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Ashforth #1
Playing for Her Heart
COULD YOU CHANGE WHO YOU ARE TO GUARANTEE YOUR FOREVER?
Dom Simmons is the talk of the town when it comes to football and women. But, in her mind, she can only commit to one—football.
Backing into another car was problematic, but the woman who stepped out was about to become her biggest concern.
Divorced, single mother, Blair Harrington.
Finally breaking free from a life she never wanted was supposed to be the start of something new for Blair. But of all the women she could have fallen for, she had to choose the one who wasn’t willing to give her heart away.
Though from entirely different places, Blair and Dom come to realise that their pasts are all too familiar.
Best-selling author Melissa Tereze brings you a heartwarming standalone age-gap romance to devour this summer.
Dom Simmons is the talk of the town when it comes to football and women. But, in her mind, she can only commit to one—football.
Backing into another car was problematic, but the woman who stepped out was about to become her biggest concern.
Divorced, single mother, Blair Harrington.
Finally breaking free from a life she never wanted was supposed to be the start of something new for Blair. But of all the women she could have fallen for, she had to choose the one who wasn’t willing to give her heart away.
Though from entirely different places, Blair and Dom come to realise that their pasts are all too familiar.
Best-selling author Melissa Tereze brings you a heartwarming standalone age-gap romance to devour this summer.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2020
208 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Tereze
40 books763 followersMelissa Tereze is a best-selling author living in Liverpool, UK, with her fiancée and Golden Retriever. She holds a degree in Sports Development, and when she’s not writing, she can be found at a local bar singing one of her favourite tracks.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
You can contact Melissa through her social media and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 15, 2022
Goal!!!
Dom meets Blair when she wants to get involved organising a charity day at her football club. At first, Dom thinks Blair is posh and stuck up, but when they connect after bumping into each other again on a night out, they strike up an unlikely connection that leads Dom to learning there is more to Blair than she first thought, and she just can’t help falling for her.
Such an inspiring and empowering story that dealt with sensitive issues, some might find upsetting, but were deeply important in promoting the strength of women and helping and supporting those that find themselves in such situations. I adored how carefully Melissa explored the topic of Blair’s marriage and how protective Dom became of her when she learnt the trust about why Blair’s marriage had ended and why she was so desperate to host the charity day. I loved the sentiment of the story, even if it left me feeling very emotional, and admired Blair’s strength and Dom’s determination help.
They were fantastic together, and although sport plays a part in Dom’s life, it didn’t overpower the story. Blair and Dom had such intimate scenes, some more passionate, and others deep and meaningful in which their connection just grew in strength. I loved them together, especially when at first Blair was uncertain of what all her feelings for Dom meant and might lead to. Dom was strong for them both though, helping Blair realise she could be free of her past demons, loved, and happy if she just gave into her feelings.
I enjoyed the book so much and couldn’t put it down. Melissa has again delivered a real story, with ordinary people just living their lives and trying to survive. There was drama, lots of emotions and passion, and a whole cast of characters adding to the complications for Dom and Blair but most of all there was deep meaning and lessons to be learned. Dom judged Blair, somewhat unfairly and she quickly learnt that all is not always as it seems on the surface.
Really hope Dom and Blair will feature in future stories as I am so excited for their future together!
Dom meets Blair when she wants to get involved organising a charity day at her football club. At first, Dom thinks Blair is posh and stuck up, but when they connect after bumping into each other again on a night out, they strike up an unlikely connection that leads Dom to learning there is more to Blair than she first thought, and she just can’t help falling for her.
Such an inspiring and empowering story that dealt with sensitive issues, some might find upsetting, but were deeply important in promoting the strength of women and helping and supporting those that find themselves in such situations. I adored how carefully Melissa explored the topic of Blair’s marriage and how protective Dom became of her when she learnt the trust about why Blair’s marriage had ended and why she was so desperate to host the charity day. I loved the sentiment of the story, even if it left me feeling very emotional, and admired Blair’s strength and Dom’s determination help.
They were fantastic together, and although sport plays a part in Dom’s life, it didn’t overpower the story. Blair and Dom had such intimate scenes, some more passionate, and others deep and meaningful in which their connection just grew in strength. I loved them together, especially when at first Blair was uncertain of what all her feelings for Dom meant and might lead to. Dom was strong for them both though, helping Blair realise she could be free of her past demons, loved, and happy if she just gave into her feelings.
I enjoyed the book so much and couldn’t put it down. Melissa has again delivered a real story, with ordinary people just living their lives and trying to survive. There was drama, lots of emotions and passion, and a whole cast of characters adding to the complications for Dom and Blair but most of all there was deep meaning and lessons to be learned. Dom judged Blair, somewhat unfairly and she quickly learnt that all is not always as it seems on the surface.
Really hope Dom and Blair will feature in future stories as I am so excited for their future together!
September 3, 2020
Hard to read. It was so revolving round and round.
When i started this book it was looking promising but as i read further trust me story was still there even after 75% completion. Why did i read this book. I wanna leave it in the middle but hope kept me going now i hate hope. This book is about a relation abuee victim and god knows which universe footballer. So one of MC come out of a abusive marriage after 20 years she had a son. Other MC is commitement phobic. The story ends here its keep on going frustatedly round and round on same points. So much dissapointed.
When i started this book it was looking promising but as i read further trust me story was still there even after 75% completion. Why did i read this book. I wanna leave it in the middle but hope kept me going now i hate hope. This book is about a relation abuee victim and god knows which universe footballer. So one of MC come out of a abusive marriage after 20 years she had a son. Other MC is commitement phobic. The story ends here its keep on going frustatedly round and round on same points. So much dissapointed.
September 22, 2022
Really enjoyed this - well written, full of excellent background characters and a story that zipped along. Read on a long train journey - love it! Recommended.
May 26, 2021
Sometimes I wait to read books by my favorite authors.
Just to have something to look forward to!
I did it with this book too and now I can’t wait to read the next!
I love Melissa Tereze's books.
They have the right portion of angst, romantic and past or issues that has to be dealt with or processed.
This book is no exception.
It is full of love, hurdles and very well developed characters. I love Dom and Blair together. They have such great chemistry as a couple.
Needless to say, the hot scenes are extremely hot! Especially the kitchen scene ... wow!
I am now looking forward to the second book in the world of Dom and Blair!
Just to have something to look forward to!
I did it with this book too and now I can’t wait to read the next!
I love Melissa Tereze's books.
They have the right portion of angst, romantic and past or issues that has to be dealt with or processed.
This book is no exception.
It is full of love, hurdles and very well developed characters. I love Dom and Blair together. They have such great chemistry as a couple.
Needless to say, the hot scenes are extremely hot! Especially the kitchen scene ... wow!
I am now looking forward to the second book in the world of Dom and Blair!
August 9, 2020
Best word to describe this is 'Complex'. That is the best I can come to explaining this. At times, it was hard to follow the up-and-down of the relationship between Blair and Dom (short for Dominique). Eventually, things start to level themselves out but only after a lot of hair-pulling, eybrow-raising, nail-picking storytelling. A great story with some hot scenes, but with Dom being an infuriatingly annoying character (one of those 'I don't have any serious relationships and just casual, fun sex, so I don't get relationships at all.') at times. The characters are bearable and even lovable eventually... eventually.
August 14, 2020
3.5 stars.
April 7, 2024
If you want a book that you can't put down, then this is for you. Dominique Simmons plays football and has a reputation of one night stands. Blair Harrington just came out of a bad marriage ( to a man) because she is a lesbian and only
him for her family. She sees Dom put
a poster about a football match to support a women's shelter. Blair is intrigued and finds Dom at a regular match and watches her. Through an accident Blair and Dom meet. Blair has money and baggage, Dom is middle class with baggage. Can they get together? Past the baggage, exes, and friends? It's a trip you'll enjoy. The characters are so real, you feel like you're in their world. As always Melissa Tereze hits it out of the park, or rather kicks it
in the net! I highly recommend this book.
him for her family. She sees Dom put
a poster about a football match to support a women's shelter. Blair is intrigued and finds Dom at a regular match and watches her. Through an accident Blair and Dom meet. Blair has money and baggage, Dom is middle class with baggage. Can they get together? Past the baggage, exes, and friends? It's a trip you'll enjoy. The characters are so real, you feel like you're in their world. As always Melissa Tereze hits it out of the park, or rather kicks it
in the net! I highly recommend this book.
August 13, 2024
It was good but holy shit, was this a debut? Felt very YA for an age-gap romance.
July 27, 2020
Disappointing... Sigh
It pains my heart when a book I have high expectations for disappoints me. I read all the reviews and I read the synopsis it was all intriguing and I've read previous books from this Author but I felt like I read 32 chapters going in a circle, I spent 13 chapters of them communicating but not really communicating we spend the rest of the book addressing the same self doubt, insecurities and second guessing until the eulogy no real progress happened for three characters.
Yes they fell in love, yes they both got a first and second chance, yes Dom could love but it still felt stagnant; ever chapter addressed the same issues without moving it forward and it became repetitive and boring I just wanted the book to end there's so much you could've done with Blair instead of having her just there I expected so much more from this Author after The Arrangement I've had high expectations but this is my second book from her that's left me feeling this way.
However, the writing is solid the plot had so much potential I personally felt more could've been done with it
It pains my heart when a book I have high expectations for disappoints me. I read all the reviews and I read the synopsis it was all intriguing and I've read previous books from this Author but I felt like I read 32 chapters going in a circle, I spent 13 chapters of them communicating but not really communicating we spend the rest of the book addressing the same self doubt, insecurities and second guessing until the eulogy no real progress happened for three characters.
Yes they fell in love, yes they both got a first and second chance, yes Dom could love but it still felt stagnant; ever chapter addressed the same issues without moving it forward and it became repetitive and boring I just wanted the book to end there's so much you could've done with Blair instead of having her just there I expected so much more from this Author after The Arrangement I've had high expectations but this is my second book from her that's left me feeling this way.
However, the writing is solid the plot had so much potential I personally felt more could've been done with it
October 10, 2020
Great are different story
Blair and Doms’ story was full of drama and was meant to keep the reader on their toes to keep up with the storyline. Adding FI and Charles into the equation made even more drama in the storyline. The eventual outcome between the two major characters eventually took place on shaky terms leaving the reader questioning the relationships outcome right up to the epilogue. While the story was quite entertaining overall it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting these two women to just get it together and figure out that they were made for each other. The author exceeded in keeping this reader on that edge cheering and cussing these two hardheaded women on for their nearsightedness. Great work on the authors writing.,thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Blair and Doms’ story was full of drama and was meant to keep the reader on their toes to keep up with the storyline. Adding FI and Charles into the equation made even more drama in the storyline. The eventual outcome between the two major characters eventually took place on shaky terms leaving the reader questioning the relationships outcome right up to the epilogue. While the story was quite entertaining overall it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting these two women to just get it together and figure out that they were made for each other. The author exceeded in keeping this reader on that edge cheering and cussing these two hardheaded women on for their nearsightedness. Great work on the authors writing.,thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Read
January 28, 2021Dominique (Dom) Simmons works in a coffee house and plays football. At one of her practise sessions, the team notices a tall, beautiful, posh lady hanging around. Unwittingly Dom bumps into the posh lady’s expensive car and is at the receiving end of some (deserved) attitude. The lady, Blair Harrington, gives Dom her number with the expectation that Dom will speak to her insurance company and get back to her. Dom drags her feet on this till Blair reappears.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
July 8, 2021
Very well done!
This was a very well done book. Thought provoking plot, age gap relationship between Blair recently divorced and trying to start again. Dom is a 38 year old woman who wants something in her life beside football. Their lives cross over and the start of a relationship begins. It was beautifully developed and main characters had chemistry off the charts!
Well done
This was a very well done book. Thought provoking plot, age gap relationship between Blair recently divorced and trying to start again. Dom is a 38 year old woman who wants something in her life beside football. Their lives cross over and the start of a relationship begins. It was beautifully developed and main characters had chemistry off the charts!
Well done
November 26, 2020
I know there was a lot of anxiety and different stress for these two, but I honestly was waiting for them to just get to be happy for a little bit. The amount of miscommunication and just lack of communication frustrated me rather than providing some angst in the book.
Overall, I liked the character growth, but I just wanted a little more relaxed happiness for them I guess.
Overall, I liked the character growth, but I just wanted a little more relaxed happiness for them I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2020
Thoroughly delightful romance
This was a fun romance again unlikely to occur in reality but a great read. How likely would it be for a divorced abused woman to meet and befriend a barista who plays football? Interesting plot and a fun read make this a good read.
This was a fun romance again unlikely to occur in reality but a great read. How likely would it be for a divorced abused woman to meet and befriend a barista who plays football? Interesting plot and a fun read make this a good read.
July 24, 2020
This was a roller coaster of emotions and not in a good way. There were parts that I was rolling my eyes for how ridiculous the situations were and how childish their behavior was. But some other parts of the book were nice and sweet. I’m conflicted 😐 so a solid 3 stars.
July 15, 2024
I liked the book well enough, but it definitely isn't Tereze's best work. The beginning of the book had me considering not continuing several times. Blair and Dom just kept messing things up with each other in the most spectacular ways. There is one chapter in particular that was difficult to get through, and left everyone in the story and me feeling bad. Once they're together it gets better, but the drama continues for a good chunk of the book. By the time things start going pretty well for the couple, you're left expecting the other shoe to drop, which I felt took away from the feeling of the couple being firmly together.
Blair and Dom are very flawed, complicated, three dimensional characters. They keep hurting each other and themselves, they are plagued by self doubt and anxiety, and oh my gosh the drama is non-stop. Blair has been through a lot, and I feel like Tereze did a really good job showing the consequences of the last twenty years in her reactions to certain things. Abuse and manipulation can change us in such profound ways, and Blair really embodies that. Dom finally starts recognizing how empty and meaningless her life has become, and it's great to see her grow and become more mature.
There is no third act breakup. There is an excess of drama though. I spent the first two thirds of the book getting whiplash from going from a pleasant scene to one filled with drama, insecurity, or pettiness. By the last third of the book I was left waiting for the next bad thing to happen. It really left me feeling anxious for the characters and unsettled with their relationship's development. Again, not Tereze's best work, but still better than other things I've read.
Blair and Dom are very flawed, complicated, three dimensional characters. They keep hurting each other and themselves, they are plagued by self doubt and anxiety, and oh my gosh the drama is non-stop. Blair has been through a lot, and I feel like Tereze did a really good job showing the consequences of the last twenty years in her reactions to certain things. Abuse and manipulation can change us in such profound ways, and Blair really embodies that. Dom finally starts recognizing how empty and meaningless her life has become, and it's great to see her grow and become more mature.
There is no third act breakup. There is an excess of drama though. I spent the first two thirds of the book getting whiplash from going from a pleasant scene to one filled with drama, insecurity, or pettiness. By the last third of the book I was left waiting for the next bad thing to happen. It really left me feeling anxious for the characters and unsettled with their relationship's development. Again, not Tereze's best work, but still better than other things I've read.
June 11, 2025
There were a few things I liked about the story, but the writing was a little juvenile and confusing in parts. The main characters kept having the same problem, even after you thought they had talked about it and solved it. So when that problem came up completely out of the blue I actually stopped and flicked back a page to see if I had missed a page or something. No. It was just that abrupt. Also do people really vengefully sleep with someone else? A character almost 40 (which isn’t old by the way, but is definitely old enough to know better) sleeping with someone else because of jealousy instead of actually talking to the person seems incredibly immature.
