The book starts with Wes and Cara together, then separating after a misunderstanding. I actually really liked this aspect of the story, the fact that they started off together and then the story centred around them trying to figure where they went wrong and how to move forward from there.

As a huge sports fan, I found probably enjoyed this more because I understood the football narrative. I have to say though, Lainey Davis did a great job not overcomplicating the technical sports language / content, so even those who aren't sports fans will follow the story easily.

As characters, Wes and Cara are so likeable and you're rooting for them from the beginning. The supporting characters, such as Cara's roommate Jay and Wes' family are equally likeable and add a homely feel to the story. The thread with Cara and the powerful exec overshadowing her success is very similar to a real life incident that played out in women's football recently and I did find myself thinking of this while reading, although it didn't put me off or stop me from enjoying the story.

The only thing I was not so keen on was the front cover of the book, but that is just me personally as I tend to prefer when there are not 'real people' on fictional covers.

None the less, I still very much enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

What a great read! Well done Lainey Davis for creating a moving and steamy love story which is also a thoughtful rumination on the inequalities in women's professional sport. This is a fictionalised account of the kiss controversy in the 2023 Women's World Cup soccer (football). It's topical and contemplative and brings to life just how impactful a small dose of inappropriate contact can be if there is a power imbalance. Essentially, FMC Cara is at work, and this point is well made as she navigates the fall out from the conduct of Lou Rubeo, the all-powerful head of Soccer USA. He is a shadowy presence, with his unwanted behaviour more important than his personality.

The novel tracks the budding relationship between young football players Wesley Stag and Cara Moreno, who have vastly different experiences in the men's and women's national teams. They find each other, and Wesley shows his mettle as a Stag, a family we have met in Lainey's previous novels featuring the previous generation of Stag brothers. This is a standalone, set in Pittsburgh, USA, and very well done with Stag cameos that are fully realised, even if you haven't read the previous novels. Cara is Cuban American and her culture friends/family are well referenced, nicely contrasting with all the Stags.

This is perfect for readers who like writing with a point of view, and want more than just genre romance. That said, this is spicy and there's plenty of chemistry between Wes and Cara as they navigate each other and the pressures of Cara's situation. There's sweetness too, with shared meals, caregiving and steamy moments.

Thank you NetGalley, and the author for the ARC.

Tropes: teen/college romance, sports romance, soccer romance

Trigger warnings: assault, sexual assault, unfair workplace treatment, unfair dismissal,

Despite not being a huge sports fan and this being largely a young adult/college romance, which is also not my fav go-to, I did like reading both the MMC and FMC’s POVs. The story and the relationship development between the MMC and FMC was relatively fast paced with decent sexual tension between the two. The author’s note explains how the concept for this book came to her and while I understand the motivation for writing, I feel like the intention took centre stage over the story. Lainey Davis is a great writer and I’ve enjoyed all her Brady Family books so far. Sadly, though, Forging Glory was my least favourite out of all Lainey’s books I’ve read. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book. I provide this review in my own words and of my own volition without compensation (apart from the ARC book).

I adore Lainey Davis as well as her books (she’s got a great social media presence and newsletter)!

This, Forging Glory, her latest release, is another beautiful example of why she is such a brilliant author. She has in her author’s note at the end that she actually put aside her other work in progress when a true news story came out (something she sort of witnessed in reality when attending the women’s World Cup, downunder), and focused on turning that into the major theme of her new novel. It came out brilliantly and hopefully it will help shed light on the topic - not just in women’s sports, but in all workplaces.

I read the prequel novella about a month ago, which is pretty critical to see where everything in this book comes from - not just where Wes and Cara meet and their relationship begins at their weekend soccer training camp, but also the main inciting interaction between Cara and the character she has a huge conflict with that causes the humongous, life and potentially career altering, and certainly sport-altering experience that is the “big thing” in the story.

I won’t say more because it is such a big and important part of the plot and really can’t be summarized or talked about without giving the book away. Let’s just say that women are amazing, Lainey Davis is a special author and person, and absolutely every woman out there really needs to read this book. Heed the trigger warnings but still read it. It’s empowering. It’s incredible!

I also totally love all the character crossovers and still have a few of her back catalogue to go back to read! The way this couple (Wes and Cara) is together … chef’s kiss! I also love the side characters of her teammates and former classmates, and all his cousins(very much looking forward to Wyatt’s story next).

I cannot wait to get my ears on the audio version to re-read it in a few weeks!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Author Collective 20, and this is my honest feedback.

Lainey Davis delivers again. I am a huge fan of all her Stag books, and you can never go wrong with a sports theme.

In this story, I love how Wes calls out and fights what's wrong to support the woman he loves - even risking his own career.

The second-chance romance between Cara and Wes, and their professional sporting endeavours makes this a fab story.