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The Academy #2
Love Match
Getting into The Academy is the easy part. Staying there takes more than just talent. After being betrayed by her rival and her boyfriend, Maya knows she needs to shrug off the drama and focus on her game. And after a strong showing in the semi-finals at a tennis competition, Maya seems pretty focused. Until that competition brings a new round of gossip, a modeling gig, and renewed feelings for . . . her ex?And Maya's not the only one with drama. Cleo just won her first big golf tournament, but the blogs are bashing her alternative style. Renee is smitten with the school's newest soccer star, Diego. And the Reed brothers are being pitted against each other by their father, their love for Maya, and the press.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2014
24 people are currently reading
887 people want to read
About the author
Monica Seles
8 books47 followersMonica Seles is a former Yugoslav world No. 1 professional tennis player and a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
She was born and raised in Novi Sad, Serbia. She holds dual Hungarian and United States citizenship as of 2007.
She won nine Grand Slam singles titles, winning eight of them while a citizen of Yugoslavia and one while a citizen of the United States.
She was born and raised in Novi Sad, Serbia. She holds dual Hungarian and United States citizenship as of 2007.
She won nine Grand Slam singles titles, winning eight of them while a citizen of Yugoslavia and one while a citizen of the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 2, 2014
I only have love for one trashy series at a time, and Game On secured Monica Seles's The Academy series as my chosen. Love Match cements its position with more drama, and occasional sport.
Yes, sport. There are plenty of physical female characters in YA fiction, but usually they're defensive or violent, so it's great to see sport have a starring role. Tennis player Maya Hart's point of view guides the entire novel, even though her own storyline is so-so. Her on-court career is going great, but her off-court life is less successful - mostly due to her dual attraction for gridiron-playing brothers, and the occasional upstaging in the media by her rival.
Chinese golfer Cleo has won a junior invitational tournament yet keeps being criticised by a particular blogger. First for her outfits, then for her "partying", and lastly for being "Americanized". This storyline is awkward because the characters seem to equate criticism with "trolling"/"bullying". It turns out the blogger's motives are good, but the execution is not. Cleo's sub-plot wraps up neatly with a happy ending.
South African/French swimmer Renee Ledecq is a little heart-breaking here. The daughter of wealthy parents, she's extremely generous to others...but doesn't treat herself half as well. However, her latest relationship could teach her to love herself more, and hopefully this will be expanded upon in a future novel.
This addictive series has hooked me fully, and further books set in the Academy 'verse would be most welcome. Yes it's trash, but it's MY kind of trash.
Yes, sport. There are plenty of physical female characters in YA fiction, but usually they're defensive or violent, so it's great to see sport have a starring role. Tennis player Maya Hart's point of view guides the entire novel, even though her own storyline is so-so. Her on-court career is going great, but her off-court life is less successful - mostly due to her dual attraction for gridiron-playing brothers, and the occasional upstaging in the media by her rival.
Chinese golfer Cleo has won a junior invitational tournament yet keeps being criticised by a particular blogger. First for her outfits, then for her "partying", and lastly for being "Americanized". This storyline is awkward because the characters seem to equate criticism with "trolling"/"bullying". It turns out the blogger's motives are good, but the execution is not. Cleo's sub-plot wraps up neatly with a happy ending.
South African/French swimmer Renee Ledecq is a little heart-breaking here. The daughter of wealthy parents, she's extremely generous to others...but doesn't treat herself half as well. However, her latest relationship could teach her to love herself more, and hopefully this will be expanded upon in a future novel.
This addictive series has hooked me fully, and further books set in the Academy 'verse would be most welcome. Yes it's trash, but it's MY kind of trash.
Read
November 7, 2013I find these fairly addictive. Maybe because I never played sports?
March 12, 2022
I LOVED this book so much!! I'm so sad that it is the final book in the series, but I liked how it ended. The perfect book to buy me for my birthday, (Thank you Mum and Dad).
October 6, 2013
The first one was a bit of a disappointment but I'm willing to see what the second book has to offer. If it's bad as well I just won't read anymore books in the series.
May 20, 2016
Getting in to the Academy was the easy part for Maya Hart, it's staying there that's proving tricky. After the explosive ending of Game On, in which Maya's rival Nicole tricked her then boyfriend Jake Reed in to thinking Maya had cheated on him, and Jake promptly fell in to bed with Nicole, Maya is trying to push the betrayal to the side and focus on her game, not the drama. Unfortunately Maya has been pegged by Nicole as a threat, and Nicole has plenty of tricks up her sleeve, especially when Maya is approached by Nicole's agent after a spectacular showing at the Semi Finals of a Tennis Competition.
Maya's focus is firmly on, but her showing in the competition brings plenty of media attention along with a potential agent. There's plenty of gossip going round about Maya and the Reed brothers, not helped by Maya's renewed feelings for her ex. Which one...I hear you cry! Well let's just say Jake's plan to get her back is....flawed. Along with her new found stardom comes a modelling gig, that causes some waves in her relationship with a Reed brother. And some drama involving Nicole, who's determined to destroy Maya.
Maya however, is not the only one with Drama. Soccer star Diego finally arrives at the academy, and Renee is smitten with the boy who's determined to get her to see her beauty is nothing to do with what's on her plate. Cleo has won her first big golf tournament, but is ripped to shreds in the press for her hair and her look, not to mention a certain blogger making her life hell. The Reed brothers? Well they're being pitted against each other more than ever by their father, the press and their love for Maya. Never a dull moment at the Academy.
I have been waiting for this book with baited breath, I loved Game On, and the ending left me wanting more...I mean...Jake and his declaration, I so couldn't wait to see what happened next and I loved the world created. So when after months of agonized waiting, the book fell through my letterbox courtesy of Bloomsbury, I was practically vibrating with excitement to immerse myself in the book....I decided to wait until after I re-read Game On.
Love Match picks up mere weeks after the events of Game On, and we're thrown right in to the action with Maya in her tournament. From then on, Love Match is every bit as fast paced as Game On, and just as full of action. The prose is concise, easy to read and keeps the reader engaged the whole way through, and this is one of those books you can't bear to put down. I read it in a mere couple of hours, dreading the impending ending as I watched the pages thin out.
Sequels are always so hit and miss, even with an ending set up like Game On had, sometimes they just don't match up, or their a let down, not Love Match. The world we're thrown in to with the narrative is so easy to immerse yourself in, you can picture the campus and the atmosphere so clearly from the few words on the page. Love Match was Game On's equal, if not even better.
Love Match is full of just as much drama as Game On. Come on..I know we all love a bit of drama! Interspersed with the drama, was plenty of action. Love Match does not feature a relationship as Game On did, Maya doesn't get back with Jake, partly because his idea of "getting her back" is incredibly crappy, and he could totally use some pointers from Renee.
In Love Match we see Travis and Maya rebuild their friendship, and while Travis wants more, they maintain a friendship that looks set to continue in to the next book. It was great to see a friendship blossom from the fallout of the last book, and certain moments should satisfy the romance quota for those who need some romance. Jake is absent except for a few equally painful but kind of cute moments, and it's still a question as to who Maya will end up with.
Cleo's storyline really impressed me. The thing about the Academy books so far is that we get an inside look in to the world of sports. We get to see how an actual sports academy would work, what would go on, and we get an inside glimpse in to the pressure sports stars are under, which is incredibly realistic seeing as quite a few sports stars are as young as our favourite Academy characters. While our protagonist is a Tennis star, and we do get to see how the world of Tennis operates, we also get a nice glimpse in Love Match of how the Gold world works.
The thing with Golf that I have gathered through reading the book and watching it myself, is that while females play it, it's truly considered a male sport. Everyone dresses conservatively and Cleo stands out for her hair and her clothing. I really felt for Cleo, even though I saw her personally as being really strong and brave, the critics only got to her visibly once. After a makeover and subsequent revert back to her original style, I loved the underlying message that you should always be who you are, no matter who you are and what you do. Personally, if there was a girl like Cleo playing golf, I'd be more inclined to watch it.
Maya is just as strong a character as ever, she's grappling so many things at once, and remains focused. She works so hard for what she wants, even though she's dealing with the fall out from Game On and it truly has to be admired. Maya always manages to make the right decision, and this time she managed to overcome Nicole's attempt to sabotage an opportunity. Renee is still one of my favourites, and I'd love to see more of her and her world with the swimming in the next book!
