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Sports #8

Spin Serve

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Sports Series Book #8. This series is related by a sports theme, not by characters.

Aspen Ashley had been a beach volleyball star on the court for years now, but due to an issue with a previous partner, this was her first real shot to represent the US at the Olympics. She would let nothing stand in her way this time, and that included her new neighbor, who happened to be the sideline reporter she was interviewed by after nearly every tournament.

Kendra Bowie finally bought her first house and wasn’t expecting to find Aspen living in the one next door, but the proximity to her favorite player and longtime crush gave Kendra a chance to let go of her past little by little and move toward a future when she discovered that Aspen might just feel the same way she did.

As Aspen attempts to make the Olympic team while also falling in love, Kendra worries that she might not be able to let go of everything holding her back, and it might cost her Aspen if she doesn’t.

Books in the series:

Book #1 - Always More
Book #2 - A Shot at Gold
Book #3 - The Unexpected Dream
Book #4 - Finding a Keeper
Book #5 - Making It Count
Book #6 - Side by Side
Book #7 - Crashing into Love
Book #8 - Spin Serve

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2024

136 people are currently reading
128 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Pyland

81 books826 followers
Nicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance stand-alone novels and series like Chicago Series, Holiday Series, Royalty Series, Sports Series, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 60 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way.

Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a startup. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.

Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter

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5 stars
228 (62%)
4 stars
103 (28%)
3 stars
27 (7%)
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6 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Sandra.
557 reviews136 followers
December 22, 2024
4☆
This was a nice contrast to the Christmas stories, a beach-volleyball-romance.
Profile Image for Lorraine Rusnack.
1,130 reviews33 followers
June 1, 2024
Finding love right next door

I loved reading a good story about beach volleyball. Aspen and Kendra are wonderful characters. Kendra has had a crush on Aspen for awhile. She has been holding on to past issues, but as she and Aspen become friends she finally feels comfortable opening up to someone. Aspen has always put volleyball first and now her growing feelings for Kendra have her thinking of her personal life more. The matches are as intense as if I were watching them on TV. This is a touching love story. You get to catch up with Wyatt & Everly too which is great.
Profile Image for Vita L. Licari.
922 reviews45 followers
June 6, 2024
I love this book! (I love the series!) Kendra and Aspen are such adorable MCs. Kendra a sportscaster and Aspen a beach volleyball star have both noticed one another. Kendra with a crush on Aspen.
When Aspen gets a new neighbor she's surprised but thrilled its Kendra. See, Aspen has a bit of a crush on her!
This is a beautiful friends to lovers/ slow burn love story! 5 stars!
Profile Image for Deb.
385 reviews9 followers
May 16, 2025
This one is all about beach volleyball. I liked the story and both MCs, but all the match reports were a bit much for me. Still enjoyed it though.
50 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2024
Spin Serve was the absolute perfect book to end with. I'm totally a fan of the volleyball sandwich for the wrap up of the Sports Series. And if you like volleyball, I am sure you will love this book. I honestly don't know much about volleyball, but didn't feel at all like I was missing anything. And beach volleyball is just awesome. The sport and relationship were so developed and intertwined it's what every sports fan dreams of. With that being said, it was a very very slow burn. Aspen and Kendra were dancing that line for so long. I also loved the teammate relationship between Aspen and DJ, and how well Wyatt and Everly were tied back in. So if you've read any of the Sports Series books, especially Always More this book is a must read!! I’m so sad this series is at an end.
Profile Image for Cara Ramsey.
Author 2 books5 followers
June 3, 2024
Nicole Pyland Does It Again!

Nicole is one of my favorite authors and I’ve loved every book in her Sports series and this one was no exception. Aspen and Kendra enter into a gentle sweet romance that builds slowly, and as the trust between them grows, Kendra is able to finally reach a resolution to a personal tragedy that happened to her when she was younger. And she finds that resolution precisely because of Aspen. At the same time, Aspen finally discovers something she cares about more than just volleyball, and that’s Kendra. Together, Kendra helps Aspen, and her partner, DJ, navigate the competitive maze required to make the Olympics.

I greatly enjoyed this book and recommend it to fans of Sapphic sports romances.
Profile Image for Michelle  Schuler.
923 reviews12 followers
June 4, 2024
Spin Serve

Another fabulous sports book by Nicole Pyland. I truly wish this series had no end. The MCs are created masterfully, making perfect matches between them.
I love the healing and growth of the MCs. This was a slow-burn that generated a strong relationship from the start. I loved the interaction and banter between the MCs. The wit was done fabulously.
As I mentioned, I don't want this series to end. I could keep reading them again and again. Pyland has a way with her books that keep me captivated and wanting more.
Profile Image for JAYNE.
210 reviews12 followers
May 26, 2024
The seventh book in the sports series, Spin Serve by Nicole Pyland, is a heart-warming, low angst romance with a slow burn.

Aspen Ashley and DJ are teammates on a USA beach volleyball team, vying for a spot in the Olympics. While they have impressive rankings, nothing is certain, and they're working hard in various tournaments to earn points or secure a place.

As a well-known sports network reporter, Kendra Bowie has had the privilege of conducting numerous interviews with Ashley, who is also her secret crush. Having reached her 30s, Kendra has recently fulfilled her aspiration of becoming a homeowner. Completely unaware, she has no clue as to the identity of the person who would become her neighbour.

The characters in this story are incredibly endearing, and their irresistible attraction to one another is undeniable. I was fascinated by Kendra's backstory, and my heart immediately went out to her. I started crossing my fingers from early on in this novel, hoping that dreams and aspirations would be fulfilled. Nicole's writing skills continue to shine, captivating and immersing me in the world of beach volleyball.

I received an ARC for my honest review.
584 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2024
God I love how Nicole Pyland writes!

This story kept me on edge for some reason even though I knew how it would eventually end. The journey that Ms Pyland took me on was just what I needed and wanted. A great story with positive strokes following difficult circumstances of one of the main characters. Strong women overcoming really hard issues. Thank you Ms Pyland for writing this story.
133 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2024
Another great one

This was another great story in the author's sport series. A nice slow burn that kinda left you wanting to know a little bit more. Did I think there was a little too much play-by-play during the games? Sure. But not enough to turn me off of a five star review. Well done.
44 reviews
May 31, 2024
Sweet Sandy Story

I really enjoyed Nicole Pyland‘s last book in the Sports Series. This story tied back to the original book which dealt with indoor volleyball.

While a verryyy slow burn, I enjoyed the character development, learning more about beach volleyball, and the storyline. Even though I didn’t really need to, I was cheering for them to win it all, both on and off the court.

Overall an excellent beach read.
88 reviews
June 2, 2024
Awesome story

I played regular volleyball in school, so I know how hard the game is, but this is a whole new level. I really like how they covered the game but wrapped it in a love story.

All the stories in this series were great, and I would recommend them to anyone who loves sports, loves romance, and loves lesfic.
135 reviews
June 3, 2024
Loved it!!!

From the first page, I was hooked. I love this author and all the characters she creates. I couldn't wait for this book to come out, and now I'm sad I read it already. Lol
Profile Image for Haley Bungay.
185 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2024
Another hit from Nicole Pyland! Aspen & Kendra’s story is one of my favourites from Nicole’s Sports Series…lots of volleyball and longing in this one!

Aspen is trying to make it to the Olympics as a Beach Volleyball player and Kendra is trying to stay close to a sport she loves but can’t play like she used to, when their paths cross…as new neighbours! From there they become close friends who are both secretly crushing on the other!

My favourite part of this book was the way Aspen let Kendra share her past trauma with her. Aspen was so open and willing to just listen to Kendra open up about her past and why she doesn’t play Volleyball any more. I also loved how we got to catch up with Wyatt & Everly in this one…it was so great to hear how their life is progressing with each other!

All in all…another great book from Nicole! I love reading her stories and look forward to her next one!
Profile Image for Blanca.
64 reviews
May 26, 2024
Another great Book in the Sport Series. This story follows Aspen Ashley who is a professional Volleyball player and Kendra Bowie who is a sport reporter. When Kendra moves in to her new house and realizes that Aspen her long time crush turns out to be her neighbor. This story of girl next door turn into lover is such a great slow burn. There’s also an appearance of some follow characters from the first book of this series. Love when this happens.
51 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2024
Spin Serve tells the story of Aspen and Kendra. It’s a workplace/friend to lover like relationship, although I do not believe they were ever just friends! It’s quite a slow burn but there is never really any doubts that they will get together. It’s sweet and I really enjoyed the growth of the characters, especially Kendra’s confidence. I almost wished that she struggled a bit more with Aspen than she did. If you enjoy volleyball and romance it is a must read but even if volleyball isn’t your thing, I would recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julie.
51 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2024
Spin Serve is an excellent book! I LOVE volleyball (Go Big Red) and getting to put 2 of my favorite things (saphic books and volleyball) together was great for me! Aspen and Kendra make a great team! I haven't watched alot of beach volleyball so I definitely learned alot of new things about the sport. The sports series has been really great to read. I'm glad it continued. Nicole Pyland doesz not disappoint with this series! This book is a slow burn. There's not alot of spice, it did keep me reading though from the beginning. Spin Serve is a very easy book to get into and turned into a page turner. Loved this one!
Profile Image for Jayden.
55 reviews
June 6, 2024
*Honest Review as part of Arc*

Spin serve is the final book in the sports series and ends where it began - Volleyball, only this time it's on the beach.

