The Defender by Ana Huang Book Review | Gods of the Games #2

“You’re home.”
“It’s midnight on a Thursday. Where else would I be?”
“The pub. The after-party. I checked both, but I thought I missed you.” – The Defender by Ana Huang

Format : 464 pages, Paperback

Published : October 28, 2025

Genres : Sports Romance, Sports, Soccer, Contemporary, Fiction

Tropes : Roommates to lovers , forced proximity, forbidden romance, reverse grumpy x sunshine, sports romance

*Important – I don’t own all the pictures used in this post or on my edits, so I always mention the source and credits as all the rights go to respective owners. But I only claim the editing so please contact me if you have any problem. Thank you.

*Disclosure : Some of the links in this post are affiliated, which means if you make any purchase through the link I gain a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support the blog so thank you!! <333

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The brand new, 2nd in the series, another Ana Huang sports romance book is out in the world. And, I could not resist and read it the moment it was available. While we get any new information on the Twisted Love Tv show we can dive into Ana Huang books.

About The Defender by Ana Huang / Summary and Goodreads Blurb

The defender is the second book in the god of the games series following the striker. It is about Scarlet Dubois’ brother Vincent Dubois from book 1 and best friend Brooklyn Armstrong.

Set in London, Vincent is a professional soccer player and star defender at Blackcastle fc and Brooklyn is a nutritionist interning for the same team. She is also the daughter of Frank Armstrong the coach of Blackcastle. The book kicks off with Vincent when he discovers someone broke into his home and left a mysterious creepy box with a doll and note.

Fearing the worst case scenarios, he bounces between hotels and his friends’ places. After not getting a comfortable space his sister suggests moving to Brooklyn’s place as she was thinking of renting out her spare room and also the house was closer to blackcastle and they have the same schedule and everything would work out perfectly. But the problem is they can’t stand each other or (at least they pretend to).

What begins as snarky banter and fun challenges soon turns into late night conversations, playful bets and undeniable chemistry. Between the tension of their hatred, the mystery behind the breaking and the forbidden urge with a forced proximity The defender blends humor, heat and heart. A story about Enemies to Roommates to lovers finding comfort and peace in the most unexpected person.

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? (From Goodreads,The Defender by Ana Huang )

My Review on The Defender by Ana Huang + Favorite Quotes (Spoiler Free)

I have been in love with Vincent and Brooklyn ever since their meet cute from book 1, the striker. So I was really REALLY excited and looking forward to this book even though I dnfed striker at 70%. So, I had better expectations from this book. And, I would say it matched.

“Vuk Markovic was Blackcastle’s owner. He lived in New York and was pretty hands-off with club operations, but when he was in town, everyone jumped to accommodate him.”

I haven’t read the King of Envy book yet. But my friend has read it and I am convinced by her review so this will be my next read after The Defender. I also love how the series are so perfectly connected. I forgot for a while these are from two different series and had to go through my Ana Huang Reading guide just to confirm.

And, also there are so many characters now. I have to make an Ana Huang Character Guide and how they are all connected to keep track. But she is so genius to connect the characters like this and I am obsessed!!

“Scarlett dropped her head to the table. Asher rubbed her back, a shit-eating grin on his face. Next to him, Carina sipped her drink, her expression neutral save for the smirk lurking in the corners of her mouth.“

Aaaaaaa I AM HOOKED. I just know I am going to eat this shi up.

“I’d flirted with the idea of hitting the pub solo after I left my dad’s house, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with men. I’d much rather be with friends.”

I love Brooklyn’s character more and more through each chapter. She is so relatable. I love her. Also, one of the things I love about Ana Huang’s books and writing is the found family trope and girlhood. Almost all her book series has the best girlfriendship portrayal. I truly enjoy their scenes so much in books. It’s so relaxing and relatable and keeps me going and I always look forward to these parts in her upcoming books too.

“Shit, DuBois, you miss me already? I just saw you yesterday.” He shook his head. “You’re getting clingy.”
“Fuck off. I’m here to see my sister. You’re like a wart on an otherwise cute little toad. Unwanted, but part of the package.”

I love how Vincent and Asher’s friendship dynamic has changed. When I read the striker I could actually feel how much they hated each other and to slowly see how they have gotten better and become friends was absolutely amazing. Also they have become besties (which they wont admit) but it’s so nice to see their dynamic now and also their banter.

“Oh. It’s you.”
“Don’t sound so happy to see me, buttercup. I’ll get the wrong idea.” I suppressed a laugh at Brooklyn’s eye roll.”

I love them. Also the nickname?? Probably my favorite nickname from Ana Huang books or probably one of the top from any romance books I have read. It’s so fitting and cute also goes so well with the Brooklyn character. Also their banter has gotten way better from the striker to the very first chapter. Idk about the romance or other plot for their playful jabs and flirtatious banter I am giving this book 5 stars already.

“Let me move in with you.”
Her eyes sparked. Her nostrils flared.
And I knew I had her before she even opened her mouth.
“Fine,” she said. “But I’m charging you double for rent.”
“Deal.”

Imagine hating each other (though it’s only pretending), bantering and insults as a way to communicate, always putting up challenges but still deciding to move in together. This is so fun.

“One second, I was eating my eggs at brunch. The next, Vincent was at my door with a duffel slung over his shoulder and a cocky smile on his face. “Hey, roomie.”

This book has officially made me fall in love with the roommates to lovers trope. So, I am on my way to make a Roommates to Lovers book rec but I doubt I will like something after the defender.

“Do you like it?” I asked, the picture of innocence. “I read somewhere that stuffed animals can make a place feel homier, and I really want you to be comfortable here.”
“I can’t believe you went to all this trouble for me. I’m honored.”

This scene reminded me of twisted lies. Though they are completely different. In Twisted Lies, Christian wanted to destroy the plushie bc how much attention stella was giving to it and here Brooklyn placed them in Vincent room just to spite him but he reacted differently and it was so cute. Also this is how I imagined the plushies.

“What you do when you sleep is none of my business. That’s in the privacy of your room. But when you’re in a common area, please refrain from unnecessary clothing removals,”

This is getting so good. The main characters are so funny and if I wasn’t sure I am now convinced they are related to Josh and Jules. Because the way they talk reminds me of them everytime and I will never get to decide which of them I like most. In my mind no one can ever beat josh and jules for their enemies to lovers and chaotic banter. But Vincent and Brooklyn are on their way to beat them.

“Are you okay?” She patted me on the back. “Do you need CPR?”
That sneaky little minx. We were one day into our bet, and she’d already fired the first shot.”

They both knew the unspoken attention and attraction they had for each other even before living together. Which is one of the reasons they didn’t want to live together in the first place but nothing matters when the other challenges and they still made a bet on an equally dangerous one? Who can kiss each other first?? Bruh you are not only torturing yourself but also the readers!!

“He’s pretty confident it’s down to me, Alarik Filipović, and Rene Martin.”
Alarik Filipović was a twelve-time Grand Slam champion while Rene Martin was the reigning king of F1. They were tough competition, but Vincent was a legend in his own right. Besides, he was a hundred times more charismatic than either of those men, though I’d never tell him that. His ego was inflated enough.”

Are we getting more Ana Huang sports romance books?? Especially formula 1?? I love Ana Huang’s writing, she is one of my favorite authors. I might not love every single one of her books but the sports romance with the London setting was fun. It would be amazing if she explores more sports romance. But I have a feeling the new series will not solely focus on sports but celebrities like actors, models and more into the glam world? But I am looking forward to whatever she is cooking next.

“A moment where I allowed myself to imagine a world where Brooklyn was my girlfriend, not just my plus-one.
In that world, I could kiss her whenever I wanted. We’d wake up in the same bed and fall asleep in each other’s arms. I’d take her to my favorite restaurants, and we’d walk along the river after, hand in hand. She’d wear my shirt number to matches, but that wouldn’t be all.”

Vincent Dubois, the man you are. He is probably my favorite Ana Huang mmc after Christian Harper. He is the sweetest no bull guy. Charming, caring, funny, honest and the ultimate greenest flag. One thing I liked the most was he was honest and transparent from the beginning of the book. How he felt about Brooklyn, his future and everything. Also thoughts like these made his characters more likeable. Also the yearning, it was definitely Conrad Fishers level.

“London’s unusually warm weather lasted through Halloween weekend. After that, a flip switched, and November dawned crisp and cold enough to make my teeth chatter when I stepped outside.”

I love London. I have never been to London yet but I dream about visiting one day. And reading about it makes me hopeful and I just love everything about London. I think bookish people can find it relatable for many reasons. And, I loved how the series is set in London and we get bits and pieces of it like this. It feels like I am living it through reading.

“If I had a choice, I’d never leave your side. But this is your dream job, Brooklyn. I want you to stay, but I want you to be happy more.” I blinked hard, my throat thick with emotion. “How can I be happy when I’m not with you?”

The characters keep getting better by each chapter. Even though I did not actually like the plot, Brooklyn chose a job in Chicago away from her home, family and friends. Like it was not adding up to the plot. But I get it. Ana added this to make it complete so we can feel the pain like the characters but later all got better so I have no complaints.

Especially, seeing how much painful it was for both of them to make big decisions and no matter how much Vincent was hurt pushed Brooklyn and supported her because it’s her dream job. 

“That’s the last time I will surprise anyone,” she said. “From now on, I’m letting you know exactly when and where I’ll be. Preferably with a pin on Google Maps and a body cam, if necessary.”

This was so funny. The stalker and suspense plot was really good and I never thought that would be Vincent’s stalker. I was trying to guess in some chapters finding clues even though I was pretty sure who it would be then boom. I was wrong. So, it was nice, especially this sub plot. It made the book more interesting. Now, I really want Ana to write books like Rina Kent and Runyx.

“Nothing beat moments like this—sitting on the sofa with the woman I loved, watching my favorite show and knowing everything I needed was right here in my arms.
I’d lived in this house for years, but Brooklyn’s presence changed everything.
For the first time in my life, I understood what it meant to be truly home.”

I write about this in every single of my book reviews if the book has this micro trope of calling their significant other home. It’s one of my favorite tropes ever. And, The defender portrayed this better than my expectations. Vincent and Brooklyn were perfect. Their chemistry, banter, characteristics everything was perfect. They both had their own issues and love how it got along in a balanced way which made the book so enjoyable too.

The setting, the aesthetic, the tropes, the side characters, found family, it was all in the places. Also, I love roommates to lovers trope now after reading it in the defender and brb I am going to be making a Roommates to Lovers book rec right after finishing this book review.

Also, The Keeper by Ana Huang (Gods of the Game Book 3)

I would also add that I am so excited about Carina and Noah’s book!!

“He can resist any woman in the world…except for the one he shouldn’t want. – Carina Vu and Noah Wilson!!“

I have loved Carina’s energy from the first chapter of The Striker by Ana Huang. She is a baddie and super sunshine character. And, obviously we have grumpy Noah. So it will be nice to read their book but we have to wait for another year for that ugh. It’s okay, I have faith in Ana and I know she won’t disappoint and we also have some upcoming books by Ana Huang before The Keeper so it will definitely be worth it!