Offside Hearts

by R.G. Prince

Marianna Arismendi was supposed to marry her first love.

Instead, she finds herself heartbroken, trying to survive the betrayal that changed everything she thought she knew about love.

Then Thiago Martinez walks into her life.

The Great Lakes Strikers goalkeeper is warm hands, late-night laughter, stolen kisses, and a devotion Marianna doesn’t know how to trust yet. Loving him feels easy. Safe. Dangerous in an entirely different way.

Because Thiago doesn’t love halfway.

And the more Marianna falls for the man who refuses to let her face her heartbreak alone, the more terrifying it becomes to imagine losing him too.

A heart-healing sports romance full of stolen kisses, late-night vulnerability, undeniable chemistry, and a goalkeeper who loves like he was born to protect her. Offside Hearts will have you falling for the boy who stays.

Paperback

Published July 14, 2026

About the author

RG Prince is a fiction author, storyteller, and lifelong lover of emotionally driven narratives. Born in Uruguay and raised in Texas, she brings a multicultural perspective to the stories she tells—centered around love, identity, and the quiet strength it takes to survive life’s unexpected turns.

Now based in the Pacific Northwest, RG spends her time writing and running her small business. Her debut novel, If Anything Happens to Me, is a heartfelt exploration of the fine lines between love and control, truth and silence, and the courage it takes to reclaim your story.

When she's not writing, RG enjoys reading late into the night, drinking too much coffee, and dreaming up her next book.

You can connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads: @author.rgprince

Reviews

[Agustina]

Offside Hearts raised my expectations for other sports romance books. I enjoyed it even more than book 1 mostly because of Thiago, who might be the most straightforward and honest love interest I’ve read in a very long time.

I’m so glad there was no miscommunication trope in this one unlike so many other books in this genre. Thiago was upfront to Marianna from the moment he laid eyes on her.

Something I really like from this one is the way it connects with the first one. Usually in romance series as we read other books we move on to other characters and the ones from previous books do little cameos, which was not the case here. About 60% of the book happens as the same time as the first one and we get to see the previous story from another perspective without losing focus on Thaigo and Marianna . It made the world feel so much richer.

Lastly, I want to thank R.G. Prince for this ARC but also to apologize for taking so long to read it. I’ve been going through the worst slump ever (& she actually got me out of it with book 1, The Striker)

[Tally DLR]

Without giving away any spoilers, Offside Hearts was such an amazing follow-up to The Keeper.

One of my favorite things about R.G. Prince’s writing is how seamlessly she ties her books together. Instead of simply moving on to the next couple, she revisits familiar moments through a different perspective, adding so much more depth to the story without ever feeling repetitive. Everything feels intentional, and it makes the world she’s created feel incredibly immersive. Her writing is so vivid that it genuinely feels like you’re sitting right alongside the characters, watching everything unfold.

Thiago was one of those characters I couldn’t wait to learn more about. We first met him in The Keeper, and every time he showed up, he brought this fun, charismatic, goofy energy that made him impossible not to love. Needless to say, I was so excited to finally get his story in Offside Hearts.

His story with Marianna had me feeling every emotion. There were moments that had me smiling, moments that pulled at my heart, and moments where I genuinely couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know what was going to happen next. Watching their relationship unfold felt so natural, and I loved the patience, support, and care they showed each other. I also loved seeing Spanish woven naturally throughout the dialogue. It added another layer of authenticity to Thiago’s character and made so many moments between him and Marianna feel even more special.

If there’s one thing this series continues to do so well, it’s creating characters that feel real. You celebrate their wins, hurt alongside them, and somehow feel like you’re right there with them through it all.

[Hemakshi]

(4.25⭐)

Received an Advance Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This was my 1st sports romance, & I was so unsure whether to read it, if I'll like it or not but it exceeded my expectations. Even though I love slow burn, it even surprised me that I can love fast paced romance too.
If you think because it's not a typical slow burn, the story doesn't make sense or the characters are not fleshed out, boy you are wrong. My trust in the author just keeps on increasing & now I want to own each and everything she writes❤️

Even though I haven't read The Keeper, it never felt as if I was missing something. I was so drawn to the story, the characters, their dynamics that it felt like I was there with them.

I love how they were portrayed, how everything unfolded and how it made me choke more than a few times😭🫶 I love the sisterhood, & we got June!!!! Seriously, I can't wait for her story and I think we might get another story in the Hearts on the Pitch series!!! I can't wait!!!

I'm officially in love with romance 💘 Seriously author, what have you done!!! Why can't all the MMCs be like this??? And don't get me started on Marianna🫶 There is something about her female characters, I just want to be like them, to know them. They feel so close to me, as if I know them. Kudos to everybody involved in this because I'm eternally grateful 💖

Also, can we please talk about Catalina, Brianna, June!!! They are just😭✨ Lily & Ari!! April & May!!!😭 & Omg I'm in love with Catalina & Rogue's story. Now I have to read The Keeper!!!

[jessyca estrada]

Highly anticipated Thiago and Marianna story! I absolutely loved Thiago's appearances in book 1 of Hearts on the Pitch series, The Keeper. He won my heart with is his positive attitude, his smile and his curly locks! Needless to say, I have been waitingggg for this book!

Thiago was so unexpected in Offset Hearts, in such a delicious way! His feel-good vibes were still present but we got to see the loving side of him, the possessive and protective side of him. The love for his family and his passion for the sport. We also saw the intimate side of him and let me tell you...my boy Thiago did not disappoint! 😜😜😜

We also got to know Marianna on a much deeper level and, my goodness, is she relatable! So much of how she placed her self worth based off of people, or certain things she did in life, was hard not to see a part of myself in her.

They're story was so fun and enjoyable and I ate it upppp!!
A couple of my favorite things about Prince's writing is how she manages to describe things to form such an amazing mental picture that you feel like you're right inside those pages! As well as how she creates such diversity in her characters that the relatability in them, and their stories, makes her books so enjoyable!

Thiago and Marianna are absolute gems! They had me in my feels through the entire book!

Offside Hearts is a must read in the Hearts on the Pitch saga. I cannot wait to read the next book!

[Stephanie]

I read the Keeper earlier this year, and my favorite side character was back up goalie Thiago Martinez. I could not wait for this book!

Thiago is not the typical MMC I go for- he is literal sunshine incarnate. He is so fun, and the way he is written, I can literally feel his smile beaming at me off the pages. It made this whole book such a joy to read. While you kind of get glimpses of the relationship with him and Marianna in the last book, I loved getting to see where it all started for these two, and what was going on that we didn't see.

While he was smitten at first sight, Marianna took a while to go from friends to being open to more. When they met, she had just left her fiancé after finding out he was cheating. Thiago is such a good person to help her through it. And Marianna is understandably gun-shy, but Thiago slowly gets her to open up through the cutest messages, and non stop hanging out.

I loved the plot of this book. When Marianna's ex comes back to cause trouble, I loved the way Thiago handled things. And the way the book ends is just peak swoon!

You don't have to be a fan of soccer to love this story- but if you are, you will probably love all the World Cup action in the book too.

I recommend that anyone reads this book- Thiago is that much fun of a character. Have I said that enough yet?

Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[BK Reads]

Another day, another iconic friends to lovers book! Thank you so much to RG Prince for a chance to read this ARC, I had a fabulous time!

Is it bad that I love to hate a character by like 10% because my god do I hate Spence! What a dick!!

The nicknames 😭😭

It is a little insta lovey, I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but just so people know going in ...

I love the culture that RG brings to all of her books. Its quite subtle in the way its portrayed but its beautiful and I think it brings greater depth to both the main characters.

I really like that this book and the first one run on a similar timeline. It allows you to see different aspects of both stories from other perspectives.

I also love Lily. Thats some serious queen behaviour right there. Owning up to her actions and helping Marianna out even when she doesn't really know her at all.

I really appreciate that Thiago is the back up goalie. We learn more about what that entails and how it differs. It also puts a spotlight on someone who isn't in the starting line up.

The newspaper articles are super cute! They are a fun way to incorporate parts of the story and its always fun to turn the page and see one waiting.

Also, ok Queen this one is spicy 🌶 there was so much spice and it was GOOD.

So after all my ramblings, if all you take away from this is read this book, then do yourself a favour and pick this one up! 🩷

[Breanna Wilkins]

Wow, I thought I loved when RG Prince wrote Irish men BUT step forward Thiago, you are officially in spot #1.

What a great follow up to The Kepler ( book 1 ) I truly love that we get to revisit characters from the first book!
I also truly loved how well RG Prince represents her culture in this book, no Thiago is not the main goalie he’s the back up goalie but what a fresh perspective on the sport and seeing things from that angle, Most sports romances highlight and focus on more mainstream players and this one was such a fresh look into other spots on the team.

Not only does RG Prince write broody hot men, but she also writes found family, family, friendships and relationships so well. You truly can feel how much support Marianna ( FMC ) has not that Thiago isn’t the biggest green flag and is by her side through everything but he’s not the only one or the main focus and you know what hell yea, because it made it feel so much more real.

I knew I would love Thiago because I love a down bad man.
It was a tiny but insta love, like the love happened fast but it’s because Thiago was truly in it from the first second and it’s written perfectly.

Also, the spice in this one is plentiful 🙌🏼

Thank you so much RG Prince for allowing me to ARC read for you, you have a way of telling beautiful stories!

[Rachel]

Another beautiful story. This one has ALL the emotions. Hatred for one male character, heartbreak for Marianna, and love for her and Thiago's relationship. Love for their families. Respect for Rogue's appearance in the story (Please read The Keeper if you haven't already...). A little embarrassment for the level of spice that was included in this story but also anticipation of what was going to come next.

The easter eggs and cameos from the previous books are *chef's kiss*. If the novels are read in the order of release, you will feel as fully submerged into the universe as I did with all of the characters being mentioned in some shape or form.

The storyline itself was paced perfectly and you'll enjoy watching Marianna and Thiago's relationship grow. The soccer portions of the storyline are not so in depth that you would get lost if you're not a sports fan and the third act disaster will surprise you. Of course this story includes that HEA we all love and adore and maybe a little twist on what you're used to for romance novel pacing.


Thank you so much to R.G. Prince for allowing me to be part of your Beta Team and read another story that truly has your heart and soul poured into it.

[Laura]

Thiago and Marianna have my whole heart! I really loved their relationship and how easily they communicated and just trusted each other. It was so refreshing to see because sometimes you'll get romances that have a lot of conflict/obstacles that constantly get in the way but I was thrilled that it wasn't the case for this story. Everything from their first meeting to their first text message and first kiss seemed to evolve so beautifully and naturally. Whatever challenges they faced, they faced them together and that was lovely.

Thiago was a sweetheart and sunshine personified. He's Marianna's sunshine boy <3 And the nicknames he had for her made me swoon as much as they made her swoon. haha. Marianna was such a breath of fresh air too at how kind and supportive she was. How much she cared. The definition of being made for each other.

The soccer aspect of the story was also incredibly fun to read and it was so well woven into Thiago and Marinna's narrative.

Offside Hearts' title gives it justice because again, these two have my heart <3

[terribv]

I absolutely loved this second book in the Hearts on the Pitch series! The timing of this book is perfect with the FIFA World Cup. The Keeper was great, but this story was even better! RG’s fifth book is absolutely her best! I love her effortless style of writing! Her vivid style brings you right into the story and makes you feel like you are an active character too. It’s great that her stories and characters are intertwined, and her stories blend in a nice way.

Marianna and Thiago are wonderful characters whom RG spends a nice amount of time developing. I love their story! Marianna is a beautiful part of the story, and Thiago brings a delicious amount of heat!! Their relationship was endearing and is definitely relationship goal worthy! It was easy to become totally immersed in this book, and I couldn’t wait for the chance to pick it up again!! I anxiously wait book three!!

Congratulations RG on a fabulous effort! Love your talent!

Honored to have been chosen as an ARC reader by the author.

[Kelly Vo]

🌟🌟🌟BETA READER!🌟🌟🌟
What can I say, R.G Prince did it again!
Hands down this book is one of my favorites written by the best in this series! It captivates all the emotions including being vulnerable, to falling in love not just with the story but with all the characters in the book. I say this is one of my favorite books written just because I genuinely felt a deep connection with the FMC, Marianna. I related with her the most, which made me feel like I was in the book right beside her. So many tears were shed both good and bad.
The MMC, Thiago is also my favorite hands down. Such a dreamy man, with such a genuine love for my girl Marianna. He’s the true definition of a green flag man! Hardworking, and determined to go after what he wants… including his dream girl! Let’s also mention… I’m not a sporty gal, or even into sports but i’ll DEFINITELY get into it if i find me a man like Thiago!!

[Lima]

I recieved an advanced readers copy from the author and this is my honest review.

Omg the sweetness that is Thiago and Mariana. I love that Thiago is such a golden retriever who made sure Mariana never felt any less than she feels. I always love when the MMC falls first and makes sure that he does whatever it takes to grab the FMC’s attention.

The backbone of the story is still soccer. Thiago not knowing where he stands in the team and where his career is going. Mariana is at a point of many changes in her life. She’s also trying to find herself and trusting her gut and leading the life she wants.

I love that we got to see a little bit of the other character’s point of view. looking into Cat and Rogue’s relationship. It was so cute!

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. There were many emotional moments that Mariana had to go and work through, but Thiago was right there with her as a friend. As someone to just listen. Their love story is sweet.

[vanessa Owings]

First and foremost, thank you to RG Prince for allowing me to be part of your ARC team! I’ve been eagerly waiting to read Offside Hearts, and it absolutely did not disappoint.

Thiago… the man you are! The biggest green flag ever and loved by everyone for good reason. He falls first, and he falls hard, making him impossible not to love.

Marianna is such a strong FMC who refuses to let heartbreak define her. Watching her open herself up to love again and discover what true love really looks like was so rewarding. I also loved getting a different perspective on the events from The Keeper.

RG Prince has a way of making you feel like you’re living right alongside the characters, experiencing every emotion with them. That’s one of the many reasons I love her writing.

Offside Hearts is the perfect summer read, filled with heart, healing, romance, spice and characters you’ll be thinking about long after you turn the last page.

[Delaney C]

R.G. Prince does it again! This is the second book in the Hearts On The Pitch series and it did not disappoint! I don’t know how she does it but the way she writes just draws me in from the first page.
I read this at the perfect time, just as the World Cup was ending

Marianna is such a loveable FMC she just got her heart broken and is starting over in a different state to live with her sister! She is learning to love herself again and just so happens to find someone to love her the way she deserves!

Thiago is the biggest green flag ever! He is loved by everyone on his team and I’m his family! He knows what he wants especially when it comes to Marianna but in the most respectful way!

It was so fun to jump back into Cat and Rogue’s relationship as well!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tandra]

Talk about golden retriever MMC. Thiago is exactly what I picture when that description is used. He is a walking green flag and I could not get enough of him. The FMC Marianna is such a resilient character. She shows that just because you have bad previous relationship/s doesn't mean you can't find that right person when you least expect it. I could not put this book down once I got into it. It was the perfect light hearted romance I needed after so many dark romance books. If you are look for a sweet feel good story this is definitely the book you are looking for!

Thank you so much to author R.G. Prince for the early copy of this book. I could not wait to be able to leave a review of this book.

[Lisa]

Read it in one day!

I couldn’t put it down at how much it mesmerized me! 😍

Thiago and Marianna’s story is wonderful, full of emotion, laughter and moments that make you swoon. Their connection and chemistry is on another level! 🫠

Thiago is just a sweetheart, a golden retriever always ready to cheer, make you smile, caring and protective.
The greenest flag ever!! 🥰

I loved returning to the Hearts on the Pitch universe and meeting Catalina and Rogue again!🥹

If you love heartwarming romance catch up with this series!! 💯

[J. Nickole]

~Thank you to R. G. for allowing me to ARC read Offside Hearts~

LOVE. LOVE. LOOOOVE.

I absolutely devoured Offside Hearts, and I think I love Marianna and Thiago as much as I loved Cat and Rogue’s story.

R. G. was able to tie together moments from The Keeper (like the scene where Cat is being dropped off by Rogue after their trip to NY) and seamlessly put the same scene in Marianna’s view in a way that didn’t feel repetitive but was able to show both sides of the same moment.

Rogue still has my heart, but Thiago has taken a piece as well.

[Bre]

Ya’ll this book is coming out tomorrow! 7/14 and it was SO Good! If you’ve read The Keeper, you know while Catalina and Rogue story was being told, Marianna and Thiago story was just getting started. This starts off filling in all those questions we had about what was going on with Catalina’s sister. It was so good and I ate both books in this series by @Author R.G. Prince📚 Up. Definitely a must read!

[Jamie Jacobs]

I am so thankful that I was able to be an ARC reader for Offside Hearts!!! I loved Marianna and Thiagos story! The chemistry between these two had me smiling the whole time. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading book, The Keeper, first and even a couple others in RG Prince's catalog if you want to get the full interconnected experience! R.G. Prince is an auto-buy author for me and I absolutely love her writing style!

[2DMAE]

I received this as an ARC.

I absolutely ate this up! I have been ready for Thiago and Marianna's story since I read Rogue and Cat's story in book 1. I loved how this booked captured R.G. Prince's other series too, The Spring Fling Sisters.
This is such an easy read in the best way. There are so many relatable moments in here. But this is a very fast, instant connection, type of love story.
I can't wait for book 3. I'm invested so I need everybody's story 😂💙⚽️

[Rose Dinsmore]

I don’t think I have ever read a sports romance before this that I have given five stars. This was a no brainer. This book is perfect. The way it is seamlessly integrated with the previous book, merging the timeline in a way that gave us new perspectives but was still perfectly part of this story was so impressive. I loved the newspaper clippings, which helped me as a non sports fan. I’ll read anything Rossina writes!
5 💜’s.

[Leslie]

RG Prince does it again in her strikers series ! Didn’t think rogue could be out shined but Thiago proved to be a top mmc ! From the beginning he was such a green flag and was such a loyal man. Just what Marianna needed in a man after her ex ! Totally recommend if you love soccer romances with a sunshine mmc !

[booksvanereads]

THIAGOOOO ME LO COMO.
down bad man with his mate 🧉
down bad from day 1 and just such a lover boy.
enjoyed reading this book, getting to see more form Rogue and Cat (book 1)

perfect read during world cup season ⚽️

ty R.G. Prince for the ARC 📖

[Elizabeth]

Offside hearts is amazing!!! It’s the perfect romance with a green flag mmc!! You can literally feel the love jumping off the page! And you route for the main characters and other characters from the beginning! Highly recommend reading!

[Patty Cajero]

RG Prince wrote it yes please!

This is such an amazing story, I love how much of The Keeper is on this book as well.
Thiago is the sweetest MMC and has become my favorite! Can't wait for the next book!

[Velinda Ivie]

Loved the book. This was a very sweet story. I loved Thiago, such a great guy. I loved seeing familiar characters again. I even loved to hate Spence. 🤣 Thank you for the ARC. I look forward to reading future books of yours.

[Julie De Los Santos]

R.G. Prince is a great author. This book honestly brought me back to life from a reading slump.

Marianna and Thiago story is so beautiful!

[Christina]

4.75 ⭐️ - Beta Reader Review

This is the perfect read for anyone who will be wanting more soccer in their life after the World Cup!

Marianna is a strong FMC who is starting over after a long term relationship. She is learning how to love again, not just other people but also herself. I loved seeing her stand up for herself and go after what she wanted.

Thiago is a walking green flag FMC. If you need a break from toxic men (IRL and in books) Thiago is your guy. His is also a go getter when it comes to who and what he wants but is always respectful towards others. My favorite thing about him is his willingness to stand up for other people.

My favorite part of every RG Prince book I have read is the sisterhood. Marianna, always has Catalina, her older sister, in her corner as well as Bri, and June. These girls keep showing up for eachother in a way that makes my heart squeeze.

And we get more Rogue! Who doesn’t love a broody Irish Man? He definitely shocked in me, in the best way in Offside Hearts! I already had a soft spot for him after The Keeper but on man 😍

[Nadine Cruz]

R.G. Prince has done it again!!! Part two of her Hearts on the pitch series 🤗🤗 I’m in love with Thiago and Marianna’s story. I didn’t think it could get better than Rogue and Cat’s, but she has proved me wrong yet again!!!

Thiago is just everything! He is an absolute gentleman until the lights go out. He is exactly the man you think he is on and off the field. He plays like he loves!

Marianna is gorgeous and her heart is just as beautiful. She will remind you of that time you sneaked away to kiss the boy, your first heart break, and the love you found after.

I am a huge fan of R. G. Prince!!! I can’t wait for the next book in this series ♥️

[kasie]

going to start off by saying this is my first time really watching the world cup and following along with the different teams and reading this beautiful story while the world cup is happening was such a wonderful experience that i don’t think i’ll ever get back!!!! i’ve never been much of a soccer fan but this year i decided to tackle on watching and it’s such a romantic sport for their countries. it’s a love story of people like thiago playing alongside people they watched when they were younger and fighting to represent their team, their people. and i think that’s what made me fall inlove with thiago and this series 1000000x more. i didn’t think I could love thiago more than book 1 but this book had me in awe all throughout. thiago, very different than rogue is everything and more! he’s ur golden retriever who will do anything and everything for you without you asking. seeing how deeply he loves marianna after what she’s been through and her being cared for the way she deserves >>>. such a beautiful story and so proud to say thiago and rogue has made me a soccer fan! 🥺 i need book 3 ASAP.