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Playing for Keeps
Golden-haired Udo Holtmann is a big name in soccer. But since transferring to Premier League club Brockton FC three months ago, the star midfielder can’t score a goal. The fans, the players and the CEO are furious.
It’s not his playing style or trouble gelling with the team. Udo is hiding a secret. He wanted a fresh start at this new club yet old problems are still plaguing him.
Steven Cox, former player and Brockton’s handsome assistant manager, has to find out what’s blocking Udo. Keen to prove to the world that he could manage his own club, Steven throws himself into the mission. If he doesn’t fix Udo’s problems soon, the team could fall out of the league and Udo will be back on the market.
Spending time together, Udo and Steven ignite a passion but acting on it could end both their careers. The world of soccer can be an unforgiving place.
With the stakes so high, what will happen if Udo and Steven give in to their feelings?
It’s not his playing style or trouble gelling with the team. Udo is hiding a secret. He wanted a fresh start at this new club yet old problems are still plaguing him.
Steven Cox, former player and Brockton’s handsome assistant manager, has to find out what’s blocking Udo. Keen to prove to the world that he could manage his own club, Steven throws himself into the mission. If he doesn’t fix Udo’s problems soon, the team could fall out of the league and Udo will be back on the market.
Spending time together, Udo and Steven ignite a passion but acting on it could end both their careers. The world of soccer can be an unforgiving place.
With the stakes so high, what will happen if Udo and Steven give in to their feelings?
- GenresSportsM M RomanceRomance
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2025
About the author
Kristian Parker
40 books58 followersI have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.
I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.
I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 22, 2025
A very solid start to what promises to be an enjoyable football based series. This was a great way of pointing out the hypocrisy in the sport when it comes to some men having to stay in the closet while their straight team mates can more or less do what they like. There were a lot of interesting characters and I'm looking forward to the next book.
July 6, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
One of the reasons I liked this story was because it shows that support for the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t have to be all rainbow decorations and public endorsements. It can be as simple as not treating a gay person differently after they come out, or quietly commiserating with them, or offering them a safe place to get away from everything else. It’s why I think the scene with Udo and Adam when Adam invites Udo to sleep over while the press are at Udo’s house is one of my favorites. It’s hard to pick a favorite though, because there are so many sweet moments between Steven and Udo that I enjoyed.
The pacing was very good. This is the sort of story where you know something is going to go horribly wrong from the moment the stakes get laid out on the table, but the reader is kept in suspense about when those consequences will hit. However, the action itself is engaging enough that that suspense doesn’t wear thin or drag on too long.
Read Nishan's review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
One of the reasons I liked this story was because it shows that support for the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t have to be all rainbow decorations and public endorsements. It can be as simple as not treating a gay person differently after they come out, or quietly commiserating with them, or offering them a safe place to get away from everything else. It’s why I think the scene with Udo and Adam when Adam invites Udo to sleep over while the press are at Udo’s house is one of my favorites. It’s hard to pick a favorite though, because there are so many sweet moments between Steven and Udo that I enjoyed.
The pacing was very good. This is the sort of story where you know something is going to go horribly wrong from the moment the stakes get laid out on the table, but the reader is kept in suspense about when those consequences will hit. However, the action itself is engaging enough that that suspense doesn’t wear thin or drag on too long.
Read Nishan's review in its entirety here.
Read
June 21, 2025Yay for sexy footballers! Udo and Steven are closeted, forbidden and insanely attracted to each other... the coach/player dynamic is kindle melting and they certainly steam up the room! They have the usual angst of maintaining a secret relationship and managing their work life... especially when they're already under fire from a snarky teammate.
I appreciate that this series starts in a place where sports figures don't feel comfortable coming out - so many series have taken away the angst that I know so many pro athletes (and amateurs for that matter) feel about the pressure of coming out, their sponsors, fan base and even teammates - exploring that definitely adds another dimension to this story and I think it's an excellent snapshot of what so many athletes struggle with. That being said, this book is steamy, sweet and follows along as you would expect from a story like this. While it's not a surprise ending, it is a HEA and sets us up for the rest of the series well.
