Lead the Way

by Alexis L. Muñoz

One Team. Two Goals. And the kicker? Love just might cost them the game.

Maradona Quinn’s destiny was soccer. Named after the famous fútbol player, Diego
Maradona, Maradona’s closest connection to her late Mamá was the game. But when a
career-ending injury leaves her without purpose, her former trainer offers her another
chance to protect the legacy she was meant to lead as the manager of Castellón’s most
volatile men’s team, Real Castellón, and win the International Club Championship.

Santiago Ríos’s fierce reputation was built as the star striker and captain of Real
Castellón. But when he has to fight the pressure from the top constantly, nothing gets in
his way. That is, except the manager of his team. Quinn is living proof of his potential
failure, and losing isn’t an option.

When their rivalry soon becomes hotter than the competition, Maradona and Santi
realize there’s more on the line than winning. And when they both have everything to
lose, will they still choose to risk it all for love?

Genres: Sports Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Romance

499 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2026

Reviews

[joni ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i took way too long to read this bc of school but SO good!!!


𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
the cover immediately drew me in and i adore romances where she's an athlete! dislike to lovers 😋 all my mutuals have loved this one and i'm so excited to start!!!

out now!!


↪ started april 10
↪ finished april 17



thank you luna literary & alexis for the digital advanced copy!

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75🌟, 2🌶️

This felt like such a solid, immersive read.

Maradona Quinn is so easy to root for. She’s carrying grief, pressure, and the loss of everything that once defined her, yet still steps into a space where she has to fight to be taken seriously. I loved watching her grow into her role as a manager and slowly rebuild herself, even when it wasn’t easy. She didn’t fully click with me at first, but her journey felt honest and rewarding, and seeing her find her strength again made it worth it. The team added a lot of heart too, especially once they started backing her.

Santi starts off as frustrating, all ego and tension, but he really grows on you. His dynamic with Quinn is intense and full of friction, and the slow shift from conflict to respect to something deeper was done so well. The chemistry builds at a steady pace and actually feels earned, which made the payoff satisfying. I also loved how important the football side felt, it added real stakes to both the story and their relationship.

A few moments could have been explored more and some choices didn’t fully land for me, but it never took away from how engaging this was overall.

