The Defender is the second book in the Gods of the Game series and I think it’s more lighthearted than Huang’s other books. I really liked The Striker, which was Asher and Scarlett’s story. This one is about Scarlett’s brother, Vincent, and the Coach’s daughter, Brooklyn, and while I enjoyed being back in this world, this book isn’t as exciting as The Striker.

Vincent is a star on the Blackcastle football (soccer) team and when there is an intruder at his home, he needs somewhere else to stay while the police investigate. He tries staying with his sister, Scarlett, and other players on his team, but that didn’t work out so he and their friends ask Brooklyn if he can stay in her spare room. Brooklyn is a nutrition intern on the team and the Coach’s daughter and her dad will not be pleased if he finds out about this arrangement.

Brooklyn grew up in California with her mother after her parents divorced. She has a tumultuous relationship with her mom and has mixed feelings when her mother calls to tell her she is having another baby. Her mom is awful and treats Brooklyn like her new family is more important than she is. Luckily, Brooklyn and her dad have been getting to know each other, but she is treated like a nepo baby at work (because her dad is the coach) and she wants to find a new job when her internship runs out. She is attracted to Vincent and feels like he is the only one who truly understands her.

Vincent is the captain of the team and feels pressure to perform well on the field. He is worried about the stalker and there is also something else on his mind. He and his sister are adopted so I wondered if it had something to do with that. He looks forward to staying with Brooklyn and they make playful verbal jabs with each other. They have a bet as to who will make a move to kiss the other first. (They both want to kiss each other but are trying to hold themselves back.) The tension builds between them as they go on a trip with their friends to a villa in Budapest. Vincent thinks she is warm and caring and tells her it takes all of his willpower not to touch her. There are several love scenes and one of them is in an unusual and memorable place!

Vincent is a popular celebrity in London and I wondered why he didn’t have a security team looking for the stalker? I also felt like this story didn’t have the glamour and glitz I’ve loved in Huang’s other books. For example, he gets Brooklyn a fancy blender as a present (probably because she’s a nutritionist) but I thought he would get her a gift with more pizazz. The pacing is slow when they are getting to know each other but later picks up. This is a quieter book and much lighter than her other books I’ve read. The players have a fun group text and their camaraderie gave off Ted Lasso vibes, which I liked.

Readers that enjoy spicy and lighthearted sports stories might enjoy this. I look forward to Noah’s story. He’s the goalie of the team and a single father and his book comes out next year!