Falling in love cost Teagan her heart and a pro tennis career. But when her rival returns, they’ve got one last chance for a rematch…if they can keep the game on the court!
She came to serve.
Teagan Williams knows how to take a loss—especially a big one. After the spectacular collapse of her tennis career and her romantic relationship (note to self: betrayal does not go with tennis whites), she put down her racket, picked herself up and started her life over.
But now Teagan’s been asked to compete in her country club’s tournament. And she’s considering it. Because what’s the worst that could happen?
Her ex. The spotlight-stealing almost love of her life. That’s what could happen.
Dominic Fletcher gave up everything for tennis. To be a star, to be the best, to bring in the Benjamins. After all, his entire family is depending on him. So why does he feel so discontent? It’s not until he attends a charity tennis tournament that he understands why. Teagan.
Now Teagan and Dominic are taking their differences out on the court—and off. Because despite their past, their chemistry sparks hotter than ever. But getting a chance to even the score is one thing. Playing to win is an entirely different game…
Yahrah St. John is the International author of forty two books. When she’s not at home crafting one of her sexy romances with compelling heroes and feisty heroines with a dash of family drama, St. John can be found in the kitchen cooking one of her gourmet meals discovered on the Food Network for her husband. Or this thrill-seeking junky can be found traveling the globe seeking out her next adventure.
A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. St. John lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful.
Teagan & Dominic were each other’s first love & of course being so young the relationship ended. Fast forward to now Teagan is a successful realtor & Dominic is a star athlete.
This was so funny to read because they both were playing around !! Teagan got on my nerves so much but she was only guarding her heart. Meanwhile Dominic was trying to please everybody!!!!
This wrapped up nicely. I definitely need to check out the other books in the series.
I really wanted to love this book, the premise was fantastic. Second chance romance with a hint of enemies to lovers. Tennis prodigy and then a different career path? Sign me up.
Teagan, could have really used some therapy. It’s clear that her inability to move on from her career ending tennis injury affected all of the relationships in her life. She was quick to be angry and unwilling to let go of the past. Her chemistry with her first love Dominic was there but he had to concede everything without her ever hearing him out. He in fact had not given her any reason not to trust him and yet she acted out on him. Constantly. Especially since she had ended the relationship in the first place.
Also it’s probably petty of me but sometimes it’s the little things that break the immersion for me. The const stating of car makes and models or designer items just didn’t flow naturally into the dialogue. Not to mention we are supposed to believe she is struggling to keep her real estate business afloat when she wins broker of the year two years in a row? That’s not an award for popularity, it’s an award based on production and success. You don’t win it if your company isn’t doing well. I can’t even begin to get started on the fact that her mom woke up one day and decided to stop letting her dad control her to the point that she was an absentee mother. That is a delicate topic to tackle and isn’t just resolved by deciding you were over the control.
The narrator was ok, it was hard to differentiate between the characters that were speaking as they were all done in such a slight deviation.
Overall the story was fine with a great conclusion. It just had the potential to be fantastic with a few minor adjustments.
The premise of this book sounded interesting; however, the book did not quite hit the mark for me. Teegan and Dominic has a past when they were both tennis stars but due to an injury she suffered she is forced to leave the game behind and lost him in the process. Now years later they meet again after he volunteers to play in a charity tournament that she is on the committee of and then he suggests they play a doubles match in hopes of spending more time with her and rekindling that flame.
While I understood that she was upset about what transpired in the past and her feelings were conflicted, I felt like that part of the book just dragged on and became very repetitive. Also, as much as the past situation was brought up in the book, I still didn't feel like I got a clear picture as to why the media would turn on her and she was "outcast" in a sense. After she talked to her friends about how she felt and he spoke to his brother and his agent/friend about how he felt about the past, I wanted them to talk to each other about it and they never did until the end of the book. They jumped into a sexual relationship with each other thinking that would be just what they would have but then feelings start to rise back up but she mainly tried to push it down. Even when he felt more for her than she was admitting she felt for him, he still didn't voice that to her either. I wanted more communication between the two of them.
Her parents situation with her was odd too. I get the father being strict with her and the sport of tennis but I didn't get the hold he had over the mother all these years and then all of a sudden she finds her voice and he goes along with it, it didn't seem to go with how his character was portrayed throughout the book. I was happy that she the found out the truth and was able to get to her HEA but I think it could have flowed better without all the repetitions of the past. thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I love a book that has the main characters competing Teagan & Dominic were so funny to me. Fighting their feelings through witty comebacks & tennis matches really grabbed my attention. Teagan is so headstrong & tough that she wouldn't let that man show her that he was ready for her. And Dominic was too focused on making everyone else happy that he couldn't make time for himself. Both of their parents were absolutely insufferable. I loved The Gems so much. They held my girl down truly. I can't read each of their books. The way they had to navigate through press and past pains tied the whole plot together.
What a pleasure Yahrah St. John's Break Point is! This is the sixth book in their Six Gems series - each of the six friends gets their own novel - and I read this as a standalone. I had no trouble enjoying it completely, though now I'm dying to go back and find out about each of the ladies in this friend group!
The tennis scenes are well written, and the atmosphere St. John creates around both the tennis community and the country club are just right.
Break Point is a really well done second chance, enemies to lovers, romance. Great family drama too with both Teagan and Dominic's families.
The audio version of Break Point is nicely performed by LaDonna Raeh.
an audiobook copy of Break Point was provided by Harlequin Audio, via NetGalley, for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
The sixth and final Gems book featuring strong Black women finding love in middle age is a second chance sports romance between a former tennis star turned real estate agent and her ex, a current pro tennis player who wants another shot.
Heartfelt, emotional and full of drama, this was a fun read. It does have a bit of an eye-rolling third act break up that made me want to shake the MCs and yell at them to just COMMUNICATE but aside from that it was a satisfying end to a series about female friendship and found family.
Recommended for fans of authors like Karmen Lee or other second chance tennis sports romance books like Clean point by Meg Jones. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
The main FC was annoyingAF and there was a lot of wasted words on telling us how rich the MC was. I drive a Bentley SUV, I parked my Bentley SUV next to her Mercedes GLX, I checked my Movado watch, my mom’s Porsche Cayenne and on and on, we get it. I didn’t read the other Gems books and don’t think I will if all the others are as annoying as this FMC.
Featuring: Series List, Former Tennis Pro, Real Estate Broker, Failing Brokerage, Money Woes, Phoenix, Arizona; Country Club, Exes, Tennis Profesional, San Antonio, Texas; Second Chance Trope, Enemies-to-Lovers Trope, The One That Got Away Trope, Girlfriends Group, Friendship, Family Dynamics, Siblings, Paradise Valley, Arizona; Camelback East Village, Misunderstanding Trope, North Carolina, Charity Tennis Tournament, Domineering Parent, Scottsdale, Rivals, Papago Park, Recap of Previous Books, Plans & Updates on Characters, Sex - Detailed, Tricenarians, Friendship, Dance Studio Owner/Instructor, Restaurateur, Realtor, Travel Blogger, Fitness/ Yoga Instructor, Self-Actualization, Series List, Series List with Blurbs and Tropes for Frenemy Fix-Up and Going Toe to Toe; Excerpt from Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin - 29 Pages, Publisher's Links
Rating as a movie: XXX
Songs for the soundtrack: "Diamonds" by Rihanna, "Yeah" by Usher featuring Ludacris, and Lil Jon
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾👩🏾🤝👩🏿👭🏿👩🏿🤝👩🏾💕🎾🏘
My thoughts: 🔖68.8% (Page 6 of 18) in [Chapter] Twenty-Eight: Dominic - I'm stuck in Overdrive, so I only have individual chapter page count. The tennis background story was good, but they have been dancing around the same circle for so long it's gone stagnant. I have been waiting to see the reenactment, then maybe we could see some action. So far, it's just references, arguments, and sex, and a bit dull for me. The Daddy issue is predictable, so I wish they'd blow it up already, they've been bringing it up every other chapter. It's getting old. I'm stopping to drive; I almost made it. This isn't as good as the others despite having better bones.
