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

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.

4/5⭐️ 3/5🌶 I liked this book I could not put it down. This book keep my attention for so love I love her style of writing so much. Asher 🥰 what can I say about him ummm... I love him so much. Scarlett you sweetie I love you too. They way the book is written makes you feel like you are there. Rival's sister, forbidden love, secret girlfriend and boyfriend (from the public not each other) I love this so much, it is also slow burn but not too slow. She also mentioned other characters from the other series that she has and she dose it in a good way.

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.

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!

I listened to this audiobook and enjoyed the narrators and storyline. Scarlett is the girl that's protecting her heart. Asher is the guy that plays football (not American football) and loves racing his car. The two aren't supposed to fall in love but through the time they spend together, it's inevitable. Scarlett was in an automobile accident, ruining her future as a prima ballerina. Asher is a football player and was traded from the Holchester to Blackcastle team. After a disastrous final game in the Premier League game, Asher and his nemesis, Vincent DuBois, are told they are to cross-train at the Royal Academy of Ballet (RAB). Before showing up for his first lesson at RAB, Asher runs into a beautiful woman at a pub. Due to his popularity, she knows who he is but won't give him her information. For the following week, all he can think about is the beautiful woman in the pub. When he shows up for his first training session at RAB, beautiful pub woman in there. As his instructor. But wait, it gets better. When Vincent shows up for training, Asher quickly learns the name of his trainer and beautiful pub woman. Scarlett. Scarlett DuBois. As in the sister of Vincent DuBois. Luckily Vincent gets a sudden phone call from their father and has to leave town due to a family emergency (supposedly). This was a cute story with a good HEA. It was nice to hear about the side characters, who I'm sure will have their stories in this series.

A book my daughter wanted from this author. She loved it.

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!

For context, I have read all of Ana's other books and this one misses the mark. It was going so great until about 40% in. I am not a fan of random/rushed intimacy. Which I know is a personal opinion but I feel what I feel alright? I really thought this was going to be a slow burn type of situation which I would have been totally okay with.. but then it amped up. so, overall plot was great just needed slight rounding out, the intimate scenes later in the book were great. The 1st intimate scene felt rushed and misplaced in the book. 3/5 for spice due to the multiple scenes.

Estaba segura que odiaría a Asher y se convirtió en uno de mis personajes masculinos favoritos de Ana Huang.

"She's the only woman he wants and the only woman he can't have " Though I don't agree with it cz he had her quite easily. I loved the story as well as Scarlett and Asher's chemistry but I'm already in love with Vincent ( and idk why tf) but can't wait for Vincent to come in action

i love the book itself but it did not come as the deluxe edition as stated in the product title… the deluxe edition has the picture on the cover of the book but mine does not.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Prêt a entrer dans une era de sport romance avec la nouvelle saga « Gods of the Game » de @anahuang entre un joueur professionnel de foot en première League et une ancienne ballerine ? ⚽️🩰 Et quoi de mieux pour ça que de poser nos bagages à Londres 🇬🇧 Il s’agit d’un tournant par rapport à ce qu’a pu écrire Ana. Et qu’est-ce que j’ai adoré ce premier tome. Honnêtement je n’ai absolument rien à redire, toutes les cases ont été pour moi cochées. La plume d’Ana est toujours aussi additive, et la nouvelle dimension qu’elle a apporté aux personnages d’Asher et Scarlett en abordant des thèmes importants notamment sur la santé mentale est si justement traité. J’ai ressenti toutes les difficultés à exercer un sport de haut niveau, la pression, le besoin constant de se dépasser au risque de négliger sa santé physique et mentale. Asher et Scarlett sont devenus leur bouée de sauvetage réciproque, mais aussi pour apprendre à prendre soin d’eux mêmes. Scarlett et Asher sont hyper attachants et leur première rencontre a été si drôle. Leur proximité forcée est un régal et les voir ressentir une attraction si forte sans oser la franchir est dingue. Leurs séances d’entraînements et moment à deux m’empêchaient de poser mon livre. Le talentueux joueur de foot Asher Donovan est une chose, mais l'humain, l'homme, Asher, c'est quelque chose d’autre… Je veux dire quel genre d'homme te demande officiellement en personne d'aller à votre premier date ? 😮‍💨🤌 Et la scène du match, le voyage à Tokyo leur officialisation sont ✨ OMG 🥹 mais c’est aussi des cicatrices invisibles… Scarlett est humaine, attentionnée et déterminée. Malheureusement elle a subit un grave accident qui a brisé sa carrière. Alors comment passer à autre chose ? Elle est si juste et toujours prête à s’investir pour ceux qu’elle aime. Je l’ai trouvé si forte, courageuse et rempli de sagesse. Alors forcément, Asher & Scarlett ensemble ça ne peut que fonctionner. Et je suis la première à être leur plus grande fan 😍 p.s : Le premier épilogue est un fou rire 🦖

Good condition recommend it