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D.C. Renegades #2
Unrivaled Love
MVP left forward Bryson Svoboda has everything; championships, accolades, and a career most athletes dream of. But winning it all doesn’t feel like enough, and the cracks are starting to show. Across the field, women’s soccer star, Jo Hamilton, is feeling the weight of expectation and burnout creeping in. Neither is willing to admit they’re struggling, until they both escape to their families’ shared mountain house .
Forced into close quarters after a decade of silence, old tensions reignite in the form of an all-out prank war. But when one joke goes too far, their rivalry unravels, exposing something raw and unresolved between them.
As their time in the mountains turns from competition to connection, reality intrudes in the form of Bryson’s teammates and the watchful eye of D.C. Renegades Captain, Felix Fornier. With their careers pulling them in different directions, Bryson and Jo have to decide if what they built in the mountains was just a fleeting escape or if they’re ready to commit; to their careers, their teams, and most of all, to each other.
Unrivaled Love is a second-chance, spicy, hockey romcom about commitment; to yourself, your team, and your person.
Forced into close quarters after a decade of silence, old tensions reignite in the form of an all-out prank war. But when one joke goes too far, their rivalry unravels, exposing something raw and unresolved between them.
As their time in the mountains turns from competition to connection, reality intrudes in the form of Bryson’s teammates and the watchful eye of D.C. Renegades Captain, Felix Fornier. With their careers pulling them in different directions, Bryson and Jo have to decide if what they built in the mountains was just a fleeting escape or if they’re ready to commit; to their careers, their teams, and most of all, to each other.
Unrivaled Love is a second-chance, spicy, hockey romcom about commitment; to yourself, your team, and your person.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
49 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Erin Marie Bassett
10 books88 followersErin Marie Bassett is a geriatric millennial, wife and mother of two living in Chicago. (A mile west of Wrigley Field but she, like her husband and kids, are St. Louis Cardinal Fans). When she’s not reading or writing romance, Erin helps small businesses and local organizations use the magic words to connect with their communities. She volunteers hard at her kids school and she believes in the power of S.L.O.W. Living.
Her doctor tells her not to but she drinks a lot of coffee. Like, a lot.
Take the Book Boyfriend Quiz to be matched with one of Erin's MMCs!
erinmariebassett.com
@erinmariebassett
Her doctor tells her not to but she drinks a lot of coffee. Like, a lot.
Take the Book Boyfriend Quiz to be matched with one of Erin's MMCs!
erinmariebassett.com
@erinmariebassett
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 25, 2025
I wish I would’ve enjoyed this one more! 😕 The plot of childhood friends who were lovers turning into lovers one more sounded so cute, but the way the book was structured just wasn’t my favorite.
Jo stopped talking to Bryson for almost a decade after something that happened in their past, and while their reconnection was sweet at first, a large portion of the book focused on them navigating long distance. As a reader, even though some moments were adorable, it felt like too much long distance was displayed and how they maneuvered as a couple in comparison to how quickly they reconnected (which for me was the best part).
I did laugh at their banter and really appreciated how Jo stayed true to her career goals, basically she wasn’t willing to put her dreams on hold for any man!!!! And Bryson? He was 100% in his "I’m going to win her back and never let her go" era, and I have to admit, it was super cute seeing him do everything to show her she was the one 💕
One thing that didn’t quite work for me was the whole "we both read romance books" thing. Like, I get the appeal it would be cute irl to read together and recreate scenes but reading about characters who are also reading romance just didn’t hit the same for me. It felt a little overdone when it became a big part of what they had in common as a couple. Maybe just a personal thing! 🤷♀️
That said, I know this book will definitely be a hit for some readers! If you're into long-distance swooniness, how are athlete leads, and a strong reader-core identity, then this might totally be your vibe!
tropes
🧡 sports romance
🧡 soccer fmc x hockey mmc
🧡 childhood friends to lovers
🧡 second chance ish
🧡 long distance
🧡 dual pov
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ i need hockey romance STAT!!!!! hopefully it’s a good one
Jo stopped talking to Bryson for almost a decade after something that happened in their past, and while their reconnection was sweet at first, a large portion of the book focused on them navigating long distance. As a reader, even though some moments were adorable, it felt like too much long distance was displayed and how they maneuvered as a couple in comparison to how quickly they reconnected (which for me was the best part).
I did laugh at their banter and really appreciated how Jo stayed true to her career goals, basically she wasn’t willing to put her dreams on hold for any man!!!! And Bryson? He was 100% in his "I’m going to win her back and never let her go" era, and I have to admit, it was super cute seeing him do everything to show her she was the one 💕
One thing that didn’t quite work for me was the whole "we both read romance books" thing. Like, I get the appeal it would be cute irl to read together and recreate scenes but reading about characters who are also reading romance just didn’t hit the same for me. It felt a little overdone when it became a big part of what they had in common as a couple. Maybe just a personal thing! 🤷♀️
That said, I know this book will definitely be a hit for some readers! If you're into long-distance swooniness, how are athlete leads, and a strong reader-core identity, then this might totally be your vibe!
tropes
🧡 sports romance
🧡 soccer fmc x hockey mmc
🧡 childhood friends to lovers
🧡 second chance ish
🧡 long distance
🧡 dual pov
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ i need hockey romance STAT!!!!! hopefully it’s a good one
May 31, 2025
The book had the right bones for it to have been a good story but it was poorly executed.
The dialogue felt unnatural and fake. There was no substance behind their behaviour. It went from playful to emotional without giving the audience much time to fully connect with the characters, making them sound childish and immature.
I wanted to love this and I hate that I didn’t ☹️
Many thanks to the author for the ARC! ♥︎
The dialogue felt unnatural and fake. There was no substance behind their behaviour. It went from playful to emotional without giving the audience much time to fully connect with the characters, making them sound childish and immature.
I wanted to love this and I hate that I didn’t ☹️
Many thanks to the author for the ARC! ♥︎
January 8, 2026
* Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
* Second chance romance
* Forced proximity & long distance
* Dual POV
Combining the sport I love to watch the most (soccer) with the sport I have never seen but has become my favorite in sports romances (hockey).
Two characters I found childish and not so likeable at first that completely grew on me, had me laugh out loud a few times and made me emotional so many times, both strong, dedicated, supportive and bookish people - what’s not to love?!
Only tiny remark I have is that the timeline - the jumps in time - weren’t always clear until a few sentences into the next chapter which slowed me down a bit, but that’s only a thing because I devoured this book!
Erin wasn’t lying describing this book as her most spicy one yet 🌶️
Also the found family - the Big Guns & their WAG’s - love them, what an amazing tribe!
If you haven’t read it yet: add this to your TBR!
* Second chance romance
* Forced proximity & long distance
* Dual POV
Combining the sport I love to watch the most (soccer) with the sport I have never seen but has become my favorite in sports romances (hockey).
Two characters I found childish and not so likeable at first that completely grew on me, had me laugh out loud a few times and made me emotional so many times, both strong, dedicated, supportive and bookish people - what’s not to love?!
Only tiny remark I have is that the timeline - the jumps in time - weren’t always clear until a few sentences into the next chapter which slowed me down a bit, but that’s only a thing because I devoured this book!
Erin wasn’t lying describing this book as her most spicy one yet 🌶️
Also the found family - the Big Guns & their WAG’s - love them, what an amazing tribe!
If you haven’t read it yet: add this to your TBR!
June 30, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
I LOVED everything about Bryson and Jo! Their chemistry, the banter, the pranks and of course the love!! I always like when hockey romances include some actual hockey playing when it’s the players POV and I also really liked that there was some actual soccer (even if I don’t understand soccer) on this one! There was really good pacing, I liked how it encompasses all of the hockey season as well as all of Jo’s soccer season. I believe that that added to showing how they navigated their long distance relationship and busy lives/work schedules.
I’m a sucker for some good text banter and this one had lots of that between the main characters but also amongst the side characters!
Bryson and Jo will have a special place in my heart forever!
I LOVED everything about Bryson and Jo! Their chemistry, the banter, the pranks and of course the love!! I always like when hockey romances include some actual hockey playing when it’s the players POV and I also really liked that there was some actual soccer (even if I don’t understand soccer) on this one! There was really good pacing, I liked how it encompasses all of the hockey season as well as all of Jo’s soccer season. I believe that that added to showing how they navigated their long distance relationship and busy lives/work schedules.
I’m a sucker for some good text banter and this one had lots of that between the main characters but also amongst the side characters!
Bryson and Jo will have a special place in my heart forever!
May 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
Oh man this was such a book!!!!
Love this so much because I’m obsessed with second chance romance and make it’s sports? Even better!
I love when Jo realizes what really happened with Bryson in the past and it allows them to move forward!
“You’ve always been mine and you’re in my arms again and I can’t let you go”
I won’t go into too many details because I think you NEED to read it yourself but this is such an amazing book!
Just look at these tropes:
🏒 Hockey Player MMC
⚽️ Soccer Player FMC
💖 Second Chance for Childhood Friends
🔍 Found Family
📱 Team Group Text
🏠 Forced Proximity
🧶 Prank War
🌶️ Pent Up Tension
🎽 He Wears Her Jersey
📚 He Reads Romance (She does too)
💦 Naked & Wet
I was lucky enough to be able to ARC read this book! It was such a fun read!
Oh man this was such a book!!!!
Love this so much because I’m obsessed with second chance romance and make it’s sports? Even better!
I love when Jo realizes what really happened with Bryson in the past and it allows them to move forward!
“You’ve always been mine and you’re in my arms again and I can’t let you go”
I won’t go into too many details because I think you NEED to read it yourself but this is such an amazing book!
Just look at these tropes:
🏒 Hockey Player MMC
⚽️ Soccer Player FMC
💖 Second Chance for Childhood Friends
🔍 Found Family
📱 Team Group Text
🏠 Forced Proximity
🧶 Prank War
🌶️ Pent Up Tension
🎽 He Wears Her Jersey
📚 He Reads Romance (She does too)
💦 Naked & Wet
I was lucky enough to be able to ARC read this book! It was such a fun read!
June 9, 2025
“This intensity between us is wild and it belongs outdoors. Maybe what we have isn't meant to be contained by apartment walls or city limits. Maybe what we have is bigger.”
This one was real cute and fun! I loved Jo and Bryson’s banter so much- and the pranks were great! I liked seeing the sports side of things with Jo’s soccer and Bryson’s Hockey. And I liked seeing how they navigated things with their busy schedules as they reconnected. Overall, a great read if you’re in the mood for a spicy romance where the tension is palpable 💖
This one was real cute and fun! I loved Jo and Bryson’s banter so much- and the pranks were great! I liked seeing the sports side of things with Jo’s soccer and Bryson’s Hockey. And I liked seeing how they navigated things with their busy schedules as they reconnected. Overall, a great read if you’re in the mood for a spicy romance where the tension is palpable 💖
May 28, 2025
Unrivaled Love by Erin Marie Bassett
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote: “It’s unhinged, and I’d never admit it to anyone, but I get jealous of the characters sometimes. What would it feel like to have someone willing to burn the world for me? To have someone fight for me? Someone who has spent their whole life obsessed with me? What would I do if I had to choose between my calling and my crush?”
Bryson a professional hockey player and Jo a professional soccer player have known each other their whole lives and were best friends growing up but after Jo overheard something it changed their trajectory and they didn’t speak for ten years.
As they both need to reset, they end up at the cabin their families share to reset and as neither will leave a prank war begins but after one goes a bit too far Bryson realizes he would rather act on his feelings for Jo.
Can two people who have major professional careers make their relationship work?
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Quote: “It’s unhinged, and I’d never admit it to anyone, but I get jealous of the characters sometimes. What would it feel like to have someone willing to burn the world for me? To have someone fight for me? Someone who has spent their whole life obsessed with me? What would I do if I had to choose between my calling and my crush?”
Bryson a professional hockey player and Jo a professional soccer player have known each other their whole lives and were best friends growing up but after Jo overheard something it changed their trajectory and they didn’t speak for ten years.
As they both need to reset, they end up at the cabin their families share to reset and as neither will leave a prank war begins but after one goes a bit too far Bryson realizes he would rather act on his feelings for Jo.
Can two people who have major professional careers make their relationship work?
May 26, 2025
Jo & Bryson's story is one that makes your heart clench and sing once you turn the final page.
This is my 2nd book with EMB and this one is even better than the 1st. P.S. I loved the first one too. I just resinate with Jo and Bryson trying to work through the relationship once they let go and give in.
Being an athlete is hard. It's even harder when you're in a relationship with another athlete or person who has a profession that often keeps them away from being home, with you.
This book is going to hit you in the feels but there is no 3rd act break up and there is clear communication from the MMC the entire time. When he doesn't have difficulty speaking because he is head over feet for Jo.
I loved this story so much and I cannot wait for Crosby's book :)
This is my 2nd book with EMB and this one is even better than the 1st. P.S. I loved the first one too. I just resinate with Jo and Bryson trying to work through the relationship once they let go and give in.
Being an athlete is hard. It's even harder when you're in a relationship with another athlete or person who has a profession that often keeps them away from being home, with you.
This book is going to hit you in the feels but there is no 3rd act break up and there is clear communication from the MMC the entire time. When he doesn't have difficulty speaking because he is head over feet for Jo.
I loved this story so much and I cannot wait for Crosby's book :)
May 28, 2025
I LOVED this! The dynamic of two strong, motivated professional athletes was so fresh - wherein it wasn’t a power dynamic of a super successful partner and another compromising. They were both able to figure out their life together without changing their passions. The spice was spicy and the pranks were adorable. I couldn’t put this one down!
June 5, 2025
Jo needs therapy, Bryson needs a HAB trophy. I love a badass professional athlete FMC and I wanted less obsessive competitive score keeping with her best friend/boyfriend who just wants her to win. If we would have seen some growth from Jo, I would have left feeling more satisfied but this one still has its sweet, funny, and spicy moments.
May 16, 2025
ARC Review
Jo and Bryson are just ✨🩷
That’s all I’ll say for now
Jo and Bryson are just ✨🩷
That’s all I’ll say for now
June 10, 2025
Unrivaled Love is the second book in the DC Renegades series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Dual athletes! Jo was a professional soccer player and Bryson was a professional hockey player.
This was cute, and it was great seeing them work through a long distance relationship. And the way Bryson was so in love and determined to not lose her again? Ah, I loved him.
There were some parts that I had to force myself through, but overall, I enjoyed this story.
Dual athletes! Jo was a professional soccer player and Bryson was a professional hockey player.
This was cute, and it was great seeing them work through a long distance relationship. And the way Bryson was so in love and determined to not lose her again? Ah, I loved him.
There were some parts that I had to force myself through, but overall, I enjoyed this story.
July 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I wanted to love this one SO bad, but it just didn’t work for me. I absolutely loved the first book in the series, this one just took a different direction.
I was looking forward to a female athlete, Jo plays professional soccer and is very dedicated to the sport. This was set up as a friends, childhood rivals to lovers dynamic and those have become a favorite of mine. I just .. didn’t love Jo. I just didn’t feel like she was as all in as Bryson was. The competition she had in her mind about proving her sport was harder/more difficult than hockey while all along Bryson just wanted the best for her and all her dreams to come true .. I just didn’t understand. It felt unfair to Bryson at times, the rivalry they had seemed one sided.
I think what didn’t work for me was how long these two were long distance. I love that both loved their sport and respected the other to cheer them on from afar, but it also didn’t give the same romance vibes that I love, those little moment when the couples are together.
I did enjoy the banter, the way Erin writes dialogue makes me laugh out loud. Their antics at the family cabin was fun as well, who doesn’t love a good prank war. The group chat with the boys was hilarious. And Bryson was just so damn sweet. He knew Jo was the one and was willing to do whatever it took to make sure she knew that.
I wanted to love this one SO bad, but it just didn’t work for me. I absolutely loved the first book in the series, this one just took a different direction.
I was looking forward to a female athlete, Jo plays professional soccer and is very dedicated to the sport. This was set up as a friends, childhood rivals to lovers dynamic and those have become a favorite of mine. I just .. didn’t love Jo. I just didn’t feel like she was as all in as Bryson was. The competition she had in her mind about proving her sport was harder/more difficult than hockey while all along Bryson just wanted the best for her and all her dreams to come true .. I just didn’t understand. It felt unfair to Bryson at times, the rivalry they had seemed one sided.
I think what didn’t work for me was how long these two were long distance. I love that both loved their sport and respected the other to cheer them on from afar, but it also didn’t give the same romance vibes that I love, those little moment when the couples are together.
