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Endgame
Audrey Caplan knew what she wanted. It was simple, really: get the spot as captain of her college soccer team, and focus on school. That was it, and with her aptitude for structure and discipline, it'd be easy to ignore distractions. At least it would've been if Morgan Bailey hadn't shown up. If there was one thing Audrey's bulletproof restraint wasn't prepared for, it was an annoying, adorable show-off with a heart of gold.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 20, 2020
This is only the second book I've read by this author, though I've owned three other books for a while. And rather enjoyed the one book I had read (giving that one a rating of 5 stars). I mention that because I cannot say if this is similar/different/etc. to other works by the author. I just know the other book I read was an outright fantasy, while this is a romance mixed with sports.
This is a solo point of view book about two people who are seniors in college. Presumably around 22 years of age (one has their age given). The point of view character in the book, Audrey Caplan, has worked hard to put themselves into position to be captain of their soccer team. She's annoyed when she learns that, this week when the coach makes a decision on team captain, that the 'new girl' has put their name in as captain. That being Morgan Bailey.
Audrey is an introvert, likes being in control, and doesn't like . . . being embarrassed (for example, will dance, but only if in a huge crowd wherein no one is looking at her). We, the readers, are seeing Morgan through Audrey's eyes, but she appears to be more of an extrovert, one who spends the beginning of the book going out of her way to try to befriend Audrey.
They have a kind of cute 'becoming friends' segment at the start of the book; both with the knowledge that 'Audrey doesn't do that'. As in, date teammates. Because of drama and stuff. Which she knows about since she'd recently been dumped by her girlfriend and is quite . . . emotional about it still (in the very very beginning of the book, and then in flashes thereafter).
Good solid characterization. Good solid plot. Great interesting story. Sexually explicit. Could never remember what state they were in, but that's probably my own fault. Good side-characters.
Rating: 5.0
May 20 2020
This is a solo point of view book about two people who are seniors in college. Presumably around 22 years of age (one has their age given). The point of view character in the book, Audrey Caplan, has worked hard to put themselves into position to be captain of their soccer team. She's annoyed when she learns that, this week when the coach makes a decision on team captain, that the 'new girl' has put their name in as captain. That being Morgan Bailey.
Audrey is an introvert, likes being in control, and doesn't like . . . being embarrassed (for example, will dance, but only if in a huge crowd wherein no one is looking at her). We, the readers, are seeing Morgan through Audrey's eyes, but she appears to be more of an extrovert, one who spends the beginning of the book going out of her way to try to befriend Audrey.
They have a kind of cute 'becoming friends' segment at the start of the book; both with the knowledge that 'Audrey doesn't do that'. As in, date teammates. Because of drama and stuff. Which she knows about since she'd recently been dumped by her girlfriend and is quite . . . emotional about it still (in the very very beginning of the book, and then in flashes thereafter).
Good solid characterization. Good solid plot. Great interesting story. Sexually explicit. Could never remember what state they were in, but that's probably my own fault. Good side-characters.
Rating: 5.0
May 20 2020
May 17, 2020
Another new author for me, so I had no expectations.
This is a young adult sports romance and I think Reed did a good job. Even when I’m much older than the MCs I can remember how I felt at 22. How sometimes you make a bold move and in the next moment you are shy or embarrassed about it. I liked how the author showed the insecurities young people are facing.
Introvert college student Audrey has two big goals at the beginning of the soccer season, first becoming team captain and then winning the championship. But with the new forward arriving shortly before the season starts, she got competition for her first goal. Morgen is an art student and a competitive soccer player who would like to be a team captain too, but she knows her chances are small as the new kid in town. At first, there was their rivalry which changed pretty fast into friendship and then some more. I wouldn’t name it insta-love, it took them a few days to start spending time together and acknowledge the attraction they felt. They took their relationship slower as many others would have done, they didn’t just jump into bed.
It’s written from Audrey’s POV. Audrey has still some issues with the break-up-reason her former girlfriend told her. Since then, she's been self-doubting that she would be good enough for Morgan or any other new girlfriend. Morgan is a sweetheart, more outgoing and talkative than Audrey, and sometimes challenging her. But she has some demons to fight too, regarding her family. I really how they acted and talked with each other and her honesty. Their chemistry was great and the romance beautiful. Soccer is the main theme but not excessively, you don’t need to be a big soccer fan to read this novel. The author did a good job of showing a little of the team spirit that prevails in a good team and some training and game situations.
