Friends to enemies to lovers is actually one of the most underrated tropes. And when it’s done well, well it’s a chef’s kiss. That’s what was done here. I loved the characters, I was invested in the growth and the story, and just didn’t want to put it down. Add fact that it’s a sports romance (especially one not between young adult) and you’ve for a winner in this book.

I absolutely loved One on One. I was expecting a fun college sports romance, but while this is *sort of* that, it's also much more. I'd probably describe it as rivals (rather than enemies) to lovers, and the fact that these were adult protagonists reuniting at their alma mater with a lot of water under the bridge brought so much interest to their relationship (and character development). Annie and Ben's chemistry was great, and I enjoyed the gradual reveal of their past through the lens of the current narrative.

There's an elephant in the room throughout the story: the sexual harrassment Annie was subjected to during her time as a student working with the Ardwyn basketball team by her (and Ben's) erstwhile mentor, the former head coach. While he's since moved to another university, he casts a long shadow, having had a huge impact on the lives of both Annie and Ben. (The #MeToo storyline is dealt with sensitively, and there isn't anything graphic, but since it's a definite undercurrent throughout the book, it's something for readers to be aware of going in.) Their shared history is complicated, and they are both forced to reevaluate previous misconceptions about one another in the light of new discoveries. It's so true that university has the tendency to 'flatten' differences between social status and culture, and college life is such a bubble that you can easily forget that others around you may have come from quite different backgrounds than you might expect. I appreciated that this was explored here in a way that gave insight into Annie's and Ben's respective choices and how they presented themselves.

I knew next to nothing about basketball going in, but really appreciated the insight into college basketball and even college sports in general, a subject the author has clear knowledge of and used here to great effect. The issues surrounding the NCAA generally, with regards to the treatment of student athletes, as well as the more general concerns around performance pressure for young players, the difficulties of becoming an adult with the weight of expectations looming, and sexual harrassment and power imbalance risks inherent in the coaching system: all of it was on display, and treated thoughtfully. The cast of characters was large, having to account for the players, student managers and whole front office support staff - as well as family of the main pair - but every single character was well realised, the dialogue and actions (and motivations) of each person feeling true to their age and personality. The author also did a great job in creating a believable culture within the Ardwyn 'family', with all the complicated loyalties, history and resentments that a workplace-slash-university contains. The banter is also on point throughout, with genuinely laugh-out-loud moments.

One on One is so much more than I was expecting, and I was shocked to find it was the author's debut book. I'd love to read more from her. Whether or not you're into sports romance, there's plenty to enjoy, and I would heartily recommend One on One one to fans of Elle Kennedy and Lucy Score in particular.

This book was incredible!

I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I requested it because it sounded like something I would enjoy but then was a bit cautious because I know next to nothing about Basketball. Literally, the extent of my basketball knoledge comes from One Tree Hill and Space Jam. So, not much.

I only really have one complaint about this book but it is a BIG one. There is no trigger warning. This is something that I hope will be added in before the book is published, however, it is something that I strongly feel should have been included in the ARC also.

That being said - trigger warning: SA.

Aside from the lack of trigger warning, the way that the discussion around the SA and the way that the FMC dealt with it, is all handled really well. There was a lot of potential for the MMC to be an absolute douche but he is just the best (I will get on to this later). Again, there was no trigger warning and, although it was alluded to, I enjoyed that it was not fully explained until near the end of the story.

Let's talk about Ben. So firstly, we think he is a dick. Then it turns out that he is not so much of a dick as we thought he was. All I wrote about Ben in my notes was "good guy, great guy, best guy". I really loved the relationship between him and Annie and also between him and the other characters.

Annie! I love her! I love the relationships she has with her friends, her family, the players on the team. I love that they call her A-Rad. I basically love everything about her and I want to be her friend. She is probably one of my favourite FMCs this year, if not ever. I was actually really dissapointed after this that I can't watch her hype videos because they sound absolutely amazing.

The supporting cast of players , friends and family was excellent, it touched lightly on elements of race and discrimination. Although it would have been nice for this to have been explored a bit more deeply, I can definitely see that perhaps ths story wasn't right for that.

I would absolutely read this author again and urge everyone to read this book. Please be mindful of the trigger warning that I mentioned previously. Stay safe out there, guys!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Don't be afraid to take up space in the paint."

4.5 stars

I'm not normally the biggest fan of sports romances, but this book has made me change my mind. It's the exception.

There isn't an aspect of this book that I didn't fully enjoy. I know nothing about the world of basketball and the author made it so easy to understand what was going on and the workings of college basketball.

I am a sucker for enemies to lovers, and One on One really didn't disappoint - the tension between Annie and Ben was extraordinary, so much so that I devoured this book in one day! I can't remember the last time I read a romance book this fast.

The characters were so well developed and I loved how the author dealt with some difficult topics without making the narrative too heavy.

I can definitely say this was a wholesome read - thank you so much to NetGalley, Jamie Harrow and Quercus Books for the chance to read this book early.

If you love Sarah Adams, Sally Thorne and Emily Henry, this is a must read!

Cannot believe this is a debut novel.

Friends to Enemies. Such a classic and well loved trope.

I have no idea about the game of basketball, but that did not stop me from enjoying this immersive read. Annie & Ben are both flawed and perfect it the best of ways.

My emotions were in a chaotic twister page after page and I was here for it. Perfectly paced and full of humour.

Annie regresó a trabajar al último lugar donde se sintió feliz, pero que luego se convirtió en su infierno. Se sorprende al encontrar a Ben su a antiguo compañero, él no la recibe de buena manera porque aparentemente ella le hizo algo, pero ella no recuerda porque ese último año se la pasó borracha.

Faltó que Ben tuviera povs para poder simpatizar con él.

