Another read to my romance-shelf with this first instalment from the Long Game series. Centered on an enemy to lover plot arc with a glimpse to domestic drama and career conflicts, I followed a disgraced soccer exec, Adalyn Reyes in her new journey after involving in an assault incident and got exiled from her position with Miami Flames. She was enlisted to manage a children’s soccer team in a town of Green Oak where she meets Cameron Caldani; a well-known MLS star and Premier League legend who suddenly go retiring and living in a farm cabin while coaching the small town Green Warriors soccer team.

A bit of tragedy on the meet-cute that started both bickerings and hatred; a reckless and stubborn woman according to Cameron and too passive-aggressive attitude to deal with according to Adalyn. I love the interactions and those musings and banters although not much fond on the chemistry and how the romantic storyline imbued throughout the execution. A too slow-burn narrative for me that it stretched the conflict and tension too long and making it a bit stale with few random unnecessary fillers.

I was interested for Adalyn’s love-hate relationship with her father, wondering on the hidden motive that got her to be dismissed; hating David for this as well liking Matthew for always be there for her. Not quite enthralled on Cameron’s motive too of why he seeks to hide at Green Oak— it feels like his conflict was crafted too loose and nearly too mild to fuel my curiosity. I did not expect that revelation for Josie nearly the end but I think her character and those mischievous kids and their scenes with Adalyn and Cameron actually adding a bit twist and appealing dynamic to the plot.

Bit easy to predict on the ending but I still enjoyed the read, nevertheless. A recommendation if you’re into a romance fiction esp if you like a light plotted one with minimal intimate and not explicit much scenes; of how love quietly blooms and how each stand to support, understand and accept each other. Will go with 3 stars to this!

Thank you Pansing Distribution for sending me a copy to review!