A strong read that I’d happily recommend.

~~~~

Special thanks to Alexis L. Muñoz & The Author Agency for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sooo incredibly good!! I couldn’t put it down!
⚽️ 𝙃𝘼𝙋𝙋𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝙇𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀 𝘿𝘼𝙔 ⚽️

Chicas, he tenido la oportunidad de recibir una copia anticipada de esta maravillosa historia de amor ambientada en mi tierra natal, España 🇪🇸

No sabéis lo bien que me lo he pasado con estos personajes y lo mucho que he disfrutado de la pluma de la autora. Sin duda, se nota que ha hecho su research e incluso me he llevado varias sorpresas al ver representación del idioma de aquí, el País Vasco!

𝓠𝓾𝓮 𝓸𝓼 𝓿𝓪𝓲𝓼 𝓪 𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓻:
⚽️ Dislike to lovers
🇪🇸 He falls first
⚽️ Slow Burn
🇪🇸 Secret Relationship
⚽️ Coach (her) x player
🇪🇸 Woman in sports
⚽️ Black cat FMC
🇪🇸 Found Family

————————————————————————————

Girls, I had the chance to get an advance copy of this wonderful love story set in my homeland, Spain 🇪🇸

You have no idea how much fun I had with these characters and how much I enjoyed the author’s writing style. You can definitely tell she did her research, and I was even surprised to see the local language from here, the Basque Country, represented in the story!

𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭:
⚽️ Dislike to lovers
🇪🇸 He falls first
⚽️ Slow Burn
🇪🇸 Secret Relationship
⚽️ Coach (her) x player
🇪🇸 Woman in sports
⚽️ Black cat FMC
🇪🇸 Found Family

[Briana Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Alexis for letting me be a part of this ARC Team!
Rate: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️

What to expect when reading Lead the Way;
-Slow Burn
-Secret Relationship
-Dislike x Lovers
-Coach x Player

This is book one of the Hearts of Castellon series! You get to follow Maradona and Santiago! Maradona is the best female soccer player anyone has ever seen, until a career ending injury leaves her in a limbo. Santi, a soccer captain with a chip on his shoulder and a grudge he isn’t sure why he has. Please take note that this is slow burn so the build up did take time but it was so worth it. Starting off though, talk about some top tier banter between Maradona and Santiago!!!! You didn’t know if they were going to ripe each other’s heads off or devour each other in other ways lol. Ohhhhh Santiago how I misjudged you at first and then you turned out to be my favorite character! When the mask finally came off our main characters and you could see their true selves, the chemistry ignited between them. While they each were struggle with their own dilemma, they also had their funny, cute and hot moments together. This soccer team was a lot lol, but she handled them like a pro The FLOWERS!!! That might have been my favorite part of the whole book, talk about melting into goo. Then again I did enjoy the chickens lol

This is the Alexis debut novel and honestly I can’t wait to read more of her stuff and hopefully this series. I already have people I hope she writes about for book two and so on lol


Side notes:
-Lu!

Fav Quote:
•”He said I was trying to look like the prince with the frying pan wife”
•”Maybe your time with the sun has come to an end, and now it’s your time to be the moon. Just as beautiful, just a little wiser”
•”If he touches you again , he won’t be able to play for the rest of the season”

Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases 🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book.
Lead the Way drops you into the world of elite football and gives you a romance that is part power struggle and part slow burn tension. Maradona Quinn is recovering from a career ending injury when she is given a chance to coach a men’s team in Spain. In her way is Santi Rios, the team captain and star player.

What worked were the team dynamics are fleshed out so well that Real Castellon feels like an actual team, with all the friction, loyalty and big personalities that come in professional sports. There’s a warmth to those relationships that gave me a slightly Ted Lasso-ish coziness.

And the chemistry is absolutely undeniable. This is very much grumpy and grumpier with them both locked in a power struggle that makes every interaction feel charged. The tension is delicious, the chemistry is palpable and the public pinkie brushing scenes? Incredibly hot for something so small. Tiny gesture with so much impact.

I also really appreciated the voice the author gives Santi. His inner dialogue has the rhythm and phrasing of a native Spanish speaker and that choice added so much texture to his character. It made his perspective feel distinct and grounded instead of interchangeable with every other sports romance MMC.

What I liked most is how the book doesn’t treat Quinn’s recovery as a neat little character detail. Her road forward is difficult and messy which gives the romance more weight. These aren’t just two stubborn people circling each other. It’s identity, ambition, grief and finding out what remains when the future you planned for yourself is no longer feasible.


Well written, emotionally grounded and full of delicious tension, this was a very strong debut.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an e-ARC of this book.
This book was emotional and heartwarming but sadly it did not work for me. I enjoyed the writing style but found that a significant amount of the dialogue was in Spanish. There was a glossary at the front of the book but I found it took me out of the story when I had to go check the translation. At first I really liked Maradona/Quinn and was not a fan of Santi but as the book went on my opinions flipped and by the end I was obsessed with Santi and was not enjoying Quinn’s character. Overall a solid read and I would recommend it to fans of romances with enemies to lovers and soccer.

[Emily McGhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3⭐️ Thank you to the Author for the e-ARC!

This was a solid 3 stars for me. This story dives into emotionally heavy themes like loss, life altering injury, and anxiety which added great depth. I loved the atmosphere and never read a soccer romance, so this was a fun learning experience (as I have no idea how soccer works LOL)

I enjoyed the read although felt as if at some points Santi’s anger/resentment didn’t fully make sense to me, and made it harder to connect with him and once it was explained, it didn’t entirely land well. The entire story was moving but at points felt drawn out and could have been paced a little faster.

Other than that I enjoyed this emotionally charged soccer romance and the journey it brought me on.

[Rechal · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
4.5 🌟

Thank you so much, Alexis L. Muñoz, for the opportunity to ARC read this book 💗

Lead the Way isn’t just a sports romance—it’s a story about healing, about losing yourself completely and still finding a way back. It’s about identity, grief, and learning who you are when the one thing that defined you is gone. And that, more than anything, is what made this story stay with me.

Maradona Quinn—named after Diego Maradona—has spent her entire life trying to live up to a name the world already worships. And she does. She becomes La Nueva Maradona . Until everything is taken from her.

