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Unreturnable
She came to Wimbledon for an escape.
She left with something she never saw coming.
Kate Ashford is thirty-something, newly divorced, effortlessly stunning, and doing her best to blend in. The problem is, heads turn even when she doesn’t mean them to. A week at Wimbledon with her best friend is meant to be harmless tradition. Pimm’s, tennis, and absolutely no drama.
Then she meets Jordan Taylor. The Aussie underdog, freshly returned from a sports injury and standing on the edge of the biggest week of his career.
He’s younger, devastatingly charming, and should see her as an unwelcome distraction, but Jordan has never done anything by halves. The more he gets to know her, the more determined he becomes to give his all to the tournament—and to the woman who’s suddenly rewired his world.
What begins as flirty glances and stolen moments deepens into something neither of them can walk away from.
And when Jordan’s comeback collides with a life-changing moment, both of them are forced to confront the
Some moments don’t just change a match, they change everything.
As their whirlwind connection carries them from London lawns to international courts, Kate must decide if she’s brave enough to risk her heart again and Jordan must decide if love is the one thing worth losing it all for.
She left with something she never saw coming.
Kate Ashford is thirty-something, newly divorced, effortlessly stunning, and doing her best to blend in. The problem is, heads turn even when she doesn’t mean them to. A week at Wimbledon with her best friend is meant to be harmless tradition. Pimm’s, tennis, and absolutely no drama.
Then she meets Jordan Taylor. The Aussie underdog, freshly returned from a sports injury and standing on the edge of the biggest week of his career.
He’s younger, devastatingly charming, and should see her as an unwelcome distraction, but Jordan has never done anything by halves. The more he gets to know her, the more determined he becomes to give his all to the tournament—and to the woman who’s suddenly rewired his world.
What begins as flirty glances and stolen moments deepens into something neither of them can walk away from.
And when Jordan’s comeback collides with a life-changing moment, both of them are forced to confront the
Some moments don’t just change a match, they change everything.
As their whirlwind connection carries them from London lawns to international courts, Kate must decide if she’s brave enough to risk her heart again and Jordan must decide if love is the one thing worth losing it all for.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 1, 2026
I have to start by saying tennis is not my jam, but threaten me with a sports romance and I’m eating out of your palm, and fuck me. This did not disappoint.
You meet Kate (a hilarious, knows what she wants, frontal lobe is fully developed, divorcee who isn’t a huge fan of men for anything other than fun. (duh! See what I mean about that frontal lobe)) And Jordan (a HOT professional tennis player with the right amount of cocky to match his cute charm).
They hit it off instantly and the sparks fly (Kate uses him for that one thing that men are useful for, unfortunately, that thing has consequences…)
Jordan has an instant connection to Kate 100% falling harder and faster but Kate can’t see past her own past at times and it becomes difficult for them to navigate live together.
Ultimately, it’s a love story, so no spoilers but you know… 👀
I loved this, what an incredible debut by Emmy. The characters were loveable and the story kept me hooked! If you enjoy open door spice you need to get into this RIGHT NOW, you won’t be disappointed 👀
You meet Kate (a hilarious, knows what she wants, frontal lobe is fully developed, divorcee who isn’t a huge fan of men for anything other than fun. (duh! See what I mean about that frontal lobe)) And Jordan (a HOT professional tennis player with the right amount of cocky to match his cute charm).
They hit it off instantly and the sparks fly (Kate uses him for that one thing that men are useful for, unfortunately, that thing has consequences…)
Jordan has an instant connection to Kate 100% falling harder and faster but Kate can’t see past her own past at times and it becomes difficult for them to navigate live together.
Ultimately, it’s a love story, so no spoilers but you know… 👀
I loved this, what an incredible debut by Emmy. The characters were loveable and the story kept me hooked! If you enjoy open door spice you need to get into this RIGHT NOW, you won’t be disappointed 👀
April 11, 2026
Thanks to @olivepresspublishing & Emmie Clark for the opportunity to read Unreturnable in return for an Exposure Review. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating for me.
I dont usually go for Sports Romances ive only ever enjoyed one sports romance series. But now I can add Unreturnable to the list.
Unreturnable is a Sports Romance, featuring a Golden Retriever MMC, with a he falls first, age gap. Featuring the FMC Kate & MMC Jordan. Its a fast burn with instant chemistry & open door spice 👀🥵. Duel pov.
Holy 🥵, this book had me hooked in fully by like chapter 2. But from the beginning I was like wow "But for me, being off-schedule always lit an uncomfortable tingle at the back of my neck, as though I’d already let someone down and I wasn’t where I should be." This felt like it was written just for me 👀😮💨 & "my brain still working on closing the twenty-five tabs it still had open.".. like. What? Haha. like i said Im not one for Sports Romance, I've only enjoyed another series by a different author. But I can now add Unreturnable to the list!
I adored Jordan instantly! And was like omg I hope they stay together 👀 !! The next thing I knew, I was over 50% in, how'd that happen!! I'm not one usually for foast paced, but I feel if this book was anything else it wouldnt have had the same impact!!
If you enjoy fast paced, funny emotional & spicy sports romance, this ones for you, and yes it has a HEA. I would totally love a book 2 about these 2!
I dont usually go for Sports Romances ive only ever enjoyed one sports romance series. But now I can add Unreturnable to the list.
Unreturnable is a Sports Romance, featuring a Golden Retriever MMC, with a he falls first, age gap. Featuring the FMC Kate & MMC Jordan. Its a fast burn with instant chemistry & open door spice 👀🥵. Duel pov.
Holy 🥵, this book had me hooked in fully by like chapter 2. But from the beginning I was like wow "But for me, being off-schedule always lit an uncomfortable tingle at the back of my neck, as though I’d already let someone down and I wasn’t where I should be." This felt like it was written just for me 👀😮💨 & "my brain still working on closing the twenty-five tabs it still had open.".. like. What? Haha. like i said Im not one for Sports Romance, I've only enjoyed another series by a different author. But I can now add Unreturnable to the list!
I adored Jordan instantly! And was like omg I hope they stay together 👀 !! The next thing I knew, I was over 50% in, how'd that happen!! I'm not one usually for foast paced, but I feel if this book was anything else it wouldnt have had the same impact!!
If you enjoy fast paced, funny emotional & spicy sports romance, this ones for you, and yes it has a HEA. I would totally love a book 2 about these 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is one that I did not want to put down.
Jordan and Kate
Tropes:
* Sports romance (Tennis)
* Golden retriever MMC
* Divorced FMC
* Cheating (Not MMC/FMC)
* Surprise pregnancy
* Whirlwind romance
* Age gap (she’s older)
* He falls first (and hard)
* Instalove
This was a lovely story, between a professional tennis player trying to resurrect/maintain his career as he starts to get a little older (he’s 30), a divorced psychologist seeking an escape.
It was insta-something. Not quite love, but the chemistry was there from the start, and it didn’t take much to tip them over.
The age gap wasn’t large (she’s 34 to his 30), but there were challenges about geography (he’s from Australia, and travels on the circuit, and she’s from Wales), and her history made it hard to her to fully trust.
He was charming, winning her over, and when he he was going well, it was good, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing with conflict happening fairly early…
Of course, there was drama with the ex, but this mostly focussed on Jordan and Kate, emotionally driven, with a blend of humour and tenderness. With a golden retriever hero who can’t help but win your heart, this was a winner.
Jordan and Kate
Tropes:
* Sports romance (Tennis)
* Golden retriever MMC
* Divorced FMC
* Cheating (Not MMC/FMC)
* Surprise pregnancy
* Whirlwind romance
* Age gap (she’s older)
* He falls first (and hard)
* Instalove
This was a lovely story, between a professional tennis player trying to resurrect/maintain his career as he starts to get a little older (he’s 30), a divorced psychologist seeking an escape.
It was insta-something. Not quite love, but the chemistry was there from the start, and it didn’t take much to tip them over.
The age gap wasn’t large (she’s 34 to his 30), but there were challenges about geography (he’s from Australia, and travels on the circuit, and she’s from Wales), and her history made it hard to her to fully trust.
He was charming, winning her over, and when he he was going well, it was good, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing with conflict happening fairly early…
Of course, there was drama with the ex, but this mostly focussed on Jordan and Kate, emotionally driven, with a blend of humour and tenderness. With a golden retriever hero who can’t help but win your heart, this was a winner.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🎾 ARC Review🎾
Sweet, emotional and spicy.
Kate Ashford visits Wimbledon to lose herself in the tennis, to disappear in the crowds, however a chance meeting with Jordan Taylor changes everything. The Aussie tennis player is plagued by a past injury, but standing on the precipice of a career defining comeback. And a chance meeting sets the pair on a collision course neither of them can avoid.
Still healing from her past, Kate navigates the intense, instant connection she feels towards Jordan with a hesitancy that feels relatable. Her vulnerability is exposed through sexy moments and quiet conversations. While Jordan definitely falls harder and faster, his ability to listen, to understand that the life she had before meeting him shaped the person she has become truly makes him a partner you can see her form a deep emotional connection with.
This book is a must read for lovers of sports romance, age gaps, fast burns and unexpected life twists.
Sweet, emotional and spicy.
Kate Ashford visits Wimbledon to lose herself in the tennis, to disappear in the crowds, however a chance meeting with Jordan Taylor changes everything. The Aussie tennis player is plagued by a past injury, but standing on the precipice of a career defining comeback. And a chance meeting sets the pair on a collision course neither of them can avoid.
Still healing from her past, Kate navigates the intense, instant connection she feels towards Jordan with a hesitancy that feels relatable. Her vulnerability is exposed through sexy moments and quiet conversations. While Jordan definitely falls harder and faster, his ability to listen, to understand that the life she had before meeting him shaped the person she has become truly makes him a partner you can see her form a deep emotional connection with.
This book is a must read for lovers of sports romance, age gaps, fast burns and unexpected life twists.
January 2, 2026
Unreturnable is a perfect read for the start of the Australian tennis season. This was a fantastic debut novel from Emmie Clark and I am already adding the next book in the series to my TBR list. This is a sweet sports romance novel between Jordan Taylor, the Australian tennis player who has been plugging away on the circuit and Kate Ashford, super competent psychologist but who lacks self-belief after the breakup of her marriage. There were so many lovable moments in this book that I wasn’t able to pick a favourite. The story line drew me into this book, however I wasn’t able to put it down after the first few chapters. I also loved the colours on the cover page. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the middle of this book waiting for something bad to happen but it was a super satisfying conclusion. I can’t wait to see what is next for this debut author. Thanks to the author for the ARC and all opinions are my own.
May 7, 2026
A fun read about a handsome, single pro tennis player and a woman who always did what was expected of her. When they met, they took a chance on each other.
Their unwavering love and adoration was so refreshing to read. I also loved that they both jumped right into their relationship and gave it a go. A leap of faith toward themselves, despite demanding schedules.
I didn’t love her frustration with the media coverage. You can’t date a famous athlete and not expect some attention. I empathize though, that personal moments are splashed on the tabloid pages in perhaps an inaccurate account, for the world to judge.
This is an easy romantic read. A bit of spice, a bit of romance, a bit of drama and a bit of tennis all rolled into one fun book.
This is book 1 of the Singles & Doubles series.
Thank you Olive Press Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.
Their unwavering love and adoration was so refreshing to read. I also loved that they both jumped right into their relationship and gave it a go. A leap of faith toward themselves, despite demanding schedules.
I didn’t love her frustration with the media coverage. You can’t date a famous athlete and not expect some attention. I empathize though, that personal moments are splashed on the tabloid pages in perhaps an inaccurate account, for the world to judge.
This is an easy romantic read. A bit of spice, a bit of romance, a bit of drama and a bit of tennis all rolled into one fun book.
This is book 1 of the Singles & Doubles series.
Thank you Olive Press Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.
February 14, 2026
Emmie wrote a beautiful story about Kate and Jordan. Jordan is a dream of a book boyfriend and Kate is a strong, inspiring woman.
There are a lot of relatable aspects in their story and that really helped to connect.
There’s spicy spice but also a beautiful love story.
Very fast paced!
I read it just in time for Valentine’s Day, in fact, I finished it right before 12am ON Valentine’s Day, how funny.
With a few tweaks to her writing techniques, Emmie is going to rock the author world with stories like this!
There are a lot of relatable aspects in their story and that really helped to connect.
There’s spicy spice but also a beautiful love story.
Very fast paced!
I read it just in time for Valentine’s Day, in fact, I finished it right before 12am ON Valentine’s Day, how funny.
With a few tweaks to her writing techniques, Emmie is going to rock the author world with stories like this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW ✨️
Unreturnable was a fantastic easy to read book! Following Kate who has recently divorced, she has always done things by the book to make her parents happy. A trip to Wimbledon with her bestfriend has her suddenly thrown into the deep end when she falls quickly for a professional tennis player. Hes obsessed, shes smitten and together they need to learn how to communicate, how to fight for what they want and learn that you do not always have to rely on just yourself.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Unreturnable was a fantastic easy to read book! Following Kate who has recently divorced, she has always done things by the book to make her parents happy. A trip to Wimbledon with her bestfriend has her suddenly thrown into the deep end when she falls quickly for a professional tennis player. Hes obsessed, shes smitten and together they need to learn how to communicate, how to fight for what they want and learn that you do not always have to rely on just yourself.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Rating: ★★★★★
ARC Read
Unreturnable by Emmie Clark is a heartfelt, emotionally rich contemporary sports romance that blends whirlwind attraction with vulnerability, healing, and the kind of love that arrives when you least expect it, and changes everything. Set against the electric backdrop of professional tennis, this story delivers both swoon and substance in equal measure.
Kate Ashford arrives at Wimbledon seeking escape. Newly divorced and quietly carrying the weight of her past, she wants nothing more than tradition, anonymity, and a week free from emotional upheaval. Jordan Taylor, on the other hand, is standing at the edge of everything, an Aussie underdog returning from injury, fighting for his comeback and the biggest moment of his career. When their paths cross, the connection is instant, undeniable, and impossible to ignore.
The age gap and fast-burn chemistry are handled beautifully here, with Jordan very much falling first and falling hard. He’s charming, driven, and emotionally present in a way that makes him an easy book boyfriend, while Kate’s hesitancy feels grounded and deeply relatable. Their relationship unfolds through stolen moments, flirty glances, and conversations that slowly peel back layers of fear, shame, and longing.
What truly elevates Unreturnable is its emotional depth. Emmie Clark doesn’t shy away from exploring anxiety, self-worth, strained family dynamics, and the lasting impact of past relationships. These themes are woven seamlessly into the romance, making the story feel authentic and resonant rather than heavy-handed. The sports element adds momentum and tension, mirroring the emotional stakes as Jordan’s career pressures collide with a life-altering turn neither of them anticipated.
The tone strikes a perfect balance between tender and intense. There’s warmth, longing, and hope threaded through moments of vulnerability, and while the spice level sits comfortably at a 3.5, it’s the emotional intimacy that lingers most. This is a romance that understands that love isn’t just about chemistry; it’s about timing, bravery, and choosing to risk your heart again.
If I had one critique, it’s that the whirlwind nature of their connection occasionally made me wish for a few quieter moments to linger just a bit longer. Not because anything felt rushed, but because the emotional beats were so strong I didn’t want to leave them yet.
I would 100% recommend Unreturnable to readers who love sports romance with emotional depth, fast-burn connections, age-gap dynamics, and a hero who falls first and falls completely. It’s tender, uplifting, and quietly powerful; a story about choosing love even when the cost feels terrifying, and trusting that some risks are worth everything.
ARC Read
Unreturnable by Emmie Clark is a heartfelt, emotionally rich contemporary sports romance that blends whirlwind attraction with vulnerability, healing, and the kind of love that arrives when you least expect it, and changes everything. Set against the electric backdrop of professional tennis, this story delivers both swoon and substance in equal measure.
Kate Ashford arrives at Wimbledon seeking escape. Newly divorced and quietly carrying the weight of her past, she wants nothing more than tradition, anonymity, and a week free from emotional upheaval. Jordan Taylor, on the other hand, is standing at the edge of everything, an Aussie underdog returning from injury, fighting for his comeback and the biggest moment of his career. When their paths cross, the connection is instant, undeniable, and impossible to ignore.
The age gap and fast-burn chemistry are handled beautifully here, with Jordan very much falling first and falling hard. He’s charming, driven, and emotionally present in a way that makes him an easy book boyfriend, while Kate’s hesitancy feels grounded and deeply relatable. Their relationship unfolds through stolen moments, flirty glances, and conversations that slowly peel back layers of fear, shame, and longing.
What truly elevates Unreturnable is its emotional depth. Emmie Clark doesn’t shy away from exploring anxiety, self-worth, strained family dynamics, and the lasting impact of past relationships. These themes are woven seamlessly into the romance, making the story feel authentic and resonant rather than heavy-handed. The sports element adds momentum and tension, mirroring the emotional stakes as Jordan’s career pressures collide with a life-altering turn neither of them anticipated.
The tone strikes a perfect balance between tender and intense. There’s warmth, longing, and hope threaded through moments of vulnerability, and while the spice level sits comfortably at a 3.5, it’s the emotional intimacy that lingers most. This is a romance that understands that love isn’t just about chemistry; it’s about timing, bravery, and choosing to risk your heart again.
If I had one critique, it’s that the whirlwind nature of their connection occasionally made me wish for a few quieter moments to linger just a bit longer. Not because anything felt rushed, but because the emotional beats were so strong I didn’t want to leave them yet.
I would 100% recommend Unreturnable to readers who love sports romance with emotional depth, fast-burn connections, age-gap dynamics, and a hero who falls first and falls completely. It’s tender, uplifting, and quietly powerful; a story about choosing love even when the cost feels terrifying, and trusting that some risks are worth everything.
January 25, 2026
wow, i have never cared about tennis more than i have reading this book! it was so good. literally so good! so many of my favorite tropes were in here, and i literally cannot complain about one thing! i will say that i hope she writes about gwen because id love to know more about her, or even about chris! either way, this was such a good story, i loved the characters, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
March 21, 2026
"Unreturnable" follows Jordan, our tennis pro, and Kate, our child psychologist, as they meet and fall hopelessly in love.
I loved everything about this book. I picked it up as I was putting the children in bed tonight and here I am at 3 am, book finished, and can't recommend it enough
Great work Emmie!
I loved everything about this book. I picked it up as I was putting the children in bed tonight and here I am at 3 am, book finished, and can't recommend it enough
Great work Emmie!
February 1, 2026
I absolutely adored Jordan and Kate! This was such a sweet, spicy, fast burn. 🔥 I loved how much Jordan yearned for Kate right off the bat. Their chemistry was off the chart. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved the tennis references and lingo the author used! It definitely made me want to take up tennis! 💕
I loved the tennis references and lingo the author used! It definitely made me want to take up tennis! 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Five star read from Emmie Clark!
Unbreakable by Emmie Clark is a captivating sports romance to start off 2026! It isn’t just a sports romance though; it’s a discovery of what happens when the life you planned for yourself falls apart and a new completely unexpected path begins. It blends the deep personal journey of healing with the professional tennis circuit and is served up with a story that is not only exciting but emotionally rich.
Key Themes (no spoilers):
Unreturnable asks the difficult question of is it worth risking your heart, once you have finally pulled yourself together? Both main characters fight against the expectations of the world and what they truly want. What happens in our lives once the role we thought we would always “play” comes to an end.
This book is a must read for fans of contemporary sport romances who also enjoy a slow simmering burn! But don’t let that fool you that slow simmering burn morphs into all-consuming connection that you just can’t resist! Unbreakable is truly a wonderful read that master’s the journey of starting over. The bravery it takes to chase what you truly want in life and not settle for what life has given you.
Unbreakable by Emmie Clark is a captivating sports romance to start off 2026! It isn’t just a sports romance though; it’s a discovery of what happens when the life you planned for yourself falls apart and a new completely unexpected path begins. It blends the deep personal journey of healing with the professional tennis circuit and is served up with a story that is not only exciting but emotionally rich.
Key Themes (no spoilers):
Unreturnable asks the difficult question of is it worth risking your heart, once you have finally pulled yourself together? Both main characters fight against the expectations of the world and what they truly want. What happens in our lives once the role we thought we would always “play” comes to an end.
This book is a must read for fans of contemporary sport romances who also enjoy a slow simmering burn! But don’t let that fool you that slow simmering burn morphs into all-consuming connection that you just can’t resist! Unbreakable is truly a wonderful read that master’s the journey of starting over. The bravery it takes to chase what you truly want in life and not settle for what life has given you.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews