The Striker

By: Ana Huang

Narrated by: Shane East, Stella Hunter

Length: 15 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

She's the only woman he wants...and the only one he can't have.

Asher Donovan is a living legend—the darling of the Premier League, the (arguably) greatest footballer in the world.

But his reckless antics and recent team transfer have caused much controversy, and when his feud with his rival-turned-teammate costs them a championship, they’re forced to “bond” during off-season cross-training.

Surviving the summer shouldn’t be hard…until Asher meets their new trainer. She’s beautiful, talented, and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t take his mind off her.

The only problem? She’s his rival’s sister—and completely off limits.

***

Scarlett DuBois is a former prima ballerina whose career was cut short by a tragic accident.

Now a teacher at a prestigious dance academy but still haunted by the ghosts of her past, the last thing she wants is to spend the summer cross-training Asher Donovan, of all people.

She swore she would never date a footballer, but when her brother leaves town for an emergency, she finds herself thrown into dangerously close proximity with the gorgeous, charming striker.

Training, she can deal with. But falling in love? That’s out of the question—especially when he’s the only person with the power to break her heart.

©2024 Ana Huang (P)2024 Ana Huang

Everything✨

I LOVED HOW VALHALLA STILL WAS IN THE STORY, literally it’s in every story but IN LAST CHAPTERRR!!!! had me scared

Forbidden Goodness!

Asher and Scarlett were a lot of fun to read about! I love getting into a different sport that I don’t read often. I loved it! I loved their connection and was sucked in from the beginning. I love the rivalry and the protective vibes they both have for her. The plot kept me hooked, the spice was mind melting, and the conflict had me rooting for Asher! I really loved this one! I’m excited to see whose book will be next!

Read:🎧
MMC: Asher Donovan
FMC: Scarlett DuBois
Spice:2🌶️
Tropes:Soccer Star/Ballet Teacher, Brothers Rival/Teammate, Reformed Playboy, Forced Proximity

Well done!

The Striker is a soccer, rivals/teammate’s sister romance, ballet dancer. Asher saw Scarlett before he was forced by his coach to train in off season with her and her brother, Vincent. Vincent was able to get out of the training sessions, leaving Scarlett and Asher to fight than act on their chemistry. Scarlett had a hangup about reckless driving and soccer players, because she got into a car crash that ended her career as a prima ballerina and showed her douchebag ex’s true colors. Asher is reckless and loves street racing, which inevitably leads to conflict between them.

I really love Ana’s writing and how she crafts compelling characters. Even when the characters are relatable to me, I still find myself caring about them. I kept thinking about Beckham and his docuseries on Netflix, how him and his wife went through crazy stalkerish paparazzi and how his home team turned on him. Scarlett was equally interesting and compelling. I loved how the snuck around at first as they fell in love, because of her brother. It felt a little forbidden! The character growth was well done. Even the secondary characters were well developed. The plot was more character driven, but worked for me. The romance was beautifully done. I personally didn’t feel the length of the story, because I was invested in the characters, their growth, and the romance. The third act conflict worked well. I love that we got to them play soccer! I love that we got to Scarlett dancing. The chronic pain representation was done very well! We event got to see characters and places in the Twisted series and the Kings of Sin series, both series I love! I would recommend this book!

New Book Boyfriend Alert!!

I never thought there’d be a book boyfriend that would top Ryan Shay from The Right Move. But Ana Huang you’ve done it again!! I loved Asher when we were first introduced to him in Twisted Hate and then again in King of Sloth. But now knowing his story and seeing him get his happily ever after with Scarlett. I’m squealing. There’s not many soccer romances out there but this one is at the top of the list. Huang always manages to write incredible depth in her characters I couldn’t put the book down I listened in two days! Perfect narrators and perfect story.

My favorite parts can’t be posted due to the spicy nature of them but see my Goodreads for all my juicy highlights. The mouth in this man! I swear for god!

Just so good!

This was such a great book and so worth the wait. The slow burn to the group chat of the team had me laughing and fanning myself with that mirror scene oh my! Can’t wait for the next players story!! Ana Huang you never disappoint.

THE SUSPENSE!!!

Sexy 💋💋💋💋💋
(accents made this book come to life! People say the FMC is not good but i personally think she did a good job. Performing english accents are hard! Plus Asher Donivans voice is mouth watering)
sexual tension🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
plot✅️✅️✅️✅️✅️

🖤🖤🖤

Asher decided to shake things up with a mid-season move to Blackcastle, igniting some serious tension with his rival and teammate, Vincent. Their coach had a brilliant plan for a summer of bonding: they either learn to play nice or face the music! And what’s the ultimate team-building exercise? Training at the Royal Ballet Academy, where guess what? Vincent’s sister, Scarlett, is the head honcho!

But wait! Asher meets a mysterious woman at a bar who dances around in his mind, only to discover she’s his new trainer. Plot twist!

Oh, and can I just say? The boys' group chat and their brand-new book club are an absolute riot! Plus, the nostalgic cameos sprinkled throughout the story? Chef's kiss!

And here’s my juicy little secret: the audiobook is a feast for your ears! Shane East and Stella Hunter are narrating wizards, turning every word into a delightful experience!

Secret Romance Goodness

The Striker by Ana Huang is one you don’t want to miss! If secret romance and intense chemistry are your vibe, get ready for an unforgettable read. The tension between the characters is electric, especially with the forbidden twist of dating your brother’s rival. Their dynamic kept me on edge from start to finish—this book is brimming with intrigue and slow-burn attraction that’s so addictive.

The audiobook narration elevates the story to a new level. Shane East’s accent and smooth delivery make every scene with the hero smolder, while Stella Hunter brings depth and raw emotion to the heroine. Together, their narration brings the story alive and makes this audiobook impossible to pause!

Digging Ana's Soccer Era

4 ⭐ 3 🌶️ 5 🎧

I'm digging Ana's soccer era. This brother's rival/enemy to lovers romance was so fun with just the perfect amount of spice. I loved Asher and Scarlet together and their forbidden relationship reminded me a lot of brother's best friend, but way more intense.

While this story was mostly about them falling for each other and then hiding it from Vincent, I thought the sub plots of her injury and mental trauma from her accident, alongside Asher's racing and family issues were really interesting.

The audio was amazing. My only downside to this book was how long it is, but when Shane East and Stella Hunter are reading it to me it flies by. They did incredible in this DUET narration. I absolutely adored their accents and the way they brought these characters to life.

I'm so excited for what's next in this Gods of the Game series. I'm personally rooting for Vincent in a coach's daughter situation, but tbh I'll be pleased with whatever Ana brings us.

The Striker ~ Review

The Striker is the first book in the Gods of the Game series. This book is about Asher and Scarlett and is told from both of their points of view.

Asher is now on a new team, and one of his team mates and him do not get along well. They end up having to do a ballet class together with his teammates sister Scarlett.

However, something happens so Scarlett and Asher end up working together. The more time they are together the more feelings start to develop.

What happens when their training is up? What happens when her brother finds out about their relationship?

I enjoyed this book, and am excited to continue on in this series.