What do you think?
Rate this book
Willow Bay #4
Off Sides
I never thought I’d have to start over.
Let alone my senior year in college, but without my twin brother and my best friend, my life fell apart.
Now I was finally healthy and ready to meet my new team. That was until I saw who the assistant coach was. What was my ex, pro soccer playing boyfriend doing in Willow Springs? You know what? I didn’t care. He dropped me like yesterday’s garbage after he told me nothing would break us apart. Not even an ocean.
He was a liar.
When I took the job as assistant coach, I never thought I’d see Danica Francisco. I knew her brother lived here, but not her. Why wasn’t she three hours away?
I was finally getting my life back on track after what I thought was the worst time of my life. Except now, I was thinking taking this job was the worst decision I’d ever made with the exception to cut Danica out of my life.
Too bad she looks like she wanted to kill me and put my body through a wood chipper every time she looked at me.
How was I going to survive being so close to her and yet being so far away?
Let alone my senior year in college, but without my twin brother and my best friend, my life fell apart.
Now I was finally healthy and ready to meet my new team. That was until I saw who the assistant coach was. What was my ex, pro soccer playing boyfriend doing in Willow Springs? You know what? I didn’t care. He dropped me like yesterday’s garbage after he told me nothing would break us apart. Not even an ocean.
He was a liar.
When I took the job as assistant coach, I never thought I’d see Danica Francisco. I knew her brother lived here, but not her. Why wasn’t she three hours away?
I was finally getting my life back on track after what I thought was the worst time of my life. Except now, I was thinking taking this job was the worst decision I’d ever made with the exception to cut Danica out of my life.
Too bad she looks like she wanted to kill me and put my body through a wood chipper every time she looked at me.
How was I going to survive being so close to her and yet being so far away?
298 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2022
48 people are currently reading
1940 people want to read
About the author
Ella Kade
13 books192 followersElla Kade is a forbidden and dark romance writer who enjoys writing captivating characters with sinful intent.
Read Ella to get immersed into her words where she ruins lives and slowly puts them back together.
WEBSITE: https://ellakade.com/
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeNL
MASTER BLOGGER LIST: https://bit.ly/EKMasterBlogger
FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeFB
FB GROUP: https://bit.ly/EllaSinfulDeviants
INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeIG
PINTEREST: https://bit.ly/EllaKadePin
AMAZON: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeAmazon
BOOKBUB: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeBB
Read Ella to get immersed into her words where she ruins lives and slowly puts them back together.
WEBSITE: https://ellakade.com/
NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeNL
MASTER BLOGGER LIST: https://bit.ly/EKMasterBlogger
FACEBOOK: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeFB
FB GROUP: https://bit.ly/EllaSinfulDeviants
INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeIG
PINTEREST: https://bit.ly/EllaKadePin
AMAZON: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeAmazon
BOOKBUB: https://bit.ly/EllaKadeBB
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 21, 2022
Ella Kade has brought all the heartaching angst and sizzling hot passion of a forbidden sports romance with second chance twist in Off Sides. Danica and Declan had feels, steam and everything else.
Talented soccer player Danica had to leave her previous school due to her mental health issues and transfer to a school with weaker team as his brother & his full friends team is here and she can stay with him. But they have a new assistant coach. Declan was the guy who broke her heart and kind of acted as a catalyst of her break down. But he had his own issues. Will Dani give him a second chance?
I loved meeting my old favorites from Willow Bay series here. Dani has been through intense physical and emotional torture and she is fighting every day to be better. I love her grit and determination but she understandably has moments of vulnerability. She is fierce and sweet. Declan has his own dark story. He had a bright future ahead in professional soccer when he was dating Danica but then he had a bad injury. And he went into a dark place. He loves Dani but he was too lost in his pain. Now they are somehow forbidden but that doesn't stop them as their connection is too strong. It was a very emotional story. Dani and Declan had some heartbreaking moments and the angst was real. Dani is so loved but she is still finding pieces of her heart. She is scared of letting in Declan but he proved over and over again that he won't let her down again. Raw. Scorching hot. An entertaining read for sure.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Talented soccer player Danica had to leave her previous school due to her mental health issues and transfer to a school with weaker team as his brother & his full friends team is here and she can stay with him. But they have a new assistant coach. Declan was the guy who broke her heart and kind of acted as a catalyst of her break down. But he had his own issues. Will Dani give him a second chance?
I loved meeting my old favorites from Willow Bay series here. Dani has been through intense physical and emotional torture and she is fighting every day to be better. I love her grit and determination but she understandably has moments of vulnerability. She is fierce and sweet. Declan has his own dark story. He had a bright future ahead in professional soccer when he was dating Danica but then he had a bad injury. And he went into a dark place. He loves Dani but he was too lost in his pain. Now they are somehow forbidden but that doesn't stop them as their connection is too strong. It was a very emotional story. Dani and Declan had some heartbreaking moments and the angst was real. Dani is so loved but she is still finding pieces of her heart. She is scared of letting in Declan but he proved over and over again that he won't let her down again. Raw. Scorching hot. An entertaining read for sure.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
October 4, 2022
Based on the Synopsis, I was expecting this super angsty and emotional second chance romance, but what we got was just kind of... meh. There was no *oomph* here, and I really didn't care for either of the main characters.
Declan was a star soccer player, and when an crippling injury sidelines his career, he ups and ghosts Dani, whom he's been having a relationship with. She was totally in love with him, and when he left her without a word, she let her own physical and mental health rapidly decline. Now Declan is back at the college Dani is attending, and he's now her new soccer coach as well. He had no idea she would be there, and he's always regretted how he handled the end of their relationship. This is his second chance, and he's not going to waste another moment.
Dani is an amazing soccer player at the college level herself, but idk, maybe it's because of her holier than thou attitude, but her boasting how she's the best and how the girls on her team suck and she has no interest in making friends with them just rubbed me the wrong way. Plus she was so darn childish with her revenge scheme, and although she claimed that Lo was her BFF, we rarely saw them together. She just really needed to grow up, in my opinion. She would claim how she's moving on from Declan, but in the next breath she was looking for ways to destroy him. I just didn't like it.
Declan himself was very toxic, and he had a loooot of anger issues.
This just wasn't for me.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
Declan was a star soccer player, and when an crippling injury sidelines his career, he ups and ghosts Dani, whom he's been having a relationship with. She was totally in love with him, and when he left her without a word, she let her own physical and mental health rapidly decline. Now Declan is back at the college Dani is attending, and he's now her new soccer coach as well. He had no idea she would be there, and he's always regretted how he handled the end of their relationship. This is his second chance, and he's not going to waste another moment.
Dani is an amazing soccer player at the college level herself, but idk, maybe it's because of her holier than thou attitude, but her boasting how she's the best and how the girls on her team suck and she has no interest in making friends with them just rubbed me the wrong way. Plus she was so darn childish with her revenge scheme, and although she claimed that Lo was her BFF, we rarely saw them together. She just really needed to grow up, in my opinion. She would claim how she's moving on from Declan, but in the next breath she was looking for ways to destroy him. I just didn't like it.
Declan himself was very toxic, and he had a loooot of anger issues.
This just wasn't for me.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
September 26, 2022
I love this series more and more with each new book. I say they are my favorite until I read the next one then it gets that title....it was no different this time.
Lots of drama and heartache. I really wanted to smother Declan with a pillow in the beginning for all the crap he'd put Dani though, which was the beginning of her downward spiral. My heart ached for her. But with the love and support of her brother and close friends she was working on herself.
I slowly began to like Declan but was still cautious. This was such a great story with so many emotions.
Lots of drama and heartache. I really wanted to smother Declan with a pillow in the beginning for all the crap he'd put Dani though, which was the beginning of her downward spiral. My heart ached for her. But with the love and support of her brother and close friends she was working on herself.
I slowly began to like Declan but was still cautious. This was such a great story with so many emotions.
September 26, 2022
I received a complimentary early release e-book prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 4 in the series but its my first book from this author and in this series. I found it easily to follow along and I never felt lost while reading this story.
This is a second chance at love with her ex-Declan who Danica hates because he dumped her in a very cold way. He is her new coach and so she cannot avoid it. It also takes place at a college and primarily in the world of college soccer.
This was a fairly light read even though it deals with sports injuries, eating disorders and a secret romance with an authority figure who hurt you in the past. But it also deals with love, trust, faith, hope and friendship.
I really enjoyed this story and found it intense but also very romantic. At times I found Dani a bit immature, but she also was a character in transition and growing and changing and wanting to beat her insecurities. I loved how much her friends, brothers and Declan loved her and how much she loved them.
This is book 4 in the series but its my first book from this author and in this series. I found it easily to follow along and I never felt lost while reading this story.
This is a second chance at love with her ex-Declan who Danica hates because he dumped her in a very cold way. He is her new coach and so she cannot avoid it. It also takes place at a college and primarily in the world of college soccer.
This was a fairly light read even though it deals with sports injuries, eating disorders and a secret romance with an authority figure who hurt you in the past. But it also deals with love, trust, faith, hope and friendship.
I really enjoyed this story and found it intense but also very romantic. At times I found Dani a bit immature, but she also was a character in transition and growing and changing and wanting to beat her insecurities. I loved how much her friends, brothers and Declan loved her and how much she loved them.
