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The Defender

By Ana Huang
Series: Gods of the Game
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Brief Description
No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author Ana Huang is back with the next book in the Gods of the Game series He has to play by the rules … but for her, he’d break them all. As the captain of Blackcastle Football Club and one of the highest-paid... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author Ana Huang is back with the next book in the Gods of the Game series

He has to play by the rules … but for her, he’d break them all.

As the captain of Blackcastle Football Club and one of the highest-paid athletes in the game, Vincent DuBois should be on top of the world.

But when his fame brings danger to his doorstep, he finds himself in his worst nightmare scenario - secretly sharing a flat with his coach’s daughter, knowing full well she’s far too big a temptation for him to resist.

When his new living arrangements escalate into a bet that throws them even closer together, he realizes he’s in deeper trouble than he thought.

He’s always played to win - but for her, he might just risk it all.

As a sports nutritionist and the daughter of a legendary coach, Brooklyn Armstrong is used to dealing with hotshot athletes.

However, no player gets under her skin like Vincent, her best friend’s infuriatingly cocky (and gorgeous) brother. She left California hoping for a fresh start, and he’s the kind of distraction she doesn’t need.

Now, he’s sleeping in the room next to hers while her career is up in the air and her defenses are crumbling.

But no matter how many sparks fly between them, a relationship between the captain and the coach’s daughter could never work … could it?

Tropes to love

  • Best friend’s brother
  • Forced proximity (roommates)
  • Captain x coach’s daughter
  • Semi-forbidden romance

Why readers love Ana Huang

’ King of my Heart (Ana Huang’s Version)’ Lauren Asher

‘WE HAVE NO NOTES JUST LOTS OF HORNY FEELINGS’ Ali Hazelwood

‘Huang’s sharp writing and ability to create intense, emotionally charged relationships shine through’ Glamour UK

‘Ana did not come to play … it was giving everything I asked for’ @Aymanreads

‘Ana Huang never disappoints. This was my most anticipated read of the month and it was EVERYTHING!!’ Goodreads Review

‘Ana Huang is in a (premier) league of her own when it comes to romance novels’ E! News

Series: Gods of the Game

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    The Defender
    No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author Ana Huang is back with the next book in the Gods of the Game series He has to play by the rules … but for her, he’d break them all. As the captain of Blackcastle Football Club and one of the highest-paid athletes in the game, Vincent DuBois should be on top of the world. But...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349442273

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 October 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Piatkus Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 400

Collections

Ana Huang Best Sellers at Book Hero Black Friday Sale Black Friday Sale: Books Black Friday Sale: Romance & Romantasy Contemporary Romance Fiction General Fiction Gifts $20-$50 In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books New Release Fiction Romance Series: Gods of the Game Sports Romance Valentine's Day Reads

About the Author

Ana Huang is an international bestselling author best known for her Twisted series. She writes new adult and contemporary romance with deliciously alpha heroes, strong heroines, and plenty of steam, angst, and swoon sprinkled in. Huang's other books include the Kings of Sin series and the If Love series. A self-professed travel enthusiast, she loves incorporating beautiful destinations into her stories and will never say no to a good chai latte. When she's not reading or writing, Ana is busy daydreaming and scouring Yelp for her next favorite restaurant.

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