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Born Winner: A Different Kind of Sports Romance
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 24, 2026
Long good read
I started this book because who dont like a sporty romance, this is well written however it ended with alot on the floor ...I needed a epilogue fr.
I started this book because who dont like a sporty romance, this is well written however it ended with alot on the floor ...I needed a epilogue fr.
August 17, 2026
First time......
This was a new to me author and certainly won't be my last time. If she continues so will I. These characters and the plot were so good. Real life situations nothing off the wall needed to keep you entertained. This is my type of jam. I hope she continues to write because she has it for me.
This was a new to me author and certainly won't be my last time. If she continues so will I. These characters and the plot were so good. Real life situations nothing off the wall needed to keep you entertained. This is my type of jam. I hope she continues to write because she has it for me.
August 16, 2026
Good lose to win story
This was quite a story with some messiness, scheming, and gutter behavior going on. I enjoyed it and definitely wanted more because I need some closure on so much.
This was quite a story with some messiness, scheming, and gutter behavior going on. I enjoyed it and definitely wanted more because I need some closure on so much.
July 23, 2026
Thank you, Miss Desire, for the ARC!
Unfortunate situations, outside pressure, unsolicited opinions, youth, and so much more weigh heavily on this young married couple. College sweethearts who rekindle their relationship quickly learn that marriage isn’t always sunshine and roses. Love is one thing, but building a life together is another, and they find that out firsthand.
Miss Desire took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Some moments had me on the edge of my seat, while others had me cussing and fussing at Jalen and Angie!
This is a different kind of sports romance. While the main character isn’t a professional athlete, sports still play a significant role throughout the story, especially in exploring the mental pressure, expectations, and sacrifices that come with chasing a dream.
The writing is incredibly descriptive, making it easy to picture every scene. I truly felt like I was right there experiencing everything alongside the characters. I learned a lot about Philly culture!
Now, this is a THICK one at over 600 pages. There were a few moments where I felt the story could have been tightened up a bit to be shorter, but stick with it because it’s absolutely worth the read. Between the drama, all the tea, and the life lessons woven throughout the story, there’s always something happening to keep you locked in until the very end.
Unfortunate situations, outside pressure, unsolicited opinions, youth, and so much more weigh heavily on this young married couple. College sweethearts who rekindle their relationship quickly learn that marriage isn’t always sunshine and roses. Love is one thing, but building a life together is another, and they find that out firsthand.
Miss Desire took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Some moments had me on the edge of my seat, while others had me cussing and fussing at Jalen and Angie!
This is a different kind of sports romance. While the main character isn’t a professional athlete, sports still play a significant role throughout the story, especially in exploring the mental pressure, expectations, and sacrifices that come with chasing a dream.
The writing is incredibly descriptive, making it easy to picture every scene. I truly felt like I was right there experiencing everything alongside the characters. I learned a lot about Philly culture!
Now, this is a THICK one at over 600 pages. There were a few moments where I felt the story could have been tightened up a bit to be shorter, but stick with it because it’s absolutely worth the read. Between the drama, all the tea, and the life lessons woven throughout the story, there’s always something happening to keep you locked in until the very end.
July 25, 2026
This book was absolutely amazing! Definitely a ‘different kind of sports romance’!! I love how the author developed her characters in such detail without taking away from the plot. I felt like I met these people in real life and was watching their stories unfold in person!! Please please please add this book to your TBR! You won’t regret it!
August 10, 2026
Got this as an ARC reader and I was so excited to dive in. I saw a lot of promo for it, but didn’t know exactly how the story was going to come together. Congrats to Miss Desire on her release. I believe it’s her debut novel and it’s no easy feat to put something out for the world to consume and judge.
