Mobility Mom Book Shelf: Close Knit by Kels & Denise Stone(Audio Review)

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Book Description

The broodiest goalkeeper in the Premier League meets his match in a radiant knitting influencer in this sexy grumpy/sunshine sports romance by best-selling author duo Kels & Denise Stone

CAMERON HASTINGS

I was running from the paparazzi when I crashed into a mystery girl with bright eyes and lavender hair.
All it took was a smile from her, and I was a goner.
We agreed to one night. No strings. No real names.
So imagine my surprise when I discover she’s moving across the hall from me—in another country.
But I don’t have time for distractions, especially after last season.
It doesn’t matter that I’m the best of the best, the only American keeper in the Premier League. I need to prove myself to my new team. I need to give them everything so we have a shot at winning the championship.
But I have a problem.
It was supposed to be one night. But I want more...

DAPHNE QUINN

I blame it on my Yes Year: finally stepping out of my comfort zone, moving to London, and . . . Him.
The man I spent that magical evening with. But this version of him, the guy who wears all black and a matching scowl, is nothing like the man I remember.
I do my best to avoid him, instead focusing on creating a real-world safe space for my online knitting community and collecting as many experiences as I can during my stint abroad.
But one neighborly run-in leads to another, and suddenly, I’m catching glimpses of him again.
For the first time in my life, I feel confident enough to play by my own rules. To live my life on my own terms, bullies be damned.
But how do I play to win when I’m facing down a man who protects his heart at all costs?

Close Knit is the first book in The Hastings series, a collection of interconnected standalone sports romances about the Hastings siblings, scions of sports royalty.

About Kels & Denise Stone

Kels Stone - Impactful Love Stories

Kels & Denise are authors, best friends, and the definition of the found family trope. The pair bonded over their love for romance and turned all their late-night chats into writing together. Their enjoyment for storytelling morphed into writing impactful love stories.

@authorkelsdenisestone

Denise Stone - Impactful Love Stories

Kels & Denise are authors, best friends, and the definition of the found family trope. The pair bonded over their love for romance and turned all their late-night chats into writing together. Their enjoyment for storytelling morphed into writing impactful love stories.

@authorkelsdenisestone

My Thoughts

Close Knit, written by Kels and Denise Stone and brought to life by the brilliant narration of CJ Bloom and Jason Clarke, is an absolute standout sports romance. This audiobook delivers everything you could want in a grumpy/sunshine trope while tackling mental health with incredible depth and care. Bloom and Clarke have undeniable chemistry that captures the humor, tension, and emotional nuances perfectly, making this a five-star listen that balances the sweetness of a romance with the raw realities of anxiety and trust.

The story follows Daphne Quinn, a knitting influencer with bright eyes and lavender hair who is in the middle of her "Year of Yes." As a knitter myself, I loved seeing this profession represented, especially the nuance of how social media can impact one's mental health. Her journey leads her to London, where she discovers that her new neighbor at the Lions Lodge is none other than Cameron Hastings—the mystery man she shared an unforgettable one-night stand with months ago in the States. Cameron is the only American goalkeeper in the Premier League, and he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Coming from a toxic team environment, he has no idea how to trust his new teammates and keeps his struggles bottled up behind a scowling, all-black-wearing exterior.

The relationship development between these two is nothing short of beautiful. Cameron really resonated with me; watching him constantly keep people at arm's length to protect himself was heartbreaking, but it made his evolution that much more rewarding. He eventually learns to let Daphne in, and his transformation from a taciturn recluse to a tender, genuine partner was a joy to witness. The book handles mental health challenges for both characters brilliantly, emphasizing that healing isn't an overnight fix but a journey of vulnerability. The way the team eventually rallies around Cameron, even when he is reluctant to accept support, added a wonderful layer of emotional safety to the story.

Beyond the romance, the "found family" aspect of the Lions Lodge was a highlight. The camaraderie among the teammates was so much fun to read, particularly how they embraced Daphne and welcomed her into their tight-knit group—even letting her teach them how to knit! It provided a heartwarming balance to the heavier emotional themes. This is easily a favorite of the year for me, and I am already eager to read the future books about the other siblings and their unique athletic pursuits. If you are looking for a romance that is equal parts cute, spicy, and meaningful, I cannot recommend Close Knit enough.