u/graveyardghost9

Tags: Football/Soccer, Exes to Lovers, FWB, Second Chances, Devoted Lovers, First Loves, Power Couple

Chapters: 26 (Total) - 17 (Main Story) + 9 (Epilogues + Side Stories)

*the chapters are very long!*

Description (from NU):

“I don’t need your hand, so f**k off, you son of a b***h.”

After tasting a bitter defeat in the Champions League final for the second time in his career, Jerim rejects the hand of the opposing team’s striker and previous teammate in the youth academy, Aaron, causing rumors of discord to swirl again.

In truth, their relationship wasn’t good, so it wasn’t just rumors—it really was discord. Since they were in different leagues anyway, he had never been particularly concerned about it.

“Let’s try to get along again, Jerim.”

…Until a month later, when Aaron came to the same club as him via free transfer.

It was already infuriating enough to be on the same team with the guy who had humiliated him in the recent final, but to make matters worse, that guy happened to be his ex from way back.

And they had broken up in the most terrible way possible.

Gong:

Aaron Reyes (27 Years Old) - A handsome man from Spain with a decadent appearance, enhanced by his dark skin and tattoos. His manner of speaking is annoying, but he possesses skills and overflowing confidence that offset it. Surprisingly, he has a romantic side.

#195cm/88kg/Striker/Spain/Tavarona FC Youth-Tavarona FC-Sefton FC(new!)

Su:

Ban Je-rim (28 Years Old) - Commonly known as Jerry. A handsome man with fair skin and a cold aura. However, despite his unrestrained expression and seemingly dashing demeanor, he has a lot of loose edges, so fans are begging him to just shut up and play the game. It is simply impossible to look kindly upon Aaron, who transferred in so suddenly.

#184cm/75kg/Midfielder/South Korea/Tavarona FC Youth-Newham FC-Sefton FC (Captain)

My disorganized thoughts:

I am so smitten with this novel right now…. I started the manhwa, and picked up the novel from where it left off. Although I’m an avid lover of sports BL in any form (fanfic, novels, comics, shows, etc….) I’ve been in a slump lately and the sports BLs I’ve encountered (mostly manhwas) just haven’t been hitting. I’m so glad I found this one - it has a balance of sports and romance which I personally love, where the sports dynamics are important and present and interwoven with the romance (rather than being a mere backdrop, or overpowering).

I’m also not usually one to seek out exes to lovers plots, but the dynamics between the leads intrigued me, >!and the primary miscommunication was dealt with early enough that the story could focus on their relationship rekindling, and them falling back in love with each other!<. I really enjoyed seeing how the synergy between them on and off the pitch developed, even though they’re both athletes at the top of their game.

I also just loved the way their relationship was built on a foundation of friendship and companionship because of their youth club days, and it showed so well reading scenes post reconciliation. They became an old married couple so quickly. Another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed was how enthusiastic the NSFW scenes were from both sides!!! They are absolutely down bad for each other and it was so refreshing to read scenes that didn’t feel mildly or very uncomfortable lol.

I’m actually still finishing the side stories, but the main story was a treat and so far the side stories are delivering as well! I really recommend this to anyone who enjoys a romance focused story that is well integrated into its sports setting! I can’t judge the accuracy of the football (because despite loving sports BL I don’t really watch sports……….) but I personally felt immersed hahaha.

I hope this haphazard review piqued someone’s interest! Happy reading (^-^)