This was freaking marvellous. Absolutely gorgeous.
I feel like I need a week, or maybe a whole month, to recover from the absolute wringer Anna Zabo and L.A. Witt have put me through.
I'm a big fan of angst okay? But "Scoreless Game" brought the angst to a whole new level, one where my literal soul was breaking apart.

"Rookie Mistake" was one of my favourite books of last year, and I have been (not so) quietly and (not very) patiently waiting for this second installment since then, by religiously reading each and every single tidbit the authors would give out and re-reading some of my favourite Julien and Isaac moments, and in general, freaking out and screaming and contemplating selling my soul for this release to arrive sooner.

And, unsurprisingly, after finishing this, I'm already pretty sure "Scoreless Game" will be one of my favourite reads of this year. Because, ohmygod, this book was precisely what I expected, and hoped for, for Nisha and Elias' story.
This book is the ultimate friends-to-lovers (or more like, precious-oblivious-dumbass-friends-to-lovers), with a hefty, hefty dose of second chances, hurt/comfort and supreme, gorgeous pining, and I inhaled it, start to finish.

Like its predecessor, "Scoreless Game" is a very chunky book and deals with a truckload of heavy, complex themes; unlike its predecessor, it's the slowest (but still wonderfully satisfying) romance to ever burn, and I spent the whole time, alternatively, sobbing my eyes out, screaming in frustration, and swooning. Because, oh god, Elias and Nisha had me in a complete chokehold from the very start.
Actually, scratch that, they had me in a chokehold since Isaac and Julien's book, and I can't tell you how lovely it was to finally witness and (re)discover their dynamic and relationship from inside their heads.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, and the first half of it pretty much felt like watching a trainwreck in slow motion: brace yourself, because there will be angst and there will be heartbreak.
However, in between all that pain and confusion and miscommunication, Witt and Zabo managed to depict the most wonderful and heart-stopping romance, and I can't tell you how many times I teared up, from happiness and joy.

Elias and Nisha are seriously devoted to one another, and their friendship, even more than their romance, was literally the most precious thing ever: they love each other so freaking much and that love and affection is so, so palpable. They went through so damn much during this novel, and seeing them finally reach their HEA was beyond satisfying.
Individually, I loved them both to bits, but Elias was my absolute favourite. I'd lay down my life for him: he's just the most precious and perfect man ever. So obviously, I was pretty much ready to jump into the book, take up arms in his name, and protect him from the world (and yes, also from his self-destructive best friend).
I loved Nisha too, of course, even though he seriously messes things up, big time. I felt for him so, so much though, and despite all the pain he inadvertently causes Elias and their friends, I totally understood where he was coming from, because whew, he's gone through a lot.
And seeing their mutual love progress and change and grow, despite all the hurt and pain, all the hidden truths and all that damned pining, was an absolute treat.

“Because I fucked everything up, and you hate me.”
“Right now? Yeah. A little,” I admitted.  “But it won’t last. I love you too much to hate you for too long.”

This was a very Nisha-centric book, so it made sense that most of the conflict and plot revolved around him (a bit like with Julien during "Rookie Mistake"), BUT, despite how much I loved Elias' steadfast protectiveness and devotion, I would have loved to see a bit of role reversal, with Nisha being protective and, in general, being there for Elias in some important way. This was a very minor niggle I had, and it's mainly coming from my Elias-obsessed heart; plus I REALLY wanted to see Nisha break a certain someone's nose: he would have totally deserved it.

Both of them were unforgettable protagonists though, and around them there was an equally unforgettable cast of side characters. Isaac and Julien have a big role in this book, obviously, and I think I managed to fall in love with Isaac even more this time around: he's so good and so sweet, and also, despite his age, the most mature and competent man ever. Julien is a very lucky man *sighs*
The whole Griffin team was fantastic too (I want to be adopted by them) and I'm very, very, very curious to discover more about a certain, new Griffin: I seriously can't wait.

This book was packed with everything I look for in my romances: angst and drama, soulmate romance and steam, camaraderie and all-encompassing friendship, banter and humour and found family. And of course, fabulous queer rep and wonderful prose. This writing duo has managed to create another masterpiece and I'm already unbelievably excited for their next work together. I already know it's going to hurt, but in the best way possible.





TWs: alcoholism, suicide ideation, acephobia, hospitalisation and rehab, childhood and emotional abuse, sexual abuse (mentioned) (and others; there are detailed content warnings at the beginning of the book).



I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review.