A fresh outlook on sports romances? Of course Esha Patel has it covered.

Firstly, it is so nice to read a sports romance that isn’t just the typical hockey romance. It’s so refreshing and makes this an even more enjoyable read. That being said, let’s focus on specific elements of the book.

This is fake dating done right! Yes it’s obvious there are feelings there, but the two MCs don’t give in to it straight away and don’t immediately change into a “real” relationship. There is still a breakup, and still dilemmas in the relationship that build suspense at times.

The female empowerment element is written well and doesn’t feel like tokenism as it does in some other books. There’s a true message of empowerment and representation within typical male fields, which I hope will encourage more people to go into women’s sports.

Overall, a 4 star read. I would recommend to anyone who loves sports romances and/or fake dating, or is looking for something new to read. Esha Patels books will never let you down.

Cross My Heart by Esha Patel is a delightful sports romance that balances heart, humour, and a touch of drama. May Velasco has worked hard to secure a scholarship and join her college’s lacrosse team. Her focus is on proving herself on the field, but her plans are derailed when her childhood nemesis, CJ "Colt" Bradley, turns up as a training assistant for the team.

Colt, now a star of New Haven's pro lacrosse team, is the last person May wants advice from. Their tense history makes working together uncomfortable, but things take an unexpected turn when they're photographed in what appears to be a very intimate moment at a bar. The fallout from the photo isn't what May expects—while she's furious, the college sees it as an opportunity for publicity and the women’s lacrosse team gets more attention than it’s ever had before.

To keep her place on the team, May and Colt strike a deal to pretend they’re dating for the sake of the sport’s publicity. What starts as a staged romance soon becomes more complicated as the two find themselves in deeper emotional waters than they anticipated.

With its focus on female sports and its diverse representation, Cross My Heart is a breath of fresh air in the sports romance genre. Patel has crafted a fun and engaging story that mixes witty banter with real emotional stakes. The chemistry between May and Colt is electric, and their evolving relationship is both touching and entertaining.

If you're looking for a light-hearted, yet heartfelt read with a compelling storyline and great character dynamics, Cross My Heart is a fantastic choice. It's a book I’d recommend to anyone in need of a pick-me-up, and I’d love to read more from this talented author.

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