Sealing the Deal: An Utterly Swoon-Worthy, Spicy Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance

by Bella North, Scott Rose (Narrator), Amy Hall (Narrator)

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Sports, Spicy, Found Family, Sports Romance

Audible Audio

Published August 14, 2026

Reviews

[ava ꪆৎ]

57% 𝑑𝑛𝑓 ˚. ᵎᵎ

˙✧˖° 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 ༘ ⋆｡˚

ⓘ 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑚𝑎𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑠 ⋆

*ੈ 🏈 ✩‧₊˚ 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠. this book wasn’t too bad , it just had too many problems for me that i knew if i continued reading it i would prob end up giving it a very low rating. to start off, the writing style kinda just fell flat for me as well as the characters, i didn’t really care for them so of course i wouldn’t care about the relationships between them. i have noticed that the author has other books with characters from this story in them so maybe i’m missing something, but all the stories can be read as standalones apparently. flic the fmc was honestly what i expected – insufferable – like wdym you are gonna refuse his money when you’re broke as shit, like pass him along please.

the mmc , grayson i think his name was, didn’t really do anything for me, also throughout the whole book he kept hiding shit and not telling the “full story” and when all of it finally came out , it didn’t feel important and just like a ploy to keep you reading. but one of the main reason i stopped reading was because of a very important detail the mmc failed to mention throughout the whole book , which is a really big red flag for me. i understand that if i kept reading maybe him not telling the fmc would make more sense, but honestly i don’t think he can come back from that.

in general this story was just slow moving for me and i would rather just dnf than force myself to read the rest of this book just to give it one or two stars.

𝑑𝑛𝑓 57% 𖥻 ‧₊ aug 8 ’26

₊ 💵 ⊹ pre read ── started aug 6
gotta catch up on reading my arcsss. i haven’t read a billionaire romance like ever so this should be interesting. also enemies to lovers ?? obv had to request this.

ⓘ 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑐 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛 ℎ𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤

[cakecoffeeandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I’m so glad Flic got a story! Having enjoyed the Oakwood ranch series I was hoping we would see more of the Sullivan family and Flic, so it was a lovely surprise to see this book on NetGalley!

This was a quick, easy read with a couple of twists I didn’t see coming. Bar owner Flic and football team owner Grayson join forces to win over the fans after he buys in to the team and his father’s business legacy means everyone thinks he is out to destroy them. But Grayson couldn’t be further from his ruthless father- he just needs the opportunity to show the fans that.

I didn’t really feel a huge amount of chemistry or romance between these 2 until later in the book- and it was then strong and believable but I would have liked a little more build up to it. The romance kind of came second to the team throughout most of the story. I loved all the appearances from the Sullivans and wonder if this one will stay as a stand alone or if Donny and Helena might get a book.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Lilith]

2.5 ⭐

📖 Story:
After Flic lets a random guy help her behind the bar during one of the busiest night of the year, she finds out he actually is the billionaire that bought part of the team.
She is mad. His name reeks of his father's company that buys and guts businesses, neighborhoods. The fans are mad as well: they protest him by the entrance of the stadium and make memes. This acquisition is going rather poorly for him.
But, she agrees to help him navigate this transition and hopefully make him fall in love with Denver and the team... His goal is to win over the fans. And win Flic over as well. Show her he's not his father.


🤓 My opinion:
I really enjoyed the previous two books of this series (didn't read the first as I found the series on netgalley and was lucky to read the ARCs for books 2 + 3) but this one didn't hit the same.
It lacked a bit of depth to carry me into their yearning and love story. I almost DNFed several times because there are so many books to read and I wasn't swayed. But I kept reading because I loved the previous books and I wanted to know more about the secrets of the MMC.

I am not big into sports in real life so maybe that was the issue for me here.
It also felt like the structure of the story was very similar to the previous two books of the series. And even though romance novels are indeed predictable, I like to be surprised.
But I like how Bella North writes and I don't like DNFing books so I pushed and continued reading! Had a nice enough time 😂 But not an amazing time.


📚 Tropes and themes
Billionaire x barmaid, deal to avoid PR nightmare, football, Denver, very evil father but good Samaritan son.


🫶 I received this book as an eARC in exchange of an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity 💖

[Mamawattto4 Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the kindle ARC and the audio ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sealing the Deal by Bella North was such a fun, feel-good sports romance! I both read the book and listened to the audiobook, and I absolutely loved the experience. The dual narration was fantastic and really brought Flic and Grayson’s personalities to life.

Flic may be one of my favorite FMCs! She was witty, independent, and never backed down from Grayson, which made their banter so entertaining. I loved watching the relationship between the billionaire football team owner and the sassy hometown bar owner grow from reluctant allies into something much deeper.

The chemistry was undeniable, the romance was sweet with just the right amount of steam, and the football backdrop added an extra layer of fun. Bella North did a great job creating lovable characters and a story that kept me smiling from beginning to end.

If you’re looking for a cute billionaire sports romance with fantastic banter, great chemistry, and an audiobook featuring wonderful dual narration, I definitely recommend Sealing the Deal!

[Meg.RecsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

audio / 3.5* / netgalley

I really enjoyed this story, the found family and plot was fabulous. The author did a great job with all the added layers and possibilities for future books.

When the local nfl team ownership changes right as they are headed into playoffs, the fans riot over what could become based on their knowledge of this particular company. Unbeknownst to them, the person in charge here is VERY different from who they think is in calling the shots, and his personal vendetta to right his fathers wrongs could help save not only the team, but the city.

Amy Hall did a good job as Flick - what a peculiar nickname. I feel her angst could have come across a bit stronger, but she was not the problem. I did not enjoy Scott Rose as a narrator. His voice put me off and in turn I didn’t enjoy the character of Grayson. I really tried to get past it, as the story was good but it definitely left a sour taste in my mouth.