Her mother dies. A career-ending injury follows. And just like that, the one thing that defined her—football—is gone. What we’re left with is not the legend, but the aftermath. A girl who doesn’t know who she is without the game.

At first, I’ll be honest—I struggled to connect with her. The way she shut everyone out, the self-neglect, the emotional withdrawal… it felt frustrating. But as the story unfolded, I started to understand .her. When you’ve spent your whole life being loved for being someone . and then suddenly you’re not that person anymore, it makes sense that everything cracks. It wasn’t just grief—it was losing her identity, her purpose, her place in the world.

Her journey back? Slow, messy, but really rewarding.

Then she’s thrown into the chaos of managing Real Castellón—a volatile men’s team that doesn’t want her there. A woman. A former player. A threat.

Enter Santiago Ríos.

Captain. Ego. Talent. Problem.

His “hate” for her isn’t really hate—it’s envy. He’s Argentinian, and he grew up wanting to live up to that same legacy. But instead, the name, the recognition, the Maradona. The title belongs to her. And that resentment? He masks it as hate.

Their dynamic is explosive. 🔥❤‍🔥

This isn’t soft romance. This is clashing authority, power struggles, and tension in every interaction. Every conversation feels like a match. And slowly, underneath all that friction, something shifts—respect, understanding… and attraction.

I loved that it didn’t feel easy. It felt earned.

Santi takes time to grow on you—he’s sharp, stubborn, and honestly kind of a pain at first. But when he softens? When you see the man beneath all that pressure? Yeah… I folded. The postcards?? I was gone.

And Maradona? I would go to war for her. Watching her step into a space where she constantly has to prove herself while still dealing with grief and identity loss—it hit hard. Her growth wasn’t about going back to who she was. It was about becoming someone new.

The football element was also done really well. It’s not just background—it actually matters. The matches, the strategy, the International Club Championship—it all adds stakes to both the plot and their relationship.

That said, one thing that didn’t fully work for me was the reveal about Ortega being her real father. That moment had so much emotional potential, especially considering everything Maradona was already going through.

But the reaction felt a little underwhelming.

For something that should completely shake her sense of identity and belonging, I expected more—more shock, more emotional conflict, more depth. Instead, it felt like the moment passed a bit too quickly. And that’s important, because it ties directly into her fear of not being truly loved for who she is. The idea that maybe the man she trusted all her life only valued her when she was at her peak? That could have added so much more weight to her emotional journey.

I just wish the story had explored that a little deeper.

But overall, this was a good read for me. It took me a bit to fully get into it, but once it clicked, I was in. The tension, the growth, the emotional journey—it all came together really well. 🥺❤

Definitely excited to see where the series goes next 👀

[Michelle VanHuss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lead the Way was a heartfelt look at someone's journey back to themselves after a series of hard falls. While not an emotional book, our FMC, Mardona Quinn has been dealt a lot of bad hands and cracked under the pressure of them. She has chosen self-harm in the form of negleting herself and cutting herself off from the people that do care for her as a result of being betrayed by her former teammates and the team she played for.

She is thrust into becoming a female head coach for a professional soccer team in Spain where, spoiler alert, no one wants her as both the new coach and as a woman in that position. The captain, and our MMC, Santiago "Santi" Rios, initially leads the charge in trying to push all of her buttons on the pitch and in the locker room, but in private stands up for her and buys her flowers to leave in her office. The owner of the team is looking for a reason to fire her.

While I overall enjoyed the book and the writing felt mature, there were some elements of the story I just couldn't wrap my head around and others that just made me feel like I had whiplash. The fact that Maradona was named after a famous futbal legend just doesn't feel high stakes enough to warrant the level of jealousy our MMC depicts. I doubt the 3,000 people named Michael Jordan in the US stay up at night feeling the pressure to be the next big basketball stare. Given that this mentioned over and over in the book, it just fell flat for me. Santi calls her "a fake/phony" but then is jealous when another player is getting her attention to the point he throws a cone at her to get her to look at him.

I appreciated that the guys on the team are actually pretty respectful of her as a woman even when they don't like her at first. I wish we got more about her pushing back outside of that - it is mentioned that she is not invited to attend things all other coaches are and her players aren't included in international activties that they have in the past but it is just let go. I almost want a whole other book where she pushes back on the team owner and governing bodies for a little respect. While you will feel happy for our couple and their team at the end of this book, this is not a girl sports boss story.

Santi and others understand that their relationship could blow up in her face in the media but he keeps pushing her into being with him publicly, guilts her about it, and then posts their relationship on social media without her consent so he can lay claim to her.

The coach she is replacing had apparently not been doing a great job for years but is still highly regarded somehow at the same time it is acknowledged that he wasn't good - confusing. There's a whole other subplot about her parentage that doesn't end up really mattering, too.

If you want an Argentinian whispering sweet nothings in Spanish, then this is your book since there is a decent amount with a little touch of Italian since the team is a mix of nationalities. Unlike other books that build the interpretation in, this one does not do that often.

The relationship between our FMC and MMC and seeing our FMC find a new passion and reason to live are worth it in this story.

Thank you to Alexis L. Muñoz and The Author Agency for an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Alicia Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maradona Quinn is an emotional, character-driven sports romance that blends grief, identity, and redemption into a compelling story about rebuilding a life after it shatters.

At its core, the novel follows Maradona Quinn, a rising soccer star whose world collapses in quick succession; first with the death of her mother, her fiercest supporter, and then with a devastating injury that ends her career at its peak. The double loss is handled with raw intensity; the book doesn’t rush past grief but instead lets it sit, heavy and suffocating, shaping every decision Maradona makes. Her spiral, pushing people away, abandoning her sense of purpose, and wanting to disappear, is painfully believable and one of the story’s strongest elements.

