Scan barcode
jaynovara's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gaslighting
Minor: Stalking and Death of parent
mlottermoser's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Slow burn romance set in a rural town in the US. A retired UK goalkeeper meets his match in a big league exec banished to the small town where he is hiding. Sparks fly, baggage is discussed, and love conquers all.
Spicy. 3/5 chili peppers
Spicy. 3/5 chili peppers
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Misogyny
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Cursing, and Sexism
Minor: Abandonment and Stalking
emmieanna's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Objectively not the best book I’ve ever read, romance isn’t really my genre. But I would probably pick up another of Elena’s books to see.
I think the fact that I listened to this instead of read the print version wasn’t the best choice. Some of the narration was slightly cringe but I loved the plot and their relationship.
It was semi annoying that he didn’t call her by her name even though she asked him to repeatedly, idk it just irked me that she just accepted it.
I think the fact that I listened to this instead of read the print version wasn’t the best choice. Some of the narration was slightly cringe but I loved the plot and their relationship.
It was semi annoying that he didn’t call her by her name even though she asked him to repeatedly, idk it just irked me that she just accepted it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Stalking
kathis_wonderland's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Long Game by Elena Armas is the first book in the Long Game series. Adalyn lost her cool and a video of that goes viral. To save her reputation and her father's football club, she moves to a small town to manage a struggling soccer team. That the team is a group of nine-year-old girls and is coached by goalkeeping legend Cameron Caldani is a surprise for her. Adalyn and Cameron hated each other from the beginning, but there are other feelings as well.
I am turning out to be a big fan of Elena Armas' work! I love her writing style and the way she implements other language than English into the story. The Long Game was a really nice read. It was a little dark and challenging at times and my heart broke for Adalyn several times. Having to go through such things and having no real support system must be so hard. But she is fierce and strong. Cameron really worships Adalyn. I am sure he would do anything for her just to make her happy. There chemistry was so good! I couldn't wait for their first kiss! And that took ages! The book was not as steamy as I thought it would be. But it was sexy nonetheless.
I can highly recommend Elena Armas' books! The Long Game was a really nice read. Enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn, romantic and spicy! I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I am turning out to be a big fan of Elena Armas' work! I love her writing style and the way she implements other language than English into the story. The Long Game was a really nice read. It was a little dark and challenging at times and my heart broke for Adalyn several times. Having to go through such things and having no real support system must be so hard. But she is fierce and strong. Cameron really worships Adalyn. I am sure he would do anything for her just to make her happy. There chemistry was so good! I couldn't wait for their first kiss! And that took ages! The book was not as steamy as I thought it would be. But it was sexy nonetheless.
I can highly recommend Elena Armas' books! The Long Game was a really nice read. Enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn, romantic and spicy! I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Death of parent, and Stalking
capybooks's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Stalking and Injury/Injury detail
carefulfearanddeaddevotion's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It took me about a chapter to go from "God this woman is insufferable" to "won't someone please swaddle her, bury her under a mountain of pillows, and bring her whatever she wants?????". Cameron Caldani, you're so valid, because I, too, would protect Adalyn Reyes at all costs. What a sad little kicked puppy of a woman (affectionate) <3<3 Andrew Underwood, David whatever the fuck your last name is, sleep with one eye open.
Enemies to lovers trope? check. NO(!!!!) miscommunication trope? check check check. I cannot stress ENOUGH how happy I am with how that final fight went down. It was so so clear that Adalyn's reaction was coming from her past trauma, it wasn't out of nowhere, but at the same time, it wasn't really portrayed as being justified. The whole time she was thinking "damn why am I acting like this, stop pushing him away" (same queen) and Cameron, for his part, tried his hardest not to let her push him away. A tiny bit disappointed it didn't work, but happy it was resolved so quickly. Given both their pasts, it wasn't a conflict that made me go "this relationship won't last," but one that made me think it would.
Also Maria Vasquez? You will always be famous. What a fantastic little girl, loved her so so much. Perfect, no notes.
Also kinda glad we never found out why Cameron is so scared of goats? He just is, and that was funny and quirky and didn't really need explanation imo.
Not really sure I can explain why it's not a 5, but it was a very good R (X?) rated romcom. Not a frustrating read at all (looking at you, Sincerely Yours). Also didn't realize until the end that it was written by the same person who wrote The Spanish Love Deception which has been in my tbr for ages and I now own. This book def made me look forward to that one.
ETA: therapy mention? What a dub. More romcom characters should consider therapy
Enemies to lovers trope? check. NO(!!!!) miscommunication trope? check check check. I cannot stress ENOUGH how happy I am with how that final fight went down. It was so so clear that Adalyn's reaction was coming from her past trauma, it wasn't out of nowhere, but at the same time, it wasn't really portrayed as being justified. The whole time she was thinking "damn why am I acting like this, stop pushing him away" (same queen) and Cameron, for his part, tried his hardest not to let her push him away. A tiny bit disappointed it didn't work, but happy it was resolved so quickly. Given both their pasts, it wasn't a conflict that made me go "this relationship won't last," but one that made me think it would.
Also Maria Vasquez? You will always be famous. What a fantastic little girl, loved her so so much. Perfect, no notes.
Also kinda glad we never found out why Cameron is so scared of goats? He just is, and that was funny and quirky and didn't really need explanation imo.
Not really sure I can explain why it's not a 5, but it was a very good R (X?) rated romcom. Not a frustrating read at all (looking at you, Sincerely Yours). Also didn't realize until the end that it was written by the same person who wrote The Spanish Love Deception which has been in my tbr for ages and I now own. This book def made me look forward to that one.
ETA: therapy mention? What a dub. More romcom characters should consider therapy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
Moderate: Stalking, Abandonment, and Sexism
Minor: Death of parent and Car accident
itsmemiana's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
CAMERON CALDANI WHERE TF ARE YOU???
this is a tradition for me to say on any Elena Armas book.... I loved this so much.
Elena Armas is officially an auto-buy author (let's be fr, she was the moment I read TSLD). I can't wait for the second book in this series (which I'm sure I know who it's about, and I already love those characters so I really can't wait to love them even more 👀). anything this woman writes, I will eat up like I'm starved (👀 understanders will understand hehe)
Cam and Adelyn were so so cute and I loved how grumpy but in love and obsessed with each other both of them were. I also loved how relatable but strong Adelyn was especially in the second half.
this was cute, funny, angsty and horny (so hot too) in all the right ways.
I've said this before and I'll say it again, if my man ain't written by Elena Armas, I don't want him.
this is a tradition for me to say on any Elena Armas book.... I loved this so much.
Elena Armas is officially an auto-buy author (let's be fr, she was the moment I read TSLD). I can't wait for the second book in this series (which I'm sure I know who it's about, and I already love those characters so I really can't wait to love them even more 👀). anything this woman writes, I will eat up like I'm starved (👀 understanders will understand hehe)
Cam and Adelyn were so so cute and I loved how grumpy but in love and obsessed with each other both of them were. I also loved how relatable but strong Adelyn was especially in the second half.
this was cute, funny, angsty and horny (so hot too) in all the right ways.
I've said this before and I'll say it again, if my man ain't written by Elena Armas, I don't want him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Stalking, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Excrement, Alcohol, and Abandonment
kiingchika's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book had literal crack in it. I’m literally obsessed with all the characters: Ada, Cam, Kelly, María, Josie, Matthew, every single character is genuinely unforgettable, even Diane, and this book really lurched to the top of my list, favorite Elena Armas book for sure.
I’m so happy for Adalyn like she really went through a lot and suffered a lot of insecurity and self-doubt and just attributed her worth to her achievements and something about that is just too relatable, so it meant everything to me that she was able to find a group of people who loved her unconditionally and a partner who’d reminder her that she never needed to be anyone but herself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Infidelity
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I picked this up because it is the latest release from Elena Armas and I wanted to see if the magic of "The Spanish Love Deception" would be in this book.
"The Long Game" is a dual perspective romance that follows Adalyn Reyes and Cameron Caldani. After a messy PR disaster involving the mascot for the team she works for, the club owner, who is Adalyn's father, sends her to the middle of nowhere North Carolina to help whip a mystery team into shape. It is to her complete shock that this mystery team is actually a bunch of 9-year-old girls. Cameron is the couch of the girls' team, and he has a past he is running from as well. He used to be the star goal keep for a very successful team, but he left all of that behind so that he could live in anonymity.
This story took me about a third of the way to finally get into. Adalyn's and Cam's chemistry did not feel real until they started to get to know each other, because at the beginning they both truly lamented one another. Hate to love is such a delicate line to walk, but by the end of the book I was rooting for them to have their happily ever after.
