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Game of Edges
Amanda Foster has it all: She's the number one female tennis player in the world, and she's an international celebrity. Amanda is about to play the most important match of her career which, if won, will confirm her status as one of the greatest competitors in the history of women's tennis. Little does she suspect that her opponent-Sophie Moffat, an unassuming farm girl from the middle of Nowhere, U.S.A.-will change Amanda's life forever.
Do you know the difference between a tennis racquet and a baseball bat? If so, that's all that's required to enjoy Game Of Edges! In this delightful, engaging novel, author Kent Allen draws you into the fascinating world of women's professional tennis, and provides an intimate look at the intriguing life of a world-class athlete.
Do you know the difference between a tennis racquet and a baseball bat? If so, that's all that's required to enjoy Game Of Edges! In this delightful, engaging novel, author Kent Allen draws you into the fascinating world of women's professional tennis, and provides an intimate look at the intriguing life of a world-class athlete.
- GenresSports
464 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2015
17 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Kent Allen
4 books28 followersKent Allen is the author of Game Of Edges, a fun, intriguing fiction novel about the rise and fall of the world's number one tennis star.
Kent's second work is Paradise, a novella about a bumbling grim reaper who accidently collects the wrong man's soul -- with murder, mystery, and mayhem the result!
Kent Allen is also the author of Kingdom, a stage and film musical.
Kingdom link
An avid jazz pianist, Kent is the author of more than 100 original songs. He has one dog: Bailey, a happy-go-lucky golden retriever. Kent lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Kent's second work is Paradise, a novella about a bumbling grim reaper who accidently collects the wrong man's soul -- with murder, mystery, and mayhem the result!
Kent Allen is also the author of Kingdom, a stage and film musical.
Kingdom link
An avid jazz pianist, Kent is the author of more than 100 original songs. He has one dog: Bailey, a happy-go-lucky golden retriever. Kent lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 22, 2015
Wow…where to begin. I read this book based on a recommendation, and I will be forever grateful. This story is so well written that you don’t even realize you’ve been sucked in until your eyes are closing and you realize it’s way past your bedtime. The thing is though you don’t want to stop reading! I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of tennis, but this story is so much more than that. Kent Allen did a wonderful job of creating characters that you would love right from the start and others that would take a little time to develop. One of my favorite lines from the book was “Never let your fear of losing overshadow your love for the game.” I think we all can relate to that in so many ways that don’t even apply to a sport.
If you are wanting to read a book with great characters and yes, even an adorable dog, then you must read Game of Edges. I give Game of Edges 5 stars.
If you are wanting to read a book with great characters and yes, even an adorable dog, then you must read Game of Edges. I give Game of Edges 5 stars.
April 21, 2015
This book was a pleasant surprise. I don’t play tennis but I’ve seen the sport on television and thought the premise sounded fun. I felt like I was given an insider’s tour of the tennis world. I love books that expose me to different occupations and lifestyles where I’m privy to the main character’s thoughts and point of view. I found myself drawn in after reading the first few pages. Very good insights into what a pro-athlete’s life is like and a captivating story. More depth than a typical romance novel and being a dog-lover, I especially enjoyed the storyline about Otis, the yellow Labrador Retriever!
June 5, 2015
This really fun and easy to read book is very well written and it unexpectedly combines the world of tennis with the world of ranching. It presents a unique story and with an interesting plot, fun characters and a heart-warming message. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and had a hard time putting it down. Even though I play tennis, I still learned several things about the sport that I did not know.
May 18, 2015
Goodreads Autograph Copy
Amanda Foster live would drastically change after one tennis match by an upcoming player.
She was the number one player entering the finals of a prestigious tournament when she finds herself losing to a rising player until her opponent collapses and ends up dying in front of her. When she is awarded the trophy next day, she makes a few less than tasteful remarks which makes her a target of the press.
It is eighteen months later as Amanda has hit rock bottom. Gaining weight and over indulging in alcohol as she finds herself in Sophie’s hometown of Farris. Having the urge to meet the girl’s mother but soon realizes that her mom is dead and that someone else owns the home where Sophie lived with her mom.
Amanda finds herself wanting to return to tennis and ends up hiring Sophie’s coaches to put her back on track. They might not be conventional coaches but they manage to get her back ob track and regain her joy of tennis once again.
It’s about the journey back and regaining the passion for something you love. It is finding a sense of belonging in a community and perhaps an unexpected love along the way. A fascinating look at the world of professional tennis and the daily commitment needed.
Amanda Foster live would drastically change after one tennis match by an upcoming player.