The emotional turning point comes with the introduction of Matis Ortega, her former coach who is revealed to be her biological father later. This twist adds depth rather than drama, reframing Maradona’s past and giving her a complicated new path forward. His offer it to manage a professional men’s team in Spain which is both improbable and symbolic: a second chance in a world she thought had rejected her.

The dynamic between Maradona and the team, especially captain Santi, is where the novel shifts from grief-heavy drama into a more layered exploration of trust, ego, and vulnerability. Santi’s initial resentment, which is rooted in pride, skepticism, and even the weight of her name creates a believable tension. Their relationship develops along that razor-thin line between animosity and attraction, and while the “secret romance” trope is familiar, it’s executed with enough emotional stakes to feel engaging rather than predictable.

What elevates the story is how it handles power, identity, and worth. Maradona isn’t just fighting for respect as a woman in a male-dominated sport; She’s battling her own belief that her value died with her career. Her misguided fixation on winning as a way to honor her parents is particularly poignant, especially when contrasted with the team’s eventual loyalty to her. The moment the players rally behind her against the owner serves as a satisfying emotional payoff, reinforcing the book’s central message: connection matters more than achievement.

That said, the story leans heavily into dramatic coincidences and high-stakes twists like the secret parentage, the ultimatum from the owner, the overheard threat which may feel a bit convenient to some readers. But for fans of emotional, sweeping sports romances, these elements add to the intensity rather than detract from it.

By the end, Maradona Quinn becomes less about soccer and more about healing. It’s about redefining family, accepting love without guilt, and understanding that success isn’t measured in trophies, but in the people who stand beside you.

This is a heartfelt and dramatic story that scores highest in its emotional authenticity. While it occasionally leans into familiar tropes, its exploration of grief, love, and second chances makes it a deeply satisfying read.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lead the Way did not just deliver… it DOMINATED. Full championship energy.

Maradona Quinn??? I would go to war for her. Naming her after Diego Maradona and tying her entire identity to the game?? Already iconic. But then you rip that dream away with a career-ending injury and throw her into managing a volatile men’s team?? The emotional layers?? The pressure?? The way she’s clinging to her mother’s memory through football while trying not to fall apart?? I felt ALL of that.

She’s strong, sharp, determined… but there’s this quiet grief running underneath everything she does and it makes every win, every setback hit twice as hard. Watching her step into a space where she has to fight to be respected?? I was feral with protectiveness.

And then there’s Santiago Ríos.

Sir. Captain. Problem.

This man is intensity wrapped in ego wrapped in talent. He is Real Castellón. The pressure on him is unreal and he carries it like a blade, cutting through anything that threatens his control… including Quinn. Especially Quinn.

Their dynamic?? EXPLOSIVE.

This is not a gentle “oops we fell in love” situation. This is rivalry, clashing authority, power struggles, and two people who refuse to back down. Every conversation feels like a match. Every look feels like a challenge. And somewhere in all that tension?? Attraction starts creeping in like it owns the place.

Enemies-to-lovers but make it professional, high-stakes, and emotionally loaded?? Yes PLEASE.

And the FOOTBALL ELEMENT?? You can feel it. The matches, the strategy, the stakes of the International Club Championship… it’s not just background noise, it’s the heartbeat of the story. Every win matters. Every loss cuts deep. And when you mix that with a forbidden, messy, could-cost-everything romance?? I was glued to the pages.

Because let’s be clear… this isn’t just “should we be together?”
This is “if we choose each other, we could lose EVERYTHING.”

Careers. Reputation. The team. The legacy.

And they KNOW it.

The slow shift from tension to something deeper?? Unreal. The respect that builds underneath the conflict, the way they start to see each other beyond the roles they’re stuck in… it’s so well done. It never feels easy. It feels earned.

And when the feelings finally break through all that stubbornness and pride?? I was DONE. Completely gone. No recovery.

This book is:
• fierce, emotional, and ridiculously addictive
• packed with tension that borders on unbearable (in the best way)
• led by a heroine you want to see WIN in every sense
• and a hero who fights just as hard against his feelings as he does on the field

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

What an amazing debut novel from author Alexis L Munoz. The first book in her Hearts of Castellon series and I am ready for the next book! This just isn’t a book about soccer, it is an immersive experience into the world of futbal and what it means to people. More than that, the story takes you on a journey of a romance slowly builds between two unlikely people. It is about finding the strength to continue in life when everything seems to go wrong, to know you are good enough, and to find the people who support you through it all.

Maradona was easy to relate to. Dealing with the loss of her mother and her sports career she isn’t sure what life will be for her now. When an opportunity to coach a men’s futbal team presents itself, she decides to take it. She is welcomed by most, except one. She is determined to be the best coach she can be, despite the push back she gets from the team’s captain. Her story is definitely one of inner strength and believing in herself. The journey she goes on from being a household name to something else isn’t easy, but Alexis writes it beautifully.

Santi, the team captain, is not happy about Maradona being his new coach. He already feels a ton of pressure to be the best futbal player, but how can he be the best when he doesn’t believe his new coach is the best. What frustrates him more is his attraction to his coach. I have to give kudos to the tension that Alexis is able to write into the storyline between coach and player. She makes Santi work for Maradona’s attention and respect. His journey is one of the heart and opening it up to people who can help him achieve his dreams.

Alexis perfectly balances this book between romance and futbal. The inner workings of the sport are explained in great detail, easy to understand whether you are new or tenured to the game. You can feel the passion for the game Alexis has and that passion pours into her writing and characters. It is a wonderful debut novel and I am very excited to read more from Alexis. The family aspects of this book are breathtaking and meaningful. The series has great potential with characters that I would love to read more about in the future.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
⚽He Falls First
♥️Black Cat FMC
⚽Female Coach
♥️Woman in Sports
⚽Secret Relationship
♥️Coach x Player
