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Breaking His Serve
A tennis player's game is shaken when he faces his alluring arch-nemesis. Will love or victory triumph on the court?
Chase Rossi is confident in his position at first singles on his college team. Then his biggest enemy shows up with a quest to unseat him. Though Chase hates him, he can’t ignore a growing and infuriating attraction. But Chase has sworn off dating men, right?
River Adams shifts the focus of his tennis career and joins the college team after his mother gets cancer. The coach pits him against Chase, the hottest guy he’s ever seen. The best part? The easy way he gets under Chase’s skin. Could there be something more than rivalry behind Chase’s indignant attitude?
As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, the two find their opposing personalities might be a perfect match. Chase is attracted to everything he should hate about River—his ridiculous antics, his carefree attitude, and his competitive nature. As they realize they complement each other in every way, can they move past the rivalry to give their hearts fully?
Breaking His Serve is a standalone novel that is set in the Mesa Boys universe. This novel features enemies becoming lovers, opposites attracting, sweet and steamy first times and a spicy Halloween with a maid costume. It guarantees an HEA and has no cliffhangers. It features a man burned by love, and a rebel risk taker.
Trigger This book contains interactions with a drug-addicted, absent parent and another who is dying from cancer.
*** An epilogue has been added. ***
Chase Rossi is confident in his position at first singles on his college team. Then his biggest enemy shows up with a quest to unseat him. Though Chase hates him, he can’t ignore a growing and infuriating attraction. But Chase has sworn off dating men, right?
River Adams shifts the focus of his tennis career and joins the college team after his mother gets cancer. The coach pits him against Chase, the hottest guy he’s ever seen. The best part? The easy way he gets under Chase’s skin. Could there be something more than rivalry behind Chase’s indignant attitude?
As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, the two find their opposing personalities might be a perfect match. Chase is attracted to everything he should hate about River—his ridiculous antics, his carefree attitude, and his competitive nature. As they realize they complement each other in every way, can they move past the rivalry to give their hearts fully?
Breaking His Serve is a standalone novel that is set in the Mesa Boys universe. This novel features enemies becoming lovers, opposites attracting, sweet and steamy first times and a spicy Halloween with a maid costume. It guarantees an HEA and has no cliffhangers. It features a man burned by love, and a rebel risk taker.
Trigger This book contains interactions with a drug-addicted, absent parent and another who is dying from cancer.
*** An epilogue has been added. ***
350 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2022
28 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Christie Gordon
75 books267 followersChristie Gordon is the author of steamy, heartfelt gay romance novels that explore the emotional journey of men discovering themselves and finding love. It all started when she stumbled upon MM fanfiction by accident—and let's just say, it was love at first read. Inspired by the genre's mix of passion and complexity, Christie transitioned from reading about men in love to writing her own stories. After taking fiction writing classes at a local community college, she published her first MM romance novel in 2009 with a small press, and she’s never looked back.
When she’s not writing, Christie watches boys-love dramas, creates digital art, or is serenaded by her snoring one-eyed rescue pug. A graduate of both Electrical Engineering (BS) and Business Administration (MBA), she spends her "day job" navigating the high-tech world, but her heart belongs to the characters who live in her books. Christie currently resides in the Phoenix metro area, though she’s also lived in California’s Bay Area and Minnesota (which probably explains her deep love of pumpkin spiced latte coffees and hockey).
She’s also the proud mother of two young-adult sons who provide plenty of material for stories—usually in the form of chaotic shenanigans. But no matter what, Christie’s always up for a new adventure, whether it's on the page or in the real world.
For information about her and her work, please visit her website at: www.christiegordon.com
Sign up for her Newsletter for free reads, updates and give aways: https:www.ChristieGordon.com/newsletter
Join her Reader’s Group for exclusive content: Christie’s Cocktale Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chris...
To friend or follow:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristieGord...
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When she’s not writing, Christie watches boys-love dramas, creates digital art, or is serenaded by her snoring one-eyed rescue pug. A graduate of both Electrical Engineering (BS) and Business Administration (MBA), she spends her "day job" navigating the high-tech world, but her heart belongs to the characters who live in her books. Christie currently resides in the Phoenix metro area, though she’s also lived in California’s Bay Area and Minnesota (which probably explains her deep love of pumpkin spiced latte coffees and hockey).