I’m sure there are plenty of other people who enjoyed this story. But it wasn’t for me.
I’m sure there are plenty of other people who enjoyed this story. But it wasn’t for me.
August 16, 2020
Playing For. Her Heart ❤( The Ashforth Series Book 1)
A story about domestic violence, divorce, self esteem, football ⚽,and more. This is about two different women, one who is recently divorced,the other whose plays amateur football and also a player who picks up one night stands.
This is an interesting story and read the characters in this book are interesting.
Melissa Tereze did a great job writing this but I gave it 4****stars as it seemed to go over things over and over again ,but I still enjoyed reading it ,perhaps it was just me. Recommend
A story about domestic violence, divorce, self esteem, football ⚽,and more. This is about two different women, one who is recently divorced,the other whose plays amateur football and also a player who picks up one night stands.
This is an interesting story and read the characters in this book are interesting.
Melissa Tereze did a great job writing this but I gave it 4****stars as it seemed to go over things over and over again ,but I still enjoyed reading it ,perhaps it was just me. Recommend
Read
January 22, 20241/14/24-1/21/24
Dnf31%
Ugh. Miscommunication and to then sleep with the one person who did something horrible to Dom. And Dom saying she wasn’t gonna be with others but soon is kissing her roommate even though they shared a small kiss the night before?🙄👎🏽 no way horrible. I’m not here this damn drama. I did like their growing friendship but like they kept thinking the other one didn’t like the other even though they seemed to have talked 😑 not for me ❌ also something about the beginning was like weird
Dnf31%
Ugh. Miscommunication and to then sleep with the one person who did something horrible to Dom. And Dom saying she wasn’t gonna be with others but soon is kissing her roommate even though they shared a small kiss the night before?🙄👎🏽 no way horrible. I’m not here this damn drama. I did like their growing friendship but like they kept thinking the other one didn’t like the other even though they seemed to have talked 😑 not for me ❌ also something about the beginning was like weird
July 3, 2020
It's never too late to find love!
First of all this story was spicey it was very sexy! Second, it was so nice getting a real insight into the minds of these characters, being able to read the thoughts of them I feel like I know them personally I connected and identified with them because often when we enter a relationship those are our thoughts you know. Blair and Dom complete each other and I had a blast being apart of their journey.
First of all this story was spicey it was very sexy! Second, it was so nice getting a real insight into the minds of these characters, being able to read the thoughts of them I feel like I know them personally I connected and identified with them because often when we enter a relationship those are our thoughts you know. Blair and Dom complete each other and I had a blast being apart of their journey.
July 4, 2020
This is an emotional roller coaster ride for Blair and Dom.
Blair comes from an abusive marriage.
Dom never goes beyond a one night stand.
They meet at one of Dom’s football games, to talk about a charity event.
They’ll both enter the roller coaster with their own baggage.
Hang on to your hats and glasses, it’s going to be a ride you’re going to love, cherish and enclose Blair and Dom in your heart.
I hope there’ll be more books, about their future
Blair comes from an abusive marriage.
Dom never goes beyond a one night stand.
They meet at one of Dom’s football games, to talk about a charity event.
They’ll both enter the roller coaster with their own baggage.
Hang on to your hats and glasses, it’s going to be a ride you’re going to love, cherish and enclose Blair and Dom in your heart.
I hope there’ll be more books, about their future
July 14, 2020
Another great read
I love this author! And this is just another well written example of her talent. Sweet, age gap romance of an older woman trying to get her feet back under her after divorce. She meets a woman in her late 20s whose life revolves around football/soccer & one night stands. Together, they teach each other how much better life can be with the right person in your corner.
I love this author! And this is just another well written example of her talent. Sweet, age gap romance of an older woman trying to get her feet back under her after divorce. She meets a woman in her late 20s whose life revolves around football/soccer & one night stands. Together, they teach each other how much better life can be with the right person in your corner.
August 22, 2020
A delightful age gap romance. The main characters were built very well in the context of the story even though in the first chapters as a reader they were very frustrating. The secondary characters supported the main characters well. The background of the book being about a women’s football team was interesting. The coverage of domestic violence was subtly done and portrayed emotion as well as physical violence and how it affected the victims.
All in all a good read.
All in all a good read.
October 19, 2021
A must read
Another great book by Melissa, she is an amazing author who writes relatable characters and stories. I honestly related to this book more then some of the others and it was amazing to see and read about someone else going through those life events, those emotions, and trying to justify it all. Yes I understand they are characters in a book but that doesn't matter.
I love this book and can't wait to read more. I love Dom and Blair.
Another great book by Melissa, she is an amazing author who writes relatable characters and stories. I honestly related to this book more then some of the others and it was amazing to see and read about someone else going through those life events, those emotions, and trying to justify it all. Yes I understand they are characters in a book but that doesn't matter.
I love this book and can't wait to read more. I love Dom and Blair.
January 22, 2024
My first book of 2024, not my first from Melissa Tereze - I'm a fan of football and lesfic which made this book a perfect combo for me although the sport does not take away from the story and you wouldn't need to be a fan to read. The communication between Dom and Blair is frustrating but adds a level of angst that kept me reading and looking forward to when these two would come together and those spicy scenes didn't disappoint. 4/5
TW: Domestic Violence
TW: Domestic Violence
February 27, 2025
Overall I would say this is a solid enough book.
Kept my interest just about. Probably 3.5 stars really.
The poor communication and self doubt between the two MCs did become a bit repetitive which is what loses half a star for me.
Writing was a bit clunky at times and felt like we didn’t really get to know the characters to any real depth.
But overall a nice easy read with all the bits you’d expect from a romance apart from the 3rd act break up which was a refreshing change. 📚
Kept my interest just about. Probably 3.5 stars really.
The poor communication and self doubt between the two MCs did become a bit repetitive which is what loses half a star for me.
Writing was a bit clunky at times and felt like we didn’t really get to know the characters to any real depth.
But overall a nice easy read with all the bits you’d expect from a romance apart from the 3rd act break up which was a refreshing change. 📚
November 27, 2025
I liked the two main characters - they came into their "meet cute" moment with serious baggage but they were mature enough to keep working on their issues. The son skated very close to spoiled brat but recovered with some determined talk from Dom. Good name for her, Dom. Hints at dominance and the suggestion pops up twice. Keeps the reader on her toes.
In all, I enjoyed the book . It's hard for Melissa to write a boring book.
In all, I enjoyed the book . It's hard for Melissa to write a boring book.
July 4, 2020
This is a beautiful unputdownable love story between two women of different worlds. If I had to pick my most favorite thing about this, I would probably fight you and say I can't pick just one. I love how the relationship between Dom and Blair is inevitable but still develops organically. I also love the whole cast of characters. They add dimension to this story.
July 19, 2020
Brilliant
What a great book. Blair doesn't trust, Dom doesn't commit so there's no chance, right ? I really enjoyed this age gap romance, I was rooting for them from the start and got sucked into the story very quickly. Throw in a bit of footie and some nicely done sex scenes and wow.
What a great book. Blair doesn't trust, Dom doesn't commit so there's no chance, right ? I really enjoyed this age gap romance, I was rooting for them from the start and got sucked into the story very quickly. Throw in a bit of footie and some nicely done sex scenes and wow.
August 25, 2020
More than meets the eye!
Reality has a lot of twists and turns thrown in, and so does this age gap love story. Both main characters, Dom and Blair, each have their own demons to deal with because of domestic violence in their lives. There is more than learning about love. I am looking forward to more from Melissa Tereze. Wonderful!
Reality has a lot of twists and turns thrown in, and so does this age gap love story. Both main characters, Dom and Blair, each have their own demons to deal with because of domestic violence in their lives. There is more than learning about love. I am looking forward to more from Melissa Tereze. Wonderful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews