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On the pitch, he's a star...but off it, he just landed a new role...
Delaney Stewart needs to get away. From her city, her coffee shop, and her ex-boyfriend. Except she can’t just up and move - at least not while keeping that CPA job she’s worked so hard for. Unless she has a major life event. And she knows just the guy to help.
Chance Walker is living the dream. As a midfielder for the Atlanta Rising Football Club, life is perfect. The only thing missing is his childhood best friend Delaney, and the ability to tell her that he’s loved her ever since she ran into him on the playground nearly twenty years ago.
When Delaney shows up on Chance’s door, telling him they need to pretend to be engaged, Chance agrees without thinking. He’d do anything for her. Anything to be her man. But is this the assist they need? Or will it be what ends them?
Assist was originally featured on the Read Me Romance podcast. This novella features 60% new material not heard on the podcast.
Delaney Stewart needs to get away. From her city, her coffee shop, and her ex-boyfriend. Except she can’t just up and move - at least not while keeping that CPA job she’s worked so hard for. Unless she has a major life event. And she knows just the guy to help.
Chance Walker is living the dream. As a midfielder for the Atlanta Rising Football Club, life is perfect. The only thing missing is his childhood best friend Delaney, and the ability to tell her that he’s loved her ever since she ran into him on the playground nearly twenty years ago.
When Delaney shows up on Chance’s door, telling him they need to pretend to be engaged, Chance agrees without thinking. He’d do anything for her. Anything to be her man. But is this the assist they need? Or will it be what ends them?
Assist was originally featured on the Read Me Romance podcast. This novella features 60% new material not heard on the podcast.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2022
21 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Claire Hastings
29 books833 followersClaire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband Drew live in Atlanta with their fur-child Denali.
She can be found here:
Instagram | Facebook | Reader Group | Amazon | Website | Newsletter | BookBub
She can be found here:
Instagram | Facebook | Reader Group | Amazon | Website | Newsletter | BookBub
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 26, 2022
After breaking up with a guy whose attentions had started to seem more like stalking, Delaney Stewart was in desperate need of an escape from her life in Chicago. Unfortunately, her accounting firm would only approve a transfer for a major life event, so Delaney lies and says that she's engaged to Chance Walker, her best friend of twenty years, and needs to move to Atlanta to be with him. Professional soccer player Chance has secretly been in love with Delaney for years, so when she shows up on his doorstep and asks him to go along with the fake engagement, he seizes the opportunity to show her how good they are together. Will Delaney give into her feelings for Chance or let her fear of ruining their friendship get in the way?
Chance and Delaney were super cute together. I loved their chemistry as well as the way they prioritized each other's happiness. For example, Chance watched Delaney's favorite chick flicks with her when she had a bad day, and even though she wasn't into sports, she made an effort to learn the rules of soccer because the game was so important to him. They really were perfect for each other and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this quick, sweet, and steamy read. I recommend "Assist" for all fans of contemporary/sports romance and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Chance and Delaney were super cute together. I loved their chemistry as well as the way they prioritized each other's happiness. For example, Chance watched Delaney's favorite chick flicks with her when she had a bad day, and even though she wasn't into sports, she made an effort to learn the rules of soccer because the game was so important to him. They really were perfect for each other and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this quick, sweet, and steamy read. I recommend "Assist" for all fans of contemporary/sports romance and can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 28, 2022
Hey! For anyone that didn’t catch it, RMR messed up the audio files and only put up the first two chapters when they aired the podcast. They’ve corrected the mistake and the complete recording is available. They reference “60%” more content in the published version because the length authors can submit to RMR is very short.
Most authors add more to the published version and Claire wrote A LOT extra for hers because she wanted to make her readers happy. This novella is beautifully written and the ending is gorgeous. NOT a cliffhanger at all.
Most authors add more to the published version and Claire wrote A LOT extra for hers because she wanted to make her readers happy. This novella is beautifully written and the ending is gorgeous. NOT a cliffhanger at all.
March 28, 2022
Claire gives us a friends to lovers romance that has you feeling all warm and happy. I love this genre and adding sports to it makes it even better. Delany and Chance have been best friends since they were little and met in school. When Delany arrives at Chance's place saying they need to get married, Chance thought his dreams had come true. He has loved her since the first day they met but never acted on it. Well little did he know that she had feelings for him, but not as strong. Fake engagement, living together and the strong attraction to one another change things. "I got you" were the three words that Chance always said to Del and they made her stomach flutter. Their first kiss started the sparks flying and the feelings being shared.
