OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "For the Win" by Angel Lawson & Rochelle Allison.]

For the Win is a collaboration between first time author Rochelle Allison and best selling author Angel Lawson. The novel is a romantic story set during the 2016 Olympic Games. It is a quick, entertaining read.

The main character, Julian Anderson, is a former All-Star soccer goalie. He spent the past year living in a van and coaching soccer for young boys in a small beach town. He has been trying to live off the grid due to a health crisis and a series of bad decisions in college.

Julian and his twin sister, Allie, grew up in a low income area of Atlanta, GA with their single mom. Julian was diagnosed with insulin dependent Type 1 diabetes when he was a young boy. Julian and Allie found their escape from pressures and a passion for life in soccer. Along with their best friend and soccer player, Melina, they became a strong trio.

After serious setbacks in college, Julian is trying to get his life back together. While flying under the radar, Julian is recruited by the US Men's National Team to be a backup goalie in the Rio Olympics. His sister and ex-girlfriend, Melina Diaz, will both be playing on the women's soccer team. Julian doesn't really want to be thrust back into the competitive soccer world, but because of the arrangement of the deal, he has the chance to help his sister, reform his public image and perhaps win back his first love.

This book captivated me from the beginning. I had to find out what Julian did to ostracize himself. The story is told from Julian's point of view. He is a strong, multi-faceted character that makes you want to root for him despite the circumstances. The authors do an excellent job of weaving his history of diabetes into the storyline. It is used to show his humanity and struggles in life. The characters are well-connected. I liked the way the authors told the back story of Julian, Allie and Melina. The details of Julian's and Melina's failed relationship are heartbreaking.

There is plenty of action but also moments of contemplation. The present day drama of the Olympics is interspersed with flashbacks and revealing interviews between the media and Julian. The settings are vividly described, from the rowdy Olympic Village to Julian's poor childhood hometown. The soccer matches are intense and exciting, told from an athlete's point of view.

This novel was a light, enjoyable read that I didn't want to put down. However, due to a few grammatical errors, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It was an amazing story that any romance reader or Olympic fan would enjoy. This is a memorable joint effort for the authors. I look forward to reading more from them.

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For the Win
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I like the premise of this book and the plot sounds very interesting. I like books that feature multiple themes. Too bad, though, about grammatical errors. Good job on the review.

Great review! The book sounds like it has an interesting character and nice mix of themes. Glad you enjoyed it!

You wrote the review really well. Sounds like a nice book, despite the grammatical errors. Thanks

Thank you for sharing your lovely review!

The fact that this is written by two authors is very interesting. Julian's backstory is also interesting. The backstory seems to make him multi-dimensional. I'm not sure about the other two of the childhood trio (yet), but this will definitely be on my Want to Read list! Nice review.

Sounds like a cute book with interesting characters. I am not an Olympic fan, so I am not sure the book is for me.

I am glad that you enjoyed the book. Good job on the review!

A quick read, a story based on the backdrop of 2016 Olympics and the collaboration of two writers...this all is going to make me read For the Win. Congrats on being the BOTD.

Congrats on the beautifully written review! I'm sure this is book is inspiring, while being entertaining at the same time.

That was a good review and the book sound interesting to, but i'm not a sport person and football has never interested me. But for those that like football and romance this would be a good book.

It sounds like an interesting storyline being that it has to do with the Olympics.

Sounds good. Good job on review .

Great job on the review! I don't think I've read a story that is set during the Olympics time, but this one sounds cute enough to try! I think it's interesting that the author included a character with diabetes; it makes the book stand out more.

Great review! The fact that the main character is an athlete that has diabetes is very interesting, and after reading a few pages, I can see that this book is well-written, and as you said, Julian is likable.

I enjoyed reading your review! I don't usually read light romance novels, but I am intrigued about what Julian did to ostracize himself. The backdrop of the Olympics is certainly an interesting setting. Off to read the sample.