As it is in real life too, there is not always sunshine and laugher, sometimes there are some crises you have to overcome. And to find a solution is not always easy, sometimes it comes with heartache and you have to face your insecurities to see if there is a solution. The conflict was real and I could totally understand Audrey’s anxiety and also how Morgan reacted. As we all know in a relationship it needs trust and honesty, otherwise sooner or later it will go south.
The only complaint I have is, the end was a bit rushed, the solution was good but I would have been happy if it could have lasted a few more pages.
A solid sweet young adult sports romance
My rating 4 stars
This is a young adult sports romance and I think Reed did a good job. Even when I’m much older than the MCs I can remember how I felt at 22. How sometimes you make a bold move and in the next moment you are shy or embarrassed about it. I liked how the author showed the insecurities young people are facing.
Introvert college student Audrey has two big goals at the beginning of the soccer season, first becoming team captain and then winning the championship. But with the new forward arriving shortly before the season starts, she got competition for her first goal. Morgen is an art student and a competitive soccer player who would like to be a team captain too, but she knows her chances are small as the new kid in town. At first, there was their rivalry which changed pretty fast into friendship and then some more. I wouldn’t name it insta-love, it took them a few days to start spending time together and acknowledge the attraction they felt. They took their relationship slower as many others would have done, they didn’t just jump into bed.
It’s written from Audrey’s POV. Audrey has still some issues with the break-up-reason her former girlfriend told her. Since then, she's been self-doubting that she would be good enough for Morgan or any other new girlfriend. Morgan is a sweetheart, more outgoing and talkative than Audrey, and sometimes challenging her. But she has some demons to fight too, regarding her family. I really how they acted and talked with each other and her honesty. Their chemistry was great and the romance beautiful. Soccer is the main theme but not excessively, you don’t need to be a big soccer fan to read this novel. The author did a good job of showing a little of the team spirit that prevails in a good team and some training and game situations.
As it is in real life too, there is not always sunshine and laugher, sometimes there are some crises you have to overcome. And to find a solution is not always easy, sometimes it comes with heartache and you have to face your insecurities to see if there is a solution. The conflict was real and I could totally understand Audrey’s anxiety and also how Morgan reacted. As we all know in a relationship it needs trust and honesty, otherwise sooner or later it will go south.
The only complaint I have is, the end was a bit rushed, the solution was good but I would have been happy if it could have lasted a few more pages.
A solid sweet young adult sports romance
My rating 4 stars
May 7, 2020
I wanted to read Breaking Legacies before Endgame but then a bird, very kindly I might add, nudged me towards this one. Farah, the timing couldn't have been any better! Thanks again 💙
So the blurb doesn't say much, which is actually smart. It's a college romance people. Anyway, I generally love the whole 'got off on the wrong foot' trope. Makes for a really interesting chemistry between the characters. Reed's previous works dictates the MCs having it in spades. This pair so did not disappoint. I was a happy camper really. The initial hiccup, the tentative friendship, the build up towards something more.. It all worked well. They made for a seriously adorable couple.
Though soccer is a main part of the story, there was nothing too intense about it. Just enough to keep your attention. Main highlight instead was the mature way the author managed to portray insecurities within our MCs. Both of them had a set of issues to deal with and they didn't just vanish away as they got together. The inevitable conflict was very relatable infact. I can personally relate to the level of insecurity in one of the MCs so it was great to read that it's not something messed up that happens to select few. That's one of the reasons I love books so much. They have a way of reminding the introvert in me that it's okey and and that I'll figure it out, eventually.
I enjoyed reading this book and totally recommend it.
So the blurb doesn't say much, which is actually smart. It's a college romance people. Anyway, I generally love the whole 'got off on the wrong foot' trope. Makes for a really interesting chemistry between the characters. Reed's previous works dictates the MCs having it in spades. This pair so did not disappoint. I was a happy camper really. The initial hiccup, the tentative friendship, the build up towards something more.. It all worked well. They made for a seriously adorable couple.