She’s also the proud mother of two young-adult sons who provide plenty of material for stories—usually in the form of chaotic shenanigans. But no matter what, Christie’s always up for a new adventure, whether it's on the page or in the real world.
For information about her and her work, please visit her website at: www.christiegordon.com
Sign up for her Newsletter for free reads, updates and give aways: https:www.ChristieGordon.com/newsletter
Join her Reader’s Group for exclusive content: Christie’s Cocktale Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chris...
To friend or follow:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristieGord...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/chris...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiegor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 23, 2024
Serious question—Has this author ever watched a tennis match, whether it be live or on television? The premise is so nonsensical for anyone who is remotely cognizant of competitive tennis. This is fiction, but it’s better to omit something than to have it be erroneous.
There are multitudinous tennis inaccuracies, but some of the greatest hits:
They are compared to McEnroe and Borg multiple times. This makes little sense for young men. The astute choices would be Federer and Nadal.
The coach would not be making analysis after one point.
This is not baseball. Tennis players, at their level, do not "whiff." These guys swing and miss constantly.
You don’t call “out” in warm-ups.
Unless one of them is left-handed, crosscourt shots are always forehand to forehand and backhand to backhand.
No one says “love all” in tennis. Ever.
You do not serve from the “center mark” in doubles. If you did, you would more than likely hit your partner in the head with the ball.
“Forehands or backhands” is not a drill at their alleged level.
Consistently returning serve from “halfway between the baseline and the service line.” Junior players do not even do this.
You do not say “game point.” Only a commentator would say this—never a player.
If River is good enough to consider playing professionally, he would not even be close to Chase in ability.
“I’d like to turn pro at some point.” This is not something a serious tennis player would ever say or even think. He does not have a personal coach and he’s barely beating university-level competition.
This book is afflicted by punctuation and sentence structure issues. The writer does not employ possessive proper nouns enough. Too much “his” and “he’s” instead of Chase/Chase’s or River/River’s. Her lack of transitions from paragraph to paragraph (one situation or day, then it’s two days later with no explanation) is grating.
POV is not used effectively at all. It’s the writer talking, and then randomly inserting a thought or two into one of the guys’ heads.
They constantly tuck their shirts in, whether it’s for tennis or for everyday wear. What are they, 70?
She desperately needs a thesaurus. She says “seed” a zillion times. There are many other words for male excretions. Same for “shaft” and “rocked”/“rocking.” And bottoming for the first time--so impractical. And just “knowing” how to find the prostate. Goes great with the hands-free cumming, because of course there’s that.
The cross-dressing thing takes up way too much time on page. Given the Bro Vibe she seems to initially be going for, it also comes out of left field. There’s way too much focus on the maid costume and the Halloween party. Bizarre and clunky.
They reveal their true feelings, have a romantic evening, and…watch porn together.
The acid test for latent homophobia: Would the author write “X” this way if it were a straight couple? Here, the answer is no. These two are planning the rest of their lives together. They are in a committed and monogamous long-term relationship. So why are they still using condoms? They discuss their sexual histories (on page), but no testing or PrEP or going bareback? How are readers supposed to believe in this couple and this alleged HEA?
Toward the end—possibly the most contrived “angst” in a romance novel. And I’ve read some duds.
The relationship is overshadowed by the dissonance.
I like that River bleaches his hair.
There are multitudinous tennis inaccuracies, but some of the greatest hits:
They are compared to McEnroe and Borg multiple times. This makes little sense for young men. The astute choices would be Federer and Nadal.
The coach would not be making analysis after one point.
This is not baseball. Tennis players, at their level, do not "whiff." These guys swing and miss constantly.
You don’t call “out” in warm-ups.
Unless one of them is left-handed, crosscourt shots are always forehand to forehand and backhand to backhand.
No one says “love all” in tennis. Ever.
You do not serve from the “center mark” in doubles. If you did, you would more than likely hit your partner in the head with the ball.
“Forehands or backhands” is not a drill at their alleged level.
Consistently returning serve from “halfway between the baseline and the service line.” Junior players do not even do this.
You do not say “game point.” Only a commentator would say this—never a player.