I did enjoy the banter, the way Erin writes dialogue makes me laugh out loud. Their antics at the family cabin was fun as well, who doesn’t love a good prank war. The group chat with the boys was hilarious. And Bryson was just so damn sweet. He knew Jo was the one and was willing to do whatever it took to make sure she knew that.
June 7, 2025
3.75
What immediately stood out to me in this story was the presence of a FMC who plays sports—something I don’t often come across in my reads, but every time I do, it sparks my interest and curiosity. “Unrivaled Love” follows Bryson and Jo, childhood best friends who’ve each carved out successful careers in different sports: he’s a rising hockey star and Jo as a standout soccer player. Over time, the two grew apart—though the reasons remain unclear until circumstances bring them back together under one roof for a week in their shared family home.
The idea of childhood friends turned rivals had a lot of promise, but as the story progressed, it became clear that this "rivalry” leaned heavily on Jo’s side. That made me suspect early on that their falling out stemmed from either outside pressures or a major misunderstanding—and I was eager to uncover what exactly drove them apart.
Jo was ambitious and fiercely focused on her goals, and while I could see the value in her determination, I found it hard to truly connect with her mindset and personality. Her drive to succeed was clear—but her constant need to outdo Bryson felt misplaced, especially considering they play completely different sports. It was hard to understand why she felt the need to compare herself to him when their paths weren’t even parallel. Still, the human mind works in curious ways, and I decided to overlook that aspect and focus on the deeper layers of her character.
On the other hand, I absolutely fell for Bryson. A short king who fully embraced his golden retriever energy, going all out to win Jo back—his unwavering support was genuinely heartwarming. How could you not love him?? His playful personality and the way he cracked jokes had me laughing through the rest of the story. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also the emotional anchor during their long-distance relationship, which only earned him more points in my heart.
The story truly shone during their time in the mountains—the tension, banter, and steamy moments were perfectly balanced. However, I wish more attention had been given to the scene where Jo reveals the reason for their separation; diving deeper there would’ve added greater impact to that pivotal moment. Once the focus shifted to the challenges of long-distance and external pressures, the pacing started to wobble a bit. That second half lost some of the spark and felt a bit repetitive. During this part, I found myself wishing Jo had been more introspective—she’s navigating her first serious relationship with someone who clearly loves her, and I think there was room for a bit more emotional depth. Still, I loved how Bryson took it upon himself to steady the course of their relationship, always trying to ease the distance and keep them connected.
That said, this book gave me some truly heartwarming moments: the chaotic, hilarious group chats (I love them deeply—they genuinely deserve a love story of their own), the nostalgic callbacks, and a thoughtful exploration of mental health that added meaningful depth to Bryson’s character. Although the book didn’t quite meet all my expectations, it still brought a smile to my face and introduced me to a new favorite MMC.
Even though I haven’t read the first book, I had no trouble following this second one because the characters are well introduced—including those from the first volume as well as new ones—without risking any confusion or missing key information in the story.
If you enjoy banter-filled romances with a touch of spice, emotional depth, and a heroine fiercely dedicated to her ambitions, "Unrivaled Love" could be your perfect next read!
Big thanks to Good Girls PR and Erin Marie Bassett for the eARC of Unrivaled Love!
What immediately stood out to me in this story was the presence of a FMC who plays sports—something I don’t often come across in my reads, but every time I do, it sparks my interest and curiosity. “Unrivaled Love” follows Bryson and Jo, childhood best friends who’ve each carved out successful careers in different sports: he’s a rising hockey star and Jo as a standout soccer player. Over time, the two grew apart—though the reasons remain unclear until circumstances bring them back together under one roof for a week in their shared family home.
The idea of childhood friends turned rivals had a lot of promise, but as the story progressed, it became clear that this "rivalry” leaned heavily on Jo’s side. That made me suspect early on that their falling out stemmed from either outside pressures or a major misunderstanding—and I was eager to uncover what exactly drove them apart.
Jo was ambitious and fiercely focused on her goals, and while I could see the value in her determination, I found it hard to truly connect with her mindset and personality. Her drive to succeed was clear—but her constant need to outdo Bryson felt misplaced, especially considering they play completely different sports. It was hard to understand why she felt the need to compare herself to him when their paths weren’t even parallel. Still, the human mind works in curious ways, and I decided to overlook that aspect and focus on the deeper layers of her character.
On the other hand, I absolutely fell for Bryson. A short king who fully embraced his golden retriever energy, going all out to win Jo back—his unwavering support was genuinely heartwarming. How could you not love him?? His playful personality and the way he cracked jokes had me laughing through the rest of the story. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also the emotional anchor during their long-distance relationship, which only earned him more points in my heart.
The story truly shone during their time in the mountains—the tension, banter, and steamy moments were perfectly balanced. However, I wish more attention had been given to the scene where Jo reveals the reason for their separation; diving deeper there would’ve added greater impact to that pivotal moment. Once the focus shifted to the challenges of long-distance and external pressures, the pacing started to wobble a bit. That second half lost some of the spark and felt a bit repetitive. During this part, I found myself wishing Jo had been more introspective—she’s navigating her first serious relationship with someone who clearly loves her, and I think there was room for a bit more emotional depth. Still, I loved how Bryson took it upon himself to steady the course of their relationship, always trying to ease the distance and keep them connected.
That said, this book gave me some truly heartwarming moments: the chaotic, hilarious group chats (I love them deeply—they genuinely deserve a love story of their own), the nostalgic callbacks, and a thoughtful exploration of mental health that added meaningful depth to Bryson’s character. Although the book didn’t quite meet all my expectations, it still brought a smile to my face and introduced me to a new favorite MMC.
Even though I haven’t read the first book, I had no trouble following this second one because the characters are well introduced—including those from the first volume as well as new ones—without risking any confusion or missing key information in the story.
If you enjoy banter-filled romances with a touch of spice, emotional depth, and a heroine fiercely dedicated to her ambitions, "Unrivaled Love" could be your perfect next read!
Big thanks to Good Girls PR and Erin Marie Bassett for the eARC of Unrivaled Love!
May 7, 2025
The D.C. Renegades Hockey Series can be read separately but I recommend reading Unmasking Love before reading Unrivaled Love.
Jo and Bryson's story started when they were children as best friends competing to be the best at their respective sport and cheering each other on. Then in college, their friendship fell apart. Bryson didn't know what happened but his best friend was gone and he went on to the NHL without his biggest supporter. He felt like a piece of himself was missing even after his and his team's successes.
Jo went on to the international soccer stage and distanced herself from her childhood best friend although she felt the need to compete with him and judge her achievements against his all the time. She made him her rival even though they played very different sports. Then after Bryson's team won the Stanley cup and she still hadn't realized her dream of winning the World Cup, she was even more upset with him. When Jo faced an undocumented suspension from her team their rivalry exploded, literally and figuratively.
When they both head to their families' shared cabin for a break they clash and start a prank war that ends with a crushed car. Through their fighting and misunderstandings the real reason for the destruction of a lifelong friendship comes to light. With this new information they realize they have a lot in common and rekindle their friendship. During this time they realize that they still love each other. Bryson goes home with Jo before his preseason starts and then they start a long distance seasons long relationship.
Like all relationships, they were challenged but the hardest was being apart. Jo lived in DC during her off-season and was part of the WAGs (Stick Handlers). In his off-season, Bryson took his HAB duties seriously making sure Jo had everything she needed including a cheerleader. Together they were stronger and Jo's team was able to make her dream of the World Cup a reality.
Unrivaled Love has angst, a lot of spice, and hilarious antics to keep you laughing too. The found Family among Bryson's teammates is very strong and the Big Guns chats showcase this. Jo and Bryson's love matured over time and they were lucky to have such great support systems with their families, friends, and teammates while they were apart and even more so as they learned to navigate a life together with the craziness of two professional athlete careers in separate states.
Erin Marie Bassett has another winner on her hands and I am now impatiently waiting for the rest of this series. I had the pleasure of meeting Erin earlier this year and she is a wonderful person who loves her characters so much.
I am voluntarily reviewing after receiving an ARC copy. Thank you so much Erin for the opportunity.
Jo and Bryson's story started when they were children as best friends competing to be the best at their respective sport and cheering each other on. Then in college, their friendship fell apart. Bryson didn't know what happened but his best friend was gone and he went on to the NHL without his biggest supporter. He felt like a piece of himself was missing even after his and his team's successes.