This story was missing something so it wasn't as enjoyable as I anticipated but it was a very good story. I wish there was more of a completion to the other gems stories but I think that leaves room for a follow-up book that covers everybody.
Recommend to others: Yes. I loved this series.
Six Gems 1. Her Best Friend's Brother (2022) 2. Her Secret Billionaire (2023) 3. Her One Night Consequence (2023) 4. Frenemy Fix-Up (2024) 5. Going Toe to Toe (2024) 6. Break Point (2025)
I really liked this second chance romance. Teagan and Dominic were each other's first love and some unfortunate circumstances led to their falling out when they were young. They were both young athletes who were destined for greatness when an injury sidelined Teagan.
Years later, Teagan is a thriving real estate agent in Phoenix, AZ, and Dominic is the star athlete they both knew he could be. They're thrust together for a charity event in which they're paired up to play a few tennis matches, and just like that their reconnection blooms. But, not really.
Teagan is super hesitant with her heart and does her best to put all the brakes on any kind of relationship between she and Dominic, but I loved his tenacity and how he battled his way back into her life.
They're both grown, have thrived separately in their lives and ventures, and have only been missing love. I really enjoyed how this author wrote their second chance and can't wait to read more about the other books already connected to this one.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Teagan was a complex character—selfish, self-absorbed, and unwilling to take responsibility for the events in her life. Her lingering jealousy, even years later, felt excessive and frustrating. Dominic, on the other hand, didn’t deserve the constant negativity Teagan threw his way every time they crossed paths.
One of the highlights of the story was the friendship with the Gems. Their unwavering support for Teagan was heartwarming, yet they never hesitated to call her out when she was in the wrong. They provided a perfect balance of tough love and genuine care, making them a standout part of the book.
By the end, I found myself understanding Teagan’s perspective more, and she became a much more likable character. Her growth felt authentic, and it was satisfying to see her and Dominic finally get it right. This journey of self-discovery, love, and redemption made for an engaging and rewarding read.
**Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this ARC**
Checked it out for the tennis, hated the main characters.
Some issues: Dominic is a chauvinistic mess - "I want to give her a piece of my mind, but I don't chase after women. Never have, and I'm not about to start now.... If Tegan knows what's good for her, she'll show on Saturday for another session. And when she does, I'll make sure she pays for walking out on me." wtf. but he supposedly loves her? also he ghosted her after an injury, never communicated with her, but she's supposed to be all cool with him? i see other reviews saying Teagan was too harsh and that Dominic never did anything wrong...but he never did anything right either. He left when she needed him the most.
another line the author used while describing a side character really irked me - "Despite being adopted, Lyric always had two loving parents who supported her no matter what..." Despite being adopted?! Isn't that the biggest show of love. again, wtf.
and her mom finally stood up to her controlling and abusive husband, which awesome! but the way it was done was so unrealistic. and she only does it because she wants her daughter to get back together with Dominic. lol. she couldve, and shouldve, had her daughter's back the whole time, but nope.
I also never really understood what happened to Teagan with tennis. She got injured...why did the media turn on her? why was it so dramatic? tennis fans are a forgiving bunch, so i just never got it.
I liked the friendship between the Gems, the occasional tennis mention, and that was about all.
Break Point by Yahrah St. John was an enjoyable second-chance romance with just the right mix of drama, ambition, and chemistry. Teagan's journey from heartbreak to reclaiming her confidence felt authentic, and I loved seeing her navigate the tension between past wounds and present desires. Her ex's reappearance was as frustrating as it was compelling, making their dynamic all the more engaging. The country club setting added an extra layer of stakes, especially with Teagan's personal history tied to the sport. LaDonna Raeh's narration was fantastic. She brought Teagan's emotions to life, capturing her vulnerability and determination. Her voice made the story more immersive, adding depth to the characters' struggles.
I absolutely loved this tennis sport romance book. The FMC and MMC were relatable characters who you just wanted to root for. The FMC did get a little annoying throughout the book, but redeemed herself at the end. The book was beautifully written, engaging and so darn spicy!
Pub Date 25 Feb 2025 I received a digital ARC of this book from Afterglow Books by Harlequin Romance via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review..
I really enjoyed this second chance sports romance. This is the final installment of the Six Gems Series by Yahrah St. John yet my second read.
The situation between the main characters, Teagan and Dominic, is an example of how the lack of communication and misunderstandings can ruin a relationship unnecessarily. Watching them rekindle and find love again was entertaining. The story had just the right amount of spice, humor and charm.
I struggled with this one and I actually think these audiobook made it worse because at times I was enjoying it but I felt the narrator was giving nothing. Typically a second chance romance has a lot of yearning and complicated feelings but this felt different in that the only feelings were hate and lust. We didn’t get to hear anything about the good parts of their original relationship, only the lust and the breakup. They also broke up at like 19 but never gave themselves grace for being SO YOUNG! Nobody makes great decisions when they are teenagers and in front of the world. When they reunited, there was a constant “we need to talk about the past”…”Nevermind it doesn’t matter” over and over and over that it got exhausting. There felt like no actual romance, just hate and sex and refusing to talk.
Some other things that felt off. We barely hear more about Teagan turning her company around and then suddenly she’s winning an award? Dominic tells his mom she has to stop spending money frivolously yet she still has a personal chef. They barely mention his mom’s new boyfriend even though it felt like that was going to be important, same with Teagan’s mom finally standing up to her dad, I’d love to know more about it. Then…why the heck was Lyric wearing a full ballet outfit (leotard, slippers, and a tutu) in Teagan’s house while she’s having a huge conversation with her parents?? It felt like “all I know about ballet is the outfits” to me.
Regarding my issues with the audiobook, this is a dual POV romance yet the entire book is narrated by the one female narrator. And she gives no voices to the characters so I was constantly lost on who was talking. Male or female, the voice was exactly the same. And there was so little acting that every thing felt a bit emotionless and robotic. The spicy scenes especially felt cringey because there was no attempt at acting. I think I might have enjoyed the book more just reading it myself.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC
"Break Point" by Yahrah St. John is a captivating romance novel that skillfully combines passion, drama, and personal growth. The story centers around Camille Ashland, a successful yet emotionally guarded tennis champion, and Chase Moretti, a charming sports agent with a past that haunts him. Together, they navigate the complexities of love, trust, and redemption in a narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
The novel opens with Camille at the peak of her career, having just secured another Grand Slam title. However, her personal life is far from perfect. Haunted by past betrayals and heartache, Camille has built emotional walls to protect herself from further pain. She is fiercely independent, driven, and reluctant to let anyone get too close. Her focus is solely on her career, leaving little room for anything else.
Enter Chase Moretti, a renowned sports agent known for his charm and tenacity. Chase has his own demons to contend with, including a complicated relationship with his family and a past that he’d rather forget. When he sets his sights on representing Camille, sparks fly. Their initial interactions are filled with tension and mutual attraction, setting the stage for a dynamic and compelling romance.
St. John excels at creating complex and relatable characters. Camille is a strong, multifaceted heroine whose journey is both inspiring and poignant. Her struggles with vulnerability and trust are portrayed with depth and sensitivity, making her a character that readers can empathize with. Chase, on the other hand, is the quintessential romantic hero with a modern twist. His charm and persistence are balanced by his own insecurities and the baggage he carries from his past.
The chemistry between Camille and Chase is electric. St. John masterfully builds their relationship, allowing it to evolve naturally over the course of the novel. The slow burn of their romance, filled with moments of tension, passion, and tenderness, is both realistic and satisfying. Their interactions are charged with emotional intensity, making their journey towards love and trust deeply engaging.
One of the standout aspects of "Break Point" is St. John’s portrayal of the world of professional tennis. The novel provides an inside look into the pressures and challenges faced by elite athletes, from the grueling training schedules to the intense media scrutiny. This backdrop adds a layer of authenticity to the story and highlights Camille’s dedication and resilience. St. John’s detailed descriptions of tennis matches and the competitive atmosphere bring the sport to life, making it an integral part of the narrative.
"Break Point" also delves into themes of redemption and second chances. Both Camille and Chase must confront their pasts and the mistakes they’ve made in order to move forward. Their individual journeys of healing and growth are intertwined with their developing relationship, creating a rich and emotionally resonant story. St. John’s handling of these themes is nuanced and thoughtful, offering readers a profound exploration of forgiveness and the power of love to heal.
The supporting characters in the novel add depth and texture to the story. From Camille’s supportive coach to Chase’s complicated family, each character plays a significant role in the protagonists’ lives and their journey towards happiness. These secondary characters are well-drawn and contribute to the overall richness of the narrative.
St. John’s writing is both engaging and polished. Her prose is crisp and evocative, capturing the emotional nuances of the characters and the intensity of their experiences. The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with a perfect balance of introspective moments and action-driven scenes. The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities, adding authenticity to their interactions.
"Break Point" by Yahrah St. John is a beautifully crafted romance novel that offers a compelling blend of passion, drama, and personal growth. With its well-developed characters, authentic portrayal of the world of professional tennis, and thoughtful exploration of themes of love and redemption, it is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. St. John has created a story that is both entertaining and deeply moving, making "Break Point" a standout addition to her body of work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
📖 +🎧: Break Point-Six Gems #6-read as a standalone
✍🏾 Author: Yahrah St. John-new to me author
📅Publication date: 2-25-25 | Read 2-23-25
📃eBook: 288 pgs.
🗣️Narrator: LaDonna Raeh voices all the characters with standouts from Teagan and Dominic. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.
🏃🏾➡️Run Time: 7:55
Genre: *Sports Romance
Tropes: *enemies to lovers, *2nd chance, *cover lover, *rivals, *celebrity romance, *female friendships, contest, * family drama
POV: 1st person, dual-Teagan and Dominic
⚠️TW: abusive parent-h
🌎 Setting: Phoenix, AZ
Summary: Teagan gave up her successful tennis career after injuring her meniscus, getting her heart broken by Dominic, and being blackballed. Now she's in real estate and needs clients, so she agrees to be sponsored in a charity tournament at Phoenix Country Club where Dominic is also participating.
👩🏾 Heroine: Teagan Williams-31, She was a tennis star but now runs her own brokerage agency-Williams & Associates
👨🏾 Hero: Dominic Fletcher- 32, ranked #1 best tennis player. Raised by single mother Grace Fletcher and has 3 siblings (Justice, Ciara, and Bliss) each with different fathers.
🎭 Other Characters:
* Helaine Smith-Wynter's aunt & was like Teagan's grandmother, left all Wynter's friends an inheritance * Wynter, Egypt (getting married, fiancé Garrett), Asia, Shay, Lyric -Teagan's BFFs nicknamed "The Gems" * Russell Williams-Teagan's father hated that she gave up tennis. He verbally abuses his daughter and Teagan's mother
🤔 My Thoughts: I wanted this for the cover not knowing this was the last book of the series. I didn't feel like I missed anything because the focus was strictly on the main couple Teagan and Dominic. Both had family issues and suffered from a lack of communication, but they found their way back to each other after twelve years. I will definitely go back and read the series in its entirety.
🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Afterglow Books, Harlequin Audio, and Yahrah St. John for this ARC and ALC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own. Break Point is the sixth and final book of the Six Gems series by Yahrah St. John. This book works as a standalone, although there are subtle allusions to prior books, particularly through the inclusion of the “Six Gems” friend group, as well as their partners, and the friendship aspect has always been a high point of the series for me. The romance itself felt rather weak, in comparison to the other books. I did find the characters fairly engaging, particularly Teagan as she works to rebuild her tennis career after a catastrophic loss. And Dominic isn’t bad either, as he’s equally dedicated to tennis and has his own motivations for pursuing success. And they do have solid chemistry, which is at odds with what happened in their past. But I also feel like this was one of those books where, while I understand how the hurt can impact a person, it also had an impact on their internal monologues, and resulted in a story that I soon found rather frustrating and tedious. However, it also balances out, as this book is category-length, so it ended up averaging out to be a quick-ish read. While I didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped, I am clearly in the minority here, as there are other, much more glowing reviews. I’d recommend checking those out prior to picking this up, and imagine you’ll enjoy it more if you enjoy somewhat angsty second chance romances between Black characters.
Rating: ★★★ Started: 04 March 25 Finished: 09 March 25
I enjoyed the authors writing style but I just couldn’t connect with these characters. The misunderstandings and the lack of communication was killing me, I feel it was a bit overdone. But I will say, I did like some of the gem’s and I didn’t realise this was the last book in the gem series so I will be reading their books as well.
I did enjoy Dominic’s loyalty to his family up to a point. I get loving your mam and always wanting to give her what she wants but the way his mam is in this was really difficult to read about especially when nothing came of it really. I thought there’d be at least a little therapy or standing up for himself but it just seemed to be fine after one conversation after all these years. The same with Teagan and her dad, I just wasn’t fully satisfied with how both of those storylines concluded.
I liked the gem’s group and I think it’s really beautiful showcasing women friendship in such a healthy way. The love they have for each other was really lovely and I love that they were all supportive but at the same time knew when to call each other out, that’s when you know it’s real friendship.
I would read from this author again and like I said I didn’t realise this was a series so I actually have 2 other books in this series I will be trying.
[thank you mills & boon for doing a giveaway of this proof]
Breakp Point by Yahrah St. John is a feel-good, enemies to lovers, second-chance romance that delivers everything you want in a contemporary love story. Teagan, a real estate entrepreneur and former tennis star, and Dominic, a champion professional tennis player, reunite two decades after a devastating breakup. Their paths cross at a country club charity tennis tournament, sparking both unresolved tension and undeniable chemistry.
This story beautifully blends themes of redemption, accountability, and forgiveness. I enjoyed watching Teagan and Dominic confront their past mistakes, miscommunications, and heartbreak while navigating their undeniable connection in the present. The layers of their story—familial bonds, career struggles, powerful friendships, and personal growth—add depth to their journey.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is wonderfully executed, with a perfect balance of fiery banter and heartfelt moments. The slow build to their off-the-charts steamy romance kept me hooked and rooting for this couple every step of the way.
If you’re a fan of love stories about finding your way back to the one who got away, Break Point is a must-read. I look forward to reading more from this author! Special thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin, and the author for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
I received this ARC today and was able to finish it today as well.
Teagan and Dominic both Tennis players, this story was fun, exciting, and spicy.
This enemies to lover's trope showed how the dynamics of forgiveness was wonderfully executed! The story was beautifully written and showed heartfelt moments between Dominic and Teagan, he loved her so much but was afraid of Russ. I enjoyed this story a lot, it was fresh and it's my 2nd Sports Romance book. The characters lost trust, communication, and forgiveness.
It showed how Teagan was afraid to stand up for herself when it came to her feelings and her father, and Dominic was afraid to say No to his mother's spending habit, I understand that Dominic wanted to take care of his family, but with their spending habits he would soon go broke if he didn't put an end to it.
Russ, Teagan fathers was very controlling and not only was he being a Narcissist he also forced Dominic to leave Teagan because "HE" felt like he was being the Best Controlling Father. I am so glad that Teagan mothers found her voice and stood up for what was right!
The love between Dominic and Teagan was really beautiful and entertaining, I am so glad they found their way back to one another, True Love.
Forgiveness changes everything!
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for the Audio in exchange for my honest opinion!
Admittedly, I am not a huge sports romance reader but..... I saw this was tennis and after Challengers, I'm game! This is a part of a larger series as Teagan is the last of "the Gems" to get her HEA, but you don't need to have read the others to get the dynamics. The friend group is awesome when they appear to help Teagan with moral support, and call their girl on her BS when needed, as great friends should do. Teagan was injured and sidelined from the tennis world when she was young, and at the same time, her beau and first love Dominic went on to become one of the greats. They split up (this is all part of the plot so I don't want to spoil too much) and are reunited reluctantly at first as Teagan is now a real estate broker and Dominic is back in town resting after the major tennis tournaments. They get roped into playing for a tennis charity tournament at the local country club, and try as they might, they cannot resist each other. There is a lot of miscommunication, but it all makes sense, so be patient with it! This whole thing is real and makes sense and let's just say... Teagan has a really tough relationship with her dad... it just takes her a while to figure it all out and let love in, but she does. I definitely would go back to this series as I loved the writing and friend group and this was a quick read.
‘Break Point’ by Yahrah St. John is the final book in the ‘Six Gems’ series, following a group of six women who find love whilst realising their independent dreams. I was attracted to this novel because I’m a big tennis fan, and I enjoyed the mentions of Teagan in ‘Going Toe To Toe’ (the previous instalment), and it was a spicy, lighthearted read.
I really enjoyed the scenes with Teagan’s friends, as it was a joy to revel in the success of the loved-up Gems… they excelled as mothers, business owners and brides-to-be while remaining supportive of each other. The strong focus on female friendships is a definite selling point of the series! The chemistry between Dominic and Teagan was strong and had me rooting for a HEA.
As soon as I read about Dominic battling through a grueling “six sets” at the Australian open, I knew this wouldn’t win Grand Slam trophies for its accuracy, so I let various references to the sport wash over me but missed being able to embrace tennis fangirling. Without that element to elevate the story, it was a fun but forgettable romance.
I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Afterglow Books via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is a second chance romance between Teegan, a former tennis star turned real estate agent and Dominic, a current Tennis pro at the top of his game. When they were teenagers, Teagan suffered a devastating injury and a public outburst lead to their break up. Teagan was villainized in the press and Dominic went on to conquer the tennis world. When Teegan ends up leading a country club tennis fundraiser with non other than Dominc as the headlining tennis pro. What starts ad extreme animosity leads to steamy encounters, but can they really put the past behind them and move on?
I really liked this story. It had everything, misunderstandings, competition, banter, funny moments, and just the right amount of angst. I didn’t love the reason they fell out with each other but given their ages and pressure of competitive tennis it makes sense. As with most second chances, secrets are revealed and misunderstandings abound. I really liked the story but the audio would have been a better experience if it had dual narration. If you like a sports romance with a bit of a redemption story, this is an fun read.
Thank you Netgalley & Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to this story.
This was the final book in the Six Gems series. Teagan is struggling with her real estate business in a slow market. She joins a country club to try and get more business. This leads to her being talked into playing tennis again. She hasn’t played since she had an injury that ended her tennis career. Then they talk her into helping with the charity tennis tournament. This brings her face to face with her ex, Dominic. He is a tennis champion and is lending his celebrity to the charity as a favor to his agent.
Teagan and Dominic did not end on good terms but the sparks are still there between the two of them. He insists on being around because he wants a second chance, if only to get her out of his system. She wants nothing to do with him and hates that she is still attracted to him. Through his doing, they end up playing doubles together. Once she gives in to his advances, their passion is like an inferno. All they need to do is get over the past so that they can move forward with their lives.