She was the number one player entering the finals of a prestigious tournament when she finds herself losing to a rising player until her opponent collapses and ends up dying in front of her. When she is awarded the trophy next day, she makes a few less than tasteful remarks which makes her a target of the press.
It is eighteen months later as Amanda has hit rock bottom. Gaining weight and over indulging in alcohol as she finds herself in Sophie’s hometown of Farris. Having the urge to meet the girl’s mother but soon realizes that her mom is dead and that someone else owns the home where Sophie lived with her mom.
Amanda finds herself wanting to return to tennis and ends up hiring Sophie’s coaches to put her back on track. They might not be conventional coaches but they manage to get her back ob track and regain her joy of tennis once again.
It’s about the journey back and regaining the passion for something you love. It is finding a sense of belonging in a community and perhaps an unexpected love along the way. A fascinating look at the world of professional tennis and the daily commitment needed.
December 20, 2015
Sometimes the people who seemingly have everything are the most miserable while those who have very little, but appreciate what they have, are the most satisfied and happy. Amanda is the top ranked female tennis player in the world but she is also a world class...let's use the term jerk. Sophie is an unknown player from a small backwater town who has everything Amanda doesn't realize she wants and needs.
Every week I read several books, some for blog reviews others for my own pleasure. It had been a long time since I got as lucky as I did when I decided to read Game of Edges by Kent Allen. This book grabbed me from the opening volley, I cheered, I got angry, I was forced into self reflection, I cried and I couldn't put it down. If you only have time to read one book in the next week, month or year, do yourself a favor and make it this one. The Devil awards this 5.0 pitchforks.
Every week I read several books, some for blog reviews others for my own pleasure. It had been a long time since I got as lucky as I did when I decided to read Game of Edges by Kent Allen. This book grabbed me from the opening volley, I cheered, I got angry, I was forced into self reflection, I cried and I couldn't put it down. If you only have time to read one book in the next week, month or year, do yourself a favor and make it this one. The Devil awards this 5.0 pitchforks.
March 11, 2016
Recently, I texted a friend and said " I need a new book to read" Her immediate response "Game of Edges - Kent Allen"
I was hesitant since I do not have any knowledge of tennis, but I gave it a go! You can see from my stars I enjoyed it very much!! Yes, this book does talk about tennis and you learn a whole lot about the sport. However, this book is so much more than tennis - its about failures, winners, love, loss and everything in between.
This was my first book from Kent and I look forward to reading more from him! Thank you, Kent for such a well developed story line ~ I may even start watching tennis! :)
I was hesitant since I do not have any knowledge of tennis, but I gave it a go! You can see from my stars I enjoyed it very much!! Yes, this book does talk about tennis and you learn a whole lot about the sport. However, this book is so much more than tennis - its about failures, winners, love, loss and everything in between.
This was my first book from Kent and I look forward to reading more from him! Thank you, Kent for such a well developed story line ~ I may even start watching tennis! :)
June 30, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A sweet story about an athlete’s redemption. It has a unique storyline and very likeable characters. I don’t follow tennis, but was able to follow the plot just fine. It also moves fairly quickly and held my interest. I really enjoyed this book!
A sweet story about an athlete’s redemption. It has a unique storyline and very likeable characters. I don’t follow tennis, but was able to follow the plot just fine. It also moves fairly quickly and held my interest. I really enjoyed this book!
November 7, 2015
I know much more about tennis than before. I think this must be an amazing book for those who play and really understands the game. That said; this was one amazing book, exposing many people for who they really are. Circumstances are bringing this best out in all the parties and help them to heal from the past. An easy, fun read.
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May 23, 2015Good book..
October 20, 2017
This book arrived from Goodreads for me to read and review just as Wimbledon was getting underway and I confess that I parked the book on a shelf in favour of watching real life tennis matches instead of reading this story which takes place in the world of professional tennis. However, once I plucked the book off the shelf again, I was pleased that I had turned my attention to this work of fiction. There are details of the game of tennis contained within the book (rules, strategy, shots and suchlike) but I consider it is not necessary to have a deep understanding of tennis in order to enjoy it.
The main protagonist, Amanda Foster, is one of the greatest and richest (in monetary terms) female tennis players over the pond, but this arrogant international celeb is most certainly not a likeable character. Predictably her downfall comes at the hands of her polar opposite: a fantastically talented, unassuming, poverty-stricken but likeable and sympathy-inducing young woman called Sophie from a small town in the middle of the USA. The book flits between telling the story of Sophie’s incredible rise to the status of a near-world class sportswoman to Amanda’s downfall and subsequent life. The see-saw nature of the novel and some of the events do not always make for a believable story and the characterisation is somewhat predictable with good versus damaged / bad being rather stark, rather than subtle. Nevertheless, this book made for a pleasant, light summer read albeit with unfortunately strong overtones of teaching the reader a lesson in values in a preacher-like manner.
