There was something about that first score, and not just on the football field. I loved all of life’s firsts, which was why I’d been saving mine for one girl, my older sister’s best friend—Hazel Jones.She was tough and sarcastic with walls around her heart as tall as a football stadium, but I knew she was the one for me.Desperate times called for desperate measures and I’d have done anything to … done anything to make her mine.
Like create a fake online persona.
Lie about my age.
Pretend I wasn’t some naive virgin.
And catfish the hell out of the love of my life.
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5 He Was the Stuff Her Dreams Were Made Of Stars!!
I remember when I was reading The Red Zone that I just knew when we got Ollie and Hazel’s story it was going to be a romance that wasn’t easy but would be totally worth it in the end….and I was right!!
This books is a beautiful book of healing, wit, passion and overwhelming love in more ways than I was expecting. I loved these two together. Even though Ollie is inexperienced, Hazel has a hear that is so protected from hurt by her own making which makes them perfect for each other because they can both have something wonderful together…to be the love of each other’s lives, but to also experience so many firsts together.
This book swept me up in it’s telling as I got to know both Ollie and Hazel. I also loved that we’re running parallel to Luk and Scarlett’s story so we get to see a little bit of that book from their POV. There’s the relationship Hazel has with her Pops, who in and of himself, is a freaking riot!! He loves his Hazey more than anything in the world and I was laughing a good portion of their scenes because he really has no filter.
There’s parts of this book that brought me to tears and the importance of Ollie in Hazel’s life is both beautiful and gut wrenching. Little did they know that the secrets they were keeping were at times suffocating. There’s a rawness to Hazel and as we learn about her childhood my heart was crying for her. But what I truly loved is that Ollie wasn’t going to let her hurt in silence. For a man that’s not experienced with relationships, he’s everything a woman could want and hope for.
There were true moments of hilarity in this book too that definitely lightened up some of the darker moments. There’s also moments of true healing when the past is faced and I felt the overwhelming power that was taken back which opened up their heart for the love that’s always been right in front of them!
When it’s all said and done, this is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed giving me so many feels, laughs and tears and I’m so looking forward to what’s next from Ms. Knight.
Amie Knight where have you been all my book loving life??? This book was absolutely incredible. There are just so many things to love: It’s a sexy sports romance with a side of sister’s best friend and a helping of reverse age gap romance.
Oliver/Ollie/Winnie has got to be the sweetest man I’ve ever read. At the ripe old age of 5, he falls madly in love with his sister’s best friend Hazel and no other woman will ever compare.
Hazel/Hazeyeyes is beautifully broken and her pain will become your pain as you get to know her. Her childhood was traumatic until she was placed in the custody of her loving pops and where, for the first time, in her young life, she felt safe.
Oliver see’s her, all of her and lives to make this beautiful girl smile and watching him love her and be there for her unconditionally makes this a deliciously sweet and touching love story. I was rooting for them from the get go and could not put this book down until they got their sexy beautiful happily ever after. TBR this fantastic Five Star Read and enjoy – xoxo .
This read will have you falling head over heels for Hollie, more so you will cheering for Ollie the entire read. Ollie has been in love with his sister’s best friend since he first saw her as a kid. Ollie has the patience and understanding and patience and patience to wait for Hazel to realize she is worth loving. Hazel is such a fun-loving character but the inside she is battling some major abandonment and child abuse issues. I loved her with her Pops they had me rolling. Our sweetest most patient Ollie ( did I mention patient) will have all the readers swooning their buns off. I loved every word and action from this man.
This friends to lovers story is going to leave you with huge hearts in your eyes for Oliver!
Ollie has loved Hazel as long as he can remember, but it wasn’t until he was older that he knew he wanted out of the friend zone, and he was willing to take some drastic measures in order to do that. Be prepared to swoon because they don’t get much more patient or sweeter than Ollie!
Amie knows how to write such likeable characters that will have you laughing out loud at their witty banter and awkward situations, then add in some unexpected angst that tugged at my heartstrings and it made me fall in love with this story even more. This book delivered in such a big way!
Oliver has been in love with Hazel for as long as he can remember. His sister’s best friend, there has always been something about Hazel that he’s just drawn too. One night, he creates a fake online profile in order to get Hazel to hopefully open up. Little does Ollie know, he’s in for the game of his life.
I will say that this book was a little slow for me to get into. The first few chapters took my a second to get through, but once I did, I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen for Ollie and Hazel. Her childhood was anything but easy or normal and to watch her struggle but come through that trauma in the end was seriously inspiring. I also loved Pop’s oh my gosh that man, and the back and forth between him and Hazel was pure gold. Honestly, I think Pop’s was my second favorite person in this book.
The first spot is reserved for Oliver. He is so steadfast and just pure. He’s a rock for Hazel and just an all-around great guy. I loved watching them navigate their feelings and realizing that everyone but them knew they were it for each other. A great read from Amie Knight, but I have to tell you, I need a story for Mason, asap!
I’ve always enjoyed this author’s amazingly written stories. I had already high expectations for The Fist Score and let me tell you, it exceeded all of them. This 10 star story was beautifully created and unique.
Oliver has always been in love with his sister’s best friend,Hazel. She didn’t see him that way. Hazel has a lot of demon’s to battle. She needs to confront them before opening her heart. Oliver will take matters in his own hands and will not give up on her.
This amazing story had it all. It was funny, lighthearted, romantic and heartbreaking at times. I might have shed a tear or two. What makes stories stand out, in my opinion, are the characters. They were just amazing and they latched themselves to my heart, body and soul. Even the secondary characters were created to perfection. They were a must to complete this story.
The storyline was unexpected and beautifully written. The plot was beautifully executed to perfection. Whatever I say, it will never give it enough justice. Bottomline, this is a 2020 must read.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
Hazel and Ollie are fantastic. This is a stand alone, but if you read The Red Zone you have met these two already and I was so lookin forward to their book and it did not disappoint. I loved Ollie so much. Such a sweet person and he doesn’t know how to get the girl he wants even though any girl would love to have him. Hazel has had a hard childhood and doesn’t put herself out there. She seems to try and protect herself and even though she has feelings for her ‘Winnie’ she doesn’t think she deserves him. There are plenty of feels in this book and again I am blown away by Amie’s ability to make you love her characters and feel with them. Definitely going to read this book again.
Well I thought that The Red Zone had been my favorite Amie Knight book….but boy how wrong I was. The First Score is an emotional heartwarming story that will have your heart swooning for this couple. I mean gahhh…..my heart is still overflowing with happiness.
Ollie is the sweetest and swooniest leading character I’ve read in a very long time. His love for Hazel is so freaking adorable…his loyalty to her makes his character the perfect book boyfriend. He’s been in love with her is whole life and what he holds for Hazel will make your ovaries flip!!
Hazel….she is my hero. She is such a strong heroine. She hasn’t had an easy life…she has scars that are deep. But Ollie is there for her every step of the way. He’s her strength when she slips. He’s her strength when she needs him. Hazel also has her Pops who is so fun to read about. These two have a bond like no other. So much love for one another.
I loved every single thing about this story. Definitely in my top 5 of 2020. This is a slow burn of a friends to lovers/best friends brother story with all the emotion that Amie Knight writes.
I would highly recommend this book to any romance reader. Five BEAUTIFUL stars.
*I was given a free advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.*
Overall Grade: 1/2
Shh…I have a secret. I hadn’t read Amie Knight prior to reading an early copy of The First Score. You might be asking, “well, Professor A, if you haven’t read Amie Knight, why did you want to read The First Score?” Two words: sports romance. Yep. I’m a sucker for sports romance. Add to that the idea of friends-to-lovers with a little age gap (older woman-younger man), and I raised my hand high for that assignment. Then, Knight decides to make her hero, Oliver “Winnie” Knox, a twenty-three-year-old college football player virgin, and I went from interested to intrigued. So I dived right into The First Score and didn’t look back.
First things first, though. To be fair, Amie Knight, this isn’t really a sports romance. Yes, your hero is a college football player, but there is very very little football in this book. I want to be fair to the readers so that they know that football doesn’t run this book. Nope. This book is really about two life-long friends and their journey towards love.
Now, what did I adore about this book? Ollie Knox. Yep. He is THE best reason to read this book. Warning, readers, you need to know something. If you like the kind of hero who treats the heroine poorly, then you will NOT like Ollie because Oliver Knox has been in love with the heroine of this story, Hazel, for most of his life. The tension in this story is created by Hazel. If you love a hero who is protective, compassionate, thoughtful, handsome, and insightful, then The First Score is ABSOLUTELY a must-read. Hands down, I love “Winnie” Knox.
So what beyond Knight’s hero should lead you to read The First Score? Well, beyond the kind of funny catfishing story and Hazel’s love for gaming, the essence of Hazel’s story is an important one. You should know that Hazel’s life has been difficult, and it has set up a dangerous psychology. It is this psychology that creates the challenges for Oliver and Hazel to be together. It’s also Hazel’s choices that create much of the frustration/tension of this book. Knight deftly creates a tension between Hazel and Ollie that oftentimes feels uncomfortable and beyond the necessary means for a story. There were times when I was nervous for Knight because she took much of the story to get Ollie and Hazel to the right place. But, in hindsight, that was intentional because the last third of The First Score is a treasure. I was crying and laughing in the middle night as I was finishing this story because Knight had carefully laid out the chronology of the story until you feel relieved when Hazel and Ollie move towards their happy ending. There were times in the first part when, honestly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep reading because Hazel’s indecision was frustrating. Yet, the pay-off in the last third of the book is absolutely worth every frustration.
Beyond Oliver and Hazel’s journey AND Ollie himself, why else should you read this story? One word: Pops. After Ollie, Pops is my favorite character (sorry, Hazel!). He’s funny, irreverent, and an adoring grandfather. When I was ready to give Hazel the middle-finger in her indecision over Ollie, Pops would show up and make it all better. He is the cherry on top of this story.
In the end, there is so much goodness in The First Score. There isn’t really any sports in this romance, but there is a heroine whose journey is an important one. Once you move beyond the walls she’s erected to protect her heart, you move to the essence of this story: that, even though we believe we are unloveable due to other’s actions, there is someone out there who wants to love us hard. They will love us through our pain and ugly parts. And in doing so, they will help us move past the pain to the place of bliss. That’s at the heart of Oliver and Hazel. Don’t miss out on that important message. Read Amie Knight’s The First Score.
I couldn’t put The First Score down – absolutely loved every word.
Ollie and Hazel are that “IT” couple. Their relationship was pour love from the moment they met. Hazels past broke my heart…literally ripped me to shreds. Ollie was the one person she could confide in and share her secrets. His “catfish” idea had me in hysterics. When these two figure their quirks out it is amazingly BEAUTIFUL
I really enjoyed reading this book. There is self harm, abuse, love, friendship, growth and happiness in this book
Hazel and Ollie are best friends. Ollie is Scarlett’s brother. Scarlett and Hazel have been best friends since Kindergarten.
Ollie has been in love with Hazel since the first time he met Hazel even when he didn’t know what Love is. Hazel doesn’t do relationships because of her past.
Will Hazel and Ollie have a chance at a relationship? Will life throw a wrench in the plans? Be sure to read to find out.
There is laughs, happiness, sadness, anger, self harm, child abuse, spousal abuse, fun, and love all throughout this book.
Desperate times called for desperate measures and I’d have done anything to make her mine.
Grab it now mybook.to/TheFirstScore
*Free in Kindle Unlimited
Since reading The Red Zone, I’ve been waiting for this one to come out! Although a complete standalone, I needed Oliver and Hazel’s story so bad. And it’s finally here!
Best friend’s brother… best friend… virgin… gamer/sports… the list goes on. This book captivated me in a way that is unmatched. I loved the Red Zone, but The First Score is a whole new level. I was instantly drawn in to everything Hazel and Oliver, better known as Winnie. Hazel pulled me in and refused to let me go. Oliver had me swooning from the very start.
This book seriously had me feeling all the emotions possible. Oliver is quite possibly one of my favorite book boyfriends, and that’s saying a lot because that list is quite extensive, but he definitely made his way into the list and secured his spot.
Amie brought this world together beautifully and I really really hope we get Mason’s story because I need it!
Four stars for this fun friends to lovers romance that definitely had me swooning from start to finish.
THE FIRST SCORE is a sad, sometimes humorous, slow-burn romance. Oliver Knox has been in love with his sister’s best friend, Hazel Jones, since he met her at five years old. He had answered the door to her, in nothing but his tighty-whities. This was much to his older sister’s embarrassment. Even at that young age he had just wanted to take the sad look from her beautiful brown eyes. He would make it his lifetime ambition to make her happy. She had walls so high around her heart that it would be no easy feat.
Hazel’s life became easier, once her parent’s lost custody, and she went to live with her beloved Pops. But the scars from their abuse and neglect, she wore on the outside and inside. She would never open herself to hurt like that again. As much as she adored her best friend Scarlett and her younger brother Oliver (nicknamed Winnie.) She didn’t know how to return the affection. It wasn’t like she could tell Oliver about her feelings for him. Because she didn’t lie to him. Ever. He deserved so much better, someone who didn’t cut themselves. She thought she was so messed up inside with betrayal, that only an abandoned and abused child could understand.
You couldn’t help but love Oliver! He would wait for her as long as it would take. Time would be measured in such a small number compared to the sheer volume of his love for his Hazel. He would save himself until she realized that they were meant to be. “Hazel plus Ollie equals Hollie.” You must read this story to know the desperate measures this young man will go to until he wins his girl. He needs her and not perfection. A love story that overcomes the insurmountable.
Swoon- Swoon- Swoon!!
Ollie and Hazel will pull at your heartstrings in this slow burn, small-town friends to lovers romance.
My heart was swooning all the way. Ollie is definitely the kind of guy you take to meet your mom, well your pops in this case. Their friendship and love blossomed so beautifully and their journey has not been without some heart-wrenching moments.
“Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you? I don’t just love you. I’m in love with you.”
This was a first time read from Amie Knight and I loved her writing style, her characters and word-building. Some parts of the story felt a little flat for me but all in all, I’ve enjoyed this story.
4 SWOONY STARS.
*Free ARC provided for an honest review.
We first met Hazel and Ollie in The First book of the series, The Red Zone. The moment I read the scene where Ollie was hiding from Hazel in the coat closet, I needed their story like I needed my next breath. I just knew that it would be amazing!
And Amie Knight did not disappoint. And as much as I adored Lukas and Scarlett, Team Hollie has knocked them out of the lead.
Hazel is a hot mess most of the time, but I couldn’t have loved her more. She had reason to. She wasn’t perfect and that just made her more relatable as a character. Thank god, she had Ollie.
Speaking of Ollie, I don’t think I could swoon any harder. That man was everything. His love for Hazel at such a young age. His devotion to her. His patience, despite the frustration he experiences at her reluctance to give him a chance. And let’s not forget our HOT he is. Damn! That boy can dirty talk.
No wonder, Hazel finally succumbed to him. He made it impossible not to fall in love with him. I know I did.
And I can’t write this review without mentioning Pops. He’s a riot! And definitely added to the perfection that is The First Score.
If you’re ready to experience all the feels, don’t hesitate in 1-clicking this bad boy.
Hazel and Ollie will have you laughing fanning yourself off, and sobbing like a baby. It’s the perfect rollercoaster of a story.
She Was Worth The Wait
This leading man is the swooniest everrrr! Winnie will easily win your heart and you won’t want it back!!! A friends-to-lovers romance with all the feels and heart stopping moments.
Hazel has been best friends with Scarlett her entire life. Therefore, Winnie, Scarlett’s younger brother has always been a big part of her life too. They share secrets she doesn’t even tell her bff. He understands her like no one else ever has. But he’s off-limits for so many reasons. She can’t be with her best friend’s younger brother, right?
Hazel has baggage. She cherishes the special relationship she shares with Winnie. She can’t imagine risking it. Besides, she thinks he’s too good for her. A rough early childhood really messed her up. She’d rather have him a little than not at all.
Winnie has been in love with Hazel for as long as he can remember. He’s just been giving her time and space to come to the realization that they should be together. When Winnie got tired of waiting, he decided to catfish her in her favorite online gaming room. If he can’t get her the traditional way, he’s willing to break all the rules to win her any way he can.
This is an all time a favorite good guy romance. Winnie is as good as it gets. He can take control when he needs to, but he gives the sweet like no other. He knows how to make Hazel melt and it is swoon worthy. Their chemistry is intense. Their mutual respect and love is so tangible. Watching Hazel let Winnie love her the way she deserves is sheer perfection. I absolutely loved every minute of this romance with amazing characters, some comic relief courtesy of Pops and all the love you’ll feel between this soecial couple.
Oh my how I love friends to lovers stories, especially when it involves the hero’s sister’s best friend. The First Score was a fun, flirty, and emotional adventure. Ollie has been in love with Hazel all his life and finally wants to make Hazel see that. Hazel has been through things and built a wall around her heart thinking she doesn’t deserve anyone. Can Ollie get Hazel to tear down the wall around her heart and accept the love he wants to give? Read this book and find out what happens between Ollie and Hazel, you will not be disappointed! I could not get enough of these two! The banter and chemistry between these two will pull you in and have you rooting for Ollie to win Hazel over.
I devoured Hazel and Ollie’s story. In fact, they may be my new favorite couple. Friends to lovers who tried to hide their true feelings but you all know, no matter what happens true love always conquers all. She writes these stories that dig deep emotionally while bringing to light sensitive topics. I highly recommend this story that will make you smile, tear up and encompass a lot of feelings.