“Zero to Hero” comes out 9/10/2024. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author, but my review of this book contains my own thoughts and were not influenced in any way. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book before its official release!

This book follows Andi Nichols who is a female soccer referee for the United States Soccer League. When a rowdy and short-tempered soccer player, Brandon Nix, questions her calls during one of his games, the confrontation thrusts them into the spotlight together, and not in a good way for either of their careers. They’re forced to set aside their differences and come up with a way to recover their reputations together. 

While this book is the third book in a series, I personally did not read the first two and didn’t feel like I was lost or missing any necessary information while reading. This can be read as a stand alone book. 

I like that this book explained some of the necessary soccer terms that were put into the plot, as it made the sport of soccer easier to understand for the non-sports fans.

I liked that the book touched on difficult subjects that most people don’t like to talk about due to stigma or uncomfortableness (items such as parental death, terminal illness, addiction, drunk driving, assault, & equality). I appreciated the book showing a male character seeking therapy on his own when needed. I feel like that isn’t portrayed in books, other forms of media, or society in general super often.

I enjoyed seeing Brandon’s growth throughout the story.

Overall, this was a read I enjoyed and would recommend to others.

Some of my favorite quotes/excerpts from the book are: 

-“Some people are just slow learners, I guess. Because while I may seem passive and quiet, that’s only the exterior. I will die before I back down, especially when it’s important.”

-“I hate raisins, especially when they are masquerading in cookies as chocolate chips.”

-“I live in a world where the truth doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is how it’s perceived. And once someone has made up their mind, nothing will change it.”

-“If you want something done properly, ask a woman.”

-“Actually, it was just what I needed. There was no pressure to stop reacting. To stop feeling. He didn’t ask me to push everything down and put it neatly away. He implied he would be waiting for me when I was ready. It was on my timeline, not his.”