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Advantage Series #1
Across the Net: A Rivals to Lovers MM Tennis Romance
Rivals on the court. Lovers in secret. The game just got personal.
Blake Harlan is the golden boy of American tennis. Groomed from birth by a demanding father, he has the perfect serve, the perfect endorsements, and the perfect life waiting for him at the top of the world rankings. He is a machine built to win, and machines do not feel.
Andre Moreau is the boy from the bakery in Montreuil, France. He plays with a rusted racket, a volatile temper, and a desperate need to prove he belongs on the same court as the elite. He is all fire and instinct, fighting for every point as if his life depends on it.
When they meet across the net at Roland Garros, the collision is explosive. What begins as a fierce, bitter rivalry quickly spirals into an obsession that neither boy can control. As they battle their way from the clay courts of Paris to the manicured lawns of Wimbledon and the blinding lights of the US Open, the lines between hatred and desire begin to blur.
But in the high-stakes world of junior and professional tennis, love is a liability. Blake is trapped in a cage of expectations, terrified of losing the only life he has ever known. Andre refuses to be anyone’s secret, demanding a surrender that Blake may not be brave enough to give.
As the pressure mounts and the world watches their every move, Blake and Andre must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the game—and for each other.
Across the Net is a sweeping, emotionally charged sports romance about ambition, identity, and the courage it takes to love in the light. Perfect for fans of intense rivalries, slow-burn tension, and love stories that leave everything on the court.
Book One of the Across the Net Trilogy.
Blake Harlan is the golden boy of American tennis. Groomed from birth by a demanding father, he has the perfect serve, the perfect endorsements, and the perfect life waiting for him at the top of the world rankings. He is a machine built to win, and machines do not feel.
Andre Moreau is the boy from the bakery in Montreuil, France. He plays with a rusted racket, a volatile temper, and a desperate need to prove he belongs on the same court as the elite. He is all fire and instinct, fighting for every point as if his life depends on it.
When they meet across the net at Roland Garros, the collision is explosive. What begins as a fierce, bitter rivalry quickly spirals into an obsession that neither boy can control. As they battle their way from the clay courts of Paris to the manicured lawns of Wimbledon and the blinding lights of the US Open, the lines between hatred and desire begin to blur.
But in the high-stakes world of junior and professional tennis, love is a liability. Blake is trapped in a cage of expectations, terrified of losing the only life he has ever known. Andre refuses to be anyone’s secret, demanding a surrender that Blake may not be brave enough to give.
As the pressure mounts and the world watches their every move, Blake and Andre must decide what they are willing to sacrifice for the game—and for each other.
Across the Net is a sweeping, emotionally charged sports romance about ambition, identity, and the courage it takes to love in the light. Perfect for fans of intense rivalries, slow-burn tension, and love stories that leave everything on the court.
Book One of the Across the Net Trilogy.
- GenresM M Romance
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 23, 2026
Tennis/MMRomances are totally having their moment in the sun…and I have here for it!
Across The Net follows the rivalry between the two upcoming tennis players Blake Harlan, the American golden boy, and Andre Moreau, the French player who is the son of a baker, and the secret romance that burns between them!
Two main characters, two cultures, two different backgrounds…this is where the book totally excels and was definitely the strongest aspect to Across The Net. Whilst I enjoyed Blake’s storyarc, it’s Andre which I felt stood out. His strive to make it and escape the life as a Baker, a future that had always been decided for him was great and motivating. Even though both characters were different, they had a lot of common ground, especially with their daddy issues. But it was good to see the contrasts between their lives.
Be prepared for a lot of Tennis talk, which at the end of the day is what the book is about. I didn’t mind it but I felt the first 50% of the book was slower than the second half. It was really dragging and then things eventually definitely picked up later on, especially the romance and the rivalry. Personally, I needed the romance to start earlier. I understand that the rivalry was being built but I needed both protagonists to interact much more earlier on! There was barely any interaction in the first half and then things started speeding up. They fell in love so quickly but it felt unwarranted. The second half felt abit messy at times but I still soldiered on through it.
Whilst I enjoyed certain aspects, I expected more but it was still an enjoyable read even if I didn’t fully connect with it as much as I would’ve liked to. I personally would rather read an honest review and give a rating that is aligned with my experience instead of lying just to fit in. This author won’t like your review if it’s not 4 or 5 stars…just saying.