A huge thank you to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for the gifted advanced audiobook, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and it was an honour to read.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Oakwood Ranch series and all of the characters from that series make an appearance in Flic's book. I loved her character and I was so glad she got her own book. The tropes in this book were so perfect for her character and I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

[Jen Altman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sealing the Deal by Bella North was a bit of a slow read for me. While it’s technically written as a standalone, I really think you need to read the Oakwood Ranch series first to fully enjoy it. That said, as a fan of the series, I absolutely LOVED all the cameos from our favorite characters from the previous books!

🎧 I read this book as an immersive read, and definitely enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Amy Hall and Scott Rose. They did such an incredible job bringing the dual perspectives to life! Amy nailed the heroine's snark and charm, while Scott brought that smooth, swoon-worthy voice that makes a billionaire romance hit just right. Their banter and chemistry completely carried the story whenever the pacing started to drag.

Overall, if you’re heading into this one, I’d highly recommend catching up on the rest of the Oakwood Ranch books first so you get the full impact of those fun character crossovers. Grab the audiobook, crank up the speed, and settle in for a sweet, spicy, slow-burn romance!

[Anna DiCiurcio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it! This is a sports adjacent romance, Denver’s NFL team gets a new owner who is a hotshot billionaire whose business is famous for redevelopment and ruining businesses and peoples lives. In reality, the company that is famous for this is Greyson’s father’s company, not his, and he is looking to help everyone he can including the struggling franchise. Flick (Felicity) owns a local bar and is a huge supporter of the football team and Greysons biggest hater. Greyson enlists her help to win over the fans to help the team succeed.

I loved this enemies to lovers and found family romance. There is some miscommunication at the beginning but it does help move the story along. This was a great story and I’m excited to read more by this author!

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Bella North for letting me listen to this early!

[✨Crystal✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ALC provided by NetGalley for an honest review✨

Seal the Deal is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance. Flick was a little badass bar owner that is struggling to keep her sports bar afloat when rent keeps going up. Grayson is the new owner of the football team in town and needs help getting into the team’s good graces. So they make a deal to help each other out and of course fall in love in the process ❤️

I like a good opposites attract romance and these two were pretty fun together. I wish the enemies to lovers trope was a little more of a slow burn because I felt they got together pretty quick, but that’s just me.

The audiobook was duet narrated by Scott Rose and Amy Hall which were both new to me, and they both did an awesome job portraying their characters. This book was cute and it was the first time I’ve listened to this author, and I wouldn’t mind checking out more from them 😁

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

If you're looking for a quick sports-centric romance and don't really get too caught up in the details, this is a great book to pick up.

If you want my real thoughts, here are the notes I wrote as I was reading (spoilers):

Mostly just cheesy and a little forced

Grayson's work sounds a little too good to be true. How can he be turning any profit if he’s just building affordable housing and charging only what tenants can afford in rent?

“Can you be free for lunch on Thursday?”
“Sure, what are you thinking?”
“It’s not what I’m thinking, it’s what we need.”
^ a lot of writing similar to this that doesn’t really make a lot of sense, and I assume is only put in to heighten tension or something?? Or make Flic seem more like a take-no-shit badass?

Flic wanting Grayson all of a sudden seems fast… they’ve barely connected. Like there’s been almost no flirting and very few intimate interactions for her to be like wait did I imagine this thing between us? Like what thing

Since when can badasses not watch Disney movies with their nieces?

Helena called Flic a pretty object and then reacted as if she was horrified when Charles did the same thing. Also Charles comment kind of came out of nowhere… there wasn’t really a set up for it. I think that’s a consistent issue with this book

Why didn’t Grayson tell Flic his real reason for buying the team earlier? It’s a pretty noble reason so feels weird to hide it, and helping people but not wanting credit doesn’t excuse the omission because he very publicly is helping

Suuuuuuuuper effed up that Grayson is still married and is choosing Ana over explaining the situation to Flic. Like Ana is drunk, she can chill for another sec while Grayson goes after Flic

And Flic is WAYYYY too chill about Grayson being married. She should’ve booked it out of there

Grayson didn’t technically do anything wrong so idk why he’s kept this whole Ana thing a secret or why he insists on helping Ana when she got herself into this mess. If there was more of a backstory where Charles forced her into it then maybe I’d feel a little bad for her but it sounds like she just made a bad choice and that doesn’t reflect badly on Grayson even though he’s insisting it does and that she’s his responsibility now. None of that really makes sense

How on earth does Flic know that the teams audience is 40% women. That stat doesn’t sound right and there’s nowhere she could’ve gotten that information

I wish we had gotten at least a kiss before 63%. That’s usually when a hookup happens, not the first kiss

This whole book reads like a cheesy and cliche hallmark movie

Nitpicking here but his condoms are probably expired. It doesn’t really even make sense that he’d have them considering his vow of celibacy.

The “really hot sex” Flic claims to have had was like… pretty vanilla imo

What could possibly have happened that resulted in the potential of hundreds of people losing water and electricity for a week that ONLY Grayson can prevent…

Wow really upset with this ending. Grayson has nothing in New York. His only family is Helena who is about to start dating Donny anyways and he left Flic who has her whole life in Denver. Then he took the cowards way out by telling her he loves her in a letter!?!? And now instead of being a little pissed off, she’s going to give up everything she has for a man who wouldn’t do the same for her. Yeah no thanks. Also the fact he left her while Izzy was in trouble?? In the age of Zoom, he could’ve phoned into the board meeting.