⚽Forbidden Love
♥️Dislike to Lovers
⚽Found Family

[Christina Ceder · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ll enjoy this book if you like:
⚽️ Found Family
⚽️ Sports Romance (Soccer)
⚽️ Enemies to Lovers
⚽️ Forced Proximity
⚽️ Exquisite Banter
⚽️ Forbidden (Coach x Player)
⚽️ Latinx
⚽️ Slow Burn

When the legend in the making, Maradona Quinn, gets injured during the championship game, her soccer career, and life as she knows it, is over. After her injury, she spends two years hiding from the world, trying to find her place now that soccer isn’t an option. Her old coach tracks her down and tells her it can be an option again because she’ll be taking his job coaching Real Castellón, home to the grumpy, argumentative captain, Santi Ríos.

I really enjoyed this book and absolutely look forward to the continuation of the series.

Alexis L. Muñoz knows how to make you experience ALL the feelings. She had me sobbing for like 7 chapters straight - and that was just the beginning! Then she beautifully turns it around and has you so happy, your cheeks hurt from smiling - and you might sob again, but this time it’s happy tears.

I saw soccer romance and KNEW I would really enjoy this series, but nothing would prepare me for how much I would fall in love with Real Castellón FC. Each and every player on the team has so much personality. Lu absolutely stole my heart with how sweet and shy he could be, still finding his way in the big leagues. Don’t even get me started on Vidal, Turner, Bianchi, and Ferriera! Those four had me cackling constantly with their antics. Vidal seriously reminded me of one of my teammates and best friends growing up - who also happened to be my goalie for 5+ years - especially when he said “This better be real… I don’t dive unless it’s worth it.” I love the way the team came together to support and protect Maradona (after a few teething issues of course) and bring her into the team. They still had so much respect for her as a player, it was beautiful.

Watching Maradona find her way back after her injury was really incredible. Having to dig her way out of her grief and force herself out of her comfort zone to do what she knows is best for her was extremely difficult but I was so proud of her every step of the way.

Santi definitely takes a minute to warm up to with his prickly, aggressive exterior. But once those walls start to come down, he was such a sweet guy. The postcards?! Sobbed. Ugly cried. Mascara everywhere. I love the way he and Maradona grew, finding there was more to life than just soccer together.

Really excited to see where the rest of this series goes! Definitely hoping for a Luca book!

Thank you so much to Alexis L. Muñoz and The Author Agency for the opportunity to ARC read this book. All thoughts are my own. 💗

[Sayyeda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an an advanced copy of this book

Maradona Quinn is named after a football legend in Argentina, and is one of the fastest rising stars in women’s football. All of that changes though, after a fateful accident that ended her career as a player. Now feeling like a ghost of her former self, she feels her life is without purpose. One of her former trainers approaches her one day with an opportunity - manage Real Castellón FC and win the men’s championship.

Santi Ríos is the captain of Real Castellón FC and is fiercely protective of his team. So when a change as big as this happens, he leads the crusade in antagonizing the new manager and pushing all her buttons. They butt heads every time they practice, and he defies her every chance he gets. Secretly though, he’s been following for all of her career, and maybe he’s a tad jealous of her as well.

I loved the setting of this book, and majority of the characters were very endearing. I loved seeing the team bond and see them all slowly warm up to Quinn. The book was well-paced, and the writing flowed really well. The switching of the languages in the dialogue also was not a problem for me, but then I know a decent amount of Spanish.

The relationship between Santi and Quinn developed not as I hoped it would be. There were also some glaring problems that I feel was just glazed over, especially when their relationship was out in the open.

I liked how Quinn’s character developed - coming to terms with her injury and the legacy she built. I do with though there was more of a satisfying closure between her and her former team.
I struggled with Santi though. I couldn’t really grasp where the hostility came from. But then again, maybe it’s also because I’m not as deep into football culture as someone who would understand where he was coming from.

Overall it was a good slow burn rivals to lovers soccer romance and I enjoyed reading it

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A soccer romance set in Spain?? Say less. This already had me sold—and overall, it delivered.
I was kindly given an ARC of Lead the Way, and this was such a solid, enjoyable read. One of my favorite parts of the book was Quinn (Dona). Watching her step into a leadership role as a team manager in a male-dominated space was so satisfying. After everything she’s been through, especially her injury, seeing her find her passion again and truly come into her own was amazing. She’s strong, hardworking, and so easy to root for—I just wanted her to get her happy ending.
Santi definitely took a minute to grow on me, but by the end? I loved him. He starts off with some misplaced anger, but as his walls come down, you really see his softer side. The way he begins to care for Dona and fall for her felt natural and sweet. Their chemistry was so good—there’s tension, banter, and this underlying understanding between them that made their dynamic really enjoyable to watch develop.
I also loved the team aspect of this story. Seeing Dona lead, strategize, and earn the respect of the players was such a highlight. The found family vibes were strong, and the way the team grew to protect and support her was honestly so wholesome. (Lu was my favorite 🫶). And that Thanksgiving dinner scene turning into a sleepover? One of my favorite moments—it just felt warm and real.
The book is on the longer side, but it didn’t feel overly dragged out. That said, I did struggle a bit with some of the dialogue—it occasionally felt a little immature for characters in their mid-twenties, which pulled me out of the story at times.
Overall, this was a really good read with great character growth, strong chemistry, and a lovable team dynamic.
⭐️ Rating: 3.5–4/5
⚽️ Perfect for: sports romance lovers, strong FMCs in male-dominated fields, and found family vibes

[pagesofzai · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