This also felt slightly AI too, I don’t know something felt off.
Across The Net follows the rivalry between the two upcoming tennis players Blake Harlan, the American golden boy, and Andre Moreau, the French player who is the son of a baker, and the secret romance that burns between them!
Two main characters, two cultures, two different backgrounds…this is where the book totally excels and was definitely the strongest aspect to Across The Net. Whilst I enjoyed Blake’s storyarc, it’s Andre which I felt stood out. His strive to make it and escape the life as a Baker, a future that had always been decided for him was great and motivating. Even though both characters were different, they had a lot of common ground, especially with their daddy issues. But it was good to see the contrasts between their lives.
Be prepared for a lot of Tennis talk, which at the end of the day is what the book is about. I didn’t mind it but I felt the first 50% of the book was slower than the second half. It was really dragging and then things eventually definitely picked up later on, especially the romance and the rivalry. Personally, I needed the romance to start earlier. I understand that the rivalry was being built but I needed both protagonists to interact much more earlier on! There was barely any interaction in the first half and then things started speeding up. They fell in love so quickly but it felt unwarranted. The second half felt abit messy at times but I still soldiered on through it.
Whilst I enjoyed certain aspects, I expected more but it was still an enjoyable read even if I didn’t fully connect with it as much as I would’ve liked to. I personally would rather read an honest review and give a rating that is aligned with my experience instead of lying just to fit in. This author won’t like your review if it’s not 4 or 5 stars…just saying.
This also felt slightly AI too, I don’t know something felt off.
July 24, 2026
Not bad for free on audible.
July 30, 2026
Well. I really don't know what to say about this book. Except, you DO NOT want to see my notes app for the notes I made on this book. Let's say.......they're absolutely less than kind.
That said, anyone who can make me that viscerally angry about content but makes me smile in the end, I have no clue why, gets to be 2⭐ (edited 7-30-26 from 3 down to 2, I just can't justify the 3 starts when I was so angry). But while listening, I paused many times, almost DNFed it so many times....ughhhhhh.
I am writing this in conjunction with the 2nd book too, the Painted Return. So I've marked this as spoiler loaded because.....well. I can't write a review without the other book being mentioned at this point. I'm so damn conflicted.
To start, this book is a rivals-to-lovers MM romance. And boy, they really are rivals. And not the oh, we had one misunderstanding and now it's all cleared up rivals. No, they really loath each other. But there's something there. I get it. But they both have shit backgrounds in their families, although of a different sort. But even a polished turd is still a fucking turd.
I'm not good with technical tennis in anything more than HS level from watching my own kid. So I have no clue what's right and wrong. And I'm not bothered if there's liberties taken for writing. So I'm not here to harp on that. I am here for the romance. That's the point of me reading this. Them playing a sport, any sport, is the link for them. That's all there is to it, in my eyes.
They both have girlfriends that they absolutely feel nothing for. So they just get blown and screw just to get off, and that's just wrong on so many levels. You know these girls love you, you're BOTH leading on your girls? And Andre is in Paris and Blake is in Connecticut, so it's not like they are guys who know each other and are denying themselves because they can't have the other. No, they're both just using women. Great. So every time a girl was on page I was literally gagging and groaning audibly. I felt kind of sad for poor Marie and Sarah, but then again, how did they NOT know these guys were just floppy fish? Jeez. Weak women portrayal alert. Goes for both mothers on that front as well.
But this story follows them through the Tennis Junior League, something like that, and ensuing matches, their struggles to get to each one. How they come together, come out of it....sort of. And then the ensuing chaos and "love story". Yeah, I'm just gonna put that in quotes.
If you don't want any of the awful details......don't read further.
Maybe I should tell you about what I wrote in my notes app.
Screw it. Let's dive in.
My first note? Fuck Andre. What an ass. And knowing book 2 has in the blurb that someone does the unthinkable and can he win back Blake? I'm like, yeah, I can see it. This immature fucker will cheat. He'll just cut and run. I'm sure of it. Not quite how it goes down....but still doesn't surprise me too much.
Now, to be fair, I started writing these notes after much scoffing and yelling at my phone, with about 60-65% of the book done. So most of these ramblings will be past the 50% mark reflections.
I get they're supposed to be, what? 18? But for fuck's sake! There's literally no communication.
sidenote: I'm literally laughing looking at my angry notes. Man, was I pissed!
When Blake makes the ultimate mistake, apparently, of just giving up in the game against Andre in China? Japan? Crap, I can't remember. I was just yelling at that point. He does it because HE LOVES HIM. It's not right, no. But Andre doesn't give him ONE FUCKING CHANCE to explain himself. No, he literally does anal for the first time? Then walks the fuck away? I'm sorry? I'm fucking SORRY?????? Because 'you didn't respect me' I'm going to practically rape you and walk the fuck away? Sorry????? Hard. Fucking. Pass. (yeah he's checking in and it's not rough 'necessarily', but fuck, he uses him like a piece of trash for something they've never even fucking done! that passed the line for me. all. the. lines.)
Then they are apart for like 6 damn months. Not a peep. Not an apology. Not a fucking word. Oh, and Pierre? Andre's dad? Who told him all the nasty things, he's worthless, only a baker's son, you are not doing anything worthwhile by painting and wasting money, blah fucking blah..... NOT A FUCKING APOLOGY. Just, oh, son, you're worth it. You're my son. You show him you're better than what he thinks. Arm around shoulder, happy tears. Again.....
I wrote....I get Blake's had a shit time with his dad, but he's going from one possessive asshole to another. One who controls him cause he's a parent and with money, the other for sex and love. Fucking beautiful.
Then Andre is like, who am I? Just a lowly bakery boy that no one gives 2 fucks about. I can paint intimate portraits of you. No problem!!! No one will know! Oh, I'm sorry. I know we weren't supposed to TELL ANYFUCKINGONE but it's cool! I'm just FLYING up the ranks in tennis, but NO ONE WILL KNOW! And then! AND THEN! He has the audacity to fucking BLAME BLAKE for the shit storm surrounding HIS PAINTINGS!!! Talk about misplaced anger. What. The. Fuck.
Oop....Here is the real Pierre! Let's NOW disown our son! He's gay! Yay! Yeet the bakery boy!
The shit that spews out of Andre's mouth when he's angry. It's act first, sling the nastiest shit you can say about someone, and then fucking dip.....he's SUCH AN ASSHOLE.
Next lovely note section? Here goes nothing.....
Jesus, I hate this story. Andre is the worst and most impulsively angry motherfucker.
Slinging angry shit and madness. I get they're young, but fuck this shit. And a father who literally doesn't love his kid. Loves his control more. This is the worst story ever. And all the girl action at the beginning of the book? My GAWD!!!
I really held back, huh? Wow.
Oh....next note section.....
EW. ew ew ew.
They start hooking up again? We hear nothing about them talking AT ALL about what the fuck happened between them? One blames the other for everything. The other is literally trapped by his family but no one clears anything up ON PAGE!?!? WHAT THE FUCK???? Asking Blake to walk away? Really?? After what he said and did? And then we get zero clarity. ZERO CLARITY!!!! Their relationship makes ZERO SENSE!!!!!!!
Well, that was my last note. Of course it was. Because then Daddy Doctor Dearest has a shitfit and puts down the ultimatum and Blake finally sticks up for himself. Then he meets up with Andre and all is fucking hunky dory.
And yet, I find myself fucking smiling at the end when there's a genuine ass whooping of Blake and there's a kiss and blah fucking blah. It's a testament to the writing that I can be that fucking angry and then be smiling because I like how it ended.
But for the love of fucking Pete, I wish there was more on-page clarity about things. Some fucking character growth. There's nothing explaining how they GREW and got to where they needed to be to make the fucking relationship work!!! Nothing except for Blake finally getting out from under his dad's thumb. But Andre is still a fucking prick. I see zero growth in him as a character. So therefore, their relationship means fuck all.
So I did the sane thing......I jumped right into the 2nd book cause I'm like, this fucker won't grow AT ALL, I need to see how long it takes him to fucking cheat. Cause I know that's what's happening. And I HATE CHEATERS. (But props to Barbara and her review on the 2nd book cause she also hates cheaters and said there was redemption....so I'm like, all right, 🤞 let's do this!) So I'm like, bring it on. I'm already fuming. Let's possibly fume some more! So then I finished that book tooooooo last night. Second Book's review
That said, anyone who can make me that viscerally angry about content but makes me smile in the end, I have no clue why, gets to be 2⭐ (edited 7-30-26 from 3 down to 2, I just can't justify the 3 starts when I was so angry). But while listening, I paused many times, almost DNFed it so many times....ughhhhhh.
I am writing this in conjunction with the 2nd book too, the Painted Return. So I've marked this as spoiler loaded because.....well. I can't write a review without the other book being mentioned at this point. I'm so damn conflicted.
To start, this book is a rivals-to-lovers MM romance. And boy, they really are rivals. And not the oh, we had one misunderstanding and now it's all cleared up rivals. No, they really loath each other. But there's something there. I get it. But they both have shit backgrounds in their families, although of a different sort. But even a polished turd is still a fucking turd.
I'm not good with technical tennis in anything more than HS level from watching my own kid. So I have no clue what's right and wrong. And I'm not bothered if there's liberties taken for writing. So I'm not here to harp on that. I am here for the romance. That's the point of me reading this. Them playing a sport, any sport, is the link for them. That's all there is to it, in my eyes.
They both have girlfriends that they absolutely feel nothing for. So they just get blown and screw just to get off, and that's just wrong on so many levels. You know these girls love you, you're BOTH leading on your girls? And Andre is in Paris and Blake is in Connecticut, so it's not like they are guys who know each other and are denying themselves because they can't have the other. No, they're both just using women. Great. So every time a girl was on page I was literally gagging and groaning audibly. I felt kind of sad for poor Marie and Sarah, but then again, how did they NOT know these guys were just floppy fish? Jeez. Weak women portrayal alert. Goes for both mothers on that front as well.
But this story follows them through the Tennis Junior League, something like that, and ensuing matches, their struggles to get to each one. How they come together, come out of it....sort of. And then the ensuing chaos and "love story". Yeah, I'm just gonna put that in quotes.
If you don't want any of the awful details......don't read further.
Maybe I should tell you about what I wrote in my notes app.
Screw it. Let's dive in.
My first note? Fuck Andre. What an ass. And knowing book 2 has in the blurb that someone does the unthinkable and can he win back Blake? I'm like, yeah, I can see it. This immature fucker will cheat. He'll just cut and run. I'm sure of it. Not quite how it goes down....but still doesn't surprise me too much.
Now, to be fair, I started writing these notes after much scoffing and yelling at my phone, with about 60-65% of the book done. So most of these ramblings will be past the 50% mark reflections.
I get they're supposed to be, what? 18? But for fuck's sake! There's literally no communication.
sidenote: I'm literally laughing looking at my angry notes. Man, was I pissed!
When Blake makes the ultimate mistake, apparently, of just giving up in the game against Andre in China? Japan? Crap, I can't remember. I was just yelling at that point. He does it because HE LOVES HIM. It's not right, no. But Andre doesn't give him ONE FUCKING CHANCE to explain himself. No, he literally does anal for the first time? Then walks the fuck away? I'm sorry? I'm fucking SORRY?????? Because 'you didn't respect me' I'm going to practically rape you and walk the fuck away? Sorry????? Hard. Fucking. Pass. (yeah he's checking in and it's not rough 'necessarily', but fuck, he uses him like a piece of trash for something they've never even fucking done! that passed the line for me. all. the. lines.)
Then they are apart for like 6 damn months. Not a peep. Not an apology. Not a fucking word. Oh, and Pierre? Andre's dad? Who told him all the nasty things, he's worthless, only a baker's son, you are not doing anything worthwhile by painting and wasting money, blah fucking blah..... NOT A FUCKING APOLOGY. Just, oh, son, you're worth it. You're my son. You show him you're better than what he thinks. Arm around shoulder, happy tears. Again.....
I wrote....I get Blake's had a shit time with his dad, but he's going from one possessive asshole to another. One who controls him cause he's a parent and with money, the other for sex and love. Fucking beautiful.
Then Andre is like, who am I? Just a lowly bakery boy that no one gives 2 fucks about. I can paint intimate portraits of you. No problem!!! No one will know! Oh, I'm sorry. I know we weren't supposed to TELL ANYFUCKINGONE but it's cool! I'm just FLYING up the ranks in tennis, but NO ONE WILL KNOW! And then! AND THEN! He has the audacity to fucking BLAME BLAKE for the shit storm surrounding HIS PAINTINGS!!! Talk about misplaced anger. What. The. Fuck.
Oop....Here is the real Pierre! Let's NOW disown our son! He's gay! Yay! Yeet the bakery boy!
The shit that spews out of Andre's mouth when he's angry. It's act first, sling the nastiest shit you can say about someone, and then fucking dip.....he's SUCH AN ASSHOLE.
Next lovely note section? Here goes nothing.....
Jesus, I hate this story. Andre is the worst and most impulsively angry motherfucker.
Slinging angry shit and madness. I get they're young, but fuck this shit. And a father who literally doesn't love his kid. Loves his control more. This is the worst story ever. And all the girl action at the beginning of the book? My GAWD!!!
I really held back, huh? Wow.
Oh....next note section.....
EW. ew ew ew.
They start hooking up again? We hear nothing about them talking AT ALL about what the fuck happened between them? One blames the other for everything. The other is literally trapped by his family but no one clears anything up ON PAGE!?!? WHAT THE FUCK???? Asking Blake to walk away? Really?? After what he said and did? And then we get zero clarity. ZERO CLARITY!!!! Their relationship makes ZERO SENSE!!!!!!!
Well, that was my last note. Of course it was. Because then Daddy Doctor Dearest has a shitfit and puts down the ultimatum and Blake finally sticks up for himself. Then he meets up with Andre and all is fucking hunky dory.
And yet, I find myself fucking smiling at the end when there's a genuine ass whooping of Blake and there's a kiss and blah fucking blah. It's a testament to the writing that I can be that fucking angry and then be smiling because I like how it ended.
But for the love of fucking Pete, I wish there was more on-page clarity about things. Some fucking character growth. There's nothing explaining how they GREW and got to where they needed to be to make the fucking relationship work!!! Nothing except for Blake finally getting out from under his dad's thumb. But Andre is still a fucking prick. I see zero growth in him as a character. So therefore, their relationship means fuck all.
So I did the sane thing......I jumped right into the 2nd book cause I'm like, this fucker won't grow AT ALL, I need to see how long it takes him to fucking cheat. Cause I know that's what's happening. And I HATE CHEATERS. (But props to Barbara and her review on the 2nd book cause she also hates cheaters and said there was redemption....so I'm like, all right, 🤞 let's do this!) So I'm like, bring it on. I'm already fuming. Let's possibly fume some more! So then I finished that book tooooooo last night. Second Book's review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2026
This is a good story, but there simply are too many narrative inconsistencies.
First of all, on the technical side of things, junior grand slams matches are not and have never been played in a best of 5. I feel like the author is a least aware this, since he mentions some straight sets wins in the best of 3, but for some reason, some matches here and there randomly become best of 5 affairs, and that just makes no sense.
Second, when this story begins, André is already 18 years old. Per the rules, the first junior season mentioned in the book is already supposed to be his last. How come he's still playing juniors by the next season?
Also, paint is not really used for the lines on clay courts anymore, especially not at Roland Garros. Those are made out of plastic or PVC bands for durability.
I get that details like this are not gonna matter that much to non tennis fans, but that was all very distracting to me unfortunately.
I do however feel like the description of the on court action was very well done. The author managed to accurately capture the essence of what makes tennis such a gladiator sport.
On the romance side of things, while the chemistry between the two MCs is palpable and very well done, I feel like their bond was maybe not fully fleshed out. I needed deeper conversations, more carefree moments, more laughter too. But over all, I really liked both of them a lot.
I'll definitely check out book #2 whenever it comes out.
First of all, on the technical side of things, junior grand slams matches are not and have never been played in a best of 5. I feel like the author is a least aware this, since he mentions some straight sets wins in the best of 3, but for some reason, some matches here and there randomly become best of 5 affairs, and that just makes no sense.
Second, when this story begins, André is already 18 years old. Per the rules, the first junior season mentioned in the book is already supposed to be his last. How come he's still playing juniors by the next season?
Also, paint is not really used for the lines on clay courts anymore, especially not at Roland Garros. Those are made out of plastic or PVC bands for durability.
I get that details like this are not gonna matter that much to non tennis fans, but that was all very distracting to me unfortunately.
I do however feel like the description of the on court action was very well done. The author managed to accurately capture the essence of what makes tennis such a gladiator sport.