September 22, 2022
4 Star review Off Sides (Willow Bay #4) by Ella Kade
This was an entertaining second chance at love story that ticked a number of boxes for me. The writing was strong and I was invested in Danica (Dani) and Declan’s story
Life has not been easy for either Dani or Declan when they suddenly find themselves face to face in Willow Bay. New adult/young adult is not a genre I normally read but this was well written with characters who you cannot help but become invested in.
It was heart warming to watch the growth of Dani as the story progressed in this at times emotional read.
This was an entertaining second chance at love story that ticked a number of boxes for me. The writing was strong and I was invested in Danica (Dani) and Declan’s story
Life has not been easy for either Dani or Declan when they suddenly find themselves face to face in Willow Bay. New adult/young adult is not a genre I normally read but this was well written with characters who you cannot help but become invested in.
It was heart warming to watch the growth of Dani as the story progressed in this at times emotional read.
September 26, 2022
This story captured my attention from the very beginning. I was immediately invested in Dani and what happened to her and what her process would entail. Then Declan captured my heart. He was so different with his own trauma, beautifully broken in a way and I loved him. This author showed us how someone can go through something traumatic, live with the daily self struggles, the difficulty of identifying your feelings and being able to voice them out loud, and working through the pain all while trying to heal and grow. She showed the layers of going through it coming out changed but stronger in the end. It was written genuinely, raw and beautifully. The other characters were like old friends I got to visit. I loved the loyalty, support and unity of this group of friends. This was a great read abd I look forward to more!
September 28, 2022
This book has a lot to unpack in it from the start. Lovers turned enemies, to forbidden romance (coach/player), and second chance romance to HEA.
Back into Willow Bay series for Dani and Declan's story. We met these characters previously in the other previous books and now we finally get their story and catch up with all the old gang in the process.
With huge misunderstandings on both sides cause catastrophic consequences for one another. Follow the journey of Dani battling an eating disorder and slightly losing her way from her dreams of playing Olympic soccer and hating one man she thought she loved after he ghosted her. Her need for revenge takes over when Declan is now in her new life at Willow Bay as her new coach. Yes there are a few schemes to get rid of him and when Fin decides to help is quite comical. But once old feelings start to form again Dani is at a crossroads on what do now.
Declan wasn't a popular person in previous books with his attitude and the way he and Dani ended their relationship or should we say the way he just left her with no answers made him a despicable to many. As he also found himself fighting to find a new purpose in life once his dreams are shattered forever. Where Dani wants nothing to do with him, Declan wants more with her and pushes himself back into her world in hopes of getting another chance together.
These two have miscommunication between them but once they start to understand each other things heat up quite fast with them. You get the angsty forbidden romance and second chance mix together for a steamy complicated ride with these two.
I had the pleasure to read this one early and it brought a ton of emotions while reading. The author always delivers emotional and angsty stories and Dani and Declan brought it all in this book. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall back in love with these two. If you love a story with a multitude of issues plaguing the main characters until they find a HEA then this will be your book. It brings all the feels to finding that forever love. A definite must read for second chance romance lovers.
Back into Willow Bay series for Dani and Declan's story. We met these characters previously in the other previous books and now we finally get their story and catch up with all the old gang in the process.
With huge misunderstandings on both sides cause catastrophic consequences for one another. Follow the journey of Dani battling an eating disorder and slightly losing her way from her dreams of playing Olympic soccer and hating one man she thought she loved after he ghosted her. Her need for revenge takes over when Declan is now in her new life at Willow Bay as her new coach. Yes there are a few schemes to get rid of him and when Fin decides to help is quite comical. But once old feelings start to form again Dani is at a crossroads on what do now.
Declan wasn't a popular person in previous books with his attitude and the way he and Dani ended their relationship or should we say the way he just left her with no answers made him a despicable to many. As he also found himself fighting to find a new purpose in life once his dreams are shattered forever. Where Dani wants nothing to do with him, Declan wants more with her and pushes himself back into her world in hopes of getting another chance together.
These two have miscommunication between them but once they start to understand each other things heat up quite fast with them. You get the angsty forbidden romance and second chance mix together for a steamy complicated ride with these two.
I had the pleasure to read this one early and it brought a ton of emotions while reading. The author always delivers emotional and angsty stories and Dani and Declan brought it all in this book. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall back in love with these two. If you love a story with a multitude of issues plaguing the main characters until they find a HEA then this will be your book. It brings all the feels to finding that forever love. A definite must read for second chance romance lovers.
September 25, 2022
This is the 4th book in this incredible series, and this is Declan and Danica’s journey. My heart truly broke for what Danica endured, as she is fighting her mental health issues every day. Danica is a talented soccer player, and she leaves her previous school to attend a new school where her brother is and signs up for a weaker team. Declan’s soccer career ended with a bad injury, and he is now a soccer coach who is in a dark place. Danika is the last person Declan expects to cross his path again, as he was unknowingly the catalyst for her spiralling downwards. Can these two overcome their challenges? This is a well written story which is an emotional coaster, and is raw, gritty, and powerful, with tension, heartbreak, 2nd chances, twists, family, friendships, and love, which leads to an entertaining and steamy all-consuming addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
September 26, 2022
This was an amazing story! There is heartache, pain, misunderstandings, over coming the past, happily ever after and more!
This is a great second chance, true love story that shows the battles this couple has had to face and overcome. To see this couple have all the support backing them was amazing!
This is a great second chance, true love story that shows the battles this couple has had to face and overcome. To see this couple have all the support backing them was amazing!
September 19, 2022
I have completely adored every book in this series and while this feels like an ending, I hope we visit Willow Bay again. This has angst on top of angst and I'd advise anyone with triggers to be careful with this one. Danica and Declan have a past and Danica is certainly holding a grudge. Neither expects the other to be in town and they clash several times until they both wake up and realise that they actually still love each other. I really enjoyed this. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
September 20, 2022
Light on drama, but not light on heavy topics. This is a second chance, forbidden romance that discusses mental health in a positive way.
Danica transfers to Willow Bay, where her brother attends school, in her senior year. It may not seem like the smartest move, especially when she's been working her entire school career towards making the Olympics, but for her mental and physical health, it was the move she needed to make to save her life. She may be farther away from her dreams, but at least she'll live another day to make some new ones. Her friends and family are now around her and support her every day to make sure she's mentally and physically stronger to make it through her senior year, she just never expected to run into her ex-boyfriend at her new school. The last thing she knew about him, he was playing soccer in Spain...now he's her asst. coach here. What is happening?
Declan never saw his life coaching girls soccer, especially when his own soccer career had barely started before he was majorly injured. Except, here he is...having moved back in with his sister, in Willow Bay, with one skill under his belt. When he didn't think his life could get anymore out of control, Daniela walks onto the field. He basically thinks he's dreaming. She's supposed to be far away, living her best life and making her own dreams come true. Instead she's thin, glaring at him, and on his soccer team. What is happening?
Both Daniela and Declan have had their lives flipped upside down by life and what I loved about this story is that they both had a strong family base to help them get back on their feet. That no matter what happened between them their mental health, along with their physical health, always came first. I appreciated a story that brought a strong foundation of how to keep this healthy first and a forbidden relationship between them second. Well done.
A 4.5 read over all.
Danica transfers to Willow Bay, where her brother attends school, in her senior year. It may not seem like the smartest move, especially when she's been working her entire school career towards making the Olympics, but for her mental and physical health, it was the move she needed to make to save her life. She may be farther away from her dreams, but at least she'll live another day to make some new ones. Her friends and family are now around her and support her every day to make sure she's mentally and physically stronger to make it through her senior year, she just never expected to run into her ex-boyfriend at her new school. The last thing she knew about him, he was playing soccer in Spain...now he's her asst. coach here. What is happening?
Declan never saw his life coaching girls soccer, especially when his own soccer career had barely started before he was majorly injured. Except, here he is...having moved back in with his sister, in Willow Bay, with one skill under his belt. When he didn't think his life could get anymore out of control, Daniela walks onto the field. He basically thinks he's dreaming. She's supposed to be far away, living her best life and making her own dreams come true. Instead she's thin, glaring at him, and on his soccer team. What is happening?
Both Daniela and Declan have had their lives flipped upside down by life and what I loved about this story is that they both had a strong family base to help them get back on their feet. That no matter what happened between them their mental health, along with their physical health, always came first. I appreciated a story that brought a strong foundation of how to keep this healthy first and a forbidden relationship between them second. Well done.
A 4.5 read over all.
September 19, 2022
4.0/5 ⭐
3.5/5 🌶️
I really loved this book. Dani and Declan were torn apart by their own tragedies and somehow those same tragedies brought them back together. I really enjoyed the plot and loved these two main characters, along with getting to hang out with all of our other Willow Bay friends again too.
I wish this book had been just a touch longer, I would have loved to have seen a little more angst during the enemies phase of their story. But otherwise, I absolutely loved this storyline. I really felt for Dani while she was trying to ruin Declan to ease her pain... She had been through so much between the breakup, to her ED and then losing her Olympic dream. Declan knew he deserved some hate, but didn't really know the extent of what she went through. I was so glad he finally got her to breakdown and talk, they really helped each other heal from the previous year once they found each other again.
The steam in this one was great. Sneaking around for a forbidden romance always adds a little something to the heat level. I especially loved when Declan went to her hotel room after the little prank she pulled. Their chemistry was intense and a lot of fun too.
I really loved the family dynamic between Dani, Oz and all of their friends. Watching them grow over these past 4 books has really been something else. The way they come together for each other is amazing and I loved how they did it for Dani in Off Sides. I'm also super excited that Ella says she's not done with this world yet, because I'm not ready to let go either!
3.5/5 🌶️
I really loved this book. Dani and Declan were torn apart by their own tragedies and somehow those same tragedies brought them back together. I really enjoyed the plot and loved these two main characters, along with getting to hang out with all of our other Willow Bay friends again too.
I wish this book had been just a touch longer, I would have loved to have seen a little more angst during the enemies phase of their story. But otherwise, I absolutely loved this storyline. I really felt for Dani while she was trying to ruin Declan to ease her pain... She had been through so much between the breakup, to her ED and then losing her Olympic dream. Declan knew he deserved some hate, but didn't really know the extent of what she went through. I was so glad he finally got her to breakdown and talk, they really helped each other heal from the previous year once they found each other again.
The steam in this one was great. Sneaking around for a forbidden romance always adds a little something to the heat level. I especially loved when Declan went to her hotel room after the little prank she pulled. Their chemistry was intense and a lot of fun too.
I really loved the family dynamic between Dani, Oz and all of their friends. Watching them grow over these past 4 books has really been something else. The way they come together for each other is amazing and I loved how they did it for Dani in Off Sides. I'm also super excited that Ella says she's not done with this world yet, because I'm not ready to let go either!
September 26, 2022
Finally, a romance in the women's sports world. Soccer to be exact. We have Danica who must lay
her dream to a break because of a damage that was done to her body and mind. Combined with a
broken heart which has a big part in her whole situation Danica is hurt and angry at most people.
Declan had to give up his dream career because of an incident on the field. Now after a deep
depression he stands on his own feet again and takes the opportunity to coach the women's soccer
team at Waylon Bay.
Both have a past together, a relationship that didn't end on good terms. Neither knowing about the
other there nor wanting to see the other at this University, they meet each other at practice. Dani as
the new player who must begin slow after her past and Declan as coach assistant.
With feelings between hate, want and regret their story is a rollercoaster in every direction from the
start. After all that happened nothing is easy, every move is questionable. Hurt, pain, revenge and
facing the truth is heartbreaking for both. In the mix with family and friends the walls seem to close
Danica in, and Declan has his hands full with groveling, apologizing and try to make up. But if he can
succeed is in the stars.
Two broken souls, forced together again, with the reminding pieces of dreams, wants needs and
depressions and lack of self-confidence. Can they heal together, or maybe even each other
her dream to a break because of a damage that was done to her body and mind. Combined with a
broken heart which has a big part in her whole situation Danica is hurt and angry at most people.
Declan had to give up his dream career because of an incident on the field. Now after a deep
depression he stands on his own feet again and takes the opportunity to coach the women's soccer
team at Waylon Bay.
Both have a past together, a relationship that didn't end on good terms. Neither knowing about the
other there nor wanting to see the other at this University, they meet each other at practice. Dani as
the new player who must begin slow after her past and Declan as coach assistant.
With feelings between hate, want and regret their story is a rollercoaster in every direction from the
start. After all that happened nothing is easy, every move is questionable. Hurt, pain, revenge and
facing the truth is heartbreaking for both. In the mix with family and friends the walls seem to close
Danica in, and Declan has his hands full with groveling, apologizing and try to make up. But if he can
succeed is in the stars.
Two broken souls, forced together again, with the reminding pieces of dreams, wants needs and
depressions and lack of self-confidence. Can they heal together, or maybe even each other
September 28, 2022
Having read Away Game, First Down, and Over Time i've been looking so forward to more of this series! From the moment i found out about this fourth installment i wanted to read it. I picked it up and got right back into the Willow Bay world! I so enjoyed it!
Danica and Declan's journey pulled me in right from the get go! These two were each other's everything. They're brought back face to face when Declan becomes the assistant soccer coach for Danica's team that she plays for. Can they face the past and have a future? Or are some things too hard to get over?
There was such a realness to this story that got to me. I really liked how Danica and Declan were reunited and how it wasn't easy. Danica was such a strong character and wasn't one to back down. I really liked how determined Declan was. Both characters were trying to figure things out in their lives. Their chemistry was awesome and I loved how I felt so much with them throughout. I didn't know how everything would play out for these two.
I was so glad to be back in the Willow Bay world! I enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story. Also, I loved that this book tackled things I don't see very often in books.
With Off Sides, Ms.Kade has created such a good read that brought so many feels! She doesn't shy away from the tough and I love that. I can't wait for more from her! 💙
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author *
Danica and Declan's journey pulled me in right from the get go! These two were each other's everything. They're brought back face to face when Declan becomes the assistant soccer coach for Danica's team that she plays for. Can they face the past and have a future? Or are some things too hard to get over?
There was such a realness to this story that got to me. I really liked how Danica and Declan were reunited and how it wasn't easy. Danica was such a strong character and wasn't one to back down. I really liked how determined Declan was. Both characters were trying to figure things out in their lives. Their chemistry was awesome and I loved how I felt so much with them throughout. I didn't know how everything would play out for these two.
I was so glad to be back in the Willow Bay world! I enjoyed what the other characters brought to the story. Also, I loved that this book tackled things I don't see very often in books.
With Off Sides, Ms.Kade has created such a good read that brought so many feels! She doesn't shy away from the tough and I love that. I can't wait for more from her! 💙
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author *
![Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572307419i%2F47676940._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 19, 2022
Danica has gone through a lot and she has a chance to start over at a new school and on a new team surrounded by her best friend, her twin brother, and his friends. Declan is getting a second chance after an injury took him out of playing the game he loves, now he is the coach of a college team. What neither of them expects is to see each other again.
Dani has been through so much over the last few years. I feel for her so much. She was heartbroken and suffering and going through so much that she kept hidden from everyone she loves. Once they discovered what was going on they were her biggest support system, but also very protective of her. Declan also has been through a lot and really struggled after his injury and completely shut out those he cared about most.
There is a lot of chemistry between Dani and Declan and with how things originally ended between them neither of them got the closure they needed and neither of them really stopped caring about the other. It was just a matter of time before things boiled over with them and the connection they had shifted.
If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, forbidden, second chance, sports romance romance this is one to check out.
Dani has been through so much over the last few years. I feel for her so much. She was heartbroken and suffering and going through so much that she kept hidden from everyone she loves. Once they discovered what was going on they were her biggest support system, but also very protective of her. Declan also has been through a lot and really struggled after his injury and completely shut out those he cared about most.
There is a lot of chemistry between Dani and Declan and with how things originally ended between them neither of them got the closure they needed and neither of them really stopped caring about the other. It was just a matter of time before things boiled over with them and the connection they had shifted.
If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, forbidden, second chance, sports romance romance this is one to check out.
September 27, 2022
I have loved this series about the group of friends all living in a house together coping with life and learning to love. I had completely missed that the injured brother in the earlier Willow Springs novel, “Basic Chemistry” (written as Harlow Layne) turns out to be the Declan that Danica had been dating in her twin brother’s book, “First Down,” an earlier book in this series. I really love how authors can manage to bring their characters full circle and the planning it must have taken to connect these characters to each other over an extended period of time. This book is as well written as the rest of the series. I think that this series is one of the author’s best and that she shines when writing full novels. There was misunderstanding and secrets for both characters and they both had to overcome obstacles in their lives to get to a better place where they would be ready to tackle a relationship. There is a lot of emotion to be processed and the author handled it all well. It was a really easy book to read and I didn’t want to put it down. You should read this story too, but make sure you read the rest of the series first so you don’t miss anything. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after reading an advanced complementary copy.
September 27, 2022
Ella Kade has once again delivered another home run right outta the ballpark!!! I seriously did not think it was possible for Ella’s Willow Bay Series to get any better but boy was I wrong , Off Sides just might by my favorite addition yet . Second chance and Enemies to Lovers two of my very favorite tropes wrapped up in a storyline that is guaranteed to grab onto all your emotions so tightly and pull at your heartstrings in ways you definitely will not be expecting. The heartache , the misunderstandings the off the chart’s chemistry, the ups and downs as well as angst moments, lots of steam , humor , witty banter , family , friends, unexpected surprises, awesome character development and phenomenal world building . Dani and Declan as honestly two of the most likable and relatable characters I have met in such a long time, both have not had the easiest of lives but together they fjnd the strength to preservers and fund their happily ever after . What a emotional roller coaster, I laughed, I cried and I found myself rooting do hard
4 minutes ago
4 minutes ago
September 27, 2022
Another visit to Willow Bay and another couple to fall in love with, this time it’s Danica (Dani) and Declan’s second chance at love. Their journey is heartwarming and emotional and it’s a story that drew me in and didn’t let me go until the final word had been read.
The connection between Dani and Declan has always been there but as student/coach lines should not be crossed but we can’t always control our feelings and sometimes love is more important ……
I have to be honest and say young adult is not my first choice of reading but Ella Kade does a remarkable job with this genre and I find myself engrossed in her beautifully written romances. The characters are easy to bond with and I found myself cheering this couple on as I watched Dani grow into a strong woman as this story progressed. I also love that series is about the bonds formed between all the characters in the previous books as well as I’m sure characters from future stories.
The connection between Dani and Declan has always been there but as student/coach lines should not be crossed but we can’t always control our feelings and sometimes love is more important ……
I have to be honest and say young adult is not my first choice of reading but Ella Kade does a remarkable job with this genre and I find myself engrossed in her beautifully written romances. The characters are easy to bond with and I found myself cheering this couple on as I watched Dani grow into a strong woman as this story progressed. I also love that series is about the bonds formed between all the characters in the previous books as well as I’m sure characters from future stories.
October 1, 2022
This book has a lot to unpack in it from the start. Lovers turned enemies, to forbidden romance (coach/player), and second chance romance to HEA. This is book 4 in the series but its my first book from this author and in this series. I found it easily to follow along and I never felt lost while reading this story. Dani and Declan were torn apart by their own tragedies and somehow those same tragedies brought them back together. I really enjoyed the plot and loved these two main characters, along with getting to hang out with all of our other Willow Bay friends again too. I really liked how Danica and Declan were reunited and how it wasn't easy. Danica was such a strong character and wasn't one to back down. I really liked how determined Declan was. Both characters were trying to figure things out in their lives. Their chemistry was awesome and I loved how I felt so much with them throughout. I didn't know how everything would play out for these two.
September 25, 2022
I totally enjoyed reading Off Sides by Ella Kade. Ella Kade really nailed it with such a beautifully written story.
Off Sides is a second chance, student/coach romance that will have you tearing up! The connection between Dani and Declan has always been there. They both have to learn how to be open and overcome the struggles of their past. Declan is so lovable, while Dani is so strong and relatable. These two were absolutely my favorite of the series! Declan and Dani definitely brought the feels and the steam! I can say I was rooting for these two the entire time. I also love how close the whole group of characters from this series are. They truly have made their own family with how much they care for each other.
I definitely think others should give this book and this series a shot. It is enjoyable for all!
Off Sides is a second chance, student/coach romance that will have you tearing up! The connection between Dani and Declan has always been there. They both have to learn how to be open and overcome the struggles of their past. Declan is so lovable, while Dani is so strong and relatable. These two were absolutely my favorite of the series! Declan and Dani definitely brought the feels and the steam! I can say I was rooting for these two the entire time. I also love how close the whole group of characters from this series are. They truly have made their own family with how much they care for each other.
I definitely think others should give this book and this series a shot. It is enjoyable for all!
September 26, 2022
What an entertaining story. Dani has been struggling to get her self healthy again after some issues she had at her other school and soccer team. With the help of her family and friends she is starting to recover. Declan is also starting to heal from an injury that sent him into a deep depression, which left him in a dark place for a while. This is what starts the story for them. Dani is fighting the want for revenge for how he left her and Declan just wants to explain and hold her. What a great story of healing and love. They have both struggled for so long with trust, betrayals and secrets that they are keeping. How will things turn out when they both give their truths. You will have to read to find out. The books in this series are fun to read and keep you captivated. I was given this book as an arc for my honest review.
September 27, 2022
Off Sides is an remarkable second chance romance. Danica transfer to Willow Bay in her senior year but this is not your usual move. She works hard to be in the Olympic but for mental and physical health this was the move for her. Her friends and family support her to make sure she gets through this year but what she didn’t expect was for her ex to be her new assistant coach. Declan’s own soccer career ends before he really got started. Now he is back live with his sister and coach woman soccer in Willow Bay. But what shock him the most is see Danica on the field. Now they will have to deal with both their mental and health problems while falling in love with each other. But their journey will definitely not be an easy one with all that is thrown their way. But their ending is perfect for them.
November 1, 2022
This is a new to me author. This is the fourth and final book of this series, with a potential spin off series to come.
This story follows Danica (Dani) a college soccer super star. After an illness she transfers to a small college where her brother and family attend school to get back into her groove. Declan her former college boyfriend and fellow soccer super star arrives on scene as her new assistant soccer coach. What could possibly go wrong??
I really wish I would have read the first three books to get the background on other characters and also possibly see Dani and Declan’s relationship from the beginning.
If you have been reading this from the beginning it wraps up the series very nicely.
Triggers - eating disorder
Thank you to Good Reads for the print copy of this book. All opinions and statements are my own.
This story follows Danica (Dani) a college soccer super star. After an illness she transfers to a small college where her brother and family attend school to get back into her groove. Declan her former college boyfriend and fellow soccer super star arrives on scene as her new assistant soccer coach. What could possibly go wrong??
I really wish I would have read the first three books to get the background on other characters and also possibly see Dani and Declan’s relationship from the beginning.
If you have been reading this from the beginning it wraps up the series very nicely.
Triggers - eating disorder
Thank you to Good Reads for the print copy of this book. All opinions and statements are my own.
September 26, 2022
Very nice enemies to lovers romance story. Dani and Declan had lots on theirs plats past year, non of them had it easy. It seemed to be perfect till it was not anymore. Declan did fall into depression after big injury and Dani deal with mental problems which lead to physical troubles. Both of them was forced to abandon theirs dreamed future. Luckily they both had support of families to get back on theirs own legs. There was so much angst between them. Dani did make suffer Declan for all she gone through and which started with him. But there was so much chemistry between them both that it was undeniable they must be together. Author did walk us through theirs healing putting quite accurate vision. It’s a nice story.
October 1, 2022
This is book 4 in the Willow Bay Series and is about Danica and Declan. Danica is a female soccer player who went down a very unhealthy route to the point where she scared her family and friends. So with the support of her family and friends she moved to Willow Bay and has a chance to start over at a new school and on a new team but what she didn’t expect was for her ex to be her new assistant coach. Declan’s own soccer career ended before he really got started. He's now back in Willow Bay living with his sister coaching women's soccer but what he didn't expect to see was Danica on the field. A second chance romance filled with banter, humor, heartache, pain, chemistry forbidden love trope. I definitely recommend reading this one.
October 14, 2022
This story captured my attention from the very beginning. I was immediately invested in Dani and what happened to her and what would her process be. Then Declan captured my heart. He was so different with his own trauma, beautifully broken in a way and I loved him. This author showed us how someone can go through something traumatic, live with the daily self struggles, the difficulty of identifying your feelings and being able to voice them out loud, and working through the pain while trying to heal and grow through it coming out changed but stronger in the end. It was written genuinely, raw and beautifully. The other characters were like old friends I got to visit. I loved the loyalty, support and unity of this group of friends.
September 20, 2022
This is a really enjoyable second chance romance, and I was happy to see Dani and Declan have the opportunity to get the closure they needed so they could start fresh. They’ve both been through a lot since UCLA, and Willow Bay is a new beginning. The way they navigate through their situation as coach/player was interesting, and I liked that forbidden aspect of their relationship. The real highlight of this one for me was the found family that still exists for this group. I have enjoyed all the previous books, and seeing how all these characters continue to love, support and care for each other still gives me all the feels.
September 21, 2022
I love this group of friends sooo much! They are supportive and protective…to a fault. Danica and Declan were a madly in love couple, until they weren’t any more. Danica and Declan were both broken in their own ways. Can they finish healing together and have a happily ever after ending? When she ends up playing soccer on a team he is coaching, they are both surprised. What happens now? Can they fix this? I really enjoyed this quick reading. It was emotional but had some laugh out loud banter. The characters had great depth and the story was raw and compelling. I have really enjoyed books in this series and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
September 26, 2022
Wow, talk about an emotional and heavy story. Dani was put under a lot of stress and struggles from her past school and her family and friends are trying to help her heal. Seeing her ex as the new assistant coach to her soccer team was not what she was expecting. After enduring a career ending injury Declan is now coaching a women's soccer team. These two had so many miscommunication and hurt to get over, but I love how Declan stepped up and didn't leave Dani's side. Through their ups and downs and after unloading their ugly truths these two were able to have their second chance and I was here for all of it!
September 27, 2022
Danica and Declan's story pulled at my heart strings from the start.
Danica loved Declan so much that when he ghosted her after he hit a real dark time in his life that it totally ruined Danica for any man and shielded her heart.
Danica went down a very unhealthy route to the point she scared her family and friends and her brother and best friend made her move to be with them.
Declan had a bad injury that ruined his soccer career and he found him self back home being an assistent teacher to the soccer team.
Danica and Declan were fire and smoke when together they faught laughed and tears. I loved this story
Danica loved Declan so much that when he ghosted her after he hit a real dark time in his life that it totally ruined Danica for any man and shielded her heart.
Danica went down a very unhealthy route to the point she scared her family and friends and her brother and best friend made her move to be with them.
Declan had a bad injury that ruined his soccer career and he found him self back home being an assistent teacher to the soccer team.
Danica and Declan were fire and smoke when together they faught laughed and tears. I loved this story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews