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Summerville Sports #2
The First Score
There was something about that first score, and not just on the football field.
I loved all of life's firsts, which was why I’d been saving mine for one girl, my older sister’s best friend—Hazel Jones.
She was tough and sarcastic with walls around her heart as tall as a football stadium, but I knew she was the one for me.
Desperate times called for desperate measures and I’d have done anything to make her mine.
Like create a fake online persona.
Lie about my age.
Pretend I wasn’t some naive virgin.
And catfish the hell out of the love of my life.
I loved all of life's firsts, which was why I’d been saving mine for one girl, my older sister’s best friend—Hazel Jones.
She was tough and sarcastic with walls around her heart as tall as a football stadium, but I knew she was the one for me.
Desperate times called for desperate measures and I’d have done anything to make her mine.
Like create a fake online persona.
Lie about my age.
Pretend I wasn’t some naive virgin.
And catfish the hell out of the love of my life.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2020
About the author
Amie Knight
35 books1,424 followersUSA Today bestselling author Amie Knight has been a reader for as long as she could remember and a romance lover since she could get her hands on her momma's books. She’s a dedicated wife and mother with a deep love of music, makeup, and house plants. When she isn't reading and writing, you can catch her jamming out in the car with her two kids and husband to '90s R&B, country, and showtunes. Amie draws inspiration from her childhood in Columbia, South Carolina, and can't imagine living anywhere other than the South.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
May 28, 2020
Writing a review for this right now and will be posting soon, but I just have to say that I LOVED THIS BOOK SO FREAKING MUCH!!! Absolutely a five star fav. SO OBSESSED with every word of it. It was just such a tender, sweet, charming, beautiful romance. SO GOOD.
May 28, 2020
4.25 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
Hazel and Oliver are childhood friends that have held secret crushes on each other. Hazel is also Oliver's sister's best friend and two years older than him. As you journey with Hazel and Oliver, revealed that they both have private and secret troubles they are dealing with, so when Oliver pretends to be someone else through a game that Hazel enjoys. Learning about these two was sweet, heartwarming, and beautiful. I did want a little more angst and tension, but overall the journey was worth the ride.
Video review available in Week 22: May 24 – 30 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Hazel and Oliver are childhood friends that have held secret crushes on each other. Hazel is also Oliver's sister's best friend and two years older than him. As you journey with Hazel and Oliver, revealed that they both have private and secret troubles they are dealing with, so when Oliver pretends to be someone else through a game that Hazel enjoys. Learning about these two was sweet, heartwarming, and beautiful. I did want a little more angst and tension, but overall the journey was worth the ride.
Video review available in Week 22: May 24 – 30 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
March 24, 2021
Pretty sure no real man like this exists. That's why I read fiction. It touched my emotions some. But I will prob not read any more from this author.
May 29, 2020
4.5 Stars
‘Her favorite thing in the world seemed to be giving me shit. And still I sought her out like a fool.’
The First Score by Amie Knight was such an emotional and angsty read, we literally could not put it down. A unique take on a soulmate love story spanning years. Talk about slow-burn romance, this right here is the definition of it and it was deliciously agonising and left us emotionally frustrated, but in a really good way. Beautiful, heartbreaking, funny and just so agonisingly good! The First Score covers a multitude of serious issues as well as a delectable friends to lovers’ romance.
‘I hated how much he made me feel. And I loved it. I loved it more than anything.’
Oh, be still our beating hearts, because Oliver may be one of our favourite male characters we’ve encountered in a while. He was just everything. So incredibly loyal, kind, passionate, protective and the way in which he was written was uniquely superb. So many things could have gone wrong in writing a character like this with such a strong sense of restraint and such a massively loving heart, but Amie Knight nailed it. His whole persona was just perfection. We fell in love with ‘Winnie’ and would be so very proud to wear his jersey! When Oliver loves, he really does truly LOVE!
“How do you always do that?”
“Do what?”
“Come when I need you. Save me.”
Whilst Hazel comes across as a fierce and strong woman, she is so emotionally messed up from a horrendous childhood and an acute sense of abandonment, resulting in a distorted view on relationships. Her grandad being the one exception to her self-imposed rules. Hiding her scars both literally and figuratively underneath layers of protection she only shows what she wants to share, unable and unwilling to let anyone in. Her grandad is the only one who sees the truth, and with time, Oliver.
‘She’s special, you know? And special girls have to be taken care of. Their hearts are bigger, which make them all the more delicate.’
We cannot stress how hard we fell for Oliver. WE LOVED HIM! And Hazel, the sweet girl who just needed to be cared for, loved and understood. The First Score was such a wonderful story of perseverance, friendship, love and healing. The only reason this wasn’t a five star read for us was because of what to us felt like a rushed end after such an agonising slow burn romance. We were suddenly told, instead of left to experience which was so brilliant throughout the story. One moment in particular, we would have loved to be a part of. Oh how we would’ve loved to have been there and felt that final crux of the story moment of pure heart-rending happiness. We certainly won’t be forgetting Oliver Winston Knox!
“You know you’ve been putting doors between us for a long time. And one day you’re going to realise that a door isn’t going to keep me from you. Because I’m always here Hazel. Right on the other side, waiting. And all you have to do is open the door. That’s it. It’s so simple and yet so hard. And trust me, I know it’s difficult for you. But if you just opened up, I could love you like you deserve to be loved. In difficult times like these, I could hold you up a hell of a lot better if there wasn’t always a barrier between us. But I’m a patient man, baby, and I loved you since the first day I saw you.”
Available to purchase below
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June 6, 2021
3/4 ⭐️
Storia carina che si lascia leggere anche se manca quel qualcosa in più.
Storia carina che si lascia leggere anche se manca quel qualcosa in più.
June 5, 2021
4- ho preferito decisamente il primo. Anche questa è una lettura piacevole, ma meno significativa.
May 17, 2020
Worth The Wait 💗
This leading man is the swooniest everrrr! Winnie will easily win your heart and you won’t want it back!!! A friends-to-lovers romance with all the feels and heart stopping moments.
Hazel has been best friends with Scarlett her entire life. Therefore, Winnie, Scarlett’s younger brother has always been a big part of her life too. They share secrets she doesn’t even tell her bff. He understands her like no one else ever has. But he’s off-limits for so many reasons. She can’t be with her best friend’s younger brother, right?
Hazel has baggage. She cherishes the special relationship she shares with Winnie. She can’t imagine risking it. Besides, she thinks he’s too good for her. A rough early childhood really messed her up. She’d rather have him a little than not at all.
Winnie has been in love with Hazel for as long as he can remember. He’s just been giving her time and space to come to the realization that they should be together. When Winnie got tired of waiting, he decided to catfish her in her favorite online gaming room. If he can’t get her the traditional way, he’s willing to break all the rules to win her any way he can.
This is an all time a favorite good guy romance. Winnie is as good as it gets. He can take control when he needs to, but he gives the sweet like no other. He knows how to make Hazel melt and it is swoon worthy. Their chemistry is intense. Their mutual respect and love is so tangible. Watching Hazel let Winnie love her the way she deserves is sheer perfection. I absolutely loved every minute of this romance with amazing characters, some comic relief courtesy of Pops and all the love you’ll feel between this soecial couple.
This leading man is the swooniest everrrr! Winnie will easily win your heart and you won’t want it back!!! A friends-to-lovers romance with all the feels and heart stopping moments.
Hazel has been best friends with Scarlett her entire life. Therefore, Winnie, Scarlett’s younger brother has always been a big part of her life too. They share secrets she doesn’t even tell her bff. He understands her like no one else ever has. But he’s off-limits for so many reasons. She can’t be with her best friend’s younger brother, right?
Hazel has baggage. She cherishes the special relationship she shares with Winnie. She can’t imagine risking it. Besides, she thinks he’s too good for her. A rough early childhood really messed her up. She’d rather have him a little than not at all.
Winnie has been in love with Hazel for as long as he can remember. He’s just been giving her time and space to come to the realization that they should be together. When Winnie got tired of waiting, he decided to catfish her in her favorite online gaming room. If he can’t get her the traditional way, he’s willing to break all the rules to win her any way he can.
This is an all time a favorite good guy romance. Winnie is as good as it gets. He can take control when he needs to, but he gives the sweet like no other. He knows how to make Hazel melt and it is swoon worthy. Their chemistry is intense. Their mutual respect and love is so tangible. Watching Hazel let Winnie love her the way she deserves is sheer perfection. I absolutely loved every minute of this romance with amazing characters, some comic relief courtesy of Pops and all the love you’ll feel between this soecial couple.
