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Zero-Sum Game
When Brynn aims for a goal, she makes it.
Now? Ember is her goal.
“I’ll never forget the woman who offered an escape.”
Ember Donoghue, former high school soccer star, only needs three things to be
A place to live. Her little sister Cinder. Fantasies of her old coach, Brynn Morgan.
When the current assistant coach is fired, Cinder announces that the position is open – and she can’t think of anyone better for the job than Ember.
“I’ll never look at her the same way again.”
Yet recent divorcee Brynn is reluctant to hire her former student. She knows more than anyone that Ember is popular, likeable, and talented…
She also knows that thinking about grown-up Ember puts her in an awkward position. Because heartbroken Brynn is dating again, and Ember is the stuff dreams are made of.
“Everything will try to tear us apart.”
Inexperienced at love and untouched at 21, Ember throws herself into Brynn’s world, even if it means going against her morally strict parents. And Brynn can’t say no to the college student who makes her feel alive for the first time in twenty years.
Even though this could ruin Brynn’s reputation. Even though this could ruin Ember’s family.
They don’t care. Ember needs Brynn. Brynn wants Ember. Together, they can score any goal.
Even if it means destroying the only security they’ve ever known.
This is a steamy age gap sports romance that contains heavier themes of negative and unsupportive family dynamics. It has a HEA.
Now? Ember is her goal.
“I’ll never forget the woman who offered an escape.”
Ember Donoghue, former high school soccer star, only needs three things to be
A place to live. Her little sister Cinder. Fantasies of her old coach, Brynn Morgan.
When the current assistant coach is fired, Cinder announces that the position is open – and she can’t think of anyone better for the job than Ember.
“I’ll never look at her the same way again.”
Yet recent divorcee Brynn is reluctant to hire her former student. She knows more than anyone that Ember is popular, likeable, and talented…
She also knows that thinking about grown-up Ember puts her in an awkward position. Because heartbroken Brynn is dating again, and Ember is the stuff dreams are made of.
“Everything will try to tear us apart.”
Inexperienced at love and untouched at 21, Ember throws herself into Brynn’s world, even if it means going against her morally strict parents. And Brynn can’t say no to the college student who makes her feel alive for the first time in twenty years.
Even though this could ruin Brynn’s reputation. Even though this could ruin Ember’s family.
They don’t care. Ember needs Brynn. Brynn wants Ember. Together, they can score any goal.
Even if it means destroying the only security they’ve ever known.
This is a steamy age gap sports romance that contains heavier themes of negative and unsupportive family dynamics. It has a HEA.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2023
95 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 4, 2023
brynn an actual predator sorry but
January 22, 2023
Sweet and Hot!
Trigger warnings...mention of a past sexual abuse of a minor by a teacher (not main character).
Okay now that that is out of the way let's get down to business with how great this book was!
First, the aforementioned scene was properly addressed and given a very appropriate setting to be examined. I really liked that this was mentioned and I really like that it was dealt with the way that it was dealt with. I'll admit it hit really hard but it gave a great voice to a character that could be related to. It's important to make these matters seen to help remove the fear of speaking out. I love that this book did that.
Secondly, the main character romantic relationship was beautifully developed. It wasn't a creepy grab for the younger love interest, it was fully thought out and both were consenting adults ready to live out a beautiful fantasy.
Speaking of fantasy, the heat of this book lasted pages! 🔥🔥🔥 It was like delving into a pleasure volcano and then being spat back out with a furious eruption. Hot is just not a good enough adjective. It surprised me that it was so hot because the scenes were not as descriptive as some of these authors' other books.
Lastly, this story was beautiful. There were many things in it that felt like the world needed to see more of it. Overbearing parents lost in unrealistic expectations and outdated ideals tear a family apart. Honest looks at what these different types of abuse will do to high schoolers and middle schoolers was was brought to the forefront of the story and a strong desire of the older characters to be able to see better in the lives of these students to be better advocates for their needs and safety with another thing that really needs to be said more. This world is hard but being able to talk about the harshness instead of shoving it under the rug is a real important step to stopping these types of abuse from happening anymore. Hopefully, life will imitate art soon.
I highly recommend this book! I couldn't put it down. I loved it! Thank you to the authors for taking on such heavy concepts and issues and giving them fair visibility within your story.
Trigger warnings...mention of a past sexual abuse of a minor by a teacher (not main character).
Okay now that that is out of the way let's get down to business with how great this book was!
First, the aforementioned scene was properly addressed and given a very appropriate setting to be examined. I really liked that this was mentioned and I really like that it was dealt with the way that it was dealt with. I'll admit it hit really hard but it gave a great voice to a character that could be related to. It's important to make these matters seen to help remove the fear of speaking out. I love that this book did that.
Secondly, the main character romantic relationship was beautifully developed. It wasn't a creepy grab for the younger love interest, it was fully thought out and both were consenting adults ready to live out a beautiful fantasy.
Speaking of fantasy, the heat of this book lasted pages! 🔥🔥🔥 It was like delving into a pleasure volcano and then being spat back out with a furious eruption. Hot is just not a good enough adjective. It surprised me that it was so hot because the scenes were not as descriptive as some of these authors' other books.
Lastly, this story was beautiful. There were many things in it that felt like the world needed to see more of it. Overbearing parents lost in unrealistic expectations and outdated ideals tear a family apart. Honest looks at what these different types of abuse will do to high schoolers and middle schoolers was was brought to the forefront of the story and a strong desire of the older characters to be able to see better in the lives of these students to be better advocates for their needs and safety with another thing that really needs to be said more. This world is hard but being able to talk about the harshness instead of shoving it under the rug is a real important step to stopping these types of abuse from happening anymore. Hopefully, life will imitate art soon.
I highly recommend this book! I couldn't put it down. I loved it! Thank you to the authors for taking on such heavy concepts and issues and giving them fair visibility within your story.
January 22, 2023
Well written book but I’m not a fan of age gap romance with 21 year old women making life long decisions before their brains have even finished developing. Go forward 30 years, what does this look like then? That’s disconcerting though thrilling in the moment not wise in the long run.
Though the book is well written, the concept is flawed. Not that lesbian relationships are unimportant or uncomplicated, I’d expect a LOT more out of parents in 2023 than I found here.
Without even touching on the tragedy that is Helena’s life. That deserved more attention and love than it got. Much more because what happened to her still happens, primarily to girls and is not treated as the crisis it is.
Though the book is well written, the concept is flawed. Not that lesbian relationships are unimportant or uncomplicated, I’d expect a LOT more out of parents in 2023 than I found here.
Without even touching on the tragedy that is Helena’s life. That deserved more attention and love than it got. Much more because what happened to her still happens, primarily to girls and is not treated as the crisis it is.
July 10, 2023
Mixed minds
Okay so I like the two MCs and the story for the most part, however ... So the story understandably drives home how Ember is a former student, it could be seen as inappropriate, etc. But there were some parts where the author really encouraged it. The theatre seen especially made Brynn seem very predatory. And the stuff with Helena wasn't really solved, they had one conversation then talked about how she just vanished but Brynn didn't think it's the last she'd see of her... Only it was the last because the book was over. So in summary it's a good book but it really leans in to the relationship being bad and taboo in a lot of scenes.
Okay so I like the two MCs and the story for the most part, however ... So the story understandably drives home how Ember is a former student, it could be seen as inappropriate, etc. But there were some parts where the author really encouraged it. The theatre seen especially made Brynn seem very predatory. And the stuff with Helena wasn't really solved, they had one conversation then talked about how she just vanished but Brynn didn't think it's the last she'd see of her... Only it was the last because the book was over. So in summary it's a good book but it really leans in to the relationship being bad and taboo in a lot of scenes.
December 5, 2023
it was okay
The relationship between them kinda blindside the storyline, it was kinda weird to read, overalls the character chemistry seemed forced
The relationship between them kinda blindside the storyline, it was kinda weird to read, overalls the character chemistry seemed forced
January 26, 2023
The writing is fine. I had no complaints there. I struggled with the chemistry between the characters, as for me there was none. I don’t see why they were into each other, physical attraction aside. All of that is super subjective though, and others might not feel like that.