The main protagonist, Amanda Foster, is one of the greatest and richest (in monetary terms) female tennis players over the pond, but this arrogant international celeb is most certainly not a likeable character. Predictably her downfall comes at the hands of her polar opposite: a fantastically talented, unassuming, poverty-stricken but likeable and sympathy-inducing young woman called Sophie from a small town in the middle of the USA. The book flits between telling the story of Sophie’s incredible rise to the status of a near-world class sportswoman to Amanda’s downfall and subsequent life. The see-saw nature of the novel and some of the events do not always make for a believable story and the characterisation is somewhat predictable with good versus damaged / bad being rather stark, rather than subtle. Nevertheless, this book made for a pleasant, light summer read albeit with unfortunately strong overtones of teaching the reader a lesson in values in a preacher-like manner.
March 25, 2025
Games of Life
Totally was engrossed with this book. Couldn't wait to see where it took me next. The characters were believable and interesting and the story was amazing.I can't wait to share it with other readers. Awesome.
Totally was engrossed with this book. Couldn't wait to see where it took me next. The characters were believable and interesting and the story was amazing.I can't wait to share it with other readers. Awesome.
February 23, 2018
One of the best stories I've read in a long time. Well worth the read. I hate to leave my new, full of life characters behind.
January 20, 2016
This review is of “Game of Edges” by Kent Allen.
The Story: The book begins at a tennis tournament in San Francisco. There, Amanda Foster, the lead character and the #1 female tennis player in the world, is getting ready to play a match to win her seventh major and the Career Grand Slam-referred to here as the Quartet. In addition to being the best female tennis player in the world, Amanda is also a diva, a prima donna and every other derogatory phrase one uses to describe an arrogant, obnoxious person. Amanda’s opponent is Sophie Moffat, a player who has had a Cinderella run in this tournament and who the crowd and the media are supporting far more than they are Amanda. Amanda is very arrogant at the start of the match, believing that Sophie has no chance to beat her. Amanda does win the match, but not in the way she expects.
After winning the match, Amanda quits tennis. Later, we learn about how Sophie became a tennis player, and about her coaches, father and son Walt and Jack McKenzie, two ranchers in a small town who brought Sophie forward. Later, Amanda shows up at their ranch and asks the McKenzies to become her coaches in an attempt to make a comeback in her career. They, and some of their friends, agree and become Amanda’s coaches and support team. Amanda grows up, learns a lot about herself and becomes a better person and player. Amanda and Jack fall in love, get married and have a sort-of Happily Ever After; it’s not a traditional ending, and I’ll leave it at that.
Upside: There is a great deal to like here, especially if a reader is a sports and in particular a tennis fan. Amanda begins as a very unlikeable character at the beginning, but finds redemption in many ways as the book goes on. I like the fact that everything doesn’t go in a fairy-tale fashion.
Downside: The story’s pivot from Amanda to Sophie and back to Amanda is a little jarring; the transition could be better. There is a lot of technical tennis jargon that a reader who is not a fan of the sport may have trouble understanding and relating to.
Sex: None. Amanda and Jack kiss at the end of the book. That’s it.
Violence: Amanda punches a reporter-whom she dislikes intensely-breaking the other woman’s nose.
Bottom Line: It’s not for everyone-readers who are not sports or tennis fans may lose interest quickly-but for those of us who love sports, “Game of Edges” may be a winner.
The Story: The book begins at a tennis tournament in San Francisco. There, Amanda Foster, the lead character and the #1 female tennis player in the world, is getting ready to play a match to win her seventh major and the Career Grand Slam-referred to here as the Quartet. In addition to being the best female tennis player in the world, Amanda is also a diva, a prima donna and every other derogatory phrase one uses to describe an arrogant, obnoxious person. Amanda’s opponent is Sophie Moffat, a player who has had a Cinderella run in this tournament and who the crowd and the media are supporting far more than they are Amanda. Amanda is very arrogant at the start of the match, believing that Sophie has no chance to beat her. Amanda does win the match, but not in the way she expects.
After winning the match, Amanda quits tennis. Later, we learn about how Sophie became a tennis player, and about her coaches, father and son Walt and Jack McKenzie, two ranchers in a small town who brought Sophie forward. Later, Amanda shows up at their ranch and asks the McKenzies to become her coaches in an attempt to make a comeback in her career. They, and some of their friends, agree and become Amanda’s coaches and support team. Amanda grows up, learns a lot about herself and becomes a better person and player. Amanda and Jack fall in love, get married and have a sort-of Happily Ever After; it’s not a traditional ending, and I’ll leave it at that.
Upside: There is a great deal to like here, especially if a reader is a sports and in particular a tennis fan. Amanda begins as a very unlikeable character at the beginning, but finds redemption in many ways as the book goes on. I like the fact that everything doesn’t go in a fairy-tale fashion.
Downside: The story’s pivot from Amanda to Sophie and back to Amanda is a little jarring; the transition could be better. There is a lot of technical tennis jargon that a reader who is not a fan of the sport may have trouble understanding and relating to.
Sex: None. Amanda and Jack kiss at the end of the book. That’s it.
Violence: Amanda punches a reporter-whom she dislikes intensely-breaking the other woman’s nose.
Bottom Line: It’s not for everyone-readers who are not sports or tennis fans may lose interest quickly-but for those of us who love sports, “Game of Edges” may be a winner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2016
Not just a tennis story
Yes, I learned things about tennis, but this story is so much more. This story builds on the characters. Amanda Foster starts out as a very shallow egotistical tennis diva. Her actions literally ruin her tennis career. This is her journey. Her most important lesson is to never ever judge a book by it's cover. You'll never discover and meet the most wonderful people. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story but it has quickly become a favorite.
Yes, I learned things about tennis, but this story is so much more. This story builds on the characters. Amanda Foster starts out as a very shallow egotistical tennis diva. Her actions literally ruin her tennis career. This is her journey. Her most important lesson is to never ever judge a book by it's cover. You'll never discover and meet the most wonderful people. I wasn't sure what to expect with this story but it has quickly become a favorite.
Read
September 27, 2016I absolutely loved this book. I have never read anything by this author before and loved the way he writes. The characters were wonderful to get to know, the Mackenzie's and all of the town folks that helped Sophie and Amanda thru tennis. I am from a small town and I could see everyone pulling together to support each other. I loved how Amanda turned herself around and became the tennis player that people could love again and she found her way back to the way she loved tennis when she first started playing. Thank you for this wonderful book.
September 27, 2015
This book was a pretty easy read. I think it did a good job of getting into the mind of a professional athlete, especially an athlete that was #1 in the world and then bottomed out. The author did a good job of explaining tennis without making it seem like we were reading "How to Play Tennis" or something like that. The author also did a good job exploring character development. Everything seemed plausible and not remotely far fetched.
January 4, 2016
If you're a tennis person, you'll probably enjoy this book. It has perfectly fine writing, and you get a good sense of the characters and place. The unknown, albeit great tennis coaches on a ranch in the middle of nowhere seemed not real to me, but I suspended belief and forged ahead, but it nagged me the whole time.
September 19, 2015
Enjoyed this one. A LOT of tennis technicalities, which I skimmed over and didn't lose any of the story line. Fairly predictable but had a couple of good character developments. Rare to read about REALLY honest, down-to-earth characters. Liked the "ranch-y" feel described by author and very much enjoyed the banter of dialogue at the end. Would probably read more of this author.
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October 17, 2015Fun read
I was feeling under the weather and needed a book to read. I picked this up and was hooked. It was an easy read. I liked the characters and the plot. It was a bit too good to be true but I needed that today.
I was feeling under the weather and needed a book to read. I picked this up and was hooked. It was an easy read. I liked the characters and the plot. It was a bit too good to be true but I needed that today.
December 13, 2015
Tears About More Then Tennis
Rarely am I brought to tears numerous times reading a book, but this wonderfully rich story did that to me. I loved the characters, and didn't want the book to end. Maybe continue with the newest occupant of Sophie/ Jimmy's room?
Rarely am I brought to tears numerous times reading a book, but this wonderfully rich story did that to me. I loved the characters, and didn't want the book to end. Maybe continue with the newest occupant of Sophie/ Jimmy's room?
April 22, 2016
I got this as a kindle freebie it was much, much better than I anticipated it would be, especially from a new author.
I was completely gripped for two nights and if you like tennis, or just a really well written 'triumphs over the odds story' then I highly recommend it.
I was completely gripped for two nights and if you like tennis, or just a really well written 'triumphs over the odds story' then I highly recommend it.
November 14, 2015
Enjoyed the description of training and interaction of people.
January 3, 2016
Nice twist on pro tennis player story and training.
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January 31, 2016Great!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews