Book Review - Game Over by Bella North

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Title: Game Over

Author: Bella North

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 22nd January 2026

Rating: 4 Stars

My football days might be over. But the game is just beginning…

After an injury knocks me out of the game I love for good, I have no idea what comes next for me. Until I wake up with a shameful hangover, the sound of hooves outside, and a tougher-than-nails, sexy-as-hell ranch hand with a scowl the size of Texas banging on my door. Apparently, I accidentally bought all her granddad’s horses last night…

Her contempt tells me everything I need to know. I don’t have the faintest clue how to be a rancher. But our ranch has been empty since my dad died and I’ve never been one to step down from a challenge.

Plus, if the horses are here to stay, then so is Izzy. As much as I live to spark the fiery, competitive glint in her blue eyes, I still want to impress her—in more ways than one… Proving myself with the horses is one way to do it, but so is showing her just what else my hands are good for, and silencing her sassy mouth with my own…

But when a chance to rejoin the world of football comes calling, I see the cautious hope in Izzy’s eyes flicker. I know she’s wondering if I’m going to abandon the ranch, and her doubt breaks my heart. Can I finally accept that the game I once loved is over, and a new one is just beginning…?

Game Over is a steamy but heartfelt enemies-to-lovers cowboy and sports romance, perfect for fans of Elsie Silver, Stephanie Archer and Liz Tomforde. The second in the Oakwood Ranch series, it can also be read as a standalone

Well I do love a sexy cowboy, and a good looking sports star, so Dylan was totally right up my street.  However he is conflicted, after being told his NFL playing career is over, despite his valiant attempt to recover from the injury that put him out for two seasons. 

While drowning his sorrows, he impulsively buys 18 horses and promises to take on a farm hand too for six weeks to ease the transition. 

Well to say he didn't quite remember in the morning is an understatement and when he discovers that the farm hand is Izzy the woman he had a couple of run ins with the previous day. 

There is plenty of fireworks between Izzy and Dylan, but it's his interactions with Mad, Izzy's daughter that melted my heart.  He is wonderful with her, while he is still grumpy with anyone else. 

Equally watching Dylan deal with his second big impulse purchase was a pure delight.  

He may not be positive what he wants to do with his life, but I was there for his inner conflict and his banter with Izzy. 

It was also fabulous to catch up with Jake and Harper, Chase and of course Mama from the first book. I'm really at home on Oakwood Ranch at this point and I'm totally looking forward to reading Chase's book. 

Oh and woah those sexy scenes are hot! Was loving those too! 

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.