He’s an Italian heartthrob, a soccer phenom, and my brother’s best friend.
Luca DiBlanco has known me since I was a kid—and that’s all he’s ever seen me as. Until he shows up in Chicago when my world is crumbling and helps me piece it back together.
Moving home to Valencia, Spain should’ve been a fresh start. Instead, it throws me right back into Luca’s orbit. Only now, the reliable, steady guy who’s always looked out for me… is looking at me. Differently. Closer. Like he’s tempted.
What starts as extra soccer training turns into stolen touches. Planning a youth summer camp together sparks even more heat. Before I know it, the man I once crushed on is the one I can’t stop kissing.
He’s known as the dependable good guy. I’m the fun-loving, wild child, and the risk he probably shouldn’t take. But for the first time, Luca’s not playing it safe—and I’m not sitting on the sidelines.
I’m ready to take my shot.
But what if I’m the chaos that topples his carefully constructed future?
Hi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!
Much like the first book in the League Valencia series, this was a quick, fun and light hearted read. Sideline Crush is a good-times book and while I often prefer a bit of a faster pace, the third arc was just impactful enough while still matching the comfort of a low stakes romance.
PLOT To be honest, I wasn’t mad that the brothers-best-friend angle was rather minor in significance and the focus could remain on the balance Gina Azzi does so well: Give room to the incredible strength of, as well as the impossible expectations towards women in professional sports.
And again, the author paired that with a healthy dose of reality-check and the balance that can come from finding a partner who brings out the best in you.
Although the softer sort of approach the author took with the big conflict, I admit I very much enjoyed that this allowed for realistic and easy problem solving that barely disturbed the comfort of this romance.
CHARACTERS The FMC, also much like in Winning Match, is the type of strong, determined woman I love to receive space within the romance genre. But I love it even more how Gina Azzi never takes away their ambitions over a man. Instead, they’re allowed to lean into a balance that prioritises themselves while maintaining their drive.
The MMC was such a cutie! I really liked him, as I do so many fictional men in sports romance, for not committing to the stereotypical red-flag athlete.
On the contrary, I loved seeing a famous athlete be so smitten with his also famous athlete love interest. It was great watching him realising he wants and needs to be better for her than they were.
Also, the way he ends up being intimidated by her exes when it’s usually the other way around in romance books was (unfortunately, I guess) very refreshing and I didn’t know I’d love it that much!
WRITING In my opinion, there is only good things to be said about the writing style. It was consistent and comfortable, matched the vibe, and the implementation of social media posts works so much better than I’d thought it would.
In addition, I’m also a fan of including different languages (when done correctly).
The narration was on point. The accents, although I’m not an expert, sounded solid and the overall performance was just perfect and made it easy to immerse myself into the reading experience.
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Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Select and Gina Azzi for an ALC of Sideline Crush
“He’s always seen me, even when I didn’t feel worthy of being seen.”
Sideline Crush continues the League Valencia series, and this time Luca DiBlanco and Carla Garcia step into the spotlight. After being cut from her team in the States, Carla returns to Valencia feeling unmoored and unsure of what her future looks like. As she slowly rebuilds her life and starts chasing new dreams, Luca is right there on the sidelines—steady, supportive, and quietly giving her the confidence to go after what she truly wants. The childhood crush she once had on him sparks back to life… and this time, Luca feels the same. But for Carla, the queen of non commitment, choosing to be all in might be the biggest leap she’s ever taken.
“Find the people who show up for you.”
This story is genuinely lovely. Both Luca and Carla are layered, compelling characters with fears that feel real and relatable. Carla’s instinct to run from anything resembling permanence clashes beautifully with Luca’s desire for something solid and lasting. Watching them navigate that tension—slowly, honestly, sometimes messily—made their emotional journey incredibly satisfying.
“It was Luca DiBlanco who helped me believe in myself when I was at my lowest.”
Their relationship builds from a grounded, easy friendship into a romance that’s both steamy and deeply tender. Luca’s unwavering certainty in his feelings is such a refreshing contrast to Carla’s hesitation, and even when her fear made me want to shake her, I understood exactly where she was coming from. Her growth is earned, and his patience is heartfelt.
“He’s always made me feel like I’m flying. Like I’m capable of anything. He never made fun of my dreams but inspired me to chase them.”
This is a story about self discovery, healing, and choosing love even when it scares you. I adored Carla and Luca—individually and together—and Sideline Crush left me swooning, smiling, and already counting down the days until the next book in this addictive sports romance series.
I read this in one sitting. Literally. I sat down with my water, figured I’d read a few chapters and get up to do stuff, and the next thing I knew, I was at the “thank you so much for reading” message from Gina Azzi. This story is that enthralling. That engaging. That…sucks you in and doesn’t let you even think about your empty water bottle type of amazing!
Luca is far from flighty, but he’s always stayed away from Carla in that way. He could see greatness for them, but also a miserable end, and he’s not sure he would survive the fall. He’s also big on being Carla’s partner, her supporter, her friend, her lover, her everything if she’ll just allow it. He’s also very much a master of communication. No lie. He knows that they have to keep all lines of communication open and honest for this to work, and he shares that without shame.
Carla is also not flighty, but she is scared. Luca is the one guy she has really always wanted, but she’s pretty sure she’ll lose herself in the process. She’s not sure how to handle someone so utterly aware of her needs and how to balance them with reality. Someone who gives and supports. Someone who so obviously loves her, in any way she wants that to be shown. But she’s learning. She knows that fear is going to be a problem and finds a way to work through it. Granted, she has friends and family to help, but a huge part of Carla here is how she grows and learns to trust her heart in the hands of another.
And then we have big brother. He’s awesome because he knows Carla isn’t a child. But he’s also wrong because he inadvertently takes sides, which Luca calls him on (as he should). And he’s also there for both of them when he realizes his mistakes, so I have to adore the interactions.
So get comfortable. Because you’ll probably get sucked in like I did. And then you’ll wonder about another sister and friend. I know I am, and I already want more!
Gina Azzi draws you into her well-written stories and the lives of her characters, weaving their values, wine, and good food into the plot, where family and friends are everything next to the one you love. Heartwarming with a touch of heartbreak, Carla and Luca's tale is about surviving adversity through perseverance, tenacity, belief in one's abilities, and hard work. My heart went pitty-pat as I kicked up my heels with happiness at the high points, and I wept when heartache touched the couple. Carla and Luca do get a much-deserved HEA after all the challenges life throws their way. Sitting on the sidelines as Carla and Luca fell in love was full of highs and lows, confidence and doubts, and so much hot-blooded passion. These two were destined to be together. Their love of European fütbol created a bond, but it wasn't stronger than their love for one another.
Luca is an Italian heartthrob, a soccer player, her brother's best friend, and the person Carla has had a crush on for years. He's a gentle soul with a heart of gold who cares deeply for everyone, including his best friend's younger sister, whom he's watched achieve her dreams only to see them snatched away. All he wants to do is make it all better for her, even if it means letting her go. Luca is selfless toward those he loves, putting them first at his own expense. Carla knows her brother will flip his lid if he ever finds out that his best friend is who her heart wants. After being sidelined by her American soccer team, Carla comes home to Valencia to figure out her next steps. Little did she know Luca would be the one to guide her along the path to where she belongs. Doubts creep in regarding her career, but Luca is the shining star, lighting her future in the sport she loves. Now, she faces a choice that could change everything-soccer or Luca-what will she decide?
Sideline Crush is a brother's best friend, slowburn, friends to lovers story immersed in the world of international futbol. When her professional soccer team is forced to let her go due to funding distributions, Carla travels back home to Valencia feeling disconnected with her self, with her family, with her friends and uncertain about her future. Luca, her brother's teammate from League Valencia and a boy she's known for most of her life, recognizes her melancholy and, being a natural caretaker, steps in to help her rediscover her love of the sport and of herself. This is a story of friends helping each other rediscover themselves and challenging perceptions along the way.
If you are familiar with the works of Azzi, you have already met the two main characters. If not, it won't hinder your enjoyment of the story at all, but know that there are many other books in this interconnected world to devour. Carla is going though a tough spot that isn't of her making nor is it a reflection of her abilities, but I think most of us can relate to that feeling. I also could relate to Luca's tendency to be the caretaker and not letting himself be cared for. The chemistry between the two is a gradual but an ever present entity of its own. The spice is hot and frequent once that flame kindles, but the heart and friendship that laid the foundation for it is what makes this story such a great read!
The world of League Valencia is so intriguing to me. I'm not only enjoying the romance and story, I'm also learning a lot about the culture of futbol. Come for the spice but leave with a better understanding of the world's most popular sport! Sideline Crush is book two in the League Valencia interconnected series of standalone novels.
Thank you to the author for an advanced review copy of this book. The opinions stated above are completely my own.
We’re back in Valencia, Spain and I’m so happy to be back. “Sideline Crush” is a heartfelt, swoony and sweet brother’s best friend soccer romance that was a great addition to the series.
After spending time in the US playing soccer professionally for years, Carla is back home in Spain. She’s not sure what her next move will be and she’s at an impasse in her life. Her brother’s best friend (and her long time crush) Luca DiBlanco suggests that she submit her resume to the local club to coach the girls youth team. And while she’s training the girls, Luca offers to train her so she can qualify for Spain’s national team. Carla has been crushing on Luca but what she doesn’t know is the feeling is mutual. As the two spend time together, it’s clear that they have a connection stronger than just both playing soccer.
From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put this story down. I connected with Carla right away and loved reading her story. She’s kind, strong and I loved how driven she is in her soccer career. With her contract ending in America, she was struggling on what to do next. Luca is someone that is in her life that she trusts and I loved that she listened to him and submitted her resume to be a coach. Luca is genuine, swoony and a great friend/teammate. He has a confident exterior but underneath is a man who cares deeply. Once you’re a part of his inner circle, he will do whatever he needs to do to help you. I loved how these two were friends and as they spent time together, the chemistry was natural and they evolved to more. The steamy scenes were great and these two really understood each other. They connected on more than just their attraction for each other. The ending was so sweet and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
As a lover of futbol and Ms. Azzi's books, I was doing a happy dance when I saw her League Valencia series. Sideline Crush is a brother's best friend, friends to lovers romance where friends help heal and family stands beside you no matter what you choose to do. Luca and Carla's journey will pull you in and the next thing you know, you are at the end and you want more. The storyline is well-written, engaging and easy to get lost in. The characters are relatable and ones that you would enjoy having in your circle of friends. Carla had to face a life-changing situation and moved back to Valencia from the States. She feels like a failure and has no direction until Luca, her brother's best friend and teammate, wants to help her heal as well as find herself. She has always had a crush on him and what she doesn't know is that he has feelings for her. Does she have time to allow the feelings she has for Luca to develop more and take action? Luca has always focused on his career as a futbol player and a famous one. Wanting to help Carla seems second nature and even though he keeps saying he is helping her like a sister, his mind and heart do not think of her as a sister. He wants to show her that she deserves the world, which includes futbol and love. I love how family and friends help push the two together and the big brother does not react the way they both thought he would. Their road to their HEA had some fouls but in the end, they had a win.
Sideline Crush by Gina Azzi was a wonderful follow-up in the League Valencia series, and I especially loved experiencing it in audio. The duet narration from Veronica Pace and Marcio Catalano adds so much depth to the story, bringing Carla and Luca’s romance to life with warmth, emotion, and authenticity. The performances truly stood out — their accents felt natural and immersive, and the seamless shifts between English and Spanish added an extra layer of realism to the setting and culture. Marcio Catalano gives Luca such a steady, protective presence, while Veronica Pace captures Carla’s determination, vulnerability, and strength as she navigates a major career setback and questions about her future. Azzi’s writing shines in the character development. Carla’s journey of rebuilding her confidence and allowing herself to want more than just soccer is heartfelt, and Luca’s unwavering support makes their chemistry unmistakable from the start. Their relationship is a slow-burn blend of friendship, history, and growing trust, surrounded by a lively cast of family and community characters that make the world feel full and vibrant. Overall, this was an engaging and emotionally satisfying listen, with strong narration that elevated an already charming sports romance. Thank you to Gina Azzi, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Select for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review
Loved it! This is book 2 in the League Valencia series and follows on with Ale’s sister Carla and his best friend Luca. Carla has had a setback in her career after her soccer contract wasn’t renewed in the US. Back home in Valencia she is at a loose end and struggling with what direction she wants her life to go in. Luca is often by her side and offers her encouragement and help, even setting her up with a job. Carla has crushed on her brother’s best friend, Luca from the time she was 14 and now that Luca is taking an interest she is torn as she shies away from real relationships. Can she be the person that Luca so desperately wants her to be? Will she commit to a future with Luca? Or will she get scared and back away? This is a beautiful story full of fun times, loving family and some steamy moments with Carla ending up fighting for what’s right and coming out on top. Loved the storyline and how perfect Luca was as he pursued the woman that he had fallen in love with. I’m looking forward to the next League Valencia story. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by Veronica Pace and Marcio Catalano and performed in duet. I enjoyed their accents, finding them engaging to listen to. Thank you Gina Azzi, NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 is the second book in the League Valencia series by Gina Azzi, featuring a brother’s best friend, soccer romance for Carla and Luca. Her life was flipped upside down, when her contract with her American pro soccer team was not renewed after four successful years. She found herself back home in Valencia, Spain, coaching a high school girls’ team and training with her longtime secret crush with the hopes of making a Spanish team. I enjoyed jumping back into this world with the great found family vibe, strong friendships, sibling bonds, and surprisingly emotional and dramatic moments. Luca had me swooning with his supportive nature, open communication, and protective streak, even when he knew he could end up hurt in the end. Carla was such an inspirational character with her athletic talent, her drive to succeed, and her determination to help other girls reach their dreams, too. The scenes with her girls were some of my favorites because of the massive impact she was having with them. I loved the evolution of the romance from their sweet and fun friendship to the spicy chemistry and deep connection! I’m looking forward to Bianca’s story next!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶🌶.5
This is a brother's best friend, slow-burning, friends-to-lovers story. After being let go from her professional soccer team, Carla returns to Valencia feeling lost and disconnected and lost.
This story explores friendship and self-discovery, and Luca is helping her find her way once again. Carla and Luca's dynamic is relatable, with Carla facing challenges beyond her control and Luca struggling to accept help.
The chemistry between the two develops gradually, adding depth to their relationship. The romance is passionate, but it's the foundation of friendship and heart that truly shines in this story.
We found the characters to be engaging, with some being more challenging than others. Luca stood out as our favorite, with his big heart and capacity for love.
This couple shares a common passion for soccer, and through their personal journeys, they discovered a new passion for using their talents to inspire and support others in the sports world.
League Valencia's world adds an intriguing backdrop to the romance, offering insights into soccer culture. Sideline Crush is the second book in the League Valencia series of standalone novels. Another enjoyable read in this ongoing series.
I’m really enjoying the international aspect of the League Valencia series and in this Luca and Carla make for a great couple. So, he’s her brother’s best friend and teammate and she has had a crush on him for years but coming home from Chicago where she was dropped from the pro team she played for has left her feeling lost with many insecurities rising to the surface. Luca’s there being a supportive friend, providing encouragement, job offers, and training, and suddenly seeing her in a different light. Their views and past experiences with relationships couldn’t be more different and navigating those differences as their feelings grow makes for great storytelling. There’s plenty of drama caused by Carla’s coaching colleague Sergio Perez (sounds like a good name for a Formula 1 driver 😏 🏎️) to give us plot lines other than just this budding romance. There are good interactions with the core cast from the first book; the primary teammates, and family members, but this can be enjoyed as a standalone without missing any major backstory. Overall, an enjoyable, well written, easy to read story in the world Ms. Azzi has crafted based in Valencia.
Reviewed by Donna for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
I'm so pleased we are back in the football/soccer world. I love a brothers best friend romance and a slow burner as well. I was so engrossed in this story that I didn't believe it was finished, when I got to the end. It flowed so well and the relationship development was great to read.
This book seems like it revolves around football but it really wasn't. It was about friendship that grew and changed. Into a beautiful love story. It's was great to read. Luca and Carla were great. I can't say much more other than it's great. Go read it.
Sideline Crush is a delightful friends to lovers, brother’s best friend, slow burn sports romance. Carla and Luca have known each other for years. Carla is back home in Valencia-looking for opportunities in the soccer world. Luca is now starting to see Carla in a new light. Their connection and chemistry together was beautiful. Can this new relationship stand the test of time? The duet narration by Veronica Pace and Marcio Catalano was extraordinary. Veronica Pace was magnificent as sweet, kind, relationship averse Carla. Her disappointment, uncertainty, happiness and love were all clearly evident in her voice. Marcio Catalano was divine as loyal, dedicated, charming, caring Luca. His sexy, sultry tone was swoon worthy. These two talented voice actors transitioned between English, Spanish and Italian seamlessly. They brought this story to life beautifully. I highly recommend listening to this fantastic audiobook. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for this ALC. AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Story 5 stars Narration 5 stars
I loved this listen as much as the first in the series. I definitely think they can be read independently, but why would you skip a terrific intro to a group of amazing characters and storyline? In this story, Carla, who has been living her dream playing professional soccer, returns to Spain when her contract isn’t renewed. So many feelings to digest, particularly when she comes face to face with the man who she has had been crushing on since she was young. He is forbidden as he is her brothers BFF and teammate. Luca is amazing on the pitch and off. As they spend more and more time together, things change. Carla comes from a family that is internationally known for being a football (soccer) dynasty and all she wants is to prove herself with all other things being pushed to the side. She has a really hard time letting anyone into her heart and just when things are going beautifully, she pulls a runner until things take a turn and wake her up. I don’t want to give too much away, but this is an absolutely lovely listen about friendship, family. love, opening your heart, following your dreams and finding happiness. It was beautifully narrated and I am already awaiting the next in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Carla Garcia has been playing soccer for the Chicago Tornadoes until her contract expired and wasn't renewed so now she's going back home to Valencia, Spain. She's having a hard time over this and when Luca DeBlanco shows up in Chicago for support she is surprised. They have known each other since she was a kid and she has always had a crush on him.
Luca is best friends with her older brother and is also his teammate playing soccer for League Valencia. He is one that always takes care of everyone around him putting them first. So when Carla comes home he wants to help by putting in a word for a job, helping her train and even allowing her to add girl's training at his youth summer soccer camp but also losing his heart to her in the process.
She's afraid of losing her identity and giving everything up to be with Luca so she leaves even though she loves him. Can they find their way back to each other?
An addictive and heartfelt brothers best friend soccer romance! Gina Azzi is delighting her fans with with the second book in her League Valencia series. The characters are friends who turn into more along the way of supporting each other during good times and bad. I loved the family surrounding them as one aspect after another changed in what they thought they were going to do with their lives. I really wanted some interaction from her parents though to make it all feel complete on that front. I’m loved seeing so much of Alejandro and Marlowe from the first book and getting to know a bit about Luca’s family and friends. There was a strong female sports representation in this book! I can’t wait for more to come in the series! I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series to anyone who enjoys a sports romance taking place in broth Spain and the US at times as love comes knocking when they least expect it.
It was so interesting learning more about international futball. I think the game was in Carla’s blood as her father was a well known player and her brother was an international star. I felt bad for Carla when the pro team in Chicago let her go after four years. It ended up being good for her moving back to Valencia Spain where her family lived. One of her brother’s best friends. Luca, had always championed Carla. Carla had had a crush on him for years. I loved all the reasons she had broke up with guys she had dated, but still was friendly with them all. I was so upset with a boys’ couch at a high school that Carla coached for girls. He was awful and made so much trouble for her. I loved watching Carla and Luca fall in love. Their path was not smooth, but had ups and downs. I encourage you to read the book.
Sideline Crush by Gina Azzi is the second book in the League Valencia series and continues the world of elite soccer, family legacy, and slow-burn romance.
Carla is a phenomenal footballer born into a famous soccer dynasty, but when she’s unexpectedly let go from her American team, she’s forced to return home to Valencia, Spain. Before she leaves the States, she attends a gala where her brother’s best friend, Luca, shows up to support her—setting the stage for a relationship that’s been quietly simmering for years.
Back in Valencia, Luca continues to be her biggest supporter, helping her train and find her footing again. Only now, Carla isn’t the kid sister he once knew. She’s confident, driven, and determined to reclaim her career—and Luca is finally seeing her in a whole new light.
While I enjoyed the first book, Winning Match, a bit more, this one was still a really fun and sweet read. Carla’s independence and focus were highlights for me, and Luca was genuinely kind and supportive without overshadowing her journey. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration by Veronica Pace and Marcio Catalano, who brought great emotion and chemistry to the story.
A solid follow-up for fans of sports romance, brother’s best friend, and determined heroines finding their way back to themselves.
Carla and Luca's chemistry was unmistakable from the beginning.
Luca was the definition of dependable. Resolute in his beliefs, a caretaker and protector, he was so supportive and encouraging of Carla's dreams. The way Luca showed up whenever Carla needed him, but let her have the space to make her own decisions, was admirable. The small touches, the pet names, and the genuineness of their affection...it was all so magical to read! I also enjoyed Carla's determination and integrity. She was a role model for all the girls she championed and proved to herself that, yes, she could have it all. It was so heartwarming when she realised it.
Of course, I need to make mention of the sewing circle! Those ladies are so much fun!
Veronica & Marcio brought their story to life so beautifully. The ease with which they flowed from English to Spanish and Italian was mesmerising.
⚽ Soccer Romance ⚽ Sports Romance ⚽ Brother’s best friend
⭐ 4/5
Carla and Luca
This romance follows Carla and Luca and it is book two in this series. He is the one she had a crush on for years but also her brother’s best friend. Luca is a wonderful supporting and caring character. One who always set himself at the back. And now after years he finally sees Carla. He helps her after she returns home and tries to figure out what’s next. They have chemistry and they could be something but a lot has to figure out between them. When they spend time together they finally know their crushes are mutual. Then becoming friends and then actually more was created wonderfully. An amazing main male character and a female that gets everything she wants in the end.
This was my first read/listen by this author and I loved it! Now I have to go back to book 1 and read/listen to that one in tandem as well! The Narrators were great but the Male narrator could have done with a little more accent, when he was doing the role of Luca he was alright but doing the voice in thinking(narrating) Luca he was more American-sounding so it threw me for a loop most times. 😬 But I still loved this book so much that I purchased both ebooks well because why not! The way their beginning started and ended was great, yes I want an extended epilogue or bonus epilogue, or maybe even a bonus book because I truly want their Happily Happily Ever After. But for the time being, I think it was great! Thank you Netgalley for the Opportunity to listen to this Audiobook I truly loved it!
Sideline Crush is a heartfelt sports romance about Carla returning to Valencia and finding herself drawn back into Luca’s life. Their shared love of soccer and strong family ties create a deep emotional bond that feels authentic and grounding. The English-to-Spanish accent transitions were especially impressive and enhanced the setting beautifully.
Veronica Pace perfectly captures Carla’s growth and emotional depth, while Marcio Catalano’s portrayal of Luca is calm, caring, and deeply sincere. Their performances complement each other beautifully.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the author for this ALC.
Aw I loved Carla and Luca so much, their love story was so sweet, tender, beautiful and filled with emotion. The chemistry they have is so good!
Luca is the sweetest man, I loved him. The way he is there for her and supports her in all the possible ways had my heart. She may have had a crush on him first but he definitely fell hard for her too and it was beautiful. Carla is kind, the sweetest ever and such a badass soccer player advocate for girls in sports and I loved her as much!
The more they spend time together training and planning a youth summer camp together, the more they start to fall for each other. From the friendship to the small touches to the burning heat to the powerful love, I loved every second of it!
Sports romance Brother's best friend Friends to lovers Dual POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Veronica Pace & Marcio Catalano Great narrators. They were both good to listen to.
Book #2 League Valencia Series
A great addition to this series. I really enjoyed book 1 and book 2 is just as good. I enjoyed the story to the narration. Gina Azzi writes great characters and storylines.
Carla is back in Spain after not getting her soccer contract renewed for another season. She is sad and lost for what to do now. Carla finds herself with Luca an Italian soccer player she has had a crush since she was young. Luca is her brother's best friend and teammate.
These two spend time together and feelings get deeper turning into so much more than friendship. The development of their love story is sweet and beautifully written.
Sideline Crush is Cara and Luca’s brother’s best friend soccer romance and it’s book two in the League Valencia Series. This book drew me in and didn’t let me go until I had read the final line, I fell hard and fast for the characters and their story captivated me. Carla’s world has been turned upside down by her contract in the USA not being renewed and she finds herself back home in Valencia coaching a girls high school soccer team. This means she also finds herself spending time with her long time crush Luca …..could he possibly feel the same about her. This is a well written, entertaining read that I read in one sitting.
Gina's stories always put a smile on my face. Returning to League Valencia was just what I needed this month.
Luca and Carla were such enjoyable characters. I loved watching them finally admit to their feelings, and explore what a relationship could look like. I also really liked that Luca told Carla about this job offer and was her biggest cheerleader. Something I really appreciated though was watching Carla fall back in love with her sport, and find joy in little matches with friends.
Carla and Luca definitely pulled me into their orbit, and I look forward to returning to this setting in the future.
Such a well written story, you can't help but be drawn in. I loved Carla and Luca journey and how they worked for what they wanted. I really enjoyed seeing Carla coach and how se had her team use perseverance to stand up to the boys team's horrible coach. What a sweet moment when Luca has a day arranged on the field for the girls soccer team, what a moment for everyone. Another amazing moment is them working on the soccer camp together and they results. You have to read this book to read about these amazing moments in detail. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely adored this sports romance! I did the Audio book which was duet narration and both narrators were fantastic! There are several moments where the characters speak to each other in Spanish and the narrators were able to switch fluently between English and Spanish naturally. Luca and Carla have been apart of each other's lives forever and have incredible chemistry. They have wonderful banter and are so sweet together. They have an incredible friendship that grows through their connection in soccer and family. I just absolutely adored everything about it. it's so precious.
This series has me in a chokehold. I think my only complaint was that the book ended too soon. I loved the characters and the continuation of the prior couples stories being peppered in though this book in a way that felt natural and fitting to this story. I liked the way the author created drama between the characters and helped to develop their love story especially since this was a brothers best friend girlhood crush turns real as adults storyline. The narrators were perfect for these roles and the editing and production were very well done.