Though soccer is a main part of the story, there was nothing too intense about it. Just enough to keep your attention. Main highlight instead was the mature way the author managed to portray insecurities within our MCs. Both of them had a set of issues to deal with and they didn't just vanish away as they got together. The inevitable conflict was very relatable infact. I can personally relate to the level of insecurity in one of the MCs so it was great to read that it's not something messed up that happens to select few. That's one of the reasons I love books so much. They have a way of reminding the introvert in me that it's okey and and that I'll figure it out, eventually.
I enjoyed reading this book and totally recommend it.
July 11, 2022
4 stars
Very good sports romance. I really liked it. I liked both MCs, especially Morgan.
It just lost a star because I hate stupid miscommunication issues as drama-inducing plot device. And this one was, while decently executed, a bit on the nose.
Very good sports romance. I really liked it. I liked both MCs, especially Morgan.
It just lost a star because I hate stupid miscommunication issues as drama-inducing plot device. And this one was, while decently executed, a bit on the nose.
March 7, 2022
Good to read another Zoe Reed book - loved Interference, and this lived up to the expectation. Excellent story well written.
May 9, 2020
The two main characters, Audrey and Morgan were great... and the secondary characters fit perfectly into the story. The football matches were exciting, too. This book just missed the mark. I'm a fan of Reed's work and was happy to see he'd written a new book, but this was just an okay read for me.
August 15, 2020
I love a sports book! <3
September 4, 2020
3.5
Cute and light read, can be nice for when you want something easy.
I love Reed's writting but I didn't love this book like I do the rest of his work.
Cute and light read, can be nice for when you want something easy.
I love Reed's writting but I didn't love this book like I do the rest of his work.
July 17, 2023
3,75/5
I want a gf now.
This was incredible cute,their relationship was so pure and healthy sometimes, that it was obvious it was fictional(it was too good to be true).
I loved and understood the characters individually.The side characters were helping at making this story better and I liked the different personalities .They were very mature for their age.I could feel what they were going trough.
I loved the balance between the sport and the romance.Somehow they made eachother more interesting .
And I will let Morgan play me the same way she plays the ball of soccer 🙏
I want a gf now.
This was incredible cute,their relationship was so pure and healthy sometimes, that it was obvious it was fictional(it was too good to be true).
I loved and understood the characters individually.The side characters were helping at making this story better and I liked the different personalities .They were very mature for their age.I could feel what they were going trough.
I loved the balance between the sport and the romance.Somehow they made eachother more interesting .
And I will let Morgan play me the same way she plays the ball of soccer 🙏
April 20, 2020
This was a fun read, 3.5 stars. As I read several of Reye’s books, I looked forward to reading this one. I’m not the biggest soccer fan (or any sport really), but do enjoy a sports themed novel now and then. I like reading about the mindset and passion of athletes for their sport. Mix that up with some romance and goofy humor and you got me.
Audrey has been working towards becoming the captain of her college soccer team and this is going to be her year, if it were not for the newcomer, Morgan, who is apparently also trying out for the captain position. It starts out with some rivalry, but I would not classify this as an enemies to lovers story as the rivalry ends pretty fast and the romance builds early on in the story. Both characters have a lot to love, their personalities are well described and believable, as well as their chemistry. Audrey is an introvert and is responsible and stable whereas Morgan is more outgoing and humorous. Or at least that is how you perceive her through Audrey, as the story is written from the POV of Audrey.
The book is a light read, which I enjoyed very much, but there were a few bumps that took a star of the rating. For me it felt as if a large chunk of the book was written in their honeymoon phase, almost too good to be true and the entire time I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, this happened actually pretty late in the book and this, and everything that followed, felt a bit rushed and perhaps somewhat easy. This threw the balance of the book a bit. Also, some decisions that were made near the end felt a bit out of character, even though the reasoning behind them was explained, I had trouble believing it after their eternal bliss in the midsection of the book, but perhaps this is just me. The last thing is that I couldn’t help feeling that the main characters were younger (more of a high school age) than the twenty something that they are described to be. That being said, this is by no means a bad book. The book is solidly written, funny and easygoing and I think most people will like it, even if you’re not a sports fan, I can recommend reading it.
Audrey has been working towards becoming the captain of her college soccer team and this is going to be her year, if it were not for the newcomer, Morgan, who is apparently also trying out for the captain position. It starts out with some rivalry, but I would not classify this as an enemies to lovers story as the rivalry ends pretty fast and the romance builds early on in the story. Both characters have a lot to love, their personalities are well described and believable, as well as their chemistry. Audrey is an introvert and is responsible and stable whereas Morgan is more outgoing and humorous. Or at least that is how you perceive her through Audrey, as the story is written from the POV of Audrey.
The book is a light read, which I enjoyed very much, but there were a few bumps that took a star of the rating. For me it felt as if a large chunk of the book was written in their honeymoon phase, almost too good to be true and the entire time I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, this happened actually pretty late in the book and this, and everything that followed, felt a bit rushed and perhaps somewhat easy. This threw the balance of the book a bit. Also, some decisions that were made near the end felt a bit out of character, even though the reasoning behind them was explained, I had trouble believing it after their eternal bliss in the midsection of the book, but perhaps this is just me. The last thing is that I couldn’t help feeling that the main characters were younger (more of a high school age) than the twenty something that they are described to be. That being said, this is by no means a bad book. The book is solidly written, funny and easygoing and I think most people will like it, even if you’re not a sports fan, I can recommend reading it.
June 5, 2022
Fall in love with two really well written college soccer girls as they fall in love together.. sweet book
May 27, 2020
3.0 Stars*
Audrey Caplan:
1st Person POV. Soccer Captain. Driven. Passionate. Reserved. Age: Early Twenties
Morgan Bailey:
New transfer student. Talented Soccer Player. Confident. Cheeky. Sculptor. Age: Early Twenties
Romance:
Moderately Explicit. Instant Attraction.
Sub-Genres:
Soccer.
*As Zoe Reed is my favorite author I felt the need to explain why I felt this one missed the mark (as I usually don’t write reviews). The characters, like all of Reed’s characters, were lovable and great. However the book had very little emotional depth (compared to the detailed and emotional plots of his previous books). The romance was also way too fluffy in my opinion. I adore Reed’s books for the romantic tension, angst, and slow build up. There was almost none of that here, as the protagonists were coupled up very quickly and became an all too sickly sweet romance. I suppose because this was another Reed book in the sport genre, I had wanted something closer to Interference, as I loved that book dearly, but sadly Endgame was nowhere close. I will still read everything Zoe Reed will write, I have even been a paid Patreon subscriber of his, but I love his books for their slow burn romances, angst, extremely lovable characters, and detailed story building. Unfortunately, I found very little of that in Endgame. Unless of course you really like fluff, then you’d probably like this one :)
Audrey Caplan:
1st Person POV. Soccer Captain. Driven. Passionate. Reserved. Age: Early Twenties
Morgan Bailey:
New transfer student. Talented Soccer Player. Confident. Cheeky. Sculptor. Age: Early Twenties
Romance:
Moderately Explicit. Instant Attraction.
Sub-Genres:
Soccer.
*As Zoe Reed is my favorite author I felt the need to explain why I felt this one missed the mark (as I usually don’t write reviews). The characters, like all of Reed’s characters, were lovable and great. However the book had very little emotional depth (compared to the detailed and emotional plots of his previous books). The romance was also way too fluffy in my opinion. I adore Reed’s books for the romantic tension, angst, and slow build up. There was almost none of that here, as the protagonists were coupled up very quickly and became an all too sickly sweet romance. I suppose because this was another Reed book in the sport genre, I had wanted something closer to Interference, as I loved that book dearly, but sadly Endgame was nowhere close. I will still read everything Zoe Reed will write, I have even been a paid Patreon subscriber of his, but I love his books for their slow burn romances, angst, extremely lovable characters, and detailed story building. Unfortunately, I found very little of that in Endgame. Unless of course you really like fluff, then you’d probably like this one :)
December 3, 2020
This a cute light read. Nothing really angsty.
I like both Audrey and Morgan.
Secondary characters are also likable.
A new adult flick. If you like soccer I guess this for you.
I’m a fan of Zoe Reed, I think I’ve read almost all his books.
3.75
I like both Audrey and Morgan.
Secondary characters are also likable.
A new adult flick. If you like soccer I guess this for you.
I’m a fan of Zoe Reed, I think I’ve read almost all his books.
3.75
April 18, 2020
3.5 stars
I'm a big fan of Reed's books and this one combined two of my favorite things. Football (soccer for the american readers) and entertaining and goofy lesbians. So on paper, everything I'd need for a solid 4-5 star rating. Unfortunately ending chapters of the book didn't fall within my own personal taste. It was to smooth a ride and felt a bit rushed. But with that said, it's still a read from Reed worth the time!
