The Striker (Deluxe Edition) (Gods of the Game, 1)

Ana is a wonderfully gifted author. Every story she tells is a treat but this one is especially deep, wise and inspiring. The writing is magnificent, the character development is phenomenal and every page is a delight. While this is her first sports romance, she has proven she can ace any genre or trope.With the most expensive club transfer mid-season, Premier League star Asher Donavan is expected to bring home the trophy. However, his feud with rival-turned-teammate Vincent DuBois cost them the championship. To end their ongoing rivalry, Coach arranges for them to cross-train together at the ballet academy during off-season, with the best instructor Scarlett who happens to be Vincent’s sister.I absolutely adore Scarlett but my heart breaks for her knowing what she’s been through. A beautiful, witty and incredibly talented ballerina whose career was cut short by a tragic accident. Despite the challenging aftermath, she continues to push through the pain and fatigue every day. I’m in awe of her strength and resilience.However, she has her vulnerable moments too. She has a hard time trusting people after being betrayed by her ex. It is monumental when she opens up to Asher and confides in him about her past.Oh Asher, the man that he is. Charming, funny, thoughtful, loving, protective… he sets the bar really high. I love that he doesn’t shy away from his feelings, but at the same time respectful of what Scarlett wants and needs. The way he cares her (physically and emotionally), supports her dream and loves her unconditionally is out of this world. Everything about them is perfect, from the sizzling tension, the explosive chemistry to the most special love they share.I squealed seeing familiar faces from previous series. Their cameos always put a smile on my face. I’m really excited to explore this new world that Ana has created and the characters in it, and I’m so ready for the next Gods of the Game book!

It is interesting looking at trends in books during certain times. This is the second ballerina FMC book I’ve read this month. Both were released within the last few months.Asher is a renowned footballer (soccer) and troublemaker who recently transferred to a rival team where his arch rival, Vincent, plays. To encourage a better team dynamic, the team manager pairs Asher and Vincent up for training over the summer with a former ballerina to be their trainer. This trainer/ballerina is none other than Vincent’s sister Scarlett. Vincent is called away for a family emergency (which awkwardly does not require his sister), leaving Scarlett and Asher to train through the summer solo. Obviously we know what happens. The development of their relationship is actually very sweet. Asher is also know as a playboy, but his cockiness is not overpowering through their interactions. He is confident and flirty but overall is respectful to Scarlett.This is a long book but after the intro section, it doesn’t read as one. There are a bunch of overly dramatic details about the past that create additional drama in the future (Scarlett’s accident, Asher’s best friend, Asher’s secret/not so secret love for illegal street racing, Scarlett’s crappy footballer ex boyfriend)…. Some of these could have been left out imo. There were also some random side characters who I think are from the authors other books, but since I’ve only read a few of her books and wasn’t the biggest fan, those potential crossovers fell flat for me.Ultimately, this story kept me engaged and entertained. A little more drama-y compared to other sports romances, but I will most likely continue the series.

was really excited about finally reading Asher’s story. But this book lacked Ana’s characteristic drama-infused plot. Erotic romance is Huang’s main attraction, but her books actually have plots worth following. The secret dating wasn’t that exciting, there wasn’t charged tension (like Kai and Isabella’s. Ana I will never get over King of Pride). There was so much that could have been explored here: privacy intrusion by the media, rivalry with the brother, trust issues.Asher’s backstory could have been better exploited: I don’t think he was spinning out of control or unwilling to face his demons. He has a past, but until 80% of the book, it’s like he went through it and was living a rather functional life. One could argue that many live that way: burying their issues, and then something triggers it. Nonetheless, I never felt like Asher was struggling with impulsiveness or self-destruction👀Now, we all love a man who is assertive and communicative. Asher ticked all the romantic boxes. No notes, 10/10.As for Scarlett, I appreciated her growth as a character. It was rather refreshing to get the POV of someone who is rebuilding their life and finding new direction after a personal tragedy. Also, that she is willing to put herself out there and trust. On an unrelated note, ballet was supposed to be a major part of Scarlett’s life but it fell flat in my opinion. Some lingo, students, a tough headmistress. But that was it. Ballet deserved more page-time.