I know there's no next book listed on Goodreads, but the ending of Love Match is left open for another book, and I really hope there is. With Maya being just friends with Travis, and Jake insisting she has to get over what happened with Nicole because he will get her back, i'm intrigued to see who she ends up with. I also want to see her kick ass at the upcoming tournament! I am yet to decide whether I am Team Jake or Team Travis, I feel Travis has been misunderstood more than his brother after reading Love Match, and Jake has improved his behaviour, but if I was Maya, I don't know if I'd be able to easily get over what he did.
Love Match is fast paced, with plenty of action and drama to keep you entertained the whole way through. The plot has plenty of twists and turns, and loads happens to keep you engaged in the story. Even knowing Nicole was behind certain things didn't spoil the enjoyment for me, as I didn't work out a couple of other things that surprise me.
Romance takes a backseat in Love Match, where it was front and centre in Game On along with the sports side of things, Love Match is all about the sports, the drama and the budding friendship between Maya and Travis. While I love a good romance, there was drama aplenty and lots of hints of romance to keep a hardcore romance lover reading.
Love Match sucks you in to the world created, until you kinda wanna live on the campus yourself, and you just don't want to put the book down. Not to mention the ending of the book that leaves you wanting more, and leaves you utterly heartbroken with the wait for a new book.
Love Match is a fantastic insight in to the world of sports for teens, and has a plot line that's easy to follow and prose that's easy to read, but entertaining and has you laughing out loud. Repairing relationships, working hard, hints of romance, sports, Drama and being true to yourself are what this book is all about! Love Match is perfectly portraying it's own section of the overall story that is Maya Harts life, while managing to subtly set the scene for the next book in a way that doesn't overshadow the current story being told.
I cannot get enough of these books, or the world we get to see!
Maya's focus is firmly on, but her showing in the competition brings plenty of media attention along with a potential agent. There's plenty of gossip going round about Maya and the Reed brothers, not helped by Maya's renewed feelings for her ex. Which one...I hear you cry! Well let's just say Jake's plan to get her back is....flawed. Along with her new found stardom comes a modelling gig, that causes some waves in her relationship with a Reed brother. And some drama involving Nicole, who's determined to destroy Maya.
Maya however, is not the only one with Drama. Soccer star Diego finally arrives at the academy, and Renee is smitten with the boy who's determined to get her to see her beauty is nothing to do with what's on her plate. Cleo has won her first big golf tournament, but is ripped to shreds in the press for her hair and her look, not to mention a certain blogger making her life hell. The Reed brothers? Well they're being pitted against each other more than ever by their father, the press and their love for Maya. Never a dull moment at the Academy.
I have been waiting for this book with baited breath, I loved Game On, and the ending left me wanting more...I mean...Jake and his declaration, I so couldn't wait to see what happened next and I loved the world created. So when after months of agonized waiting, the book fell through my letterbox courtesy of Bloomsbury, I was practically vibrating with excitement to immerse myself in the book....I decided to wait until after I re-read Game On.
Love Match picks up mere weeks after the events of Game On, and we're thrown right in to the action with Maya in her tournament. From then on, Love Match is every bit as fast paced as Game On, and just as full of action. The prose is concise, easy to read and keeps the reader engaged the whole way through, and this is one of those books you can't bear to put down. I read it in a mere couple of hours, dreading the impending ending as I watched the pages thin out.
Sequels are always so hit and miss, even with an ending set up like Game On had, sometimes they just don't match up, or their a let down, not Love Match. The world we're thrown in to with the narrative is so easy to immerse yourself in, you can picture the campus and the atmosphere so clearly from the few words on the page. Love Match was Game On's equal, if not even better.
Love Match is full of just as much drama as Game On. Come on..I know we all love a bit of drama! Interspersed with the drama, was plenty of action. Love Match does not feature a relationship as Game On did, Maya doesn't get back with Jake, partly because his idea of "getting her back" is incredibly crappy, and he could totally use some pointers from Renee.
In Love Match we see Travis and Maya rebuild their friendship, and while Travis wants more, they maintain a friendship that looks set to continue in to the next book. It was great to see a friendship blossom from the fallout of the last book, and certain moments should satisfy the romance quota for those who need some romance. Jake is absent except for a few equally painful but kind of cute moments, and it's still a question as to who Maya will end up with.
Cleo's storyline really impressed me. The thing about the Academy books so far is that we get an inside look in to the world of sports. We get to see how an actual sports academy would work, what would go on, and we get an inside glimpse in to the pressure sports stars are under, which is incredibly realistic seeing as quite a few sports stars are as young as our favourite Academy characters. While our protagonist is a Tennis star, and we do get to see how the world of Tennis operates, we also get a nice glimpse in Love Match of how the Gold world works.
The thing with Golf that I have gathered through reading the book and watching it myself, is that while females play it, it's truly considered a male sport. Everyone dresses conservatively and Cleo stands out for her hair and her clothing. I really felt for Cleo, even though I saw her personally as being really strong and brave, the critics only got to her visibly once. After a makeover and subsequent revert back to her original style, I loved the underlying message that you should always be who you are, no matter who you are and what you do. Personally, if there was a girl like Cleo playing golf, I'd be more inclined to watch it.
Maya is just as strong a character as ever, she's grappling so many things at once, and remains focused. She works so hard for what she wants, even though she's dealing with the fall out from Game On and it truly has to be admired. Maya always manages to make the right decision, and this time she managed to overcome Nicole's attempt to sabotage an opportunity. Renee is still one of my favourites, and I'd love to see more of her and her world with the swimming in the next book!
I know there's no next book listed on Goodreads, but the ending of Love Match is left open for another book, and I really hope there is. With Maya being just friends with Travis, and Jake insisting she has to get over what happened with Nicole because he will get her back, i'm intrigued to see who she ends up with. I also want to see her kick ass at the upcoming tournament! I am yet to decide whether I am Team Jake or Team Travis, I feel Travis has been misunderstood more than his brother after reading Love Match, and Jake has improved his behaviour, but if I was Maya, I don't know if I'd be able to easily get over what he did.
Love Match is fast paced, with plenty of action and drama to keep you entertained the whole way through. The plot has plenty of twists and turns, and loads happens to keep you engaged in the story. Even knowing Nicole was behind certain things didn't spoil the enjoyment for me, as I didn't work out a couple of other things that surprise me.
Romance takes a backseat in Love Match, where it was front and centre in Game On along with the sports side of things, Love Match is all about the sports, the drama and the budding friendship between Maya and Travis. While I love a good romance, there was drama aplenty and lots of hints of romance to keep a hardcore romance lover reading.
Love Match sucks you in to the world created, until you kinda wanna live on the campus yourself, and you just don't want to put the book down. Not to mention the ending of the book that leaves you wanting more, and leaves you utterly heartbroken with the wait for a new book.
Love Match is a fantastic insight in to the world of sports for teens, and has a plot line that's easy to follow and prose that's easy to read, but entertaining and has you laughing out loud. Repairing relationships, working hard, hints of romance, sports, Drama and being true to yourself are what this book is all about! Love Match is perfectly portraying it's own section of the overall story that is Maya Harts life, while managing to subtly set the scene for the next book in a way that doesn't overshadow the current story being told.
I cannot get enough of these books, or the world we get to see!
February 14, 2016
I have decided to merge these 2 books together in one review. I could write one for each book, but I thought this would be way more fun.
At first I bought the second book (though I didn't know at that time it was a second book, I just saw the book at a discount, it looked great and I couldn't wait to read it), but after reading a bit, I noticed that they really did jump into the story, and after some research, I found out that it was because this was the second book. But now I have read the first and the second book, and you know what, I do hope that we will get another book, as it feels incomplete after the second book. There is still enough that can still be discussed, things like Maya's love triangle towards 2 boys (and the boys to her), her finding an agent (because she does need one), her winning competitions (instead of getting to second or third place), there is just so much that I would love to see in the book, so I am crossing my fingers that we will get a third book.
I really was interested in the idea of a sports-academy, a boarding school with everything for everyone who does sports. Golf? Tennis? Football? Soccer? Swimming? Many other sports? Come on in. However, if you aren't rich, then good luck getting into the school. And that was another thing I did like. Instead of giving up, Maya just fights, fights and fights to get accepted to the school. Her parents aren't filthy rich, and I just loved her fighting spirit. The school was extra-ordinary, well, at least for the people who were rich. The scholarkids had 6 months to proof themselves, and they are in some house that wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best there was. The rich kids? They get the villas, the epic stuff and also the opportunity to buy whatever they want. It was really interesting, and the author really described all these elements well, it felt like I was also taking a tour, I could just imagine the rolling green grass, the fancy villas, and then, the scholarship houses.
Maya is a fantastic character, though I have to say that I liked her better during the beginning of the first book, and throughout the second book. For most of the first book she is just changing, changing into an image that is just bad, not only for her, but also for her friends. She starts to neglect them, starts to take other stuff over them and much much more. I didn't like that Maya, and I was hoping she would be kicked of her high horse and get down to the normal people. Sure, I can imagine why she changed, so much is happening, and she isn't used to all this fame and richness that is coming to her.
But even with these flaws, she is a kick-ass character and trains her butt of to be the number 1 of the world. Especially in the second book she is just amazing.
And I think that with these flaws, it makes her more human, more interesting to me. I think if Maya would only have trained, just started a few friendships and didn't have all the drama, the fame, and all the stuff happening, I would be utterly bored. The drama, the rivalry, even the horrendous love triangle, make the book and make Maya into a character that you just want to cheer for.
We also have some great side-characters, like Renee (insecure, but beautiful Renee), who I already liked in the first book, but with all that happened in the second book, became on of my favourite characters. I won't tell you what happens to her, you will just have to read the book, but I was delighted she was getting a chance like this.
Then we have Cleo, a truly epic character, with also stuff happening. She is Chinese, but dresses up in her own way, which, in a sport like golf, isn't really taken kindly. But Cleo is also kick-ass and super sweet, I just loved how she said what she wanted to say, she wasn't ever really rude or mean, she just spoke her mind and that made her really great.
That brings me to another point. Every character, well except the queen mean bitch Nicole, has a story to tell. Each character is filled out with a story, with traits, with their own problems and backgrounds, and wow, I was just delighted. Instead of just keeping Maya interesting, the author made everyone awesome in the book.
Well, all, except for Nicole. Dear Lord, our typical antagonist and queen bee of the court. I just disliked her so much. At first I thought she would be nice, and also very friendly, but after something happened in the first book, I just saw a different Nicole, and I didn't like it. Even with such an unlikeable antagonist, I still wanted to know more about Nicole. Sadly, that doesn't really happen. She is there, she does stuff that is bad, and that is it. Unlike for instance Canterwood Crest, in which the antagonist and queen bee has their own story to tell, Nicole is just flat and does nothing special but being mean. It is a real shame, it could have been a great story if we had some background on Nicole.
Then we come to the tennis, while there is enough practising, I still wish we had some more tennis matches. In 2 books, we only have 1 real match and 1 fake match, and I was just disappointed. The boarding school setting wasn't the only reason I picked up this book, it was also for the sports element, and I feel that one wasn't really around much.
Most of the book is about Maya, her romance stuff, her friends, and fame. And while it did make for a good book, it felt one-sided. I think it would have been rounded more if we actually had some matches. Oh, and not only that, but I would have liked to see some school stuff as well. We only have a few scenes where they are actually in school, and it felt a bit unrealistic.
The last thing to discuss is the love triangle. I am not a big fan of those. Especially when they are done like these books did. I wish Maya would just pick for once, and also keep to her decision. Not waver constantly between the two guys. Not looking once at other guys, just drooling about them. Going into endless circles of drama. I was already annoyed with the stuff that happened in the first book, and I was hoping (with that ending) that the second book would focus on something different. Sadly, I can tell you, that won't happen. :(
But all in all, I really enjoyed these 2 books and they were a fun read. I would still recommend them to everyone looking for drama, a bit of tennis, and a girl fighting to become number 1 (though losing that goal at times).
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
At first I bought the second book (though I didn't know at that time it was a second book, I just saw the book at a discount, it looked great and I couldn't wait to read it), but after reading a bit, I noticed that they really did jump into the story, and after some research, I found out that it was because this was the second book. But now I have read the first and the second book, and you know what, I do hope that we will get another book, as it feels incomplete after the second book. There is still enough that can still be discussed, things like Maya's love triangle towards 2 boys (and the boys to her), her finding an agent (because she does need one), her winning competitions (instead of getting to second or third place), there is just so much that I would love to see in the book, so I am crossing my fingers that we will get a third book.
I really was interested in the idea of a sports-academy, a boarding school with everything for everyone who does sports. Golf? Tennis? Football? Soccer? Swimming? Many other sports? Come on in. However, if you aren't rich, then good luck getting into the school. And that was another thing I did like. Instead of giving up, Maya just fights, fights and fights to get accepted to the school. Her parents aren't filthy rich, and I just loved her fighting spirit. The school was extra-ordinary, well, at least for the people who were rich. The scholarkids had 6 months to proof themselves, and they are in some house that wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best there was. The rich kids? They get the villas, the epic stuff and also the opportunity to buy whatever they want. It was really interesting, and the author really described all these elements well, it felt like I was also taking a tour, I could just imagine the rolling green grass, the fancy villas, and then, the scholarship houses.
Maya is a fantastic character, though I have to say that I liked her better during the beginning of the first book, and throughout the second book. For most of the first book she is just changing, changing into an image that is just bad, not only for her, but also for her friends. She starts to neglect them, starts to take other stuff over them and much much more. I didn't like that Maya, and I was hoping she would be kicked of her high horse and get down to the normal people. Sure, I can imagine why she changed, so much is happening, and she isn't used to all this fame and richness that is coming to her.
But even with these flaws, she is a kick-ass character and trains her butt of to be the number 1 of the world. Especially in the second book she is just amazing.
And I think that with these flaws, it makes her more human, more interesting to me. I think if Maya would only have trained, just started a few friendships and didn't have all the drama, the fame, and all the stuff happening, I would be utterly bored. The drama, the rivalry, even the horrendous love triangle, make the book and make Maya into a character that you just want to cheer for.
We also have some great side-characters, like Renee (insecure, but beautiful Renee), who I already liked in the first book, but with all that happened in the second book, became on of my favourite characters. I won't tell you what happens to her, you will just have to read the book, but I was delighted she was getting a chance like this.
Then we have Cleo, a truly epic character, with also stuff happening. She is Chinese, but dresses up in her own way, which, in a sport like golf, isn't really taken kindly. But Cleo is also kick-ass and super sweet, I just loved how she said what she wanted to say, she wasn't ever really rude or mean, she just spoke her mind and that made her really great.
That brings me to another point. Every character, well except the queen mean bitch Nicole, has a story to tell. Each character is filled out with a story, with traits, with their own problems and backgrounds, and wow, I was just delighted. Instead of just keeping Maya interesting, the author made everyone awesome in the book.
Well, all, except for Nicole. Dear Lord, our typical antagonist and queen bee of the court. I just disliked her so much. At first I thought she would be nice, and also very friendly, but after something happened in the first book, I just saw a different Nicole, and I didn't like it. Even with such an unlikeable antagonist, I still wanted to know more about Nicole. Sadly, that doesn't really happen. She is there, she does stuff that is bad, and that is it. Unlike for instance Canterwood Crest, in which the antagonist and queen bee has their own story to tell, Nicole is just flat and does nothing special but being mean. It is a real shame, it could have been a great story if we had some background on Nicole.
Then we come to the tennis, while there is enough practising, I still wish we had some more tennis matches. In 2 books, we only have 1 real match and 1 fake match, and I was just disappointed. The boarding school setting wasn't the only reason I picked up this book, it was also for the sports element, and I feel that one wasn't really around much.
Most of the book is about Maya, her romance stuff, her friends, and fame. And while it did make for a good book, it felt one-sided. I think it would have been rounded more if we actually had some matches. Oh, and not only that, but I would have liked to see some school stuff as well. We only have a few scenes where they are actually in school, and it felt a bit unrealistic.
The last thing to discuss is the love triangle. I am not a big fan of those. Especially when they are done like these books did. I wish Maya would just pick for once, and also keep to her decision. Not waver constantly between the two guys. Not looking once at other guys, just drooling about them. Going into endless circles of drama. I was already annoyed with the stuff that happened in the first book, and I was hoping (with that ending) that the second book would focus on something different. Sadly, I can tell you, that won't happen. :(
But all in all, I really enjoyed these 2 books and they were a fun read. I would still recommend them to everyone looking for drama, a bit of tennis, and a girl fighting to become number 1 (though losing that goal at times).
