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Off the Pitch #3

Final Score

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Can one perfect night lead to more?

Jordan Green is too busy for a relationship. With the World Cup looming, his focus is on making the England team, not finding someone to spend his life with. His friends may be settling down, but Jordan’s had enough of planning weddings. All he wants is some fun, and Félix is the perfect person for that… even if he is his boss’s brother.

Félix Trossero is not looking for love. Or a relationship. Or anything beyond tomorrow morning. He’s rich, he’s handsome and he’s incredibly happy with his playboy lifestyle. He doesn’t want anything else. That is, until he runs into one of his former flings at his brother’s football club.

Neither of them want commitment, but neither of them can resist their connection. While Félix is forced to deal with his past, Jordan must face his worst fears. Will they put their hearts on the line for one final score?

Final Score is a 77,000-word contemporary gay romance featuring an age gap relationship, hidden restaurants, unicorn slime and a public declaration of love. It is book three in the Off the Pitch series and should be read as part of the series.

381 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2020

18 people are currently reading
193 people want to read

About the author

Charlie Novak

63 books592 followers
Charlie lives in England with her husband and a dachshund named Biscuit. She spends most of her days wrangling other people’s words in her day job and then trying to force her own onto the page in the evening.

She loves cute stories with a healthy dollop of fluff, plenty of delicious sex, and happily ever afters – because the world needs more of them. Charlie also believes that love comes in all shapes and sizes.

Charlie has very little spare time, but what she does have she fills with cooking, pole-dancing, reading and ice-hockey. She also thinks that everyone should have at least one favourite dinosaur…

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5 stars
128 (48%)
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98 (37%)
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32 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,721 followers
April 19, 2020
4.5 Stars!

Really enjoyed this one a lot. Thanks for the rec Lili!

Sports
Likable characters - main and secondary
Low angst and drama
Goooood steam
Nice banter and dialogue

Definite win from a new to me author! Recommended read for sure and I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
Profile Image for AngelFire.
765 reviews50 followers
did-not-finish
January 20, 2023
DNF @ 28%. No rating.

This was way too generic for me and I'm already skimming despite not having read a lot, so it's not my cup of tea. There was nothing interesting or unique about the characters, tropes or the plotlines. This is exactly what some people want in their romance books, but not me. In addition, the sex scenes used a lot of porn dialog, which annoyed me and Jordan's main personality trait being a horny horndog whose brain melts at the thought/sight of Felix's oh-so-special cock made it clear that this isn't for me.
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,878 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2020
Jordan and Felix have chemistry with a capital. Both not into relationships only hookups. So when they hook up it was like a firework. Afterward enough material to work with when they were alone again.

The surprise was great when Jordan understands Felix is his boss’s brother and Felix understands Jordan is on Lucas his football team and is the Jordan Green.

They hook up more than once and it’s getting better and better, breaking their own rules every time. They're getting so fond of each other, in a way where they will keep in touch. Eyes and smirks full of promises, delicious promises!

Joking about all the lovesick friends around them and never do something like that they didn’t notice what was happening between them, right in front of them.

Felix living all around the world is even looking for a place to live in the same town as... yes Jordan! Unconsciously!

“He needed me. Nobody had ever needed me before”

Two dirty-mouthed guys they are. Turning each other on in places where it’s inappropriate. They get addicted to each other fast, and that’s the last thing they both want. How to uncut themselves from... both were even thinking about ghosting the other but the attraction was too strong.

I loved these guys, adorable, lovable, besides they were hot af, they were kind, considerate, tentative, they were warm and full of love, sweet and very loyal.
Big dirty-mouthed with even bigger hearts full of compassion and love.

Dang, I loved this story hard! Awesomely written, with a lot of passion and with great content!
A winner for sure!

Highly recommended
Profile Image for .Lili. .
1,275 reviews277 followers
April 9, 2020


Now, this is how you end a series. Final Score by Charlie Novak is the third and final book in Off the Pitch series. While I enjoyed the first two, Breakaway and Extra Time, I must say Final Sore is my favorite one.

-Dual POVs
-Great protagonists
-15 year age gap. While it was touched upon, it was never a huge deal and never became a big crutch in the relationship.
-Steamy
-No unnecessary drama
-A little hurt/comfort
-OFY
-Casual to more. The relationship development reminded me of Lane Hayes' style.

I loved this book, and I could see growth in the author's writing.

I can't wait to see what other books Charlie Novak writes.

4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,016 reviews446 followers
March 31, 2022
Jordan and Félix are definitely my favourite couple out of the series, although I do still adore both Christian and David, as well as Hugo and Kit.

But there's something about an age gap romance that always gets me emotionally invested, especially when it's one like this that starts off as just a one-night encounter.

These two are beyond hot too, and there's a connection beyond just the sex, they're each more content and relaxed in each other's company.

Low angst, a decent percentage of footie stuff mixed in with the relationship development and it's a win all round.
Profile Image for Dani.
1,707 reviews336 followers
January 7, 2023
Favourite couple of the series. Love how Jordan had absolutely no fear and just ploughed ahead full steam.

Definitely feel good, low angst - just wish this was the reality for LGBTQ people in sports because it should be!
Profile Image for Ivy.
422 reviews12 followers
April 7, 2020
I loved this book. I was intrigued by Jordan and I wanted to know more about him, I wasn’t disappointed at all.
Jordan met Felix at Liam’s wedding, his best friend. Both men didn’t know who they were when they hooked up in a memorable night. When Jordan understood that Felix was his coach's little brother, He knew he was in trouble, especially since both men didn’t want to end what they have.
I loved this book, it was beautiful and very emotional, I read the 3 books in this series, but Jordan and Felix are the only one who made me cried. It wasn’t too much, it was fair and sober, and I really loved how the characters and their feeling are developed.
I had a wonderful time in this series, and I will miss the guys. The author did a great job with her characters, they grow up in your heart and it’s difficult to say goodbye.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,065 reviews93 followers
April 7, 2020
This was a pretty perfect ending to a really good series. It had a lot of things I really like, age gap, friends with benefits to love, out for you, and a whole lot of steam! There was very little angst, and what we did have really occurred outside of the relationship, which I so appreciate. It was great to see the characters I loved from the past two books (although I could always use more Kit), but even better to see these two get a really good HEA, even if both thought they weren’t looking for it.
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,685 reviews51 followers
March 24, 2021
Final Score is the third book in the Off the Pitch serie by Charlie Novak. This book is about Jordan and Félix. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy and very well written.
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
May 4, 2020
4.5 delectably sweet and steamy stars

This story was so much awesome. I'm sad to see the series end, but it's one that I'd actually go back and re-read from the beginning. Each one is so wonderfully connected to the rest and yet separate enough to know that each pairing has their own story independent of the sport and team they share. The lives of the men are just as interesting as their romance and this addition to the series is no different.

Jordan is the feel-good friend that is comfortable with his role, his job, and his decision to keep a certain aspect of his life private. It's not in shame, which I totally appreciate, it's for a deeper reason that resonates and is believable. The way he comes out is absolutely in character for him and I really enjoyed the moment. While it shifted the spotlight and could have been interpreted as a bit selfish and more than a little ill-thought spontaneity, it worked for all the characters involved because of who they all are, their comfort levels, and Jordan knowing both what's in his heart and what his friends needed in that moment. There's something wonderfully insightful about him that endears him to me even more. I genuinely liked him.

Felix was a little more difficult to fall in love with right away because the chip on his shoulder made him seem a bit more defensive and a little to callous with his playboy attitude. That quickly went away after we see him become fascinated by Jordan. There were no other partners once they came to an understanding, even if exclusivity wasn't discussed. It was a bit of an insecurity and concern on an individual basis regarding their thoughts of commitment from one another, but it wasn't actually something to worry about. Having both POV's was super helpful in alleviating any concerns I had as a reader about this.

Their conflict was more of the heart and reconciling not only their feelings for one another, but their feelings regarding the sport that is so much a part of their lives. Watching Felix come to terms with his own past was really wonderful and his openness with Jordan was exactly what both men needed. Jordan's situation was unexpected and yet a fantastic way to connect both men and see how connected both of their hearts had become.

I think what I loved most about this story was the fact that the angst was kept at a minimum, the conflict was believable, and both men were captivating on their own before they came together for some seriously steamy awesomeness and balanced it all with tender feels. The only reason it wasn't 5 stars was because I generally hand those out for all the reasons listed above but including humor...better still if that humor makes me laugh out loud in real life and necessitates putting my reader down so I can have that laugh.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,921 reviews27 followers
April 9, 2020
I just loved this book, in fact the whole series! This is the third book in the series and while the story does stand alone you will appreciate it so much better if you read the first two books first. Characters from those books appear in this book and understanding the history will help you understand these characters.

The MCs in this book are Jordan, a professional soccer player (football for the non Americans in the room!) and Felix, a wealthy businessman that Jordan meets in a bar during his friend Liam’s wedding. Jordan plays for Greenwich which is the team the MCs in books one and two play for.

Neither Jordan nor Felix are looking for relationships and figure they had a great one night stand though neither can help thinking of the other. Unbeknownst to them they have a person in common and thus run into each other again two months later and cue the “it’s just sex” trope. Being a romance we all know the trajectory of the story. It’s a really sweet story and the way the relationship develops and the way they each come to realize their feelings for each other is really nicely done.

The story arc moves well and the character development is great. I really felt like I knew these characters and really rooted hard for them to get their HEA. The conflicts in the story feel real and the drama is not over the top. The crisis moment is something I would so love to see happen in real life. It’s not really a crisis per se, just the big dramatic point of the story. The story, while dealing with some heavy stories and feelings is pretty low angst. This was a great read and I’m sorry to see the series come to an end. Highly recommend this book and the series.

**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review.**
Profile Image for Kirk.
358 reviews
April 1, 2020
Who doesn’t love a romance where the protagonists are convinced they’re only in it for the sex, and have zero interest in a relationship or those pesky things called feelings? Jordan and Félix are at different stages in their lives; Jordan’s a young pro footballer with the pinnacle of his career yet to come, and Félix is a successful entrepreneur, rich, but also restless. He’s older than Jordan and at a crossroads in his life. When they meet for a hook-up, they’re determined that it’s a once only deal, but they—by chance—meet again, and going forward see that they’re not as immune as they first thought. This is what I loved about their journey, the way they were slowly blindsided by each other. These were such great characters who I really cared about as they were inherently good men who deserved every happiness. A big shout-out to Lucas and the Greenwich team, what a kickass group of guys with such great camaraderie who stood by, and also stood up for each other which made this a cracking feel good story (and don’t get me started on Christian and David *insert happy tears*). We get some strong women characters too in Lily and Lara who would be amazing girlfriends to hang out with and have on your side, rooting for you. I loved this instalment and it’s a perfect way to finish this amazing series.
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
April 10, 2020
Final Score, the third book in Charlie Novak's Off the Pitch series, is an awesome out for you romance.

If you appreciate books that start with a hook-up, you'll enjoy this hot one. Jordan's a closeted bisexual football/soccer player. After hooking up with the wealthy Felix in a hotel bar, suddenly everything changes. As they end up seeing one another again, things get more personal. And I genuinely love it all.

Jordan and Felix make a cute couple with an alluring fifteen year age gap. Their relationship is intriguing as they go from hooking up to falling in love, despite neither wanting a relationship at the start.

Distance makes for a entertaining factor in this story, as one is from London, the other from Australia.

I love the writing, which is no surprise, as this whole series is splendid. Both men are well explored, both as individuals and as a couple. The character development is supreme, the pace is pleasant, and the steam is dazzling. The banter is amusing, especially Felix's antics with his nieces.

Final Score is a great romance by Charlie Novak. This is a perfect book when you're in the mood for a feel good read. Despite dealing with some tough issues, the overall feel is light. In fact, the whole series is well worth a read, so be sure to check it out.

Profile Image for Emily Hernandez.
1,412 reviews19 followers
April 1, 2021
(review from the complete collection)

Jordan and Felix's romance was fantastically steamy, and though I don't always love it when characters jump into bed right away it really worked for these two. Their chemistry was off-the-charts, and the whole "mysterious stranger one-night-stand" had me incredibly curious to figure out who Felix was. After a twist of circumstances brought the two of them into regular contact with each other, I knew it was only a matter of time until their no-strings-fling turned into something deeper. The more time they spent learning each other's bodies, the more I saw their relationship grow beyond its "no feelings" boundaries. It made my heart soar to see Felix and Jordan start to share their lives with each other, confide their deepest secrets, and consider what an actual relationship would look like between them. I wish it hadn't taken a devastating incident to make the two of them realize they were in love with each other, but as quickly as my heart broke it also healed to see the two of them comfort and support each other. Between the adorable epilogue and the bonus vacation short story, there's no doubt in my mind that Felix and Jordan are still as head-over-heels for each other as they were in that pivotal moment.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,565 reviews48 followers
April 11, 2020
I really enjoyed the second book in this series because of the two main characters. They were well written, well rounded, nice men (I consider that a compliment) and dealt with real life problems. Those same things were true about the characters in this book although there is a bit more action around the football arena in this story than in that one due to the nature of the plot. I am not a sports fan, but if you are not, don't let that stop you from taking up this series. You will have everything you need to know explained and the focus isn't on the sport but on the people. I love the trope of the memorable, one night stand who coincidentally turns back up in your life later and can't stay in that "just sex" pigeonhole. That is this book to a T, combined with an age difference, and the playboy who meets his forever person. This one checked so many boxes for me. Jordan and Felix were wonderful characters, decent men and the angst level was just high enough to make for dramatic situations and some complications without destroying your heart. In this incredibly stressful time if you want a great read about some wonderful people finding true love, this is one you should not miss!
Profile Image for Rock N Read.
253 reviews8 followers
March 26, 2020
Loved, loved, loved Jordan and Felix's story!

When a chance encounter turns into heavy denial in the form of [acquaintances] with benefits and finally into a real relationship. These characters were fun to journey with. From the hottest first meeting ever to their ridiculous denial of their own feelings, to straight-up "ignore it and it's not real" attitudes.

This book has all the sports love, out-for-you themes, sexual tensions, plenty of steam and a big HEA.

I have loved everything Charlie Novak has written and Final Score is no exception. Even with the drama and angst, I still found myself swooning over some of the ways Felix loves Jordan.

And as always from my reviews, my top quotes of the book:

"My resolve cracked a little further, like a frozen lake being tested, and the desire to get to know him a little more bubbled up between the fissures."

"I was breaking all my own rules. Rules I'd specifically put in place to protect myself, and here I was, ignoring all of them for some guy with a cute smile and a fantastic butt."

"There was vodka on his lips and heat in every kiss. He was mine and I was his, and together we were each other's one and only."
Profile Image for Sarita Chapdelaine.
1,251 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2020
Final Score is an amazing addition to the Off the Pitch series and as it is the final book we get a very satisfying ending that includes all three of the couples. It is well written, emotional, sweet, funny, super sexy, I love the characters and there is little to no angst between the MC's which I really like. Jordan and Felix are very different but they also have a lot in common in spite of their fifteen year age difference. They have a strong connection, smoking hot chemistry and they are both convinced that they don't want a relationship. As they spend more time together as well as text a lot when they are apart their feelings start to change but neither of them really knows how to communicate what they want and need from the other. Jordan is an absolute sweetheart and I love how he faces adversity and dealing with coming out. Felix is wonderful as well and he is so supportive and strong when Jordan needs him. I love both of their families, the secondary characters are great and I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ζωή Παππά.
Author 3 books29 followers
April 4, 2020
Jordan is a footballer and all he dreams is making it to the England team for the World Cup. Félix is a gorgeous, rich playboy. The two of them meet at a bar and have what they think is a one night stand. But Félix is actually Jordan’s coach younger brother so they end up meeting again. After that they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Their relationship slowly evolves and like Jordan would say they catch feelings.
Both characters were wonderful and their growth was beautiful. I love reading about age gap relationships, Félix and Jordan worked so well together, they made me feel warm and fuzzy. I enjoy the author’s writing style very very much. This book can be read as standalone but you should totally read the other two books, they’re also amazing.
I’m really not ready to let go of the series and the characters, I had so much fun with them!

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,406 reviews22 followers
April 7, 2020
I have absolutely adored this series, and this instalment was no exception! Jordan finally gets his HEA, and what a wonderful ride it was. Not looking for anything serious, Jordan sees the perfect opportunity to have an incredibly steamy hook up with the gorgeous guy he meets - the older, and successful entrepreneur, Felix. Meeting again by chance throws them both for a loop because it's clear they can't ignore the magnetism between them. From there, it's just a lovely journey with all the inevitable feels and sweetness, some hurt/comfort, a touch of angst and drama, and finally, a perfectly heartfelt out-for-you public declaration. Oh, and don't even get me started on getting to see more of Christian and David because I am still not over this couple and they continue to make me cry all the happy tears!
Profile Image for jennrubenstein.
148 reviews9 followers
April 12, 2020
I loved everything about this story

I've been clamoring for Jordan's story since the first book in this series! I loved everything about this story, how it intertwined with Christian, Liam, and Hugo; from when Jordan first meets Félix and through their fumbling early "relationship." Then, without my even realizing how invested I'd become, it punched me in the face emotionally, and I was devastated. I actually had to put it down for a bit just to process how upset I was. But once I'd done that, I realized it wasn't manipulative of the reader, it was simply a sign of how well done this story is, that Jordan and Félix become real, their joys and sorrows become real, and we as the reader feel that right along with them. I love the soccer in this book (as in the books that precede it) and highly recommend reading the series in order.
Profile Image for Grace.
3,355 reviews217 followers
May 15, 2020
My favorite of the series! The pacing seemed much tighter in this one than the first two, and I do appreciate that all of the relationships and dynamics have been very different and unique. This one hit a lot of my buttons! This series is pretty low angst, but I thought the level of conflict here was decent, and I actually appreciated the approach and the lack of manufactured angst that I often see with similar storylines. I also LOVED
499 reviews
April 10, 2020
Oh my gosh! I adored this book! The entire series so far is incredible but this one is just fantastic!
Jordan is just adorable, he comes across as a great friend, a brilliant footballer, a complete laugh and just lovely. Felix is older, more jaded, a playboy, but funny and loving.
The story of the two of them just had me routing for them, I so wanted everything to turn out perfectly and it totally did! The secondary characters were fab, the added kids were amusing and the love and friendship between everyone shone through.
The story flowed brilliantly, it had twists and turns to keep you griped, it had passion and romance and had a happily ever after. Just perfect!
913 reviews21 followers
April 13, 2020
Fabulous series!

Oh how I loved this series! All 3 books were phenomenal and Final Score was no exception. Jordan and Felix were smoking hot together, this book was definitely much steamier than the 1st 2, but it fit perfectly with these 2 guys. Their relationship started with a hookup and then grew from there...neither realized what they needed until they had fallen in love with other, it was wonderful! All the cast of side characters were back and the dynamic between this group of friends and family was so amazing. I loved everything about this series and cannot wait for more from this author!
722 reviews11 followers
April 18, 2020
First I read in series

I didn't read first two in series but had no trouble with this as a standalone. To be honest, I was slow to get into this one...couldn't connect with either character or see their connection. That does change after a big event in Jordan's life that Felix shows up to support. I guess that is when it seemed like there was blossoming love. Lots of steamy scenes with some dirty talk...which I normally love but in this case it didn't drive the relationship. Strong if a little OTT finish...really wanted to see coach's response. I enjoyed the epilogue as well.
8 reviews
May 22, 2020
Jordan Green is living a busy life. He has to worry about relationship and sports. Even though the people you love are most important, right now Jordan is feeling pressure. He is trying to make the England team. He needs to have some fun, and he finds the right person for that.

I liked this book because it involved sports. Not only that, it involved a very anxious story that made me keep thinking throughout it.

I learned that sometimes in my life, I just need to take a break from something I am stressing about.
This book reminded me of my life because I played on a sports team once and had other things to worry about too.
Profile Image for Coline Peterson.
623 reviews6 followers
April 7, 2020
What a great finale to a wonderful series, loved each and everyone of these books, who can all be read as stand alones but are so much more fun when read as a series. Jordan loves his  life being a footballer with awesome team mates and friends, he has been discovering himself and his likes in his personal life, but never along the way did he ever expect to meet Felix. Neither guy was looking for a serious relationship way to many people to pick up out in the world why settle for just one. But somewhere along the way their hook up turned into a relationship and now where do we go from here.
Profile Image for Rachel.
224 reviews
March 29, 2021
Holy Hilarity and Hotness!! I can’t express how much I adored Final Score by Charlie Novak. I absolutely loved this what should have been a one-night stand/age-gap romance. I giggled the entire time while reading this book that was full of humour, emotion, swoon-worthy moments, and steamy scenes, it has all the feels, and it was easy to get lost in the story of Jordan and Felix. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down, it ended way too soon. I love the ease of Charlie’s writing style, it was easy to pick up the book and not want to put it down.
Profile Image for ML.
1,626 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2020
Félix and Jordan were both committed to being uncommitted. Funny how love sneaks in.

This is the 3rd book in the series and it is my favorite. The chemistry between these two will melt your brain.
SO HOT! There is a sweetness too.

The secondary character game was strong too. From Nan, to Liam.

I’m sad to see this universe end.
There’s always re-reads though.

I highly recommend this series!
758 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2020
I loved Final Score. I just thought Felix and Jordan are adorable, their meet-cute combustible and their story was so sweet. I also liked that the story was about their lives separate from each other too. I loved the interaction between the other soccer players and the connection between Felix and Jordan that was unexpected. I thought it was a great pace, lots of heat and great sex. They were a great couple and I totally recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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