June 14, 2021
Dal primo giorno in cui Ollie a 5 anni ha incontrato Hazel, la migliore amica di sua sorella, le ha consegnato il suo cuore, non è mai esistita nessun'altra; nel corso degli anni la loro amicizia si è consolidata, tanti sono i momenti in cui le è stato vicino, in quanto l'infanzia di Hazel non è stata facile, ma è difficile attraversare la linea che separa l'amicizia dall'amore...
Una dolce storia di amicizia e amore che ho letto con piacere, tanti i momenti che mi hanno fatto tenerezza ❤️, meraviglioso e esilarante Pops 😅...
Una dolce storia di amicizia e amore che ho letto con piacere, tanti i momenti che mi hanno fatto tenerezza ❤️, meraviglioso e esilarante Pops 😅...
May 30, 2021
4-
Molto carina e dolce la storia di Hazel e Ollie , si conoscono fin da piccoli e provono l 'un per l'altra sentimenti che vanno al di là dell'amicizia ma soprattutto per Hazel è difficile accettarlo vista la sua infanzia difficile. Ho però preferito il primo forse perché ho adorato Scarlett ed infatti i momenti migliori erano quando anche lei era presente . Spero che il prossimo sia su Mason, personaggio molto intrigante .
Molto carina e dolce la storia di Hazel e Ollie , si conoscono fin da piccoli e provono l 'un per l'altra sentimenti che vanno al di là dell'amicizia ma soprattutto per Hazel è difficile accettarlo vista la sua infanzia difficile. Ho però preferito il primo forse perché ho adorato Scarlett ed infatti i momenti migliori erano quando anche lei era presente . Spero che il prossimo sia su Mason, personaggio molto intrigante .
May 28, 2020
I.... I was really bored with this book. It did not hold my attention.
And for the life of me I honestly do not know why the heroine called the hero “Winnie.” Or maybe I just didn’t paid that much attention.
Well.. if you’re into virgin heroes with experienced heroine then look no further. Hero was just too beta for me. And let me tell you I don’t have a problem with betas heroes but I do have a problem with manchild who says that is in love with a woman and doesn’t do shit to chase her. Making a fake profile and catfishing her is not chasing the woman.
He’s a flirt and the heroine has seen him flirting, this didn’t bothered me because he has seen her date. This was off page and it was only mentioned.
And for the life of me I honestly do not know why the heroine called the hero “Winnie.” Or maybe I just didn’t paid that much attention.
Well.. if you’re into virgin heroes with experienced heroine then look no further. Hero was just too beta for me. And let me tell you I don’t have a problem with betas heroes but I do have a problem with manchild who says that is in love with a woman and doesn’t do shit to chase her. Making a fake profile and catfishing her is not chasing the woman.
He’s a flirt and the heroine has seen him flirting, this didn’t bothered me because he has seen her date. This was off page and it was only mentioned.
May 28, 2020
4.5 Stars
‘Her favorite thing in the world seemed to be giving me shit. And still I sought her out like a fool.’
The First Score by Amie Knight was such an emotional and angsty read, we literally could not put it down. A unique take on a soulmate love story spanning years. Talk about slow-burn romance, this right here is the definition of it and it was deliciously agonising and left us emotionally frustrated, but in a really good way. Beautiful, heartbreaking, funny and just so agonisingly good! The First Score covers a multitude of serious issues as well as a delectable friends to lovers’ romance.
‘I hated how much he made me feel. And I loved it. I loved it more than anything.’
Oh, be still our beating hearts, because Oliver may be one of our favourite male characters we’ve encountered in a while. He was just everything. So incredibly loyal, kind, passionate, protective and the way in which he was written was uniquely superb. So many things could have gone wrong in writing a character like this with such a strong sense of restraint and such a massively loving heart, but Amie Knight nailed it. His whole persona was just perfection. We fell in love with ‘Winnie’ and would be so very proud to wear his jersey! When Oliver loves, he really does truly LOVE!
“How do you always do that?”
“Do what?”
“Come when I need you. Save me.”
Whilst Hazel comes across as a fierce and strong woman, she is so emotionally messed up from a horrendous childhood and an acute sense of abandonment, resulting in a distorted view on relationships. Her grandad being the one exception to her self-imposed rules. Hiding her scars both literally and figuratively underneath layers of protection she only shows what she wants to share, unable and unwilling to let anyone in. Her grandad is the only one who sees the truth, and with time, Oliver.
‘She’s special, you know? And special girls have to be taken care of. Their hearts are bigger, which make them all the more delicate.’
We cannot stress how hard we fell for Oliver. WE LOVED HIM! And Hazel, the sweet girl who just needed to be cared for, loved and understood. The First Score was such a wonderful story of perseverance, friendship, love and healing. The only reason this wasn’t a five star read for us was because of what to us felt like a rushed end after such an agonising slow burn romance. We were suddenly told, instead of left to experience which was so brilliant throughout the story. One moment in particular, we would have loved to be a part of. Oh how we would’ve loved to have been there and felt that final crux of the story moment of pure heart-rending happiness. We certainly won’t be forgetting Oliver Winston Knox!
“You know you’ve been putting doors between us for a long time. And one day you’re going to realise that a door isn’t going to keep me from you. Because I’m always here Hazel. Right on the other side, waiting. And all you have to do is open the door. That’s it. It’s so simple and yet so hard. And trust me, I know it’s difficult for you. But if you just opened up, I could love you like you deserve to be loved. In difficult times like these, I could hold you up a hell of a lot better if there wasn’t always a barrier between us. But I’m a patient man, baby, and I loved you since the first day I saw you.”
Available to purchase below
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come and say hi, at:
✲ TotallyBookedBlog
✲ TBB on Facebook
✲ TBB on Instagram
✲ TBB on Twitter
✲ TBB on Pinterest
July 3, 2020
I'm cleaning out the Kindle Unlimited section of my TBRs. So the last few days have been filled with some that were so-so and others that were surprise delights.
A charming best friends to lovers romance that includes a best friend’s younger brother match-up scenario. Oh! And Ollie’s a virgin heartthrob who’ll melt your heart. Amie Knight has covered all the emotions from heart-wrenching to heartwarming. Quick and fun-to-read!
A charming best friends to lovers romance that includes a best friend’s younger brother match-up scenario. Oh! And Ollie’s a virgin heartthrob who’ll melt your heart. Amie Knight has covered all the emotions from heart-wrenching to heartwarming. Quick and fun-to-read!
May 24, 2020
I had been begging and pleading to get my grabby hands on this book since the author first revealed the general concept. A virgin hot-shot football player with eyes for one girl? What begins as a young crush could potentially bloom into so much more? The most tantalizing and enticing slow burn? Yes, yes, yes!
The First Score checked all of my boxes. This sibling’s best friend, sports romance is sweet and emotional with just the right amount of angst and drama to keep me reading all day long. Never a dull moment! Amie Knight delivered an unforgettable read and my high expectations were exceeded in a huge way.
The First Score checked all of my boxes. This sibling’s best friend, sports romance is sweet and emotional with just the right amount of angst and drama to keep me reading all day long. Never a dull moment! Amie Knight delivered an unforgettable read and my high expectations were exceeded in a huge way.
April 14, 2022
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 4 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
“She made me cross lines. She made me so stupid, stupid things. But that’s what happened when you were in love.
And I’d been in love with Hazel since I could remember.”
THESE HEROES ISTG 🥺🥺
tropes:
✨found family
✨childhood best friends
✨friends-to-lovers
✨virgin H
✨it’s always been you
✨H is h’s best friend’s younger brother
same as last, it was sweet as hell. It was fast, cute, light and fun. I am in love with Ollie, you don’t understand. We always complain about the whole “its always been you” trope because the H is usually a manwhore, but here he is a virgin, never has kissed anyone, he is literally just waiting for his girl 😭😭😭💖💖💖
“I love you. And I don’t love you like a sister or even a friend. I love you like I want to marry you and have babies with you and grow old with you. And I have for a long time.”
again, last chapter was too rushed. Wanted more, but overall I just loved this. Pops was such a good character, too!! He was just always there 🥺🥺
Hollie for the win!!!✨✨ (although, I did feel Hazel didn’t love him as much as he loved her 💀)
“But I’m a patient man, baby, and I loved you since the first day I saw you. I’ve loved you since before I even knew what love was and so I’ll be here waiting.
You take your time. I’ve got the rest of my life.”
“She made me cross lines. She made me so stupid, stupid things. But that’s what happened when you were in love.
And I’d been in love with Hazel since I could remember.”