My biggest gripe with this book is that the plot felt thin. Adalyn was sent to this place and given no preparations as to what she was getting into, but she dove headfirst because she wanted to appease her father and make amends for the team she loves. I found it infuriating and slightly unbelievable that her father did not try to defend her at all, and rather than talk to her or hear her out, he just sent her away. And even more shocking, Adalyn did not question him or try to fight to keep her job. Cam wanted to leave the world of professional sports behind and lead a quiet life, which is believable, but NO ONE recognized him in this small town. That I find highly unlikely, and the only real explanation the reader is given is that he has a beard now, so people do not recognize him. It did not take Adalyn long to realize who he was, and I think in retrospect that should have been happening more frequently for him.
Cam is a very possessive man, but in a good way. He wants to take care of Adalyn so that she can feel loved and protected, like someone is in her court. I did enjoy seeing him become so quickly invested in her and her well-being. This possessiveness also translated into some very hot scenes between the pair.
Adalyn felt unoriginal to me. She came from a wealthy family and because of that things were handed to her and now she wants to prove to everyone that she is independent and can make it on her own. Because of that, she continually puts herself in bad situations. She is really bad at asking for help, and believes she is unworthy of love. Rather than these qualities adding to the tension between her and Cam, I just felt annoyed by her because it was so cliche.
The end of the epilogue leaves a bit of a cliffhanger for a new character's story, and I am VERY intrigued and hopeful that we will get that book next.
Overall, this is my least favorite from Elena Armas, but I still had a good time reading it, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy sports romances.
"The Long Game" is a dual perspective romance that follows Adalyn Reyes and Cameron Caldani. After a messy PR disaster involving the mascot for the team she works for, the club owner, who is Adalyn's father, sends her to the middle of nowhere North Carolina to help whip a mystery team into shape. It is to her complete shock that this mystery team is actually a bunch of 9-year-old girls. Cameron is the couch of the girls' team, and he has a past he is running from as well. He used to be the star goal keep for a very successful team, but he left all of that behind so that he could live in anonymity.
This story took me about a third of the way to finally get into. Adalyn's and Cam's chemistry did not feel real until they started to get to know each other, because at the beginning they both truly lamented one another. Hate to love is such a delicate line to walk, but by the end of the book I was rooting for them to have their happily ever after.
My biggest gripe with this book is that the plot felt thin. Adalyn was sent to this place and given no preparations as to what she was getting into, but she dove headfirst because she wanted to appease her father and make amends for the team she loves. I found it infuriating and slightly unbelievable that her father did not try to defend her at all, and rather than talk to her or hear her out, he just sent her away. And even more shocking, Adalyn did not question him or try to fight to keep her job. Cam wanted to leave the world of professional sports behind and lead a quiet life, which is believable, but NO ONE recognized him in this small town. That I find highly unlikely, and the only real explanation the reader is given is that he has a beard now, so people do not recognize him. It did not take Adalyn long to realize who he was, and I think in retrospect that should have been happening more frequently for him.
Cam is a very possessive man, but in a good way. He wants to take care of Adalyn so that she can feel loved and protected, like someone is in her court. I did enjoy seeing him become so quickly invested in her and her well-being. This possessiveness also translated into some very hot scenes between the pair.
Adalyn felt unoriginal to me. She came from a wealthy family and because of that things were handed to her and now she wants to prove to everyone that she is independent and can make it on her own. Because of that, she continually puts herself in bad situations. She is really bad at asking for help, and believes she is unworthy of love. Rather than these qualities adding to the tension between her and Cam, I just felt annoyed by her because it was so cliche.
The end of the epilogue leaves a bit of a cliffhanger for a new character's story, and I am VERY intrigued and hopeful that we will get that book next.
Overall, this is my least favorite from Elena Armas, but I still had a good time reading it, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy sports romances.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual content, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Stalking
samchase112's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m always blessed to have another Elena Armas romance in my hands! While I didn’t enjoy this one as much as her last, and certainly not as much as her first, the chemistry between the characters and the slow-burn buildup were still top-notch. There was a lot going on here, and sometimes I think we lost the plot for a bit, but nevertheless I really enjoyed my time spent in Green Oak :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Stalking
Minor: Death of parent