Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Adalyn’s viral outburst with Sparkles the mascot kicks off the entire story. How did this opening scene make you feel about her as a character right from the start? 

2. How did you feel about the novel’s take on a sports redemption story? How does Adalyn’s journey with the Green Warriors fit into or subvert your expectations for this kind of narrative?

3. Did you find the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Adalyn and Cameron believable and satisfying? What specific moments or interactions really sold you on their growing connection?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Initially, Adalyn’s identity is defined by her high-powered career. Have you ever had a job that defined a large part of who you are? What were the positives and negatives of that situation?

2. Cameron moves to Green Oak seeking anonymity and a quiet life after a traumatic event. Have you ever felt the pull to escape to a new place to heal or start over? 

3. The novel emphasizes The Restorative Power of Community through Adalyn’s experiences in Green Oak. Think about a time a community embraced you. What small gestures or acts of kindness made the biggest impact on making you feel like you belonged?

4. A major hurdle for Adalyn is her inability to accept help, which Cameron constantly challenges. Do you find it difficult to accept help, or do you find it easy to reach out to others?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Adalyn’s viral outburst quickly prompts the hashtag #sparklesgate, reducing her to a meme and shaping how the public sees her. What does this incident suggest about the nature of viral fame and “cancel culture” in our digital age? How does the story explore the gap between a person’s public persona and their private reality?

2. The story presents a stark contrast between the cutthroat, corporate world of Miami and the close-knit, community-oriented life in Green Oak. What commentary do you think the author is making about modern definitions of success and fulfillment?

3. Adalyn’s career exists in the male-dominated world of professional sports, where her emotional outburst is labeled “female rage.” How does the novel critique the professional double standards that women often face? Do her experiences resonate with challenges you’ve observed or faced in other professional fields?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does the recurring motif of Adalyn’s footwear, shifting from impractical heels to sturdy boots, chart her internal journey? What does this seemingly small detail reveal about her changing priorities and sense of self?

2. Both Adalyn and Cameron hide behind defensive personas—the “ice queen” and the “grumpy recluse.” How does the author use their forced proximity and witty banter to gradually chip away at this armor? What does their journey say about the courage it takes to be truly vulnerable?

3. Andrew Underwood is a complex antagonist of the novel. What were your thoughts on the final revelations about his connection to Green Oak and his daughter, Josie? How did this information change your understanding of his motivations and his treatment of Adalyn?

4. The Long Game is the first book in the Green Oak series, introducing characters like Josie and Matthew who take center stage in the second book in the series, The Fiancé Dilemma. How did knowing this was part of a larger, interconnected world influence your reading experience? Did it make the town of Green Oak feel more alive?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Imagine you are in charge of public relations for Adalyn and Cameron’s new Warriors Soccer Youth Club. Write the club’s core mission statement. How would you promote it to the community to reflect the values they discovered in Green Oak?

2. If you were casting a movie adaptation of The Long Game, which actors would you choose to play Adalyn, Cameron, and Josie? What qualities make them the perfect fit for these roles?

3. The story ends with Adalyn and Cameron building a new life and business together. Picture them five years in the future. What new “long game” might they be playing, either personally or professionally?