This whole "I won’t change you and you won’t change me" thing is not how relationships work…

So if Helena didn’t want the job….. Grayson would’ve still chosen NY over Flic. Wouldn’t love that if I were Flic

[Mare · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️/5 (rounded up to a 4)

I would recommend this if you enjoy:
- Small town romance
- Billionaire romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
- Bar owner x billionaire
- Forced proximity
- Found family
- Spicy scenes

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own

This book follows Flic, a sports bar owner, and Grayson Ashbourne, a billionaire CEO, who meet when Grayson helps her out behind the bar on a. busy gam night. She assumes he's a random dude but when she realises he bought the Stormhawks football team, strong dislike blossoms as she thinks that he bought it to destroy so when he approaches her with a deal - help him get etc fans on his side and he'll give her the building of the bar - she initially says no but she agrees after talking it through with her extra family.

Bella North is one of my favourite authors and Flic is one of my favourite characters in this universe so I was so excited when her book was next. I've been reading this world since Book 1 in the Oakwood Ranch series "Score To Settle" all the way to Book 3 and I love it to pieces. The author does a really great job at making you feel like you're part of the family and I'm so emotionally attached that tears were shed during this book. It was so good to see the Sullivan's again!

Flic is a very strong willed character and I loved her in this book. Her and Grayson didn't get along and the enemies part was obvious and I'm glad that the author didn't throw it in there for a few chapters then it was over. They had to work through their dislike and from it came understanding. I loved them getting to know one another and slowly realising that they had more in common than they thought and allowed themselves to be loved and cared for. I like that Grayson made an effort to understand the team and even get to know the Sullivans and wasn't an arrogant billionaire. He was a genuine guy that actually cared and used his family's status to help others and not destroy like his father. He was a good brother to Helena after everything she went through and to his friend that owned the team.

The romance was well paced and I love that it was a slow burn. There was attraction before but they didn't act on it before they were ready and I loved that. The spicy scenes were well written and really good.

I didn't like Grayson's secret wife. He could've told Flic at any point but they were so close to kissing when she announced herself. I understand why he didn't but I didn't like that plot. I like that he wanted to help her but it's almost like he kept her a secret so that he could be even more like a hero. I also was slightly bored at points as the saving conversation felt like it was repeated over and over again in the characters inner monologues and I got the point the first time and through Grayson's complex.

The audiobook narration was great. I think they suited the characters well and they weren't annoying.

Overall, I would recommend the book and this universe as it is one of my favourites and I'm unsure if there will be anymore books in this world but either way the writing is great and I'll pick up another of this author's books.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: An opposites-match romance

My Review: Sealing the Deal by Bella North is an "utterly swoon-worthy, spicy enemies-to-lovers billionaire romance." It is categorized as a standalone novel that is a story adjacent extension to the Oakwood Ranch trilogy. It was just released on 8/14/26.

About the Book: "For a New York billionaire and a country girl bar owner with a smart mouth, one deal could change everything.

But can Flic help Grayson win over the fans before it’s too late for her beloved bar? And when family duty calls, will Grayson rush right back to New York to protect the infamous Ashborne name…?"

In My Own Words: It is unfortunate to be mistaken as something you are not. What happens when a billionaire with secrets swoops in with a mutually beneficial offer?

About the Characters: A billionaire + bar owner mashup for the win!

"Grayson Ashborne is public enemy number one...a ruthless New York billionaire taking over...football team, the Stormhawks..."

💵 - billionaire, wrongly perceived, misunderstood, good at heart, generous, weighed down by family issues

"Flic Moore... local fan bar owner... leader of Grayson’s hate club..."

🍻 - bar owner, Stormhawks loyalist, feisty, strong willed, eyes wide open attitude, guarded heart

About the Conflict: Even though this was a lighthearted contemporary romance, it did have an interesting conflict arc. Some of the conflict holders were related to family drama, masked maneuvers, contrasting origins, relationship secrets, and to be or not to be aka will they-won't they tension.

My Final Say: This novel was definitely entertaining. It was an icy-nicey-spicy read. It was solid in giving a good opposites story where the perceived big, bad villain takes over and the little-guy-local-girl stands up on behalf of the wronged. There was a tug-of-war element, an unexpected partnering, a secret or two, and passionate romance at play.

There was an aspect to the story that I did not quite care for, simply because I am not a fan of omission, which is a personal preference. It did not totally take away from the story, but if I am being honest, it spoke volumes.

In the end, I will have to say that this story gets a thumbs up response. Further, I think this novel would be fantastic to listen to as an audio experience.

Other: Readers who enjoy billionaire romances, opposites attract stories, and stories where found family community takes center stage will like this book.

😍*** Bonus Points: I love Grayson's name. His first name and last name did it for me. They were both swoonworthy, to be sure. ***😍



Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: 💼🏈🛩️🌶️❤️‍🩹💛
Format: 📱
Cover: +
Title: +

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Bookouture), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title. I am very grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to reading more books from this writer.

[Becca Mour · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this!!
🏈🍻 × 👨‍💻💸

This was... A little weird. The writing was not bad! Not in the slightest.

But I really, really couldn't stand the FMC. Like, dead ass, if I could change ONE thing about this book to take it from ✨2✨ to at least a 4 I would rewrite her completely.
There were parts of this book that she straight up didn't even give this dude - not a moment to speak but literally was one click away from bussing him all over her fan page even AFTER he told her for the first time that he isn't like his father and that his father's company isn't his own and he doesn't condone what happens in there.

- Side note on that! Him answering that phone call was so not a bad thing considering his family and (the girl he was married to as we later find out). If it was me I would have that phone tapped to my being! Her still being mad even after he explained it was his sister? Family comes first. Always. Even more so if their safety is possibly at risk (mental or physical)

This is a series though and keep in mind I haven't read a single one of the previous books! From I did gather from some other comments Flic was one of those characters in a series you just can't wait for their happily ever after. I think this book more than anything showed me how we love a character gradually. Since I didn't have that I really disliked her.

+ Also on that! Because I didn't have that context while reading this book Flic felt so one dementional. We HEAR she is badass with a bar but her whole book she comes off more like a background character. Not to mention that her personality was basically three things the whole book aka the team, her bar and the family? That's all? No dreams and passions? Nothing? Girl.
++ There were some points where she felt like she didn't belong in the family and that was like never spoken about again after she dismissed the thought? Real deep.

For Grayson... First of all he NEVER kicked the hero complex. For a couple that keeps being all like "I don't need you" and "I don't need a hero" they keep going over the same circle. I mean he signed over to her name a whole strip of buildings and made her a shade holder to the team? And you still saying you don't need him? While travelling to find him without a SINGLE plan of your future just vibes and a dream for change...And he is supposedly kicking the hero complex... Allegedly? Where!? He saved her neighbourhood, her favourite team and even left New York (where by the way his company was located not only his father's) and went back to continue working for the team? The same dude who was waxing poetic about structures and making a good building...

This was my one note during reading this
60% Wow... He has MAJOR hero complex, and Flick is... a pain for most of the book. For basically half the book, she has been unfairly judging the dude, and all of a sudden she is all googly-eyed because he is sitting close to her in the stadium box.
(I haven't read the books before this one so I haven't grown to love her... It's coming very VERY slowly)

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing advance reading and listening copies in exchange for an honest review.

⭐ 4 stars
🌶️ 3 peppers

Sealing the Deal surprised me with how much of a sports-world romance it actually is. Neither Flic nor Grayson is a football player, but make no mistake: football is basically another main character in this book. 😂

The team, playoffs, fans, sponsors, ownership, and surrounding community are woven throughout the story and become an important part of both the plot and Grayson and Flic’s relationship.

What worked best for me, though, was how emotionally grounded their relationship felt. These two encounter several situations that could have easily been turned into prolonged miscommunication, dramatic breakups, or manufactured angst, and the story repeatedly chooses something more nuanced instead. They can be hurt without immediately assuming the worst of each other. They can disagree without destroying the relationship. And when something is resolved, it generally stays resolved.

It made their relationship feel like something that could actually happen in real life.

I also loved that Flic never had to lose her independence to choose Grayson. There’s an important difference between needing someone and wanting to build a life with them, and this story understood it. Likewise, Grayson respects Flic’s competence and recognizes that her understanding of the fans and community has real value beyond their romantic relationship.

The found-family elements added another layer I wasn’t expecting, particularly as Grayson slowly discovers what it feels like to genuinely belong somewhere after deliberately keeping himself isolated for so long.

🎧 Audiobook note: Amy Hall and Scott Rose perform this in duet narration, and the duet made the romance LAND. Being able to move between the eBook and audio also worked really well for this one, but the duet performance added something special to Flic and Grayson’s chemistry and conversations.

🏈 For my fellow cover judgers: There is WAY more football in this story than the cover suggests. If you love sports romance but normally assume the main character needs to be an athlete for it to qualify, don’t skip this one. The professional football world is central to the story.

Recommended for readers who enjoy: sports-world romance, billionaire romance, enemies-to-lovers energy, found family, community-centered stories, emotionally strong characters, relationships that don’t rely on manufactured drama, and duet narration.

A genuinely enjoyable romance that earned a lot of goodwill from me simply by refusing to create stupid drama when stupid drama was RIGHT THERE for the taking. 😂

[Giselle in Chapters ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a really fun time with this one!

Sealing the Deal follows New York billionaire Grayson Ashborne and Denver sports bar owner Flic Moore, whose first impression of him couldn’t be worse. The entire city sees him as just another rich outsider trying to take over their beloved football team, and Flic definitely isn’t interested in giving him the benefit of the doubt. But when the two are forced to work together, those assumptions slowly begin to change.

One of my favorite things about this book was Grayson. Billionaire romances aren’t always my favorite because they can lean into the arrogant, untouchable stereotype, but Grayson was the complete opposite. He genuinely wanted to make a positive impact, and I loved that his goals centered around helping communities instead of exploiting them. That made him really easy to root for.

I also really liked Flic. She’s witty, stubborn, sarcastic, and incredibly passionate about the things she loves, especially football and her bar. I appreciated that she had ambitions and a life outside of the romance, and her determination to protect what she’d built made her feel like a well-rounded character.

Once the romance got going, I enjoyed their chemistry. My biggest issue wasn’t whether they worked together, I thought they did, but how quickly they got there. The shift from Flic distrusting Grayson to fully falling for him happened a little faster than I would’ve liked, so I never quite felt like I got to watch that emotional transition unfold.

The pacing was probably my biggest drawback. There were quite a few moments where the writing became overly descriptive, and I found myself wishing some scenes had been tightened up. Instead of adding to the story, those extra details sometimes slowed the momentum.

I also wasn’t completely sold on the final conflict. It felt a little more manufactured than emotional, and I think the story would’ve been stronger without relying on that particular obstacle.

As for the spice, it was sweeter and tamer than I expected. I wouldn’t call this a super spicy romance, so if you’re looking for something heavier on the steam, you may find yourself wanting a little more.

Overall, this was a fun, easy sports romance with two genuinely likable main characters. While the pacing and romance progression kept it from being a four-star read for me, I still enjoyed my time with Grayson and Flic and would definitely recommend it to readers looking for a light, entertaining football romance.

Rating: 3.5⭐

[The Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving Sealing the Deal by Bella North a passionate, heart-bursting 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
​Wait, what do you mean "we did it" and that this is "the last book in the Oakwood Ranch series"?! Please, no! We need more—we always need more of this incredible universe! 😭💔
​ARC Disclosure: A massive thank you to NetGalley, publisher Bookouture, and author Bella North for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this masterpiece! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
​The Review
​Sealing the Deal is a absolute masterpiece of a series finale that completely stole my heart! I loved this book SO much! It’s not just that Flic is a fantastic, strong, resilient FMC who holds her own, or that Grayson is top-tier MMC material—sweet, troubled, fiercely loyal, and non-to-mention billionaire rich. It’s the fact that all our favorite people are constantly present here! Having Dylan, Harper, Izzy, Chase, Jake, Serena, Mad, and Mama Sullivan involved made reading this feel like a warm, joyous family reunion. Being back with the Sullivans is pure magic!
​Also, full disclosure: coming from Argentina, I'm not usually a huge fan of American football, though I usually enjoy casual commentary on sports in books. But in this case? I was literally on the edge of my seat, clutching my Kindle with white knuckles, reading voraciously to see if the Stormhawks won each game and whether they made it to the Super Bowl! The game scenes were so brilliantly described that I felt like I was right there in the stadium with the fans cheering them on (the last time a sports/game plot got me this invested was the Quidditch matches in Harry Potter—completely different things, I know, but the electric adrenaline was identical!).
​And can we talk about secondary characters?! Dear sister Helena and adorable Donny completely stole my heart. Seriously, are we sure we aren't getting one more book about their story while keeping up with how our Sullivan family is doing?! Loved, loved, LOVED this book!
​The Good
​Everything! The emotional depth of Grayson's character arc, Flic's incredible strength, and the unmatched family dynamics. The sport scenes are written with such high-stakes adrenaline that even non-football fans will be cheering out loud!
​The Not So Good
​The devastating realization that this might actually be the end of the Oakwood Ranch series! We aren't ready to say goodbye to the Sullivans! 😭

[Seershhhhh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8
I’ve read this author’s previous series, and I was looking forward to Flic’s story. It’s nice that she got her happily ever after, she’s an incredibly loyal person, passionate, and she’s all in for those she loves. Grayson’s is perceived to be a certain type of person, and it’s clear to us that he’s nothing like his father, but Flic starts to come to this realisation, and it changes her view of him. I really liked that when she figured that Gray is not the enemy, and she was immediately supportive to him. The way she showed up for him at his parent’s dinner says it all.

I don’t like how Gray kept Flic in the dark about a couple of things….hiding the fact he’s married AND also just done nothing about getting a divorce, he even says so he could’ve done it sooner. Separated or not he should’ve been upfront. Flic definitely handled that situation completely different and I would have been so frustrated. That said though, I did like the growth he went through during his read, he went from this guy who kept everyone at arms length, not allowing himself joy, to someone who went for what they want, but also finally putting themselves first. He was definitely inspired and motivated by Flic, and this pull he has to her, wanting to be better for himself, but for the woman he loves.

I would have loved to see more build up between Grayson and Flic, there was obvious attraction between them it felt rushed. I liked how they both challenged one another, and the comfort level that developed between them, allowing them that safety be vulnerable. The epilogue could’ve been better. It’s nice we got like a ‘conclusion’ to the authors previous characters from the Oakwood Ranch series, but I wanted to see more of Flic and Grayson, especially 2/3 years down the line, seeing Flic in action with the team. I’m assuming there’s gonna be a book for Helena and Donny, and I am praying Bella will give us more Flic and Grey in that book. Also Bella… what are the twins names?? I feel like we still don’t know but we know Izzy’s baby was a little girl, called Molly.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Bella North for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️

It's probably my fault for reading something about a subject I'm really passionate about. I love football (almost all sports, really), and know a decent amount about the ownership and sponsorship processes for teams. From the get-go, this book lost me because its premise was so unrealistic (and honestly flat out wrong) that I kept getting snapped out of the story. In the book, Denver's NFL team is struggling and losing money, and a billionaire from New York buys the team to keep it afloat. The billionaire, Grayson, is rejected by the fans and the team *has to make it to the playoffs and win the Super Bowl* in order for the "sponsors to stay." This is completely ridiculous. There is not a single NFL team that is not insanely profitable. Literally not one. It *can't* happen because teams split the revenue from TV streaming/viewership. And the idea of sponsors abandoning a team because they didn't win the Super Bowl, even if they made it to the playoffs, is crazy. A team making the playoffs is a massive deal, especially for a team struggling like the one in this book, and sponsors would be *overjoyed* with even a first-round game.

Also, the idea that Grayson has to become involved with a fan who vouches for his intentions with the team? NFL owners have been through sexual assault scandals, racist hiring practices coming to light, and overall just being horrible people, and no one ever cares. There would never be this amount of outrage over the team switching hands. If the book were with a league other than the NFL, like some imagined football league, I would have been able to suspend my disbelief. But the author uses the NFL specifically, and I just could not get past the complete incorrectness of it all.

I know romance novels are not hyper-realistic, and I don't need them to be, but I just hated the plot points that came from a complete fabrication of parts of the NFL. If you aren't into football, or this sort of thing doesn't bother you, I think the story and the romance are good. There is third-act angst and some storylines that feel super manufactured for tension, which I am not a fan of.

Overall, I would not recommend this to football fans, but any readers who don't have NFL knowledge might really enjoy it.

[Tanisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Bella North through “Score to Settle,” and I really enjoyed that book and its characters. While I missed book two, “Game Over,” I was able to jump back in with “Playing for Keeps,” which I also enjoyed. Ever since then, I have been looking forward to seeing how this series would wrap up. I am always a fan of a good sports romance series, especially one that builds a strong cast of characters over multiple books, so I was excited to read the final installment.

I really enjoyed both Flic and Grayson. Flic has been a familiar face throughout the series, so I was happy to finally see her get her own happily ever after. Grayson, on the other hand, was a newer addition, and I liked that we got to meet him before knowing exactly who he was. That made their first interactions even more entertaining. Although Flic was understandably skeptical once she learned his connection to the team, I enjoyed watching her opinion of him slowly change as she got to know the man behind the reputation.

One of my favorite things about this book was how naturally the relationship developed. There is a major twist that could have easily pulled them apart, but instead it became an opportunity for both characters to grow and really figure out what mattered most. I genuinely wanted both of them to get everything they were hoping for, and for much of the book I honestly could not see how that was going to happen. I was pleasantly surprised by the way everything ultimately came together.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a satisfying conclusion to the series. My only real complaint was the epilogue. While I understand that it was designed to wrap up the entire series, I would have loved a little more time with Flic and Grayson specifically. They ended up being one of my favorite couples in the series, so I left wanting just one more glimpse into their future. Even so, this was a wonderful finale, and I am looking forward to seeing what Bella North writes next.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Cerian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flic has been a fun presence throughout the series - the badass sports bar owner and a die hard Seahawks football fan, who also happens to be besties with the Sullivans. I was thrilled when it became clear she’d be getting her own story, and with none other than the mysterious New York billionaire who’s swooped in to buy the beloved (and previously family-owned) Seahawks team. What nefarious motives does he have? Why does he want Flic’s help winning the fans over?? And why can’t Flic stop fantasising about his forearms???

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Grayson and Flic. It starts off pretty adversarial as Flic doesn’t trust Grayson as far as she can throw him, and he really doesn’t do much to help improve her first impression of him by accidentally blackmailing her into helping him with the Seahawks.
Grayson has a lot to overcome to win the trust of fans and sponsors as his family name precedes him. Grayson is desperate to prove he’s not his father though and frequently ignores his own wants to help others and try to make reparations through his own company.
Flic is completely focussed on keeping her struggling bar open and is closed off to new relationships, happy with the friendships and family she has in the Sullivans. But that independence masks a loneliness that she also recognises in Grayson.

I enjoyed the romance, but I did feel like a chunk of the its development happened off page, so as much as I enjoyed their dynamic, it didn’t quite reach that emotional depth that I would have loved to make it really sing.
I also felt like the plot was a little forced occasionally, particularly around Grayson’s backstory and his world in New York.

Saying that, I still throughly enjoyed this! It’s a quick, fun read with family dynamics that I adored. I was loving the peeks into the rest of the Sullivans’ lives and how they’d been there for Flic, and still rallied together. The book shined in those ensemble moments.
Plus, Grayson had some excellent forearm action going on in his button down shirts which is always a win.

*I received a review copy from the publisher - this is my honest opinion.

[TeMi · Rating 5 out of 5]

#5 Sealing the Deal By Bella North
Plot;
Flic is a struggling bar owner, rise has been going up and she had to release many of her employees. One day on the night of a Stormhawk game, a mysterious man comes in the bar and helps her out. It turns out to be Grayson, the New Yorker who bought the Stormhawks. Flic does not know this and remains in disguise about him. Due to Grayson's reputation, people believe that he wants to destroy the team. A few days later, Grayson buys the building where the bar is on and says that if Flic helps keep their reputation up, he will sign over the bar to her. At first Flic refuses but after having a family meeting and discussing it, Flic agrees. On Saturday Flic goes on Grayson’s private jet to Buffalo, Colorado for an away game. The Stormhawks win but Grayson misses the vital seconds whilst on a phone call. This leads to an argument between him and Flic. A few days later, Grayson has a talk with Flic and they rekindle their deal. Later that day, Grayson and Flic go to a sponsor meeting together. The next day, Grayson attends a family meeting with Flic. The next week, Grayson and Flic attend a another winning game together. A few days later, Grayson and Flic go to a family dinner. After returnignt to Grayson house after the dinner, Flic meets Grayson’s wife, Anna. That night, they let go of their walls. Days later, Grayson, Helena, and Flic attend the knockout stage and the Stormhawks win. Days later, the Stormhawks make their way towards the first round of the Super Bowl and win. This marks the day where the deal between Flic and Grayson ends and a few dyas later, Grayson gets appointed as the CEO of his dads company however, this makes his relationship with Flic strained. Months pass, and Helena becomes the CEO and Flic becomes a partial owner of the Seahawks

Good:
I liked the character development

Bad:
Grayson felt like a child


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was one of those reads that completely pulled me in, and I found it so hard to put down. Flic and Grayson were fantastic characters, and I really enjoyed getting to know them. They’ve both experienced difficult childhoods, and those experiences have had a huge impact on the people they’ve become and the choices they make as adults.

The attraction between them is there almost immediately, but neither is particularly willing to act on it. There are plenty of reasons for them to keep their distance, but as they’re eventually forced to spend more time together, they start to see beyond the surface. They recognize the vulnerabilities and insecurities the other tries so hard to hide, and that understanding slowly turns into genuine respect, admiration, and, eventually, something much deeper. Watching them realize what they could have together was absolutely swoon-worthy!

Their journey definitely isn’t without its challenges, but I loved how they gradually opened each other’s eyes to the possibility of a different kind of life—one that goes beyond the carefully constructed lives they’ve been living on their own.

It was also refreshing to read a sports romance where the main character isn’t actually a player. The characters felt mature and well-developed, which I really appreciated. I also didn’t realize when I started that this was part of an interconnected series. Thankfully, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment or make the story difficult to follow. This was my first book by Bella North, but it certainly won’t be my last. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of the series.

Overall, this was such a warm, uplifting, feel-good read. It had plenty of humor, loads of heart, a lovely found-family element, and strong character and plot development. I found myself smiling throughout and genuinely didn’t want it to end. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I would happily recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella North’s Sealing the Deal is an enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance that will make every reader swoon.