On the romance side of things, while the chemistry between the two MCs is palpable and very well done, I feel like their bond was maybe not fully fleshed out. I needed deeper conversations, more carefree moments, more laughter too. But over all, I really liked both of them a lot.
I'll definitely check out book #2 whenever it comes out.
July 26, 2026
Across the Net is the first book in the Advantage Series and also the debut mm romance novel by author Phoenix Vale.
I loved this book. Phoenix Vale’s writing brings you court side as the reader is introduced to Blake Harlan, and Andre Moreau.
Blake Harlan comes from a wealthy American family and has been coached and trained by the best
Andre Moreau, from a poor, French, bakers family, is the complete opposite. He has to struggle and fight his way to get to the final match of every tournament where he inevitably plays against Blake.
The two rivals cannot deny their attraction to one another, eventually becoming liver while staying rivals on the tennis court.
The main characters and the supporting characters are very well developed and written. Mr. Vale makes the reader feel like they have a front row seat at every tournament.
The love story develops naturally and doesn’t feel rushed.
Phoenix Vale has become a “must read” author for this reader. I can’t wait for the other two books in this series to see how Blake and Andre grow in their relationship.
It is to be hoped Mr. Vale has many more stories and characters to share with his readers.
I loved this book. Phoenix Vale’s writing brings you court side as the reader is introduced to Blake Harlan, and Andre Moreau.
Blake Harlan comes from a wealthy American family and has been coached and trained by the best
Andre Moreau, from a poor, French, bakers family, is the complete opposite. He has to struggle and fight his way to get to the final match of every tournament where he inevitably plays against Blake.
The two rivals cannot deny their attraction to one another, eventually becoming liver while staying rivals on the tennis court.
The main characters and the supporting characters are very well developed and written. Mr. Vale makes the reader feel like they have a front row seat at every tournament.
The love story develops naturally and doesn’t feel rushed.
Phoenix Vale has become a “must read” author for this reader. I can’t wait for the other two books in this series to see how Blake and Andre grow in their relationship.
It is to be hoped Mr. Vale has many more stories and characters to share with his readers.
July 26, 2026
I loved this book. I sat down and devoured it in one sitting. Blake and Andre are very well developed as is their journey. I can’t wait to see what happens next <3
I saw another post that said it took too long to get to the good stuff ;). I totally uh disagree. As it’s stated in the description, the characters think they hate each other, they are polar opposites. It takes time to weave hate into love, they have to take emotional steps and geographical steps to become what they are at the end of the story. How would it make sense to dive head first into love when they live in separate countries, Andre doesn’t have the resources Blake has to travel, they are fierce competitors, and they each have their own father issues. All of this has to be dealt with BEFORE we get to the love story part. It would just be a cheap erotic novella without the context and background, which was not the author’s goal for this emotional journey.
I saw another post that said it took too long to get to the good stuff ;). I totally uh disagree. As it’s stated in the description, the characters think they hate each other, they are polar opposites. It takes time to weave hate into love, they have to take emotional steps and geographical steps to become what they are at the end of the story. How would it make sense to dive head first into love when they live in separate countries, Andre doesn’t have the resources Blake has to travel, they are fierce competitors, and they each have their own father issues. All of this has to be dealt with BEFORE we get to the love story part. It would just be a cheap erotic novella without the context and background, which was not the author’s goal for this emotional journey.
July 9, 2026
GAME, SET AND MATCH! 💕🎾👟🎨
I’m not really one for Trilogies as some authors tend to kill the idea of happiness regarding their characters with a long drawn out narrative until they reach their final HEA, so we will see if that happens with this new to me author who created Blake Harlan- The Golden Boy and Andre Moreau- The Baker Boy…
My only pet peeve was the relationships they had prior with their girlfriends. There was too much emphasis on their intimate scenes and how they were basically using the starry eyed girls to mask their true suppressed sexual identities…
There is no indication what their sexual orientation is as they had constant sexual relations with their girlfriends as unemotional robots except when they were with each other, their chemistry was off the charts!
What happened to Andre’s girlfriend Marie it just faded out where she was never mentioned again…
There is no indication whether he broke up with her or if he was cheating on her with Blake as Blake broke up with Sarah before they started their arrangement…
The characters do draw you as reader into their world and you cheer them on in their respective matches even against each other, when they cry you cry with them, and when they hurt you hurt with them!
Beside those aforementioned inconsistencies it was a very enjoyable, sweet, angsty read with two wonderful characters who have to navigate coming from two different worlds, having a secret relationship in the dark for two years until they can reach the light and be their true authentic selves together in a competitive environment where they have to deal with betrayal, familial neglect, familial control, homophobia and learning to only rely on themselves and each other!
The next book carries on after the three year epilogue and I do look forward to see how they progress as an established couple!
I voluntarily received an ARC from Forward PR for an honest non biased review.
I’m not really one for Trilogies as some authors tend to kill the idea of happiness regarding their characters with a long drawn out narrative until they reach their final HEA, so we will see if that happens with this new to me author who created Blake Harlan- The Golden Boy and Andre Moreau- The Baker Boy…
My only pet peeve was the relationships they had prior with their girlfriends. There was too much emphasis on their intimate scenes and how they were basically using the starry eyed girls to mask their true suppressed sexual identities…
There is no indication what their sexual orientation is as they had constant sexual relations with their girlfriends as unemotional robots except when they were with each other, their chemistry was off the charts!
What happened to Andre’s girlfriend Marie it just faded out where she was never mentioned again…
There is no indication whether he broke up with her or if he was cheating on her with Blake as Blake broke up with Sarah before they started their arrangement…
The characters do draw you as reader into their world and you cheer them on in their respective matches even against each other, when they cry you cry with them, and when they hurt you hurt with them!
Beside those aforementioned inconsistencies it was a very enjoyable, sweet, angsty read with two wonderful characters who have to navigate coming from two different worlds, having a secret relationship in the dark for two years until they can reach the light and be their true authentic selves together in a competitive environment where they have to deal with betrayal, familial neglect, familial control, homophobia and learning to only rely on themselves and each other!
The next book carries on after the three year epilogue and I do look forward to see how they progress as an established couple!
I voluntarily received an ARC from Forward PR for an honest non biased review.
July 7, 2026
Wow! What a beautiful love story! Blake Harlan and Andre Moreau bein an intense rivalry on the tennis courts. The two not only battle on the courts, they're battling their growing feelings for each other, the public, and their fathers!
This book made me think. I really enjoyed reading this and read it in one evening. If you like romance and sports then this book is all that and a little bit more!
This book made me think. I really enjoyed reading this and read it in one evening. If you like romance and sports then this book is all that and a little bit more!
July 3, 2026
Outstanding read following the great tradition of sports set MM romance novels.
The story sucks you in right away as we meet Blake and Andre, two tennis players from different worlds who have more in common than initially meets the eye.
Vale does a great job of making you feel like you’re living the story with his descriptions of each setting while keeping the story fast paced, drawing you into each chapter.
Best compliment I can give is that I genuinely cared what happened to these two.
Great read.
The story sucks you in right away as we meet Blake and Andre, two tennis players from different worlds who have more in common than initially meets the eye.
Vale does a great job of making you feel like you’re living the story with his descriptions of each setting while keeping the story fast paced, drawing you into each chapter.
Best compliment I can give is that I genuinely cared what happened to these two.
Great read.
July 2, 2026
I had a really good time. While I do not watch tennis that much, so don't know the full rule set, I can understand some of the inconsistencies that others have mentioned. While I wanted more behind the scenes of the relationship deep talks, etc... I really enjoyed what felt like an equal balance between the sport and the romance, using the sport to fuel the chemistry/tension between the players. Will definitely read the next book.
July 27, 2026
OK sooo… I know basically nothing about tennis! So I was kind of nervous going into this because there is a LOT of tennis in this book. But honesty it didn’t bother me nearly as much as I thought it would…. I ended up really enjoying the story.
Blake and Andre come from very different backgrounds and I like to see how different their lives were while also noticing the similarities… especially with their fathers and all the pressure they were both under. The rivals to lovers romance was definitely my favorite part. I thought the MM romance was really well done too (I read some MM but not a ton).
There was a lot of angst.. tension… secret romance going on. And I was fully invested in Blake and Andre. I really wanted to see how everything would work out for them. The romance did take a little while to really get going but once it did I was completely into it. Nothing wrong with a slow burn!
Overall this was a really enjoyable sports romance and I honestly think you can still enjoy it even if you know absolutely nothing about tennis… like me.
Blake and Andre come from very different backgrounds and I like to see how different their lives were while also noticing the similarities… especially with their fathers and all the pressure they were both under. The rivals to lovers romance was definitely my favorite part. I thought the MM romance was really well done too (I read some MM but not a ton).
There was a lot of angst.. tension… secret romance going on. And I was fully invested in Blake and Andre. I really wanted to see how everything would work out for them. The romance did take a little while to really get going but once it did I was completely into it. Nothing wrong with a slow burn!
Overall this was a really enjoyable sports romance and I honestly think you can still enjoy it even if you know absolutely nothing about tennis… like me.
July 27, 2026
Thank you Forward PR for the Arc!
Blake and Andre had the best chemistry and I loved reading their journey. The poor and the rich boy was a nice angle and their shared 'cages' helped them bond.
I could have done a little less with the Tennis slang. The matches were all written out and as a non tennis player it was a bit much for me.
Halfway through the story the mmc's connected more and the story was more about them instead of the Tennis, for me that was the best part.
I am curious about the next book and find out how they will end up!
Blake and Andre had the best chemistry and I loved reading their journey. The poor and the rich boy was a nice angle and their shared 'cages' helped them bond.
I could have done a little less with the Tennis slang. The matches were all written out and as a non tennis player it was a bit much for me.
Halfway through the story the mmc's connected more and the story was more about them instead of the Tennis, for me that was the best part.
I am curious about the next book and find out how they will end up!
July 19, 2026
So this is my first Pheonix Vale book and I loved it. Andre and Blake both are under enormous pressure but they connect with each other. The only time they feel free is when they are together. Yet because of who they are in the tennis world they can't exactly be seen in public. This will become a spot if contention for them. They do work it out however this is just book one more turmoil is coming I can feel it.
July 26, 2026
Saw this on instagram from Phoenix. This book is amazing. The struggle, the fight, the pain, and the love that they have for each other. Loved how they evolved and the support that came out later.
Reread this book twice. It's a great story as it involves lots of family dynamics and an awakening from the main characters. Enjoyed reading it and if you are reading my review trust the author and his story.
Reread this book twice. It's a great story as it involves lots of family dynamics and an awakening from the main characters. Enjoyed reading it and if you are reading my review trust the author and his story.
June 13, 2026
I am a huge tennis fan. With that said, I was a bit hesitant when I read about juniors playing best of 5 sets and having to win by two games in the 5th set, but once I got past the inconsistency with the real world, I enjoyed this book. It was a short enough book (189 pages) that I did not get bored. I do plan to read the 2nd book when it is out because I love tennis.
June 15, 2026
It is a short story, and the story flowed well.
The problem I ran into is that the tennis rules didn't add up. I am of the opinion that when you use a subject, in this case tennis, the story must align with the actual rules that apply to that sport.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
The problem I ran into is that the tennis rules didn't add up. I am of the opinion that when you use a subject, in this case tennis, the story must align with the actual rules that apply to that sport.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
June 27, 2026
I loved this book
Outstanding character portraits and development. You could feel the tension radiating off the pages - especially during their matches against each other, then in the personal relationship.
Outstanding character portraits and development. You could feel the tension radiating off the pages - especially during their matches against each other, then in the personal relationship.
June 28, 2026
Great story, great read!
I really enjoyed this book. The play by play writing of the matches made me feel like a was there watching them! I look forward to reading more about the story of Blake and Andre.
I really enjoyed this book. The play by play writing of the matches made me feel like a was there watching them! I look forward to reading more about the story of Blake and Andre.
July 26, 2026
Very good
I've never been one to read male male romances but this one was very good different but good the relationship between the two is electric and powerful can't wait for book two
I've never been one to read male male romances but this one was very good different but good the relationship between the two is electric and powerful can't wait for book two
June 27, 2026
Just what I needed as Wimbledon is ready to start. A decent tennis MM romance. 🎾🎾
July 11, 2026
This is a shorter one, but I still really like it and I'm freaking scared for the next book to come out😭
July 21, 2026
This is a really engaging read that dives deep into the competitive world of online gaming. The characters are well-developed, and you really feel invested in their journeys as they navigate friendships, rivalries, and the pressures of performing at a high level. The plot keeps you hooked with its twists and turns, making it hard to put down. It's a great pick for anyone who enjoys stories about esports, personal growth, and finding your place.
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