The Striker (Deluxe Edition) (Gods of the Game, 1) Paperback – October 22, 2024

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!

While i’m so tired of 700 page books, i still devoured it. Could easily have been a cutesy 300 pager but there were so many different tidbits throughout the story that kept me going. There were SO many different cameos from every other series that made it so fun to read. Literally the mentions of characters from the If Love series, Twisted series and Kings of Sin took place. it was fabulous! Also related, I was a ballerina when a ligament in my knee started to tear and i couldn’t dance anymore AND my boyfriend is a soccer player so that’s cool!I love the family involvement throughout the series and all the obstacles the mmc and fmc persevered through. The supporting characters were equally entertaining throughout this read!

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.

Having loved the Twisted series and the Kings of Sin series as well, I just knew The Striker was going to be another great book. I wasn’t wrong. I absolutely loved Asher Donovan’s story. I had always enjoyed his small interactions in other books and was thrilled when he got his own story.There was so much more going on with his character than I could have ever guessed. He’s hot, rich, charming and successful. Falling for his greatest rivals sister was not in the cards. Scarlett, a former prima ballerina doesn’t date footballers, especially not the footballer who her brother absolutely despises. Due to the ongoing animosity between Asher and Scarlett’s brother Vincent their coach orders them to cross-train together in the off season using ballet. Their ballet teacher is none other than Vincent’s sister Scarlet. Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers and Forbidden romance? Sign me up !Asher and Scarlett have insane chemistry together. It’s like they instantly can see who the other person is and not the persona they put on for the world. This is a fun, spicy sports romance filled with angst and heartache. You get some steam with tons of tension, but also a really great in depth story line. Both of the MC’s have a lot of trauma they’re trying to live with and watching how they discover their path to healing was a beautiful journey. I also loved how there were character’s from previous books that popped up into parts of this story. Easter Egg Cameos are Reader gifts and I’m here for them all. This was a great read. I highly recommend and am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I love the writing. Excellent as ever fromana huang but the drama wasn’t there. I needed more. I never got the feels I ususally do with Ana Huang.