The Striker

Ana Huang can do no wrong

Bewertet: Buch (Taschenbuch)

We got a football romance by Ana Huang! Asher Donovan finally got his own story and I loved every second of it. Scarlett is now my second favorite female character by Ana Huang. Their love story is full of funny banter, heart-warming moments and swoonworthy scenes. The Striker feels a bit different from Ana Huangs usual book and still, I loved it as much, as all her other works.

sports drama, steamy romance, thoughtful exploration of personal challenges and sizzling chemistry

Bewertet: Buch (Taschenbuch)

Ana Huang's "The Striker, the first book in her "Gods of the Game" series, is a captivating sports romance that combines the thrill of professional soccer with the intensity of forbidden love. Set in the high-stakes world of English football, the novel follows the passionate and complicated relationship between Asher Donovan, a talented striker, and Scarlett Keane, an aspiring ballerina struggling with chronic pain. The story begins with Asher's mid-season transfer to Blackcastle United, a move that puts him in direct competition with his estranged brother, who plays for the same team. From the outset, Huang establishes the tension and rivalry that will underpin much of the novel's conflict. Asher's reputation as a skilled but difficult player precedes him, setting the stage for his character development throughout the story. "I love you. I‘m so fuck*ng in love with you, darling, and the only reckless thing I want to do is explore how deep this rabbit hole goes with you. Together. " ~ Asher Scarlett Keane, the female protagonist, is introduced as a prima ballerina whose career has been derailed by a debilitating injury. Huang's portrayal of Scarlett's struggle with chronic pain is one of the novel's strongest aspects. The author's sensitive and realistic depiction of living with an invisible disability adds depth to Scarlett's character and provides an important representation of a often overlooked experience. "I‘d spent years running from my fears, but the prospect of losing him was so overwhelming that I couldn‘t outrun it. It swamped me, dragging me under waves of anxiety and horrible, bloody what‘if‘s." ~ Scarlett As the relationship between Asher and Scarlett develops, Ana Huang skillfully navigates the complexities of their situation. The forbidden nature of their attraction - given Asher's status as her best friend's brother and a teammate of her ex-boyfriend - adds an extra layer of tension to their burgeoning romance. Great balance of internal monologue, dialogue, and descriptive passages. The pacing is well-managed, alternating between slower, character-driven moments and more intense scenes both on and off the soccer field. The soccer elements of the story are convincingly portrayed, with enough detail to satisfy sports fans without alienating readers less familiar with the game. Huang effectively uses the high-pressure world of professional sports as a backdrop for the characters' personal struggles and growth. The novel doesn't shy away from addressing serious topics, including mental health, the pressure of public scrutiny, and the physical toll of professional sports. These elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth to the characters and their motivations. "The Striker" is a strong start to Ana Huang's new series, offering a compelling blend of sports drama, steamy romance, and thoughtful exploration of personal challenges. The novel's well-drawn characters, sizzling chemistry, and sensitive handling of chronic pain make it stand out in the crowded field of sports romance. Readers will find themselves invested in Asher and Scarlett's journey, both individually and as a couple, and eager to see what Huang has in store for the rest of the Blackcastle United team in future installments.