THESE HEROES ISTG 🥺🥺
tropes:
✨found family
✨childhood best friends
✨friends-to-lovers
✨virgin H
✨it’s always been you
✨H is h’s best friend’s younger brother
same as last, it was sweet as hell. It was fast, cute, light and fun. I am in love with Ollie, you don’t understand. We always complain about the whole “its always been you” trope because the H is usually a manwhore, but here he is a virgin, never has kissed anyone, he is literally just waiting for his girl 😭😭😭💖💖💖
“I love you. And I don’t love you like a sister or even a friend. I love you like I want to marry you and have babies with you and grow old with you. And I have for a long time.”
again, last chapter was too rushed. Wanted more, but overall I just loved this. Pops was such a good character, too!! He was just always there 🥺🥺
Hollie for the win!!!✨✨ (although, I did feel Hazel didn’t love him as much as he loved her 💀)
“But I’m a patient man, baby, and I loved you since the first day I saw you. I’ve loved you since before I even knew what love was and so I’ll be here waiting.
You take your time. I’ve got the rest of my life.”
╭─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╮
• Summerville Sports Series •
The Red Zone #1 — 3.75 stars
The First Score #2 — 4 stars
The Final Play #3 — 4.45 stars
╰─━━━━━━━━━━━━─╯
May 28, 2020
5 SMOOCHES!
Amie Knight never fails to engage me with her thoughtful, expressive storytelling. The First Score is heart-wrenching and moving friends-to-lovers first-and-only love story. Knight’s writing style, always so very witty and vividly detailed, is perfectly suited to telling a story like this, one that so rich in emotion. She gifted her readers with wonderfully endearing, authentic and completely relatable characters. This was a wholly consuming romance, and it was incredibly easy to lose myself in these pages.
Oliver and Hazel have known each other most of their lives, and Ollie is pretty sure he fell in love at five years old with Hazel, his sister, Scarlett’s, six year old best friend. They have a long and beautiful history, and their friendship was special and all theirs. Hazel didn’t have an easy childhood, and she moved in with her “Pops” at a very young age. While he showered her with all the love and support he possibly could have, she never dealt with her painful history. She hauled that baggage around with her, using is as armor to protect her fragile heart. But Ollie saw right past it, he always had. His kind heart, his patience and understanding were some of the only solid things in Hazel’s life. Ollie had his own secrets, though, and he carried them around—along with the blazing torch he also carried for Hazel.
I was so absorbed in this wonderfully bittersweet, coming-of-age story. Ollie never once pushed Hazel, he never made demands, and his strong, steady presence was exactly what she needed. But then again no one knew Hazel like he did, and he was always there, supporting her, loving her. Hazel’s journey to healing broke my heart. This young woman had been through so much, but at one point, I did want to shake her so she’d see what was standing right in front of her if she could only gather the courage. It took her a minute, but once she made the decision, it was rewarding to see Ollie and Hazel finally come full circle.
A moving and memorable tale, The First Score is pure Amie Knight. This is her jam, this is Knight doing what she does best and telling these deeply emotional, slow-burning, difficult to tell but oh-so-romantic Southern-rooted love stories. Five smooches from me for The First Score by Amie Knight!
~Danielle Palumbo
Amie Knight never fails to engage me with her thoughtful, expressive storytelling. The First Score is heart-wrenching and moving friends-to-lovers first-and-only love story. Knight’s writing style, always so very witty and vividly detailed, is perfectly suited to telling a story like this, one that so rich in emotion. She gifted her readers with wonderfully endearing, authentic and completely relatable characters. This was a wholly consuming romance, and it was incredibly easy to lose myself in these pages.
Oliver and Hazel have known each other most of their lives, and Ollie is pretty sure he fell in love at five years old with Hazel, his sister, Scarlett’s, six year old best friend. They have a long and beautiful history, and their friendship was special and all theirs. Hazel didn’t have an easy childhood, and she moved in with her “Pops” at a very young age. While he showered her with all the love and support he possibly could have, she never dealt with her painful history. She hauled that baggage around with her, using is as armor to protect her fragile heart. But Ollie saw right past it, he always had. His kind heart, his patience and understanding were some of the only solid things in Hazel’s life. Ollie had his own secrets, though, and he carried them around—along with the blazing torch he also carried for Hazel.
I was so absorbed in this wonderfully bittersweet, coming-of-age story. Ollie never once pushed Hazel, he never made demands, and his strong, steady presence was exactly what she needed. But then again no one knew Hazel like he did, and he was always there, supporting her, loving her. Hazel’s journey to healing broke my heart. This young woman had been through so much, but at one point, I did want to shake her so she’d see what was standing right in front of her if she could only gather the courage. It took her a minute, but once she made the decision, it was rewarding to see Ollie and Hazel finally come full circle.
A moving and memorable tale, The First Score is pure Amie Knight. This is her jam, this is Knight doing what she does best and telling these deeply emotional, slow-burning, difficult to tell but oh-so-romantic Southern-rooted love stories. Five smooches from me for The First Score by Amie Knight!
~Danielle Palumbo
November 12, 2021
3.75 stars. ⭐⭐⭐
Another enjoyable read by Amie Knight.
Overall a really sweet friends to lovers slow burn romance with an emotional edge and some angsty scenes.
Not necessarily my favorite by story by this author but I definitely liked it plenty.
Sweet hero...❤
Another enjoyable read by Amie Knight.
Overall a really sweet friends to lovers slow burn romance with an emotional edge and some angsty scenes.
Not necessarily my favorite by story by this author but I definitely liked it plenty.
Sweet hero...❤
June 7, 2021
4/4.5
Mi è piaciuta molto nella sua semplicità. L’unica pecca è stato Oliver in certi momenti, l’ho adorato spesso ma non è umano, un po’ troppo zerbino a volte
Mi è piaciuta molto nella sua semplicità. L’unica pecca è stato Oliver in certi momenti, l’ho adorato spesso ma non è umano, un po’ troppo zerbino a volte
May 17, 2023
Una di quelle cotte tra bambini che si trascina fino all'età adulta. Difficile da gestire soprattutto se vieni "friendzonato" per dirlo in gergo giovanile, se la cotta in questione è la migliore amica di tua sorella, se devi fingerti qualcun altro per essere notato. La perseveranza però è una dote di Oliver...
Anche questo volume, come il primo della serie, molto piacevole e leggero, ma mi è mancato qualcosa sul finale.
Anche questo volume, come il primo della serie, molto piacevole e leggero, ma mi è mancato qualcosa sul finale.
May 16, 2020
This talented lady always delivers complex, flawed and eternally endearing characters, but gah! Oliver Knox has such an enormous, pure heart, overflowing with patience and unconditional love, and never have I ever wanted so much for a character to be real as I do Ollie! We previously knew him as Scarlett's brother (The Red Zone), but he's so much more. I have major heart eyes and think I broke something swooning all over this guy!
Hazel Jones has been best friends with Scarlett for most of her life. She views Ollie as her best friend's brother, yet he somehow manages to become Hazel's best friend, as well. Scarlett and Ollie, along with Hazel's Pops, were there for her when she was a scared, broken young girl and have been there for her ever since. She's no longer that little girl, but her tough, independent façade protects a fragile heart.
Ollie and Hazel are complete opposites in personality, but somehow they're absolutely perfect together. Their story is full of poignant heartache and the most beautiful enlightenment. The years of angst and unrequited love between them only makes their challenging road to forever that much rewarding and precious.
If you want an exquisite read that takes you on the best of emotional rides and leaves a happy sigh in your heart, look no further. Hazel and Ollie, with their spectacular, unforgettable story, will sweep you away in no time at all and live in your heart long after the last page.
Hazel Jones has been best friends with Scarlett for most of her life. She views Ollie as her best friend's brother, yet he somehow manages to become Hazel's best friend, as well. Scarlett and Ollie, along with Hazel's Pops, were there for her when she was a scared, broken young girl and have been there for her ever since. She's no longer that little girl, but her tough, independent façade protects a fragile heart.
Ollie and Hazel are complete opposites in personality, but somehow they're absolutely perfect together. Their story is full of poignant heartache and the most beautiful enlightenment. The years of angst and unrequited love between them only makes their challenging road to forever that much rewarding and precious.
If you want an exquisite read that takes you on the best of emotional rides and leaves a happy sigh in your heart, look no further. Hazel and Ollie, with their spectacular, unforgettable story, will sweep you away in no time at all and live in your heart long after the last page.
May 28, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. There is self harm, abuse, love, friendship, growth and happiness in this book
Hazel and Ollie are best friends. Ollie is Scarlett's brother. Scarlett and Hazel have been best friends since Kindergarten.
Ollie has been in love with Hazel since the first time he met Hazel even when he didn't know what Love is. Hazel doesn't do relationships because of her past.
Will Hazel and Ollie have a chance at a relationship? Will life throw a wrench in the plans? Be sure to read to find out.
There is laughs, happiness, sadness, anger, self harm, child abuse, spousal abuse, fun, and love all throughout this book.
Hazel and Ollie are best friends. Ollie is Scarlett's brother. Scarlett and Hazel have been best friends since Kindergarten.
Ollie has been in love with Hazel since the first time he met Hazel even when he didn't know what Love is. Hazel doesn't do relationships because of her past.
Will Hazel and Ollie have a chance at a relationship? Will life throw a wrench in the plans? Be sure to read to find out.
There is laughs, happiness, sadness, anger, self harm, child abuse, spousal abuse, fun, and love all throughout this book.
May 28, 2020
Not just puppy love!
The First Score is a slow burn romance with his older sister's best friend as the star of his dreams. Oliver has been in love with Hazel since first sight. Not many people believe a 5 year old knows these things but somewhere in that big hearted, little body of his, Ollie just knew Hazel was his.
Sixteen years of following her around and doing everything to be in her presence is a lot. Ollie is getting impatient. He just thinks if Hazel could drop her guard they would be everything. Too bad this stud can lead her to the talk but can't make her hear him.
Ollie, Winnie to Hazel, has been in love with one woman his entire life. She on the other hand, doesn't even believe in love- at least not for her.
The First Score is sweet, sexy, and full of shenanigans by an octogenarian who knows better. Sit back, relax, and don't inhale. Pops is going to make sure you have a smile on your face one way or another.
The First Score is a slow burn romance with his older sister's best friend as the star of his dreams. Oliver has been in love with Hazel since first sight. Not many people believe a 5 year old knows these things but somewhere in that big hearted, little body of his, Ollie just knew Hazel was his.
Sixteen years of following her around and doing everything to be in her presence is a lot. Ollie is getting impatient. He just thinks if Hazel could drop her guard they would be everything. Too bad this stud can lead her to the talk but can't make her hear him.
Ollie, Winnie to Hazel, has been in love with one woman his entire life. She on the other hand, doesn't even believe in love- at least not for her.
The First Score is sweet, sexy, and full of shenanigans by an octogenarian who knows better. Sit back, relax, and don't inhale. Pops is going to make sure you have a smile on your face one way or another.
May 26, 2020
Let me start this review by saying that I am officially #TeamHollie for life....and the moment you start The First Score by Amie Knight, you will be too.
When I read a book by Amie Knight, I know that I will get many things. I know that I will get exceptional writing that will put me in the thick of her story and her beautiful words. I know that I will meet characters who will own every part of my heart. I know that I will read a story that will give me the emotion, the fields, the romance and Swoon that I crave. I know that I will get a story that I will never forget. I know all of that and more when I am lucky enough to read her words, and The First Score was no different.
This story was everything.
It was one of the most glorious slow burns I have ever read. It was a story of two people who could not be more perfect for one another, yet had to overcome quite a bit to finally get that chance to see what could be. This story was bursting with connection, fire, and visceral spark. It was built with the most exceptional level of intensity and pull between these characters, and there was such a rightness to everything that Ollie and Hazel shared that pulled me in with every fantastic word. Amie Knight's incredible writing brought it all to life, made it all so real and vivid to experience, and thoughtfully created a story that felt so good to experience and read.
I loved every single word of this book. I loved how right Hazel and Ollie felt right from the start. I loved that I believed in the two of them and rooted for them with all that I had from that very first page. I loved getting to be there with them as they put it all on the line and as they went for it. I loved getting to know the two of them in such a real and honest way that made them two characters that I loved with every part of me.
I loved that Amie Knight took the time to let me understand Hazel and Ollie on the deepest of levels. She gave me their history, she showed me their past, she showed me how they came to be them. She put me in the thick of it in the best way and it connected me wholeheartedly to these characters and everything that they were sharing together. Hazel and Ollie have known each other almost their entire lives, and that is a big part of their story, their connection, their struggle, and just everything. I love that I got that level of understanding with them because it just made me believe in them more and it made me NEED the two of them to be together.
The way that Amie Knight allows you to be a part of this story with her character's is truly incredible. Her writing has such a level of personality, voice, and authenticity to it that allows you to live her words right along with these characters. You feel what they do, you think what they do, you go through these moments and hurdles and triumphs with them. You live and breathe and feel it all in a way that is truly unforgettable. That level of connection, ease, and vividness she creates truly really sets her writing apart.
And let me tell you, from the moment you meet Hazel and Ollie, you will love them. You will love her fire, her quick wit, and you will love getting to peel back the vulnerable and emotional layers of her. Hazel is truly something special. There's a lot more to her than initially meets the eye, and getting to go along with her and Ollie as those pieces of her are thoughtfully revealed, as she comes into her own in a way, and as she pushes for that more is nothing short of everything. Hazel has a hard shell, but inside she is all alone or ability and emotion, and getting to understand her, getting all of the pieces of her, and getting to be there as she sees what could be was beautiful and breathtakingly emotional. That girl is truly something special.
Ollie is just the best. He is an honest-to-goodness good man with a heart of gold who would do anything for Hazel. That much is obvious. He has wanted her his entire life, he has fought for her his entire life, and getting to see that all come to a head with the events of this book, and seeing how that affects him and her was spectacular. Ollie is a football player who can rock those little white pants, he is a man who knows what he wants, and he's definitely willing to put it all on the line and take those risks when it really matters. He's also a man who's bound and determined to have the one girl who he knows is for him. His perseverance and determination, along with that smooth charm will have you melting for him. Trust me.
Hazel and Ollie will definitely make you work for it in this book with them, but you will LOVE every single second of that journey with them. You will love the moments with them that make you laugh, you will love the moments that make you melt and swoon, you will love feeling that heat and spark, you will love the moments that push you to the edge right along with them. You will love getting to see them fight. You will even love getting to be there in those moments when they struggle and in those moments that hurt your heart.
This story definitely makes the two of them work for it, but that was exactly what they needed. That was what fit and what was right, and every word and moment of this story will have you knowing that and believing in them again and again.
I have to say that one of my favorite parts of this story was all of the amazing side characters that make this world a place on never want to leave. Getting to be back with the characters I fell in love with in The Red Zone was amazing. Scarlett and Luke and Ella and Mason are just the best, and getting to see how this story coincided with that story, and really just getting to be back with this group of amazing people was wonderful. This world is truly something special and what Amie Knight has created with these characters is something that I will treasure forever.
Not to be outdone, but Hazel's relationship with her Pops was EVERYTHING. Those two stole my heart almost as much as Hazel and Ollie did, and the humor and banter of those two was on a whole new level. But more than that, their relationship, their love for one another, and the special bond they share truly gave me so much. It honestly just made my heart happy to read and experience, and it definitely allowed me to understand a lot of what was and what could be. I dare you to go a page of reading Hazel and her Pops and not smile or laugh your ass off. It is literally impossible. Those two will have your cheeks hurting and your heart bursting and you will love it.
The First Score was a phenomenal story from start to finish. It is a story of friendship that is on the precipice of becoming so much more. It is a story of two characters who want so much more, who also have some very strong feelings about that more, and their story of fight to get to that more. It is a story of second chances. It is a story of heart and emotion and honest feeling from the deepest part of your soul. It is a story of two people who are so genuine, so good, and so damn right for one another. It is a story of struggle and build and tension. It is a story of unadulterated pull and connection and heat that literally lights the pages of this book on fire.
It is a story of two people who are just right and beyond meant to be.
It is a story of an amazing girl and a very special boy, who turn into a strong AF woman and an even better man who would do anything for his girl.
It is a story of hope over fear, heart over mind, lots and lots of incredible tension and build up, a little bit of Tic Tac Toe, and what can happen when you break the rules just enough for the chance to get to the person you've always wanted to be and be with.
It is a story of how everything can change with a lot of heart, a hell of a lot of fight and push, and maybe just a little scrap of paper and pencil under a doorway.
The First Score is truly one of the best books I have read this year and ever. It is something special. Ollie and Hazel will sear themselves to your heart from the moment you meet them, and you will root for those two and there chance at it all with all that you have. They make you work for it, but that work makes it allllll worth it. They may make you crazy and they may make you wonder what in the world is holding them back, but through it all you will love them. You will love them, you will believe in them, and you will need for them to find a way through it all to one another because they are two of the most perfect puzzle pieces that have ever been created and they only match one another.
Amie Knight rocked the hell out of this book. I truly can't say that enough. Her words took me to a whole other level with Hazel and Ollie, had me experiencing the magic of them, and had me believing in the power and pull of what could be. Her words and what she created with them showed the true amazingness of #TeamHollie, and I will never forget what it was like to read and live and breathe and feel every word of this story.
Like I said at the start of this review, I am #TeamHollie for life and if I could shout that from the rooftops right now, I would. Hazel and Ollie are the actual best. Their story is one I will never forget, and if I could go back and reread their story for the first time again I would. Those two are something special and experiencing The First Score with them was everything that I needed.
And I am telling you, the minute you meet them you will love them, you will believe in them with your whole heart, and you will be desperate for everything they will give you in The First Score.
When I read a book by Amie Knight, I know that I will get many things. I know that I will get exceptional writing that will put me in the thick of her story and her beautiful words. I know that I will meet characters who will own every part of my heart. I know that I will read a story that will give me the emotion, the fields, the romance and Swoon that I crave. I know that I will get a story that I will never forget. I know all of that and more when I am lucky enough to read her words, and The First Score was no different.
This story was everything.
It was one of the most glorious slow burns I have ever read. It was a story of two people who could not be more perfect for one another, yet had to overcome quite a bit to finally get that chance to see what could be. This story was bursting with connection, fire, and visceral spark. It was built with the most exceptional level of intensity and pull between these characters, and there was such a rightness to everything that Ollie and Hazel shared that pulled me in with every fantastic word. Amie Knight's incredible writing brought it all to life, made it all so real and vivid to experience, and thoughtfully created a story that felt so good to experience and read.
I loved every single word of this book. I loved how right Hazel and Ollie felt right from the start. I loved that I believed in the two of them and rooted for them with all that I had from that very first page. I loved getting to be there with them as they put it all on the line and as they went for it. I loved getting to know the two of them in such a real and honest way that made them two characters that I loved with every part of me.
I loved that Amie Knight took the time to let me understand Hazel and Ollie on the deepest of levels. She gave me their history, she showed me their past, she showed me how they came to be them. She put me in the thick of it in the best way and it connected me wholeheartedly to these characters and everything that they were sharing together. Hazel and Ollie have known each other almost their entire lives, and that is a big part of their story, their connection, their struggle, and just everything. I love that I got that level of understanding with them because it just made me believe in them more and it made me NEED the two of them to be together.
The way that Amie Knight allows you to be a part of this story with her character's is truly incredible. Her writing has such a level of personality, voice, and authenticity to it that allows you to live her words right along with these characters. You feel what they do, you think what they do, you go through these moments and hurdles and triumphs with them. You live and breathe and feel it all in a way that is truly unforgettable. That level of connection, ease, and vividness she creates truly really sets her writing apart.
And let me tell you, from the moment you meet Hazel and Ollie, you will love them. You will love her fire, her quick wit, and you will love getting to peel back the vulnerable and emotional layers of her. Hazel is truly something special. There's a lot more to her than initially meets the eye, and getting to go along with her and Ollie as those pieces of her are thoughtfully revealed, as she comes into her own in a way, and as she pushes for that more is nothing short of everything. Hazel has a hard shell, but inside she is all alone or ability and emotion, and getting to understand her, getting all of the pieces of her, and getting to be there as she sees what could be was beautiful and breathtakingly emotional. That girl is truly something special.
Ollie is just the best. He is an honest-to-goodness good man with a heart of gold who would do anything for Hazel. That much is obvious. He has wanted her his entire life, he has fought for her his entire life, and getting to see that all come to a head with the events of this book, and seeing how that affects him and her was spectacular. Ollie is a football player who can rock those little white pants, he is a man who knows what he wants, and he's definitely willing to put it all on the line and take those risks when it really matters. He's also a man who's bound and determined to have the one girl who he knows is for him. His perseverance and determination, along with that smooth charm will have you melting for him. Trust me.
Hazel and Ollie will definitely make you work for it in this book with them, but you will LOVE every single second of that journey with them. You will love the moments with them that make you laugh, you will love the moments that make you melt and swoon, you will love feeling that heat and spark, you will love the moments that push you to the edge right along with them. You will love getting to see them fight. You will even love getting to be there in those moments when they struggle and in those moments that hurt your heart.
This story definitely makes the two of them work for it, but that was exactly what they needed. That was what fit and what was right, and every word and moment of this story will have you knowing that and believing in them again and again.
I have to say that one of my favorite parts of this story was all of the amazing side characters that make this world a place on never want to leave. Getting to be back with the characters I fell in love with in The Red Zone was amazing. Scarlett and Luke and Ella and Mason are just the best, and getting to see how this story coincided with that story, and really just getting to be back with this group of amazing people was wonderful. This world is truly something special and what Amie Knight has created with these characters is something that I will treasure forever.
Not to be outdone, but Hazel's relationship with her Pops was EVERYTHING. Those two stole my heart almost as much as Hazel and Ollie did, and the humor and banter of those two was on a whole new level. But more than that, their relationship, their love for one another, and the special bond they share truly gave me so much. It honestly just made my heart happy to read and experience, and it definitely allowed me to understand a lot of what was and what could be. I dare you to go a page of reading Hazel and her Pops and not smile or laugh your ass off. It is literally impossible. Those two will have your cheeks hurting and your heart bursting and you will love it.
The First Score was a phenomenal story from start to finish. It is a story of friendship that is on the precipice of becoming so much more. It is a story of two characters who want so much more, who also have some very strong feelings about that more, and their story of fight to get to that more. It is a story of second chances. It is a story of heart and emotion and honest feeling from the deepest part of your soul. It is a story of two people who are so genuine, so good, and so damn right for one another. It is a story of struggle and build and tension. It is a story of unadulterated pull and connection and heat that literally lights the pages of this book on fire.
It is a story of two people who are just right and beyond meant to be.
It is a story of an amazing girl and a very special boy, who turn into a strong AF woman and an even better man who would do anything for his girl.
It is a story of hope over fear, heart over mind, lots and lots of incredible tension and build up, a little bit of Tic Tac Toe, and what can happen when you break the rules just enough for the chance to get to the person you've always wanted to be and be with.
It is a story of how everything can change with a lot of heart, a hell of a lot of fight and push, and maybe just a little scrap of paper and pencil under a doorway.
The First Score is truly one of the best books I have read this year and ever. It is something special. Ollie and Hazel will sear themselves to your heart from the moment you meet them, and you will root for those two and there chance at it all with all that you have. They make you work for it, but that work makes it allllll worth it. They may make you crazy and they may make you wonder what in the world is holding them back, but through it all you will love them. You will love them, you will believe in them, and you will need for them to find a way through it all to one another because they are two of the most perfect puzzle pieces that have ever been created and they only match one another.
Amie Knight rocked the hell out of this book. I truly can't say that enough. Her words took me to a whole other level with Hazel and Ollie, had me experiencing the magic of them, and had me believing in the power and pull of what could be. Her words and what she created with them showed the true amazingness of #TeamHollie, and I will never forget what it was like to read and live and breathe and feel every word of this story.
Like I said at the start of this review, I am #TeamHollie for life and if I could shout that from the rooftops right now, I would. Hazel and Ollie are the actual best. Their story is one I will never forget, and if I could go back and reread their story for the first time again I would. Those two are something special and experiencing The First Score with them was everything that I needed.
And I am telling you, the minute you meet them you will love them, you will believe in them with your whole heart, and you will be desperate for everything they will give you in The First Score.
August 13, 2020
Ollie has been in love with Hazel since forever. Hazel is his sister's best friend.
He is so desperate that he decides to log onto a gaming server with a fake name and a fake age only because Hazel usually plays on it.
Hazel has had a complicated life. At least, her childhood. As a consequence, she doesn't let people in. Ollie will have to fight for her if he really wants her.
And that's the way the reader gets into a war. A war full of yes-no, cold-hot Hazel.
Honestly, I loved the way the writer introduced a really important topic through Hazel. The way her life is affected by other people actions. It is well reflected.
And Ollie is just adorable. He creates so many beautiful moments throughout the story that I was melting.
This book made me think about how good this author is.
Not that I had forgotten but I don't know why I had not read one of her books in such a long time.
Great author. Great book.
He is so desperate that he decides to log onto a gaming server with a fake name and a fake age only because Hazel usually plays on it.
Hazel has had a complicated life. At least, her childhood. As a consequence, she doesn't let people in. Ollie will have to fight for her if he really wants her.
And that's the way the reader gets into a war. A war full of yes-no, cold-hot Hazel.
Honestly, I loved the way the writer introduced a really important topic through Hazel. The way her life is affected by other people actions. It is well reflected.
And Ollie is just adorable. He creates so many beautiful moments throughout the story that I was melting.
This book made me think about how good this author is.
Not that I had forgotten but I don't know why I had not read one of her books in such a long time.
Great author. Great book.
June 2, 2021
4.5 stelline
Recensione di Laura sul blog --> https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...
La Prima Meta è una storia di crescita, di pazienza, di resilienza ma soprattutto di amore, in tutte le sue forme. Profuma d’estate e dell’importanza della famiglia che ti accoglie, anche se non sempre è quella di sangue. Una storia dolce che scorre veloce e ti lascia con un sorriso sulla faccia.
Recensione di Laura sul blog --> https://www.leggereromanticamente.com...
La Prima Meta è una storia di crescita, di pazienza, di resilienza ma soprattutto di amore, in tutte le sue forme. Profuma d’estate e dell’importanza della famiglia che ti accoglie, anche se non sempre è quella di sangue. Una storia dolce che scorre veloce e ti lascia con un sorriso sulla faccia.