Me dolió por lo que pasó Annie en su último año de universidad y me alegre que al final todos supieran como era esa person, aunque me faltó que sufriera y que fuera a la cárcel.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Do I know anything about college basketball? No, I don't.
Do I ever watch any basketball apart from the Olympics? No, I don't.
Did I devour this book? Definitely.
I loved everything about this book: the fact that they started as rivals, the banter, how their relationship developed, the fact that he respected her boundaries, the side characters, how the main characters grew during the story, the way Jamie introduced important issues that affect college basketball (and I would say sport in general), the relationship that Annie has with her family and friends...
I can't believe this is a debut novel and I can't wait to see what Jamie Harrow writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Jamie Harrow for providing an ARC of this book.

One on One by Jamie Harrow
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 1 October 2024

Annie Radford finds herself in desperate need of employment, leading her back to her Alma Mater where the only available job is as a videographer for the basketball team—a position she fled from years ago. Returning to Ardwyn University is challenging enough, but on her very first day, she discovers that the team faces budget cuts, putting her new job in jeopardy.

To make matters worse, Annie clashes with Ben, a former friend turned arch-nemesis, whose wholesome demeanour and undeniable attractiveness only serve to aggravate her. Ben harbours resentment towards Annie for abruptly leaving his life, and now she fears she may be the cause of him losing his job. It seems their friendship is beyond repair.

Determined to come out on top, both Annie and Ben are willing to do whatever it takes. However, as basketball is a team sport, they find themselves on the same side despite their bitter rivalry. Can they set aside their differences and work together to secure the team's shot at the national championship? Or will Annie's hidden secrets and their tumultuous history keep them at odds?

In "One on One," the romance unfolds naturally as Annie and Ben reconnect after nearly a decade, amidst a backdrop of various other challenges. Their journey is fraught with complexity, and there are valid reasons why their relationship might not succeed.

Annie and Ben, both talented individuals, find themselves grappling with professional uncertainties and job insecurities. Initially, they navigate their rekindled connection with confusion and animosity as rival coworkers. However, as they tentatively build a friendship, their dynamic evolves into a sweet, tender, and hopeful romance. Ben's genuine kindness and honesty shine, making him a standout character, while Annie's growth towards bravery is truly inspiring.

The novel adeptly intertwines a nuanced examination of college sports, workplace dynamics, and power imbalances with an engaging romance. The portrayal of Annie and Ben's relationship is refreshingly genuine, capturing the intricacies and hurdles of love. Despite its complexities, the narrative exudes optimism and the promise of redemption.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Quercus Books, and the author, Jamie Harrow, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Title: One on One by Jamie Harrow

Release Date: October, 1st, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

They call it March Madness for a reason: anything can happen on the way to a national championship.

Eight years after graduation, Annie Radford finds herself reluctantly back at her alma mater, working with the Ardwyn Tigers' basketball team.

To make matters worse, her annoyingly wholesome and undeniably hot former coworker, Ben Callahan, is still on the Tigers staff. Ben hasn’t forgotten or forgiven Annie for abandoning him and the team during their senior year.

As Ardwyn becomes the season's Cinderella story, sparks fly between Annie and Ben.

Despite the undeniable chemistry, Annie is haunted by the reason she left basketball”the sport she loves most in the first place. To have a chance at a future together, Annie must learn to trust Ben with her deepest secret.


What I Enjoyed:

* Realistic View of College Sports: Harrow dives into the pressures faced by college athletes, challenging sexism in sports, and highlighting the dangers of idolising the "big men on campus.’

* Natural Romance Development: The romance between Annie and Ben unfolds authentically as they reconnect after nearly a decade, navigating their complicated past and present.

* Engaging Ensemble Cast: The supporting characters, including friends and family, add depth and charm to the story.

* Tension and Drama: The book keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mix of romantic tension and the thrilling backdrop of a basketball season.

"One on One" is an incredibly solid debut from Jamie Harrow! The book masterfully balances a critical look at college sports, workplace harassment, and power dynamics with a captivating romance. The romance is messy and complex, reflecting real-life challenges and reasons why things might not work out. Yet, the story is filled with hope and second chances.

Complete with an enchanting ensemble cast and a plot that keeps you turning the pages, "One on One" is an engrossing, captivating read and an absolutely stunning debut.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves a blend of sports drama, realistic romance, and thought-provoking themes.

Thank you to The Publisher Quercus Books | Quercus ,The Author Jamie Harrow & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Jamie Harrow's debut novel, "One on One," is an impressive addition to the workplace sports-romance genre. Harrow's writing is engaging, with a compelling story, a distinct tone of voice, and well-crafted characters.

"One on One" is an unglamorous look at the college sports industry, addressing serious issues such as racism, sexual harassment, and abuse of power. Harrow skillfully incorporates these themes into the plot, avoiding the usual clichés of the genre.

The characters felt incredibly real. Not just the main characters, Annie and Ben, but also the entire cast of friends, family, coworkers, and students, all added depth and realism to the narrative. And while it has plenty of humor and banter, it never feels superficial or cheesy.

Annie and Ben are both very talented but find themselves in professional funks, threatened by job insecurities. Their relationship evolves from confused animosity as rival coworkers to a tentative friendship, and eventually into a sweet, tender, and hopeful romance. Ben's kindness and honesty make him a standout character, while Annie's journey to becoming braver is inspiring.

I love how this quote captures Annie’s humour and mindset: “Oh, god, my life is going to be a Bruce Springsteen song. I need to try harder.”

This novel is an easy 5-star read, though I wouldn't have minded a bit more pathos to tug at my heartstrings even harder.

I highly recommend “One on One” to readers who enjoy romance writers with more heart and depth, such as Kate Clayborn, Jessica Joyce and Alicia Thompson.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for providing me with this ARC.