The Defender (Deluxe Edition) (Gods of the Game, 2)

Brooklyn and Vincent are perfect for each other, it just takes a bit of forced proximity to make it all start to happen. Wonderful slow burn romance that's heighten by a bit of mystery and you have all you need to a fantastic well plotted story. Author Huang draws you into the London Pro Soccer world and you feel like you are at the facility, experiencing the the excitement of the matches and the team dynamics. Family drama bring both Brooklyn and Vincent together and through it all you feel this couple is real and they are forever! Need to grab a pint at the Angry Boar! Great book!

The Defender by Ana Huang Gods of the Game Series – Book 2 Ana Huang’s The Defender, the second book in her Gods of the Game series, continues to follow an elite football club in England—and it absolutely delivers. This player/coach’s daughter romance features Vincent DuBois and Brooklyn Armstrong, and I really enjoyed both main characters. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the forbidden dynamic adds an extra layer of tension that makes their story even more compelling. The side characters are just as fun and engaging, adding depth and humor to the overall story. The spice level was perfectly balanced, and the added stalker subplot forces Vincent and Brooklyn to confront their true feelings for one another in a way that raises the stakes and keeps the pages turning. Ana Huang already has me counting down to the third and final book in the series, The Keeper, which is set to be released later this year.

It physically pains me to give The Defender 3 stars, because I LOVE all of Ana's books, and was excited for Vincent's story. But it just fell flat for me. Brooklyn and Vincent's banter was always the same, and some things were just too predictable. I'll still continue to read the series, I just hope the rest of the books are better!

-Ana Huang. After reading this book, I AM 100% SURE THAT YOU SHOULD WRITE A THRILLER ROMANCE. BECAUSE THAT TWIST?! I DID NOT SEE COMING AT ALL. -Brooklyn Armstrong, You are MY QUEEN. The messiness and chaos that is your life, is what drew me into you. But what made me stay was experiencing her journey of growth and fulfillment alongside her. For months, I always wanted something more of my life and I couldn’t figure out what was missing from it. So like Brooklyn, I leaned into the things I was passionate about and have felt so fulfilled ever since and haven’t looked back. So thanks Brooklyn for reassuring me to push into the things that fulfill me in all the right ways. -Vincent Dubois. The way that you immediately panic is FULLY ME and I am here for all of it. Because if I had someone leaving me things in my house or my car like you did, I too would move in with my boss's daughter. LOL But in all seriousness both his personality and handlement of ALL situations is what I LOVED. You always made sure that yourself and the people you loved were safe, regardless of any situations or circumstances. You are MY SHAYLA. -Let’s talk about THE moments: Bet. That didn’t last long. Pancakes. Please never make them again. LOL. Budapest. Anyone up to go with me? The Moore’s? We LOVE them. Chicago. It just wasn’t the same. Brooklyn’s mom & California?! Can F RIGHT OFF. The Soccer Field?! DAMN THAT WAS HOT. Vincent’s House. I almost didn’t forgive you for that. -And to top it all off. I NEED NOAH AND CARINA’S BOOK NOW. The Keeper decided in this book that he was going to keep my heart with him for the foreseeable future and made ZERO apologies for it. October 2026 cannot come soon enough for me.

It was good, but felt slow-paced. I'm giving it four stars for that reason. I liked the fact that the book is promoted as a Soccer Romance and we got some sport action in that, I love when books do this and not just say that the MMC/FMC are athletes and never do their actual sport. The ending was worth reading it though, I was not expecting that twist.

I ate this book up! The amount that I adore this book is unhinged. I was taken from the beginning because of excellent characters with depth and realness, swoony romantic moments, and tight plotting with a compelling danger is lurking element. You have men that are yearning for their women but sometimes don't realize until late.... but once they do they strive to make it right. This book is in dual perspective where it really shines because we simultaneously get to see our heroine Brooklyn hoping to see him react to her presence, but unsure if he's affected, and simultaneously hear his inner dialogue going crazy with wanting to be near her, to smell her perfume, and brush his hand against the curve of her neck. I was literally hanging on every moment between these too. I will for sure always be picking up any book that Ana Huang writes. The audiobook was narrated in duet style by James Cavenaugh and Samantha Brentmoor... 10/10 in narration. I was taking from the beginning. They brough their characters to life and then they took it even further and just brought it. Everything you want- tension, chemistry and angst was brought. PERFECTION! If you like contemporary romance with a sports tie and some spice this is for you. 5/5!!!

My daughter chose it as a birthday gift for her friend. A little expensive.

Ana Huang is one of my favorite authors. I love the way she gives us emotionally intense and softless stories — and plot twist: she did it again. “The Defender” is the second book in the Gods of the Game series. It’s different from Ana’s other books, but I’m really enjoying this series too. I love the lighter moments, the feel-good vibes, the found family — every character has their own charm. But in this book, I also really loved the mysterious atmosphere surrounding the investigation around Vincent, which might lead to some dramatic consequences… 🔍 What I love most about this book, without hesitation, is Vincent and Brooklyn. I adore them both, together and individually. They’re sweet, bright, funny, loyal, and emotionally attached in such a genuine way. I loved their personalities, and my heart hurt for them and their family issues. So many moments were emotional and heartbreaking — yet still incredibly soft. The way Vincent and Brooklyn take care of each other was absolutely perfect. 🥺 I loved all the tropes used, and they were executed perfectly and at the right pace. I really appreciated the maturity and the chemistry between Vincent and Brooklyn. It takes time, but it feels so natural. I laughed, felt happy for them, and found them absolutely adorable. The balance was just right. But despite all of this, Asher and Scarlett remain my favorites for now. I was missing a tiny bit of “starlight” that I can’t quite explain — but nothing major, because I still really enjoyed my read! 💙

Brooklyn has been interning as a sports nutritionist for the Football team her father coaches, but she struggles to find her own identity apart from her his. When her best friend’s brother (who happens to be the captain of her dad’s team) needs a place to stay, she reluctantly invites him to move in, but knows better than to let him distract her when she is trying to pursue her career. Vincent is the captain of Blackcastle Football Club, but with that fame comes risk. When things get too heated, he is forced to move in with the one person he shouldn’t get close to, the coach’s daughter. What starts as an awkward arrangement quickly evolves into a reluctant friendship, and when they make a bet to see who will cave and kiss the other first, chaos ensues. This book was well worth the wait. Watching Vincent and Brooklyn go from mutual dislike to forced proximity to “I'd lose every single __ bet in the world if it meant I could be with you.” was absolutely delicious! I loved how Vincent helped Brooklyn find her own strength, and on the other hand, she helped him realize there was more to life than football and the validation it brought to him.

OMG! ANA HUANG ATE AGAIN. Vincent and his Buttercup! Worth the read!

Love it