This story follows Aspen Ashley who is a 29 year old professional beach volleyball player who is competing for a chance at the Olympics with her partner DJ Stevens. Aspen spends most of her life and the book putting everything before the game that she loves - often sacrificing her own personal life in order to make her dreams come true.

On the other side we have Kendra Bowie who has a tragic backstory. She was forced to abandon her dreams of playing professional volleyball due to a medical condition and instead spends her time reporting on and interviewing the pros from the sidelines. When she ends up moving in nextdoor to Aspen, the two really start on their journey.

How to describe their love story... I think DJ put it best, "You two are annoying" lol and they are. It's somewhere between a normal pace romance and a slow burn. The two flirt and go on dates but refuse to call them that; and spend 90% of the story actively NOT defining the relationship even though it's blatantly obvious that they are in love with each other. I don't think it takes away from the story though, makes it frustrating but also interesting because you're just waiting for "the talk".

In terms of the sports aspect, I preferred this one over Always More. Im not sure if it was the differences between indoor and beach volleyball but I found the terminology easier to comprehend as a non volleyball player.

All in all, it was a good story and I recommend it if you like volleyball, oblivious MCs, or just want to learn something new (because you will learn a lot about beach volleyball).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for queer_aussie_reviews.
315 reviews29 followers
June 11, 2024
Nicole Pyland has released the final book in her Sport Series, and Spin Serve feels like the perfect ending to a fantastic ride through the lives of a massive range of different sporting stars.

Aspen is on a clear path to the Olympics, her dream to represent America in Beach Volleyball firmly in sight. She trains hard and is lucky enough to have found a partner who she plays well with and is equally as ambitious. At the same time, she also knows she is ready to find love and settle down.

Kendra has had to spend her life on the sidelines of a game she once thought she would play forever. Instead, she is a sports reporter and gets to interview the people she should have been competing against.

When she finds herself living beside Aspen, a woman she has really only spoken to a few times, but has crushed on for years, Kendra isn’t sure how she will keep things professionally. The friendship that builds is enough, but not for long.

Spin Serve is slow burn. Much more than I’m used to, but it works brilliantly. The build-up is a pleasant ride, one that keeps the reader glued to the pages. I loved the appearance by Whyatt Wicked and her family, as a quick catch-up with old favourites is always a welcome surprise in any book. Pyland shows her skills by keeping the story flowing while freely throwing in specifics of the sport, making it east to understand, and capturing the speed and excitement of matches.

Once again, Spin Serve can be read as a stand-alone, but do yourself a favour and check out the entire series.
39 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2024
I’m so sad to see this series come to an end, however this was a great book to finish the series off with. Kendra, a sports network reporter and Aspen, a top ranking US beach volleyball player, have know each other in a professional capacity for years. Regardless of Kendra’s slight crush on Aspen, their relationship has always been staunchly interviewer/interviewee. It’s not until Kendra unknowingly moves in next door to Aspen that these two MCs even consider getting to know each other outside of their respective roles.

This story is a real slow burn, with their relationship moving from professional, then neighbourly, to friendship and finally romantic. This slow burn really helped the trust build between these two, which also helped Kendra deal with her past and the direction her life took. *Slight Spoiler* I love the ease in which Aspen accepts Kendra's scar, and helps Kendra to finally accept the scar herself and what it means. *End of spoiler*

As the final book in the series, it was nice to see the reappearance of Wyatt and Everly from the first book in the Sport Series. This book is a definite tie as one of my favourites in this series. I look forward to going back and reading it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
82 reviews
September 12, 2024
Another great read from Nicole Pyland. It’s always nice
to come across an author who just understands how to write characters and love stories that make a reader swoon, smile and root for the characters throughout. But Nicole Pyland manages to do it every single time. As expected this was another great romance book.

I liked reading about the beach volleyball and all the technicalities that go into the sport. So hey I got to learn while also reading about a romance. Aspen and Kendra managed to make each other better, not just in the aspect of lives but also make one another feel more comfortable in their lives, to help them realise that one thing they needed to realise and help each other grow and develop as characters. That for me is really special. Because I think at the end of the day that’s what two people who are meant to be together should do for one another.

Cheers to the author for writing this one. Do give this one a go!
Profile Image for Sarah Stoneleigh.
26 reviews
June 9, 2024
Spin Serve is a fantastic end to the Sports Series. It follows Aspen, a beach volleyball player trying for the Olympics, and Kendra, is a sportscaster who was unable to continue her volleyball career due to a heart condition.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Aspen and Kendra. It’s a slow burn friends to lovers romance with similar pacing to Crashing into Love. Pyland tackles how Kendra’s heart condition has affected her within her relationships and she does a really great job here navigating those feelings as well.

Wyatt and Everly make appearances throughout and we see what they’ve been up to since Always More ended, which was great since they are a favourite couple of mine! I’m sad this series is coming to an end but it was a wonderful end. If you’ve enjoyed the previous Sports Series books definitely give this one a read!
Profile Image for Milena.
422 reviews
June 8, 2024
Spin Serve introduces us to Aspen, a pro beach volleyball player, and Kendra, a sideline reporter. As time goes on they get to know each other and enjoy each other's company. I really loved the details that went into this, knowing how volleyball is played and all the terms. While reading I felt like I was watching the game in person or live on tv. I really loved how each character had their own snarky, witty personalities that came out beautifully on the page. As I was reading, I was totally rooting for Aspen and Kendra to get together.
Reading and learning about these characters was a worthwhile trip and a heart jerker. I won’t say more, you’ll just have to read Spin Serve to discover its secrets. Ms. Pyland has written another wonderful story that tugged at my heart strings.
Profile Image for Geina.
43 reviews
May 19, 2024
Character development in many books is quite lacking. I love characters I can relate to or feel like they are actually real people, that’s just me. Nicole Pyland does it in EVERY BOOK! Talk about wanting to root for the main characters and seeing that HEA. In “Spin Serve” you have to characters who have a love for volleyball. One lost her dream and the other is living it. They’ve known of each other because Kendra is a sports reporter and has interviewed Aspen. They find themselves neighbors and becoming friends. Kendra lets Aspen in by telling her things she never talks about and Aspen finds that she might have found something she wants more than volleyball.
31 reviews
June 9, 2024
I have loved all of the Sports Series books. I was really looking forward this book and it didn’t disappoint. I loved book and the characters and reading it made me happy. It’s a ‘neighbors to friends to lovers’ story that’s low angst and flowed naturally- not too fast or drawn out too long. An added bonus was an update on the lives of Wyatt and Everly from the first book. In addition, I got a great lesson on beach volleyball and can’t wait to watch it at the Paris Olympics.
I highly recommend this book and this series, I just wish there was more.
37 reviews
June 7, 2024
Spin Serve is probably one of my favorites in the sports series. I loved watching Kerry Walsh and misty may Trainor play beach volleyball. This book brought it all back. Love the girl next door, who would have thought to have an all sand backyard for practice Aspen is who. Her and Kendra's compatibility is shown from the beginning through their interactions with one another on and off the beach. Overall fantastic story and amazingly written characters.
Profile Image for Bente.
3 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2024
I’ve had this in my kindle library since release day, wanting to put off the end of this series, which I have absolutely loved. Beautifully written, lovable characters and a fantastic story line that is kinda making me, forever a soccer girl, wanna play beach volleyball for some reason. Absolutely heartbroken at the end of the series, but also cannot wait to see what comes next. Definitely would recommend.
Profile Image for Jen.
1,300 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2024
Perfect Olympics reading

Just happened to time reading this book with the Paris Olympics and what a complimentary pairing they made. I could easily see this story (& the entire series really) as the athlete background narratives always shared during the games, except got to experience this one myself. Honestly, it was just pretty cool & gave me more appreciation for the athletes & The Dream.
Profile Image for Ty Lotus.
36 reviews
June 9, 2024
Pyland’s newest work serves up a slow burn in this w/w sports themed book. Spin Serve is the final installment in Pyland’s sports series and it does not disappoint. Aspen and Kendra’s story is so entertaining it was difficult for me to put the book down. If you’re a fan of beach volleyball or w/w slow burn’s then definitely think about taking this book for a spin.
824 reviews19 followers
May 26, 2024
Wow what another knockout story , I loved the main characters their connection was embedded beautifully the depth of each character was perfection and through the highs and lows they fall in love its a swoon worthy book a must-read congratulations
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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