter’s football team, Rafael can’t think of anything worse. His love of football was lost after a tragic accident changed the trajectory of his life. But coach Auclair has always been one of his biggest supporters, even if this means having to face the pain of his past. Coaching the Blaze football team could be the best or worst thing to ever happen to him especially when he meets Elise Auclair. Rafael knows nothing can happen with his coach’s daughter but it doesn’t stop his attraction to her.
Elise isn’t impressed by the rugby star coming to coach her team especially with his grumpy closed off attitude. She’s the designated grump on the team and she isn’t afraid to stand her ground and put him in his place.
These two were a fun pair. Their attraction was immediate and their chemistry was 🔥. I loved watching how both Elise and Rafael changed together. They both made each other lighter and less grumpy.
I loved that their pasts were slowly unraveled for the reader and for each other. For two people who generally don’t share I appreciated how much effort they put into talking about their feelings and supporting each other. These two broken characters came together and helped each other heal.
I love that Giuliana always includes some sort of disability rep in this case it was Bipolar I disorder.
I’m really looking forward to seeing where this series goes next. Thank you to Giuliana Victoria for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this book 💙.
Elise Auclair is a college football star who dreams of making it onto the Olympic team. She’s overcome a lot to get where she is and she knows she’s a star. As team captain of the Blaze football team she understands she’s only as strong as her team. When their team coach is caught in a scandal and let go, her dreams of making it to the Olympic team are left hanging in the balance because they can’t play without a coach.
Rafael Romero-Castillo is starting to think about his future knowing his rugby career is coming to an end. When his coach offers him the opportunity to take over as the coach on his daughter’s football team, Rafael can’t think of anything worse. His love of football was lost after a tragic accident changed the trajectory of his life. But coach Auclair has always been one of his biggest supporters, even if this means having to face the pain of his past. Coaching the Blaze football team could be the best or worst thing to ever happen to him especially when he meets Elise Auclair. Rafael knows nothing can happen with his coach’s daughter but it doesn’t stop his attraction to her.
Elise isn’t impressed by the rugby star coming to coach her team especially with his grumpy closed off attitude. She’s the designated grump on the team and she isn’t afraid to stand her ground and put him in his place.
These two were a fun pair. Their attraction was immediate and their chemistry was 🔥. I loved watching how both Elise and Rafael changed together. They both made each other lighter and less grumpy.
I loved that their pasts were slowly unraveled for the reader and for each other. For two people who generally don’t share I appreciated how much effort they put into talking about their feelings and supporting each other. These two broken characters came together and helped each other heal.
I love that Giuliana always includes some sort of disability rep in this case it was Bipolar I disorder.
I’m really looking forward to seeing where this series goes next. Thank you to Giuliana Victoria for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this book 💙.
June 29, 2025
“I’ve had many times in my life where I’ve had to larn that when you want to say something to someone, you should just do.”
With Resilient Love, once again Giuliana Victoria made me read tropes I was sure I would never… and I loved that. But, as she always does, she writes with so much tact and gracefulness that everything that happens feels perfectly “natural” for THESE characters and their evolution.
And that is, I believe, this book’s strength. Elise is “broken” by her grief, her guilt, feels ashamed because of her disease, and she uses s*x to cope and have some kind of outlet, it’s the only crack she allows on her tick shell. As for Rafa, he doesn’t believe he can be happy, and he grieves too, though very differently. Their horny behaviors/needs could lead to so many scenaristica stereotypes and easy options, but even though they are both shattered they manage to build a healthy relationship. So many kudos for that, I absolutely adored them.
It couldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention the cute pet in this book (there’s always one <3 ), Mrs Purrito, who is –you would have guessed– a beautiful kitty cat, and she has the best name ever. Side characters promise great moments to come in future books. If Rafa’s are a bit further back (for now?), they feel super supportive and have many potential. But the prize is for Elise’s roommates and teammates, as much as her father (I ADORED their relationship, more like this one, please!). I loved how her loved ones took care of Elise, how difficult it was for her, and how letting Rafa do the same was the most beautiful possible proof of love. But I also loved see them challenge each other to go further in their respective lives.
Well… I think I need book 2! I’ll be there, no matter when.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. My opinions are my own
With Resilient Love, once again Giuliana Victoria made me read tropes I was sure I would never… and I loved that. But, as she always does, she writes with so much tact and gracefulness that everything that happens feels perfectly “natural” for THESE characters and their evolution.
And that is, I believe, this book’s strength. Elise is “broken” by her grief, her guilt, feels ashamed because of her disease, and she uses s*x to cope and have some kind of outlet, it’s the only crack she allows on her tick shell. As for Rafa, he doesn’t believe he can be happy, and he grieves too, though very differently. Their horny behaviors/needs could lead to so many scenaristica stereotypes and easy options, but even though they are both shattered they manage to build a healthy relationship. So many kudos for that, I absolutely adored them.
It couldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention the cute pet in this book (there’s always one <3 ), Mrs Purrito, who is –you would have guessed– a beautiful kitty cat, and she has the best name ever. Side characters promise great moments to come in future books. If Rafa’s are a bit further back (for now?), they feel super supportive and have many potential. But the prize is for Elise’s roommates and teammates, as much as her father (I ADORED their relationship, more like this one, please!). I loved how her loved ones took care of Elise, how difficult it was for her, and how letting Rafa do the same was the most beautiful possible proof of love. But I also loved see them challenge each other to go further in their respective lives.
Well… I think I need book 2! I’ll be there, no matter when.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. My opinions are my own
June 30, 2025
Out-God-damn-standing read! Every single thing about it is on point, from the characters, to the storyline, to the representation of Bipolar 1 and the way guilt can ravage your life, and the spice, swear to god there are moments where it makes you literally feel on freaking fire. It’s enemies to lovers, it’s drive and competition, it’s grumpy meets grumpier, fantastic friends and insanely fabulous family, and it’s broken soul meets broken soul and despite every reason why it’s a terrible idea, in spite of every fear that it can’t work and they won’t stay, it’s irrevocably falling harder, faster, and deeper than they ever thought possible, and it consumes you completely. The writing itself is impeccable, with obvious thought, care, and consideration put into every single line, the emotional grip this book has on you is crazy good and totally brilliant, and it is just all around one hell of a spectacular stand out must read.
This is just a really well done story. The romance aspect transitions from enemies to lovers to in love seamlessly with all these little things slipping under Rafael and Elise’s defenses in such a natural way every part of it feels one hundred percent believable. It gives you so much emotion, so much growth, and so much healing in the characters and the way their internal struggles, fears, and feelings are written is phenomenal and definitely packs a punch. The way Rafael’s guilt and Elise’s bipolar one are addressed is incredible, never outshining the romance but also never diminished. It’s just a rock solid, beautiful book about falling in love, letting someone in, and all the peace, contentment, and happiness that comes with it that has you as a reader feeling everything and laughing, crying, clenching your thighs, and sighing in pure reader bliss the whole way through.
This is just a really well done story. The romance aspect transitions from enemies to lovers to in love seamlessly with all these little things slipping under Rafael and Elise’s defenses in such a natural way every part of it feels one hundred percent believable. It gives you so much emotion, so much growth, and so much healing in the characters and the way their internal struggles, fears, and feelings are written is phenomenal and definitely packs a punch. The way Rafael’s guilt and Elise’s bipolar one are addressed is incredible, never outshining the romance but also never diminished. It’s just a rock solid, beautiful book about falling in love, letting someone in, and all the peace, contentment, and happiness that comes with it that has you as a reader feeling everything and laughing, crying, clenching your thighs, and sighing in pure reader bliss the whole way through.
July 4, 2025
What's better than 1 stubborn athlete? Two stubborn athletes with a ton of chemistry, a dash of forbidden love, lots of angst and who are also really sexual people. If I could sum up this book with one sentence, that would be it.
Resilient Love follows a professional rugby team who's captain, Rafael, becomes the new coach of his coach's daughter's, Elise, college soccer team and sparks immediately start flying between the two of them--yes it's annoyance but it's fun. What I think is really special about this book is the relationship dynamics between everyone. Elise and her three closest friends are a tight nit group of people who always have each other's backs and step in to help in other friend's area's of weakness like it's a second thought. Elise is also fiercely independent and knows her sexuality, that's not to say that her relationship with herself is perfect, because it's not. I think any neurodivergent person, particularly women, know the feeling of not trusting themselves or feeling like less than because of their mental health struggles and this book doesn't shy away from that.
Rafael, who's older, in theory is more wiser when it comes to mental health but he isn't. He's dealing with crippling guilt over an accident that happened to his brother years ago that changed his perspective on life and closed him off to a lot of people, and his relationship with Elise forces him to see himself in a new light.
These two push each other constantly to find a better version of themselves and heal from their pasts, and yes their pasts are heavy, just like ours are, and as a reader, I really appreciated that. This book made me laugh, it made me scream in frustration, cry, think, and sweat (iykyk). By the end of it, it had become an instant favorite of mine and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Resilient Love follows a professional rugby team who's captain, Rafael, becomes the new coach of his coach's daughter's, Elise, college soccer team and sparks immediately start flying between the two of them--yes it's annoyance but it's fun. What I think is really special about this book is the relationship dynamics between everyone. Elise and her three closest friends are a tight nit group of people who always have each other's backs and step in to help in other friend's area's of weakness like it's a second thought. Elise is also fiercely independent and knows her sexuality, that's not to say that her relationship with herself is perfect, because it's not. I think any neurodivergent person, particularly women, know the feeling of not trusting themselves or feeling like less than because of their mental health struggles and this book doesn't shy away from that.
Rafael, who's older, in theory is more wiser when it comes to mental health but he isn't. He's dealing with crippling guilt over an accident that happened to his brother years ago that changed his perspective on life and closed him off to a lot of people, and his relationship with Elise forces him to see himself in a new light.
These two push each other constantly to find a better version of themselves and heal from their pasts, and yes their pasts are heavy, just like ours are, and as a reader, I really appreciated that. This book made me laugh, it made me scream in frustration, cry, think, and sweat (iykyk). By the end of it, it had become an instant favorite of mine and I can't wait to see what happens next!
June 23, 2025
“I’ll protect you with my life, because you are my life, Elise.”
ARC Review- I’m going to give this a 3.5 ⭐️. I was ecstatic to receive an ARC from Giuliana Victoria as she is now one of my must-read authors, and I was so excited bc it has all these amazing tropes and plot, but it just fell a little for me. Starting off strong in chapter 1, I just KNEW Elise and Rafael were hot like the way they were portrayed… they KNOW they’re hot. I started off very invested in the storyline such as how Elise kept pointing out that Rafa was her babysitter even though he says he’s not (and we know he isn’t,) but I can see in Elise’s perspective how she saw that Rafa was always conveniently there when something major happened. But then the fwb thing happened and somehow, they started finding comfort in each other. As much as I like that trope, it just kind of suddenly happened like 10 minutes after they started hooking up. Like the build up????? Banter??/ Hello????
Other parts that I love were when Rafa asked Elise for help coping with his guilt. Like that is the sweetest and hottest thing a man can do: admit they need help. The cow scene was hilarious. It was sudden and it took me by surprise. And my last favorite scene was that Rafa let Elise be a dommy mommy.
What threw me off from the five-star was Letty and Jelani’s text in the beginning was a little strange. It’s an indication for the next book, yes, but like five chapters in, it’s not their time. We don’t even know what’s happening with eliserafa yet. Pls, let it be their book. The biggest point was the chemistry. They bonded, but there was no beginning. I don’t know how to explain it but I didn’t like it. And Noah was an unnecessary character.
ARC Review- I’m going to give this a 3.5 ⭐️. I was ecstatic to receive an ARC from Giuliana Victoria as she is now one of my must-read authors, and I was so excited bc it has all these amazing tropes and plot, but it just fell a little for me. Starting off strong in chapter 1, I just KNEW Elise and Rafael were hot like the way they were portrayed… they KNOW they’re hot. I started off very invested in the storyline such as how Elise kept pointing out that Rafa was her babysitter even though he says he’s not (and we know he isn’t,) but I can see in Elise’s perspective how she saw that Rafa was always conveniently there when something major happened. But then the fwb thing happened and somehow, they started finding comfort in each other. As much as I like that trope, it just kind of suddenly happened like 10 minutes after they started hooking up. Like the build up????? Banter??/ Hello????
Other parts that I love were when Rafa asked Elise for help coping with his guilt. Like that is the sweetest and hottest thing a man can do: admit they need help. The cow scene was hilarious. It was sudden and it took me by surprise. And my last favorite scene was that Rafa let Elise be a dommy mommy.
What threw me off from the five-star was Letty and Jelani’s text in the beginning was a little strange. It’s an indication for the next book, yes, but like five chapters in, it’s not their time. We don’t even know what’s happening with eliserafa yet. Pls, let it be their book. The biggest point was the chemistry. They bonded, but there was no beginning. I don’t know how to explain it but I didn’t like it. And Noah was an unnecessary character.
July 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Every book that Giuliana Victoria releases is so clearly researched and studied before putting into words. I have always appreciated this about her as an author. It shows how deeply she wants to ensure the representation is correct. She does this and more in Resilient Love, book 1 in her newest series, Secret Trials. The more being providing a forbidden love between coach and player. The pages dripped of chemistry that threatens to set the book on fire.
Elise is hot headed, hard working, and committed to her sport. When her team’s new interim coach turns out to be a player from her dad’s rugby team, she is not happy. However, the attraction is evident right away. I couldn’t get enough of Elise and her attitude. She made me love her so much. She has such a big heart.
Rafa can’t tell his coach no when he asks for a favor. He didn’t expect that favor to be coaching the daughter of said coach. When he meets Elise, the banter begins and I ate every word of it up. These two are perfection in words. As they fall for each other, the balance they bring to each other pulls at my heartstrings.
I have yet to read a book by Giuliana that I don’t adore and this was no exception. I am excited to see how this series develops and who we will meet next. There are great characters already in this series that I hope everyone gets their own. If you are looking for a romance that promises heart, passion, spice, yet still emotional, this book is for you! Highly, highly recommend!!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚽Soccer x Rugby
🏉Coach’s Daughter
⚽Her Interim Coach
🏉Bipolar 1 Representation
⚽Age Gap
🏉Enemies to Lovers
Every book that Giuliana Victoria releases is so clearly researched and studied before putting into words. I have always appreciated this about her as an author. It shows how deeply she wants to ensure the representation is correct. She does this and more in Resilient Love, book 1 in her newest series, Secret Trials. The more being providing a forbidden love between coach and player. The pages dripped of chemistry that threatens to set the book on fire.
Elise is hot headed, hard working, and committed to her sport. When her team’s new interim coach turns out to be a player from her dad’s rugby team, she is not happy. However, the attraction is evident right away. I couldn’t get enough of Elise and her attitude. She made me love her so much. She has such a big heart.
Rafa can’t tell his coach no when he asks for a favor. He didn’t expect that favor to be coaching the daughter of said coach. When he meets Elise, the banter begins and I ate every word of it up. These two are perfection in words. As they fall for each other, the balance they bring to each other pulls at my heartstrings.
I have yet to read a book by Giuliana that I don’t adore and this was no exception. I am excited to see how this series develops and who we will meet next. There are great characters already in this series that I hope everyone gets their own. If you are looking for a romance that promises heart, passion, spice, yet still emotional, this book is for you! Highly, highly recommend!!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚽Soccer x Rugby
🏉Coach’s Daughter
⚽Her Interim Coach
🏉Bipolar 1 Representation
⚽Age Gap
🏉Enemies to Lovers
June 26, 2025
Giuliana packed so much representation and tropes into this story! Not only is it a sports romance (FMC - College football (soccer) player; MMC - Professional rugby player) where he's her interim coach and she's his coach's daughter, enemies to lovers, and there's an age gap.....but it also has LGBTQIA+ representation, disability representation, multi-cultural representation, mental health representation AND there's no 3rd act breakup. Which I think is just incredible! I know Giuliana takes great care in creating her characters and writing their stories, in making sure they are diverse, well-rounded and deal with real life sh*t, which in turn helps bring her stories to life and make the characters feel REAL.
These two were just how Giuliana herself put them: h0rny grumpy as$holes. For sure. But they also both were dealing with some very tough things behind the scenes and I feel like their grumpiness was warranted lol. I enjoyed watching both of them learning to come out of their shells and become themselves again, while also learning how to love and let someone else in so they don't have to carry everything (emotionally) all on their own. I also am a slüt for sneaking around so I loved that part of this story as well 🤭 This was my first ever rugby romance!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥💥
Tropes:
🩵 Soccer x Rugby
🩵 Grumpy x Grumpy
🩵 Enemies to Lovers
🩵 He's Her Interim Coach
🩵 She's His Coach's Daughter
🩵 Age Gap
🩵 Bi for Bi
🩵 No 3rd Act Breakup
🩵 Multicultural Relationship
🩵 Bipolar 1 Disorder (FMC), Grief Healing (both MCs), Undiagnosed Learning Disability (FMC), Undiagnosed Depression (MMC)
These two were just how Giuliana herself put them: h0rny grumpy as$holes. For sure. But they also both were dealing with some very tough things behind the scenes and I feel like their grumpiness was warranted lol. I enjoyed watching both of them learning to come out of their shells and become themselves again, while also learning how to love and let someone else in so they don't have to carry everything (emotionally) all on their own. I also am a slüt for sneaking around so I loved that part of this story as well 🤭 This was my first ever rugby romance!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥💥
Tropes:
🩵 Soccer x Rugby
🩵 Grumpy x Grumpy
🩵 Enemies to Lovers
🩵 He's Her Interim Coach
🩵 She's His Coach's Daughter
🩵 Age Gap
🩵 Bi for Bi
🩵 No 3rd Act Breakup
🩵 Multicultural Relationship
🩵 Bipolar 1 Disorder (FMC), Grief Healing (both MCs), Undiagnosed Learning Disability (FMC), Undiagnosed Depression (MMC)
June 26, 2025
Elise and Rafa/Rafael don’t at first get on very well . That’s an understatement,I can tell you although the chemistry arcs phew! Both of them don’t accept their lot and buckle down,nor give in to their ails . No fails allowed for crying out loud because of this ….this condition does not define who Elise is or what she can do. She will NOT allow it to . Bipolar tag and you’re done . Nope she’s not going to let it make her undone . She’s going to be number one . Top of her game ,the Olympics,that’s her aim. She’s an athlete competition is in her blood . She’s a footballer and she’s very good.Rafa is of the same mind ,he’s had his trauma ,his drama too . But let it define who he wants to be ? No siree. He’s a Rugby man and he does what he can for the team . His coach and Elise’s dad asks a favour and he’s glad …in the end because he’s found himself more than a friend. How it plays out and the end? Well you’ll just have to read and find out my friends ,but it is rather good and it covers great stuff that I’m sure people suffering will be chuffed to . The author’s approach to this is beyond amazing ,done her research and not been grazing on the cud because this awesome story is really good. Disability ,mental health shouldn’t be stealth conditions ,swept under the carpet like it isn’t part of everyday life because for many of us . It is our life twenty four seven with a few good spells that’s a slice of heaven . Giuliana Victoria weaves her magic so well and is empathetic and cares as well . The rugby star with a changed trajectory and a footballer who refuses to be labelled and thought of as disabled and done. Because she is and will always be number one top of the game . Well that’s her aim and with Rafa she’ll see it through and has an ally in all she will do. He has one too so they’re both set. You could say a match . With this book from the first look and feel I was hooked . Great storyline ,in fact it’s divine.
June 29, 2025
Elise Auclair’s final football season was supposed to be all about one thing: chasing that Olympic dream. What she didn’t plan for? Her new interim coach being none other than Rafael Romero-Castillo—grumpy, emotionally walled-off rugby captain and her dad’s prized player.
She’s fire. He’s stone.
And they crash the second they meet.
Neither of them wants this setup, but they’re stuck with each other—and the tension that builds? It’s feral. They're both guarded, both stubborn, and neither of them does feelings easily. But what starts off as sharp glances and snide remarks turns into something neither of them saw coming. Something slow, deep, and terrifyingly real.
What I loved most? It’s not just spice and banter (though you’ll get plenty of that). It’s how raw and real this story is.
Elise lives with Bipolar 1. She’s not trying to be “fixed.” She’s not a lesson. She’s just a woman—strong, flawed, focused—trying to live her life, fight for her place, and not let her diagnosis write her story for her. Rafa’s dealing with his own darkness—grief, guilt, and years of avoidance—but with Elise, he finally starts letting someone in.
There’s no third act breakup. No pointless drama. Just honest growth, mutual respect, and love that feels earned.
Rafa? Peak “grump to everyone but her.” Quiet, intense, and when he does open up? He wrecks you. Elise? A complete force. She doesn’t soften herself for anyone—not even him. But together, they find the kind of safety neither of them knew they needed.
Spicy. Vulnerable. Hopeful. And full of heart.
This book hit me in the chest and didn’t let go.
She’s fire. He’s stone.
And they crash the second they meet.
Neither of them wants this setup, but they’re stuck with each other—and the tension that builds? It’s feral. They're both guarded, both stubborn, and neither of them does feelings easily. But what starts off as sharp glances and snide remarks turns into something neither of them saw coming. Something slow, deep, and terrifyingly real.
What I loved most? It’s not just spice and banter (though you’ll get plenty of that). It’s how raw and real this story is.
Elise lives with Bipolar 1. She’s not trying to be “fixed.” She’s not a lesson. She’s just a woman—strong, flawed, focused—trying to live her life, fight for her place, and not let her diagnosis write her story for her. Rafa’s dealing with his own darkness—grief, guilt, and years of avoidance—but with Elise, he finally starts letting someone in.
There’s no third act breakup. No pointless drama. Just honest growth, mutual respect, and love that feels earned.
Rafa? Peak “grump to everyone but her.” Quiet, intense, and when he does open up? He wrecks you. Elise? A complete force. She doesn’t soften herself for anyone—not even him. But together, they find the kind of safety neither of them knew they needed.
Spicy. Vulnerable. Hopeful. And full of heart.
This book hit me in the chest and didn’t let go.
July 1, 2025
Elise and Rafa/Rafael don’t at first get on very well . That’s an understatement,I can tell you although the chemistry arcs phew! Both of them don’t accept their lot and buckle down,nor give in to their ails . No fails allowed for crying out loud because of this ….this condition does not define who Elise is or what she can do. She will NOT allow it to . Bipolar tag and you’re done . Nope she’s not going to let it make her undone . She’s going to be number one . Top of her game ,the Olympics,that’s her aim. She’s an athlete competition is in her blood . She’s a footballer and she’s very good.Rafa is of the same mind ,he’s had his trauma ,his drama too . But let it define who he wants to be ? No siree. He’s a Rugby man and he does what he can for the team . His coach and Elise’s dad asks a favour and he’s glad …in the end because he’s found himself more than a friend. How it plays out and the end? Well you’ll just have to read and find out my friends ,but it is rather good and it covers great stuff that I’m sure people suffering will be chuffed to . The author’s approach to this is beyond amazing ,done her research and not been grazing on the cud because this awesome story is really good. Disability ,mental health shouldn’t be stealth conditions ,swept under the carpet like it isn’t part of everyday life because for many of us . It is our life twenty four seven with a few good spells that’s a slice of heaven . Giuliana Victoria weaves her magic so well and is empathetic and cares as well . The rugby star with a changed trajectory and a footballer who refuses to be labelled and thought of as disabled and done. Because she is and will always be number one top of the game . Well that’s her aim and with Rafa she’ll see it through and has an ally in all she will do. He has one too so they’re both set. You could say a match . With this book from the first look and feel I was hooked . Great storyline ,in fact it’s divine.
June 18, 2025
📚ARC Review📚
📖Resilient Love-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🐈“Maybe it’s the fact that his grumpy, shit-ass attitude matches mine, or maybe it’s that he has something so broken within him that my mind and soul recognise. I’m not sure yet, but I have a feeling I’m on my way to find out.”🐈
Y’all, she’s done it again, I genuinely don’t think there’s a sport Giuliana can’t write about and make me fall in love with!
One of the things I love most about Giuliana’s writing is she never fails to make me laugh, make me swoon, all while leaving me on the verge of tears. Elise and Rafael were no exception to this rule, except the tears were flowing hard a various points 🤣
I loved how unapologetically herself Elise was. As a woman who’s been told too many times in her life to “smile more”, I loved that Elise just embraced her grumpiness and gave zero shits what anyone else thought, those who love her know who she is and anyone else could screw off. Elise and Rafael both deserve the world and I loved how much they supported and encouraged each other through past trauma.
Every girl should have a supportive encouraging dad like Elsie! The girls and their found family were everything and I am so freaking hopeful we’re going to get a book for each of them to have their turn in the spotlight!
🗓️Resilient Love releases June 26th!
⚽️College Soccer X Professional Rugby
🏉Interim Coach X Coach’s Daughter
⚽️Grumpy X Grumpy
🏉Forbidden Love
⚽️Age Gap (12 Years)
🏉Bipolar 1 Rep
⚽️Grief Healing
📖Resilient Love-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🐈“Maybe it’s the fact that his grumpy, shit-ass attitude matches mine, or maybe it’s that he has something so broken within him that my mind and soul recognise. I’m not sure yet, but I have a feeling I’m on my way to find out.”🐈
Y’all, she’s done it again, I genuinely don’t think there’s a sport Giuliana can’t write about and make me fall in love with!
One of the things I love most about Giuliana’s writing is she never fails to make me laugh, make me swoon, all while leaving me on the verge of tears. Elise and Rafael were no exception to this rule, except the tears were flowing hard a various points 🤣
I loved how unapologetically herself Elise was. As a woman who’s been told too many times in her life to “smile more”, I loved that Elise just embraced her grumpiness and gave zero shits what anyone else thought, those who love her know who she is and anyone else could screw off. Elise and Rafael both deserve the world and I loved how much they supported and encouraged each other through past trauma.
Every girl should have a supportive encouraging dad like Elsie! The girls and their found family were everything and I am so freaking hopeful we’re going to get a book for each of them to have their turn in the spotlight!
🗓️Resilient Love releases June 26th!
⚽️College Soccer X Professional Rugby
🏉Interim Coach X Coach’s Daughter
⚽️Grumpy X Grumpy
🏉Forbidden Love
⚽️Age Gap (12 Years)
🏉Bipolar 1 Rep
⚽️Grief Healing
Read
June 12, 2025 Ambientada en el ficticio pueblo británico de Embershire, esta novela gira en torno a Elise Auclair, una talentosa futbolista universitaria con un pasado traumático, y Rafael Romero-Castillo, una estrella del rugby marcada por la culpa y la pérdida.
Ambos protagonistas cargan cicatrices profundas: Elise ha perdido a su madre y hermana en circunstancias devastadoras, mientras que Rafael vive atormentado por un accidente que cambió su vida y la de su familia para siempre. Lo que empieza como una relación profesional forzada, él como entrenador temporal del equipo femenino que ella lidera, pronto se convierte en un campo de batalla cargado de tensión sexual, sarcasmo, y heridas sin sanar.
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Con la sinopsis y los adelantos pensé que el libro seria emocional, pero no, todo se centra en el sexo, Si son de las que califican el spicy amaran el libro. Para mi es una lastima porque Guiliana escribe muy bien y tenía a dos protagonistas con dolorosos pasados que una ves que están juntos son poderosos.
No tengo problema con las escenas sexuales; al contrario, creo que aportan a la conexión entre los protagonistas. Sin embargo, cuando son demasiadas y excesivamente largas, pueden llegar a aburrir, especialmente si se descuida el desarrollo emocional.
Gracias por el ARC.
Ambos protagonistas cargan cicatrices profundas: Elise ha perdido a su madre y hermana en circunstancias devastadoras, mientras que Rafael vive atormentado por un accidente que cambió su vida y la de su familia para siempre. Lo que empieza como una relación profesional forzada, él como entrenador temporal del equipo femenino que ella lidera, pronto se convierte en un campo de batalla cargado de tensión sexual, sarcasmo, y heridas sin sanar.
---
Con la sinopsis y los adelantos pensé que el libro seria emocional, pero no, todo se centra en el sexo, Si son de las que califican el spicy amaran el libro. Para mi es una lastima porque Guiliana escribe muy bien y tenía a dos protagonistas con dolorosos pasados que una ves que están juntos son poderosos.
No tengo problema con las escenas sexuales; al contrario, creo que aportan a la conexión entre los protagonistas. Sin embargo, cuando son demasiadas y excesivamente largas, pueden llegar a aburrir, especialmente si se descuida el desarrollo emocional.
Gracias por el ARC.
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