I'm a big fan of Reed's books and this one combined two of my favorite things. Football (soccer for the american readers) and entertaining and goofy lesbians. So on paper, everything I'd need for a solid 4-5 star rating. Unfortunately ending chapters of the book didn't fall within my own personal taste. It was to smooth a ride and felt a bit rushed. But with that said, it's still a read from Reed worth the time!
June 9, 2021
Zoe Reed's writing is just so... great. First, interference and now, this. Zoe Reed always seems to know how to hit the crying buttons. It's soft and it's sad and it describes fear AND love so beautifully.
April 15, 2020
3.5 (sorry if my English is not quite good, I'm Spanish) (Spanish review below)
I'm so excited because I really wanted to talk about this book because it's my first time reading this author. A friend of mine had already recommended me "the book of zombies" and, OBVIOUSLY, I want to read it.
It's the first time that I read a contemporary, romantic novel, lgbtq+, and where being lgbtq+ is not the main problem. THANK YOU.
I really liked the relationship between the two main characters (Rivals to Lovers, I mean, give me a thousand stories with that trope please) and although Audrey freaked me out sometimes, I enjoyed the story a lot.
🇪🇸 Spanish version.
Estaba deseando que el autor pusiera su novela en goodreads para poder hablaros de la novela que me tuvo enganchada durante todo el mes de Marzo. Es una novela LGBT entre dos chicas que juegan al fútbol. Y SE ENAMORAN. Y HAY MOVIDAS ENTRE ELLAS PERO NO PORQUE SEAN BOLLERAS. Living.
A pesar de que en algunos momentos la novela se me hacía pesada por el personaje de Audrey, la he disfrutado muchísimo. Y estoy deseando leer el libro bolleril de los zombies.
I'm so excited because I really wanted to talk about this book because it's my first time reading this author. A friend of mine had already recommended me "the book of zombies" and, OBVIOUSLY, I want to read it.
It's the first time that I read a contemporary, romantic novel, lgbtq+, and where being lgbtq+ is not the main problem. THANK YOU.
I really liked the relationship between the two main characters (Rivals to Lovers, I mean, give me a thousand stories with that trope please) and although Audrey freaked me out sometimes, I enjoyed the story a lot.
🇪🇸 Spanish version.
Estaba deseando que el autor pusiera su novela en goodreads para poder hablaros de la novela que me tuvo enganchada durante todo el mes de Marzo. Es una novela LGBT entre dos chicas que juegan al fútbol. Y SE ENAMORAN. Y HAY MOVIDAS ENTRE ELLAS PERO NO PORQUE SEAN BOLLERAS. Living.
A pesar de que en algunos momentos la novela se me hacía pesada por el personaje de Audrey, la he disfrutado muchísimo. Y estoy deseando leer el libro bolleril de los zombies.
August 12, 2020
4.5 stars
Another great Zoe Reed story. I am a big fan of Reed! Breaking Legacies is one of my ALL time favorite books, and Interference is in the top 10 favorites. While this was an excellent read (I read it all in one day!), it doesn't quiet meet the level of those books for me.
This book follows Audrey has she goes for team captain for her college soccer team during her senior year. She ends up meeting new comer Morgan, who blows thru all of her walls. I really liked Audrey and Morgan, their chemistry was so adorable and palpable!
If you read any of Reeds other works, then you know that their stories are on the long side and are pretty heavy on the angst and sucker-punching/gut wrenching moments. While this book has some angst, this book is shorter and more on the sweet adorable side, kind of like a hallmark story (which I absolutely love and may be addicted to!).
I highly recommend this book to sports fan (yes soccer!), fans of Zoe Reed, or just looking for a mostly lighthearted sweet contemporary romance.
Another great Zoe Reed story. I am a big fan of Reed! Breaking Legacies is one of my ALL time favorite books, and Interference is in the top 10 favorites. While this was an excellent read (I read it all in one day!), it doesn't quiet meet the level of those books for me.
This book follows Audrey has she goes for team captain for her college soccer team during her senior year. She ends up meeting new comer Morgan, who blows thru all of her walls. I really liked Audrey and Morgan, their chemistry was so adorable and palpable!
If you read any of Reeds other works, then you know that their stories are on the long side and are pretty heavy on the angst and sucker-punching/gut wrenching moments. While this book has some angst, this book is shorter and more on the sweet adorable side, kind of like a hallmark story (which I absolutely love and may be addicted to!).
I highly recommend this book to sports fan (yes soccer!), fans of Zoe Reed, or just looking for a mostly lighthearted sweet contemporary romance.
June 1, 2020
3.75 stars, this is the first Zoe Reed's book that I don't love. I don't know, the story is just not flow as smooth as his other books.
While the character is in their twenties but this feel so much YA, I get the feeling that they are in high school rather than in college.
Not a bad book, it just doesn't click with me
While the character is in their twenties but this feel so much YA, I get the feeling that they are in high school rather than in college.
Not a bad book, it just doesn't click with me
June 20, 2021
i feel like ive read this exact fanfiction on ao3 already but i ate it up anyway, periodt
October 22, 2021
this was my second book from this author and god i’m totally putting reed’s under my radar
this book was soo fun and sweet, the banter and sexual tension was *chef’s kiss*
this book was soo fun and sweet, the banter and sexual tension was *chef’s kiss*
June 26, 2021
bom, achei a história um pouco truncada. algumas vezes dando tempo demais para situações pequenas e poucos relevantes. o casal é fofo até, mas passou longe de ser um dos meus favoritos. pontos positivos: bem escrita. negativos: foi a história que me fez dar um tempo de romances sáficos (cansada de suas previsibilidades).
August 23, 2020
Very sweet
I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, as well as their own characters. They both were really sweet together and I just love then to be honest, they're the cutest
I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, as well as their own characters. They both were really sweet together and I just love then to be honest, they're the cutest
June 19, 2021
Dear Morgan Bailey,
You can keep it, I don't want it back.
Yours truly,
Angie.
You can keep it, I don't want it back.
Yours truly,
Angie.
February 6, 2021
serotonin boost x100
December 12, 2021
A nice, pleasant college lesbian romance with zero coming out drama. Both characters are already out when it starts with zero drama associated with being gay. They’re both cute, nice, hardworking, and kind people who you’re happy to root for.
The characters come in with realistic baggage and act in accordance with that baggie, meet, get to know each other slowly and start dating maybe halfway or so through the book. Then we get a period of dating and happiness with more outside conflict. Then the outside problems and baggage causes some conflict and finally conflict is resolved as characters grow and overcome their baggage because of love. I write all that to say that I liked it. It felt realistic without all the annoying drama caused by misunderstanding, miscommunication, and lack of communication that drives so many romance plots. When these characters do something dumb (which isn’t that often) it’s a defensive measure because of old hurts. And really there’s a nice long period of a happy, evolving and deepening relationship in the middle.
My first complaint is some real confusion on what the heck is going on with this soccer team/season? It doesn’t make a lot of sense. Audrey is very concerned about being named Captain but she doesn’t have any real competition from her existing team but maybe the brand-new player who walks in at the start of the season’s practice is also vying for captain? Nope, Morgan as brand new player who doesn’t even know her teammates yet is not real competition so who was Audrey stressing about competing with for Captain.
As part of the supporting soccer plot, this team is good enough to go to the national championship. The college division isn’t made clear but if they’re that good, there should be more strong personalities vying for team captain, talking about going pro, talking about team USA. More living and breathing soccer. During soccer season, the team practices and travels all the time and barely has time for their minimal classes which is not the feeling I get from the main characters like Morgan who is making all kinds of art work and working on her big senior project.
At one point, they need to win the next game to make it to the championship. Then they play in the semifinals. Then they make it to the championship. IDK. I couldn’t follow. I expected a conference championship tournament, then either national championship playoffs or a national champion tournament. And then after winning the championship, they still have practice every weekday (no) and the graduating seniors still go to practice even though they’ll never play another game for the college (WTH?). There’s zero soccer drama here because it’s so confusing and seemingly only inserted to further the romance plot.
My second suggestion for improvement is to develop the secondary characters more. The soccer team, the coach, Audrey’s roommate, even Morgan’s family is really underdeveloped and basically just a name on the page. Our main characters plus a best friend exist in a weirdly depopulated world of cardboard people.
But those two things are why I give it 4 stars instead of 5. I really liked the romance of two sweet, nice, and cute characters and that’s why I picked it up.