New York billionaire Grayson Ashbourne has just taken over Denver football team, the Stormhawks, and incurred the wrath of every single local in the laidback town. The community doesn’t take too kindly to strangers butting in and interfering in their business – and nobody is more angry than bar owner Flic Moore. To say that Flic is incandescent with rage would be an understatement. She cannot be in a room with Grayson for more than five seconds before she wants to hurl something at him. However, when Grayson comes to her with an offer she cannot refuse, she begins to wonder whether there is far more to the arrogant billionaire than meets the eye…

Grayson needs Flic’s help, so he comes up with the perfect plan: help him win over the fans and he’ll buy the premises of her bar outright and put the lease in her name. Flic will finally be free of landlords and rent hikes and all she has to do is talk him up a bit to the locals. It should be a relatively straight forward plan. Until it isn’t.

Forced into close proximity together, it doesn’t take long for temperatures to rise, tensions to escalate and for Grayson and Flic to start giving into temptation and indulging in a stolen kiss that could lead to so much more. Can this unlikely duo possibly even dare hope to have a future together? Can their insanely hot chemistry lead to something far deeper than either one of them was expecting? Or are there simply too many obstacles standing in their way?

Fun, flirty and feel-good, Sealing the Deal by Bella North is a sweet, sassy and spicy read romance readers will lap up in one sitting. Full of banter, humour, emotional intensity and red-hot romance, Sealing the Deal is a terrific tale with a dashing billionaire hero and a lovely heroine that readers will find absolutely impossible to resist.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sneha Jha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed *Sealing the Deal*! I’m always a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers romance, but what really stood out to me here was the dynamic between Flic and Grayson.
Flic was such a badass FMC. She was strong, outspoken, fiercely protective of her bar and her people, and had absolutely no problem standing up to Grayson. I loved that she never lost that side of herself just because she was falling for him.
And Grayson? 🥹 He was equally wonderful in his own way. I loved how loving, caring and almost *over-the-top kind* he was once we got past that ruthless billionaire exterior. He really went all in when it came to Flic and helping people in need, and watching that softer side of him come out was probably one of my favourite things about the book.

Their chemistry was SO good. The banter, the arguments, the tension and the way their relationship slowly shifted from enemies to something much deeper made their dynamic incredibly enjoyable. There were plenty of spicy moments 🔥 but I especially loved the sweetness and emotional connection underneath it all.

One thing I particularly loved about this story was the theme of found family. It beautifully showed how sometimes the people you choose can give you a sense of belonging, love and happiness that you may not always receive from your own family. Flic’s relationship with the people around her and the little community she had built felt just as important as the romance, and I really appreciated that.

Overall, this was such a fun, spicy and heartwarming read with a strong FMC, a loving MMC, great chemistry and a beautiful found-family element Flic and Grayson were a really enjoyable couple to follow, and I loved watching them find their way to each other.

If you love enemies-to-lovers, billionaire romance, strong FMCs, cinnamon-roll-ish MMCs, banter and plenty of spice, definitely give this one a try! ❤️🔥

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I genuinely think Bella North can read minds.
Because what do you mean I was literally thinking about Flic the other day, wondering what her story would be like only to open NetGalley and see that her book was available to request? It felt like fate.

And let me tell you - it did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved Flic's story. Getting to know her beyond being the beloved bar owner and honorary Sullivan sibling was such a joy. She's fierce, passionate, stubborn in all the right ways, endlessly loyal, and has such a huge heart. Watching her finally get her happily ever after made me ridiculously happy.

Then there's Grayson.
I adored him.

Seeing him transform from a guarded billionaire who kept everyone at arm's length into a man willing to do absolutely anything for the woman he loved was beautiful. He was so different from his father, constantly trying to do the right thing even when it wasn't easy, and that made me root for him even more.

But my favorite part of this book was the relationship itself. Flic and Grayson challenged each other, supported each other, and never stopped choosing each other. They were both strong-willed, yet willing to grow when it mattered. Their chemistry was incredible, but it was their emotional connection that completely stole my heart.

And can we talk about how happy this book made me? I swear I spent the entire time smiling. It was warm, funny, romantic, emotional, and exactly the kind of story I needed.

At this point, it's safe to say that I love Bella North's writing. Every book I've picked up from her has left me wanting more, and this one was no exception.

Also, I never thought I'd find myself celebrating the victory of a fictional football team, but here we are.

Go, Stormhawks. 💙🏈

[A.Onstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NETGALLEY and Bookouture for providing the ARC of Sealing the Deal by Bella North in exchange for an honest review.

Is there any trope better than a misunderstood billionaire? And anything better than hearing the FMC stress about finances when, as the reader, I just KNOW the billionaire will help with that later on?? Oh, I know, Flic is an independent woman who can handle her own life, but man, as someone who always stresses about money, let me enjoy that Grayson is going to help and that her money problems will be over.

While this is not listed as part of the Oakwood Ranch series (maybe it will be listed as book four eventually), I highly recommend readers begin with Score to Settle and read that series first. This would mean readers who appreciate the FULL story and cast of characters that will appear prominently in this story.

Grayson is the new owner of the NFL team that the Sullivan boys play for and the team that Flic (a local bar owner) is completely loyal to. However, Grayson is seen as the ruthless billionaire who bought the team only to tear it apart. Of course, we learn early on that this is not his plan, and he needs the help of ‘influencer’ Flic to help turn the tide of local sentiment in order to keep the team safely in Colorado.

What I adore about Bella North’s books is that she not only develops the romance, but she also creates scenes among the family and friends groups too. As a reader, I often feel just like another customer at the Hay Barn or another worker at the ranch, or if I'm lucky, a guest at a dinner with Mama.

I don’t use the word ‘cozy’ often to describe books, but that term really fits Bella North. Yes, there is some drama, but it’s nothing that would completely destroy readers or make them angry or sad or devastated. Her stories are just delightful stories of love and family and friendship.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe that it was only a year ago that I was introduced to this author and this amazing series - and yet, I'm back already with the fourth book in the Oakwood Ranch series and I couldn't wait to head back into this world again.

I've absolutely had the best time with the first three books and seen the characters of this small town grow and find love - but overseeing it all so far has been sports bar owner and Stormhawks super fan Flic.
She's seen the team and fans through highs and lows and now this is all at risk as a new owner heads into town - and his reputation for ruining businesses is proceeding him!

For us the reader, it's pretty clear to see that new owner, Grayson, is not the same kind of businessman as his father - Grayson is here to help, but convincing the fans, and Flic, is going to take some doing!

This was a great storyline and although I was pretty sure where this would all head, I had this constant nagging feeling that poor Flic and Grayson might never make it work, especially given the logistics and then the extra baggage around them to work through.

Although Grayson's initial proposition could definitely have been seen as manipulation, I was pretty sure he'd come good in the end - but this was such a rollercoaster.

I loved the interactions with everyone at Oakwood - especially Maddie - and it was great to see how our previous couples were getting on too.
Another cause for stress along the way, but I really enjoyed seeing all the threads come together nicely towards the end.

I absolutely love this series and it's so easy to keep coming back and immersing myself in the banter and homely embrace of the ranch.
Although this read is a little more removed from the ranch itself, I would still say that for the character development lines, read this whole series in order - you won't be sorry!

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot properly express how happy it makes me that Flic finally got her own book and her own love story. I’m a big fan of this series and Flic was always the background character that you knew had so much potential to lead her own story, and I’m so glad it happened! I also appreciate that all the other characters we know and love from the series make appearances as well.

Sealing the Deal follows Flic, Stormhawks superfan, who runs a bar and just happens to be really close with some members of the team and their extended families. The team is under new ownership, and everyone is concerned what that means not only for the team, but for the town as a whole, as they’ve all heard stories about how the new owner does business.

Grayson is trying to get away from his father’s company and reputation and has built a life where he’s extremely well off and the new owner of the Stormhawks. He ends up at Flic’s bar and helps out behind the bar when she’s swamped, despite not having any idea what he’s doing. She’s annoyed but slightly charmed by him, until she later finds out who he is.

Grayson needs Flic in order to sway public opinion over to his side, which he desperately needs, and has very little time to do it in. In exchange, he took over ownership of her bar (and every other business around it) and promises to let her run it her way, and decreasing her rent in the process.

I will say that I didn’t like this as much as the Oakwood Ranch series. I can’t exactly put my finger on it, but it felt like something was missing.

That being said, I did still really enjoy it! It also kind of felt like there are others who were introduced in this book that could end up getting their own stories as well, and I will be sat for each and every one!

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am always up for a football themed sports romance. I requested this on NetGalley, got approved, but by my own mistake, I did not manage to listen to it before it got archived. So I used my audible credit once the book got released.

This is a solid 3,5 half star but I had to round it down to 3. I liked the idea when the MMC is a new majority owner of a football team but knows nothing about football while the FMC is a sports bar owner who knows her ball.
With books like these, I cannot help myself and always have to think about how logical and realistic they are (being a football fan myself, I just cannot turn my brain off). At first, I was sceptical because surely, other football owners would not allow someone who would want to "destroy" the team among them. Every new owner must be approved by the current owners in real life. I also did not quite understand, what the FMC and the fans were afraid of. They mentioned selling current star players and "forcing" rookies to play. This is a normal football thing. Once the team cannot afford the star players, they let them go. And the rookies are not that bad. But in the end, the MMC was not the ruthless businessman that everybody thought him to be, so I will not hold this against the author.
My "problem" was that I did not feel the chemistry between the MCs. Yes, this was supposed to be "from supposed enemies to reluctant allies to lovers" but I just did not feel the tension. Even though the spicy scene happened after the 50% mark of the book, the love confession seemed rushed. Still the plot was quite unique, because we usually get a football player plus a football clueless woman, or a woman owner plus football player. Unfortunately, I was not swept away by the romance, hence 3,5 stars. It is still a solid sports romance book.

Both audiobook narrators did a good job. Book in duet style.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

✒️ Quick Thoughts & Rating
Cowboys, billionaires, and football, oh my! Sealing the Deal packs it all into a fast-paced romance.

📖 The Setup
Flic owns a football sports bar in Denver, while Grayson is a New York billionaire who recently bought the Denver Stormhawks. But his last name is the problem and the destruction that follows him everywhere because of his father. But he needs Flic’s help, and Flic needs something from him as well, so a deal is made.

🔍 The Deep Dive
✨ What Worked
* Characters: The characters really felt well-rounded, and the connections felt real. I was invested right away. Especially since Grayson has a need for helping people, while Flic is fiercely independent.
* Dialogue: The dialogue was strong with the characters. It felt natural and kept the plot moving.
* Spice: There were some spicy scenes. But it did not dominate the entire book. A solid 3 chili peppers on he spice scale. 🌶️🌶️🌶️

⚠️ What Didn’t Click
* Pacing: The pacing was fast, but some of the scenes could have been longer. A couple of scenes, like Grayson’s reaction to Flic’s studio apartment, would have been interesting to see.

💭 Final Verdict & Recommendations
Sealing the Deal is a fast-paced read that is absolutely perfect for fans who love football and opposites attract. To get the full picture of the various characters’ relationships mentioned in the book, it’s recommended to read the Oakwood Ranch series by Bella North.