Zero to Hero

by Kathryn R. Biel

Andi Nichols shatters barriers as the first female head referee in a United States Soccer League match, poised to conquer any challenge thrown her way. But when boisterous player Brandon Nix questions her call, she faces unexpected turbulence.

Brandon Nix, the Boston Buzzards' top scorer and notorious loudmouth, isn't one to hold back, even against a female referee. Their clash ignites a viral firestorm, thrusting them into an unwanted spotlight.

Forced to collaborate to salvage their reputations with the league, they share one common mutual disdain. Yet, as they navigate the public relations storm, their private interactions unveil a different story, one that threatens to upend their worlds.

Genres: Sports Romance

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2024

About the author

Kathryn R. Biel writes low-to-no spice contemporary romance, rom-com, sports romance, and women’s fiction full of humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books balance the drama and challenges of real life with witty banter, strong heroines, and swoony cinnamon-roll heroes. Whether she’s writing laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, emotional women’s fiction, or heartfelt sports romances, Kathryn delivers stories where resilience, love, and laughter take center stage.


Kathryn is the author of more than 20 books, including the award-winning Live for This, Made for Me, and The UnBRCAble Women Series (Ready for Whatever, Seize the Day, and Underneath It All).

Reviews

[Sherrie Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read!!

I'm still grinning from ear to ar after finishing Zero to Hero, the latest installment in the Boston Buzzards series by Kathryn R. Biel! This book is a true masterpiece, with a narrative that's both laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming.
Andi and Brandon are my new favorites. I loved the thoughtful exploration of themes that are both personal and universal. Biel tackles issues of identity, self-acceptance, and love with a deft hand, crafting a narrative that feels authentic and real. I also appreciated the way Biel wove in elements of friendship and family. If you're a fan of romantic comedies with he Iart, don't miss this one. And if you're new to the Boston Buzzards series, start from the beginning - you won't regret it.. Definitely Your Next 5⭐ Read..

[Liv N · Rating 4 out of 5]

AHHH. This was such a cute quick book. I loved when Andi let her guard down for Brandon she truly does love him. I loved how strong andi was for standing up for herself in the end and sharing her feelings. I was so happy when Brandon went to football to follow his passions. They both grew so much during this book and I highly recommend. Kathryn Biel wrote an amazing book and she should keep writing more.

[Sarah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did an arc on this book and it was FANTASTIC. Clean sports romance is where it's at and this book serves. I will now need to read books 1 and 2 because I was sold on this book. Make sure to check it out when it releases. You don't wanna miss out on Brandon and Andrea's story!

[Stories | With | Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

* REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS * 

Genre(s) : Sports Romance (Soccer), Clean Romance

Trope(s):
✅️ Enemies to Lovers
✅️ Forbidden Love / Romance
✅️ Family Trauma
✅️ Forced Proximity
✅️ Reluctant Heroes

Point of View (POV): Dual 

The following are ratings out of 5:
Spice: 1.0
World-Building: 4.0
Character Development: 4.5
Story/Plot: 4.0 

C.A.W. P. I. L. E. - These are ratings out of 10:
Characters: 8.0
Atmosphere: 7.5
Writing: 8.0
Plot: 8.0
Intrigue: 7.5
Logic: 7.5
Entertainment: 8.0 

OVERALL RATING: 4.5 

Pace: Fast
Diverse Cast of Characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes

The Story/Plot:
Andi Nichols is a straight-laced, tough as nails soccer referee who dreams of reffing for not only the women's league but for the men's as well. She is finally given the opportunity, but the experience is quickly soured, but the hotheaded, hotshot soccer player, Brandon Nix.

Brandon Nix is a professional soccer player who is known not only for his athletic prowess but for his short temper. One more violation could mean the end of his career, and it's just been issued by the first female referee in a MUSSL game.

This book is a bit of a slow burn, but there is a good level of angst between our main characters to be a page turner. 

Strengths: I love a strong, intelligent, independent FMC, and Andi was no exception. She holds her ground and stands up for not only herself but also her fellow women referees. She also has a vulnerability about her that has you standing in her corner

Brandon starts out as a conceded, sometimes chauvinistic jerk, but you see his growth and development throughout the book. 

Weaknesses: I honestly can't think of any glaring weaknesses, and I look forward to reading the other books in this series!

[Ana C. Jarrin D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zero to Hero is for you if you like:

•Forbidden or inappropriate romance (they can both lose their job id the pursuit it.)
•Hate you to lovers (leads to great chemistry and tension)
•Sports romance
•Great character growth and development
•Women standing up for equality and fair treatment
•Clean Romance (spice happens off page)

This is the story of Andi and Brandon. She’s a soccer referee and he’s a soccer player. And of course it is forbidden to fraternize between each other. That’s not a problem because they barely know who the other is and what little they know they don’t like. The story starts at zero just like the tittle. It is hard to even imagine them together. I’ll be honest it took me a while to get into it, but trust me it gets better.
You get to live the same experience as the female main character, at first you are indifferent to Brandon and even dislike him. But mu man will win you, there’s a twist in the final resolution that I wasn’t expecting and Brando does become the Hero. Andi as well but for herself. A woman in sports learning she’s all she needs to empower herself. A man that is so used to disappointing everyone that takes one more effort to believe in himself and a love that brands and lifts both of them.