I loved this book and I loved this series. I enjoyed going on the journey to love with each of the Six Gems. This book was a wonderful end to the series.
I love a good sports romance, and second chance romance when it's done right, but this didn't work for me. Teagan and Dominic individually were really likeable characters, I enjoyed reading about her friendship as part of the Six Gems, and Dominic's giving nature as he took on the provider role for his family. But I don't understand the point of Teagan and Dominic's initial breakup when they just got back together without resolving anything from their past, like their previous issues are ok to be ignored. We didn't really see any of their original relationship or see them building their relationship back beyond physically getting back together and it made it feel like their being together was very surface level, based on feelings of lust rather than actual real feelings for the other person. And was there miscommunication? Nope there was no communication. Every time it seemed like maybe they would have important conversations about the past they would just jump past it like it didn't matter, like they were both deliberately trying not to resolve anything. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!
Break Point by Yahrah St. John is the sixth book of an interconnected series with each book starring one of the “Gems”—a lifelong friend group.
This book focuses on Teagan Williams, a former professional tennis star turned real estate success who joins the local country club to network. The upcoming fundraiser is a charity tennis tournament, which the group feels Teagan would excel at given her history, so she reluctantly volunteers to help run the event. The catch? Teagan’s first, and only, love is playing in the tournament. When tennis star Dominic Fletcher turns up, everyone is excited. However, the sparks between Teagan and Dominic never quite faded, even if things between them so many years before had ended poorly.
Can these former lovers reignite their flame and make amends with history?
I love that this interconnected series focuses on a group of strong, successful Black women who focus on lifting each other up. I wanted to love this book, but I really struggled through it, particularly because of the unrealistic dialogue and repetitive nature of events.
I don’t want to write off the Gems yet, though, and I hope I can find a book in this series that I will love.
General Thoughts: Second chance romance is my favourite trope ; I loved the chemistry between Dominic and Teagan this was my first Tennis romance and thoroughly enjoyed it
Book review: Dominic is a successful tennis player, who is looking to retire soon. Over a decade ago, Dominic lost the love of his life, a fellow tennis player Teagan, who due to injury had to give up her tennis racket. Teagan is making a name for herself in the real a state business and slowing adjusting to the new normal , when a mutual friend asks her to pick up her tennis rackets for charity.
Now that Dominic is back in his hometown ,after a major tennis tournament , he gets asked to join a charity tennis tournament that will support foster kids. What he didn’t know was that Teagan was also invited to play on that same team for this noble cause.
Can Dominic and Teagan get passed their animosity and successfully win the tournament together or will their bad blood stop them from reconciling and working together.
Read this page turning second chance romance novel today to find out
Tegan was such a great character. She was very head strong but knew when she needed help. I also found her inner monologues hilarious especially the ones with her family! I LOVED the descriptions of her tennis outfits as well. I enjoyed Dominic’s character and how he supported his family no matter what. He was very encouraging and he knew what he wanted.
It was interesting to read about both of their family dynamics whilst juggling the press and love for each other. The chemistry between Teagan and Dominic was electric on and off the court.
I especially loved the Gems! They were such a strong friendship group who supported Tegan and her struggles. Overall, the pacing was good and it was a lovely romance story.
Thank you Mills & Boon publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
This book is a perfect match for readers who love stories that are heartwarming, uplifting, and full of hope. It delves into themes of overcoming past heartaches and discovering new love, making it especially appealing to those who enjoy romance novels, sports fiction, and second-chance love stories. The combination of emotional depth, lighthearted moments, and a focus on personal growth will resonate with readers who crave stories that leave them feeling optimistic and inspired. Additionally, the sports element adds an exciting layer to the narrative, attracting readers who appreciate the dynamic and competitive world of athletics. Overall, this book offers a delightful and engaging reading experience for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming romance with a touch of sports and a focus on second chances.