I loved Del and Chance's story. Claire grabs our attention right from the start and has you unable to put this novella down.
I loved Del and Chance's story. Claire grabs our attention right from the start and has you unable to put this novella down.
March 21, 2022
I'm not crying you are.
This book was so sweet, I loved it so much.
Chance and Delaney have been BFF's forever, so when Delaney needed a fake engagement, Chance jumped at the idea! Unknown to Delaney, Chance has been in love with her forever!
This friend-to-lovers, fake dating book was perfect. It gave me all the emotions and I loved every minute of it!!
Thank you to Claire Hastings for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so sweet, I loved it so much.
Chance and Delaney have been BFF's forever, so when Delaney needed a fake engagement, Chance jumped at the idea! Unknown to Delaney, Chance has been in love with her forever!
This friend-to-lovers, fake dating book was perfect. It gave me all the emotions and I loved every minute of it!!
Thank you to Claire Hastings for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2022
*Updated: I tried listening to the updated podcast and at this point was only half interested. Unfortunately the issue kind of spoiled this one for me but I added a star since it had a more complete ending.
The RMR Podcast was a total tease ending in a cliffhanger. I don't appreciate that this was considered a standalone seeing as if anyone wanted to know how things ended, they would have to read another book. Had their story been complete, I probably would have given this 4 stars. This was a very irritating podcast. The short novella we did hear was well written, though the narrator was annoying when he voiced the female parts.
The RMR Podcast was a total tease ending in a cliffhanger. I don't appreciate that this was considered a standalone seeing as if anyone wanted to know how things ended, they would have to read another book. Had their story been complete, I probably would have given this 4 stars. This was a very irritating podcast. The short novella we did hear was well written, though the narrator was annoying when he voiced the female parts.
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February 27, 2022
If you’ve met the ARFC then you have met Chance and have gotten little bits and pieces of him. If you’ve then this is a great introduction to Chance and the rest of the team.
Delaney and Chance have been best friends since they were kids. Chance would do anything for her, including pretending to be her fiancé. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE these two. I love their friendship and how natural it is, but also seeing everything progress. They are perfect for each other.
I loved getting more of the previous couples and hints of what is to come and I am dying for more. I can’t wait to return to Atlanta for more of this group!
If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, fake relationship, sports romance this is one to check out.
Delaney and Chance have been best friends since they were kids. Chance would do anything for her, including pretending to be her fiancé. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE these two. I love their friendship and how natural it is, but also seeing everything progress. They are perfect for each other.
I loved getting more of the previous couples and hints of what is to come and I am dying for more. I can’t wait to return to Atlanta for more of this group!
If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, fake relationship, sports romance this is one to check out.
March 11, 2022
Chance Walker (midfield player of the Atlanta Rising) has known Delaney their entire lives, they’ve been best friends since first grade. One day she shows up at his house in Atlanta and tells him they need to pretend to be engaged so she can get a transfer from work (she lives in Chicago). There’s only one little problem, he’s in love with her and doesn’t know how to tell her. She has similar feelings but doesn’t want to ruin their friendship.
This forced proximity, fake engagement little novella gave me all the feels and had me swooning at how amazing Chance is ❤️ loved seeing them giving into their feelings and getting their HEA ❤️ I love soccer romance, specially when the author actually talks about the game 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This forced proximity, fake engagement little novella gave me all the feels and had me swooning at how amazing Chance is ❤️ loved seeing them giving into their feelings and getting their HEA ❤️ I love soccer romance, specially when the author actually talks about the game 🔥🔥🔥🔥
March 18, 2022
This is Chance and Delaney’s story. These two have been best friends since childhood and have secretly loved each other but never declared their feeling in case their friendship is lost. When Delaney needs to get away and have a fresh start, she is wary as she has worked hard for her CPS job, which has her heading to see Chance to convince him to agree to a be fake engaged to her, so she can get a transfer to Atlanta for her job. Chance readily agrees as he will do anything for Delaney. This is a beautifully written story which is a friends / lover’s sports romance, which is entertaining, and with witty banter, humor, emotions, friendships, and love, which leads to an addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
March 23, 2022
My Review ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
I loved reading the short novella with Chance & Delaney. Since childhood these two have been best friends, but when Delaney comes running to Atlanta to escape a date gone wrong Chance is the one safe place she knows to land.
Chance has loved Del since she ran into him on the playground but not wanting to loose her kept those feeling at bay for a long time. Until Delaney wanted to act like an engaged couple. From the time they kiss sparks fly and the attraction they both might have thought was there builds.
These two are such a beautiful couple and I loved this story. Some love stories take the easy road an other make it difficult. They loved each other from a far and when they finally say how they feel it’s so great.
Must read in the short novellas!
I loved reading the short novella with Chance & Delaney. Since childhood these two have been best friends, but when Delaney comes running to Atlanta to escape a date gone wrong Chance is the one safe place she knows to land.
Chance has loved Del since she ran into him on the playground but not wanting to loose her kept those feeling at bay for a long time. Until Delaney wanted to act like an engaged couple. From the time they kiss sparks fly and the attraction they both might have thought was there builds.
These two are such a beautiful couple and I loved this story. Some love stories take the easy road an other make it difficult. They loved each other from a far and when they finally say how they feel it’s so great.
Must read in the short novellas!
March 26, 2025
Title: Assist
Author: Claire Hastings
Format: Audio
Narrator: James R. Cheatham
Genre: Romance, friends to lovers, fake relationship
Standalone: yes but the ebook has 60% more content
Part of a Series: Atlanta Rising Football Club
POV: Chance, Delaney
Steam Level: steamy
4/5
While a fun dive into this book/world I think I would have liked the ebook version more. But maybe that’s only because I know that there is a version over double the size.
Anyway. I enjoyed this story. I like the friends to lovers trope in general and I did not see one of the plot lines turning out the way it did. Overall Assist was a fun listen.
Author: Claire Hastings
Format: Audio
Narrator: James R. Cheatham
Genre: Romance, friends to lovers, fake relationship
Standalone: yes but the ebook has 60% more content
Part of a Series: Atlanta Rising Football Club
POV: Chance, Delaney
Steam Level: steamy
4/5
While a fun dive into this book/world I think I would have liked the ebook version more. But maybe that’s only because I know that there is a version over double the size.
Anyway. I enjoyed this story. I like the friends to lovers trope in general and I did not see one of the plot lines turning out the way it did. Overall Assist was a fun listen.
March 13, 2022
If you’ve read one or all of the ARFC books then you are in for a treat with his smoking hot novella. Claire continues to write amazing, fun and schmexy books for this football crew. ⚽️
Chance and Delaney have been friends since childhood….both hiding secret feelings for one another. Delaney needs a favor and Chase does not hesitate to help her out. The ease, respect and love between these two is swoon worthy.
Was great to see cameos from the other cast of characters from the previous books!
I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my
Honest review.
Chance and Delaney have been friends since childhood….both hiding secret feelings for one another. Delaney needs a favor and Chase does not hesitate to help her out. The ease, respect and love between these two is swoon worthy.
Was great to see cameos from the other cast of characters from the previous books!
I received a complimentary copy and I am leaving my
Honest review.
March 23, 2022
Delaney has a stalker problem in Chicago, in order to transfer she need to have a life event, she tells HR she is engage to Chance who lives in Atlanta. She has not told Chance, let alone asked him. He is her best friend, she lets him know when she calls him from right outside his door in Atlanta. Chance has loved Delaney his whole life, this engagement just might be way to get her to think of him other than a friend.
I loved this story, Chance is so wonderful being whatever she needed him to be his whole life. It is sweet with no drama, all things just fall into place.
I loved this story, Chance is so wonderful being whatever she needed him to be his whole life. It is sweet with no drama, all things just fall into place.
March 12, 2022
ARFC # 3.5
A very cute friends to lovers, fake fiancée story.
Who do you turn to if you need help? Your best friend, of course!
When Delaney needs a life altering event to continue her job from another city, she decides that moving in with Chance and pretend they’re going to marry is the solution.
Chance doesn’t mind at all: he’s secretly in love with Delaney from the moment they met, in elementary school.
I loved seeing them together and the way their relationship changed!
A very cute friends to lovers, fake fiancée story.
Who do you turn to if you need help? Your best friend, of course!
When Delaney needs a life altering event to continue her job from another city, she decides that moving in with Chance and pretend they’re going to marry is the solution.
Chance doesn’t mind at all: he’s secretly in love with Delaney from the moment they met, in elementary school.
I loved seeing them together and the way their relationship changed!
March 12, 2022
If you are looking for a quick, sexy, sweet read and you love sport romances and/or friends to lovers then check this book out. It is chock full of sweet moments, steam and fun all wrapped up in the perfect novella. If you’re a fan of Claire’s Atlanta Rising series, you don’t want to miss out on Chances’ story. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 21, 2022
Take a Chance on This
Chance and Delaney have been the best of friends forever. These two know everything, and i mean Everything, about the other. It's obvious that the only thing missing is a wedding ring!
Well, obvious to everyone but them! This is a fast pace and fascinating novella featuring the Atlanta Rising Team. Definitely a chance worth taking!
Chance and Delaney have been the best of friends forever. These two know everything, and i mean Everything, about the other. It's obvious that the only thing missing is a wedding ring!
Well, obvious to everyone but them! This is a fast pace and fascinating novella featuring the Atlanta Rising Team. Definitely a chance worth taking!
March 25, 2022
Listened to this audiobook on the Read Me Romance podcast. Was that the whole story? The blurb did not say it was just an excerpt, but the story seemed unfinished on the podcast. It was really cute though, a friends to lovers romance it seems. I would definitely be interested in reading more of this couple!
March 29, 2022
Best friends forever! When Delany needs help she calls her best friend Chance. This time she needs a fake fiancee but who knew their love was more than just friends.
I loved this novella! It was great to hear more from the players and I'm still craving more!
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
I loved this novella! It was great to hear more from the players and I'm still craving more!
I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
March 21, 2022
Oh my gosh, how I loved this sweet yet so spicy novella with the fake relationship friends to lovers twist! I adored these two as best friends but over the moon loved them as lovers. I wish this one could be a full length novella.
July 19, 2023
Charming and sweet.
Another lovely romance in the world of footy, and as an English woman who has been a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, this series has ticked all the boxes.
I would like to see if there was a story about Talks and, hopefully, Dash...
Another lovely romance in the world of footy, and as an English woman who has been a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, this series has ticked all the boxes.
I would like to see if there was a story about Talks and, hopefully, Dash...
March 18, 2022
Such a cute quick read. I love best friends secret love for each other.
March 21, 2022
An awesome, quick read showcasing Chase and Delaney from the Atlanta Rising Football Club. Short,sweet and hot their story is just like a fairytale. Can't wait for the next book!!
March 24, 2022
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
April 14, 2022
Assist is a by the number romance novella that is forgettable.
September 25, 2022
Cute and Quick
This was a quick read. I enjoyed the characters and their relationship. Favorite line of the book "I got you."
This was a quick read. I enjoyed the characters and their relationship. Favorite line of the book "I got you."
April 29, 2023
Delaney & Chance
Fantastic fake engagement, best friends to lovers read! What a witty, fun, deliciously spicy read. Delaney & Chance are 🔥.
Fantastic fake engagement, best friends to lovers read! What a witty, fun, deliciously spicy read. Delaney & Chance are 🔥.
December 1, 2023
This was a really good best friends to lover romance! 4⭐️
April 22, 2024
Loving this series
April 29, 2024
Listened to on Read Me Romance podcast.
March 24, 2022
Claire Hastings delves into a new romantic trope with her latest novella, Assist, the fake engagement trope mixed with best friends to lovers. I loved reading Chance and Delaney’s story because they’re both such sweet and endearing characters who also caused me some jealousy. How I envied them and their friendship which began when they were young kids on the playground. Watching Delaney realize just how truly amazing Chance is and making a point to better understand his career and the sport he loves was such a joy to watch unfold. Chance and Delaney may just be my new favorite couple of all time.
August 10, 2024
This was a quick and sweet read about Delaney and Chance. These two have been best friends for a long time but neither have ever acted on any feelings they ’ve been harboring for the other. When they are pushed together in close proximity for the near future their chemistry ignites and the bond they share only grows stronger with deeper feelings then before. It was a treat seeing these two grow and act on their feelings while also seeing the Atlanta rising characters we’ve come to love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews