I can’t even begin to describe how excited I was to read Sweeper by Amy Daws. Zander Williams, the surprise Harris brother took me by complete surprise as I read the last few pages of Replay last year. The author did a brilliant job explaining the family dynamics and introducing new characters therefore Sweeper is a total standalone, but part of the magic for me was getting caught up with the returning characters that are so very real to me.
Sweeper totally encompasses all of my favorite things that I love about this series. It has loyalty, witty dialogue, family values and very real-life struggles and people with faults, forgiveness, and the Harris family’s unwavering support and encouragement of each other and those they meet along the way.
Zander was born and raised in Boston, and was a star soccer player in the USA. He is recruited by Bethnal Green Football Club in London and accepts their offer as he learns life changing news about his paternal father. Zander just tug at my every heartstring as he struggles with his identity as well as his decision to move across the pond to begin a career in a much more advanced league that is highly regarded around the world.
Daphney had me at hello and I loved her from the start. Loved their meet cute as neighbors and really, just every little thing about her. I admired how she was betrayed in the worst way by her ex and rose above it, holding her head high, and moving forward. Loved how she wasn’t materialistic and worked hard at several jobs to make her own dreams come true and pay off a debt. I loved her sense of humor and how uptight she was as the building manager–I could totally relate because I am the same exact way!
I loved all of the flirty banter between her and Zander. I can just imagine Zander's sexy smirk, as well as him just relaxing and hanging out. I loved how they each needed a friend and were there for each other, catching unfamiliar feelings and each other by surprise.
My cheeks hurt from smiling there were so many funny and sweet scenes, but there was also Zander’s underlying torment as to not knowing who his birth father was. His dad, the man who raised him, had passed the year before and it was heartbreaking to read how close they were. It was also emotional to read about his mom’s depressive state, and his anger over the secret she has been keeping for his entire life. You felt his pain on the pitch watching what could be his brothers and father and how he was conflicted over what to do. It all unfolds so organically and you will be there right there with them through it all because Amy Daws is such a gifted storyteller.
Amy’s stories always draw me in and I actually block out a five-hour window so I can read straight through. I loved being part of their “sporty” world and learning all of the phrases used by the Brits, and being right there with them in their favorite restaurant and also on the pitch. She really knows her European football and the tension is so palpable while they are practicing or playing. The excitement is real, and reading it makes me want to go there in person and watch a game!
There is lots of angst and drama in Sweeper as well as lots of laughs and tears. Loads of sexy times as Daphney and Zander have so much passion! They steam up the sheets and take their friends with benefits to a whole new level. Their chemistry is insane and I love how much she trusts him, lets down her guard, and lets him in. That is until she learns of his purpose for being in London and can trust him no more. Oh Zander, what have you done?
This book is filled with so much character growth, and not just our hero and heroine, but for Vaughn, his father, his new half-siblings and their spouses, his new teammates, and especially, his mother. People are human and I love how Daphne and Zander’s relationship progressed into something beautiful and real, and how they were able to work through it. I admired how even though she was hurt, she had grace and empathy and the support of her extended family who led by example. Daphne was so classy and selfless and so deserving of love.
The ending of Sweeper was all I hoped it would be, and I can truly say that I loved every page and it now my favorite in the fabulous series! If you've never read Amy before, you can start with Sweeper then go to the beginning and read Strength, Challenge, Endurance, Keeper, Surrender, Dominate, Payback, Blindsided, and then Replay.