I was kindly given an ARC of Lead The Way and this was good! it was a good read, I really enjoyed reading this, I loved seeing Quinn be the manager of the team in a field that’s typically male dominated. I loved seeing her stand her ground and become passionate about managing after her injury, she was a hardworking person and I really liked her, she’d been through a lot and I just wanted her to be happy. Santi is a character who grows on you and by the end, you love him!! there was misplaced anger in the beginning but then you see his sweet side and seeing him fall for Dona and care for her was so cute. the tension and chemistry between them was so good, their dynamic did grow on me and I loved seeing them together, they were so attuned to each other. I was really interested in the book, I really loved seeing Dona lead the team and come into herself, I liked seeing the advice and strategies she gave the team because it really did benefit them. certain characters were annoying at times but that’s real life, people are flawed, but majority of the characters were likeable, I really loved the football team (Lu was my favourite!!) the thanksgiving dinner scene was a favourite of mine, loved how it turned into a sleepover, it was so wholesome. seeing the team grow to care about Dona and protect her was the sweetest, they always had her back because she was such a good manager. the book was on the longer side and could’ve been shorter but it didn’t feel that there was any unnecessary details. the ending was great, loved seeing that ending for Santi and Dona! a good read! (thank you to Alexis L. Muñoz and Luna Literary Management for the ARC, all opinions are my own)
Lead The Way releases April 9!
4⭐

[Sheridan Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley has mastered the art of a true slow burn. Add in the hate-to-love trope with a broody fútbol star and his new team manager, who is also a former fútbol star, and it’s chef’s kiss. The perfect combo!

The tension between Maradona and Santi is strong and keeps you entertained, always wanting more. The banter is just the right amount not too cheesy.

I absolutely love Maradona/Quinn. She’s a headstrong, confident FMC who doesn’t take shit. She has a FOAFO attitude that’s perfect for her job as manager of the men’s fútbol team. It’s so fun being inside her mind during her chapters and the same can be said for Santi’s.

Santi was easy to dislike early on, but you will fall head over heels for him once you get inside his head. He can be frustrating, but he has the most swoon-worthy thoughts about our girl Maradona. I melt when he talks about her in his chapters. His character arc is so satisfying to read.

I feel the heat in every heated gaze. I feel the sparks and tingles with every touch. The want between these two is so strong, and the tension is deliciously thick. I didn’t want it to end! But I also loved every moment where they finally snap and let things fall into place.

The relationship Maradona/Quinn has with her dad is beautifully complex and heartbreaking. But there is SO much love there. You can feel it coming off the pages.

Also, this book makes me want to learn Spanish. It’s such a beautiful language, both written and spoken.

The ending had me tearing up! Ashley has officially become an author I’ll be looking out for. Her writing is impeccable and flows so naturally as the story unfolds.

[Cassidy Gammel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good sports romance and this is one that I absolutely ate up it was so freaking good.
From the start you could see Santi’s ‘dislike’ for Maradona even though it was unwarranted when she was just being nothing but herself and doing what she loves. Reading the love Maradona has for the sport was breathtaking and to then her heartbreak when she thought she was losing what she loved most it truly felt like I was right there with her experiencing it.
Then when she gets thrown a lifeline to bring her back to life that’s when we truly see her shine but with that is also where her and Santi truly start to interact and I was here for it.
The banter between Maradona and Santi was so good it was something that I continuously looked forward to and with the more banter they had the more she slowly came back to herself and I LOVED it. The more they banter and interact is when we see them going from disliking each other to falling in love and it had me on the edge of my seat waiting for it to happen.
I loved that when they fell in love Santi truly acknowledged what a good player she is and how much she loves soccer and let’s go of what he previously felt before he truly knew her.
This is a book I will be reading over and over because it is so good and I love it so much.

If you enjoy these things in a book then this is the book for you
* Dislike to Lovers
* Secret Relationship
* Soccer Romance 
* Workplace Romance 
* Player x Coach 
* Black Cat FMC 
* Set in Spain

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Skeena8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of this book is adorable and so fun and cute. I am loving all the character covers lately. This is the story of a female soccer player who is a legend in the making. The thing of legends. When everything goes wrong and a horrendous injury completely stops her from playing soccer. When she is granted a second chance in life to let soccer back in, she is hired to coach the notorious Real Castellon. As the first woman coach, she is ignored and disrespected. But she stands her ground and slowly proves she deserves to be there.
There is an amazing story of overcoming and finding and crawling your way back to the top. There are many sensitive topics (check the triggers) that build depth to the story and make it relatable, allowing you to connect to the FMC Maradonna. The MMC, Santi is fighting his own battles and is the most defiant and antagonistic on the team. Being the Captain, all the players fall in line behind him. As they both bicker and fight and stand their ground, the tension and palpable sexual attraction just builds an builds. There is a lot of Spanish in the text and I had a fun time translating the sentences and definitely gave my google some inappropriate information….This story was so well plotted and the depth was very engaging. It could be held up against some of the top sports romances and stand its ground. If you like tension and slow burn that peaks into perfection, love a woman in a mans job and sports romance this is definitely the book for you. As someone who doesn’t watch soccer and doesn’t know very much about the sport, The detail and information was presented in an easy to understand and in a non overwhelming way. It’s a perfect balance of sports, romance and personal growth. Amazing.

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lead the Way, the first book in the Hearts of Castellon series, is the first book I’ve read by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it to be an incredibly fun and captivating read.

Maradona, a renowned female soccer player, reaches the pinnacle of her career when she is tragically injured, losing the one thing she loves most. Devastated and feeling like a shell of her former self, she grapples with depression and uncertainty about her future. The loss of her soccer career leaves her feeling isolated and believing that everyone has moved on without her.

Meanwhile, Santiago, the captain of Real Castellon, is battling his own personal struggles. He faces pressure from outside forces and is unhappy with the excessive attention and obsession directed towards Maradona.

After a chance to reenter the soccer world, Maradona is given the opportunity to manage Castellon men’s team, aiming to win the International Club Championship. However, she faces prejudice as a woman in a male-dominated sport, a captain who opposes her every step of the way, and her own doubts. This captivating read stands out because it’s the first book I’ve come across about a female manager coaching a male team. Initially, she’s a fierce, brooding, and determined manager driven by her desire to win. She’s hesitant to make friends or open up, but as the team begins to gel and communicate better, she starts to find her place on the team. It takes time, but she eventually earns the respect of the entire team, who protect her at all costs. I thoroughly enjoyed observing the team dynamics and the deep love they had for her by the end! Santiago was an intriguing character. He starts as Maradona’s enemy, but she manages to win him over. The shift in their relationship is palpable, and I particularly appreciated the slow-burn enemies to romance trope. Santiago softens Maradona’s hardened heart, and I loved how she opened up to him and shared her feelings. Once Santiago was obsessed and in love, he fiercely protected Maradona and was always there for her when they started dating. They had the perfect ending! Another highlight of this book was its sports romance element, which incorporated the sport itself. The story revolves heavily around soccer games, and I particularly enjoyed that it held significant importance in Santiago and Maradona’s lives. Overall, this was an excellent first book in the series, and I eagerly anticipate what comes next!

[Melissa R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to preface this review by saying I don’t think I am the target audience for this novel. I had a hard time following the motivations behind the characters until about halfway through, which made it slow going for me. Once I understood the characters I was able to get more into the book. I don’t think it was the writing because looking back the clues were there, so for the right audience (or the more astute reader) I think this is a 4 star read. I was excited to read a soccer (futbol) romance, and in that regard this book did not disappoint.
Maradona Quinn is a broken character from the beginning - she just doesn’t realize that. She has spent her life living up to the expectations of others until she physically breaks and can no longer fulfill those dreams. She is unsure how to move on until a mentor forces her back into the land of the living. Santi is a player that has always put pressure on himself to live up to his expectations. He wants to resent Quinn for receiving the praise he craves, but he is too intrigued by her to really hate her. And therein lies the tension and drama of the book. Both characters drawn to each other but always pushing each other. not wanting to like the other but not able to resist. Slowly they heal the broken parts of each other. The push and pull between them creates a delicious tension, and the gradual acceptance and realization of who they are to themselves and each other is a sweet and touching journey to follow.

[Virginia Easthome · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you liked Deep End and Cross Court for the fmc athlete injury -> champion pipeline, you are going to love Lead the Way too!

Strong debut from Alexis Munoz! I'd absolutely read another book set in this world - the side characters (especially Quinn's prima, Ale, and the rest of the Real Castellon team) were so well fleshed out and fun to read.

The fmc and mmc are in their 20s, and read like it in the best way possible - one of my favorite things about being in my 20s was that it was messy and there's SO much room for growth - and Munoz gives her characters the space to do just that. Santi literally is acting out for Quinn's attention (and at least my man can recognize it in his inner monologue, even if he can't stop himself from acting that way!). For me, it was endearing watching them grow, and seeing how he cared for her in active ways (the flowers whenever it rained because of her grief, pulling her out of her routine to have fun and find fun outside of work), as well as pushing her professionally. And Quinn's growth arc was wonderful too - she had to work through her professional disappointment after her career-ending injury, deal with her grief for her mother, and reconcile her family history - there was so much going on, and each storyline felt like it was handled throughout. Highly recommend!

*opinions are my own, and I am grateful to the author and The Author Agency for an eARC of this book.

[Denise P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of ARC

I really enjoyed Lead the Way—especially for a debut novel. It felt like a refreshing take on a soccer romance, and the timing made it even more fun to read with all the FIFA energy around Vancouver.

The dynamic between the characters stood out to me right away. Quinn has that strong, guarded “black cat” energy, but as her story unfolds, you really start to understand why she is the way she is. I appreciated that depth. Santi, on the other hand, definitely tested my patience at times with all the second guessing, but by the end I understood his perspective more and it made his growth feel earned.

One of my favorite parts of the book was actually the team. The side characters added so much personality, and their banter made the story feel lively and real. I’m already interested in seeing where the rest of the series goes because of them.

I also liked the inclusion of Spanish throughout the book—it added authenticity and made the reading experience feel a bit richer.

Overall, this was a strong start to the Hearts of Castellon series for me. It had a good balance of character development, romance, and team dynamics, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next books.

4.5 ⭐️

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very amazing book. This is the first book in the Hearts Of Castellón series. I thought this book was a very strong book to start the series. This book was a slow burn, secret relationship, kind of like enemies to lovers, with a coach and player dynamic. And it delivered in every aspect. So Maradona Quinn was one of the best female soccer players too she was injured and her call career come to an end. She kind of felt like everybody had moved on without her it's kind of heartbreaking to read. But even though she was going through that she was still a very strong amazing woman. Now Santiago Ríos’s is the captain of the real Castellón. Boy was he a cocky somebody. Also very grumpy but I'm glad it's a book went on he kind of got himself fixed up and taken care of.
I really loved everything with this book offered the amazing banter between the two main characters. I felt like the chemistry between the two wasn't like that sweet dreamy romance it was that romance that builds from two people that would rather strangle each other than be in each other's presents and over time they've learned to tolerate one another more. Overall, I recommend this book to anybody because it's amazing. This is the first book I've ever read by this author and I'm very impressed. I'm excited to see where this series goes. It started off strong I can imagine it's only going to get stronger.

[Nicole Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lead the Way completely swept me away with its emotional depth, intense tension, and beautifully flawed characters.
This is everything I love in a romance. A slow burn that actually makes you ache, a he falls first hero, and a dislike to lovers dynamic where both characters are stubborn and guarded. Maradona Quinn and Santiago Ríos are pure fire. Grumpy x grumpy is done so well here.
