Member Reviews

Returning to your old college as a member of the basketball media team brings back harsh memories. Co workers, memories and trauma are all combined. Annie sees Ben as her nemesis from the past but can they actually get to know the real people behind the misconceptions?
About seeing reality instead of assumptions, moving past trauma and holding others accountable for their actions . This book will make you feel all the emotions that Annie experiences in the book. The sign of a good book.
Enjoy the thrill of the basketball games ringside and get to know the players and essential staff as well as Annie's story

Was this review helpful?

After struggling to find a job, Annie returns to her Alma Mater as a video editor for the school basketball team. Her old student colleague, Ben, however, is not thrilled by her arrival at the school.

As always, things aren’t quite what they seem, and as they move from enimies to lovers, they realise they can’t hide from their past, or run from their future.

College basketball but from a different perspective, this was a great, heart-touching book that had a fantastic bunch of characters and did a great job of bringing you into its world.

Thank you NetGalley and Quercus for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I have recently started to read romances with the backdrop of sport even though I know nothing about the sports and I have concluded it’s because it adds something to the story beyond just two characters. What I like about this story, which some romantic plots miss, is there is a world of characters outside the main pair.

I was invested in the relationship quickly and I liked the way the author got around the poor behaviour of Ben quickly without leaving him just being an absolute arse. The subplots were helpful at it only exploring other issues but also in helping add understanding to the characters motivations and behaviours.

There were moments of comedy but also moments of tragedy and topics that were dealt with sensitively but also demonstrating positive relationships as well

I’ve read a couple of reviews which alluded to trigger warnings but I had seen these before I started reading and I felt the issues were dealt with sensibly and sensitively. (For example, avoiding comments from social media was a great tip)

I’d definitely read more from this author.

Was this review helpful?

Jamie Harrow’s book; One on One is set in the well loved scene of NCAA (American Collage) Basketball. This book tells the story of female main character; Annie Radford, who returns to work at her Alma Mater, Ardwyn University as a videographer. She makes hype videos for the basketball team after abruptly leaving her position years earlier due to mysterious personal circumstances. As she returns to work she is reacquainted with her old colleague, now turned nemesis, Ben Callahan, as they both find themselves competing to save their jobs amid looming budget cuts and office tension. The day to day antics of working in college sport throw these two together in a number of different circumstances and old feelings begin to arise. As always, Basketball stops for nobody and as the season progresses tensions rise and dark secrets are brought too light.

Readers that are fans of the enemies to lovers x sports romance x workplace romance tropes will love ‘One on One’ by Jamie Harrow. This book does an amazing job of combining serious topics with a fun and light read that readers from all backgrounds will enjoy. Harrow not only has created a bright, bold and strong female main character, a gentle, loving and adorable love interest but also a group of secondary characters who’s personalities shine through and make this book the fun and enjoyable read that it is. The book is set around collage basketball and does a great job telling the story from an insiders perspective. I am sure that lovers of the sport will find that this book transports them into the amazing world of basketball and will remind the reader of why they fell in love with the sport. I personally found that Jamie Harrow did a superb job of capturing how a non-player can fall in love with basketball and reminded me of how much the sport taught me and how it shaped me to become who I am today. Readers looking for an enjoyable, refreshing read filled with important messages lead by a strong and brave female main character should race to pick up this book as I am sure it won’t disappoint.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley and the author for this ARC 💐

Unfortunately, this book was not for me ☹️ I did not like the story, nor the characters, it just fell flat, actually there was no plot for me. After I read half of the book, I skimmed through the rest of the chapters until the end. The story also ended quite abruptly too, there was no epilogue to see what happens in the future. I felt no connection between Ben and Annie, they acted so weird for two people who supposedly like each other … the evolution of their relationship was not natural at all. Their behaviour was often so frustrating. The story was also heavily based on basketball which I assume was the goal here, but for me it was too much, at one point I was lost and couldn’t follow the thread of the story, it went in various directions.

Anyway, this being said, I still want to check other future books of the author !

Was this review helpful?

I loved reading this book & thank you so so much netgalley for the ARC!

This book was so fun t read and I was unable to put this book down all night and read it in one sitting. I loved the characters in this book and the plot which developed throughout. This book was a nice, cute, sweet read including difficult topics but such a fun story.

I loved how realistic the view was on sports in college and how the romance developed s naturally. Thankyou so much for this ARC

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely adored this book. The story follows Annie and Ben, who were friends in university and then ended up working together years later. I loved the development between Ben and Annie, and I was hooked from the start, I didn't want it to end. There were really strong friendships in the story too, which I think is so important for a book to have. The story does include some sensitive topics such as sexism in sports.

Was this review helpful?

I couldn’t believe with was the debut novel from Jamie Harrow! I really enjoyed this slow burn/rival romance. I thought it was really well written and a new take on the sport romance genre.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

'One on One' is such a great new take on the college romance genre and I can't express to you how much I enjoyed it! A fun office romance/sports romance hybrid with the best bits of both of those tropes.