May 30, 2021
4- ⭐
"Ti ho amata da prima ancora di sapere cosa fosse l’amore, quindi non sarà un problema restare ancora qui ad aspettarti." 😍
"Ti ho amata da prima ancora di sapere cosa fosse l’amore, quindi non sarà un problema restare ancora qui ad aspettarti." 😍
May 22, 2020
4.5 stars!
Oh, I love this book! A deliciously slow burning friends-to-lovers / best-friend’s-brother romance that is sweet, sexy, and beautifully romantic! A little different from the usual contemporary romance, this book has some delightful little twists that make it so completely adorable and create a really gorgeous read.
Oliver Knox is the younger brother of Scarlett (heroine from The Red Zone). The two of them are extremely close, and together with Scarlett’s best friend, Hazel, they have been the closest of friends since childhood. The only thing is, Ollie is desperately in love with Hazel and has been for years… to the point where he has never been interested in any other women and is now a 21 year old virgin still pining after the only girl for him.
Hazel is feisty, funny, and a bit of a hot mess when it comes to relationships. Her family life was messed up, and it’s left her with a bucketload of issues, but she could always count on Ollie to be there for her. He’s been her rock through so many hard times, and he knows her better than anybody else – holding even more of her secrets than Scarlett. But she’s never quite felt good enough for either of them.
Ollie has been biding his time, waiting for Hazel to see him as something more than just a friend, but he’s getting tired of waiting. So, he creates a fake online profile – an older, experienced man – where he flirt with her the way he wants to, desperate to get her to see exactly what they could be together.
It’s such a fun set up, and Amie Knight writes it so well! Ollie absolutely stole my heart as the sweet, caring, funny, understanding, patient, loyal and dedicated man who knows his heart, and who is prepared to fight for his girl. He may be sexually inexperienced, but he’s confident, and a huge flirt, and I pretty much melted through this whole book, and damn, I want an Ollie of my very own! And when he decides it’s time to turn it on…. Swooooooooooooon!
He's so brave! And when he finally makes his move, it’s all kinds of hot. But Hazel has issues, and feels that there are so many things standing in her and Ollie’s way. It’s an emotional journey for them, and while it could have gotten overly angsty, Ollie is just perfect, letting Hazel have her time, and being there for her whenever and however she needs him.
*dreamy sigh*. I could gush on and on about the perfection of this man so I need to stop before I do just that.
This is such a gorgeous romance! Ollie and Hazel are just perfect together. We get to see moments between them from their past and I could feel the strong connection between them even from when they were teenagers. They have fun, they tease, their chemistry is electric, and the emotion is high, and though it may not have been easy, I loved watching them find their way together.
The timing of this book plays out alongside The Red Zone - before, during and after, but it’s not spoilery and you could read this one as a standalone, just be aware that there is crossover. We are also introduced to Hazel’s absolutely fabulous grandfather, who is freaking hilarious, and a total scene stealer.
I finished this book with a big grin on my face, feeling swoony and satisfied. I loved it!
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, I love this book! A deliciously slow burning friends-to-lovers / best-friend’s-brother romance that is sweet, sexy, and beautifully romantic! A little different from the usual contemporary romance, this book has some delightful little twists that make it so completely adorable and create a really gorgeous read.
Oliver Knox is the younger brother of Scarlett (heroine from The Red Zone). The two of them are extremely close, and together with Scarlett’s best friend, Hazel, they have been the closest of friends since childhood. The only thing is, Ollie is desperately in love with Hazel and has been for years… to the point where he has never been interested in any other women and is now a 21 year old virgin still pining after the only girl for him.
“It’s easy not to have sex when the only girl you want to have sex with his friend zoned the hell out of your ass.”
Hazel is feisty, funny, and a bit of a hot mess when it comes to relationships. Her family life was messed up, and it’s left her with a bucketload of issues, but she could always count on Ollie to be there for her. He’s been her rock through so many hard times, and he knows her better than anybody else – holding even more of her secrets than Scarlett. But she’s never quite felt good enough for either of them.
Oh my God. Why was he being so sweet? Why was he always so perfect and I was a royal fuck-up? Never mind, I knew why. Because Oliver had always been wonderful and good and kind. I’d always been me – completely undeserving of Oliver’s goodness.
Ollie has been biding his time, waiting for Hazel to see him as something more than just a friend, but he’s getting tired of waiting. So, he creates a fake online profile – an older, experienced man – where he flirt with her the way he wants to, desperate to get her to see exactly what they could be together.
“You deserve everything, Hazel. And I’m going to prove it to you, consequences be damned.”
It’s such a fun set up, and Amie Knight writes it so well! Ollie absolutely stole my heart as the sweet, caring, funny, understanding, patient, loyal and dedicated man who knows his heart, and who is prepared to fight for his girl. He may be sexually inexperienced, but he’s confident, and a huge flirt, and I pretty much melted through this whole book, and damn, I want an Ollie of my very own! And when he decides it’s time to turn it on…. Swooooooooooooon!
“You could have any girl in the world.”
He laid his forehead to my right temple, his hands still held to the sides of my face delicately, and whispered right into the shell of my hear, “But I don’t want just any girl, Hazel.” He leaned in even closer until his lips were a breath away from mine. “I want you.”
He's so brave! And when he finally makes his move, it’s all kinds of hot. But Hazel has issues, and feels that there are so many things standing in her and Ollie’s way. It’s an emotional journey for them, and while it could have gotten overly angsty, Ollie is just perfect, letting Hazel have her time, and being there for her whenever and however she needs him.
“Have I ever once let you fall?”
Her tender gaze fell on mine, years of friendship swirling in their brown depths. “Never.”
*dreamy sigh*. I could gush on and on about the perfection of this man so I need to stop before I do just that.
This is such a gorgeous romance! Ollie and Hazel are just perfect together. We get to see moments between them from their past and I could feel the strong connection between them even from when they were teenagers. They have fun, they tease, their chemistry is electric, and the emotion is high, and though it may not have been easy, I loved watching them find their way together.
Every minute I’d spent waiting for Hazel had been worth it. I would’ve waited a thousand times over to experience this.
The timing of this book plays out alongside The Red Zone - before, during and after, but it’s not spoilery and you could read this one as a standalone, just be aware that there is crossover. We are also introduced to Hazel’s absolutely fabulous grandfather, who is freaking hilarious, and a total scene stealer.
I finished this book with a big grin on my face, feeling swoony and satisfied. I loved it!
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2020
really disappointed with this one, especially having reread a favorite of mine by this author so I know what she’s capable of but this wasn’t it. the romance fell totally flat and it was pretty disjointed in the middle. I love romances with a virgin hero but they are so difficult to find and they have to be done right. sadly this was pretty forgettable.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
June 2, 2020
Since reading Amie Knight’s The Red Zone, I have been desperate for certain characters to have their stories told. Thus, I was eager to dive into The First Score. As has been the case with all my Amie Knight reads, this one hooked me right away and had me powering through it in a single sitting.
I had fallen for these characters in The Red Zone, but I fell even deeper for them in The First Score. I was sucked right into their story and loved watching the way things slowly built for them. They were so adorable together, and I was hooked on every interaction. Add in the fun side characters, and this is sure to hook readers.
The only thing I wasn’t one hundred percent won over with was one of the triggers in this book. I have personal experience with it, and I’m always picky when it’s used in a story. I would have liked a bit more attention to have been given to this aspect of the story, but that’s just personal experience talking.
Overall, The First Score was another wonderful read from Amie Knight. I’m now crossing my fingers that the side character I have loved throughout both stories will get his story.
I had fallen for these characters in The Red Zone, but I fell even deeper for them in The First Score. I was sucked right into their story and loved watching the way things slowly built for them. They were so adorable together, and I was hooked on every interaction. Add in the fun side characters, and this is sure to hook readers.
The only thing I wasn’t one hundred percent won over with was one of the triggers in this book. I have personal experience with it, and I’m always picky when it’s used in a story. I would have liked a bit more attention to have been given to this aspect of the story, but that’s just personal experience talking.
Overall, The First Score was another wonderful read from Amie Knight. I’m now crossing my fingers that the side character I have loved throughout both stories will get his story.
May 26, 2021
4,5 stelline
Credo sia quasi inutile ringraziare la casa editrice per aver portato un’autrice del calibro di Amie Knight nel panorama italiano, ma mi sento di farlo, perché questa scrittrice, con la sua penna, è riuscita ancora una volta a conquistarmi, ma soprattutto a stupirmi.