The characters come in with realistic baggage and act in accordance with that baggie, meet, get to know each other slowly and start dating maybe halfway or so through the book. Then we get a period of dating and happiness with more outside conflict. Then the outside problems and baggage causes some conflict and finally conflict is resolved as characters grow and overcome their baggage because of love. I write all that to say that I liked it. It felt realistic without all the annoying drama caused by misunderstanding, miscommunication, and lack of communication that drives so many romance plots. When these characters do something dumb (which isn’t that often) it’s a defensive measure because of old hurts. And really there’s a nice long period of a happy, evolving and deepening relationship in the middle.
My first complaint is some real confusion on what the heck is going on with this soccer team/season? It doesn’t make a lot of sense. Audrey is very concerned about being named Captain but she doesn’t have any real competition from her existing team but maybe the brand-new player who walks in at the start of the season’s practice is also vying for captain? Nope, Morgan as brand new player who doesn’t even know her teammates yet is not real competition so who was Audrey stressing about competing with for Captain.
As part of the supporting soccer plot, this team is good enough to go to the national championship. The college division isn’t made clear but if they’re that good, there should be more strong personalities vying for team captain, talking about going pro, talking about team USA. More living and breathing soccer. During soccer season, the team practices and travels all the time and barely has time for their minimal classes which is not the feeling I get from the main characters like Morgan who is making all kinds of art work and working on her big senior project.
At one point, they need to win the next game to make it to the championship. Then they play in the semifinals. Then they make it to the championship. IDK. I couldn’t follow. I expected a conference championship tournament, then either national championship playoffs or a national champion tournament. And then after winning the championship, they still have practice every weekday (no) and the graduating seniors still go to practice even though they’ll never play another game for the college (WTH?). There’s zero soccer drama here because it’s so confusing and seemingly only inserted to further the romance plot.
My second suggestion for improvement is to develop the secondary characters more. The soccer team, the coach, Audrey’s roommate, even Morgan’s family is really underdeveloped and basically just a name on the page. Our main characters plus a best friend exist in a weirdly depopulated world of cardboard people.
But those two things are why I give it 4 stars instead of 5. I really liked the romance of two sweet, nice, and cute characters and that’s why I picked it up.
October 23, 2021
Ok, but THAT was flirting
Oh my... how surprised I was when I read this book. I thought when I bought this book that would be kinda enemies-to-lovers. Because of that thing about they both wanting to be team's captain. But the rivalry was more a fun game. And I wasn't dissapointed at all, I was delighted.
The first third of the book was pure flirting and sexual tension and I was living for that. That tension was everything in those first pages and was so well done. That relationship build-up lead to an amazing first date. With that dialogue. That landscape. That sweetness. That tension. I think that maybe I enjoyed that date as much as the main characters. And was perfect por them.
From that date their relationship became more and more official and what everyone wants as relationship. Those moments of sweet, healthy dialogues. The way that they helped eachother. The fun jokes...
In another hand, Morgan is a new fictional crush. She really cared about Audrey in a deep way. She inmediatley knew what Audrey liked, she helped her in many ways, she cared about her and showed it, she knew the importance of communication. She was the kind of real characters that you can't avoid like.
And I liked Audrey too, but for differents reasons. I felt kinda reflected in her. Her main personality problem was the wanting to control everything. And that's the same as mine. I felt every intern conflic that she had. I felt that guilty she had. I felt that difficulty to give up. I felt that impotence for stupid reasons. She reflected one of my main conflicts and seen that was heartwarming.
And, well, I really liked the football (or soccer for the US) and, even if the matches were a little bit fast and we only saw like one match of the Championship, I enjoyed it. As a fan of football, I enjoyed it.
This book talked about different and importants topics that not much books talked, and it did it in a really good way. This goes as favourite.
Oh my... how surprised I was when I read this book. I thought when I bought this book that would be kinda enemies-to-lovers. Because of that thing about they both wanting to be team's captain. But the rivalry was more a fun game. And I wasn't dissapointed at all, I was delighted.
The first third of the book was pure flirting and sexual tension and I was living for that. That tension was everything in those first pages and was so well done. That relationship build-up lead to an amazing first date. With that dialogue. That landscape. That sweetness. That tension. I think that maybe I enjoyed that date as much as the main characters. And was perfect por them.
From that date their relationship became more and more official and what everyone wants as relationship. Those moments of sweet, healthy dialogues. The way that they helped eachother. The fun jokes...
In another hand, Morgan is a new fictional crush. She really cared about Audrey in a deep way. She inmediatley knew what Audrey liked, she helped her in many ways, she cared about her and showed it, she knew the importance of communication. She was the kind of real characters that you can't avoid like.
And I liked Audrey too, but for differents reasons. I felt kinda reflected in her. Her main personality problem was the wanting to control everything. And that's the same as mine. I felt every intern conflic that she had. I felt that guilty she had. I felt that difficulty to give up. I felt that impotence for stupid reasons. She reflected one of my main conflicts and seen that was heartwarming.
And, well, I really liked the football (or soccer for the US) and, even if the matches were a little bit fast and we only saw like one match of the Championship, I enjoyed it. As a fan of football, I enjoyed it.
This book talked about different and importants topics that not much books talked, and it did it in a really good way. This goes as favourite.
January 28, 2024
This was really sweet and I think it’s my second favorite by Zoe (Breaking Legacies still n1). I ate up the first 70% of this book in one or two days. I loved the dynamic between the two MCs and liked that moments I thought I knew how they’d play out actually went in another direction, even if subtly so.
I did feel the final stretch dragged and wasn’t as exciting as the rest of the book. The drama created felt counter to how fresh the first half was and it honestly took me weeks to finish the last 20%. Still worth it IMO but final score somewhere around 3,5 (rounded up to 4).
Lastly, I’ve been looking for a good soccer romance after being disappointed with another novel, and to be fair this is more of a young adult college romance with a bit of sport on the side. So I’m still holding onto the hope one author will bring the A game to a soccer romance (no pun intended) and give us some Hardersson-type story joy (I can’t read ff about real players, so please some good soul out there give us the goods).
I did feel the final stretch dragged and wasn’t as exciting as the rest of the book. The drama created felt counter to how fresh the first half was and it honestly took me weeks to finish the last 20%. Still worth it IMO but final score somewhere around 3,5 (rounded up to 4).
Lastly, I’ve been looking for a good soccer romance after being disappointed with another novel, and to be fair this is more of a young adult college romance with a bit of sport on the side. So I’m still holding onto the hope one author will bring the A game to a soccer romance (no pun intended) and give us some Hardersson-type story joy (I can’t read ff about real players, so please some good soul out there give us the goods).
May 3, 2020
I really enjoyed Reed’s book Interference and so I was very excited to read this one as well! I’m a sucker for sports fiction and an even bigger sucker when it’s about soccer. I absolutely love it!
This was a really sweet romance. Very little angst and lots of chemistry between the two main characters. I felt like the struggles they faced were very realistic and true to life when you’re 22 years old.
All around I very much enjoyed this book! I felt like I kept waiting for other shoe to drop and for a big dramatic event to happen but this book was just really sweet all the way through. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a feel good romance that includes soccer and is a little bit on the YA side.
This was a really sweet romance. Very little angst and lots of chemistry between the two main characters. I felt like the struggles they faced were very realistic and true to life when you’re 22 years old.
All around I very much enjoyed this book! I felt like I kept waiting for other shoe to drop and for a big dramatic event to happen but this book was just really sweet all the way through. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for a feel good romance that includes soccer and is a little bit on the YA side.
May 22, 2020
I love Zoe Reed's books, I usually never give less than 4 stars to his novels and CDAD had my 5 stars in a heartbeat. Endgame is a sweet romance between two very lovable characters.. thing is.. I expected more drama, more complications, maybe because I'm used to Reed writing complex love stories.
The writing is fluid as always, the dialogues and banter on point, the chemistry between the protagonists palpable. Overall it's not a miss, I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good fluff or a feel good romance I guess. I personally prefer more depth, more intensity and, yes, more hardship to overcome in order to get to that endgame. I didn't get much of it here so 3 stars is the best I can do.
The writing is fluid as always, the dialogues and banter on point, the chemistry between the protagonists palpable. Overall it's not a miss, I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good fluff or a feel good romance I guess. I personally prefer more depth, more intensity and, yes, more hardship to overcome in order to get to that endgame. I didn't get much of it here so 3 stars is the best I can do.
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