Close Knit: The Hastings, Book 1

by Denise Stone, Kels Stone, C.J. Bloom (Narrator)

The broodiest goalkeeper in the Premier League meets his match in a radiant knitting influencer in this sexy grumpy/sunshine sports romance by best-selling author duo Kels & Denise Stone.

CAMERON

I was running from the paparazzi when I crashed into a mystery girl with bright eyes and lavender hair.

All it took was a smile from her, and I was a goner.

We agreed to one night. No strings. No real names.

So imagine my surprise when I discover she’s moving across the hall from me—in another country.

But I don’t have time for distractions, especially after last season.

It doesn’t matter that I’m the best of the best, the only American keeper in the Premier League. I need to prove myself to my new team. I need to give them everything so we have a shot at winning the championship.

But I have a problem.

It was supposed to be one night. But I want more....

DAPHNE

I blame it on my Yes finally stepping out of my comfort zone, moving to London, and...Him.

The man I spent that magical evening with. But this version of him, the guy who wears all black and a matching scowl, is nothing like the man I remember.

I do my best to avoid him, instead focusing on creating a real-world safe space for my online knitting community and collecting as many experiences as I can during my stint abroad.

But one neighborly run-in leads to another, and suddenly, I’m catching glimpses of him again.

For the first time in my life, I feel confident enough to play by my own rules. To live my life on my own terms, bullies be damned.

But how do I play to win when I’m facing down a man who protects his heart at all costs?

Close Knit is the first book in The Hastings series, a collection of interconnected standalone sports romances about the Hastings siblings, scions of sports royalty.

Audible Audio

Published December 12, 2025

About the author

Impactful Love Stories

Kels & Denise are authors, best friends, and the definition of the found family trope. The pair bonded over their love for romance and turned all their late-night chats into writing together. Their enjoyment for storytelling morphed into writing impactful love stories.

@authorkelsdenisestone
https://kelsdenisestone.com/kdstone

For exclusive bonus content: www.patreon.com/authorkelsdenisestone

Reviews

[kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun revisiting Daphne and Cameron! My beloveds Duck and Goose!! 🥹 they are just my favorite and just the whole book, circling around mental health, being vulnerable, Daphne and Cameron’s banter, participating in her Yes Year activities, their friendship, the trust, and falling in love 💗💗 It’s just everything, THEY are EVERYTHING

I of course missed the team as well, they are hilarious, and just the way they welcome Cameron (Daphne too), like that’s family now 🫶🏼

The narration by CJ Bloom and Jason Clarke was just toooo good! They captured Daphne’s and Cameron’s dynamic so well. And listening to Cameron come to life and say “She’s too emotional. Too honest. Too risky. Too much. Too pretty. So fucking pretty.” PLEASEEE I just about lost it 🫠
And I just love the way Daphne’s wit and sunshine personality came to life throughout the book 🥹
I was honestly just as giddy as I was the first time reading it!

Thank you Valentine PR and Kels & Denise Stone for the ALC!