The Striker / The Defender

Gods of the Game #1-2

by Ana Huang

Please Note The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown—are included in the Gods of the Game Series by Ana Huang 2 Books Collection Set (The Striker & The Defender):

 

Titles in This

The Striker
The Defender

 

The Striker
She’s the only woman he wants . and the only one he can’t have.Asher Donovan is a living legend – the darling of the Premier League, the (arguably) greatest footballer in the world.But his reckless antics and recent team transfer have caused much controversy, and when his feud with his rival-turned-teammate costs them a championship, they’re forced to ‘bond’ during off-season cross-training.Surviving the summer shouldn’t be hard . . . until Asher meets their new trainer. She’s beautiful, talented, and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t take his mind off her.The only problem? She’s his rival’s sister – and completely off limits.

 

The Defender
He has to play by the rules . . . but for her, he'd break them all.As the captain of Blackcastle Football Club and one of the highest-paid athletes in the game, Vincent DuBois should be on top of the world.But when his fame brings danger to his doorstep, he finds himself in his worst nightmare scenario - secretly sharing a flat with his coach's daughter, knowing full well she's far too big a temptation for him to resist.When his new living arrangements escalate into a bet that throws them even closer together, he realizes he's in deeper trouble than he thought.He's always played to win - but for her, he might just risk it all.
 

 

Genres: Romance

1056 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Ana Huang is a #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today & #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of contemporary romance.

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UPCOMING RELEASE:



FULL LIST OF BOOKS:

GODS OF THE GAME SERIES



KINGS OF SIN SERIES



TWISTED SERIES



IF LOVE SERIES

Reviews

[Paola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t expect to get so invested in The Striker, but Ana Huang completely pulled me in. From the very first chapters, the chemistry between the main characters felt effortless, and I loved how their relationship developed instead of relying solely on physical attraction. The emotional tension, the banter, and the vulnerability they gradually showed made their romance incredibly satisfying to read.

What I appreciated most was that the story wasn’t just about falling in love. Both characters had their own ambitions, insecurities, and personal struggles, which made them feel like real people rather than just romantic leads. Their individual growth added depth to the relationship and made the emotional moments hit even harder.

If I had one small criticism, it would be that some parts of the plot felt a little predictable, especially if you're familiar with sports romance. I also think one of the later conflicts could have been explored in more depth instead of being resolved quite so quickly. However, neither of these things took away from my overall enjoyment.

Overall, The Striker is exactly the kind of romance I love: emotionally engaging, addictive, full of tension, and impossible to put down. Ana Huang once again created characters I genuinely cared about, and I already know this won't be my last book by her.

[Emmie Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

UNE ROMANCE SPORTIVE COMME ON LES AIME🩵

J’ai adoré découvrir l’histoire de Brooklyn et Vincent tout au long du livre: c’est mims, attachant, sincère, fluide et naturel!
Je me suis bcp attaché à eux, Vincent est si attentionnée envers Brook, il a des étoiles dans les yeux quand il parle d’elle et il l’écoute tellementtttttt
Brook, elle est si spontanée, j’adore je suis fan🥹
C’est très beau et mims comment ils se confient entre eux à chaque page🫶🏻

La Found Family est si attachante aussi, je les adore🫶🏻 Hâte de les découvrir dans les prochains tomes

[Elisa Beuvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pour ma part , le premier tome était meilleur mais malgré les critiques que j’ai pu entendre sur le deuxième , je l’ai trouvé très bien. L’histoire de Scarlette était touchante et montre que la vie peut basculer à tout moment et celle d’Asher et Vincent que la haine n’est pas voué à rester.
Maintenant, pour l’histoire de Vincent et Brooklin , leur relation m’a moins touché que la précédente mais il reste quand même un bon livre si l’on veut se vider la tête.

[꧁ 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮 ﾒ𝟶]

I want to reread book 1 the striker bc i had read it in one day at the airport and i read it sooo quick i almost dont remember a single thing about it, so i will reread it and then the second and soon the third book, i will first read the BOT series and the last book from shatter me, after that i will see and decide what to read next, i need to read more i have SO many books.

[Gian Treinen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's too much teenage drama for me. I bet its a great book for people who are looking for that.

[Mary Winung · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good kind of cliché.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two books were incredible. One better than the other. Although I have to say Asher is still my number one. Can't wait for The Keeper

[Paloma Irribarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libro demasiado puber pero bueno, se lee rapido

[Patrícia Luis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Infelizmente não foi a escolha certa para começar o mês de Março 💔

[Leonor Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eu simplesmente gostei e gostei bastante do ritm, ótimo para aquecer um coraçãozinho.

[Jewel Lugusa · Rating 5 out of 5]

i only read the first one

[Maxie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is more of romantic and friendship battles
But it’s funny how Asha and scarlet hooked up behind Asher’s brother’s back but wat interests more is that in the end they stayed together 😭😭

[Akshara]

Good

[aya · Rating 3 out of 5]

leuke filler boeken

[Carmen Patino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these books so much they were so good I love the plot Rand the characters if u want a want sport series I highly recommend these books



Jun ll

[Kalino_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Not too much spice as always. Nu kitaip pasakius žiauriai kietai. REKOMENDUOJUUUU!!!!

[fully_book_ed · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/3 stars

[Cataaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó mucho, pero siento que faltó profundizar en algunos temas que me dejó ahí… Perooooo me gustó muchísimo

[zimal · Rating 3 out of 5]

you know at this point Asher and Vincent should date and the first thing they should do is attend couples therapy.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the stories and can’t wait for the next one in October to come out!

[Lee_Az · Rating 1 out of 5]

Non

[VANESSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buenas tardes 😉,
Os dejo mi último audiolibro "THE
DEFENDER POR ELLA,TODO VALE (2 libro)" , de la escritora Ana Huang.
Este segundo libro, a diferencia del primer libro me ha atrapado desde el primer momento.
En esta ocasión, la novela se centra en Vicente (hermano de Scarlett) y en Brooklyn (una de las mejores amigas de Scarlett).
Una historia de odio-amor que te atrapa desde sus primeras hojas.
Encontramos pasión, deporte, rivalidad, enemigos... Toda una combinación explosiva 😏😏😏.
Muy recomendable 😊