Jo went on to the international soccer stage and distanced herself from her childhood best friend although she felt the need to compete with him and judge her achievements against his all the time. She made him her rival even though they played very different sports. Then after Bryson's team won the Stanley cup and she still hadn't realized her dream of winning the World Cup, she was even more upset with him. When Jo faced an undocumented suspension from her team their rivalry exploded, literally and figuratively.
When they both head to their families' shared cabin for a break they clash and start a prank war that ends with a crushed car. Through their fighting and misunderstandings the real reason for the destruction of a lifelong friendship comes to light. With this new information they realize they have a lot in common and rekindle their friendship. During this time they realize that they still love each other. Bryson goes home with Jo before his preseason starts and then they start a long distance seasons long relationship.
Like all relationships, they were challenged but the hardest was being apart. Jo lived in DC during her off-season and was part of the WAGs (Stick Handlers). In his off-season, Bryson took his HAB duties seriously making sure Jo had everything she needed including a cheerleader. Together they were stronger and Jo's team was able to make her dream of the World Cup a reality.
Unrivaled Love has angst, a lot of spice, and hilarious antics to keep you laughing too. The found Family among Bryson's teammates is very strong and the Big Guns chats showcase this. Jo and Bryson's love matured over time and they were lucky to have such great support systems with their families, friends, and teammates while they were apart and even more so as they learned to navigate a life together with the craziness of two professional athlete careers in separate states.
Erin Marie Bassett has another winner on her hands and I am now impatiently waiting for the rest of this series. I had the pleasure of meeting Erin earlier this year and she is a wonderful person who loves her characters so much.
I am voluntarily reviewing after receiving an ARC copy. Thank you so much Erin for the opportunity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
Erin has done it again. At this point, sign me up to read every single one of these books lol. I love the Renegades so much. They are probably my favorite hockey series and we still have more stories to go. Did I cry? Yes because this book was so real for me. It touched me in ways I didn’t think I needed and I just…am still so happy that I got to read this book.
I loved Jo and Bryson’s story. It felt real, raw and deserving. I loved watching two MCs who both wanted more out of life and wanted to still make things work.
Jo was fierce, and she wanted the best for herself. I could appreciate her drive and her spirit of wanting to make it to the top. I think she’s also super adorable with how petty she can be. The tickle war, the nickname, and the pranks were just top tier and I found myself laughing so much. Jo also really embodied something that I think a lot of us struggle with and that’s proving ourselves. I felt like she really resonated with me because of that. Especially with a very strong personality.
Bryson is definitely book boyfriend of the year! I adore him. I liked him in the last book and I was so excited for him to get his book. What I love most about him is that he kept things real. He never shied away from showing who he really is, leaning into his feelings, seeking out the help of others and showing Jo that he was in it for the long haul.
My favorite moments include Every group chat lol the group chat is my favorite thing about this story. The way the renegades are just so supportive of one another and I love that they go full on ops when they don’t hear from Bryson. I just love them.
I also love when Bryson redecorates her house to make it more of home. It made me laugh because Bryson took over and just showcased his inner Felix lol
This story felt really close to home with the long distance. I really appreciate how it showed both the ups and downs of long distance. As someone who is currently in a long distance relationship, it’s tough and this book really showed those moments. The representation was so spot on and that made me feel validated.
Thanks Love Story PR for letting me read this book and of course and as always thank you Erin for letting me be your biggest fan! You know I’m here for the long run and I can’t wait for book three!
I loved Jo and Bryson’s story. It felt real, raw and deserving. I loved watching two MCs who both wanted more out of life and wanted to still make things work.
Jo was fierce, and she wanted the best for herself. I could appreciate her drive and her spirit of wanting to make it to the top. I think she’s also super adorable with how petty she can be. The tickle war, the nickname, and the pranks were just top tier and I found myself laughing so much. Jo also really embodied something that I think a lot of us struggle with and that’s proving ourselves. I felt like she really resonated with me because of that. Especially with a very strong personality.
Bryson is definitely book boyfriend of the year! I adore him. I liked him in the last book and I was so excited for him to get his book. What I love most about him is that he kept things real. He never shied away from showing who he really is, leaning into his feelings, seeking out the help of others and showing Jo that he was in it for the long haul.
My favorite moments include Every group chat lol the group chat is my favorite thing about this story. The way the renegades are just so supportive of one another and I love that they go full on ops when they don’t hear from Bryson. I just love them.
I also love when Bryson redecorates her house to make it more of home. It made me laugh because Bryson took over and just showcased his inner Felix lol
This story felt really close to home with the long distance. I really appreciate how it showed both the ups and downs of long distance. As someone who is currently in a long distance relationship, it’s tough and this book really showed those moments. The representation was so spot on and that made me feel validated.
Thanks Love Story PR for letting me read this book and of course and as always thank you Erin for letting me be your biggest fan! You know I’m here for the long run and I can’t wait for book three!
July 3, 2025
“And when you let me in, I’m going to claim you. You’re my ultimate prize.”
⭐️ 4/5
📖Sports Romance
💓 Jo and Bryson were best childhood friends until one night changed everything.
💬 Bryson has had a Jo-sized hole in his heart for 10 long years-she’s definitely the one that got away.
💓 Read if you like💓:
💕 Second Chance
💕 Rivals-to-Lovers
💕 Childhood Friends
💕 Forced Proximity
💕 Found Family
Erin Marie Bassett’s writing style is excellent. She has this smooth flow that sucks you in and truly makes you feel like you are there with the characters.
Unrivaled Love focuses on childhood friends who haven’t spoken in a decade. In that time, Bryson has made a successful career in the NHL, complete with a recent Stanley Cup win and Jo has been furthering her soccer career and recently joined Team USA.
Bryson is a golden retriever kind of guy who rolls with the punches, doesn’t hold grudges, and always tries to make the best of his situation. He reads rom coms during the hockey season as a form of stress relief! Despite things going very well professionally, he can’t shake the heartbreak that settled in when Jo abruptly vanished from his life all those years ago.
Jo is strong, determined, and laser-focused on her goals. She does not want to let anyone or anything get in her way, and for better or worse, she keeps score- with everything. Bryson won the Stanley Cup? Meh, hockey is an easy sport compared to soccer in her mind. All of her ambition and stress piles up on her, and she ends up getting a one-month suspension from the team following an incident, so she goes to the only place that she can think of to get away- the family mountain house- that is shared by Bryson’s family.
Unbeknownst to each other- great minds think alike-and Bryson also happened to head to the lake house to try to decompress from the post-season mania of Stanley Cup champion appearances.
Their re-meet- cute is hilarious and terrible - and definitely involves someone lacking clothing. They both refuse to leave the cabin, and an all-out prank war ensues between them.
OMG, besties. Just settle in - I literally laughed out loud many times!
Erin- I love the way you craft your characters. I’ll admit, I was annoyed with Jo for the first several chapters, but in the end she definitely won me over!
⭐️ 4/5
📖Sports Romance
💓 Jo and Bryson were best childhood friends until one night changed everything.
💬 Bryson has had a Jo-sized hole in his heart for 10 long years-she’s definitely the one that got away.
💓 Read if you like💓:
💕 Second Chance
💕 Rivals-to-Lovers
💕 Childhood Friends
💕 Forced Proximity
💕 Found Family
Erin Marie Bassett’s writing style is excellent. She has this smooth flow that sucks you in and truly makes you feel like you are there with the characters.
Unrivaled Love focuses on childhood friends who haven’t spoken in a decade. In that time, Bryson has made a successful career in the NHL, complete with a recent Stanley Cup win and Jo has been furthering her soccer career and recently joined Team USA.
Bryson is a golden retriever kind of guy who rolls with the punches, doesn’t hold grudges, and always tries to make the best of his situation. He reads rom coms during the hockey season as a form of stress relief! Despite things going very well professionally, he can’t shake the heartbreak that settled in when Jo abruptly vanished from his life all those years ago.
Jo is strong, determined, and laser-focused on her goals. She does not want to let anyone or anything get in her way, and for better or worse, she keeps score- with everything. Bryson won the Stanley Cup? Meh, hockey is an easy sport compared to soccer in her mind. All of her ambition and stress piles up on her, and she ends up getting a one-month suspension from the team following an incident, so she goes to the only place that she can think of to get away- the family mountain house- that is shared by Bryson’s family.
Unbeknownst to each other- great minds think alike-and Bryson also happened to head to the lake house to try to decompress from the post-season mania of Stanley Cup champion appearances.
Their re-meet- cute is hilarious and terrible - and definitely involves someone lacking clothing. They both refuse to leave the cabin, and an all-out prank war ensues between them.
