One on One by Jamie Harrow
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 1 October 2024

Annie Radford finds herself in desperate need of employment, leading her back to her Alma Mater where the only available job is as a videographer for the basketball team—a position she fled from years ago. Returning to Ardwyn University is challenging enough, but on her very first day, she discovers that the team faces budget cuts, putting her new job in jeopardy.

To make matters worse, Annie clashes with Ben, a former friend turned arch-nemesis, whose wholesome demeanour and undeniable attractiveness only serve to aggravate her. Ben harbours resentment towards Annie for abruptly leaving his life, and now she fears she may be the cause of him losing his job. It seems their friendship is beyond repair.

Determined to come out on top, both Annie and Ben are willing to do whatever it takes. However, as basketball is a team sport, they find themselves on the same side despite their bitter rivalry. Can they set aside their differences and work together to secure the team's shot at the national championship? Or will Annie's hidden secrets and their tumultuous history keep them at odds?

In "One on One," the romance unfolds naturally as Annie and Ben reconnect after nearly a decade, amidst a backdrop of various other challenges. Their journey is fraught with complexity, and there are valid reasons why their relationship might not succeed.

Annie and Ben, both talented individuals, find themselves grappling with professional uncertainties and job insecurities. Initially, they navigate their rekindled connection with confusion and animosity as rival coworkers. However, as they tentatively build a friendship, their dynamic evolves into a sweet, tender, and hopeful romance. Ben's genuine kindness and honesty shine, making him a standout character, while Annie's growth towards bravery is truly inspiring.

The novel adeptly intertwines a nuanced examination of college sports, workplace dynamics, and power imbalances with an engaging romance. The portrayal of Annie and Ben's relationship is refreshingly genuine, capturing the intricacies and hurdles of love. Despite its complexities, the narrative exudes optimism and the promise of redemption.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Quercus Books, and the author, Jamie Harrow, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Title: One on One by Jamie Harrow

Release Date: October, 1st, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

They call it March Madness for a reason: anything can happen on the way to a national championship.

Eight years after graduation, Annie Radford finds herself reluctantly back at her alma mater, working with the Ardwyn Tigers' basketball team.

To make matters worse, her annoyingly wholesome and undeniably hot former coworker, Ben Callahan, is still on the Tigers staff. Ben hasn’t forgotten or forgiven Annie for abandoning him and the team during their senior year.

As Ardwyn becomes the season's Cinderella story, sparks fly between Annie and Ben.

Despite the undeniable chemistry, Annie is haunted by the reason she left basketball”the sport she loves most in the first place. To have a chance at a future together, Annie must learn to trust Ben with her deepest secret.


What I Enjoyed:

* Realistic View of College Sports: Harrow dives into the pressures faced by college athletes, challenging sexism in sports, and highlighting the dangers of idolising the "big men on campus.’

* Natural Romance Development: The romance between Annie and Ben unfolds authentically as they reconnect after nearly a decade, navigating their complicated past and present.

* Engaging Ensemble Cast: The supporting characters, including friends and family, add depth and charm to the story.

* Tension and Drama: The book keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mix of romantic tension and the thrilling backdrop of a basketball season.

"One on One" is an incredibly solid debut from Jamie Harrow! The book masterfully balances a critical look at college sports, workplace harassment, and power dynamics with a captivating romance. The romance is messy and complex, reflecting real-life challenges and reasons why things might not work out. Yet, the story is filled with hope and second chances.

Complete with an enchanting ensemble cast and a plot that keeps you turning the pages, "One on One" is an engrossing, captivating read and an absolutely stunning debut.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves a blend of sports drama, realistic romance, and thought-provoking themes.

Thank you to The Publisher Quercus Books | Quercus ,The Author Jamie Harrow & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Jamie Harrow's debut novel, "One on One," is an impressive addition to the workplace sports-romance genre. Harrow's writing is engaging, with a compelling story, a distinct tone of voice, and well-crafted characters.

"One on One" is an unglamorous look at the college sports industry, addressing serious issues such as racism, sexual harassment, and abuse of power. Harrow skillfully incorporates these themes into the plot, avoiding the usual clichés of the genre.

The characters felt incredibly real. Not just the main characters, Annie and Ben, but also the entire cast of friends, family, coworkers, and students, all added depth and realism to the narrative. And while it has plenty of humor and banter, it never feels superficial or cheesy.

Annie and Ben are both very talented but find themselves in professional funks, threatened by job insecurities. Their relationship evolves from confused animosity as rival coworkers to a tentative friendship, and eventually into a sweet, tender, and hopeful romance. Ben's kindness and honesty make him a standout character, while Annie's journey to becoming braver is inspiring.

I love how this quote captures Annie’s humour and mindset: “Oh, god, my life is going to be a Bruce Springsteen song. I need to try harder.”

This novel is an easy 5-star read, though I wouldn't have minded a bit more pathos to tug at my heartstrings even harder.

I highly recommend “One on One” to readers who enjoy romance writers with more heart and depth, such as Kate Clayborn, Jessica Joyce and Alicia Thompson.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for providing me with this ARC.