I appreciate that this series starts in a place where sports figures don't feel comfortable coming out - so many series have taken away the angst that I know so many pro athletes (and amateurs for that matter) feel about the pressure of coming out, their sponsors, fan base and even teammates - exploring that definitely adds another dimension to this story and I think it's an excellent snapshot of what so many athletes struggle with. That being said, this book is steamy, sweet and follows along as you would expect from a story like this. While it's not a surprise ending, it is a HEA and sets us up for the rest of the series well.
March 1, 2026
Playing for Keeps (Love Goals book 1)
By Kristian Parker
Published by the author, 2025
Four stars
I think this is my first soccer (football) romance. Not my first sports romance. I kept thinking of Ted Lasso, only a lot gayer. The challenge with this genre (even in the wake of Heated Rivalry on television), is to make it different.
Kristian Parker does this first with the two main characters—Steven Cox and Udo Holtmann. Steven was forced into early retirement by an injury, and is the assistant manager for the Brockton Football Club. Udo is a star forward at the end of his shining career, recently purchased for lots of money by Brockton. They are both men biding their time because of a secret that neither one knows about the other.
Even as someone who came out fifty years ago, and not a particular sports fan, I know all too well how deep homophobia runs in professional sports. Parker’s story doesn’t try to diminish that reality, but does suggest that the reality of closeted sports stars might be partly due to intertia and fear.
Steve and Udo are on the same team, but it is Udo’s uncertainty about being a new, high-profile player, that keeps him from playing his best. Part of that uncertainty stems from his own closetedness—in spite of his mother’s unwavering support. Steve, on the other hand, while he feels trapped in the same way, is more concerned about the team’s loudmouth owner, who worries about his investment. When Steve reaches out to Udo to try to help him relax and settle in, he learns about the secret they share.
I love the way families play into this story in many ways. It’s not just Udo’s wise mother or Steve’s big extended family, who support him and celebrate him; it’s also his own boss, Javier Tosar, whose family is present and plays an important emotional role. Even the team’s owner, Jamie, is driven by his relationship with his father, who turned the Brockton FC over to him and expects to see good results.
As classic as the setup is, the author throws in twists that keep the reader guessing, while making the two protagonists genuinely appealing enough that we root for them. Since it’s a romance, we all know where we want the story to go. The author’s delicate skill keeps us on the edge of our seats all the way.
As always in a good story, the sport itself becomes another character. The sport is at the heart of the players’ character, with its cerebral and physical demands. Every sport-themed romance is colored by the nature of the sport, and that’s what makes each story like this unique and appealing.
By Kristian Parker
Published by the author, 2025
Four stars
I think this is my first soccer (football) romance. Not my first sports romance. I kept thinking of Ted Lasso, only a lot gayer. The challenge with this genre (even in the wake of Heated Rivalry on television), is to make it different.
Kristian Parker does this first with the two main characters—Steven Cox and Udo Holtmann. Steven was forced into early retirement by an injury, and is the assistant manager for the Brockton Football Club. Udo is a star forward at the end of his shining career, recently purchased for lots of money by Brockton. They are both men biding their time because of a secret that neither one knows about the other.
Even as someone who came out fifty years ago, and not a particular sports fan, I know all too well how deep homophobia runs in professional sports. Parker’s story doesn’t try to diminish that reality, but does suggest that the reality of closeted sports stars might be partly due to intertia and fear.
Steve and Udo are on the same team, but it is Udo’s uncertainty about being a new, high-profile player, that keeps him from playing his best. Part of that uncertainty stems from his own closetedness—in spite of his mother’s unwavering support. Steve, on the other hand, while he feels trapped in the same way, is more concerned about the team’s loudmouth owner, who worries about his investment. When Steve reaches out to Udo to try to help him relax and settle in, he learns about the secret they share.
I love the way families play into this story in many ways. It’s not just Udo’s wise mother or Steve’s big extended family, who support him and celebrate him; it’s also his own boss, Javier Tosar, whose family is present and plays an important emotional role. Even the team’s owner, Jamie, is driven by his relationship with his father, who turned the Brockton FC over to him and expects to see good results.
As classic as the setup is, the author throws in twists that keep the reader guessing, while making the two protagonists genuinely appealing enough that we root for them. Since it’s a romance, we all know where we want the story to go. The author’s delicate skill keeps us on the edge of our seats all the way.
As always in a good story, the sport itself becomes another character. The sport is at the heart of the players’ character, with its cerebral and physical demands. Every sport-themed romance is colored by the nature of the sport, and that’s what makes each story like this unique and appealing.
June 23, 2025
Keep this one, its stand out!
Brockton FC are in the Premier League and they are determined to show they have their place and are keeping a firm hold on it. Their owner is the son of the previous owner and not a favourite with the managers or team but they are going to do everything they can to show him how good they are. They have just signed star player Udo, they expect good things from him but something is off, not just with his game. Steven, the team's assistant manager can sense it clearly and makes it his mission to find out what is going on. It might help that he has now been asked to take on some one-on-one time with Udo to get his game straight and right there could be an issue.
Udo is hiding a secret, more than one in fact, he joined the team because they are good, they paid well for him but also because he needed to get away from a toxic situation. One that, thankfully, hasn't caught the noses of the press and one that he wants to keep that way but some of the attitudes on the team alongside his own second-guessing are impacting and now he has to have time, alone, with the handsome Steven. There is something about the assistant manager which makes Udo want to open himself up, share some of his truths and a kiss. That could, as far as he is concerned, be one of the biggest mistakes he has made in this new place, with this new team. But Steven has a secret too, and as the story evolves we discover a few of the team do.
This however is Udo and Steven's story, hints at what might be to come from the rest of the team are there but we need to watch this one play out first - pun intended. It is great to read a story set in the UK, about a UK sport and also to understand that whilst we may appear to be an accepting country and culture there are still so many issues with sports stars, players, managers in fact anyone in that world, being their true selves. That is very sad and I for one can't wait for attitudes to change. Stories such as this may be fictional but Kristian Parker makes it all feel very real. She gets to the heart of the matter quickly and then takes us along with her as her characters try their very best to be true to themselves in the face of so much bigotry.
A perfect blend of football, romance and fighting for acceptance, a highly recommended read.
Brockton FC are in the Premier League and they are determined to show they have their place and are keeping a firm hold on it. Their owner is the son of the previous owner and not a favourite with the managers or team but they are going to do everything they can to show him how good they are. They have just signed star player Udo, they expect good things from him but something is off, not just with his game. Steven, the team's assistant manager can sense it clearly and makes it his mission to find out what is going on. It might help that he has now been asked to take on some one-on-one time with Udo to get his game straight and right there could be an issue.
Udo is hiding a secret, more than one in fact, he joined the team because they are good, they paid well for him but also because he needed to get away from a toxic situation. One that, thankfully, hasn't caught the noses of the press and one that he wants to keep that way but some of the attitudes on the team alongside his own second-guessing are impacting and now he has to have time, alone, with the handsome Steven. There is something about the assistant manager which makes Udo want to open himself up, share some of his truths and a kiss. That could, as far as he is concerned, be one of the biggest mistakes he has made in this new place, with this new team. But Steven has a secret too, and as the story evolves we discover a few of the team do.
This however is Udo and Steven's story, hints at what might be to come from the rest of the team are there but we need to watch this one play out first - pun intended. It is great to read a story set in the UK, about a UK sport and also to understand that whilst we may appear to be an accepting country and culture there are still so many issues with sports stars, players, managers in fact anyone in that world, being their true selves. That is very sad and I for one can't wait for attitudes to change. Stories such as this may be fictional but Kristian Parker makes it all feel very real. She gets to the heart of the matter quickly and then takes us along with her as her characters try their very best to be true to themselves in the face of so much bigotry.
A perfect blend of football, romance and fighting for acceptance, a highly recommended read.
June 10, 2025
This is a solid football romance between a player and an assistant coach.
Both in the closet and having to loose everything but decide it's worth it.
Udo's reason for transferring is his deepest secret, football can be unforgiving when even a rumor of being gay is out.
When he is not really able to connect with the rest of the team and not delivering what he promised on the field Steven comes up with 121 coaching.
I liked the story, both Udo and Steven are likeable, have both their reasons and past relationships which makes them vary about coming out. I like how their families supported them and grounded them.
But I found that they were quite fast in throwing all reasons and precautions into the wind. The story moves very fast to suddenly secretly dating, spicy scenes and a feel of domestic life.
There is the unavoidable angst when things start to fall apart and the equally unavoidable issues in the team.
The team - there is a good development how Udo starts to integrate and becomes friends. You see indiviual secondary characters with their own personalities emerging.
I can imagine continuing to read the series, I think I can imagine who the next couple will be.
Both in the closet and having to loose everything but decide it's worth it.
Udo's reason for transferring is his deepest secret, football can be unforgiving when even a rumor of being gay is out.
When he is not really able to connect with the rest of the team and not delivering what he promised on the field Steven comes up with 121 coaching.
I liked the story, both Udo and Steven are likeable, have both their reasons and past relationships which makes them vary about coming out. I like how their families supported them and grounded them.
But I found that they were quite fast in throwing all reasons and precautions into the wind. The story moves very fast to suddenly secretly dating, spicy scenes and a feel of domestic life.
There is the unavoidable angst when things start to fall apart and the equally unavoidable issues in the team.
The team - there is a good development how Udo starts to integrate and becomes friends. You see indiviual secondary characters with their own personalities emerging.
I can imagine continuing to read the series, I think I can imagine who the next couple will be.
June 22, 2025
Football is my favourite sport, but if you look at my reading history, I rarely read a book involving this sport. Now the football season is over, it was great time to read this story.
Udo has been transferred to Brockton FC, for reasons unknown, 3 months later he still hasn't settled, he has not met his potential, he hasn't scored a goal. To help get him back to his best 1-1 training has been arranged, in steps Stephen, assistant coach to the team.
The pressure Udo was under to keep his secret, you can understand why his playing suffered, being all alone, having no one to talk to except his mom. However, even just spending time with Stephen started to help.
Whilst there was instant attraction, being player/coach they fought it until they couldn't, once their lips locked, they were perfect for each other, but is doesn't go to plan. From that moment I had to know what would happen so didn't put this book down until I finished.
You do not have to know the rules of football to read this book, but the football mentioned emphasised just how Udo was feeling and how it affected his playing at any given time. This is a series that I am definitely going to carry on and with other team members mentioned I hope that they all get their stories.
Udo has been transferred to Brockton FC, for reasons unknown, 3 months later he still hasn't settled, he has not met his potential, he hasn't scored a goal. To help get him back to his best 1-1 training has been arranged, in steps Stephen, assistant coach to the team.
The pressure Udo was under to keep his secret, you can understand why his playing suffered, being all alone, having no one to talk to except his mom. However, even just spending time with Stephen started to help.
Whilst there was instant attraction, being player/coach they fought it until they couldn't, once their lips locked, they were perfect for each other, but is doesn't go to plan. From that moment I had to know what would happen so didn't put this book down until I finished.
You do not have to know the rules of football to read this book, but the football mentioned emphasised just how Udo was feeling and how it affected his playing at any given time. This is a series that I am definitely going to carry on and with other team members mentioned I hope that they all get their stories.
July 12, 2025
Not enough depth
It makes a change from the numerous NFL and NHL and MLB stories on offer, which I read and enjoy, but I'm English and my team's in the Premier League so I really wanted to love this.
I wanted depth to Steven and Udo's romance but in essence, each man looked at the other, thought 'I'm having that' and off they went. There were sideways looks that turned into furtive assignations very quickly, with no real getting to know each other at all. Everything happened too quickly and I needed more.
I didn't like Steven's sister at all, nor her part in the story. The thread about Shaun would have been okay but it felt as though Kristian couldn't make up his mind which way he was going with it.
My favourite character was actually Javier, the manager of the team, and I liked the other players that took Udo under their wing. The friendship between Steven and Javier and the player group Udo found himself part of were far more realistic than the actual romance. Jamie, the owner of the club was a good character, even though we saw little of him, and he definitely grew on me by the end.
I liked how the book ended and I'm looking forward to seeing who else gets their own story.
It makes a change from the numerous NFL and NHL and MLB stories on offer, which I read and enjoy, but I'm English and my team's in the Premier League so I really wanted to love this.
I wanted depth to Steven and Udo's romance but in essence, each man looked at the other, thought 'I'm having that' and off they went. There were sideways looks that turned into furtive assignations very quickly, with no real getting to know each other at all. Everything happened too quickly and I needed more.
I didn't like Steven's sister at all, nor her part in the story. The thread about Shaun would have been okay but it felt as though Kristian couldn't make up his mind which way he was going with it.
My favourite character was actually Javier, the manager of the team, and I liked the other players that took Udo under their wing. The friendship between Steven and Javier and the player group Udo found himself part of were far more realistic than the actual romance. Jamie, the owner of the club was a good character, even though we saw little of him, and he definitely grew on me by the end.
I liked how the book ended and I'm looking forward to seeing who else gets their own story.
September 3, 2025
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
OK, here's the thing. I am not, in any way, shape or form, a football fan. I have to know about football for work, but that's all. I do not watch, or follow any teams. So I approached this book with caution. I've read other books by Parker and I loved them, so I gave it a go.
I am pleased to say, the football talk was kept to a minimum!
But.
I liked this, I cannot love it.
I found the speed of the relationship fast, but there was hardly any soul searching. Given as these two together could cost them both their careers, I expected some deep internal monologues and I don't get them.
I found the emotional connection a little flat, between Udo and Steven. Some of that is a follow on from the previous point, but I just felt a bit let down by that.
The steam level is fairly low, but that's not a bad thing. I liked that.
That said!
I did finish it, and there are some interesting side characters, who I hope will get a story. I will try another in this series to see who comes next!
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
OK, here's the thing. I am not, in any way, shape or form, a football fan. I have to know about football for work, but that's all. I do not watch, or follow any teams. So I approached this book with caution. I've read other books by Parker and I loved them, so I gave it a go.
I am pleased to say, the football talk was kept to a minimum!
But.
I liked this, I cannot love it.
I found the speed of the relationship fast, but there was hardly any soul searching. Given as these two together could cost them both their careers, I expected some deep internal monologues and I don't get them.
I found the emotional connection a little flat, between Udo and Steven. Some of that is a follow on from the previous point, but I just felt a bit let down by that.
The steam level is fairly low, but that's not a bad thing. I liked that.
That said!
I did finish it, and there are some interesting side characters, who I hope will get a story. I will try another in this series to see who comes next!
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
June 20, 2025
First in series (Love Goals). Coach/player. Dual POV.
New to Brockton FC, Udo wants a safe place to play out the remainder of his years, go out on top and keep his head down. But when he’s not gelling with the team, assistant coach Steven is there to help him out, and they instantly realize they can’t deny their mutual attraction.
Steven and Udo quickly fall for each other and agree to keep their relationship under wraps, so there is always the risk of being discovered hanging over their heads. The romance is sweet and easy, with supportive family and friends that make everything seem possible. I enjoyed that Steven and Udo are mature characters that have no doubt in their commitment to each other and don’t hesitate to back each other up. The story is slightly predictable, but with a nice ending for Steven and Udo while setting up for the rest of the series for football playing future main characters.
New to Brockton FC, Udo wants a safe place to play out the remainder of his years, go out on top and keep his head down. But when he’s not gelling with the team, assistant coach Steven is there to help him out, and they instantly realize they can’t deny their mutual attraction.
Steven and Udo quickly fall for each other and agree to keep their relationship under wraps, so there is always the risk of being discovered hanging over their heads. The romance is sweet and easy, with supportive family and friends that make everything seem possible. I enjoyed that Steven and Udo are mature characters that have no doubt in their commitment to each other and don’t hesitate to back each other up. The story is slightly predictable, but with a nice ending for Steven and Udo while setting up for the rest of the series for football playing future main characters.
June 22, 2025
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I love a sport that has sexy men in shorts - show me those legs!!
Udo is a closeted footballer who has joined a new team but is struggling with his secret, and it’s affecting his game.
The very sexy ex-footballer and assistant coach, Steven, takes Udo under his wing to help him find his mojo again. But all that forced proximity builds something entirely different.
Being famous and trying to keep a secret is always risky. And stressful.
In the end, all that matters, though, is that you’ve built a strong foundation of love. And if you can do that, you can get through anything.
Not only is this a lovely romance, but it nicely sets us up for the whole series.
I love a sport that has sexy men in shorts - show me those legs!!
Udo is a closeted footballer who has joined a new team but is struggling with his secret, and it’s affecting his game.
The very sexy ex-footballer and assistant coach, Steven, takes Udo under his wing to help him find his mojo again. But all that forced proximity builds something entirely different.
Being famous and trying to keep a secret is always risky. And stressful.
In the end, all that matters, though, is that you’ve built a strong foundation of love. And if you can do that, you can get through anything.
Not only is this a lovely romance, but it nicely sets us up for the whole series.
July 5, 2025
Hooray, the start of a brand-new series from Kristian Parker, and it's a winner!
I loved this very British romance set in the competitive world of premier league football. Kristian deals with the sadly prevalent homophobia in top-flight sport with sensitivity and realism, as closeted striker Udo struggles to settle at a new club and catches the watchful eye of assistant coach and ex-player Steve.
Both characters are hugely likeable and sympathetic and I was cheering on their romance, despite the obvious hurdles. As always, Kristian has created a wholly believable story world. I really enjoyed the northern small town setting, with the footballers' mansions in the idyllic nearby countryside, together with a vibrant cast of family, friends and colleagues. And the inclusion of a cameo or two crossing over from the Queen's Crescent series was the cherry on the cake!
I thoroughly enjoyed Udo and Steve's story in Playing for Keeps and can't wait for Book 2 in the series!
I loved this very British romance set in the competitive world of premier league football. Kristian deals with the sadly prevalent homophobia in top-flight sport with sensitivity and realism, as closeted striker Udo struggles to settle at a new club and catches the watchful eye of assistant coach and ex-player Steve.
Both characters are hugely likeable and sympathetic and I was cheering on their romance, despite the obvious hurdles. As always, Kristian has created a wholly believable story world. I really enjoyed the northern small town setting, with the footballers' mansions in the idyllic nearby countryside, together with a vibrant cast of family, friends and colleagues. And the inclusion of a cameo or two crossing over from the Queen's Crescent series was the cherry on the cake!
I thoroughly enjoyed Udo and Steve's story in Playing for Keeps and can't wait for Book 2 in the series!
June 23, 2025
Playing for Keeps - Udo & Steven
“Watch me,” he replied. Steven opened his eyes to find Udo staring at him. They locked eyes. Trust reflected in his gaze. “You’re amazing,” Steven said. He leant his hand on Udo’s thigh. “Let me show you.”
Kristian Parker sets off on his new series Love Goals with a winner, Playing for Keeps!
Udo is a significantly special transferred player, who had an unknown situation occur in his last Premiere club. Steven is the assistant coach who had to retire due to an injury. Each man has scars that just have stayed hidden without healing.
That is until they meet, and a secret romance creates turmoil in their newly found love.
Kristian Parker has a beautiful way of presenting contemporary UK romance, where these men must overcome so much to find their well deserved love!
“Watch me,” he replied. Steven opened his eyes to find Udo staring at him. They locked eyes. Trust reflected in his gaze. “You’re amazing,” Steven said. He leant his hand on Udo’s thigh. “Let me show you.”
Kristian Parker sets off on his new series Love Goals with a winner, Playing for Keeps!
Udo is a significantly special transferred player, who had an unknown situation occur in his last Premiere club. Steven is the assistant coach who had to retire due to an injury. Each man has scars that just have stayed hidden without healing.
That is until they meet, and a secret romance creates turmoil in their newly found love.
Kristian Parker has a beautiful way of presenting contemporary UK romance, where these men must overcome so much to find their well deserved love!
June 24, 2025
4.5 stars
Playing for Keeps is a solid start to a series of books set in the world of English football. In this case between a player and an assistant coach.
Udo has just been signed by the Premier Leage team, Brockton FC, after a period at Chelsea and a change of agent. His mission is to score goals, but he is not at his best.
Steven is a retired player converted to assistant coach of the same team.
Both are in the closet. They are attracted to each other and begin a relationship that will change the course of the team.
I really liked both the love story between the two characters, as well as the sports background. It shows very well how are the fans, the press, the owners of the clubs and even the dynamics of the locker room.
Looking forward to reading the next ones.
Playing for Keeps is a solid start to a series of books set in the world of English football. In this case between a player and an assistant coach.
Udo has just been signed by the Premier Leage team, Brockton FC, after a period at Chelsea and a change of agent. His mission is to score goals, but he is not at his best.
Steven is a retired player converted to assistant coach of the same team.
Both are in the closet. They are attracted to each other and begin a relationship that will change the course of the team.
I really liked both the love story between the two characters, as well as the sports background. It shows very well how are the fans, the press, the owners of the clubs and even the dynamics of the locker room.
Looking forward to reading the next ones.
June 23, 2025
Udo was signed to do good things for his soccer club but unfortunately he is off. He cannot score a goal and his play is off. The club needs him to shine to keep their place in the standings and their assistant manager, Steven, has taken on the task to find out what is wrong and help get Udo on track. Spending time together sparks an attraction that leaves them both concerned that they might be in a precarious position if their feelings get out. This felt like a good set up to things to come with this club.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2025
In true Kristian fashion, he has brought another great start to what can only be an incredible season for the Brockton FC! This one was nothing short from his usual performance in literature, with his words and articulate skills. Just a little more relaxed with the football twist.
So, Steven and Udo?? Yes please, and make it a double!! These two were absolute perfection for each other, from their instant chemistry to their respective personalities just interlocking right from the start. And, how the entire team handled Shaun!?! 💋chefs kiss 💋
So, Steven and Udo?? Yes please, and make it a double!! These two were absolute perfection for each other, from their instant chemistry to their respective personalities just interlocking right from the start. And, how the entire team handled Shaun!?! 💋chefs kiss 💋
October 1, 2025
This heartfelt romance follows Udo, a talented transferred soccer player, and Steven, an assistant coach who retired due to injury. Both carry past scars, but as they work together, their hidden feelings grow into a secret romance. When someone close betrays them and their relationship is exposed, they face challenges that could cost them their careers—but their love proves strong enough to endure the storm.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2026
The book was a good one, and I think the series will be the same. Steven and Udo are both gay but have to hide it from the team. Steven is out to his boss, Javier, but not to anyone else in the organization.
Udo has decided to hide the fact that he's gay because of what happened while he was playing for his former team. The attraction between Udo and Steven is strong, and eventually they succumb to it.
Being gay on major teams is still looked at as not being masculine enough. That's the problem with major sports, no matter what the sport is. They, the major sports teams, need to get over this attitude that you have to be "macho." They lose many promising athletes for this mindset.
Udo has decided to hide the fact that he's gay because of what happened while he was playing for his former team. The attraction between Udo and Steven is strong, and eventually they succumb to it.
Being gay on major teams is still looked at as not being masculine enough. That's the problem with major sports, no matter what the sport is. They, the major sports teams, need to get over this attitude that you have to be "macho." They lose many promising athletes for this mindset.
June 20, 2025
This is the first book of a new series called Love Goals based around a football team and this is football player Udo and his assistant coach Steven’s story, the story is a well written story about the two who fall in love but are trying to keep their relationship under wraps because of their careers but unfortunately it comes out but luckily both are mature enough to handle the situation and it sets us up nicely for more from this football series.
June 20, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked that Udo and Steven fell in love and don't think they deserved what they get from the media. It definitely wasn't good what Steven's own sister was involved in. I think that it was brilliant of an ideal that turned things around. I hope everything works out.
July 2, 2025
Wonderful book about coming together against all odds. Udo meets his asst coach and sparks fly. The two are betrayed by someone close so their secret is out! However, it turns out their love is strong enough to weather the storm.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
Normally as far as romance are my jam especially if it's lgbtq. But I had a hard time with this one it was just kind of slow for me. My heart did break for Udo and I really did like Steven I just felt like the pacing of the book was slow.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2025
Playing for Keeps is the first book in the new Love Goals series and I really enjoyed it. This is a forbidden, sweet read about Steve and Udo, who are both closeted. This was a wonderful start to the series and I can't wait for more.
June 23, 2025
I thought this book was well written and I couldn't put it down and Kristian Parker did it again and I can't wait to read more. I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2025
Steven is helping Udi understand the soccer plays. As they work together, the two are starting to have feelings for each other. they know that they both could lose their jobs but know they want to be together. I really enjoyed this book.
February 17, 2026
New to me author Kristian Parker has me locked in on her series Love Goals. For someone who doesn’t care for sports in real life, I adore a good sports romance. I loved all the characters in this book one. I’m looking forward to what comes next in this series.
July 29, 2026
2.5 rounded up
This was the most superficially written book I ever read. I nearly did not finish.
The idea appealed to me, but there were no details, emotions came out of the blue, the characters seemed like cartoon characters.
This was the most superficially written book I ever read. I nearly did not finish.
The idea appealed to me, but there were no details, emotions came out of the blue, the characters seemed like cartoon characters.
July 19, 2025
This is my first soccer romance (I think) It's really good! Steven is Udo's coach so it's a little taboo but so sweet. I enjoyed this series first so I can't wait for book 2.
Did Not Finish
October 20, 2025DNF. I wanted to like this but unfortunately I could not get into the writing style.
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