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I've never played soccer myself but gave read a number of books that revolve around soccer. This is one of my favorite reads set in the soccer world. Amy and Jen were close friends but a rift has kept them apart for twenty years. When a documentary puts them back into each other's orbit, their forced proximity allows them to get to know one another again, weakening the estrangement. The few flashbacks of their time as friends lays the foundation for their current relationship. As the story is told with alternating points of view, we get insight into each character's viewpoint. There's lots of emotion, personal growth, and touches of humor in this well written story.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Another brilliant book by Ms Lydon, who continues to impress. In this book we meet former footballers Amy & Jen; who used to be teammates and due to a mistake had a big falling out. They have been rivals for many years now and are now both their country’s managers. Amy for Ireland and Jen for England. This book is a little bit of a follow up on The Princess Match, but no need to have read that one, although I would highly recommend. It was good to see Ash & Princess Victoria.

As their country’s are co hosting the Euros, Jen & Amy have been asked to participate in a documentary. This proves difficult due their ongoing rivalry. Ms Lydon does so well at capturing the emotions and atmosphere of the occasion. The main characters are brilliant, but also the supporting characters including Amy’s Mum who I loved. Would highly recommend.

What a blistering start. Lydon excels at beginnings, ( also middle and ends!) Funny but also intriguing as so many hints towards back stories and motivations are laid out.
At the half way point I am in awe that Lydon has again produced a book that is compelling, funny and real.
There is tension, the spectre of the past and I cannot believe how tense I am feeling. Not so tense I can’t smile at the many great lines Lydon has crafted.
I have barely raised my eyes from the book.
The small backward time jumps are so well done. They illuminate the present.
So tense at THE match…..
This is a book set in the football world. You do not need to understand or love the game to enjoy this book (Although the writers love for the game as a spectator shines through).

When it comes to write about soccer and soccer romance there is no better choice than one of Clare Lydon‘s books (Hot Shot, The Princess Match and now Girlfriend Goals): Her love for the game shows so clearly and the soccer matches are zinging as if you‘re are live on the stands.
In Girlfriend Goals we have two former players, now managers of the national teams of Ireland und UK, who not only compete against each other in the upcoming Euros but have to make nice with each other because PR and marketing requires it. All the more challenging because there is history between them, bad history … and so a great enemies/rivals to lovers romance is all set and ready to roar. And roar it does - on and off the pitch.
I esp. loved the very Irish family of Amy and it was fun to meet Ash and Princess Victoria from The Princess Match again.

I received an ARC. The review is left voluntarily.