My real issue with this book was that Brynn, the coach, comes across as a total predator who is so excited to take Ember’s virginity. That was really gross at times. Don’t get the started on the movie theater scene when Brynn knew (or could assume) that Ember doesn’t have a lot of experience.
Early in the book, Brynn says stuff that seem to indicate that she’s not going to be like that, with going for a much younger women and all of that. It was weird, having her think all these things but then later she’s all into Ember being innocent, young, and a virgin.
My real issue with this book was that Brynn, the coach, comes across as a total predator who is so excited to take Ember’s virginity. That was really gross at times. Don’t get the started on the movie theater scene when Brynn knew (or could assume) that Ember doesn’t have a lot of experience.
Early in the book, Brynn says stuff that seem to indicate that she’s not going to be like that, with going for a much younger women and all of that. It was weird, having her think all these things but then later she’s all into Ember being innocent, young, and a virgin.
March 23, 2023
A very, very , very optimistic novel.
I revel in the fact that I am a very romantic person which is manifested by the fact that the majority of the novels I read are predominantly love conquers all and HEA are in that category.
My only complaints are relatively small ones.
1. Many of the characters are stereotypical and as such they become predictable.
2. In most age gap romances the gap is usually 8 to 12 years. As a relatively realistic person I found the 11 year number a little hard to deal with, especially since, neither of the main characters seem to be in any rush to get engaged at any point in their near future.
If you are a reader who believes that love conquers all, this is the novel for you, this one is for you.
🥰
I revel in the fact that I am a very romantic person which is manifested by the fact that the majority of the novels I read are predominantly love conquers all and HEA are in that category.
My only complaints are relatively small ones.
1. Many of the characters are stereotypical and as such they become predictable.
2. In most age gap romances the gap is usually 8 to 12 years. As a relatively realistic person I found the 11 year number a little hard to deal with, especially since, neither of the main characters seem to be in any rush to get engaged at any point in their near future.
If you are a reader who believes that love conquers all, this is the novel for you, this one is for you.
🥰
February 4, 2023
Good book
Ember is young and naive but know that she had a crush on her soccer coach. After graduating and doing online classes for college she is hired to help Coach Brynn. Brynn after going through a divorce and trying to get her life back in order, she is excited to have her star player help her with the team. As there relationship gets going things turn crazy because someone has a video of them kissing not that it wrong just people won't understand a forty year old being with a twenty one year "girl". A wonder story I hope there is more to come from the story of maybe some of the other girls on the soccer team.
Ember is young and naive but know that she had a crush on her soccer coach. After graduating and doing online classes for college she is hired to help Coach Brynn. Brynn after going through a divorce and trying to get her life back in order, she is excited to have her star player help her with the team. As there relationship gets going things turn crazy because someone has a video of them kissing not that it wrong just people won't understand a forty year old being with a twenty one year "girl". A wonder story I hope there is more to come from the story of maybe some of the other girls on the soccer team.
September 14, 2023
My God but I love the way these women write!
This is an absolutely beautiful read. I love that an older woman captivates this younger woman so completely and they work so hard to work things out against the toughest of odds. I love the back story with Helena, it just added a great complexity to the overall drama. In my mind I can see each character as she matures to womanhood having learned of strong love between two people not expected to be together, beat the odds! Thank you Hildred and Cynthia for writing this book, it is now in a place of honor on the shelf with others to be enjoyed often.
This is an absolutely beautiful read. I love that an older woman captivates this younger woman so completely and they work so hard to work things out against the toughest of odds. I love the back story with Helena, it just added a great complexity to the overall drama. In my mind I can see each character as she matures to womanhood having learned of strong love between two people not expected to be together, beat the odds! Thank you Hildred and Cynthia for writing this book, it is now in a place of honor on the shelf with others to be enjoyed often.
May 11, 2024
Zero-Sum Game ⚽️❤️
I am a sucker for sports romances and age-gap tropes.
Ember, a former high school soccer star, returns to assist in coaching with her long-time crush, Coach Brynn Morgan - who was her coach back then. This is a few years after Ember has graduated. Getting to know each other in different circumstances could not prevent the sparks from flying.
The drama is more around the couple than with the couple themselves. There are overbearing parents, a troubled teammate, a soccer championship on the line, and uncertain futures. It all kept me engaged....I kept turning the pages!!
I am a sucker for sports romances and age-gap tropes.
Ember, a former high school soccer star, returns to assist in coaching with her long-time crush, Coach Brynn Morgan - who was her coach back then. This is a few years after Ember has graduated. Getting to know each other in different circumstances could not prevent the sparks from flying.
The drama is more around the couple than with the couple themselves. There are overbearing parents, a troubled teammate, a soccer championship on the line, and uncertain futures. It all kept me engaged....I kept turning the pages!!
January 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this sporty, unrequited crush, age gap novel.
Ember (awesome name!) has crushed on her high school coach, Brynn, for years. When fate throws them together with Ember being hired as assistant coach, sparks fly between them.
I love a good age gap and this didn't disappoint. Both characters want and need in each other, in different but complementary ways. It's low angst in relation to their relationship, which I really enjoyed....but the spicy scenes were hot!
As always, Cynthia and Hildred have put out another excellent book.
Ember (awesome name!) has crushed on her high school coach, Brynn, for years. When fate throws them together with Ember being hired as assistant coach, sparks fly between them.
I love a good age gap and this didn't disappoint. Both characters want and need in each other, in different but complementary ways. It's low angst in relation to their relationship, which I really enjoyed....but the spicy scenes were hot!
As always, Cynthia and Hildred have put out another excellent book.
July 14, 2023
I just listened to this age gap story as an audio book and the narration was greatly done by Aileen Bishop!
I enjoyed listening to this story it was an enjoyable story with a beautiful romance between Ember and her former high school soccer coach Brynn.
I loved the way the relationship unfolded despite Embers parents. But I kind of missed a better solution for Helena
Definitely an audio book I will re listen to again and again.
I enjoyed listening to this story it was an enjoyable story with a beautiful romance between Ember and her former high school soccer coach Brynn.
I loved the way the relationship unfolded despite Embers parents. But I kind of missed a better solution for Helena
Definitely an audio book I will re listen to again and again.
April 1, 2023
An age gap twist on the wealthy lesbian romance universe
An age gap twist to the wealthy lesbian romance universe of Dane & Billings. Its also a rare treat that these are characters & stories completely separate & unrelated to all the others before it which sets it uniquely apart in a good way.
An age gap twist to the wealthy lesbian romance universe of Dane & Billings. Its also a rare treat that these are characters & stories completely separate & unrelated to all the others before it which sets it uniquely apart in a good way.
January 26, 2023
Just.. Wow
I'm completely blown away. I have seen this book in my recommendations and I am shocked that it took me so long to read it. This book is absolutely fantastic and I am at a loss for words. I will definitely keep this book to read again.
I'm completely blown away. I have seen this book in my recommendations and I am shocked that it took me so long to read it. This book is absolutely fantastic and I am at a loss for words. I will definitely keep this book to read again.
February 12, 2023
Great story
I have enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt adventure of young woman that stuck at home going to college online and end up assistant coach in her old high school and fell in love with her former coach.
I have enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt adventure of young woman that stuck at home going to college online and end up assistant coach in her old high school and fell in love with her former coach.
March 4, 2023
A sport story that makes you feel like you're really watching the game. The mental visualization is fantastic. A good pace, A story that denotes love, bigotry. Violence and comedy in just the right amount to help the story move and not bore the reader. Recommended.
January 21, 2023
To Sum it up for me
This realistic story had heart, grit and characters that lived all the sum parts of their lives. To sum it all up, I loved it!
This realistic story had heart, grit and characters that lived all the sum parts of their lives. To sum it all up, I loved it!
March 18, 2023
Who hasn't had the perfect summer of where you wanted your couches to lust after, and what if you met them later in life to win the goal and the love life you wanted.
April 3, 2023
book got game
So good love the characters and the way they navigated their attraction love and age difference.good work Ladies .await more of your works.
So good love the characters and the way they navigated their attraction love and age difference.good work Ladies .await more of your works.
December 17, 2024
I really wanted to like this more, since I love a good age gap taboo romance but this wasn't it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews