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The Daunted Dastard
Kodi Davey is a huge soccer fan and dreams of managing a team's socials one day. Unfortunately she might've ruined her chances when, during her crazy college years, she went viral at a game for … public indecency. So when she finally gets an interview with the Destin Dastards FC, the manager is reluctant to give her the position. But he does offer her a chance to prove she’s changed, by being the grumpy keeper’s PA.
Olli Kean believes that his hard work speaks for him. He’s here to play soccer, not perform for a crowd. Too bad for him, the new second-string keeper can do both, and if Olli doesn’t do more to draw in an audience, it could be his last season with the Dastards. To give him a fighting chance, the team manager assigns him a PA with social media experience. Too bad for Olli, this PA is his childhood crush, his first kiss, and the girl he never really stopped thinking of. And she’s forgotten all about him.
These two Daunted Dastards have a lot to overcome: Kodi’s reputation and Olli’s forgettable presence. But can they do that without rebuilding their forgotten trust? And maybe rekindle an old flame while they're at?
Olli Kean believes that his hard work speaks for him. He’s here to play soccer, not perform for a crowd. Too bad for him, the new second-string keeper can do both, and if Olli doesn’t do more to draw in an audience, it could be his last season with the Dastards. To give him a fighting chance, the team manager assigns him a PA with social media experience. Too bad for Olli, this PA is his childhood crush, his first kiss, and the girl he never really stopped thinking of. And she’s forgotten all about him.
These two Daunted Dastards have a lot to overcome: Kodi’s reputation and Olli’s forgettable presence. But can they do that without rebuilding their forgotten trust? And maybe rekindle an old flame while they're at?
331 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2026
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June 24, 2026 pre-read:
this sounds soo good!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to House of Hearts Lit and K.E. Monteith for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
this sounds soo good!
˗ˋˏ ୨୧ thank you to House of Hearts Lit and K.E. Monteith for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review! ୨୧ ˎˊ˗
June 9, 2026
4.25🌟, 3🌶️
I had so much fun with this story, especially watching the grumpy x sunshine dynamic between Olli and Kodi.
Olli is the ultimate workaholic who is secretly head-over-heels, and his transition from moody goalkeeper to being completely soft for Kodi was so rewarding to read. Their banter kept me laughing, and I truly appreciated that they actually communicate when things get spicy instead of playing games.
The found family aspect was definitely the star of the show for me. The entire soccer team is so chaotic and supportive that I found myself genuinely attached to all of them. I’m already dying to see what happens next in the series, particularly for players like Brooker. While I would have loved a bit more closure on some of the side drama, the chemistry and character growth made this an incredibly addictive read.
This book was the perfect blend of sweet moments and genuine, laugh-out-loud humor. It hits all the best tropes—from second chances to childhood friends—without ever feeling stale.
It’s a total comfort read that left me feeling happy and eager for the next chapter in this world.
~~~~
Huge thank you to K.E. Monteith & House of Hearts Lit for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
I had so much fun with this story, especially watching the grumpy x sunshine dynamic between Olli and Kodi.
Olli is the ultimate workaholic who is secretly head-over-heels, and his transition from moody goalkeeper to being completely soft for Kodi was so rewarding to read. Their banter kept me laughing, and I truly appreciated that they actually communicate when things get spicy instead of playing games.
The found family aspect was definitely the star of the show for me. The entire soccer team is so chaotic and supportive that I found myself genuinely attached to all of them. I’m already dying to see what happens next in the series, particularly for players like Brooker. While I would have loved a bit more closure on some of the side drama, the chemistry and character growth made this an incredibly addictive read.
This book was the perfect blend of sweet moments and genuine, laugh-out-loud humor. It hits all the best tropes—from second chances to childhood friends—without ever feeling stale.
It’s a total comfort read that left me feeling happy and eager for the next chapter in this world.
~~~~
Huge thank you to K.E. Monteith & House of Hearts Lit for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
June 9, 2026
The Daunted Dastards
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4/5)
Kodi Davey finally has a shot at her dream job managing social media for a pro soccer team—if she can survive being assigned as the personal assistant to the team’s grumpy goalkeeper. Olli Kean wants nothing to do with fame or attention, but when his career depends on building an audience, he’s forced to work with the one girl he’s never forgotten… even if she barely remembers him. Between old feelings, bruised reputations, and second chances, these two might discover that trusting each other is the hardest game of all.
Tropes:
💚 Childhood Friends to Lovers
💚 Grumpy x Sunshine
💚 He Falls First
💚 Workplace Romance
💚 First Love & Second Chance
💚 Dual POV
💚 Sports Romance
I had a lot of fun reading this one and already can’t wait to pick up more from this author. I loved the childhood friends-to-lovers storyline and the second chance romance between Kodi and Olli. Kodi being an over-the-top soccer fan suddenly getting the chance to work for her favorite team made for so many funny moments, while Olli’s grumpy attitude balanced her chaotic energy perfectly.
✨ I received an advance copy from the author & House of Hearts Literary Services in exchange for an honest review. ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4/5)
Kodi Davey finally has a shot at her dream job managing social media for a pro soccer team—if she can survive being assigned as the personal assistant to the team’s grumpy goalkeeper. Olli Kean wants nothing to do with fame or attention, but when his career depends on building an audience, he’s forced to work with the one girl he’s never forgotten… even if she barely remembers him. Between old feelings, bruised reputations, and second chances, these two might discover that trusting each other is the hardest game of all.
Tropes:
💚 Childhood Friends to Lovers
💚 Grumpy x Sunshine
💚 He Falls First
💚 Workplace Romance
💚 First Love & Second Chance
💚 Dual POV
💚 Sports Romance
I had a lot of fun reading this one and already can’t wait to pick up more from this author. I loved the childhood friends-to-lovers storyline and the second chance romance between Kodi and Olli. Kodi being an over-the-top soccer fan suddenly getting the chance to work for her favorite team made for so many funny moments, while Olli’s grumpy attitude balanced her chaotic energy perfectly.
✨ I received an advance copy from the author & House of Hearts Literary Services in exchange for an honest review. ✨
May 31, 2026
Rating: 4⭐️
Tropes:
✨ Sports romance
✨ Player x Personal assistant
✨ Found family
✨ Workplace romance
✨ Grumpy/Sunshine
✨ Slow burn
This was such a fun and cute sports romance and I really enjoyed it!
Kean is one of the grumpiest MMCs I have ever met, and somehow he made it cute. This man is the definition of a workholic and it was so clear that he truly loved his job, and I really admire that about him. I also loved that he was instantly soft for only her and that we got to see him work through his emotions and struggles with properly expressing himself.
Kodi was like a ball of chaotic energy at times, with self-proclaimed impulse issues. She was so fun to read about and I truly admired her work ethic and self-awareness. Her banter was also top notch.
Kean and Kodi were also adorable together. Their different personalities really complimented each other and I loved how sweet they were together. I also found it hilarious and so heartwarming that they joke around and can properly communicate during spicy times. I’ve rarely seen proper communication and realistic spicy times being written this well in a book. And Kean, that man is like the perfect blend of dirty talk whilst also being incredibly respectful and sweet.
My favorite part of this book though, was definitely the found family element. The banter between Kean, Kodi and the team was hilarious and I was laughing so hard during some of their conversations.
The book was also very well written, easy to follow and flowed very well. The conversations between characters felt very realistic, which is so important.
Overall, this was a really good romance book with a good mix of fun, cute and spicy moments. I really hope we get to see more of this team in the future. I have one specific player on the team that I would love to see get his own book (aka Brooker).
Thank you to the author and House of Hearts lit for the ARC.
Tropes:
✨ Sports romance
✨ Player x Personal assistant
✨ Found family
✨ Workplace romance
✨ Grumpy/Sunshine
✨ Slow burn
This was such a fun and cute sports romance and I really enjoyed it!
Kean is one of the grumpiest MMCs I have ever met, and somehow he made it cute. This man is the definition of a workholic and it was so clear that he truly loved his job, and I really admire that about him. I also loved that he was instantly soft for only her and that we got to see him work through his emotions and struggles with properly expressing himself.
Kodi was like a ball of chaotic energy at times, with self-proclaimed impulse issues. She was so fun to read about and I truly admired her work ethic and self-awareness. Her banter was also top notch.
Kean and Kodi were also adorable together. Their different personalities really complimented each other and I loved how sweet they were together. I also found it hilarious and so heartwarming that they joke around and can properly communicate during spicy times. I’ve rarely seen proper communication and realistic spicy times being written this well in a book. And Kean, that man is like the perfect blend of dirty talk whilst also being incredibly respectful and sweet.
My favorite part of this book though, was definitely the found family element. The banter between Kean, Kodi and the team was hilarious and I was laughing so hard during some of their conversations.
The book was also very well written, easy to follow and flowed very well. The conversations between characters felt very realistic, which is so important.
Overall, this was a really good romance book with a good mix of fun, cute and spicy moments. I really hope we get to see more of this team in the future. I have one specific player on the team that I would love to see get his own book (aka Brooker).
Thank you to the author and House of Hearts lit for the ARC.
May 26, 2026
4.25/5
This was such a fun book, I enjoyed it. I liked Kodi since the start, though it took me a lot of time to warm up to Kean. I didn't like his attitude at all. So she didn't remember him, what a huge deal. He had no right to be pissed about it and punish her for that. She doesn't owe him anything. I only started liking him in the last 30% of the book, which is not good for a MMC.
Kodi was fun, her past 'crimes' notwithstanding. I just wish we saw her standing up to Rene at the end, or Rene getting her due. Hopefully, in the next book?
I loved the rest of the team, though. Brooker and Christenson were my favourites, though I also liked Sosa and Lunez. I have a feeling the next book in the series might be about Brooker, and I can't wait.
This book was fun, I liked the plot, but I have to say that it was the rest of the team that carried this story and that's why the rating is so high. I liked them, they were awesome. Can't wait for more books in the series!
Thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the ARC — all opinions are my own.
This was such a fun book, I enjoyed it. I liked Kodi since the start, though it took me a lot of time to warm up to Kean. I didn't like his attitude at all. So she didn't remember him, what a huge deal. He had no right to be pissed about it and punish her for that. She doesn't owe him anything. I only started liking him in the last 30% of the book, which is not good for a MMC.
Kodi was fun, her past 'crimes' notwithstanding. I just wish we saw her standing up to Rene at the end, or Rene getting her due. Hopefully, in the next book?
I loved the rest of the team, though. Brooker and Christenson were my favourites, though I also liked Sosa and Lunez. I have a feeling the next book in the series might be about Brooker, and I can't wait.
This book was fun, I liked the plot, but I have to say that it was the rest of the team that carried this story and that's why the rating is so high. I liked them, they were awesome. Can't wait for more books in the series!
Thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the ARC — all opinions are my own.
May 26, 2026
⚽️ARC review⚽️
The daunted dastard by @k.e.monteith__author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ahhhhh. I’m not usually one for second chances but this on was so good. These two knew each other and were each others best friends when they were kids. Not recognizing him to working for him and still falling in love. Plus, this team was so funny together. Some golden retrievers with some grumpy. I cannot wait to see he falls next 💥
The daunted dastard by @k.e.monteith__author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ahhhhh. I’m not usually one for second chances but this on was so good. These two knew each other and were each others best friends when they were kids. Not recognizing him to working for him and still falling in love. Plus, this team was so funny together. Some golden retrievers with some grumpy. I cannot wait to see he falls next 💥
June 2, 2026
Kodi Davey finally has a shot at getting her dream job, managing social media for a her favourite pro soccer team that is —if she can survive being assigned as the PA to the team’s grumpy goalkeeper.
Olli Kean wants nothing to do with fame or attention, but when his career depends on having more of a social media presence he's forced to work with Kodi, the girl he has never forgotten.
Between second chances, old emotions and learning to trust each other will these to be able to work it out?
I had so much fun reading this book. It was the perfect soccer sports, I really loved the second chance, romance the childhood friends to lovers, the found family this book honestly had everything you could ever hope for in a sports romance.
I thought the chemistry between Keane and Kodi was absolutely perfect, they polar opposite personalities really complement each other and they were able to really work through things and figure things out. I will mention the other soccer players on the team just added to the joy of reading this book and I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series.
Thank you so much to House or Hearts and K.E Monteith for the chance to ARC this book
read it if you like:
* Childhood Friends to Lovers
* Grumpy × Sunshine
* He Falls First
* Workplace Romance
* First Love & Second Chance
* Dual POV
Sports Romance
Olli Kean wants nothing to do with fame or attention, but when his career depends on having more of a social media presence he's forced to work with Kodi, the girl he has never forgotten.
Between second chances, old emotions and learning to trust each other will these to be able to work it out?
I had so much fun reading this book. It was the perfect soccer sports, I really loved the second chance, romance the childhood friends to lovers, the found family this book honestly had everything you could ever hope for in a sports romance.
I thought the chemistry between Keane and Kodi was absolutely perfect, they polar opposite personalities really complement each other and they were able to really work through things and figure things out. I will mention the other soccer players on the team just added to the joy of reading this book and I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series.
Thank you so much to House or Hearts and K.E Monteith for the chance to ARC this book
read it if you like:
* Childhood Friends to Lovers
* Grumpy × Sunshine
* He Falls First
* Workplace Romance
* First Love & Second Chance
* Dual POV
Sports Romance
June 9, 2026
Amazon
Kodi is such a big soccer fan that she might have kinda sorta gone overboard showing it when she was in college. But in her present, she dreams of managing a soccer team's socials. All she has to do is help the Destin Dastards' goalie overhaul his grumpy image, then the boss will give her the job she wants. Easy, right?
Olli cannot believe that his childhood friend and first crush is his new PA and she doesn't remember him! That's a major problem, too, because he has to work with her, and he can't help but still be pining for her. He's a little upset she doesn't remember him, he's still crushing on her, and he shouldn't be thinking any of these thoughts. That's not exactly the best way to start a relationship, is it.
Gah, these two are so freaking adorable! Snarky, witty with spicy chemistry. I haven't read a lot of soccer romances, but with the World Cup coming up, this is the perfect story to get me in the mood for it. I love the found family aspect, the fact that Olli definitely fell first, and Kodi is the perfect definition of hot mess who makes it work by being actually amazing.
ARC provided by House of Hearts Literary Services for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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June 5, 2026
Thank you to House of Hearts Literary Services and the lovely author for prividing this arc!
Kodi wants to be the Destin Dastards new social media manager, but to accomplish that, she needs to better Kade’s social media presence and prove to his boss that she can be a responsible adult, all because of a drunk mistake from her college days that still haunts her. Kean only cares about playing, social media and all that it implies is not something that deserves his time. He will care more when he finds out that Kodi is his childhood friend and first crush, even though she doesn’t remember him. With that tension and the fact that the team is on sale, they will need to work together to make sure they both can achieve their dreams, even when he acts like he can’t stand her.
This book is the answer for when you are searching for a lighthearted read to fill you with joy. It was hilarious in every way, it had tons of sexual chemistry and hot scenes, swoony moments and also, found family ones, thanks for the team dynamics. All the characters in this were a delight. From Kodi trying to prove she can’t beat her impulsive nature and put her drunk mistake in the past, to Kean trying not to lose his mind over the fact that his first childhood friend and crush don’t remember him, to the team being involved in shenanigans to help Kean’s introverted nature win over Kodi’s heart.
The social media aspect of this book worried me, sometimes I find myself tired of it in real life, so to read about it in books can be annoying, however, the author managed to make it super interesting, focusing more on the marketing aspect and how it could impact the FMC and the MMC careers instead of on anything else. I also value how the soccer elements were present, I think that with the World Cup so near, this read is perfect for those who love the sport.
There are little details that I adored, like the quirky names each chapter had, the way each player in the team was distinctive and important (for the game and for the team social dynamics), the beautiful union of different cultures that happens in soccer teams, the discussion of values when it came to business (making profit vs giving back to the community), and many more.
Last but not least, I adored the way this book was written. The chapters are of the right length and make for the perfect pace to keep you reading the whole book in one sitting and the writing is beautiful, never taking you out of the story. This was my first time reading anything written by this author but it certainly won’t be my last, can’t wait to see how this book series go!
Kodi wants to be the Destin Dastards new social media manager, but to accomplish that, she needs to better Kade’s social media presence and prove to his boss that she can be a responsible adult, all because of a drunk mistake from her college days that still haunts her. Kean only cares about playing, social media and all that it implies is not something that deserves his time. He will care more when he finds out that Kodi is his childhood friend and first crush, even though she doesn’t remember him. With that tension and the fact that the team is on sale, they will need to work together to make sure they both can achieve their dreams, even when he acts like he can’t stand her.
This book is the answer for when you are searching for a lighthearted read to fill you with joy. It was hilarious in every way, it had tons of sexual chemistry and hot scenes, swoony moments and also, found family ones, thanks for the team dynamics. All the characters in this were a delight. From Kodi trying to prove she can’t beat her impulsive nature and put her drunk mistake in the past, to Kean trying not to lose his mind over the fact that his first childhood friend and crush don’t remember him, to the team being involved in shenanigans to help Kean’s introverted nature win over Kodi’s heart.
The social media aspect of this book worried me, sometimes I find myself tired of it in real life, so to read about it in books can be annoying, however, the author managed to make it super interesting, focusing more on the marketing aspect and how it could impact the FMC and the MMC careers instead of on anything else. I also value how the soccer elements were present, I think that with the World Cup so near, this read is perfect for those who love the sport.
There are little details that I adored, like the quirky names each chapter had, the way each player in the team was distinctive and important (for the game and for the team social dynamics), the beautiful union of different cultures that happens in soccer teams, the discussion of values when it came to business (making profit vs giving back to the community), and many more.
Last but not least, I adored the way this book was written. The chapters are of the right length and make for the perfect pace to keep you reading the whole book in one sitting and the writing is beautiful, never taking you out of the story. This was my first time reading anything written by this author but it certainly won’t be my last, can’t wait to see how this book series go!
May 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
It’s time to meet the Destin Dastards, a series by KE Monteith. Book 1 was an amazing read and definitely sets up the series for fun, excitement, and of course, romance. The Daunted Dastard had me laughing, sighing, blushing, and screaming with glee throughout my time reading it. KE does a wonderful job with character development, pacing, and balancing soccer and romance.
Olli is the goalie for the Dastards and a total grump. Yet, the more you read about this man, the more you realize the grumpiness is a facade, but it has worked for him so far. The team needs Olli’s image to come across differently or it may end up being his last year. So they hire a PA to help soften his image up. I enjoyed the complexities that Olli provided to the overall story. He is grumpy, except for certain people, loves his position on his team and will do anything to keep it, and is determined to have a second chance with his first crush. The crush that doesn’t remember him and is, oh yeah, his new PA.
Kodi starts out as a hot mess. She is a hard core soccer fan, through and through. Her love of the game even got her banned from her local stadium. Now that the ban has been lifted, she is excited to interview for a job with said stadium. The team isn’t sure of bringing her on yet, so they decide to give her another job first. If she can help their star goalie change his image, they will talk about other opportunities. She is going to prove herself capable and finally land her dream job. Kodi is sweet, energetic, and impulsive. While she may not have remembered Olli right away, she definitely fell hard for him.
This is the first book by KE that I have read and I am so excited to read more. She brought humor, tension, and heat to this book and made it all work. The MCs had me needing to know what was going to happen next and then how they were going to make things work. I adored how Olli went about helping Kodi remember him too. Seriously, the soft side of this man is something else. KE also provides just enough hints about what is to come and who the next books will feature and I cannot wait.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚽Mistaken Identity
💖Second Chance Romance
⚽Player x PA
💖Soccer Romance
⚽Childhood Friends
💖She Doesn’t Remember Him
It’s time to meet the Destin Dastards, a series by KE Monteith. Book 1 was an amazing read and definitely sets up the series for fun, excitement, and of course, romance. The Daunted Dastard had me laughing, sighing, blushing, and screaming with glee throughout my time reading it. KE does a wonderful job with character development, pacing, and balancing soccer and romance.
Olli is the goalie for the Dastards and a total grump. Yet, the more you read about this man, the more you realize the grumpiness is a facade, but it has worked for him so far. The team needs Olli’s image to come across differently or it may end up being his last year. So they hire a PA to help soften his image up. I enjoyed the complexities that Olli provided to the overall story. He is grumpy, except for certain people, loves his position on his team and will do anything to keep it, and is determined to have a second chance with his first crush. The crush that doesn’t remember him and is, oh yeah, his new PA.
Kodi starts out as a hot mess. She is a hard core soccer fan, through and through. Her love of the game even got her banned from her local stadium. Now that the ban has been lifted, she is excited to interview for a job with said stadium. The team isn’t sure of bringing her on yet, so they decide to give her another job first. If she can help their star goalie change his image, they will talk about other opportunities. She is going to prove herself capable and finally land her dream job. Kodi is sweet, energetic, and impulsive. While she may not have remembered Olli right away, she definitely fell hard for him.
This is the first book by KE that I have read and I am so excited to read more. She brought humor, tension, and heat to this book and made it all work. The MCs had me needing to know what was going to happen next and then how they were going to make things work. I adored how Olli went about helping Kodi remember him too. Seriously, the soft side of this man is something else. KE also provides just enough hints about what is to come and who the next books will feature and I cannot wait.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚽Mistaken Identity
💖Second Chance Romance
⚽Player x PA
💖Soccer Romance
⚽Childhood Friends
💖She Doesn’t Remember Him
May 28, 2026
ARC Review
The Daunted Dastard by K.E. Monteith
4.75⭐️
I read this book in one day and immediately wanted more! Kodi and Olli are so adorable and I love them so much. Olli is a hot, athletic and career driven man who is down BAD for his girl (and loves to eat *wink wink*) and willing to do ANYTHING to support and please her. Kodi is a beautiful, determined and hardworking woman trying to get her dream job with the Dastards but held back by public indecency at the stadium back in college.
Between the plot, the character growth, the banter, THE CHEMISTRY 🥵, and the brotherly dynamic between the team, this book is so perfect. I was laughing, smiling, blushing, and kicking my feet the entire time. I also desperately want that team calendar, cause who doesn’t want a monthly calendar of hot soccer players holding puppies?
The only thing that I wanted with this book that wasn’t addressed is what happened with Carlos and Renee after the flight? The epilogue takes place 2 years later, but no update on Renee. Karma needs to get her, but I’m hoping that will happen in the next book!
If you’re looking for a soccer romance with insane chemistry, mistaken (or technically forgotten?) identity, childhood friends to lovers, and the most adorable identity realization involving handwritten letters, then this is the perfect book for you!
Tropes:
⚽️ Soccer player x PA
⚽️ Grumpy x sunshine
⚽️ Childhood friends to lovers
⚽️ Dual POV
⚽️ Open door spice
⚽️ “What letters?”
⚽️ Found family
⚽️ Slow burn
⚽️ He falls first and HARD
Thank you K.E. Monteith and House of Heart Lit for the ARC for an honest review! All opinions are my own!
The Daunted Dastard by K.E. Monteith
4.75⭐️
I read this book in one day and immediately wanted more! Kodi and Olli are so adorable and I love them so much. Olli is a hot, athletic and career driven man who is down BAD for his girl (and loves to eat *wink wink*) and willing to do ANYTHING to support and please her. Kodi is a beautiful, determined and hardworking woman trying to get her dream job with the Dastards but held back by public indecency at the stadium back in college.
Between the plot, the character growth, the banter, THE CHEMISTRY 🥵, and the brotherly dynamic between the team, this book is so perfect. I was laughing, smiling, blushing, and kicking my feet the entire time. I also desperately want that team calendar, cause who doesn’t want a monthly calendar of hot soccer players holding puppies?
The only thing that I wanted with this book that wasn’t addressed is what happened with Carlos and Renee after the flight? The epilogue takes place 2 years later, but no update on Renee. Karma needs to get her, but I’m hoping that will happen in the next book!
If you’re looking for a soccer romance with insane chemistry, mistaken (or technically forgotten?) identity, childhood friends to lovers, and the most adorable identity realization involving handwritten letters, then this is the perfect book for you!
Tropes:
⚽️ Soccer player x PA
⚽️ Grumpy x sunshine
⚽️ Childhood friends to lovers
⚽️ Dual POV
⚽️ Open door spice
⚽️ “What letters?”
⚽️ Found family
⚽️ Slow burn
⚽️ He falls first and HARD
Thank you K.E. Monteith and House of Heart Lit for the ARC for an honest review! All opinions are my own!
May 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
The Daunted Dastard was everything I wanted and more! K.E. Monteith brought the heat with this childhood friends, off limits slow burn sports romance.
Read this if you love:
⚽Childhood friends to lovers
⚽Slow burn
⚽Sports romance
⚽Off limits
⚽Grumpy/sunshine
⚽Humor
⚽He falls first
⚽Forced proximity
⚽Grumpy/sunshine
⚽Found family
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Daunted Dastard was such a fun, addictive sports romance. Kodi is chaotic, funny, and determined to rebuild her reputation after a past mistake put her on the outs with the soccer world she loves. When she ends up working as personal assistant to the Dastards’ grumpy goalkeeper, Olli Kean, things get complicated fast… especially because Olli instantly recognizes her as his childhood friend and first crush… while she has no memory of him at all.
The “he falls first” energy in this book was EVERYTHING. Olli trying to act composed while quietly spiraling over Kodi was both hilarious and adorable. Watching him go from guarded and grumpy to soft and protective around her completely won me over.
I also loved the team dynamics so much. The Dastards felt like a real found family — chaotic, nosy, supportive, and constantly meddling in the best way. The banter throughout the book genuinely made me laugh out loud.
*** I want to note that I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
The Daunted Dastard was everything I wanted and more! K.E. Monteith brought the heat with this childhood friends, off limits slow burn sports romance.
Read this if you love:
⚽Childhood friends to lovers
⚽Slow burn
⚽Sports romance
⚽Off limits
⚽Grumpy/sunshine
⚽Humor
⚽He falls first
⚽Forced proximity
⚽Grumpy/sunshine
⚽Found family
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Daunted Dastard was such a fun, addictive sports romance. Kodi is chaotic, funny, and determined to rebuild her reputation after a past mistake put her on the outs with the soccer world she loves. When she ends up working as personal assistant to the Dastards’ grumpy goalkeeper, Olli Kean, things get complicated fast… especially because Olli instantly recognizes her as his childhood friend and first crush… while she has no memory of him at all.
The “he falls first” energy in this book was EVERYTHING. Olli trying to act composed while quietly spiraling over Kodi was both hilarious and adorable. Watching him go from guarded and grumpy to soft and protective around her completely won me over.
I also loved the team dynamics so much. The Dastards felt like a real found family — chaotic, nosy, supportive, and constantly meddling in the best way. The banter throughout the book genuinely made me laugh out loud.
*** I want to note that I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
June 9, 2026
˚.༄ Thank you to the author K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the provided eARC in exchange for an honest review! 💌 ꒷·˚ ༘
3.25 ⭐️
I quite enjoyed this book. Kodi and Olli were really funny throughout and I liked their banter. The dynamic between the teammates (and Kodi) was also kind of cute, but the book didn’t solely focus on soccer, which I really appreciated. 🙌🏼
But I couldn’t for the life of me connect to either of the characters. Their chemistry just wasn’t really there in my opinion and a lot of scenes felt kind of rushed? Like the confession scene where Olli revealed that he was Kodi’s childhood friend and showed her the letters. I thought that was really sweet but it felt like it was just there so the two could finally get into bed together.
I was also a bit taken aback by how young they behaved. They were supposed to be what, 26? At least middle/end of their twenties. But a lot of the times they acted like teenagers being in love for the first time, which is totally fine! Just wasn’t the vibe I got from the beginning of the book and it frustrated me at times (while other times it made me blush, lol).
Overall this was a fast, easy read and I enjoyed most of it. So definitely go for it if that’s your vibe! 🌞
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓:
⚽ soccer player MMC
📱 social media loving FMC
⚽ grumpy x sunshine
📱 Found family
⚽ Workplace romance (she’s his PA)
📱 Mistaken identity
⚽ He falls first (and harder)
📱 Childhood friends
🌶️ rating: 2/5 - not too much
3.25 ⭐️
I quite enjoyed this book. Kodi and Olli were really funny throughout and I liked their banter. The dynamic between the teammates (and Kodi) was also kind of cute, but the book didn’t solely focus on soccer, which I really appreciated. 🙌🏼
But I couldn’t for the life of me connect to either of the characters. Their chemistry just wasn’t really there in my opinion and a lot of scenes felt kind of rushed? Like the confession scene where Olli revealed that he was Kodi’s childhood friend and showed her the letters. I thought that was really sweet but it felt like it was just there so the two could finally get into bed together.
I was also a bit taken aback by how young they behaved. They were supposed to be what, 26? At least middle/end of their twenties. But a lot of the times they acted like teenagers being in love for the first time, which is totally fine! Just wasn’t the vibe I got from the beginning of the book and it frustrated me at times (while other times it made me blush, lol).
Overall this was a fast, easy read and I enjoyed most of it. So definitely go for it if that’s your vibe! 🌞
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓:
⚽ soccer player MMC
📱 social media loving FMC
⚽ grumpy x sunshine
📱 Found family
⚽ Workplace romance (she’s his PA)
📱 Mistaken identity
⚽ He falls first (and harder)
📱 Childhood friends
🌶️ rating: 2/5 - not too much
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance reader copy of this book and am sharing my honest review.
Kodi Davey is a free spirit — and occasionally a bit of a hot mess — but she’s grown up a lot since the incident that got her banned from the stadium for a year. Now, she’s interviewing for a job with the Dastard soccer team, though her past makes her wonder if anyone there will ever take her seriously.
The plan is for Kodi to become the personal assistant to the team’s grumpy goalkeeper, Olli Kean. But the moment Olli sees her name on the resume, he immediately recognizes her as the girl from his past — his very first crush. The problem? Kodi doesn’t remember him at all, and Olli becomes determined to change that. As Olli finally reveals who he is, the chemistry between them intensifies. The attraction had already been simmering, but discovering they were each other’s first crush makes their connection even more meaningful.
Watching Olli transform from a guarded, grouchy goalkeeper into soft, protective, and deeply caring around Kodi is incredibly satisfying. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their shared history makes it feel like they were always meant to find each other again. But between rumors of the team being sold, Kodi’s troubled reputation, and her hopes of landing the social media manager role, the path to a new relationship is anything but simple.
Kodi Davey is a free spirit — and occasionally a bit of a hot mess — but she’s grown up a lot since the incident that got her banned from the stadium for a year. Now, she’s interviewing for a job with the Dastard soccer team, though her past makes her wonder if anyone there will ever take her seriously.
The plan is for Kodi to become the personal assistant to the team’s grumpy goalkeeper, Olli Kean. But the moment Olli sees her name on the resume, he immediately recognizes her as the girl from his past — his very first crush. The problem? Kodi doesn’t remember him at all, and Olli becomes determined to change that. As Olli finally reveals who he is, the chemistry between them intensifies. The attraction had already been simmering, but discovering they were each other’s first crush makes their connection even more meaningful.
Watching Olli transform from a guarded, grouchy goalkeeper into soft, protective, and deeply caring around Kodi is incredibly satisfying. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their shared history makes it feel like they were always meant to find each other again. But between rumors of the team being sold, Kodi’s troubled reputation, and her hopes of landing the social media manager role, the path to a new relationship is anything but simple.
May 28, 2026
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Daunted Dastard is the first book in the Destin Dastards series. This is best friends to strangers to lovers following Kodi and Olli. Kodi has been a huge soccer fan with a dream; managing a team's social medias. Olli is the goal keeper of the Destin Dastards FC and he’s here to play soccer, not to post pictures on his instagram. However, if Olli doesn’t take his social media’s presence seriously, it could be his last season with the Dastards. Who’s better than his childhood crush, his first kiss, and the girl he never really stopped thinking of to be his new personal assistant to help him with his social media growth?
I absolutely adored this book! Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes when it’s done right, and K.E. Monteith absolutely nailed it. Olli is the perfect shy, grumpy MMC we all love—especially when his soft spot for the woman he loves starts to shine through and suddenly that grumpy exterior doesn’t seem so intimidating anymore. Kodi is a true ray of sunshine: a little chaotic, a little messy, but completely lovable. She balances Olli perfectly, and their chemistry feels effortless. Watching them find their way back to each other made me so happy, and I genuinely can’t wait to see more of them in the next book!
5/5 ⭐️ — An off-limit grumpy x sunshine second chance romance with a lot of banter and a lot of love.
Thanks again to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
The Daunted Dastard is the first book in the Destin Dastards series. This is best friends to strangers to lovers following Kodi and Olli. Kodi has been a huge soccer fan with a dream; managing a team's social medias. Olli is the goal keeper of the Destin Dastards FC and he’s here to play soccer, not to post pictures on his instagram. However, if Olli doesn’t take his social media’s presence seriously, it could be his last season with the Dastards. Who’s better than his childhood crush, his first kiss, and the girl he never really stopped thinking of to be his new personal assistant to help him with his social media growth?
I absolutely adored this book! Second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes when it’s done right, and K.E. Monteith absolutely nailed it. Olli is the perfect shy, grumpy MMC we all love—especially when his soft spot for the woman he loves starts to shine through and suddenly that grumpy exterior doesn’t seem so intimidating anymore. Kodi is a true ray of sunshine: a little chaotic, a little messy, but completely lovable. She balances Olli perfectly, and their chemistry feels effortless. Watching them find their way back to each other made me so happy, and I genuinely can’t wait to see more of them in the next book!
5/5 ⭐️ — An off-limit grumpy x sunshine second chance romance with a lot of banter and a lot of love.
Thanks again to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
June 5, 2026
This was a super fun, cute sports romance and the only sports romance I’ve read that is centered around soccer which was super interesting for me! (Prior soccer player here)
Kean was the perfect grumpy MMC to balance out the chaotic energy of Kodi. Their personalities complimented each other so well and their banter really worked once they started communicating in healthy ways. Her chaotic energy and sweetness really brought out the softer side in Kean and made him realize that he needed to work through his grumpy exterior to show the other sides of him to everyone, not only her.
I was a bit frustrated by the childhood lovers storyline of this because it was mentioned so briefly that I felt like I was missing out on something that would have really made their relationship in the present feel so much more real and allowed us to get a deeper understanding of who they are and how they’ve changed since then.
What really made this book for me was the found family though. The moments with the team really carried the entire book and had me excited to keep reading! I am excited to see where this goes with other teammates and hopefully we can dive a bit deeper into character development and relationship building since I think this first book jumped some stages.
✨ Thank you K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the ARC of this book - all opinions are my own
Kean was the perfect grumpy MMC to balance out the chaotic energy of Kodi. Their personalities complimented each other so well and their banter really worked once they started communicating in healthy ways. Her chaotic energy and sweetness really brought out the softer side in Kean and made him realize that he needed to work through his grumpy exterior to show the other sides of him to everyone, not only her.
I was a bit frustrated by the childhood lovers storyline of this because it was mentioned so briefly that I felt like I was missing out on something that would have really made their relationship in the present feel so much more real and allowed us to get a deeper understanding of who they are and how they’ve changed since then.
What really made this book for me was the found family though. The moments with the team really carried the entire book and had me excited to keep reading! I am excited to see where this goes with other teammates and hopefully we can dive a bit deeper into character development and relationship building since I think this first book jumped some stages.
✨ Thank you K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the ARC of this book - all opinions are my own
June 12, 2026
Tropes:
💚 Childhood Friends to Lovers
💚 Grumpy x Sunshine
💚 He Falls First
💚 Workplace Romance
💚 First Love & Second Chance
💚 Dual POV
💚 Sports Romance
I love a good grumpy x sunshine dynamic and Olli and Kodi have it. 100%
Kodi Davey finally has a shot at her dream job – if she can survive the team’s grumpy goalkeeper. Olli Kean wants nothing to do with fame or attention, but when his career depends on building an audience, he’s forced to work with the one girl he’s never forgotten…
Their banter will make you laugh. Their communication and spicy scenes will make you swoon. They don’t play games – Kodi softens and Olli brightens. Amongst all of that, you get to the found family aspect – which, might have stolen the show honestly. The entire soccer team is so supportive, which makes me anxious to see what happens next in the series, particularly for players like Brooker.
I feel like I didn’t get all the closure on the drama, but maybe this is intentional as the series continues and grows? Maybe, it just didn’t feel important to the author – more books will tell me that answer. The chemistry and character growth made this a quick, hard to put down read.
It’s a total comfort read, so if that’s what you are after, grab it and devour it.
Huge thank you to K.E. Monteith & House of Hearts Lit for the ARC!
💚 Childhood Friends to Lovers
💚 Grumpy x Sunshine
💚 He Falls First
💚 Workplace Romance
💚 First Love & Second Chance
💚 Dual POV
💚 Sports Romance
I love a good grumpy x sunshine dynamic and Olli and Kodi have it. 100%
Kodi Davey finally has a shot at her dream job – if she can survive the team’s grumpy goalkeeper. Olli Kean wants nothing to do with fame or attention, but when his career depends on building an audience, he’s forced to work with the one girl he’s never forgotten…
Their banter will make you laugh. Their communication and spicy scenes will make you swoon. They don’t play games – Kodi softens and Olli brightens. Amongst all of that, you get to the found family aspect – which, might have stolen the show honestly. The entire soccer team is so supportive, which makes me anxious to see what happens next in the series, particularly for players like Brooker.
I feel like I didn’t get all the closure on the drama, but maybe this is intentional as the series continues and grows? Maybe, it just didn’t feel important to the author – more books will tell me that answer. The chemistry and character growth made this a quick, hard to put down read.
It’s a total comfort read, so if that’s what you are after, grab it and devour it.
Huge thank you to K.E. Monteith & House of Hearts Lit for the ARC!
June 10, 2026
✨Kodi and Olli were such a cute pair! I had a great time with The Daunted Dastard and found myself flying through the pages. Between the soccer setting, the childhood history, and the second chance romance, this book had a lot of elements that I love.⚽️
💕Kodi is trying to move forward from a mistake that refuses to stop following her, and I really admired how hard she worked to prove herself. 💚Olli was the perfect grumpy goalkeeper. He quiet, stubborn, and completely caught off guard when his childhood crush suddenly becomes his PA.🤭The fact that he never really forgot about her while she barely remembered him added just the right amount of angst and humor.🤌🏽
I loved watching their relationship rebuild as old memories resurfaced and feelings that never fully disappeared came back stronger than ever. 🫠Their chemistry felt natural, and the banter kept me smiling throughout the book.🫶🏽The soccer backdrop was fun, and the team dynamics added a lot of personality to the story.🤣
⭐️Overall, this was a charming romance with lovable characters, great chemistry, and a satisfying journey back to a love that never really disappeared. I highly recommend!🙌🏽
Thank you to the author K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts PR for the opportunity to read this ARC!💚
💕Kodi is trying to move forward from a mistake that refuses to stop following her, and I really admired how hard she worked to prove herself. 💚Olli was the perfect grumpy goalkeeper. He quiet, stubborn, and completely caught off guard when his childhood crush suddenly becomes his PA.🤭The fact that he never really forgot about her while she barely remembered him added just the right amount of angst and humor.🤌🏽
I loved watching their relationship rebuild as old memories resurfaced and feelings that never fully disappeared came back stronger than ever. 🫠Their chemistry felt natural, and the banter kept me smiling throughout the book.🫶🏽The soccer backdrop was fun, and the team dynamics added a lot of personality to the story.🤣
⭐️Overall, this was a charming romance with lovable characters, great chemistry, and a satisfying journey back to a love that never really disappeared. I highly recommend!🙌🏽
Thank you to the author K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts PR for the opportunity to read this ARC!💚
Review of advance copy
*Childhood friends
*Slow burn
*Sports
*Off limits
*Grumpy/sunshine
*Humour
*He falls first
*Forced proximity
Heroine, Kodi, is trying to get her dream job in her favourite sport team but due to an unfortunate event of her past the manager sets her as a trial as PA to hero, Olli, who is non other that her childhood friend and her first kiss...but she doesn't remember him.
Olli remembers her and he's miserable so his teammates try to get them together.
I loved Kodi and her free spirit. She was a breath of fresh air and she didn't quit till she got what she deserved.
Olli was such an awkward cutie trying to manage his feelings, both disappointment and crush.
I loved loved loved the dynamics of this team. Every one of them had a different personality and somehow completed each other. The side characters were there to enhance the story and make it even more irresistible.
I loved the cuteness, the awkwardness, the shyness. It felt like they were in high school and try to set up together two friends. The banter was so hilarious I was laughing so hard most of the time.
I do hope the rest of the team will get their stories.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
*Slow burn
*Sports
*Off limits
*Grumpy/sunshine
*Humour
*He falls first
*Forced proximity
Heroine, Kodi, is trying to get her dream job in her favourite sport team but due to an unfortunate event of her past the manager sets her as a trial as PA to hero, Olli, who is non other that her childhood friend and her first kiss...but she doesn't remember him.
Olli remembers her and he's miserable so his teammates try to get them together.
I loved Kodi and her free spirit. She was a breath of fresh air and she didn't quit till she got what she deserved.
Olli was such an awkward cutie trying to manage his feelings, both disappointment and crush.
I loved loved loved the dynamics of this team. Every one of them had a different personality and somehow completed each other. The side characters were there to enhance the story and make it even more irresistible.
I loved the cuteness, the awkwardness, the shyness. It felt like they were in high school and try to set up together two friends. The banter was so hilarious I was laughing so hard most of the time.
I do hope the rest of the team will get their stories.
I received this arc and this is my honest opinion.
May 26, 2026
Second 5 star of this year so far.
Another win for the genre that's best described as "anxious hot messes falling in love", this time in a sports adjacent space and with K.E. Monteith's particular brand is absolutely perfect in The Daunted Dastard. I adored this one, especially the super driven female lead, the gruff and grumpy male lead, and all of the spicier, chaotic goodness involved.
Kodi Davey is obsessed with football (honestly honey same). She dreams big about working social media for a sports team and-unfortunately for her dreams-her past, public, drunk college indecency now has a virus attached to it and threatens everything she hopes for. The story intertwines the exciting, fast-paced, high-pressure sports world with an emotional, intimate story of trying to overcome and grow from a past mistake, balancing both with humor and quick writing, without shying away from a few hard truths.
The Daunted Dastard is a bright, spicy and heartwarming contemporary romance dealing with second chances, letting go of past shame and learning to love the anxiety someone feels. It proves sometimes the toughest challenges just require the perfect partner.
Another win for the genre that's best described as "anxious hot messes falling in love", this time in a sports adjacent space and with K.E. Monteith's particular brand is absolutely perfect in The Daunted Dastard. I adored this one, especially the super driven female lead, the gruff and grumpy male lead, and all of the spicier, chaotic goodness involved.
Kodi Davey is obsessed with football (honestly honey same). She dreams big about working social media for a sports team and-unfortunately for her dreams-her past, public, drunk college indecency now has a virus attached to it and threatens everything she hopes for. The story intertwines the exciting, fast-paced, high-pressure sports world with an emotional, intimate story of trying to overcome and grow from a past mistake, balancing both with humor and quick writing, without shying away from a few hard truths.
The Daunted Dastard is a bright, spicy and heartwarming contemporary romance dealing with second chances, letting go of past shame and learning to love the anxiety someone feels. It proves sometimes the toughest challenges just require the perfect partner.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
Rating: 3.5
I liked the cover of this (idk why goodreads/author hasn't updated it here) hence why I looked into the ARC reading of this. As for the storyline, it is the usual same pipeline having a years of pining crush on your childhood sweetheart, with the element of the usual oh no you're my boss, i work for you it may not be plausible pipeline here. So this was like two cliche romance arc but it worked, maybe because of the team mates to be honest. I did not like that there was also that usual mean girl on the storyline and that he was kinda mean to her too. That was kinda childish and unwarranted to be honest. Also, another cliche of date auction here <3. Anyways, lower star rating due to the cliches without swerving a little on those. there was no surprising plottwist (the lady boss owner and her being promoted with that news, their relationship being ok, and him taking his lastnames, were all things I've read before) and even little highlights for me.
Rating: 3.5
I liked the cover of this (idk why goodreads/author hasn't updated it here) hence why I looked into the ARC reading of this. As for the storyline, it is the usual same pipeline having a years of pining crush on your childhood sweetheart, with the element of the usual oh no you're my boss, i work for you it may not be plausible pipeline here. So this was like two cliche romance arc but it worked, maybe because of the team mates to be honest. I did not like that there was also that usual mean girl on the storyline and that he was kinda mean to her too. That was kinda childish and unwarranted to be honest. Also, another cliche of date auction here <3. Anyways, lower star rating due to the cliches without swerving a little on those. there was no surprising plottwist (the lady boss owner and her being promoted with that news, their relationship being ok, and him taking his lastnames, were all things I've read before) and even little highlights for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a blast reading The Daunted Dastard! It's a fun and lighthearted sports romance with a chaotic PA-turned-social media manager and her grumpy goalie childhood best friend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The book had me laughing from the beginning - the whole opening was hilarious. I LOVED Kodi. She's impulsive for sure, and sometimes it backfires, but it's super relatable for me. Kodi is smart and talented, and I had so much fun with her and Olli.
Their whole relationship felt realistic - the way he handles her not recognizing him, the lead-up, and the way it finally happens was just perfect. It was a mix of hilarious and relatable cringe to watch that unfold.
Secondary characters were great - we got hints about what's to come next and I can't wait to read more about this lovable soccer team in Florida.
I read this book in a day, stayed up way too late to finish it.
👫 Childhood Friends to Lovers
😎 Grumpy x Sunshine
⚽️ Sports Romance
💖 First Love Second Chance
✨ Review of advance copy received from Author ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The book had me laughing from the beginning - the whole opening was hilarious. I LOVED Kodi. She's impulsive for sure, and sometimes it backfires, but it's super relatable for me. Kodi is smart and talented, and I had so much fun with her and Olli.
Their whole relationship felt realistic - the way he handles her not recognizing him, the lead-up, and the way it finally happens was just perfect. It was a mix of hilarious and relatable cringe to watch that unfold.
Secondary characters were great - we got hints about what's to come next and I can't wait to read more about this lovable soccer team in Florida.
I read this book in a day, stayed up way too late to finish it.
👫 Childhood Friends to Lovers
😎 Grumpy x Sunshine
⚽️ Sports Romance
💖 First Love Second Chance
✨ Review of advance copy received from Author ✨
June 10, 2026
The Daunted Dastard by K.E. Monteith is for the girls who love a grumpy sports romance with history, tension, and one emotionally complicated man who is absolutely not as unbothered as he pretends to be.
This one has that perfect mix of soccer romance, childhood friends-to-lovers, workplace tension, second-chance feelings, and image-rehab chaos. He’s the keeper with baggage. She’s the one sent in to fix the mess. And somewhere between the PR problem, the old feelings, and the “we are definitely not doing this” energy… the chemistry starts doing what chemistry does.
I love a romance where the past is sitting right there between them, making every look and every conversation feel loaded. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic gives it that addictive push-pull, and the soccer backdrop adds just enough sporty tension without taking over the romance.
If you like your sports romance with unresolved childhood feelings, a broody athlete, forced proximity, and a heroine who has to deal with both his public image and his private walls… add this one to your list.
This one has that perfect mix of soccer romance, childhood friends-to-lovers, workplace tension, second-chance feelings, and image-rehab chaos. He’s the keeper with baggage. She’s the one sent in to fix the mess. And somewhere between the PR problem, the old feelings, and the “we are definitely not doing this” energy… the chemistry starts doing what chemistry does.
I love a romance where the past is sitting right there between them, making every look and every conversation feel loaded. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic gives it that addictive push-pull, and the soccer backdrop adds just enough sporty tension without taking over the romance.
If you like your sports romance with unresolved childhood feelings, a broody athlete, forced proximity, and a heroine who has to deal with both his public image and his private walls… add this one to your list.
June 15, 2026
I was hooked the moment I read the first few chapters of The Daunted Dastard. The characters and their rich, complex backgrounds immediately grabbed my attention, making the narrative incredibly hard to put down.
I absolutely love the tropes featured in this book, particularly the sort of second chance romance that eventually changed to a workplace slow burn, all executed with brilliant precision. The pacing feels naturally woven throughout, and the story concept itself, exploring the persistence of unspoken longing and the bravery required to be seen, is something that is deeply close to my heart. It is hitting all the right emotional notes, balancing the tension of Olli’s hidden memories with a sincere, heartwarming atmosphere, and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the plot unfolds.
Even though I am not particularly knowledgeable about professional soccer, I never felt like I was missing anything because of the accessible and engaging way the book was written. Beyond the romance, I also love how the supporting cast rallied for Kodi, creating a delightful found-family dynamic that truly supported her in achieving her dream job despite the challenges she faced. It is a story that proves the person you have long forgotten might just be the one you were meant to remember all along.
Many thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for allowing me advance access to this book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my honest reaction to the story.
I absolutely love the tropes featured in this book, particularly the sort of second chance romance that eventually changed to a workplace slow burn, all executed with brilliant precision. The pacing feels naturally woven throughout, and the story concept itself, exploring the persistence of unspoken longing and the bravery required to be seen, is something that is deeply close to my heart. It is hitting all the right emotional notes, balancing the tension of Olli’s hidden memories with a sincere, heartwarming atmosphere, and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the plot unfolds.
Even though I am not particularly knowledgeable about professional soccer, I never felt like I was missing anything because of the accessible and engaging way the book was written. Beyond the romance, I also love how the supporting cast rallied for Kodi, creating a delightful found-family dynamic that truly supported her in achieving her dream job despite the challenges she faced. It is a story that proves the person you have long forgotten might just be the one you were meant to remember all along.
Many thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for allowing me advance access to this book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my honest reaction to the story.
Review of advance copy
This book was so cute! It gave me Kulti by Mariana Zapata vibes in the best way! The character development was perfection- even side characters showed depth and growth.
Kodi and Olli are childhood friends separated by years. He recognized her when she was assigned to be his PA, but she has no clue he was her childhood friend. Hurt by her lack of recognition, he goes into full grump mode.
Meanwhile, Kodi is working hard to prove herself worthy of the social media manager job she really wants. Hurt by her previous, impulsive behavior, she was demoted to PA. However, she is determined to show everyone how effective she can be.
When the team talks of selling midseason, can Kodi create the changes she so badly wants?
Seeing Olli grow from stoic goal keeper to loyal, German shepherd for Kodi and his team makes this book worth the read.
I was so lucky to get an advanced reader copy of this book and I am leaving an honest review.
Kodi and Olli are childhood friends separated by years. He recognized her when she was assigned to be his PA, but she has no clue he was her childhood friend. Hurt by her lack of recognition, he goes into full grump mode.
Meanwhile, Kodi is working hard to prove herself worthy of the social media manager job she really wants. Hurt by her previous, impulsive behavior, she was demoted to PA. However, she is determined to show everyone how effective she can be.
When the team talks of selling midseason, can Kodi create the changes she so badly wants?
Seeing Olli grow from stoic goal keeper to loyal, German shepherd for Kodi and his team makes this book worth the read.
I was so lucky to get an advanced reader copy of this book and I am leaving an honest review.
June 5, 2026
This is such a cute, fresh and funny book… it’s definitely a light hearted book, so you don’t need to check for TW just relax and enjoy the journey.
This book has one of the most funny beginnings that I’ve read, I didn’t expected to start the book with the viral moment that had Kodi banned for the stadium but I think it set the perfect tone for the rest of the book, is full of banter and fun all over the place.
I kind of obsessed with Ollie, he’s a grumpy? Yes! But full of good intentions and completely lost… it almost endearingly cute how he’s so smitten with Kodi and how hurt he’s that she doesn’t recognize him… but my favorite part? The whole team united to give them their happy ever after, all the little schemes and tactics were so funny!
Overall, I very much appreciated take for a football book and the most funny and sweet love story!
Thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
This book has one of the most funny beginnings that I’ve read, I didn’t expected to start the book with the viral moment that had Kodi banned for the stadium but I think it set the perfect tone for the rest of the book, is full of banter and fun all over the place.
I kind of obsessed with Ollie, he’s a grumpy? Yes! But full of good intentions and completely lost… it almost endearingly cute how he’s so smitten with Kodi and how hurt he’s that she doesn’t recognize him… but my favorite part? The whole team united to give them their happy ever after, all the little schemes and tactics were so funny!
Overall, I very much appreciated take for a football book and the most funny and sweet love story!
Thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
June 10, 2026
The Daunted Dastard was such a fun read. We have Kodi Davey who unfortunately 5 years ago made an impulsive decision to flash a newly retired soccer player. Fast forward and she’s interviewing for the social media manager position for the same team. However, they’re aware of her past and impulses and instead offer her the PA position to our grumpy goalie Olli Kean. When Ollie Kean sees the name of his new PA he wants her hired immediately. Is it fate that brought his childhood friend and crush back to the area and back into his life? I loved the players and their dynamic I can’t wait to read more of this series. I felt bad for Christenson and how he has the heavy burden of taking care of the team on and off the field. I can’t wait to hear more about their adventures and adventures especially with our favorite playboy Brooker. I hope we see more from Sosa, Taylor, Gallagher and all the guys. Thank you K.E Monteith for letting me read this an ARC. Can’t wait for the next books!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Firstly, thank you so much to House of Hearts & K. E. Monteith for advanced copy of this book. That being all opinions are my own!
3.5 ⭐️
I liked this book. I thought it was cute. I really liked the cover which honestly first intrigued me to it (Goodreads get with the program & update it).
I love a good childhood friends to lovers i just wish we got more of their childhood. I believe it’s mentioned about 3 times throughout the book and it’s briefly. I liked how they got reunited i thought it was done well and not so random where it felt so unrealistic. I didn’t like the whole mean girl thing to me it felt irrelevant, it felt like it could’ve played out the same way without the mean girl agent.
I did like the ending i thought it was cute. There was no 3rd act drama or crazy plot twist which is nice to read sometimes especially when you just want a cute read.
3.5 ⭐️
I liked this book. I thought it was cute. I really liked the cover which honestly first intrigued me to it (Goodreads get with the program & update it).
I love a good childhood friends to lovers i just wish we got more of their childhood. I believe it’s mentioned about 3 times throughout the book and it’s briefly. I liked how they got reunited i thought it was done well and not so random where it felt so unrealistic. I didn’t like the whole mean girl thing to me it felt irrelevant, it felt like it could’ve played out the same way without the mean girl agent.
I did like the ending i thought it was cute. There was no 3rd act drama or crazy plot twist which is nice to read sometimes especially when you just want a cute read.
Review of advance copy
~ARC~
HUGE thank you to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts Literary Services for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. Below is my honest review.
4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫 // 2.5 🌶️ 🌶️
Second chance at love—grumpy x sunshine—protector—yearning—He falls first
This book kept me on my TOES. I was laughing, frustrated, and had second hand embarrassment for our FMC and the MMC. The MMC had the surprise of his life when his childhood crush (our driven FMC) is assigned to make his social media image better (or existent in this case). Our FMC? A now “buttoned up” professional who is trying to outrun her “college experience”.
This feel good sports rom-com is one I will be continuing to recommend. I’m excited for potentially seeing more books in this series and how this team grows!
HUGE thank you to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts Literary Services for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. Below is my honest review.
4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫 // 2.5 🌶️ 🌶️
Second chance at love—grumpy x sunshine—protector—yearning—He falls first
This book kept me on my TOES. I was laughing, frustrated, and had second hand embarrassment for our FMC and the MMC. The MMC had the surprise of his life when his childhood crush (our driven FMC) is assigned to make his social media image better (or existent in this case). Our FMC? A now “buttoned up” professional who is trying to outrun her “college experience”.
This feel good sports rom-com is one I will be continuing to recommend. I’m excited for potentially seeing more books in this series and how this team grows!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2026
I was so excited to read this book! I saw the ARC sign up, blurb, and tropes on Threads and ran to sign up. I was not disappointed at all.
This is a second chance romance that is childhood friends to lovers. Kodi desperately wants to be a social media manager for a soccer team but winds up having to be a personal assistant for Olli Kean, former childhood friend and goalie for the Destin Dastards. Olli needs help with his public image. He is the stereotypical grumpy guy and that isn’t working for his image or helping with the team. Kodi and Kean are thrown together in order to fix it.
Kodi and Kean are really great together. There characters have a lot of chemistry. The banter was also top notch. All of this culminated in the book being unputdownable. I loved every bit of it.
Thanks to House of Hearts Lit and K. E. Monteith for the ARC!!!
This is a second chance romance that is childhood friends to lovers. Kodi desperately wants to be a social media manager for a soccer team but winds up having to be a personal assistant for Olli Kean, former childhood friend and goalie for the Destin Dastards. Olli needs help with his public image. He is the stereotypical grumpy guy and that isn’t working for his image or helping with the team. Kodi and Kean are thrown together in order to fix it.
Kodi and Kean are really great together. There characters have a lot of chemistry. The banter was also top notch. All of this culminated in the book being unputdownable. I loved every bit of it.
Thanks to House of Hearts Lit and K. E. Monteith for the ARC!!!
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