Avendo letto il primo libro della serie, avevo già avuto modo di conoscere Oliver e Hazel e li avevo già puntati, e devo ammettere che le mie aspettative erano decisamente alte. La loro non è la solita storia dove il lui della situazione è solo innamorato della migliore amica della sorella. Quello che mi ha particolarmente colpito di questa autrice, è come riesce a creare il contorno. In entrambi i romanzi ci ritroviamo di fronte a situazioni che per forza di cose ti toccano e che quindi fanno nascere empatia, ma alla fine se non si vivono queste cose, non puoi capirle appieno. Eppure ti conquista… e tenete conto che alla fine ci fa innamorare degli uomini di carta che non sono per forza degli alpha, prepotenti, che sembrano e si sentono i padroni del mondo; lei ci presenta degli uomini per bene, che affrontano a testa alta la vita, che mettono la donna che amano al primo posto, ma soprattutto con un sorriso che farebbe sciogliere anche i sassi.
“Era solo una cosa che avevo sempre voluto fare, mio malgrado: far sorridere gli occhi Hazel. Volevo renderla felice, un’impresa per niente facile”.
Non voglio girarci attorno: Oliver mi ha letteralmente stregata. Che ci posso fare, adoro i bravi ragazzi e il solo pensiero che questo ragazzone che gioca a football, che ama la propria famiglia e che sa di essere innamorato della ragazza giusta da quando ha solo cinque anni… non so, mi fa sciogliere il cuore. Non è così strano trovare storie dove il ragazzo è illibato, al contrario della lei di turno, ma ho apprezzato la sua determinazione, il suo sapere cosa vuole. Sono dell’idea che non sia facile resistere, infatti credo sia semplice fare cavolate pur di ottenere quello che si è sempre desiderato… e devo ammettere che inizialmente ho anche pensato che il suo fosse solo un capriccio, ma si capisce in fretta che i sentimenti di questo ragazzo sono sinceri, profondi, che rispetta e ama veramente quella ragazzina che sorride di rado, che cerca di mostrarsi sempre forte e che ha degli scheletri nell’armadio. Ecco, a proposito di questi scheletri, una cosa che ho veramente molto apprezzato, è che il rapporto tra Hazel e Oliver è puro, tra di loro non c’è solo amore o passione, i due sono prima di tutto amici. Amici che ovviamente complicano le cose nel momento in cui non possono più fingere che i sentimenti sono reali, eppure le menzogne tra loro non hanno valore, perché in fondo sanno la verità, si conoscono. È stata una bella crescita, vederli scoprirsi sotto nuovi occhi e vivere quello che alla fine hanno sempre sperato.
“Odiavo come mi faceva sentire. E al tempo stesso l’amavo. Più di ogni altra cosa sul pianeta”.
Hazel è sicuramente tra i due il personaggio più da approfondire, non perché non sia una brava ragazza o perché abbia qualcosa che non vada in generale… è perché è lei il fulcro, in tutti i sensi. Come dicevo prima, Oliver non viene mai messo in discussione, è limpido e sincero, ma lei… lei ha paura, ha un passato doloroso, ha questa tendenza a non sentirsi abbastanza, crede quasi di non meritare la felicità. Quindi sì, è sicuramente lei il personaggio che a ti fa alzare gli occhi al cielo e che in un paio di occasioni ti fa venire voglia di scuotere per farla riprendere, ma (sì, c’è un “ma”) è anche vero che tra i due è quella che affronta un percorso interiore, quella che rischia nel mettersi in gioco. È quella che quasi scommette con e su sé stessa.
“Era il fratellino della mia migliore amica. Ma la verità era che lui era la mia roccia. L’unico per me. L’amore della mia vita. Era mio. Lo era sempre stato”.
Piccolo sunto della situazione: il libro mi è molto piaciuto, ho apprezzato gli argomenti trattati – e soprattutto come sono stati trattati – ho ammirato e approvo il coraggio dell’autrice nell’inserire sempre argomenti non semplici e di cui non si parla spesso nei romance, adoro il suo modo di scrivere e come crea i personaggi… quindi per me è sicuramente un’autrice da non perdere e da tenere d’occhio. Questa serie non è finita, e sono davvero molto curiosa di sapere di chi si parlerà nel prossimo romanzo. Per ora non mi resta che dirvi di godervi la lettura, perché è vero che si tratta pur sempre di un romanzo d’amore, ma l’amore non si trova solo nella coppia, e questa autrice riesce a far arrivare il messaggio che la famiglia è importante, è che non essenzialmente deve essere sangue del tuo sangue per essere definita tale.
Credo sia quasi inutile ringraziare la casa editrice per aver portato un’autrice del calibro di Amie Knight nel panorama italiano, ma mi sento di farlo, perché questa scrittrice, con la sua penna, è riuscita ancora una volta a conquistarmi, ma soprattutto a stupirmi.
Avendo letto il primo libro della serie, avevo già avuto modo di conoscere Oliver e Hazel e li avevo già puntati, e devo ammettere che le mie aspettative erano decisamente alte. La loro non è la solita storia dove il lui della situazione è solo innamorato della migliore amica della sorella. Quello che mi ha particolarmente colpito di questa autrice, è come riesce a creare il contorno. In entrambi i romanzi ci ritroviamo di fronte a situazioni che per forza di cose ti toccano e che quindi fanno nascere empatia, ma alla fine se non si vivono queste cose, non puoi capirle appieno. Eppure ti conquista… e tenete conto che alla fine ci fa innamorare degli uomini di carta che non sono per forza degli alpha, prepotenti, che sembrano e si sentono i padroni del mondo; lei ci presenta degli uomini per bene, che affrontano a testa alta la vita, che mettono la donna che amano al primo posto, ma soprattutto con un sorriso che farebbe sciogliere anche i sassi.
“Era solo una cosa che avevo sempre voluto fare, mio malgrado: far sorridere gli occhi Hazel. Volevo renderla felice, un’impresa per niente facile”.
Non voglio girarci attorno: Oliver mi ha letteralmente stregata. Che ci posso fare, adoro i bravi ragazzi e il solo pensiero che questo ragazzone che gioca a football, che ama la propria famiglia e che sa di essere innamorato della ragazza giusta da quando ha solo cinque anni… non so, mi fa sciogliere il cuore. Non è così strano trovare storie dove il ragazzo è illibato, al contrario della lei di turno, ma ho apprezzato la sua determinazione, il suo sapere cosa vuole. Sono dell’idea che non sia facile resistere, infatti credo sia semplice fare cavolate pur di ottenere quello che si è sempre desiderato… e devo ammettere che inizialmente ho anche pensato che il suo fosse solo un capriccio, ma si capisce in fretta che i sentimenti di questo ragazzo sono sinceri, profondi, che rispetta e ama veramente quella ragazzina che sorride di rado, che cerca di mostrarsi sempre forte e che ha degli scheletri nell’armadio. Ecco, a proposito di questi scheletri, una cosa che ho veramente molto apprezzato, è che il rapporto tra Hazel e Oliver è puro, tra di loro non c’è solo amore o passione, i due sono prima di tutto amici. Amici che ovviamente complicano le cose nel momento in cui non possono più fingere che i sentimenti sono reali, eppure le menzogne tra loro non hanno valore, perché in fondo sanno la verità, si conoscono. È stata una bella crescita, vederli scoprirsi sotto nuovi occhi e vivere quello che alla fine hanno sempre sperato.
“Odiavo come mi faceva sentire. E al tempo stesso l’amavo. Più di ogni altra cosa sul pianeta”.
Hazel è sicuramente tra i due il personaggio più da approfondire, non perché non sia una brava ragazza o perché abbia qualcosa che non vada in generale… è perché è lei il fulcro, in tutti i sensi. Come dicevo prima, Oliver non viene mai messo in discussione, è limpido e sincero, ma lei… lei ha paura, ha un passato doloroso, ha questa tendenza a non sentirsi abbastanza, crede quasi di non meritare la felicità. Quindi sì, è sicuramente lei il personaggio che a ti fa alzare gli occhi al cielo e che in un paio di occasioni ti fa venire voglia di scuotere per farla riprendere, ma (sì, c’è un “ma”) è anche vero che tra i due è quella che affronta un percorso interiore, quella che rischia nel mettersi in gioco. È quella che quasi scommette con e su sé stessa.
“Era il fratellino della mia migliore amica. Ma la verità era che lui era la mia roccia. L’unico per me. L’amore della mia vita. Era mio. Lo era sempre stato”.
Piccolo sunto della situazione: il libro mi è molto piaciuto, ho apprezzato gli argomenti trattati – e soprattutto come sono stati trattati – ho ammirato e approvo il coraggio dell’autrice nell’inserire sempre argomenti non semplici e di cui non si parla spesso nei romance, adoro il suo modo di scrivere e come crea i personaggi… quindi per me è sicuramente un’autrice da non perdere e da tenere d’occhio. Questa serie non è finita, e sono davvero molto curiosa di sapere di chi si parlerà nel prossimo romanzo. Per ora non mi resta che dirvi di godervi la lettura, perché è vero che si tratta pur sempre di un romanzo d’amore, ma l’amore non si trova solo nella coppia, e questa autrice riesce a far arrivare il messaggio che la famiglia è importante, è che non essenzialmente deve essere sangue del tuo sangue per essere definita tale.
August 11, 2021
Due bambini amici dall’infanzia, lei migliore amica della sorella di lui, un affetto immediato che nel tempo per entrambi si trasforma in un sentimento diverso e profondo che apparentemente niente e nessuno potrebbe ostacolare, ma che non riesce a concretizzarsi. Questa è la storia di Oliver e Hazel, ormai adulti, alla resa dei conti finale con ciò che provano.
La concretezza e la determinazione di Oliver è lampante sin dalle prime pagine del romanzo. È tempo per lui di esporsi e parlare dei suoi sentimenti, che tutti conoscono tranne la diretta interessata. Sarà possibile scalfire il muro impenetrabile che Hazel ha eretto con tutti solo per proteggersi dalla sofferenza di un ennesimo abbandono? Può un sentimento forte come quello che Oliver prova per lei, abbattere le sue incertezze e riportare la fiducia nella sua vita?
Lui è disposto a tutto per averla, anche aspettare all’infinito. La pazienza è il primo aspetto che emerge di questo ragazzo, direi perfetto, che ama e adesso pretende la felicità che entrambi meritano. O almeno prova a lottare per conquistarla. Arrendersi non è nei suoi programmi.
Oliver è un ragazzo estremamente sensibile che fin da piccolo ha occhi solo per Hazel, mai nessun’altra donna ha suscitato il suo interesse. L’ha aspettata e ora la vuole. Vietato arretrare di un passo. Andare fino in fondo alla meta e segnare. Un po’ come ciò che il football insegna: conquistare la meta a testa bassa, con enormi sacrifici, senza arrendersi mai.
La tenacia con cui questo ragazzo porta avanti il suo piano di conquista è ammirevole, per tutta la storia, Oliver non delude mai le aspettative del lettore. Inoltre ammetto che il fatto che un bambino, ora uomo, non abbia mai avuto dubbi su chi dovesse essere la sua prima volta, aspettando che arrivasse come l’amore della sua vita, fa sciogliere il cuore di ogni donna.
“Perché non ero quella che lui pensava che fossi. Non ero quella di cui aveva bisogno. Non ero fatta per lui. Ero rotta. Troppo danneggiata. Si meritava il meglio e io non avevo niente da offrire”
Hazel adora il suo Ollie da sempre ma la sua vita e il suo passato non le permettono più di assecondare il suo desiderio tantomeno il suo sentimento racchiuso e nascosto nel cuore. Si sente spezzata dagli eventi di un passato terribilmente pieno di sofferenze e non potrebbe sopportare il fallimento anche con lui. Non vorrebbe mai che si allontanasse per sempre da lei, preferisce averlo accanto anche come amico che perderlo.
Hazel si nasconde dietro una sostanza di forza e ironia che la ripara dal dolore, non facendo mai emergere le sue fragilità. Ma Oliver le vede e le sente e all’improvviso qualcosa cambia. La determinazione di questo ragazzo la annienta e inizia a far vacillare quelle sicurezze costruite con costanza nel tempo.
“Mi sedetti da una parte e aspettai. È quello che si fa per chi si ama e io amavo Hazel più di quanto avessi mai amato nessuno in tutta la mia vita”
Arriva un tempo, per tutti, in cui la consapevolezza che da soli non si può essere felici, appare lampante. I tentativi di Oliver di far capire ad Hazel la potenza del suo amore falliscono miseramente uno dietro l’altro e l’ultima carta da giocare è quella di entrare nel suo mondo attraverso l’unica strada che lei pensa invalicabile e cioè attraverso la sua passione: i videogiochi. Un’identità segreta aprirà il varco necessario a Oliver per arrivare al cuore di quella ragazza così testarda annullando la distanza che li separa. Fingere sarà rischioso ma è l’ultima possibilità prima di mollare definitivamente.
Sarò onesta. Dopo il primo bellissimo romanzo di questa serie, le mie aspettative erano alte e sono rimasta un po’ delusa. La prima meta è uno sport romance dove lo sport viene solo accennato e la trama non è avvincente come nel primo volume. Manca di intensità, anche se la storia è delicata e affronta un tema sensibile legato a problematiche importanti ma a cui, a mio avviso, non è stato dato il giusto peso. Il romanzo è ben editato, scorrevole, il romanticismo non manca. Ma i personaggi sono legati allo sport solo empiricamente e non nella costruzione della trama, penalizzando le aspettative di chi si accosta a questo genere romance.
Continua su: https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...
La concretezza e la determinazione di Oliver è lampante sin dalle prime pagine del romanzo. È tempo per lui di esporsi e parlare dei suoi sentimenti, che tutti conoscono tranne la diretta interessata. Sarà possibile scalfire il muro impenetrabile che Hazel ha eretto con tutti solo per proteggersi dalla sofferenza di un ennesimo abbandono? Può un sentimento forte come quello che Oliver prova per lei, abbattere le sue incertezze e riportare la fiducia nella sua vita?
Lui è disposto a tutto per averla, anche aspettare all’infinito. La pazienza è il primo aspetto che emerge di questo ragazzo, direi perfetto, che ama e adesso pretende la felicità che entrambi meritano. O almeno prova a lottare per conquistarla. Arrendersi non è nei suoi programmi.
Oliver è un ragazzo estremamente sensibile che fin da piccolo ha occhi solo per Hazel, mai nessun’altra donna ha suscitato il suo interesse. L’ha aspettata e ora la vuole. Vietato arretrare di un passo. Andare fino in fondo alla meta e segnare. Un po’ come ciò che il football insegna: conquistare la meta a testa bassa, con enormi sacrifici, senza arrendersi mai.
La tenacia con cui questo ragazzo porta avanti il suo piano di conquista è ammirevole, per tutta la storia, Oliver non delude mai le aspettative del lettore. Inoltre ammetto che il fatto che un bambino, ora uomo, non abbia mai avuto dubbi su chi dovesse essere la sua prima volta, aspettando che arrivasse come l’amore della sua vita, fa sciogliere il cuore di ogni donna.
“Perché non ero quella che lui pensava che fossi. Non ero quella di cui aveva bisogno. Non ero fatta per lui. Ero rotta. Troppo danneggiata. Si meritava il meglio e io non avevo niente da offrire”
Hazel adora il suo Ollie da sempre ma la sua vita e il suo passato non le permettono più di assecondare il suo desiderio tantomeno il suo sentimento racchiuso e nascosto nel cuore. Si sente spezzata dagli eventi di un passato terribilmente pieno di sofferenze e non potrebbe sopportare il fallimento anche con lui. Non vorrebbe mai che si allontanasse per sempre da lei, preferisce averlo accanto anche come amico che perderlo.
Hazel si nasconde dietro una sostanza di forza e ironia che la ripara dal dolore, non facendo mai emergere le sue fragilità. Ma Oliver le vede e le sente e all’improvviso qualcosa cambia. La determinazione di questo ragazzo la annienta e inizia a far vacillare quelle sicurezze costruite con costanza nel tempo.
“Mi sedetti da una parte e aspettai. È quello che si fa per chi si ama e io amavo Hazel più di quanto avessi mai amato nessuno in tutta la mia vita”
Arriva un tempo, per tutti, in cui la consapevolezza che da soli non si può essere felici, appare lampante. I tentativi di Oliver di far capire ad Hazel la potenza del suo amore falliscono miseramente uno dietro l’altro e l’ultima carta da giocare è quella di entrare nel suo mondo attraverso l’unica strada che lei pensa invalicabile e cioè attraverso la sua passione: i videogiochi. Un’identità segreta aprirà il varco necessario a Oliver per arrivare al cuore di quella ragazza così testarda annullando la distanza che li separa. Fingere sarà rischioso ma è l’ultima possibilità prima di mollare definitivamente.
Sarò onesta. Dopo il primo bellissimo romanzo di questa serie, le mie aspettative erano alte e sono rimasta un po’ delusa. La prima meta è uno sport romance dove lo sport viene solo accennato e la trama non è avvincente come nel primo volume. Manca di intensità, anche se la storia è delicata e affronta un tema sensibile legato a problematiche importanti ma a cui, a mio avviso, non è stato dato il giusto peso. Il romanzo è ben editato, scorrevole, il romanticismo non manca. Ma i personaggi sono legati allo sport solo empiricamente e non nella costruzione della trama, penalizzando le aspettative di chi si accosta a questo genere romance.
Continua su: https://www.vanitiromancebook.com/boo...
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