What really made this story stand out is the emotional core. Beneath the tension and banter is a story about grief, identity, and finding your way after loss. Maradona’s journey felt raw and real. Losing her future in soccer and trying to rebuild while holding onto her mother’s memory hit hard. And Santi quietly falling first while fighting his own pressures completely got me.
The coach and player dynamic adds real stakes. The forbidden love actually matters and never feels forced. Every interaction is charged with conflict, longing, or reluctant respect.
The found family element within the team added so much warmth. The side characters made the story feel fuller without taking focus away from the romance.
If you love
🔥 slow burn with payoff
🔥 emotionally layered characters
🔥 tension filled forbidden romance
🔥 sports romance with real stakes
this one is absolutely worth it.

[Ashley Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Alexis for accepting me into her street team 💕

This is the first book in the series, and I loved it so much!

We meet Maradona, the best female player, named after Diego Maradona so you can imagine the pressure she carries. Then there’s Santi, the captain of Castellón, who seems to hate her… but honestly, it feels more like he envies her greatness 👀

After her accident, Maradona really frustrated me at times. She shut everyone out, even her dad, and there were moments I just wanted to shake her back into reality 😭 She was so focused on fútbol that once it was taken away, she struggled to find a way forward.

At first, Santi annoyed me too, he was kind of a jerk to her over the smallest things. Like, I get it… a girl is better than you at the sport you want to dominate, but she didn’t name herself after a legend 😩

This is a true slow burn. It takes time for them to build their relationship, but that’s what made it feel real. I loved their teasing and all their little moments 🤭

The team dynamics were also so good, they’re great guys who just needed someone to believe in them 🥹

I really enjoyed this book. Everything between Santi and Maradona takes time, and it truly feels like they worked for it. I’m definitely excited to continue with the series ✨💗

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut has lots going for it, especially that power struggle between the coach and her captain. Their energy, banter, and the he falls first vibe are easily the best parts of the book, and seeing her finally give in is a fantastic payoff. To take this read to the next level, the pacing could use a bit of polishing. The story gets a little bogged down in repetitive trauma talk and super detailed game explanations that after a while, feel like filler pages. Cutting back on those would let the actual romance dynamic really shine. Also, while the FMC's background is super interesting and necessary, it should move forward a bit faster to keep the momentum going in the core of the story.
One heads up for the author is the language barrier. Using Spanish is great for authenticity, just in this case, there are massive chunks of untranslated dialogue that are hard to follow, even for fully bilingual readers like myself. A few more contextual clues would help everyone stay in the loop without losing that vibe.
Overall, this is a killer start. With a little more polish to balance the technical stuff and more tension and romance exploration this author is going to be one to watch. I'm definitely sticking around for the next book!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5/5
🔥 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
💧 4/5

Lead the Way by Alexis L. Muñoz, provided via Luna Literacy, is a sports romance that blends rivalry, emotional growth, and cultural immersion into a compelling read.

The story follows Maradona, whose career takes an unexpected turn after a career-ending injury. In an effort to protect her legacy, she accepts a role managing Real Castellón—a decision that places her directly in the path of Santiago, the team’s star striker and captain.

Their dynamic is driven by tension and rivalry, which naturally fuels the enemies-to-lovers progression. The push-and-pull between them adds to the emotional intensity and keeps their interactions engaging throughout the story.

One of the standout aspects of the book is the setting. Being immersed in Spain adds a distinct layer to the story, especially with the inclusion of Spanish language elements. The addition of a glossary helps make it accessible while still maintaining authenticity.

This cultural element, combined with the sports environment and character dynamics, makes the story feel fresh and different from typical sports romances.

Overall, Lead the Way is an engaging and well-balanced romance that stands out through its setting, character tension, and unique perspective within the genre.

[Holly Annaleisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lead the Way was such a wholesome, feel-good read but still had enough emotion and deeper aspects to keep me properly invested. I really liked the dynamic between the main characters. There’s that softer, slow-burn build where feelings start creeping in without either of them fully realising it at first, and I love when a book does that well. It felt natural and easy to get into, rather than forced or rushed.

What stood out to me most is how grounded everything feels. It’s not overly dramatic it’s more about figuring things out, chasing your goals, and navigating feelings at the same time. That mix of personal growth and romance worked really well for me. The “he falls first” energy?? Yeah… I ate that up. It just made all those little moments between them hit more, especially as things slowly start to shift.

It’s definitely on the sweeter side, but that’s what makes it such an easy read. You can just sit back and enjoy it while getting attached to the characters. I ended up flying through this and just enjoying the vibe of it all.

Thank you to the Author and Luna Literary Management for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Getlitwithashleyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Dona is the manager of a team in a field that’s typically male-dominated, and I absolutely loved that aspect of her character. Watching her stand her ground and grow into her role after her injury was so inspiring. She becomes truly passionate about managing, and her hard work and resilience made her so easy to root for. She’s been through a lot, and I just wanted to see her happy.
Santi is definitely a character who grows on you. At the beginning, there’s some misplaced anger that makes him a bit hard to warm up to, but as the story progresses, you really start to see his softer side. By the end, I loved him! Watching him fall for Dona and genuinely care for her was so sweet.
The tension and chemistry between them was so well done. Their dynamic really developed over time, and I loved how in sync they became with each other. It felt natural and earned.
I especially seeing Dona step into her leadership role and truly come into herself. The advice and strategies she gave the team added such a great layer to the story—it showed her competence and how much of an impact she had.