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
November 11, 2013
Maya Hart has had an interesting first year at The Academy capturing the attention of not only the mean girl Nicole Ryan but also the hearts of brothers Travis and Jake Reed whose father Nails Reed is the Headmaster of The Academy. However, though the chemistry is present with both brothers , she only really has love for one - the bad boy Jake Reed. Can Maya prove to Jake, that she wants him not Travis ? Maya has also been entered in a tennis tournament and gets the chance of a lifetime to play against a star - though she loses but the game is tight and becomes the longest playing game in history - Maya finds herself in the spotlight , with an agent and the perks of being a star. Is it too much for Maya to handle or will she be able to find her place amongst the best and brightest ? Meanwhile, Maya's roommate Cleo is on the victim end of a nasty blogger named Grant Adams who somehow thinks because of Cleo's dress sense and the fact she is the world's best golf player that she is upending everything golf stands for. Can Cleo get her revenge or will she have to sharpen up her act and change her image just as Daphne did on the movie "What a Girl Wants". Renee has been a bit of a slapper and never felt really in love, but what happens when she falls for scholarship student Diego and she finds herself failing to impress as all she knows is a world of money and riches ? Can Diego show her that having money isn't all it is cracked up to be and that sometimes you don't have to have money to have a good time.
Find out in this awesome series, that I am looking forward to reading Book #3 if or when it's released.
The Academy series are great reads for all those who love Boarding School Novels and have an interest in relationships, friendship dynamics and sport.
March 19, 2014
Compared to the first book, I liked this a lot more! Going into it knowing that there might not be that much about sports makes a big difference for what I'm expecting when reading.
And surprisingly, there was more about sports in this one than the first! So it made for a nice surprise when reading.
I think Maya is growing into a more mature woman. After her situation with Nicole, Travis and Jake in the first book she is realizing that not all things are as they seem and her trust level has gotten very low.
I'm still team Jake. Travis seems a little fake to me, but he grew on me a little bit more in this book. But Jake really surprised me and I love him any more now!
Also, I really liked Cleo's story in this novel. She is a fighter and is her own self - not bending to society's rules.
The only thing that I hate about this book is the ending! I know there is another book coming but I don't know when and I don't want to wait! Grr. So far really loving this series! Would recommend it to other readers as long as I tell them it's not really about sports, lol.
And surprisingly, there was more about sports in this one than the first! So it made for a nice surprise when reading.
I think Maya is growing into a more mature woman. After her situation with Nicole, Travis and Jake in the first book she is realizing that not all things are as they seem and her trust level has gotten very low.
I'm still team Jake. Travis seems a little fake to me, but he grew on me a little bit more in this book. But Jake really surprised me and I love him any more now!
Also, I really liked Cleo's story in this novel. She is a fighter and is her own self - not bending to society's rules.
The only thing that I hate about this book is the ending! I know there is another book coming but I don't know when and I don't want to wait! Grr. So far really loving this series! Would recommend it to other readers as long as I tell them it's not really about sports, lol.
March 14, 2014
Yes I have waited so long to have this book finally in my hands.
BTW this review may contain slight to heavy spoilers so don't read is you don't want to know!!!
So this book picks up a few weeks later when game on finished. Maya still has a broken heart but its mending she starts to be friends with Travis and it is totally adorable the way they act not like romance more like friends with a little more um passion. And Jake...Jake oh Jake is trying to give her distance but ends up just ditching her though you do see a different side to him. So this book is more centered on the game and challenges of an up and coming star. i have to admit i thought i wouldn't enjoy it but It was actually refreshing how Maya had to deal with the game and press(BTW Nicole is a big fat B***h) and how she is starting to help her friends.
Overall i liked this book a little better than the first one no second book syndrome at all was a fun intriguing read:)
BTW this review may contain slight to heavy spoilers so don't read is you don't want to know!!!
So this book picks up a few weeks later when game on finished. Maya still has a broken heart but its mending she starts to be friends with Travis and it is totally adorable the way they act not like romance more like friends with a little more um passion. And Jake...Jake oh Jake is trying to give her distance but ends up just ditching her though you do see a different side to him. So this book is more centered on the game and challenges of an up and coming star. i have to admit i thought i wouldn't enjoy it but It was actually refreshing how Maya had to deal with the game and press(BTW Nicole is a big fat B***h) and how she is starting to help her friends.
Overall i liked this book a little better than the first one no second book syndrome at all was a fun intriguing read:)
March 11, 2015
NUUU, WHAT IS WITH THE ENDING. DAMN IT WHY ISN'T THERE A DEFINITE ENDING. Okay, basically, this is the continuation to the first book. Remember how the first book ended? Nicole played both Jake and Maya, causing Jake to bang his frustrations by sleeping with Nicole (well, fuck man.) YEAH. So, if you think this second book will be all loveydovey about Jake and Maya getting back together, YOU. ARE. SO. WRONG. This second book mainly focuses on Maya's career as a sportswoman. Maya's lovelife wasn't the main focus, which was sad (for me) because I was so looking forward to it. But the book was still engaging, if you're interested in the followup for Nicole's bitchiness. Anyway, yeah, as stated in the first line, I wasn't too impressed with the ending, especially since there won't be any book three. :(
December 22, 2014
I thought this book was simply brilliant. It was intriguing and dramatic without making the main character seem trashy. I thought it was also genius to switch things up and write about girl's tennis because it is a rare topic among teen literature, but I might be bias because I love tennis in general.
January 6, 2019
Second book in Sports Academy series, with main character a Tennis star of the future, written apparently, or it has her name on the cover, Monica Seles.
Like the first one there is not enough tennis and too much teenage angst and romantic fluff. More intrigue on the court please!
Not sure if there are of will be anymore in this series as this seems to be the last one listed on this site.
Like the first one there is not enough tennis and too much teenage angst and romantic fluff. More intrigue on the court please!
Not sure if there are of will be anymore in this series as this seems to be the last one listed on this site.
July 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book, I didn't get bored and was invested. But, I do wish it was more sports than romance. I mean, Maya IS a tennis player in The Academy, after all. I wish The Academy spoke more about Maya's tennis games but it seemed it was mostly romance.
Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the book and the whole series.
Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the book and the whole series.
May 21, 2017
Basically the same review as the other book, the writing is okay but the characterisation is better. It frustrates me a bit but I think only because the author never made the next book, it definitely left it a little too open ended.
Read
July 28, 2020How do I start reading were do I go
August 5, 2021
I really love the first book but the sequel was a disappointment for me. I was just hoping more and that’s just it.
August 1, 2014
A couple of weeks ago, I posted the review of “Game On,” which I read twice in July. I found “Game On” to be a light, entertaining read, despite its lack of… well, there was no tennis in it.
I pleasantly surprised to see that Seles decided to start “Love Match” with Maya describing a tennis match at a pro tournament. I love the way she describes the match as a dance. Though slightly clichéd, the metaphor was appreciated (none of my non-tennis-playing friends seem to understand me when I say that a good rally has a rhythm to it).
That being said, there’s really only two brief scenes in “Love Match” that actually involve tennis playing. Most of the book revolves around Maya’s increasing fame and the business side of being a pro athlete, as well as Cleo’s decreasing sense of self-image as the media continues to shove her individuality back into her face.
After starting Seles’s autobiography “Getting a Grip: On My Body, My Mind, My Self,” I realized that Maya’s experiences with the media reflect a lot of what Seles experienced as a young athlete. Maya (and Seles) went pro because she loves tennis. She was prepared for the competition and rigorous training, but she wasn’t ready to meet aggressively persistent agents, deal with fashion designers who only want her for her on-camera chemistry with a certain football-playing brother, get stalked by paparazzi or do really awkward interviews with presumptuous reporters.
I would’ve loved a few extra tennis scenes or some inside jokes that only tennis enthusiasts would find ROFL-level hilarious, but I enjoyed seeing the “dark side” of the tennis world.
Once again, Seles heaps on a big lesson of self-appreciation, something I know for a fact that she learned after many trials and tribulations both before and after she got stabbed in 1993. Cleo learns to stop caring what the media thinks about her radical sense of style, and Renee, thanks to her new boyfriend, learns that diets, money and fancy clothes don’t make her any more or less beautiful.
On the more shallow side of the pool, I was excited to see where the Maya/Jake drama was going. Seles brings Travis into the picture right away, but she saves the Jake drama for the last third of the book (admittedly, that make me kind of sad).
Maya’s relationship with Travis seems awkward; it’s more of a tentative friendship than a rekindling romance. I found myself getting annoyed whenever he hinted that he wanted to be more than friends with Maya.
Sorry, Trav, but your brother’s hotter. Move on.
I had a little fangirl moment when Jake finally came back into the picture. Him and Maya. Yikes. Can you say sexual tension?
“It was the first time that I ever really stopped myself from doing what every part of me was screaming to do. And, yeah, I’m going to do stupid things from time to time. I’m going to mess up. But nobody’s perfect. And someday, you’re going to be able to move past how stupid I was with Nicole. You’re just going to have to. Because, Maya, I am going to get you back.”
And, cue the dramatic exit. Dang. That was intense.
Bottom Line
Once again, Monica Seles has written a light, entertaining read that’s a little less sport and a lot more chick-lit.
It’s easy to see that she threw in a few of her own experiences as a young pro-tennis player into the story. Also, the moral of the story, “be yourself,” is much appreciated.
On the more frivolous end, the increasing tension between Maya and Jake is exciting, but this book’s focus on Travis and Maya’s half-a**ed sort-of-friends/sort-of-more relationship is rather underwhelming
I’m looking forward to the next addition to the Academy series, but I know not to expect an increase of actual tennis in the next book. However, I’d love it if I was proven wrong ;)
Cheers to all of my fellow readers—especially the fellow tennis players/enthusiasts—and the members of Team Jake (sorry, I couldn’t help myself).
March 16, 2014
The Academy: Game On was amazing so when I saw this on netgalley, it was a no brainer I knew I had to have it and read it. Quite frankly, I'm so glad I did because The Academy: Love Match is even intenser with more actual sports games and matches that were so captivating and fun to cheer for the person you wanted to win.
The Academy Love Match starts off with the aftermath of the betrayal Maya is left to face. Her life is becoming intensely complicated balancing a rising stardom and the Reed brothers. Maya defiantly has here hands full in this continuation of her story.
Once again we get to see the ever so present Chloe and she is defiantly one of the characters that struggles with her identity in this novel. She certainty is a major part of this story! I also enjoyed this book not only because of Maya's persistent attempts at success and overcoming major obstacles, but because of Chloe, whom after getting a lot of backlash from the golfing community about her sense of style and the way she chooses to dress, fights back and tries not to let it get to her because her style is her and that's honestly such a strong worded message in today's society and I just love that Monica Selles made this message in one of her characters especially in Chloe because she is absolutely one of my favorite characters of this novel by far.( Sheesh that was a really long run on sentence haha)
Then we have the Reed Brothers, who I absolutely must talk about, are one of Maya's main obstacle because the situation coming into this book is so raw and untouched that when you jump into this book Maya's thinking is still fresh as the betrayal she had been dealt with. However, Travis definitely steps up in this book. Although, I'm still very suspicious of his character because lets face it I am fangirling over Jake who is by far just an innocent by standard in all of this and I really do feel for him.
Anyways, while I enjoyed this book, looking back after I read it and even now I still can't figure out the climax of this novel. While there is many things that happened in this book there is nothing that I can point out as the actual climax of this book. Normally climaxes are very noticeable and you notice right away,when you get to it,that it is the climax. This is also the point where your heart completely stops beating and your sitting on the edge of your seat. Unlike the first one, there was no reaction remotely like that to anything in this book that made me continue turning because of suspense -- I turned page after page purely out of curiosity because I honestly can never leave a book and not find out how it ended.
Ending on a high note, the reason I loved Love Match so much was not because of the climax or the plot, but for the characters who all come back stronger then ever and the increased sports and new sport competitions in this novel. Also, Maya finds out her place in the academy and becomes such a strong competitor and her character is very humble about her success unlike Nicole. Which, I will not even get on the subject of Nicole because we might be here a while with all my ranting.
This book was a pleasure to read and returning fans will enjoy this new addition to The Academy series. With increased and intense sport matches, anything is possible and might I add ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IN THIS BOOK. You won't want to miss out on this book!
If you haven't checked out the first one it's the Academy: Game on.
Well what are you still doing here? Go look it up now because It is amazing.
The Academy Love Match starts off with the aftermath of the betrayal Maya is left to face. Her life is becoming intensely complicated balancing a rising stardom and the Reed brothers. Maya defiantly has here hands full in this continuation of her story.
Once again we get to see the ever so present Chloe and she is defiantly one of the characters that struggles with her identity in this novel. She certainty is a major part of this story! I also enjoyed this book not only because of Maya's persistent attempts at success and overcoming major obstacles, but because of Chloe, whom after getting a lot of backlash from the golfing community about her sense of style and the way she chooses to dress, fights back and tries not to let it get to her because her style is her and that's honestly such a strong worded message in today's society and I just love that Monica Selles made this message in one of her characters especially in Chloe because she is absolutely one of my favorite characters of this novel by far.( Sheesh that was a really long run on sentence haha)
Then we have the Reed Brothers, who I absolutely must talk about, are one of Maya's main obstacle because the situation coming into this book is so raw and untouched that when you jump into this book Maya's thinking is still fresh as the betrayal she had been dealt with. However, Travis definitely steps up in this book. Although, I'm still very suspicious of his character because lets face it I am fangirling over Jake who is by far just an innocent by standard in all of this and I really do feel for him.
Anyways, while I enjoyed this book, looking back after I read it and even now I still can't figure out the climax of this novel. While there is many things that happened in this book there is nothing that I can point out as the actual climax of this book. Normally climaxes are very noticeable and you notice right away,when you get to it,that it is the climax. This is also the point where your heart completely stops beating and your sitting on the edge of your seat. Unlike the first one, there was no reaction remotely like that to anything in this book that made me continue turning because of suspense -- I turned page after page purely out of curiosity because I honestly can never leave a book and not find out how it ended.
Ending on a high note, the reason I loved Love Match so much was not because of the climax or the plot, but for the characters who all come back stronger then ever and the increased sports and new sport competitions in this novel. Also, Maya finds out her place in the academy and becomes such a strong competitor and her character is very humble about her success unlike Nicole. Which, I will not even get on the subject of Nicole because we might be here a while with all my ranting.
This book was a pleasure to read and returning fans will enjoy this new addition to The Academy series. With increased and intense sport matches, anything is possible and might I add ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IN THIS BOOK. You won't want to miss out on this book!
If you haven't checked out the first one it's the Academy: Game on.
Well what are you still doing here? Go look it up now because It is amazing.
March 17, 2014
*This review also appears on the blog Chasm of Books*
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Even though I love to read a good book that is really deep and meaningful, sometimes it's nice to have something a bit more lighthearted and fun. Love Match focuses on the social side of an elite sporting academy where there are threats everywhere: from the paparazzi to other peers who really can't be trusted. Add that to a bunch of relationship dramas and you get a story that may be superficial on the surface, but is still a quick and entertaining read.
This book is part of a series (the follow on from The Academy: Game On), I read it as a standalone and think that it explained most things pretty well. Although I'm sure that reading the first book would be great to set down some background information on the characters and some of the other relationships that had developed, this book still stood well on its own. In terms of the plot in general, yes - for the most part it was pretty light and melodramatic. However, what did save this book was the fact that it tackled with some real issues such as bullying, navigating relationships and being comfortable in your own identity. These nice little pieces of 'realness' in the storyline made the book seem a lot more relatable to.
Maya as our main character was also well developed. She stood the moral high ground on most points, supported her friends and didn't let other people bother her. Always looking out for others and a determined tennis player, she was an interesting character to read about. The one thing that I would have liked to see more of was her playing sport and that aspect of the school in general. While we definitely got front-row seats to all the social drama going on, I expected to see more sport explained in a book where this was the main focal setting.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion Love Match was a light, quick read about the dramas of winning a match and not letting others get you down. Although it might seem completely superficial on the outset, it was nice to see that it did make a note of some social issues that do face teens in the real world today.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Even though I love to read a good book that is really deep and meaningful, sometimes it's nice to have something a bit more lighthearted and fun. Love Match focuses on the social side of an elite sporting academy where there are threats everywhere: from the paparazzi to other peers who really can't be trusted. Add that to a bunch of relationship dramas and you get a story that may be superficial on the surface, but is still a quick and entertaining read.
This book is part of a series (the follow on from The Academy: Game On), I read it as a standalone and think that it explained most things pretty well. Although I'm sure that reading the first book would be great to set down some background information on the characters and some of the other relationships that had developed, this book still stood well on its own. In terms of the plot in general, yes - for the most part it was pretty light and melodramatic. However, what did save this book was the fact that it tackled with some real issues such as bullying, navigating relationships and being comfortable in your own identity. These nice little pieces of 'realness' in the storyline made the book seem a lot more relatable to.
Maya as our main character was also well developed. She stood the moral high ground on most points, supported her friends and didn't let other people bother her. Always looking out for others and a determined tennis player, she was an interesting character to read about. The one thing that I would have liked to see more of was her playing sport and that aspect of the school in general. While we definitely got front-row seats to all the social drama going on, I expected to see more sport explained in a book where this was the main focal setting.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion Love Match was a light, quick read about the dramas of winning a match and not letting others get you down. Although it might seem completely superficial on the outset, it was nice to see that it did make a note of some social issues that do face teens in the real world today.
February 13, 2014
Actual Rating: 2.5-3
The Academy: Love Match was not what I was expecting, and in a bad way. I liked the first one okay, though It wasn't my favourite, I did enjoy the drama. So because of that I wanted to see where the second one took us. Love Match being the second in the series I was expecting progression, and that's where it failed. While there was progression and growth with some characters, the mean character and some important characters got left behind completely and therefore was no substance for it to actually feel realistic within the environment. Even the drama wasn't that dramatic as the first, there wasn't anything really going on between Maya and the frenemy.
To be honest, being as short as it was it felt more of an episode edition-or novella- that would then advance into the second book because there wasn't much going on between anything or even what you would expect-the romance. It was bland, and pretty much empty and meaningless, the way Maya switches so abruptly between them again, really doesn't let you care for it. I'd hoped that would've changed from the first, but again, there's no progression in that either.
While I do dislike triangles, it all depends on the characters and how well it's done, and Love Match for me, was not done well at all, and got kind of annoying because besides Travis and Jake not being fleshed out, there was no feelings. You didn't feel it, it's just useless words on paper.
However, Love Match did have more tennis than Game On, so on that front, so much better, but personally I rather Cleo's character than Maya, she actually has a personality while Maya still needs...something. She's there, but she's still a cardboard cut-out that needs to be brought to life. She's still hypocritical, and in some places, she really just needs to get over herself.
While Love Match felt like an episode in-between, it's still quick and addictive as the first, and I do want to see where it goes.
~~A copy was provided by BloomsburyChildrens via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.~
-----
Review originally posted on Studio Reads
The Academy: Love Match was not what I was expecting, and in a bad way. I liked the first one okay, though It wasn't my favourite, I did enjoy the drama. So because of that I wanted to see where the second one took us. Love Match being the second in the series I was expecting progression, and that's where it failed. While there was progression and growth with some characters, the mean character and some important characters got left behind completely and therefore was no substance for it to actually feel realistic within the environment. Even the drama wasn't that dramatic as the first, there wasn't anything really going on between Maya and the frenemy.
To be honest, being as short as it was it felt more of an episode edition-or novella- that would then advance into the second book because there wasn't much going on between anything or even what you would expect-the romance. It was bland, and pretty much empty and meaningless, the way Maya switches so abruptly between them again, really doesn't let you care for it. I'd hoped that would've changed from the first, but again, there's no progression in that either.
While I do dislike triangles, it all depends on the characters and how well it's done, and Love Match for me, was not done well at all, and got kind of annoying because besides Travis and Jake not being fleshed out, there was no feelings. You didn't feel it, it's just useless words on paper.
However, Love Match did have more tennis than Game On, so on that front, so much better, but personally I rather Cleo's character than Maya, she actually has a personality while Maya still needs...something. She's there, but she's still a cardboard cut-out that needs to be brought to life. She's still hypocritical, and in some places, she really just needs to get over herself.
While Love Match felt like an episode in-between, it's still quick and addictive as the first, and I do want to see where it goes.
~~A copy was provided by BloomsburyChildrens via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.~
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Review originally posted on Studio Reads
July 29, 2015
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I guess that this is the perfect chick-lit, full-of-endless-drama for the past twelve-year-old me. I know it would have been. Don't get me wrong, this was a good book, it's just not everything I was looking for. After reading, Love Match seemed to be a book that I just read because A. I had to and B. It was for pleasure and I read the first book in The Academy series. Seles is an okay author who would've done better if she focused on more sports, less publicity and drama for the characters in the school.
This is like the most cliché sequel you can possibly think about. So from what I can remember from reading the first book a few years ago after it was released, it ended with something that broke the hearts of little girls, which I promise I won’t spoil. It’s kind of a book that you’ll spend wishing to be mended and to be perfect by the end. You want that closed ending from the duo logy (which I’m pretty sure this is). I hated the way it ended and it didn’t actually satisfy me as that perfect contemporary romance. It was all catty and bratty in a way. *sighs*
You see that cheesy romance stuff? Don’t we all want depth and real love? This seems like a Bachelor romance that’ll end in a few months, max. I always love relationships in books where I imagine the characters in love forever, you know?
It’s a book that you just want to scream “meh” at. Maya’s character was okay and still the same as I expected her to be. At least, she had a cute posse of friends who were always by her side.
Monica Seles has granted readers something that's no, not brilliantly written or unique in its own way. It's something that very few people will see perfection in, but it wasn't horrible for me to put it down or anything like that. It's more like one of those books you'll start before bed and finish before your eyes begin to sag. That's just my view on it.
I guess that this is the perfect chick-lit, full-of-endless-drama for the past twelve-year-old me. I know it would have been. Don't get me wrong, this was a good book, it's just not everything I was looking for. After reading, Love Match seemed to be a book that I just read because A. I had to and B. It was for pleasure and I read the first book in The Academy series. Seles is an okay author who would've done better if she focused on more sports, less publicity and drama for the characters in the school.
This is like the most cliché sequel you can possibly think about. So from what I can remember from reading the first book a few years ago after it was released, it ended with something that broke the hearts of little girls, which I promise I won’t spoil. It’s kind of a book that you’ll spend wishing to be mended and to be perfect by the end. You want that closed ending from the duo logy (which I’m pretty sure this is). I hated the way it ended and it didn’t actually satisfy me as that perfect contemporary romance. It was all catty and bratty in a way. *sighs*
“So many sense memories filled her from their brief relationship, it was like they were transported back in time. They weren’t in the press box of a football stadium. They were on the couch in his place, the first time they’d kissed.” (145)
You see that cheesy romance stuff? Don’t we all want depth and real love? This seems like a Bachelor romance that’ll end in a few months, max. I always love relationships in books where I imagine the characters in love forever, you know?
It’s a book that you just want to scream “meh” at. Maya’s character was okay and still the same as I expected her to be. At least, she had a cute posse of friends who were always by her side.
Monica Seles has granted readers something that's no, not brilliantly written or unique in its own way. It's something that very few people will see perfection in, but it wasn't horrible for me to put it down or anything like that. It's more like one of those books you'll start before bed and finish before your eyes begin to sag. That's just my view on it.
January 23, 2014
I stumbled across this series by accident when I won a copy on goodreads. From the minute I finished reading The Academy I wanted to read The Academy: Love Match straight away, unfortunately I had to wait six months before I could get my hand on it.
The minute I began reading The Academy: Love Match we find Maya in a tennis match against her tennis idol, and while it doesn't go as planned, she certainly has learnt a lot in the academy and you know she will give Nicole a run for her money. The aftermath of the match leaves the world talking about Maya, with blogs, websites wanting to know more, everyone wants a piece of her.
I love Maya's friends Cleo and Rene, and while we don't really get to see a lot of Rene, Cleo also finds herself in the spotlight with Maya, but for completely different reasons. I felt bad for Cleo, she is slated on blogs, her fashion sense is made a joke of, and she is bullied online. As the story progresses you can see how each jibe at her affects her belief in herself and her confidence. The parts that we do see Rene are short but sweet, and she has a new crush. Seeing how she reacts to her new crush was so sweet, she is so adorably hopeless.
Jake and Travis are just as sexy, and just as annoying, both fighting for Maya's attention in different ways, and both having to face the reality of the situation with their father. I wanted to poke them for being so silly, lock them in a cupboard to work out their differences, and tell them to finally decide what they really want instead of messing with Maya s feelings.
Maya is still torn between them both, but also has to deal with Nicole who is I still want to slap for being so arrogant, deal with her sudden rise in popularity, and help Cleo and Rene deal with their own issues. But it's during these tense times that we get to see Maya shine, and not only do we see how much of a talented player she is, but also how she is gaining confidence in herself and learning how to stand up for herself against Nicole.
The Academy: Love Match was even more enjoyable than it's predecessor, and I think this is my favourite out of them both so far. I really want there to be another book in this series so we can see what happens next for Maya, and I really want Nicole to get what she deserves.
The minute I began reading The Academy: Love Match we find Maya in a tennis match against her tennis idol, and while it doesn't go as planned, she certainly has learnt a lot in the academy and you know she will give Nicole a run for her money. The aftermath of the match leaves the world talking about Maya, with blogs, websites wanting to know more, everyone wants a piece of her.
I love Maya's friends Cleo and Rene, and while we don't really get to see a lot of Rene, Cleo also finds herself in the spotlight with Maya, but for completely different reasons. I felt bad for Cleo, she is slated on blogs, her fashion sense is made a joke of, and she is bullied online. As the story progresses you can see how each jibe at her affects her belief in herself and her confidence. The parts that we do see Rene are short but sweet, and she has a new crush. Seeing how she reacts to her new crush was so sweet, she is so adorably hopeless.
Jake and Travis are just as sexy, and just as annoying, both fighting for Maya's attention in different ways, and both having to face the reality of the situation with their father. I wanted to poke them for being so silly, lock them in a cupboard to work out their differences, and tell them to finally decide what they really want instead of messing with Maya s feelings.
Maya is still torn between them both, but also has to deal with Nicole who is I still want to slap for being so arrogant, deal with her sudden rise in popularity, and help Cleo and Rene deal with their own issues. But it's during these tense times that we get to see Maya shine, and not only do we see how much of a talented player she is, but also how she is gaining confidence in herself and learning how to stand up for herself against Nicole.
The Academy: Love Match was even more enjoyable than it's predecessor, and I think this is my favourite out of them both so far. I really want there to be another book in this series so we can see what happens next for Maya, and I really want Nicole to get what she deserves.
February 15, 2014
'The Academy: Love Match' is the second book in Monica Seles's series about promising tennis player Maya, who finally seems to be getting her fair share of the limelight. I enjoyed the first book last year and although I liked the fact that it combined sport with lashings of drama and gossip, I did wish that the tennis angle had been played up a bit more. I wanted to be given more details and insights into what it meant to be a full-time player trying to make it on the big on the professional circuit and the sacrifices that this entailed. Sadly, this wasn't remedied in 'Love Match' as I felt like I never really saw the blood, sweat and tears that Maya should have been putting in to achieve success. That aside, I still enjoyed the story and I found it a light, entertaining read which I finished in one evening.
At the end of the previous book, things were left in a bit of a mess between Maya and her boyfriend Jake and I was looking forward to seeing how this was going to be resolved. Their romance was however put on the back burner for most of the story and it wasn't until the very end that this thread seemed to be picked up again. There was a lot more Travis than Jake throughout which was a shame because I think Travis is definitely the more one-dimensional of the two brothers.
I love the friendship between Maya and her friends Cleo and Renee. They've really formed a strong bond and it was nice to see them helping each other out and supporting Cleo through a difficult situation. I imagine that the environment they're living in fosters intense competition between athletes but also provides them with a built-in support system because everyone understands what they are each going through.
Although a little light-weight on plot, I'm sure sports fans will lap this up. I still feel invested in Maya's story but I do hope that the next in the series will remedy some of the issues I had with 'Love Match'. I'd love to see Maya finally put some of the petty dramas behind her and really step up to the plate. I know she has it in her to do so.
At the end of the previous book, things were left in a bit of a mess between Maya and her boyfriend Jake and I was looking forward to seeing how this was going to be resolved. Their romance was however put on the back burner for most of the story and it wasn't until the very end that this thread seemed to be picked up again. There was a lot more Travis than Jake throughout which was a shame because I think Travis is definitely the more one-dimensional of the two brothers.
I love the friendship between Maya and her friends Cleo and Renee. They've really formed a strong bond and it was nice to see them helping each other out and supporting Cleo through a difficult situation. I imagine that the environment they're living in fosters intense competition between athletes but also provides them with a built-in support system because everyone understands what they are each going through.
Although a little light-weight on plot, I'm sure sports fans will lap this up. I still feel invested in Maya's story but I do hope that the next in the series will remedy some of the issues I had with 'Love Match'. I'd love to see Maya finally put some of the petty dramas behind her and really step up to the plate. I know she has it in her to do so.
February 15, 2014
The Academy: Love Match by Monica Seles was a quick, fun read. I enjoyed the first book in the series, Game On, when I read it last year. YA books involving sports are definitely something I'd like to see more of. I think the idea of a superstar sports academy involving the top young athletes is an amazing idea. And while I wish there were better character development in general, I did still enjoy Love Match. There's quite a bit of drama amongst Maya and her friends and the other students at The Academy...
Love Match starts off a couple of weeks after Game On left off and Maya has decided to focus on her sports training. And this paid off quite a lot as Maya is playing against top competitors in a mid-level tennis competition and manages to hold her own against one of her tennis heroes. And in playing so well in this tournament Maya gains the attention of a sports agent and starts receiving a lot of attention from other players and the media that has been very surprising.
What I like about this book in particular is the different issues that have come up. I like how Maya's friendship with alternatively-dressed golfer, Cleo, brings up the issue of image and staying true to yourself. And Renee starts dating soccer-star Diego and begins to see a different side to her wealth and privilege. These are things I'd like to see developed in future books.
Of course one of the main aspects of this series seems to be the relationships between Maya and the Reed brothers, Travis and Jake. This is the thing that drives me slightly crazy though. I'm not fond of story lines in which one character sways easily between two love interests. Things start off strong with Maya focusing on herself and her sports career but towards the end, it seems to be the last thing on her mind. Still. A book that was an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon!
Love Match starts off a couple of weeks after Game On left off and Maya has decided to focus on her sports training. And this paid off quite a lot as Maya is playing against top competitors in a mid-level tennis competition and manages to hold her own against one of her tennis heroes. And in playing so well in this tournament Maya gains the attention of a sports agent and starts receiving a lot of attention from other players and the media that has been very surprising.
What I like about this book in particular is the different issues that have come up. I like how Maya's friendship with alternatively-dressed golfer, Cleo, brings up the issue of image and staying true to yourself. And Renee starts dating soccer-star Diego and begins to see a different side to her wealth and privilege. These are things I'd like to see developed in future books.
Of course one of the main aspects of this series seems to be the relationships between Maya and the Reed brothers, Travis and Jake. This is the thing that drives me slightly crazy though. I'm not fond of story lines in which one character sways easily between two love interests. Things start off strong with Maya focusing on herself and her sports career but towards the end, it seems to be the last thing on her mind. Still. A book that was an enjoyable way to pass an afternoon!
July 30, 2016
I don't know what to say about this book. IT WAS SO AVERAGE. Noting special. But one thing i did know is that i was on team Travis till the end. "Oh i like you and all but i wanna get my family in order." Like really? Dude i was on your side for THE WHOLE book till you said that.
And Jake. Boy... you said you're gonna win her back and then this happens. YOU ONLY SHOW UP FOR LIKE 4 TIMES IN THE WHOLE BOOK. You also avoid her better bluntly, but then said you want her back. Dude that's not how it works.
When Nicole wore Maya's dress i understood her pain. I would've gotten totally pissed, just like Maya did. Never liked Nicole and never will.
Cleo and her problems with Grant Adams, i didn't really like how she actually turned out to be a (OLD)lady. Her changing her looks was not something i loved. I liked how individual she was. When her parents came to visit. I was thinking "Not every American is like that." :)
Renee and Diego was cute IN A WAY. Didn't really love them but they were i think the only OFFICIAL COUPLE in the whole book so i do have to cut them some slack.
This series. I didn't even know if that was it or was there a next book. The ending was so open i hated it.
Also! I feel Grayson was for some reason a key/gonna be important person. I don't know if it was just me.
Favourite Character: Hmmm... No one stood out... WAIT! Dona. liked that girl.
Favourite Scene/Quote: Noting. Nada. Super average this book
Overall Rating: 3 stars.
As i said before this book was so average. So, 3 stars is my average rating. I was looking forward to reading this book after reading Game on last summer. Was expecting Jake to win her back in the cutest way. The cover would be more cuter to me if they got an attractive guy.
And Jake. Boy... you said you're gonna win her back and then this happens. YOU ONLY SHOW UP FOR LIKE 4 TIMES IN THE WHOLE BOOK. You also avoid her better bluntly, but then said you want her back. Dude that's not how it works.
When Nicole wore Maya's dress i understood her pain. I would've gotten totally pissed, just like Maya did. Never liked Nicole and never will.
Cleo and her problems with Grant Adams, i didn't really like how she actually turned out to be a (OLD)lady. Her changing her looks was not something i loved. I liked how individual she was. When her parents came to visit. I was thinking "Not every American is like that." :)
Renee and Diego was cute IN A WAY. Didn't really love them but they were i think the only OFFICIAL COUPLE in the whole book so i do have to cut them some slack.
This series. I didn't even know if that was it or was there a next book. The ending was so open i hated it.
Also! I feel Grayson was for some reason a key/gonna be important person. I don't know if it was just me.
Favourite Character: Hmmm... No one stood out... WAIT! Dona. liked that girl.
Favourite Scene/Quote: Noting. Nada. Super average this book
Overall Rating: 3 stars.
As i said before this book was so average. So, 3 stars is my average rating. I was looking forward to reading this book after reading Game on last summer. Was expecting Jake to win her back in the cutest way. The cover would be more cuter to me if they got an attractive guy.
February 17, 2014
Love Match is the second book in The Academy series, penned by ex-tennis pro Monica Seles. This second instalment isn't quite as good as the first, which I really enjoyed when I read it last year, but it's still an entertaining read for anyone who likes their YA fiction more on the gossipy, dramatic side.
Maya is still the star of the show, chasing boys and trying to balance her social life with her professional alter ego. She becomes involved in modelling, plays several important matches and has the touch decision of which agent to sign with. Nothing is easy at the Academy!
Love Match features more behind the scenes goings-on from the world of sport. The social politics, backstabbing and rivalries are all laid bare, which unfortunately means there isn't much actual tennis being played. What tennis is included is written with a good knowledge and jargon, thanks to Monica Seles' years of expertise.
I like these books and will continue to read them, but I hope future instalments focus more on the sport and less on the social side of things. This series is like Gossip Girl at a sporting school - slick, rich and full of angst. Everything you need for a quick, escapist read!
Maya is still the star of the show, chasing boys and trying to balance her social life with her professional alter ego. She becomes involved in modelling, plays several important matches and has the touch decision of which agent to sign with. Nothing is easy at the Academy!
Love Match features more behind the scenes goings-on from the world of sport. The social politics, backstabbing and rivalries are all laid bare, which unfortunately means there isn't much actual tennis being played. What tennis is included is written with a good knowledge and jargon, thanks to Monica Seles' years of expertise.
I like these books and will continue to read them, but I hope future instalments focus more on the sport and less on the social side of things. This series is like Gossip Girl at a sporting school - slick, rich and full of angst. Everything you need for a quick, escapist read!
March 5, 2014
3.5 Stars. As a tennis fan, I was a little disappointed that this one didn’t feature more sportiness, still, I enjoyed it, it was light enough for a sunny day read, yet had its thoughtful moments, too.
Tennis player, Maya, is torn between football brothers - perfect though possibly manipulative, Travis, and bad boy with a heart of gold, Jake. Maya had solid chemistry with both guys, though I was more interested in the dynamics between the brothers as their dad pits them against one another. I also liked Maya’s friendships, the girls had each other's backs, I only wish odd girl out, conniving Nicole was given more dimension, I’m hoping that’s in the plan as the series rolls along.
Some older readers might be put off by the simplistic writing style here - at times I did crave a little more depth - but keeping things simple allowed the book to touch on topics like body image and being true to who you are without feeling heavy handed about it.
I received this through a Goodreads giveaway.
Tennis player, Maya, is torn between football brothers - perfect though possibly manipulative, Travis, and bad boy with a heart of gold, Jake. Maya had solid chemistry with both guys, though I was more interested in the dynamics between the brothers as their dad pits them against one another. I also liked Maya’s friendships, the girls had each other's backs, I only wish odd girl out, conniving Nicole was given more dimension, I’m hoping that’s in the plan as the series rolls along.
Some older readers might be put off by the simplistic writing style here - at times I did crave a little more depth - but keeping things simple allowed the book to touch on topics like body image and being true to who you are without feeling heavy handed about it.
I received this through a Goodreads giveaway.
March 31, 2014
In this book we continue the story of a young girl accepted into a prestigious school for athletes. Maya was accepted for her amazing abilities in tennis, but she didn't expect to get caught up in a rivalry between one of her idols, or a love triangle between the two boys she knows she can't trust.
In this continuation from the first book, we meet some new people as well as see old friends from the last book. Will Maya get caught up in the politics behind the sport, or will she overcome all the obstacles in her way of becoming the new face of her sport? Will her rival or her boys stand in her way, or will she stand in theirs?
I loved this book because we get to see Maya mature more in this novel than the other, we see her faced with hard choices of right vs. wrong. I also liked it because the love triangle brings an interesting twist to the story, we think we know all the boys moves, but they always manage to surprise us.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in it. I really enjoyed the series and others will too.
In this continuation from the first book, we meet some new people as well as see old friends from the last book. Will Maya get caught up in the politics behind the sport, or will she overcome all the obstacles in her way of becoming the new face of her sport? Will her rival or her boys stand in her way, or will she stand in theirs?
I loved this book because we get to see Maya mature more in this novel than the other, we see her faced with hard choices of right vs. wrong. I also liked it because the love triangle brings an interesting twist to the story, we think we know all the boys moves, but they always manage to surprise us.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in it. I really enjoyed the series and others will too.
August 30, 2014
I read this book in a day. It was better than the last book. It focused more on the tennis aspect. This book also set up a lot of ideas that can be explored in books to come.
I have a hard time with this love triangle. I don't dislike love triangles in books and this book's love triangle i quite good. Except, the characters changed (or I should say grew) a lot in this book so I really don't know where it is going. But thats not a bad thing. :)
This review is very short because there really isn't much to say. I'm not hugely invested in it and it is a way to balance out some (probably) serious books that I'm going to be reading soon. I did enjoy reading it.
This book is a fun, light-hearted read. Thank goodness because there are going to be a lot of books coming out soon that are going to be pretty intense.
I have a hard time with this love triangle. I don't dislike love triangles in books and this book's love triangle i quite good. Except, the characters changed (or I should say grew) a lot in this book so I really don't know where it is going. But thats not a bad thing. :)
This review is very short because there really isn't much to say. I'm not hugely invested in it and it is a way to balance out some (probably) serious books that I'm going to be reading soon. I did enjoy reading it.
This book is a fun, light-hearted read. Thank goodness because there are going to be a lot of books coming out soon that are going to be pretty intense.
July 6, 2015
This book wasnt bad there wasn't a lot of drama like in the first book. Jake said that he was going to get Maya back but through the whole book he really didn't do much he mostly avoid her and I HATED THAT !!! I really wanted him to try to win her back.Travis was the one basically trying to win her. Also Jake wasn't in this book that much Travis was in it a lot though. In the end Travis said that he would focus more on his game then trying to win Maya and Jake realized that he really wasn't doing much to win her but he will win her back.
ANOTHER THING IS I REALLY HATE NICOLE I HOPE HE GETS WHAT SHE DESERVES SHE REALLY IS A B***H !!! This book was okay I liked that there was that much drama. HERE HOPING FOR ANOTHER BOOK!!! :)
ANOTHER THING IS I REALLY HATE NICOLE I HOPE HE GETS WHAT SHE DESERVES SHE REALLY IS A B***H !!! This book was okay I liked that there was that much drama. HERE HOPING FOR ANOTHER BOOK!!! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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