Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Keeper

Not yet published
Expected 13 Jan 26
Rate this book
Catalina Arismendi knows better than to fall for a player—especially one like Rogue Gallagher.
Grumpy, gorgeous, and ridiculously talented, the team’s star goalkeeper is ten years older, completely off-limits, and entirely out of her league.
He’s moody, mysterious, her total opposite, and somehow, the one man she can’t stop thinking about.
But Rogue isn’t the only one invading her thoughts.
Late-night messages with a stranger on a faceless dating app have Cat hooked—sweet,
attentive, and dangerously easy to fall for, he sees her in a way no one else ever has.
Now, Cat’s stuck between two
The fantasy she’s falling for fast...
And the broody, real-life goalkeeper who might just wreck her—or be the one thing worth the risk.
An age-gap, grumpy/sunshine sports romance full of secret longing, anonymous tension,
and the slowest of slow burns, The Keeper will have you falling hard—maybe for more than one guy.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 13, 2026

43 people want to read

About the author

R.G. Prince

5 books45 followers
RG Prince is a fiction author, storyteller, and lifelong lover of emotionally driven narratives. Born in Uruguay and raised in Texas, she brings a multicultural perspective to the stories she tells—centered around love, identity, and the quiet strength it takes to survive life’s unexpected turns.

Now based in the Pacific Northwest, RG spends her time writing and running her small business. Her debut novel, If Anything Happens to Me, is a heartfelt exploration of the fine lines between love and control, truth and silence, and the courage it takes to reclaim your story.

When she's not writing, RG enjoys reading late into the night, drinking too much coffee, and dreaming up her next book.

You can connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads: @author.rgprince

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
20 (62%)
4 stars
12 (37%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy Michelle.
12 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 4, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
I absolutely loved it! This is exactly the kind of sports romance that gets me every time—tender, angsty, quietly emotional, and packed with moments that just linger.

The slow burn is chef’s kiss. The kind that unfolds through stolen glances, loaded silences, and forced proximity that makes every single interaction feel charged. The grumpy x sunshine dynamic worked beautifully, especially layered with the workplace romance and the age gap. And yes—he falls first. Softly. Protectively. In ways that completely melted me and made my heart ache in the best way.

This was my first soccer romance & I loved there’s a field layout & positions in the front of the book. It helped pull it all together. The soccer setting added atmosphere and intensity without ever overpowering the heart of the romance. The tension, emotion, and energy were so well written that I felt like I was standing on the sidelines, heart pounding right alongside the characters.

Rogue is the definition of a book boyfriend. 🥰 Cat is so deeply relatable. Their connection felt real— the stolen glances, the inner dialogue, the stolen moments where they opened up - gah it’s all just so good.

This book was an escape I didn’t even realize I needed—and I loved every second of it. I’m fully invested in this series and already can’t wait to continue. I’ll be recommending it to my friends.

Two of my favorite quotes that are living rent-free in my head:

“She touched me and now solitude feels like starvation.”

“Some days, I love myself loud and proud; other days, I shrink a little.”

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to read The Keeper first & can’t wait to read book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christin Hsu-Hernandez.
8 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 2, 2026
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC download of this book, and I'm ready to buy many more copies to gift to friends. The Keeper is the first sports romance I’ve ever read—and I’m pretty sure I’ve just discovered a brand-new genre to love.

This book delivers a deliciously slow, slow-burn romance. The pacing is perfect—just restrained enough to keep you aching for more, turning pages late into the night while feeling every moment right alongside the characters.
Rogue is the ultimate book boyfriend. Truly. Cat is so deeply relatable that I found myself wishing I could know her in real life. And the love story? PHENOMENAL.
I’ve never read a sports romance before, but I am absolutely in awe of RG Prince’s ability to put the most exhilarating soccer match I’ve ever read onto the page. The tension, emotion, and energy were so vivid that I felt like I was standing on the sidelines, heart pounding. This book was a gift—an escape I didn’t even realize I needed—and I devoured it completely.

100/10. I will be recommending this to every book friend I have. Thank you, R.G.Prince, for such a beautiful, immersive reading experience. I will absolutely be rereading and revisiting these characters again and again.

Some of my favorite quotes:

“She touched me and now solitude feels like starvation.”

“My camera clicks, but my pulse is out of focus.”

“It’s bright and unguarded and beautiful. I feel it low in my chest, like I’ve swallowed sunlight.”

“Some days, I love myself loud and proud; other days, I shrink a little.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for terribv.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 4, 2026
This book was a delicious escape and simply just a joy to read! A lovely story, that kept me feeling warm and fuzzy as I read. This slow burn, restrained sports novel keeps you turning the pages and eager for more as Cat and Rogue’s relationship develops. Cat and Rogue are easy to love; he is the perfect, yummy book boyfriend, and Cat is a becoming and honorable FMC. RG skillfully develops the story and their romance.

She does an awesome job developing the interaction between them with lingering looks, proximity, angst, and unspoken feelings. RG magically and vividly brings to life an exciting soccer match helping to close the story memorably. She continually pulls the reader in and made this story relatable, engaging, and real. Rossina brought in tidbits from her second book, Layover in Love, which was a treat for the dedicated reader of her books. I found myself laughing to myself at the banter and chemistry brought to life throughout the story.

I definitely have a soft spot for Rossina’s books and eagerly look forward to the second book in the Hearts on Pitch series!

Thank you, Rossina, for the honor and privilege of being chosen as an ARC Reader for your second book! Fabulous job!

Look for The Keeper on book shelves January 13th, 2026!

5⭐️
2🌶️
Profile Image for Alma.
3 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5 stars)

Thank you to the author for this ARC

I absolutely devoured The Keeper by R.G. Prince. This book is everything I want in a sports romance: tender, angsty, and quietly emotional in the best way.

The slow burn is chef’s kiss—the kind that builds through lingering looks, unspoken tension, and forced proximity that makes every interaction feel loaded. The grumpy x sunshine dynamic worked so well here, especially paired with the workplace romance and age gap. And yes… he falls first, and it shows in the soft, protective moments that completely melted me.

What really stood out was how grounded the romance felt. The soccer setting added just the right amount of atmosphere without overpowering the emotional core of the story. The characters felt real, flawed, and easy to root for, and the payoff was deeply satisfying.

I’m docking just half a star because I wanted slightly more in the final stretch—but honestly? I’m already invested in this series and can’t wait to continue.

If you love:
⚽️ Sports romance
🔥 Slow burn tension
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
💘 He falls first
🏠 Forced proximity

—you’ll want to add this to your TBR ASAP.
Profile Image for Paulina Kavanagh.
19 reviews
December 29, 2025
🌟 ARC Review 🌟

This was such a fun read that I breezed through in a day! I honestly couldn’t put it down!

This book has a broody MMC, a strong and independent FMC with dreams and a fun group of friends! All of my favourite things to find in a book!

Rogue is a strong, broody Irish man that knows exactly what he wants from the get go. Cat is a brilliant social media manager that adores her job and and the broody type 👀

I loved the mystery of the online texts and the deep conversations. It really brought a depth to the characters.

I also loved how much Cat loved her job and how everyone respected it, especially the team! It was lovely to see how supported she was by everyone on a daily basis!

I would like to thank R.G Prince and her team for giving me the opportunity to read The Keeper as an advanced copy! I am excited for the rest of the series!

”All I can see is her smile—soft, unguarded, brilliant—and the way the sun hits her face like it’s choosing her over the whole city.”

”for the first time in my life, forever doesn’t sound like a fairytale. It sounds like her.”

”one touch from him has me falling, and I’m not sure I ever want to hit the ground.”
Profile Image for FN.
303 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
I absolutely love how RG blends humour, heart, and vulnerability into one incredibly engaging story, and I was completely sold with the slow, gradual connection between the FMC and MMC.

Our FMC is a social media exec tasked with working alongside a broody goalie MMC who desperately needs to look more approachable. The tension was immaculate - lingering looks, meaningful conversations, and unspoken feelings got me grinning and feel warm. The football setting added just the right amount to make it feel alive without stealing the spotlight from the romance. The supporting characters were wonderfully written—supportive, endearing, and full of heart. You gotto love RG for creating lovable casts.

This is my first RG book, and it definitely won’t be my last. I completely fell in love with the writing, the characters, and the heart behind it all. 💛 Thank you for the opportunity to read this in advance.
Profile Image for Tally DLR.
1 review
December 29, 2025
This is my second book by R.G. Prince and my first time as an ARC reader, and I can honestly say I’m becoming obsessed with her writing. The Keeper did not disappoint at all. I often found myself genuinely laughing at the dialogue and smiling while reading. The banter, the chemistry, and the storyline made it hard to put down.

I also really loved how characters from Layover in Love were woven into this story (if you know, you know). Those little connections were such a fun touch and made the world feel even more intentional and connected.

Yes, there were a few moments that felt predictable, but in true rom-com fashion, it was predictable in the best way. This was an easy five out of five for me, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this series goes next.
Profile Image for Kelsye Kurtiak-Cannon.
49 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 2, 2026
4.5⭐️ Thank you to RG Prince for choosing me to receive an arc of this story! I absolutely loved it. If there’s one thing I love in a book, it’s a broken man that loves like his next breath depends on it. Sweet Cat, the sunshine social media girl for the Strikers FC meets Roger “Rogue” Gallagher, the brooding and guarded World Cup champion goalie, when he’s signed by the club she works for and is tasked with making him look less grumpy. In the process, professional lines blur and for the sake of not giving any big details I way I won’t go into anything more but if you love: workplace romance, age-gap, sports romance, and grumpy/sunshine with a tension filled slow burn that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, this one is for you!!
Profile Image for Ashley Harrison.
84 reviews6 followers
January 3, 2026
The Keeper by R.G. Prince is a fun slow burn sports romance! I need myself an Irish soccer player.

I absolutely love Cat and Rogue. Their sunshine and grumpy dynamic worked so well. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship blossom. I liked the humor and chemistry these two had. I also really enjoyed the side characters as well - especially Thiago!

There were parts of the story that felt predictable to me but I still really enjoyed it. The ending to me felt a little rushed but I do love the ending.

If you love a great sports romance book, highly recommend picking this up. Cannot wait for the rest of the series!

Thank you to R.G. for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Anne Hendricks.
Author 11 books43 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 4, 2026
The Keeper is a KEEPER! Strong plot, well-rounded characters, humor, and a fun story. R.G. Prince masterfully blends romance and emotional depth, creating characters that feel real and relatable. The slow-burn tension keeps you hooked from start to finish, and the witty banter adds just the right amount of levity. The sports backdrop isn’t just window dressing—it drives the story and adds stakes that make the romance even more compelling. Every twist and turn feels earned, and the emotional payoff is satisfying without being predictable. This is a story that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even shed a tear. Definitely a must-read for fans of contemporary romance with heart, humor, and unforgettable characters.
3 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2025
Another amazing book from R.G. Prince!!!!
I was given the honor of being an alpha reader on this book. Give me a brooding MMC any day!!! Then add that he is a softy under that demeanor and I am in. The FMC is a strong woman with a fierce loyalty to those she loves. I love how she connects with everyone, especially how she gets under the MMC's skin and makes him reveal every facet of his personality.
R.G. Prince makes you feel like you're right there witnessing her characters fall in love. She has become my favorite author!!! There are so many surprises in this book!!! I NEED MORE!!!!
Profile Image for Elise Turkalj.
129 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 28, 2025
Let me start by prefrencing how honored i am to be given a special preview of this book <3

I had an absolute blast with this book! Seriously, it did not let me down!

The story is such an enjoyable read. I adore the characters; their chemistry was a bit hit or miss, but overall, it was really great. Their humor and the way they support each other made me feel like they were all family. The character development was also spot on, and even the side characters were a real treat, keeping me invested in their stories too.

This is my first book by R.G. Prince, but it definitely won't be the last because, you know, I have a soft spot for a broody, grumpy MMC.
Profile Image for Chloe.
32 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2025
This was my first football (soccer) sports romance and boy it did not disappoint! Cat and Rouge captivated me from the beginning.

Rouge is a grumpy, brooding goalkeeper and Cat is bright and funny, she’s a media manager for the team (she’s also a love island stan and I love her for that).

Tropes:
He falls first
Slow burn
Football (soccer) romance
Grumpy x sunshine

A micro-trope that gets my heart going every single time:
A love letter(s)

4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

Be sure to check out this Cat & Rouge’s story January 13/26.

This was also my first R.G Prince novel, it will not be my last! Thank you so much for the ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sydney O.
2 reviews
January 1, 2026
✨ARC review✨
I want to start off by thanking the author for sending me the ARC copy of this book. I absolutely loved this story. From the first page I read until the last I was hooked on the love story. This has become one of my new favorite sports romance books, and I can’t wait for the rest of the series! If you love a man who yearns for a woman this is a book for you. The author showed what it means to show up for the person you love in different ways. It captured what it means to fall in love, through the good and bad times.
Profile Image for Lisa.
34 reviews
January 3, 2026
This book embodies the beauty of falling in love. 💕

The stolen glances, small gestures, night chatting. I was beaming all the time.😍

An undeniable attraction that evolves into an intense chemistry. And the charged tension?! I could feel it like I was right there.

An emotional slow burn beautifully written that everyone should read.

I can’t give enough stars for this gem! ✨


PS: he’s truly a keeper


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2026
4.5⭐️I’m so grateful to RG Prince and her team for selecting me as an ARC reader. This book is by far my favorite of hers. I absolutely love sports romances and devoured this one in a day. To my surprise, some of the other characters from her other books are in this and I loved that detail. I would’ve liked a bit more of them together in the end but I’m hoping we get that in the next books. If you are in the mood for a great soccer romance I 100% recommend. I can’t wait to read her next book about Marianna and Thiago!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews
December 22, 2025
Everything about this book is amazing! The story is such a great read. I love the characters, their dynamic all together, their humor, the way they are always there for one another, it’s like they are all family. The main characters are hands down the cutest, I honestly need to find me a Rogue!

R.G. Prince, like always you do a phenomenal job. I really enjoyed this book, thank you so much for allowing me to be one of your BETA readers! I can’t wait to read your future books!
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 27, 2025
I had so much fun with this book! I was given the opportunity to Beta read for this author and let me tell you! It did not disappoint! I mean, who doesn’t love a good soccer player story?! Rogue had me swooninggggg! And Catalina was a badass! The banter was hilarious and so, very delicious! The development of each character was perfect but also, the side characters were so fun and it had me invested in them too! So much so that I can’t wait to see what comes next or who she writes about next! The friends and family feel was nice and warm too! The story and plot were not the only things that kept me hooked and I loved that about this book! I honestly cannot wait to hear more about Rogue and Catalina and all their friends!
Profile Image for Jordan Reynolds.
14 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2025
[ARC REVIEW]

This is the first sports-related romance I have read and I have to say, this was absolutely my favorite. I absolutely cannot wait until book 2 is released. Rogue may have given me an incredibly high expectation of men …. Again.

It has the perfect amount of slow burn energy, making you read more just to feel the tension building.

Thank you, R.G. for trusting me to read this as an ARC 🫶🏻.
Profile Image for M Ortiz.
100 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 3, 2026
Cat is the social media manager & Rogue is goalkeeper. And he is playing for keeps. The famous Rogue is now playing for the Strikers. You'd think it would be love at first sight but this love took time. Cat gets caught between her mystery man and the broody goalkeeper. Once she finally makes her choice it all comes crashing down. Rogue is honestly so sweet and full of love, I'm happy he got his HAE.
Profile Image for Donna Shell.
14 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2025
Talk about devouring a book! This is an easy, fun read. The characters are relatable and you’re going to fall in love with them. RG does a phenomenal job of bringing out their individual personalities.

What a great story ahead of the World Cup! If you love soccer, this is a must read!

Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader!
Profile Image for Katie Lowe.
31 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 28, 2025
This is my first book by R.G. Prince but it won't be the last. I love a broody, grumpy MMC who only smiles for his FMC. The way Rogue and Cat communicate and slowly build their friendship is heartwarming. We get to experience the start of a beautiful relationship that has them opening up and truly showing who they are. Loved this book!
Profile Image for Destinee Castorena.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 30, 2025
This was my first time being an ARC reader and my first time reading RG princes work, I ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED THIS!🤭 I have a weakness for grumpy x sunshine tropes and this was it the banter and overall telling of their story was amazing. The Keeper is a very easy read & I cannot wait for the rest of the series to come out!
Profile Image for Ana Annie Ann.
29 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 3, 2026
The Keeper by R.G. Prince
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶
OMG! I can't count how many times I hollered with glee and kicked my feet from swooning. This is such a fun Soccer/ Sports Romance with a brooding Grumpy but the sweetest once he opens up MMC! Rogue, with his words and acts of kindness! I won't be forgetting about him anytime soon. I really enjoyed the pacing, and the slow burn was so worth the wait!
Profile Image for Rachel Talavera.
679 reviews7 followers
January 4, 2026
I was lucky enough to get a ARC from this author and let me tell you it did not disappoint. This is only one of like three soccer books. I’ve ever read absolutely loved it, lots of getting to know the characters.

Loved Kitten and Rouge. My first book from this author and let me tell you NOT my last.
Profile Image for Hannah Clayton.
9 reviews
January 4, 2026
ARC Read*** - I’m OBSESSED. 🤩 omg I could not out this down. I loved that it honestly wasn’t just all spice, only a few scenes, so you really got to know the characters. I also cannot wait for the next book because I love Thiago. This book was soft hearted, sweet, loving, caring, and just a happy romance to warm the heart. Would definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Courtney  Kiah Hernandez.
42 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 1, 2026
I received an ARC so i was able to read it prior to release and it was super cute... it is a slow burn in my opinion but i really liked it considering I'm not much of a VERY slow burn reader. Definitely give it a read if you love sports romance !
Profile Image for Jennifer Tudor.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 1, 2026
*ARC Review * Ate this book up. Really enjoyed reading this book looking forward to the next book. I have really enjoyed all her books that have came out!
Profile Image for Leslie.
60 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 2, 2026
The keeper was such a fun and cute read! Loved it and now I can’t wait for more in this series!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.