*I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun romantic comedy. Brandon is the bad boy on the Boston Buzzards soccer team. Andi is a female ref working the men’s games. When Andi cards Brandon and he argues back they are thrown into the spotlight. And not in a good way. When a chance meeting brings more attention to them, sparks fly on and off the field. Andi and Brandon realize they may have more in common than they ever thought.
I enjoyed this one so much. I loved the dialogue between Brandon and Andi. The rest of the characters, especially the teammates were great.

If you enioy a good rom com , I highly recommend this one

[Danielle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER - I loved this little book. It's a fun book with witty banter. Definitely a wonderful palette cleanser from the more intense romance books out there. This would be a great read if you are looking for something to read through on a weekend that will have you kicking your feet.

Edited to add that I don't know anything about soccer or refereeing and it did not take away from the story in any way. So if you are someone who sees a soccer ball and thinks you won't be able to follow, I promise you will!

[Charity Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While being the 3rd book in the Boston Buzzards series, you can read it as a stand-alone. Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, dual POV, clean soccer sports romance. With some banter and humor along the way.
The MMC Brandon is a strong-willed soccer player with a quick temper. The FMC Andi (female ref in a male dominant world) can be self doubting sometimes but stays strong when the time is needed. (Her ex-husband doesn't help any) While these two come together to save face. They end up finding they can help each other with some real trying situations.
For a dark romance girly, this book captured and held my attention. It's definitely a good pallet cleanser I needed.

[tammys_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites Definitely Attract! Andi is a calm referee and Brandon is a hot-headed soccer player. When the public perceives chemistry between them, they meet up to try to set the record straight. They soon realize their opinions of each other might not be accurate.This is more than a romance. It tackles family trauma, male/female wage disparity and workplace sexual harassment with warmth and humor.

[Just Jen Here · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC read and I loved it. Opposites attract to the max. The story talks about real life issues such as double standards and the wage gap. Beautifully written and a clean love story.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was such a quick read that had me kicking my feet laughing all the way through.

*closed door, enemies-to-lovers romance*

This was my first book by this author and I cannot wait to read more!! 😍

[Kathy Gilreath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun story from Kathryn Biel! Made me laugh out loud and wish MFC was my best friend. Though this book is the third in the series it can be read as a stand alone.

Time to start back at book 1, XOXO and read them all back to back.

[Regina]

I loved it!

Am I biased? Of course I am: I've loved the previous two books in the series, and I've had a soft spot for Brandon Nix since that stunt he and his partner-in-crime Landon pulled in book #2.
He and Andi may not be perfect (and I love them all the more for that!), but they turn out to be just perfect for each other. *Chef's kiss*

More, please?

[Diane Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book-hated to see it end.

[Ela Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful palate cleanser. The enemies to lovers aspect was exactly what I needed.

[Marjorie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. She did a fantastic job making me feel what the characters were going through. This book touched on some topics that we need to be discussing more.

The only reason I gave this book a 4 star review was I like spice in my books. I don’t normally read non-spicy books but it was very good. I would definitely read this author again.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chemistry between the main characters is perfection! I would definitely recommend for a cozy evening read

[Reading_with_AAron · Rating 4 out of 5]

When history-making, Andi Nichols red cards Boston Buzzard Brandon Nix, in her nationally televised MUSSL debut she had no idea they would be the next hottest shipped couple on ClickClack. Now she has to convince everyone including her job that there is nothing between them except the sparks are certainly flying now!
This was a funny feel-good read for me. I love how Andi and Brandon both had room for character growth and development. Yes, they had issues, and yes it was cheesy at times, but they made an effort to improve themselves and it's a rom-com I like a little cheese!

[Lila S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Book 3 of the Boston Buzzards, the latest addition to this entertaining sports romance series, readers are treated to an enemies-to-lovers trope set in the soccer world. The novel offers a fade-to-black romance, fitting well within the sports genre and maintaining a focus on the professional and personal dynamics between the characters. Brandon, a no-nonsense soccer player, and Andi, a dedicated female referee, find themselves entangled in a complex relationship fueled by past traumas and professional challenges. Their journey is far from light-hearted, but their emotional growth and support for each other are deeply moving. One of the standout aspects of this installment is the seamless integration of characters from previous books. Their appearances or mentions add depth to the story and reinforce the charm of the series, which I've clearly come to admire. Brandon and Andi's relationship, marked by their willingness to sacrifice their careers for each other, showcases their deep connection and personal growth. The resolution of their story, highlighted in the satisfying epilogue, brings closure and warmth to their journey. Overall, this book successfully balances romance with real-life struggles, making it a worthy continuation of the Boston Buzzards series.

[Melissa | honeybees_library · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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.”

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zero to Hero is a fade to black romance that really heats ups. The tension and angst between MCs is delicious in this rivals to lovers, sports romance. When a show down between Andi and Brandon goes viral in all the worst ways, they are forced to work together to save their careers.
Andi is a no-nonsense ref who is out to prove herself in the world of men’s soccer. The last thing she needs is a trouble maker to upset her career.
Brandon is a grumpy trouble maker with attitude both on and off the field. Having made a reputation for himself his career is on the line and he just might take Andi’s with it.
I was unsure what I was getting into when I picked up this book and I am so glad I did. I haven’t read many fade to black/closed door rom coms and I adored it. Zero to Hero is funny, sweet, occasionally frustrating and in the end completely satisfying. If a good dose of snark and wit is your jam this is a must read!
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving this review of my own volition.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is a female soccer referee he is a hothead soccer player. When his tantrum on the field makes it appear as though there is more between them than a professional relationship, her career is in jeopardy. A chance encounter only adds fuel to the fire. So to help set the record straight they put together a fundraiser. That seems to smooth things over until the game after the event. A player on the opposite team not only crashes into her knocking her down but makes a very inappropriate gesture. Brandon steps in and further jeopardizes his career. He then makes a career decision to help save Andi’s job. Meanwhile she defends her career quite effectively. It was so pleasing to see the female character take charge and stand her ground instead of letting the “ old boys club mentality “ win again. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I admit I truly hated Brandon in the beginning but he won me over rather quickly. I hope we get a few more books in this series. It is such a fun sporty romance theme.

[iesha Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
this book was soo cute
fade to black romance
andi finally gets to work her dream job and a ref for mens soccer but unfortunately for her the game she is ref is for the buzzards. Brandon has a reputation and isnt afraid to tell it like it is so when a call a certain female ref makes is drawn he gets in her face. after that stunt both of the characters careers are on the line. they must come up with a solution together to save both of their jobs. can they keep it strictly professional. do they continue to hate each other.
couldnt put this book down i started it this morning and finished it about 3 hours later.
def recommend and look forward to reading more from this author.

[The Kneaded Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light-hearted romantic comedy that is short and sweet, serving as a perfect palate cleanser. This clean, non-spicy, fade-to-black sports romance features both 'enemies to lovers' and 'opposites attract' tropes, with the main female character as a referee and the main male character as a soccer player. Their complex relationship displays depth as they navigate past traumas. Their chemistry is absolutely electrifying, but this story is more than a typical romance. Beautifully crafted, the third installment thoughtfully touches on important topics and addresses real-life struggles while developing a relationship with dimension.

[Manon.ReadsForTheFunofit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean (rom)com, cute and easy to read. Zero to Hero has a little bit of a slower storyline, but Kathryn's writingstyle is easy and good to follow.

I loved the character development both Andi and Brandon have made in this book, with Andi showing so much strength by standing up for herself and other woman!

I gave the book 3,5 stars (rounded up to 4). For me personally the book doesn't have enough of the romcom vibe that I love in a romcom. But it's cute and I did enjoy.

Thank you to Kathryn R. Biel for providing me with an e-ARC copy of this book.

[Kayla Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy enemies to lovers, soccer and a 'grumpy soccer player,' then you'll love Zero to Hero! When a female referee flags a soccer athlete, he is furious. "Don't get me started on her. The only reason she called the handball in the first place is Becauese she was afraid of messing up and getting flack for it." (Brandon). He is furious over this injustice. Most referees would have let it slide. But not her. Not this woman. But what happens when...

[Lisa Sssshhhh I’m reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a sports romance that doesn’t mean the FMC gives her career away!

For that alone, this is a 5⭐️ read. But it’s also a great story. It is closed door but I didn’t miss the smut ‘cause you knew it was happening even if you didn’t get the deets.
She is a referee, he is a star player. They clash during a game and then everything falls apart. We then get an all-too-real look at what happens when women succeed in a male-dominated field.
I loved it!

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
0 spice
This was a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author handled some big topics like wage equality into a romantic comedy without it being a punchline to a joke.
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Closed door romance
I loved Andi, she was a great character to follow through this novel. Independent, smart, hardworking and witty.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking love this novel. There’s something so precious and real and GROUNDED about it while still being a comfy cozy happily ever after romance.
Enemies to Lovers ✔️
The most likable, badass FMC ✔️
“If Clark Kent and Tarzan had a baby” MMC✔️
MMC has a man-bun, the good swoony kind ✔️
He gives her a nick name she loves to hate ✔️
A badass FMC ✔️ (Yes this needs to be listed twice)

[InMyReadingEra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this book. This is not my typical read but I enjoyed how the book touched on some important topics like women's equality in the workplace while staying lighthearted and funny. If you like a rom-com feel book then this is definitely for you!