Cleats and Chemistry: A Sweet Small Town Soccer Romance

by Emily Bellford

He's my brother's best friend.
My off-limits patient.
The one player I swore I'd never want.

I'm the trainer keeping the Charlotte Kings healthy for the Global Cup.

One job. One rule.
Protocol first.
Feelings never.

Then Colton Ayers walks in with a torn hamstring, a crooked grin, and zero respect for my treatment table.

He's supposed to be a case file. A recovery timeline. Nothing more.

But he notices things nobody else does. The song I tap against my thigh. The poems I hide on my phone. The parts of me I keep locked behind a clipboard and a stethoscope.

He says he trusts me more than he trusts the coach's timeline.
I want to believe him.

But a reporter is already circling our story. One photo, one headline, and my career is finished before it starts.

And if my brother finds out I'm falling for his best friend, the one man he made me promise to stay away from, it won't just cost me my job.

It could cost me the only family I have left.

This summer was supposed to be about the Cup.
Instead, it's about the one thing I never let myself want.
Him.

TROPES YOU'LL LOVE

* Small Town Nice Guy Hero
* Good Girl Rule Follower Heroine
* He’s Her Brother’s Best Friend and Teammate
* Off-Limits Romance
* Workplace Romance
* Forced Proximity
* Opposites Attract
* Soccer Romance Sports Romance
* Sweet Slow Burn Chemistry Worth the Wait

Genres: Sports Romance

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Emily Bellford writes clean romance, sweet romantic comedies, and romantic suspense filled with small-town charm, emotional tension, capable heroines, protective heroes, and happily-ever-afters.

Reviews

[Kira · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think some people might really enjoy this book, but it's just not for me.
The positives! The main character is a very serious and straight forward character, and the narrative voice is also very straight forward and matter-of-fact so I think the tone is very fitting to the character. There was also no grammatical errors that I saw that took me out of the story which is always a positive!
Now the negatives - if you're the author DO NOT READ!!

I felt like there was no chemistry in this book, and they declared they were serious about each other based on a few physio appointments where they mostly spoke about the mmc's hamstring. They hadn't even snogged and they were ready to plunge their careers into danger? It very much gave Insta love, which is never my vibe. I also felt id been launched into the story with no background, building, context, or explanations which was a little jarring and meant it was a little difficult to get into. Lots of people sniffed out their 'relationship' by putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5 but somehow that was the right answer. And a lot of the book is them talking about how they need to have a conversation and then then not having a conversation.
But again I can be quite a fussy romance reader so that doesn't mean that it's not for everyone!

[My Romance Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 📚

Cleats and Chemistry was such an enjoyable start to this series. It blends sports romance, family dynamics, and just enough outside conflict to keep the story moving without taking the focus away from the characters.

What stood out to me the most was how much depth both main characters had beneath their first impressions. Colton may seem like the confident, successful athlete everyone expects him to be, but underneath that image is someone who genuinely listens, learns from his mistakes, and never lets his ego get in the way of doing what's right. I really appreciated how supportive and patient he was, especially when it came to respecting Morgan's career and the difficult position she found herself in. His emotional maturity made him incredibly easy to root for.

Morgan was probably my favorite character. She's ambitious, hardworking, and determined to prove herself in a profession where she refuses to rely on anyone else's name or reputation. Her commitment to staying professional isn't about being cold—it's about protecting everything she's worked so hard to achieve. Watching her slowly lower her guard and allow herself to trust someone felt authentic and believable.

I also enjoyed the brother's best friend and forbidden romance elements, along with the added pressure of the championship season and the reporter searching for a scandal. Those outside challenges gave the relationship realistic obstacles instead of relying on unnecessary drama.

The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me is that I wanted a little more development of the romance itself. The chemistry between Morgan and Colton was definitely there, but I would have loved to see more quiet moments together and more of their relationship outside of work and the team environment. That extra emotional build-up would have made the ending even more satisfying.

Overall, this was a sweet, engaging sports romance with two genuinely likable and emotionally mature protagonists. If the rest of the series continues to develop characters with this much heart, I'm definitely excited to keep reading.

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.romance....

[Kelsey Thomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a great start to what could easily become a series. The story follows Morgan, the team's physiotherapist, and Colton, one of the soccer players she's treating. Right from the beginning you know their relationship is off-limits, so you're just waiting to see if they can keep things professional or if their feelings will get the best of them.

One thing that really stood out to me was how the author showed what it's like for a woman working in a career that's still mostly made up of men. Morgan always has to be careful. She follows every protocol, works hard, and takes her job seriously because she knows one mistake or one rumor could cost her everything. Meanwhile, she's also helping take care of her mother, so she has a lot on her shoulders. I admired how strong she stayed through it all and how dedicated she was to the people counting on her.

Colton was easy to like too. He respected Morgan's job and never tried to make her choose between her career and her feelings. Their relationship is definitely a slow burn, but it fit their situation. The tension of the championship, the reporter looking for a story, and Morgan's brother being Colton's teammate all added another layer to the romance.

The ending definitely leaves you wondering if they'll be able to keep everything hidden or if the truth will come out. I'll just say... you'll have to read it to find out.

Overall, this was a sweet sports romance with likable characters, family moments, and enough drama to keep me turning the pages. If this turns into a series following other players and people connected to the team, I'd definitely pick up the next book.

[Simone Gremillion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brother’s best friend, opposites attract, off-limits sports romance that develops the feelings of the characters well. Though it takes place over a series of weeks, the characters really only see one another while at work. There is some mention of texting but you don’t read the text thread between the two until closer to the end of the book. The tension between the two is also written well and the seriousness of the situation is handled realistically.

Morgan is a physiotherapist who enjoys writing poetry no one knows about. She has worked hard to be in the position that she has and doesn’t take her job lightly. When she starts to see the man behind the mask, she realizes that he sees her as well.

Colton “Coyote” is best friends with Morgan’s older brother and they play on the same soccer team. He is a magnet that attracts people and is filled with restless energy except when he reads poetry. He begins to really notice Morgan and is intrigued. He can’t stop thinking of what song she must be tapping with her pen every time he is near her.

This is the first of three books in the One Sweet Soccer Summer series and I’m looking forward to reading the next one soon. I love that they are all clean reads.

**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

#arcread #sportsromance #forbiddenromance #brothersbestfriend #oppositesattract

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this book was seriously so good. It’s sweet and fun and heartfelt and hilarious. We get a great story filled with amazing characters. Morgan and Colton are perfection in this book. From their first interaction in this book until the last word there’s connection and chemistry. You can feel the heat coming off the page in droves. Morgan and Colton have so much friction between them in surprised the book didn’t combust. They have a connection that you can’t help but be drawn in by. It feels so genuine and real. The banter they share is on fire. It’s hilarious and heated, and makes them so much more relatable. Morgan is dedicated to her job and determined to prove she belongs. She’s protective of her reputation and her players. Colton gives off an air of a cocky athlete, but underneath it all he is more humble than I expected. He genuinely listens and is respectful. Watching them connect and interact was so endearing. Colton breaks down her walls and Morgan gives him genuine understanding. The way they support each other warmed my heart. The wrap up of this book definitely left me with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. And my brain wondering how things will go in the next book.

[Alicia Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleats and Chemistry was such a fun and heartwarming sports romance. I enjoy stories where the chemistry between the characters grows naturally, and this one had me smiling from the very beginning.

I really liked how the romance developed alongside the characters’ personal goals and challenges. Their connection felt believable, and the banter between them made the story even more enjoyable. I found myself rooting for them to work through their differences and find their way to a happily ever after.

The sports element added a lot of energy to the story without overshadowing the romance. I appreciated the balance between the emotional moments, lighter scenes, and the excitement surrounding the game. It made the book feel well-rounded and easy to get lost in.

By the time I reached the final chapter, I wasn’t ready for it to end. This was a sweet, uplifting romance with wonderful characters, plenty of heart, and a relationship that felt authentic. I’ll definitely be looking for more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colton plays hard on the field, but that has caused him some issues as he and his team are heading into the championship run. This means more time with the trainer/physiotherapist, and his teammate's sister, Morgan. Morgan has worked hard to be where she is and will not let anything like feelings get in her way, 100% professional over here. AS they spend more and more time, as he learns to listen to her, things get more difficult, even more so when a reporter starts sniffing around for a story.

Colton is very sweet, he understands how important her job and family are to her and doesn't want her to face this alone. Morgan does seems stilled at times, but that comes down to her wanting to keep things professional 100% of the time. I personally would have liked to see a little bit more romance on both sides and more of a development of their relationship, though it is hard when they are stuck in playoffs and around the team for the entire story.

[Jacqui Winchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book - This book is a brother’s best friend completely off limits sports romance where Morgan is the physio therapist and Colton is the injured soccer player. It’s filled with deep connection, light banter and lots of secret glances.

Morgan has had a rough road that has her walls firmly in place and takes her job very seriously but during each of their sessions he slowly shows her his true colours and the man he truly is behind the game. They bond over poetry and unspoken words.


Colton is best friends with Morgan’s older brother and they play on the same soccer team. He notices her straight away and spends plenty of time to work out what and why she is always tapping her pen on her leg.

This is the first boon in the One Sweet Soccer Summer series and I’m looking forward to reading Emily Belford next books.

**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nikki Ibarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

would you risk your career for the player you cannot stop thinking about?

Cleats and Chemistry is a delightful sports romance that perfectly blends small town charm, soccer, and forbidden chemistry. The story revolves around a rule-following physiotherapist who finds herself falling for her brother’s teammate and guess what? He’s also the player she’s responsible for keeping healthy.

The connection between the main characters develops through their forced proximity and the quiet moments when they begin to see beyond each other’s defenses. Colton exudes a charming and easygoing energy, while the heroine’s meticulous and professional nature makes their dynamic particularly captivating. The sports setting and the warm summer atmosphere add an extra layer of coziness to the story.

If you’re a fan of slow-burn romance, off limits tension, soccer players, and heartwarming small town love stories, Cleats and Chemistry is a must-read for you.

[Elizabeth Neal]

Thoughts:

1. References are made and never fully explained, which is annoying. It feels as if the book was writen, then parts -- necessary parts -- were deleted. What turned her world upside down when she was seventeen? What happened with her and Nathan's dad? Why do I feel like this series is a spinoff of another and without that earlier context I feel like I'm missing something.
2. POVs were labeled, yet some sentences didn't reflect that.
3. I feel like the foundation of the relationship they were building was only half happening on page and the rest was behind the scenes. Things needed to be shown more than they were. Saying them doesn't help us become invested. We need to experience them WITH the characters, not feel as if we're reading a condensed version that honestly tells us nothing.

[Curses and Cliffhangers (Ashley) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super cute and some of the banter really took me off guard (in a good way) and made me grin. No spice. The story really centers around the romance of the two main characters with just a little bit of sports thrown in more in the background. I thought some of the conversation was a little repetitive and I found the “insta love” trope to be a little too excessive in my opinion. I would have liked some more depth to why the characters like each other and how they even know what qualities they have to like in the first place. But this was definitely still an enjoyable read and I would recommend to anyone who just wants an easy read with cute characters that have some good banter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet Morgan, new physio for the team that her brother is on. Her new patient is Colton with a hamstring issue. He's cocky and tries not to follow protocol as prescribed. Colton pays attention to Morgan...too close where hos captain notices. He also notices she taps a song with her pen. Morgan shouldn't pay attention to Colton. She is a professional but he sees her for who she is. They haven't crossed lines but the reporter Sienna is out for blood and has Colton and Morgan as her target. Morgan's brother Nathan has noticed whatever is happening and has choice words. But then a headline makes things harder but now they must scramble to control the narrative. All while being professional and not causing more fodder for the press.

[Rebecca Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

[eARC]This was a quick and satisfying read for me. Fans of sports romance will enjoy it.

The story was a mix of sports and romance. The chemistry between Colton and Morgan felt natural and a progression of their time together rather than rushed. The soccer scenes had just the right amount of detail without feeling like being drowned in terminology, especially because I don't follow the sport in real life.

I loved the banter and the side characters added humour to the story.

Anyone looking for a book to read on vacation or for a cozy weekend in, Cleats & Chemistry should be on the list.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of One Sweet Soccer Summer. And a wonderful start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'And if my brother finds out I’m falling for his teammate before I figure out how to stop…
This summer won’t just change the game.
It’ll change everything.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Savannah Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

confusing…?

I love a sports romance.. this book doesn’t read like a sports romance. There isn’t yearning, there isn’t a big reveal of the couple, the story line is rushed, the writing style is confusing.

There’s no real depth to this story. They never leave their training facility- the few times they do it’s to be in a different training facility.
There just isn’t anything deeper to leave the reader feeling anything at all. Are they a couple? Are they not? If they are, how did they finally arrive there? Where is the deep conversation of their feelings for each other?
Just wasn’t very entertaining. I wanted to DNF this book many times but I stuck it out hoping the story would pick up or have a change of scenery. Neither of those things happened.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleats & Chemistry is the first book in the One Sweet Soccer Summer trilogy! Morgan is a dedicated athletic trainer who works hard to keep the team healthy ahead of the Global Cup. She has a strict professional rule never to get involved with players. Along comes Colton and threatens to break her rule. This first book is the struggle of Morgan and Colton fighting there feelings. Giving into those feelings could wreck both of their careers. I love their chemistry and how they deny their feelings until they can't anymore.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am 46% through this book and nothing has progressed.
Nothing.
We still have the same one piece of a plot that has not been developed.
The characters are not introduced but just exist - no idea why they like each other beyond first chapter stuff.
The writing is immature: stilted and simple.
I kept pushing through thinking something would add to the storyline, or something would happen between the characters that would add a complexity, but 46% through is way too late for any of that to redeem this story even if it is on the horizon.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept you wanting more. The way that the characters developed - from being professional and having to choose between your career and your heart. Being a visual reader i could see the tension, burn and desire between these characters. Seeing the impact and importance their decisions made.

Every page had me wanting more. 

It was a great read and I cant wait to continue the series 😀 

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan and Colton had a sweet story of facing challenges head on. They had so many obstacles from a brother/teammate to a reporter looking to stir up trouble but they stayed united and never backed down. I loved their determination to be honest and upright no matter the cost. These two seem positioned to make it for the long haul.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jasmine Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the wonderful opportunity to read in advance, i absolutely loved it! The banter, sweet nothings of just a look between morgan and Colton. Colton recked his hamstring and its Morgan's job to get him back where he needs to be before going to the global cup. She is a strict follow protocols and thats it, career first. One wrong move could end it. It was such a cute quick read, perfect for summertime vibes. Definitely give this book a shot!

[Sequoia · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing was so odd. The dialogue was vague and every conversation felt like they were talking in circles. There was no build up to the MMC liking the FMC and no chemistry building leading up to them acknowledging their feelings. I read up to 56% before putting it down because it felt like the story was rushing to go nowhere. I don't like to be harsh in my reviews because sharing your art is a very difficult thing to do and I have so much respect for authors who are willing to share their work, however this book completely missed the mark.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of this book and am disappointed. The grammar/structure of the whole thing was difficult (choppy sentences, short statements, no real depth). It made it easy to read, but felt like more of a kid's book than anything. Although, even as a kid's book, I would not have enjoyed it anymore. To call it a romance is even a stretch. I liked the two main characters, it just felt like it was missing intensity and depth. Will not be reading the remainder of the series.

[Jane Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is new to me. I find I already love her books. This first one covered personal and professional behaviors. I loved the characters even the one who caused some trouble. I especially like the way the main characters handled the situation. The author kept my interest to the very end. Can't wait to read the next one in this series.

[S. King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the romantic tension in this story. Morgan and Colton have legitimate concerns about their feelings for each other interfering with their working relationship. And with a reporter hanging around watching them like a hawk and making innuendos in her articles, the situation becomes precarious.

Very highly recommended!

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good the brother's best friend story! This book was so enjoyable, entertaining and well written. It had humor and was heartwarming in all the right places along with friendship, romance, sweetness, soccer and small town charm. The characters were interesting, relatable, funny, cute and so easy to like. This was a fun and entertaining read, don't miss it!.

[Shannon Bolton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The way this was written was odd to me. For one, the dialogue is very repetitive. Certain phrases and words were used repeatedly. It seemed like it needed much better editing. Second, the main characters are considering throwing away careers for a 3 week crush. I'm sorry, what? These two have barely shared a kiss and we are talking about making life altering choices. Third, everyone around them seems to "see it" and they're all trying to hide from the big, bad reporter. That was so confusing to me... why is this woman so dead set on digging up dirt about players and the PT dept?? It was just weird.

I think, overall, my biggest gripe is that it seemed like things were left out that maybe if included, would have made the story read more succinctly. All that said, I stuck it out until 70%, but then decided I'd had enough.

[Arabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first soccer book that I read, and honestly the cover was what caught my attention. Once I started reading the story, brothers' best friend, off limits was great. Morgan has secrets that her family does not know, but Colton her brother's best friend notices. Their slow attraction was a great read.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book of an interconnected series hopefully with overlapping characters. Could be read as a standalone.
Brother's best friend
Forbidden romance
Reporter looking for scandals.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alexandra Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, enjoyable book with a lovely and motivated FMC. LOVED that the sport was soccer. I would’ve enjoyed seeing more of the main character’s connection in “public.” A good start to the series!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy received from Author

This is my first book by Emily Bellford that I've read and I found it very enjoyable! A great start to a series of interconnected standalones, with a strong and motivated FMC.

Thank you Emily for the advanced copy 😊