This had so much heart. I love a sports romance but I know nothing about basketball so I was hesitant to start this, however Harrow made this super accessible and easy to follow, which I appreciated. I also really loved that this was an exploration in how SA and harassment can be covered up in sports, and the reality of being a woman in male dominated fields. The topic was handled with sensitivity and grace.

My one gripe is maybe it felt slightly too long, but it didn't drag too much and I enjoyed the occasionally slower pace of the plot. Not to mention, the extended timeline of the book made the romance between these characters feel more real. Watching these two people get to a place where they really understand and love each other was such a joy to read. I was also especially fond of the amazing friendships in this book as well as the mentor/mentee relationship between Annie and Quincey.

I would HIGHLY recommend this to any of my fellow sports romance lovers. Such an amazing debut from Harrow. Thank you to Quercus for the E-ARC.

Was this review helpful?

I love sports romances, and I have a certain fondness for basketball - I used to go to games. That's why I was tempted by One on one.

The book turned out to be completely different than I expected. Better but most of all more mature. The story focuses on Annie, who returns to Ardwyn University years later to again create promotional films for the team. However, the return reminds her of an unpleasant past, her old friend Ben is suddenly hostile to her, and in addition, no one informed her about the team's problems. A rivalry begins between Annie and Ben.

I haven't yet encountered such a seriously taken plot of rivals to lovers - and it definitely had a positive effect on the story. At the same time we have here a strong slow burn - the relationship of the characters develops slowly and naturally. The characters make mistakes, but they do it in a human, very real way. The chemistry between Annie and Ben was so good, their getting to know each other again was a pleasant journey.

Another big surprise turned out to be the technical view of the sport - the main character is not a player, what's more, they both work for the team. It's definitely a big breath of fresh air among sports romances. I am absolutely convinced by the approach to sports from behind - we see a whole range of things that we would not look at from the position of the audience. I think the author managed to create something amazing at this point.

The author has a pleasant writing style, and the story is devoid of unnecessary spicy content here - and therein lies its beauty. Additionally, we have a difficult problem in the industry at the end, which adds a bitter taste to the whole story, and it’s plays in favor of the text.

An unobvious romance with sports and well-created characters. If you feel like taking a break from overly erotic hockey or football romances, then the upcoming release of One on One will surely be a fantastic choice. Basketball is cool too!

Was this review helpful?

I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC read through NetGalley
*3/5*

*Basketball Romance
*Friends-to-Enemies-to-Lovers
*Forced Proximity
*Old Friends
*Slow Burn
*Workplace romance


TW
- Sexual content
- Death of a parent
- Sexual Harassment
- Abandonment


This was a debut novel for this author. It’s very well written and this author has real potential to make incredible books. The story is well flushed out and you can feel the romance building throughout the book. I felt part of romance and could feel the secrecy initially, like I’m in the room with them.


There are so many lovable characters within this book. Annie is so protective despite hating Ben initially. She hid things that she knew would hurt herself and him, mainly it seems, to protect Ben and his life. You can feel the characters getting closer and becoming more comfortable with one another. As much as I enjoy spicy novels, and would love if this had more, I did enjoy the focus being on their romance development. The development of the characters was well explained and thought through. I feel like further novels by this author will get better and better, and time will only make the books better.

There should be a warning for readers regarding an ongoing theme of sexual harassment. This is explained throughout with some intense discussions around this topic. As someone who has recently received help for SA, the topic was explained in a way that is both respectful and gets the point across. It feels like the author may have gone through a similar thing as it felt personal, with feelings by Annie that really portray how people feel in these situations.

My only critique is that I wish the ending was further explored. It seemed very sudden and rushed compared to the detail in the rest of the book.


Finally, I very much enjoyed this book and am hoping that Jamie Harrow releases future stories. This author should be very proud of I hope she is happy. I hope she continues to write more.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Jamie Harrow and Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

-

3.75/5

This book was certainly quite entertaining.

Harrow approaches the novel with a niche yet witty sense of humour. She interlopes this comedy with serious criticisms on college basketball, sexual assault and unhealthy relationships. It doesn't feel forced but it is sincere.

The romance within this book is cute and comfortable. Both characters have their flaws but find solace and comfort within each other - which is so sweet to see.

Was this review helpful?

As soon as I finished this novel, I immediately went to Jamie Harrow's Goodreads and was shocked to find that this was a debut. I'm in awe as it was so well written and disappointed because I can't yet get my hands on another one of her stories.

"Eight years after graduation, Annie Radford is not happy to be back at her alma mater in her old job with the Ardwyn Tigers’ basketball team. Worse, her coworker from back in college, Ben Callahan, is still on the Tigers staff, and he’s annoyingly wholesome, hot, and clinging to a grudge against Annie for abandoning him and the team their senior year."

Firstly, this is being advertised as enemies-to-lovers, which didn't ring very accurate - more likely rivals-to-lovers, and even then only for the first few chapters. Annie's monologue and narration was authentic and funny and I loved reading her thoughts and development. Her family were fantastic. I wish Carrie and Ed had been a bit more in the picture, as I would have enjoyed seeing their characters more.

This was a stunning debut and I'm so excited to see more of Jamie's work in the future.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun, sexy rivals-to-lovers/co-workers romance. I really enjoyed Annie and Ben's burn from co-workers to reluctant friends with a simmering tension. Please be aware that there is quite a lot of talking around sexual harassment the FMC was subjected to by a former coach they both worked with, who the MMC is still in touch with until he learns about the harassment. It's not talked about spoken about very explicitly until later in the book, but it's easy to deduce what she is eluding to. The rest of the plot is very fun and light-hearted, and it was an enjoyable read.

Was this review helpful?

4 ☆

this story follows annie, who has recently found herself in a dilemma about her job status, she’s bounced around from job to job and it’s now finding it hard to find another job. when a friend offers her a job, she has no choice but to accept becoming videographer for ardwyn university’s basketball team, a job she fled from years ago. she finds herself having to face the last, the emotions this job stirs up for her and the emotions her coworker, and old friend, ben stirs up for her.


『 tropes 』
• rivals-to-lovers
• sport
• second chance
• workplace romance
• opposites attract
•miscommunication
•slow burn



『 plot 』
this book was SO fun to read, i found myself not wanting to put it down. i absolutely loved the rivalry between annie and ben, the plot of this book was so fun, can’t between a workplace rivalry, both competing for their job. the basketball team need some work, they’re not playing great and are in danger of budget cuts. ben works statistics, as well as picking up everyone elses slack and annie is there to help with morale and do hype videos to help get ardwyn’s name out there. as much as the plot was so fun, there was also an important and serious theme that is addressed throughout the book. the push and pull of annie trying to figure out how to deal with her past, when her past is slowing creeping towards her. it was so well written and addressed throughout the book with class and understanding.

『 characters 』
the characters were fun to read and see come alive on the pages. ben and annie’s rivalry, their back and forth, their banter and later the tension and feelings mixed in with it all was so refreshing and nice. i absolutely adored annie, she was a girls girl and even though she had her own issues, she was loyal to a T and always looked out for the ones she loved, she is dedicated, fierce, loyal and just an all round sweetie. ben is also loyal, kind, protective and an actual good guy. i loved annie’s mum and sister, their dynamic with each other was a good mixture of admiration and banter and a loving family. annie’s best friends, eric and cassie were fantastic, great side characters who helped develop the plot of the story together.


『 writing style 』
i liked the writing style, first person is always my favourite, i love actually being inside the characters mind and also not knowing what the other characters are actually thinking. the miscommunication trope in this was done so well through the first person narrative and i really enjoyed reading it.

『 overall 』
i thought it was great, it was fun, cute, sweet, full of tension, full of hard topics and a fun basketball story, all tied up with a little HEA. jamie harrow did a fantastic job with this.

Was this review helpful?

Jamie Harrow’s stunning debut ‘One on One’ skillfully blends a slow-burn romance between two former colleagues against a backdrop of university basketball. This book also sensitively deals with misconduct in sport and how it's overlooked in pursuit of the win and the money.

Eight years after fleeing her alma mater, videographer Annie Radford reluctantly returns broke and desperate for a steady job. What she doesn't expect is a hostile reaction from her former colleague Ben Callahan.

I was utterly hooked from the first sentence. The characters leapt off the page as Harrow captured the early hostility to burgeoning friends to a lot more. I loved the banter and chemistry between Annie and Ben as they slowly opened up to each other. I also loved how it wove in Annie's talent filming all the highs and lows to elevate the team. It really felt like Harrow did her research at what a videographer does, which is always a complaint I have about authors depicting workplaces.

I loved this book so much, it was so well written, exquisitely layered with compelling character arcs plus a divine, slowburn romance. I couldn't stop thinking about it after I finished reading. Warning: this book will give you a major book hangover.

Thanks to Quercus and NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

The transition from friends to enemies to lovers is a highly underrated trope, and when executed well, it’s simply delightful. This book nails it perfectly. The characters are compelling, their development is engaging, and the story kept me hooked from start to finish. Plus, the fact that it’s a sports romance featuring mature characters makes it even more special. This book is a definite winner!

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars
This sports romance is a really interesting love story. The story has layers upon layers that you peel with each page that you finish reading. Both Annie and Ben are likable and have interesting personalities that click and make this story worth reading.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgalley

Was this review helpful?

Thankyou NetGallery and publishers for allowing me to read and review this book. It was such a lovely romantic enemy to lover read. It was full of emotions and I really could not put this book down!

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars rounded up 🌟

A great debut romance! This friends to enemies to lovers was such a fun read. The tension and build was great, and there was enough plot for me to buy into the chemistry and story around the MCs. Prior basketball knowledge is not essential 😂

A great one if you like enemies/rivals to lovers, sports romance or just an enjoyable romance for your holidays!

Please note: Trigger warning of SA

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

Was this review helpful?