If River is good enough to consider playing professionally, he would not even be close to Chase in ability.
“I’d like to turn pro at some point.” This is not something a serious tennis player would ever say or even think. He does not have a personal coach and he’s barely beating university-level competition.
This book is afflicted by punctuation and sentence structure issues. The writer does not employ possessive proper nouns enough. Too much “his” and “he’s” instead of Chase/Chase’s or River/River’s. Her lack of transitions from paragraph to paragraph (one situation or day, then it’s two days later with no explanation) is grating.
POV is not used effectively at all. It’s the writer talking, and then randomly inserting a thought or two into one of the guys’ heads.
They constantly tuck their shirts in, whether it’s for tennis or for everyday wear. What are they, 70?
She desperately needs a thesaurus. She says “seed” a zillion times. There are many other words for male excretions. Same for “shaft” and “rocked”/“rocking.” And bottoming for the first time--so impractical. And just “knowing” how to find the prostate. Goes great with the hands-free cumming, because of course there’s that.
The cross-dressing thing takes up way too much time on page. Given the Bro Vibe she seems to initially be going for, it also comes out of left field. There’s way too much focus on the maid costume and the Halloween party. Bizarre and clunky.
They reveal their true feelings, have a romantic evening, and…watch porn together.
The acid test for latent homophobia: Would the author write “X” this way if it were a straight couple? Here, the answer is no. These two are planning the rest of their lives together. They are in a committed and monogamous long-term relationship. So why are they still using condoms? They discuss their sexual histories (on page), but no testing or PrEP or going bareback? How are readers supposed to believe in this couple and this alleged HEA?
Toward the end—possibly the most contrived “angst” in a romance novel. And I’ve read some duds.
The relationship is overshadowed by the dissonance.
I like that River bleaches his hair.
February 1, 2022
Chase and River have an excellent opposites attract vibe going here, and I liked that their different perspectives/outlooks initially clashed but later became a strong point of their relationship. I’m a sucker for enemies-to-lovers, especially when you get to see feelings gradually shift on the page, and I think this book does a nice job of that as well. These characters are easy to care about and to want good things for— well worth a read.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2022
I loved River and Chase and their enemies to lovers/opposites attract romance in this book. What I most enjoyed was that as these two get close and their relationship deepens, they don't change character and become just like each other as can happen in some opposites books. These two maintain their distinct and differing personalities and find them an asset and something that strengthens their bond.
February 2, 2022
I love sports romances, specially with the added of enemies to lovers theme. Chase and River are competitive and they push to be in first place. I liked that their story feels real, with real problems, awesome family and the pace the author sets is perfect. Their opposites personalities also bring spice to their journey from hating each other to loving each other. Sweet read!!
January 20, 2022
The setting for this one is Flagstaff, Arizona - up in the northern part of the state, not like the touristy parts down south. River & Chase are incoming seniors at Arizona Northern University. They are the #1 and #2 players on the varsity tennis team, and the story follows them from late summer when they first meet until just after Thanksgiving weekend.
The theme here is "enemies-to-lovers" combined with "opposites attract." Chase and River are both bi - River is more out & proud about his sexuality, while Chase is mostly closeted about his. Chase's personality is more low-key and by his own admission "boring." River is very outgoing and full of bravado. We follow them as they 1) compete for top spot on the tennis team; 2) deal with family issues including cancer & drug abuse; 3) initially both hate each other and then somehow fall in "like"; 4) and then develop a romantic relationship that leads to something more.
I liked how both MC's broke walls down in each other and discovered things that they are trying to hide. River's false bluster really covers-up his hurts and fears. Chase stays withdrawn thinking he's just another pretty face with no substance. As their connection grows, both guys help the other become more self-confident and well-rounded.
I also liked how their first sexual encounter wasn't all that fulfilling. Sometimes fireworks don't explode the first time and it takes a couple sessions to set them off. That was the case here - first time awkward, next time fire!
Finally, Chase & River's families are really an integral part of the story. River's Mom especially. If every queer kid had families like these two guys have, the world would be a much better place.
As I was reading, I kept thinking that the title should really be "Three Months." Chase has not had any relationship last longer than this and he's developed a self-fulfilling prophecy about getting dumped after 3 months dating someone. This sfp appears repeatedly throughout the book. Will Chase & River last longer? - you'll have to read it to find out!
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review. 5 Stars!!!!
The theme here is "enemies-to-lovers" combined with "opposites attract." Chase and River are both bi - River is more out & proud about his sexuality, while Chase is mostly closeted about his. Chase's personality is more low-key and by his own admission "boring." River is very outgoing and full of bravado. We follow them as they 1) compete for top spot on the tennis team; 2) deal with family issues including cancer & drug abuse; 3) initially both hate each other and then somehow fall in "like"; 4) and then develop a romantic relationship that leads to something more.
I liked how both MC's broke walls down in each other and discovered things that they are trying to hide. River's false bluster really covers-up his hurts and fears. Chase stays withdrawn thinking he's just another pretty face with no substance. As their connection grows, both guys help the other become more self-confident and well-rounded.
I also liked how their first sexual encounter wasn't all that fulfilling. Sometimes fireworks don't explode the first time and it takes a couple sessions to set them off. That was the case here - first time awkward, next time fire!
Finally, Chase & River's families are really an integral part of the story. River's Mom especially. If every queer kid had families like these two guys have, the world would be a much better place.
As I was reading, I kept thinking that the title should really be "Three Months." Chase has not had any relationship last longer than this and he's developed a self-fulfilling prophecy about getting dumped after 3 months dating someone. This sfp appears repeatedly throughout the book. Will Chase & River last longer? - you'll have to read it to find out!
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review. 5 Stars!!!!
February 5, 2022
Good enemies to lovers romance.
My first book by Christie Gordon, and I enjoyed it. I do like an enemies to lovers story, and this was that in spades. Talk about opposites attract! River is like a whirlwind, while Case is much more sober, solemn and serious. However, the two have more in common than they think. This gives us an interesting story, about two guys with issues, family issues, and a sweet love story. Recommended. 4 and a half
My first book by Christie Gordon, and I enjoyed it. I do like an enemies to lovers story, and this was that in spades. Talk about opposites attract! River is like a whirlwind, while Case is much more sober, solemn and serious. However, the two have more in common than they think. This gives us an interesting story, about two guys with issues, family issues, and a sweet love story. Recommended. 4 and a half
January 29, 2022
This enemies to lovers, first time, coming of age story centers on two college seniors on their college tennis team. One is new to the team and challenges the long time member for the number one spot.
Chase has been on the tennis team throughout college and is looking forward to his senior year in the number one slot. Newcomer River is also a senior who had plans to turn pro but his mother’s illness has kept him at home so he can be with her. He decides to join the college team in order to keep playing and give him something to keep his mind occupied instead of dwelling on his mother. The two know each other and River defeated Chase pretty badly at a tournament during the summer. River is also unabashedly out and unfiltered. He immediately gets under Chase’s skin and when the coach says he’s pairing them as first doubles it looks like it will be clash of the Titans. But as they get to know each other feelings change and a relationship develops.
The bones of the story are good but the book really needs a good editor. Some elements are repetitive, some do nothing to advance the storyline. There are things thrown out that look like they could be important and create tension and they are just left to dangle. The sex scenes come off as gratuitous and are written like B level porn.
It’s too bad because there was a lot too work with here that could have made a great and emotionally fulfilling story. Instead it seems rushed and not well plotted. Additionally I hope a good editor and proofreader are going over the final version as there are a lot of errors, some that change the intent of the scene.
**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
Chase has been on the tennis team throughout college and is looking forward to his senior year in the number one slot. Newcomer River is also a senior who had plans to turn pro but his mother’s illness has kept him at home so he can be with her. He decides to join the college team in order to keep playing and give him something to keep his mind occupied instead of dwelling on his mother. The two know each other and River defeated Chase pretty badly at a tournament during the summer. River is also unabashedly out and unfiltered. He immediately gets under Chase’s skin and when the coach says he’s pairing them as first doubles it looks like it will be clash of the Titans. But as they get to know each other feelings change and a relationship develops.
The bones of the story are good but the book really needs a good editor. Some elements are repetitive, some do nothing to advance the storyline. There are things thrown out that look like they could be important and create tension and they are just left to dangle. The sex scenes come off as gratuitous and are written like B level porn.
It’s too bad because there was a lot too work with here that could have made a great and emotionally fulfilling story. Instead it seems rushed and not well plotted. Additionally I hope a good editor and proofreader are going over the final version as there are a lot of errors, some that change the intent of the scene.
**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
January 24, 2022
Breaking His Serve is an incredibly sweet & steamy m/m romance.
River & Chase are both tennis players at college and both competitive. They have played against each other previously as rivals but now River has come to the same college as Chase in his hometown for personal reasons.
The banter and wind ups between these two are great and it turns into so much more.
Chase has had a previous bad experience that left him heartbroken so he had sworn to never go after a guy again. His girlfriends never seem to last long either. Poor Chase.
River has got so much going on in his life and he doesn’t want any of his teammates to know what’s happening at home. He just wants to be part of the team and take his mind off things.
Between tennis and Chase it’s a great distraction, until one night things come crashing down and it hits him hard. Chase is there for him and learns the secrets he’s been keeping.
I love the banter between them, their chemistry is off the charts and it’s so very sweet.
This book was an absolute unexpected gem and I can’t recommend it enough. I’m looking forward to future books by this amazingly talented author. It’s got all the feels with some heartbreak too. It can be hard to read some bits at times but it really makes the story. It all blends so well. It made my heart ache, race and swoon. Truly incredible.
A huge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Please read trigger warnings as may be upsetting for some.
River & Chase are both tennis players at college and both competitive. They have played against each other previously as rivals but now River has come to the same college as Chase in his hometown for personal reasons.
The banter and wind ups between these two are great and it turns into so much more.
Chase has had a previous bad experience that left him heartbroken so he had sworn to never go after a guy again. His girlfriends never seem to last long either. Poor Chase.
River has got so much going on in his life and he doesn’t want any of his teammates to know what’s happening at home. He just wants to be part of the team and take his mind off things.
Between tennis and Chase it’s a great distraction, until one night things come crashing down and it hits him hard. Chase is there for him and learns the secrets he’s been keeping.
I love the banter between them, their chemistry is off the charts and it’s so very sweet.
This book was an absolute unexpected gem and I can’t recommend it enough. I’m looking forward to future books by this amazingly talented author. It’s got all the feels with some heartbreak too. It can be hard to read some bits at times but it really makes the story. It all blends so well. It made my heart ache, race and swoon. Truly incredible.
A huge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Please read trigger warnings as may be upsetting for some.
January 31, 2022
Competition for the first spot, some serious attraction and some cheesy scenes with lots of emotional support. This book had a bit of everything. TW : Parent with cancer
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My Rating : 3.5/5 🌟🌟🌟✨
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Chase and River had the 'Opposites Attract' going on with their feelings towards each other. Chase, with his secret pining and his closeted attraction; and River, with his big personality and open flirting. Their meeting and the consecutive flirting scenes were kinda funny, and the friendship circle made the confrontations lighter. They still had their vulnerable moments and I loved how Chase was always there for him. It was really heartwarming and adorable.
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Coming to the story and character development, I felt the story didn't have any flow with respect to the chapter scenes. And the character development wasnt to my satisfaction. The relationship proceeded to grow quick and the ending was rushed after the confession (and evern before that). This book had so much potential that went under utilised. This was my first book by the author, but I will definitely pick up any future releases!
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Thank you GayRomanceReviews for the gifted arc!
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Book 26 - January 2022 / Arc / GRR
Tags : Opposites Attract, Bisexual MC's, Grumpy/Sunshine, Sports Romance, MM College Romance
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My Rating : 3.5/5 🌟🌟🌟✨
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Chase and River had the 'Opposites Attract' going on with their feelings towards each other. Chase, with his secret pining and his closeted attraction; and River, with his big personality and open flirting. Their meeting and the consecutive flirting scenes were kinda funny, and the friendship circle made the confrontations lighter. They still had their vulnerable moments and I loved how Chase was always there for him. It was really heartwarming and adorable.
.
Coming to the story and character development, I felt the story didn't have any flow with respect to the chapter scenes. And the character development wasnt to my satisfaction. The relationship proceeded to grow quick and the ending was rushed after the confession (and evern before that). This book had so much potential that went under utilised. This was my first book by the author, but I will definitely pick up any future releases!
.
Thank you GayRomanceReviews for the gifted arc!
.
.
Book 26 - January 2022 / Arc / GRR
Tags : Opposites Attract, Bisexual MC's, Grumpy/Sunshine, Sports Romance, MM College Romance
January 26, 2022
Chase is heading into his senior year the number one on his tennis team in singles and feeling confident. Until he shows up to practice and realizes that River is joining the team. River, who recently beat him in a match. River, who is likely a better player than him. And to add insult to injury the coach is forcing them to team up and play doubles together to help them both improve. Chase tends to be more cautious, River more explosive and more of a risk taker on the court. Chase is not happy. They start out as fierce competitors, Chase fears River will take his number one spot. But over time they grow to see that there are things that they can learn from one another and they challenge and support one another on and off the court. River is dealing with his mother' illness and as they grow closer Chase becomes someone he can lean on to keep it together. Chase, who has had a hard time feeling like he can find someone to go the distance with in life realizes that what he has with River is the real deal. These two bring balance to one another and come to realize that off the court and on they can face whatever because they are better together.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
February 3, 2022
Chase and River ❤️
4 Stars 🌟
This spicy and Oooooo so enjoyable enemies to lovers book turned into so much more!! This was a heartfelt story about love and support for your partner who will inevitably suffer the loss of a parent to cancer....Chase was such a rock for River, who struggled to deal with the care of his mother all while maintaining tennis and school.....in turn River taught Chase what it was like to be loved and to be loved wholly ❤️ This book had several layers and turned out to be such a great story.... I have to say, as I read the ending... it just ended without an epilogue, it was sooo disappointing. IMO this book deserved an epilogue, with that being said..I was well worth the read.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars 🌟
This spicy and Oooooo so enjoyable enemies to lovers book turned into so much more!! This was a heartfelt story about love and support for your partner who will inevitably suffer the loss of a parent to cancer....Chase was such a rock for River, who struggled to deal with the care of his mother all while maintaining tennis and school.....in turn River taught Chase what it was like to be loved and to be loved wholly ❤️ This book had several layers and turned out to be such a great story.... I have to say, as I read the ending... it just ended without an epilogue, it was sooo disappointing. IMO this book deserved an epilogue, with that being said..I was well worth the read.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
January 21, 2022
Love Chase and River! Two very different guys starting out as rivals and becoming partners and lovers! Chase is a pretty serious kind of guy and has rules about relationships as he does not trust easily and is actually very insecure. River however is a free spirit and is going to flirt his way into Chase's heart! Loved the chemistry here! Banter that becomes so much more! River has a lot going on underneath and Chase is going to be the support he needs! Loved watching these two come together! I received an ARC of this book recommend for those who love opposites attract flirty banter, sports, romance and some angst all perfectly balance between to lovable young guys!
January 31, 2022
Competition in high school is always interesting. When they are forced to play as a team, they have to overcome the conflicts. They find they actually work well together. There is a lot of different emotion but at their age that is normal. Such opposite personalities contribute to a lot of the interaction between them. I feel that interaction was pretty entertaining. River dealing with his mom is heartbreaking. There is so many different things going on in this story just as in real life. I find there are quite a few unanswered questions so I hope the author will write something that answers these.
January 19, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. This was a beautifully written novel that had just the perfect level of competitiveness. River and Chase were such a great couple and I loved River's banter. Normally I don't like when one of the MC's is as insecure as Chase is but it somehow worked in this book. The timing and story development kept the story moving on at a rate that made the book perfect. The only thing I would have changed would have been to have a more detailed epilogue where we could see where the characters were at in a year or 5 years.
January 21, 2022
This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. Both River and Chase are both tennis players who play for their university and are seated first and second. Their coach decides to team them up but Chase was against it at first. They slowly got to know each other especially with River having to deal with his family stuff. It was great to see them open up to each other and grow. The romance was sweet and quite steamy. I am hoping there might be a second book to see what happens later on.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
February 10, 2022
This is the first tennis story I have read so it was interesting to get a small peek into the sport. Chase and River were competitors with River beating him during a past tournament. Then River joined Chase's college team after his mother's illness forces him to delay going pro. I enjoyed that this used the enemies to lovers trope so well. You get to see them grow first into friend then fall in love with each other. They help each other grow both on and off the court. It isn't a totally smooth journey but it was entertaining.
January 12, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author and I pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed reading this story. I thought it was well written and the story had a nice flow. Although the two main characters were in their early twenties and still finding themselves, it also deals with some emotional issues like River's mum suffering from terminal cancer and they both have some insecurities. But at the same time it's also full of flirting, chemistry and sweetness.
January 24, 2022
The book has a lovely story but far too many unfinished stories along the way. Character development is excelleentfor the main characters but the two families and the two other main tennis players are enigma's There is also a feeling the story is unfinished (an epilogue or an indication there is a second book in the series would have been satsfying. However, I believe the author has wonderful potential.
February 21, 2022
He loves his tennis and he wants to go far, he can beat others fairly easily until they turn up. He knows he now has a rival for his spot. They are so different to each other but it also seems they could be made for the other. Their mother has cancer and he wants to do what is needed to help his mother. Will these two find a connection? Can a love form? Will it help the other? See just how they get on
January 21, 2022
River and Chase are such a great couple and I love River's banter. They meet as competitors on the tennis court. They both have issues to work through in the book. I thought this was well written story with a nice flow. This book made me laugh and cry, it really touched my heart. I would definitely recommend it.
January 27, 2022
I really liked this book. The characters were quite believable and written in a way that was appropriate for the story without going overboard. The medical part of the story was written in an empathetic manner but it would have been nice to know how that turned out as it was a bit of a loose end or an opportunity for another book to see what happened next.
February 4, 2022
While I wasn’t wowed by this story, the one thing I really did like was how Chase was always there for River. With the exception of one time, which was just a cluster, without fail Chase was always there. That type of character is one that appeals to me. I also enjoyed how these two are very competitive with one another. It helps both of them grow as tennis players and as characters (to a lesser degree). I’m not gonna lie, the steamy bits were fun.
June 22, 2022
Amazing
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. River's sarcastic flirty side was perfect for Chase's shy side. In the bedroom it was fire. Or wherever they were it was fire. Chase deserves his HEA. And River needs someone for when his mom dies and beyond. They're absolutely perfect for each other.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. River's sarcastic flirty side was perfect for Chase's shy side. In the bedroom it was fire. Or wherever they were it was fire. Chase deserves his HEA. And River needs someone for when his mom dies and beyond. They're absolutely perfect for each other.
December 8, 2025
So, this book took place in the same universe as several of the author's other series including the Mesa Boys, but there are no cross-over characters. This was a good enemies-to-lovers story, and even though the ending was bittersweet , the couple had their HEA.
January 21, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up
Christie Gordon's Breaking His Serve, an enemies to lovers, new adult sports romance with plenty of sweet & heat!
BookReview: http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2022...
Christie Gordon's Breaking His Serve, an enemies to lovers, new adult sports romance with plenty of sweet & heat!
BookReview: http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2022...
November 3, 2023
3.75 stars
Wonderful plot tamed by bad editing.
A story about Chase, an up and coming tennis player, and River, Chase's much hated rival who is the only other player to ever beat him on the court. And now River is on Chase's team! Oh, let the sparks and snark fly!!
Wonderful plot tamed by bad editing.
A story about Chase, an up and coming tennis player, and River, Chase's much hated rival who is the only other player to ever beat him on the court. And now River is on Chase's team! Oh, let the sparks and snark fly!!
March 5, 2022
I absolutely loved this contemporary romance.
Such a great book with a solid storyline and great characters.
I eagerly look forward to reading more from this author.
A definite recommend
Such a great book with a solid storyline and great characters.
I eagerly look forward to reading more from this author.
A definite recommend
May 6, 2022
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars. This did nothing for me. It was a bit repetitive and it really needed a good editor and proofreader. Lots of potential but just not quite there yet.
April 12, 2024
Love the Love
Great story
Love it when partners stick together through thick n thin & learning to trust each other
Highly Recommend
Great story
Love it when partners stick together through thick n thin & learning to trust each other
Highly Recommend
July 11, 2025
Although I liked Christie Gordon previous "The Swarm books" a lot, I was a bit disappointed here, not convinced by the protagonists. Sorry Christie !
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