OMG, besties. Just settle in - I literally laughed out loud many times!
Erin- I love the way you craft your characters. I’ll admit, I was annoyed with Jo for the first several chapters, but in the end she definitely won me over!
June 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Childhood best friends who haven’t seen or spoken to each other in ten years, all thanks to an overheard statement. Erin Marie Bassett had the tension start immediately in Unrivaled Love due to this misunderstanding. Ten years pass between our MCs and when they are reunited, the feelings come flooding back. However, I loved that Erin focused on their reconnecting and rebuilding of their relationship as friends before the romance began. Now, don’t worry there is longing, pining, and romance; and trust me it’s worth the read.
Jo and Bryson are both determined, career focused, and athletic. The love they each hold for their sport and teams is evident throughout this story and I adored how they supported each other in their sports. Neither one made the other feel they would have to give up their dreams and that was proven by their long distant relationship. The banter and flirting between these two are top notch and I enjoyed that they fell into a familiar rhythm even with ten years amissed.
Erin’s choice in having the storyline run through both their sports season was a great one. It provided our MCs to show support to each other while still living their own lives and chasing their own dreams. It added depth to their long distance relationship and provided a hard fast reason as to why they had to remain long distance. And there is something so wholesome about one commonality they have is they both read romances. I loved that Erin is helping normalizing men reading romances and being open about it. Bring on the real life men reading romances!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves second chance romances, estranged childhood friends who find one another again, and feelings finally being realized and acted on. Once the communication between them is flowing and they truly hear each other, their romance is one I fully enjoyed and their reconnecting made this such a great story!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Player MMC
⚽Soccer Player FMC
🏒Unavoidable Proximity
⚽Jersey Moment
🏒Found Family
⚽Prank War
🏒Second Chance Romance
⚽Childhood Friends to Lovers
Childhood best friends who haven’t seen or spoken to each other in ten years, all thanks to an overheard statement. Erin Marie Bassett had the tension start immediately in Unrivaled Love due to this misunderstanding. Ten years pass between our MCs and when they are reunited, the feelings come flooding back. However, I loved that Erin focused on their reconnecting and rebuilding of their relationship as friends before the romance began. Now, don’t worry there is longing, pining, and romance; and trust me it’s worth the read.
Jo and Bryson are both determined, career focused, and athletic. The love they each hold for their sport and teams is evident throughout this story and I adored how they supported each other in their sports. Neither one made the other feel they would have to give up their dreams and that was proven by their long distant relationship. The banter and flirting between these two are top notch and I enjoyed that they fell into a familiar rhythm even with ten years amissed.
Erin’s choice in having the storyline run through both their sports season was a great one. It provided our MCs to show support to each other while still living their own lives and chasing their own dreams. It added depth to their long distance relationship and provided a hard fast reason as to why they had to remain long distance. And there is something so wholesome about one commonality they have is they both read romances. I loved that Erin is helping normalizing men reading romances and being open about it. Bring on the real life men reading romances!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves second chance romances, estranged childhood friends who find one another again, and feelings finally being realized and acted on. Once the communication between them is flowing and they truly hear each other, their romance is one I fully enjoyed and their reconnecting made this such a great story!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Player MMC
⚽Soccer Player FMC
🏒Unavoidable Proximity
⚽Jersey Moment
🏒Found Family
⚽Prank War
🏒Second Chance Romance
⚽Childhood Friends to Lovers
May 25, 2025
“I want to worship you. You deserve to feel incredible and powerful all the time but especially here. And when you let me in, I’m going to claim you. You’re my ultimate prize.”
Unrivaled Love is yet another great book from the amazing Erin Marie Bassett. It’s full of love, humor, spice, and realness. The characters are flawed and real. They go through ups & downs, but always rely on each other when they need a helping hand. The relationships Erin writes are beautiful.
“Bryson is both my buoy keeping my head above water and the anchor trying to drag me under. He’s my reason for joy and happiness, but each day apart might slowly kill me now that we’ve found each other again.”
Erin set the bar high with Aidan in Unmasking Love, but Bryson dethroned him as my favorite DC Renegade (sorry, Young Gun!). Bryson is the ultimate book boyfriend: sweet, swoon worthy, goal oriented, funny, knows what he’s doing with his hands (& other body parts), and to top it all off, he reads romance books.
Jo is such a strong FMC and is serious goals. She’s focused and dedicated, with serious goals, but she’s also learning to open herself up. I loved watching her and Bryson reunite, work through their past issues, and find their way back to each other. Saying their connection is “palpable” doesn’t even scratch the surface. Everything about these two is so good.
The found family in this book is incredible. The DC Renegades team and their WAGS are total goals. They push and support each other, always show up, and have the most entertaining group texts. Seeing both the Big Guns & the Stick Handlers in action was such a fun bonus.
“Because, Jo, losing reminds me I’m a human. Winning makes me feel invincible. And in the last several months I’ve added something to my life that makes me feel whole in a way I never could have imagined... You.”
I don’t know how Erin keeps doing it, but her books just get better and better. If you haven’t read any of them yet, check them out now. I cannot wait for the next DC Renegades book!
Unrivaled Love is yet another great book from the amazing Erin Marie Bassett. It’s full of love, humor, spice, and realness. The characters are flawed and real. They go through ups & downs, but always rely on each other when they need a helping hand. The relationships Erin writes are beautiful.
“Bryson is both my buoy keeping my head above water and the anchor trying to drag me under. He’s my reason for joy and happiness, but each day apart might slowly kill me now that we’ve found each other again.”
Erin set the bar high with Aidan in Unmasking Love, but Bryson dethroned him as my favorite DC Renegade (sorry, Young Gun!). Bryson is the ultimate book boyfriend: sweet, swoon worthy, goal oriented, funny, knows what he’s doing with his hands (& other body parts), and to top it all off, he reads romance books.
Jo is such a strong FMC and is serious goals. She’s focused and dedicated, with serious goals, but she’s also learning to open herself up. I loved watching her and Bryson reunite, work through their past issues, and find their way back to each other. Saying their connection is “palpable” doesn’t even scratch the surface. Everything about these two is so good.
The found family in this book is incredible. The DC Renegades team and their WAGS are total goals. They push and support each other, always show up, and have the most entertaining group texts. Seeing both the Big Guns & the Stick Handlers in action was such a fun bonus.
“Because, Jo, losing reminds me I’m a human. Winning makes me feel invincible. And in the last several months I’ve added something to my life that makes me feel whole in a way I never could have imagined... You.”
I don’t know how Erin keeps doing it, but her books just get better and better. If you haven’t read any of them yet, check them out now. I cannot wait for the next DC Renegades book!
May 3, 2025
🏒⚽️🏟🃏🌳😍 ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴏғ ᴜɴʀɪᴠᴀʟᴇᴅ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʙʏ ᴇʀɪɴ ᴍᴀʀɪᴇ ʙᴀssᴇᴛᴛ 😍🌳🃏🏟⚽️🏒
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
Erin Marie Bassett delivers another win with Unrivaled Love, the latest in her DC Renegades series! This story perfectly blends the adrenaline of pro hockey and soccer with a heartfelt romance that kept me hooked.
Bryson and Jo’s chemistry jumps off the page from the start, and once they’re stuck together at Casa de Svobolton (forced proximity trope fans, rejoice!), the tension and sparks only get better. The prank war between them had me cracking up — Bryson’s hiding spot for the scissors was absolutely brilliant (and yeah, no way I’d go looking there either!).
What really melted my heart, though, was discovering that Bryson reads the same romance books Jo does — even though the way she finds out absolutely broke me. It’s such a sweet, added layer to Bryson’s character and made me love him even more.
The group chats were pure gold: the Big Guns chat had me laughing, but the Stick Handlers chat? That name alone deserves a round of applause 👏. Bassett delivers not just steamy romance but also the heartwarming found-family dynamics that make you fall in love with the whole cast.
If you’re into sports romances, competitive couples, and characters who challenge each other to grow, Unrivaled Love will absolutely steal your heart. You’ll be rooting for Bryson and Jo all the way to the final whistle.
I cannot wait for Felix’s book — he’s a total champion of love and deserves his HEA — but first, I’m counting down to Crosby’s story in Unlaced Love. Even the book titles in this series get me excited!
What To Expect:
🏒 Hockey MMC
⚽️ Soccer FMC
😍 Found Family
🃏 Second Chance
#UnrivaledLove #ErinMarieBassett #DCRenegades #HockeyRomance #SoccerRomance #SportsRomance #FoundFamily #OppositesAttract
#ARCReview #BookishLove
#LivingMyBestBookishLife
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
Erin Marie Bassett delivers another win with Unrivaled Love, the latest in her DC Renegades series! This story perfectly blends the adrenaline of pro hockey and soccer with a heartfelt romance that kept me hooked.
Bryson and Jo’s chemistry jumps off the page from the start, and once they’re stuck together at Casa de Svobolton (forced proximity trope fans, rejoice!), the tension and sparks only get better. The prank war between them had me cracking up — Bryson’s hiding spot for the scissors was absolutely brilliant (and yeah, no way I’d go looking there either!).
What really melted my heart, though, was discovering that Bryson reads the same romance books Jo does — even though the way she finds out absolutely broke me. It’s such a sweet, added layer to Bryson’s character and made me love him even more.
The group chats were pure gold: the Big Guns chat had me laughing, but the Stick Handlers chat? That name alone deserves a round of applause 👏. Bassett delivers not just steamy romance but also the heartwarming found-family dynamics that make you fall in love with the whole cast.
If you’re into sports romances, competitive couples, and characters who challenge each other to grow, Unrivaled Love will absolutely steal your heart. You’ll be rooting for Bryson and Jo all the way to the final whistle.
I cannot wait for Felix’s book — he’s a total champion of love and deserves his HEA — but first, I’m counting down to Crosby’s story in Unlaced Love. Even the book titles in this series get me excited!
What To Expect:
🏒 Hockey MMC
⚽️ Soccer FMC
😍 Found Family
🃏 Second Chance
#UnrivaledLove #ErinMarieBassett #DCRenegades #HockeyRomance #SoccerRomance #SportsRomance #FoundFamily #OppositesAttract
#ARCReview #BookishLove
#LivingMyBestBookishLife
June 4, 2025
There’s something truly special about the way Erin Marie Bassett writes romance—Unrivaled Love is a stunning example of that gift. From the very first chapter, I found myself completely immersed in the emotional rhythm of this story. The characters are beautifully drawn, layered with vulnerability and strength, and their connection is palpable from the moment they share the page.
Having been fortunate enough to read Erin’s debut ahead of release, I was already familiar with her talent for crafting emotionally rich, character-driven stories. But Unrivaled Love somehow deepens everything I loved about her first book—it’s confident, heartfelt, and so effortlessly romantic. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, but what really stood out to me was the emotional intimacy they develop, the way they see and challenge each other in ways that feel deeply authentic.
The pacing is perfectly balanced—slow enough to let the tension simmer, yet always moving forward with purpose. I loved how the romance was not just a matter of attraction, but of growth, forgiveness, and hard-earned trust. It’s the kind of love story that feels earned, one that makes you ache in the best possible way as you root for their happily ever after.
There’s a quiet emotional power in Erin’s writing—a sensitivity to what it means to fall in love while still finding your own footing in life. Her prose flows with ease, and yet she never skimps on depth. Every moment feels intentional, and every beat of the relationship lands with impact.
Unrivaled Love is everything I hoped it would be and more. It’s a story that lingers in your heart, long after the final page. Erin Marie Bassett is truly carving out her space in romance, and I feel so lucky to have been along for the journey from the beginning. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
Having been fortunate enough to read Erin’s debut ahead of release, I was already familiar with her talent for crafting emotionally rich, character-driven stories. But Unrivaled Love somehow deepens everything I loved about her first book—it’s confident, heartfelt, and so effortlessly romantic. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, but what really stood out to me was the emotional intimacy they develop, the way they see and challenge each other in ways that feel deeply authentic.
The pacing is perfectly balanced—slow enough to let the tension simmer, yet always moving forward with purpose. I loved how the romance was not just a matter of attraction, but of growth, forgiveness, and hard-earned trust. It’s the kind of love story that feels earned, one that makes you ache in the best possible way as you root for their happily ever after.
There’s a quiet emotional power in Erin’s writing—a sensitivity to what it means to fall in love while still finding your own footing in life. Her prose flows with ease, and yet she never skimps on depth. Every moment feels intentional, and every beat of the relationship lands with impact.
Unrivaled Love is everything I hoped it would be and more. It’s a story that lingers in your heart, long after the final page. Erin Marie Bassett is truly carving out her space in romance, and I feel so lucky to have been along for the journey from the beginning. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
May 26, 2025
⚽️ Rivals to lovers
🏒 Second-chance
⚽️ Slow burn spicy
🏒 Burnout rep
⚽️ Prank war
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Decades long friendship and crushes? History between characters that is slowly unraveled and straightened out? This novel pulled me in and kept my attention. We loooove a simping MMC. And our boy Bryson is down in the worst and best ways possible.
The Renegades grew on me quickly in Book 1 but nothing prepared me for how much I adore them all in Book 2! Cap? Still caring about every single person? Im in love. Dunc and Crocs? See.. inside jokes with the guys. You wouldn't get it unless you read it. Which you should... you really should.
I loved that Jo wasn't the softest at first. She spoke her truth and owned her life every waking second. I also loved watching her soften in both her relationship and her newfound friendships. Getting to see her growth and finding out she is a secret cinnamon roll was a reason to keep going alone! But thankfully for us readers it wasn't the only thing. Because Bryson brought his A game, too. The long distance relationship was hard to read simply because it was so beautifully written and full of the emotions that come with it.
The tension was FRAUGHT. The yearning was HIGH. The chemistry was HOT. I finished this in one day. That doesn't happen with every book but I couldn't put it down! I giggled out loud, I swooned, I cried, I related. Not to being a pro sport player. HA! I could never. But to the walls we put up and the people we push away because of our own insecurities and fears? Absolutely. And this series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
Thank you Erin Marie Bassett and Good Girls PR for the advanced reader copy! This is my honest and unbiased review.
🏒 Second-chance
⚽️ Slow burn spicy
🏒 Burnout rep
⚽️ Prank war
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Decades long friendship and crushes? History between characters that is slowly unraveled and straightened out? This novel pulled me in and kept my attention. We loooove a simping MMC. And our boy Bryson is down in the worst and best ways possible.
The Renegades grew on me quickly in Book 1 but nothing prepared me for how much I adore them all in Book 2! Cap? Still caring about every single person? Im in love. Dunc and Crocs? See.. inside jokes with the guys. You wouldn't get it unless you read it. Which you should... you really should.
I loved that Jo wasn't the softest at first. She spoke her truth and owned her life every waking second. I also loved watching her soften in both her relationship and her newfound friendships. Getting to see her growth and finding out she is a secret cinnamon roll was a reason to keep going alone! But thankfully for us readers it wasn't the only thing. Because Bryson brought his A game, too. The long distance relationship was hard to read simply because it was so beautifully written and full of the emotions that come with it.
The tension was FRAUGHT. The yearning was HIGH. The chemistry was HOT. I finished this in one day. That doesn't happen with every book but I couldn't put it down! I giggled out loud, I swooned, I cried, I related. Not to being a pro sport player. HA! I could never. But to the walls we put up and the people we push away because of our own insecurities and fears? Absolutely. And this series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
Thank you Erin Marie Bassett and Good Girls PR for the advanced reader copy! This is my honest and unbiased review.
June 22, 2025
UNRIVALED LOVE By Erin Marie Bassett
MVP left forward Bryson Svoboda has everything; championships, accolades, and a career most athletes dream of. But winning it all doesn’t feel like enough, and the cracks are starting to show. Across the field, women’s soccer star, Jo Hamilton, is feeling the weight of expectation and burnout creeping in. Neither is willing to admit they’re struggling, until they both escape to their families’ shared mountain house .
Forced into close quarters after a decade of silence, old tensions reignite in the form of an all-out prank war. But when one joke goes too far, their rivalry unravels, exposing something raw and unresolved between them.
As their time in the mountains turns from competition to connection, reality intrudes in the form of Bryson’s teammates and the watchful eye of D.C. Renegades Captain, Felix Fornier. With their careers pulling them in different directions, Bryson and Jo have to decide if what they built in the mountains was just a fleeting escape or if they’re ready to commit; to their careers, their teams, and most of all, to each other.
😊What i liked -
✔ Second Chance/Childhood Friends To Lovers/Long Distance/Sort Of Found Family.
✔I loved the banter and laughed at the pranks. They were over the top but fun.
✔ Loved Bryson's chat group and overall bond with his teammates. They added to the fun parts.
✔ I liked how their relationship grew.
✔ It had a few sweet and spicy moments.
🤔What could have been better-
✔ Ahhh though I loved a few parts, a few others seemed over the top to me. Maybe it's a me problem.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕Second Chance Romance
💞Long Distance Romance
📈My Rating : 3/5
MVP left forward Bryson Svoboda has everything; championships, accolades, and a career most athletes dream of. But winning it all doesn’t feel like enough, and the cracks are starting to show. Across the field, women’s soccer star, Jo Hamilton, is feeling the weight of expectation and burnout creeping in. Neither is willing to admit they’re struggling, until they both escape to their families’ shared mountain house .
Forced into close quarters after a decade of silence, old tensions reignite in the form of an all-out prank war. But when one joke goes too far, their rivalry unravels, exposing something raw and unresolved between them.
As their time in the mountains turns from competition to connection, reality intrudes in the form of Bryson’s teammates and the watchful eye of D.C. Renegades Captain, Felix Fornier. With their careers pulling them in different directions, Bryson and Jo have to decide if what they built in the mountains was just a fleeting escape or if they’re ready to commit; to their careers, their teams, and most of all, to each other.
😊What i liked -
✔ Second Chance/Childhood Friends To Lovers/Long Distance/Sort Of Found Family.
✔I loved the banter and laughed at the pranks. They were over the top but fun.
✔ Loved Bryson's chat group and overall bond with his teammates. They added to the fun parts.
✔ I liked how their relationship grew.
✔ It had a few sweet and spicy moments.
🤔What could have been better-
✔ Ahhh though I loved a few parts, a few others seemed over the top to me. Maybe it's a me problem.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💕Second Chance Romance
💞Long Distance Romance
📈My Rating : 3/5
June 2, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Erin at the first ever Romance Book Convention in Bloomington, MN this past Winter - holla fellow Aquarius <3
This is the second book I've read by Erin, and I lover her writing style!
Josephine "Jo" and Bryson are childhood friends turned enemies - or so one of them thinks. After a suspension from her soccer team, due to a tickling fight with a team member, yes tickling, Jo decides to get in her car and drive from SLC to her families cabin in Telluride, CO. She doesn't know it yet, but she isn't the only person who decided to take a break from their championship sports team.
Bryson who just won the Stanley cup on the Renegades hockey team, is on a current break, and decided to relax from all the pressure he's feeling to win as the team's MVP.
These two are at odds due to a long-standing misunderstanding. Trying to get each other to leave their families vacation home, they start a prank war which involves a lot of yarn and end up with a totaled vehicle.
Bryson has been pining for Jo, but Jo had overheard a conversation in college that she interpreted as Bryson thinking her skills as a soccer star were inferior to his hockey status. Do these two end up talking through it...and more?
The story follows these two as a couple of weeks brings them together in unexpected ways. They even enjoy reading the same romantasy fiction!
Erin does a great job of describing the sports and goes into detail to keep the reader engaged, and sells the sports part of her sports writing! Highly recommending the series and adding Erin's books to your TBR!
#enemiestolovers #childhoodfriends
This is the second book I've read by Erin, and I lover her writing style!
Josephine "Jo" and Bryson are childhood friends turned enemies - or so one of them thinks. After a suspension from her soccer team, due to a tickling fight with a team member, yes tickling, Jo decides to get in her car and drive from SLC to her families cabin in Telluride, CO. She doesn't know it yet, but she isn't the only person who decided to take a break from their championship sports team.
Bryson who just won the Stanley cup on the Renegades hockey team, is on a current break, and decided to relax from all the pressure he's feeling to win as the team's MVP.
These two are at odds due to a long-standing misunderstanding. Trying to get each other to leave their families vacation home, they start a prank war which involves a lot of yarn and end up with a totaled vehicle.
Bryson has been pining for Jo, but Jo had overheard a conversation in college that she interpreted as Bryson thinking her skills as a soccer star were inferior to his hockey status. Do these two end up talking through it...and more?
The story follows these two as a couple of weeks brings them together in unexpected ways. They even enjoy reading the same romantasy fiction!
Erin does a great job of describing the sports and goes into detail to keep the reader engaged, and sells the sports part of her sports writing! Highly recommending the series and adding Erin's books to your TBR!
#enemiestolovers #childhoodfriends
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2025
This book right here? 5 stars. 10/10. Unrivaled Love is the second book in the DC Renegades series, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
Bryson Svoboda plays left forward for the DC Renegades, fresh off a Stanley Cup win. Jo Hamilton is a soccer star on the USWNT, with dreams of winning the World Cup. Their careers have always come first, but lately, it all feels like too much. Both craving a break, they make the same choice: to escape to their families’ shared vacation home in Telluride. After ten years of not speaking (thanks to, you guessed it, a miscommunication), they’re suddenly reunited under one roof. Cue forced proximity, a hilarious prank war, and long-buried feelings bubbling back up.
Bryson never stopped rooting for Jo, loving her from afar in the most swoonworthy way. Their childhood-friends-to-lovers and second chance romance dynamic gave me all the feels. The chemistry and banter? Elite. I was literally laughing out loud at the group text chains and the prank scenes—so fun and perfectly timed.
The found family vibe Bryson shares with his teammates made this story even better—I live for that kind of chaotic, unconditional support. And the pacing? Just right. It never felt rushed, and their reconnection unfolded in such a natural and satisfying way.
This is hands-down my favorite of the series so far. Can’t wait to see what Erin brings us next!
**Thank you to Love Story PR for this e-ARC**
Bryson Svoboda plays left forward for the DC Renegades, fresh off a Stanley Cup win. Jo Hamilton is a soccer star on the USWNT, with dreams of winning the World Cup. Their careers have always come first, but lately, it all feels like too much. Both craving a break, they make the same choice: to escape to their families’ shared vacation home in Telluride. After ten years of not speaking (thanks to, you guessed it, a miscommunication), they’re suddenly reunited under one roof. Cue forced proximity, a hilarious prank war, and long-buried feelings bubbling back up.
Bryson never stopped rooting for Jo, loving her from afar in the most swoonworthy way. Their childhood-friends-to-lovers and second chance romance dynamic gave me all the feels. The chemistry and banter? Elite. I was literally laughing out loud at the group text chains and the prank scenes—so fun and perfectly timed.
The found family vibe Bryson shares with his teammates made this story even better—I live for that kind of chaotic, unconditional support. And the pacing? Just right. It never felt rushed, and their reconnection unfolded in such a natural and satisfying way.
This is hands-down my favorite of the series so far. Can’t wait to see what Erin brings us next!
**Thank you to Love Story PR for this e-ARC**
May 13, 2025
🌳📖 ARC Review 📖🌳
Wowwowwow!! After reading Unmasking Love, I knew that Erin would be one of my top favorite authors. But man, she never disappoints.
In Unrivaled Love, we follow the twisted hiking path of Jo and Bryson. Childhood friends turned rivals (only from her end) turned into ultimate lovers!
Bryson is a star forward for the D.C. Renegades and he is hot fresh off winning the Stanley Cup and the MVP Conn Smythe trophy! But now that he’s won, what’s next? In attempt to ground himself, he takes a trip to his family vacation home. It may be under construction, but that’s no biggie. He just needs some alone time.
Enter Jo…hot fresh off of tickling her teammate/friendly competition? After receiving an unofficial suspension from her soccer club, what better way to spend some alone time at her families vacation home?
…the one shared with Bryson’s family…
In an unexpected turn of events, a prank war, and some heartfelt confessions, Jo and Bryson find their way back to each other. And this time, no competing will get in the way of that.
Unrivaled Love was another fantastic, lighthearted read with some deeper themes underlying. Nothing too heavy that leaves you shattered, but there are definitely some new tears in my heart.
Huge thank you to Erin and Love Story for the ARC copy! 🩷
Wowwowwow!! After reading Unmasking Love, I knew that Erin would be one of my top favorite authors. But man, she never disappoints.
In Unrivaled Love, we follow the twisted hiking path of Jo and Bryson. Childhood friends turned rivals (only from her end) turned into ultimate lovers!
Bryson is a star forward for the D.C. Renegades and he is hot fresh off winning the Stanley Cup and the MVP Conn Smythe trophy! But now that he’s won, what’s next? In attempt to ground himself, he takes a trip to his family vacation home. It may be under construction, but that’s no biggie. He just needs some alone time.
Enter Jo…hot fresh off of tickling her teammate/friendly competition? After receiving an unofficial suspension from her soccer club, what better way to spend some alone time at her families vacation home?
…the one shared with Bryson’s family…
In an unexpected turn of events, a prank war, and some heartfelt confessions, Jo and Bryson find their way back to each other. And this time, no competing will get in the way of that.
Unrivaled Love was another fantastic, lighthearted read with some deeper themes underlying. Nothing too heavy that leaves you shattered, but there are definitely some new tears in my heart.
Huge thank you to Erin and Love Story for the ARC copy! 🩷
June 3, 2025
🏒 A sports romance full of witty banter and pranks that will have you laughing until you cry! The spice is so high it will have you sweating from the extreme level. There is so much to enjoy with this book: pranks between Jo and Bryson, Byron creating some of the sweetest moments for Jo, Jo refusing to give up her goals and the determination they share to make their relationship work when things start to get hard. And just as an added bonus, Bryson’s teammates are hilarious (one has a serious Crocs shoe obsession) and always have one another’s backs! The competition is fierce, just like the love between Jo and Bryson.
⚽️ Bryson and Jo are childhood friends but somewhere along the way a rift formed in their connection separating them for years. Now, they are reunited at a shared family vacation home. Both are looking for quiet, a place to rejuvenate and find focus. What they actually find is that is the other one is there. What ensures is a serious prank war, a loss of electricity and a reconnection.
🏒 Byron knows Jo is it for him and is ready to show her he means it. (We all need an HAB like Bryson!). Jo needs a little more convincing but somewhere in her heart she knows Bryson is for her. Despite the hurtles they face, they do not give up.
⚽️ Whether you have read the first book in series or not, this book can be read as a standalone.
⚽️ Bryson and Jo are childhood friends but somewhere along the way a rift formed in their connection separating them for years. Now, they are reunited at a shared family vacation home. Both are looking for quiet, a place to rejuvenate and find focus. What they actually find is that is the other one is there. What ensures is a serious prank war, a loss of electricity and a reconnection.
🏒 Byron knows Jo is it for him and is ready to show her he means it. (We all need an HAB like Bryson!). Jo needs a little more convincing but somewhere in her heart she knows Bryson is for her. Despite the hurtles they face, they do not give up.
⚽️ Whether you have read the first book in series or not, this book can be read as a standalone.
June 12, 2025
Unrivaled Love is the second book in Erin Marie Bassett's D.C. Renegades Hockey series. She was a brand new author to me when I read Unmasking Love, the first in the series, and I knew it wouldn’t be my last. While Unrivaled Love can be read as a stand-alone, you would be missing out if you didn’t read Unmasking Love.
Unrivaled Love did not disappoint. Jo and Bryson have been best friends since childhood, and their families were interwoven until college. They both go their separate ways, pursuing their dreams. Bryson is heading into the NHL, and Jo aims to win the World Cup.
It isn’t until years later that the two are thrown together again. Bryson never really knows why he lost his best friend and feels that he has always been missing a part of himself in the intervening years. Well, needless to say, it all comes to a head - thank you, crushed car, hello, love story!
Unrivaled Love is filled with spice, angst, and hiliarity and I would be remiss if I did not mention the Big Guns are their hilarious group chats! Erin wrote a beautiful story of friends lost and found.
I am impatiently waiting for the rest of the series, and I am just going to throw this out there: that an entire book filled with the Big Guns and their group chats would be high on my TBR, lol
Thanks to Good Girls PR and Erin Marie Bassett for an eARC of this book.
Unrivaled Love did not disappoint. Jo and Bryson have been best friends since childhood, and their families were interwoven until college. They both go their separate ways, pursuing their dreams. Bryson is heading into the NHL, and Jo aims to win the World Cup.
It isn’t until years later that the two are thrown together again. Bryson never really knows why he lost his best friend and feels that he has always been missing a part of himself in the intervening years. Well, needless to say, it all comes to a head - thank you, crushed car, hello, love story!
Unrivaled Love is filled with spice, angst, and hiliarity and I would be remiss if I did not mention the Big Guns are their hilarious group chats! Erin wrote a beautiful story of friends lost and found.
I am impatiently waiting for the rest of the series, and I am just going to throw this out there: that an entire book filled with the Big Guns and their group chats would be high on my TBR, lol
Thanks to Good Girls PR and Erin Marie Bassett for an eARC of this book.
August 13, 2025
The perfect sports romance book for hockey and soccer fans alike!
Thank you to the author, Erin Marie Bassett, for the gifted e-arc! All opinions are my own!
Short Synopsis:
Bryson, a professional hockey player, is feeling the pressure and needs to spend some time away. Jo, a women’s soccer star, is having trouble on the field. When she’s forced to take a break, she can’t think of a better place to go than her family’s mountain side retreat. What she isn’t expecting to find there is Bryson. The childhood best friends turned enemies each want the place for themselves, but when they can’t come to an agreement on who should have it, an all out prank war ensues. Who will come out on top and keep the mountain side retreat for themselves?
My thoughts:
This funny and spicy interconnected stand-alone story was filled with banter, humor, and just the right amount of emotional vulnerability. The prank war was such a fun and unique touch! I loved the power dynamics of this strong couple and how they were able to work together to support one another while still following their own unique passions. I also really enjoyed the way the author incorporated romance books into the story!
Read this one if you like:
🏒 Hockey romance
⚽️ Soccer romance
🏒 Second chance
⚽️ Childhood friends to more
🏒 Forced proximity
⚽️ No 3rd act breakup
Thank you to the author, Erin Marie Bassett, for the gifted e-arc! All opinions are my own!
Short Synopsis:
Bryson, a professional hockey player, is feeling the pressure and needs to spend some time away. Jo, a women’s soccer star, is having trouble on the field. When she’s forced to take a break, she can’t think of a better place to go than her family’s mountain side retreat. What she isn’t expecting to find there is Bryson. The childhood best friends turned enemies each want the place for themselves, but when they can’t come to an agreement on who should have it, an all out prank war ensues. Who will come out on top and keep the mountain side retreat for themselves?
My thoughts:
This funny and spicy interconnected stand-alone story was filled with banter, humor, and just the right amount of emotional vulnerability. The prank war was such a fun and unique touch! I loved the power dynamics of this strong couple and how they were able to work together to support one another while still following their own unique passions. I also really enjoyed the way the author incorporated romance books into the story!
Read this one if you like:
🏒 Hockey romance
⚽️ Soccer romance
🏒 Second chance
⚽️ Childhood friends to more
🏒 Forced proximity
⚽️ No 3rd act breakup
May 7, 2025
I didn't want this novel to end 😍 I laughed, I swooned and I flipping loved every minute of this second chance rom com. Bryson and Jo are so relatable and real I immediately formed a connection with them as individuals and as a couple.
Bryson and Jo grew up together and their friendship turned into more in their teenage years. However, the pair ended abruptly and now years later the pair find themselves together at their family cabin once again. The sparks fly immediately but the pair is determined to resist. . . Or they try 🤣 I laughed out loud often during the first 30% of this book, the scenes were so well written I could envision them actually happening.
However as the novel shifted into the second half Erin Marie Bassett took the novel deeper as Bryson and Jo shared their feelings and insecurities with each other. The open and honest conversations were heart warming and so healthy, I truly enjoyed watching the main characters personal development.
NOW the most important part. . . the SPICY! This is an open door, moderately spicy novel (🔥🔥🔥🔥/5) that you will definitely not want your headphone to connect to CarPlay when others are in the car 🤣☠️ Proceed with caution where you listen to this one 😉
Thank you Love Story PR for the ARC!
Bryson and Jo grew up together and their friendship turned into more in their teenage years. However, the pair ended abruptly and now years later the pair find themselves together at their family cabin once again. The sparks fly immediately but the pair is determined to resist. . . Or they try 🤣 I laughed out loud often during the first 30% of this book, the scenes were so well written I could envision them actually happening.
However as the novel shifted into the second half Erin Marie Bassett took the novel deeper as Bryson and Jo shared their feelings and insecurities with each other. The open and honest conversations were heart warming and so healthy, I truly enjoyed watching the main characters personal development.
NOW the most important part. . . the SPICY! This is an open door, moderately spicy novel (🔥🔥🔥🔥/5) that you will definitely not want your headphone to connect to CarPlay when others are in the car 🤣☠️ Proceed with caution where you listen to this one 😉
Thank you Love Story PR for the ARC!
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