Writing about a love that’s already established can be challenging. You don’t get to see the beginning, angst or yearning, but you do hopefully get to see love in a stable place. As characters, I think Angie and Jalen had their flaws. More specifically Jalen 🥲 but did the author do their job if no characters make you want to viscerally react? Jalen worked my nerves something bad and it only got worse as the book continued. I personally think I liked him less by the end of the book. Maybe I need to heal. lol I think he could benefit from some therapy, because a lot of aspects of their relationship, imo were not healthy. Mostly from his end. His horrible financial decisions, the leash he had his wife on, it was real strict round there and not in the way l like 😂
Surprisingly, i really liked Vashti. Her story with Noble and her street shenanigans actually turned out to be one of my favorite parts about the book and some of the more interesting scenes. I was on pins and needles waiting for the other shoe to drop. Saw a lot of growth from her over the course of the book that I didn’t expect and the cliffhanger had me irked because I wanted to know how things were going to shake out with her.
This is a meaty book and she did pre-warn us about that before hand. I will say, from a story perspective, I think some of this could’ve been cut down to get us to the beats that really moved Jalen and Angie’s story along. Being that their love was so strong, I also wish there were some higher stakes (with Damien) to at least make me THINK it was a possibility she might actually leave her husband.
Some story moments that started happening about 75%-80% in the book I feel could’ve happened much earlier just to keep the pace moving and the energy up. Similar to long seasons of shows, some moments felt like a filler episode. But once we started getting into the meat and potatoes, it moved along. Again, just wish we could’ve gotten to those moments earlier!
All in all, if you want a book that will give you a lot to work through, take the journey! Wondering if there will be a part 2 where we see more of Vash even though she said it was a good stopping point! Hmm.
Writing about a love that’s already established can be challenging. You don’t get to see the beginning, angst or yearning, but you do hopefully get to see love in a stable place. As characters, I think Angie and Jalen had their flaws. More specifically Jalen 🥲 but did the author do their job if no characters make you want to viscerally react? Jalen worked my nerves something bad and it only got worse as the book continued. I personally think I liked him less by the end of the book. Maybe I need to heal. lol I think he could benefit from some therapy, because a lot of aspects of their relationship, imo were not healthy. Mostly from his end. His horrible financial decisions, the leash he had his wife on, it was real strict round there and not in the way l like 😂
Surprisingly, i really liked Vashti. Her story with Noble and her street shenanigans actually turned out to be one of my favorite parts about the book and some of the more interesting scenes. I was on pins and needles waiting for the other shoe to drop. Saw a lot of growth from her over the course of the book that I didn’t expect and the cliffhanger had me irked because I wanted to know how things were going to shake out with her.
This is a meaty book and she did pre-warn us about that before hand. I will say, from a story perspective, I think some of this could’ve been cut down to get us to the beats that really moved Jalen and Angie’s story along. Being that their love was so strong, I also wish there were some higher stakes (with Damien) to at least make me THINK it was a possibility she might actually leave her husband.
Some story moments that started happening about 75%-80% in the book I feel could’ve happened much earlier just to keep the pace moving and the energy up. Similar to long seasons of shows, some moments felt like a filler episode. But once we started getting into the meat and potatoes, it moved along. Again, just wish we could’ve gotten to those moments earlier!
All in all, if you want a book that will give you a lot to work through, take the journey! Wondering if there will be a part 2 where we see more of Vash even though she said it was a good stopping point! Hmm.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This definitely not your typical sport romance by far! For a debut novel I was really surprised by the realism and authenticity of this story. Our MMC and FMC are Jalen and Angie. They are college sweethearts who broke up when Jalen was injured and his professional sports dreams vanished. They reconnected a few years later and quickly married.
I don’t think Jalen ever saw Angie as equal. He definitely has her on a pedestal, his trophy wife. He smothers and love bombs disguised as protection and providing. And Angie, I just wanted to shake her sometimes like girl stand up!
I do think they genuinely loved each other; their foundation was not as strong as they thought. There were things that each made adamant they either wanted or didn’t want. One thinking they can sway and change their mind later. Which for me was red flags and yet they got married anyway. It definitely got messy AF. They were heavily influenced by their friends be intentional or not and outside influences.
I’m a heavy believer in getting to know yourself before getting married. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. And I’m highly invested in Vashti’s story. She’s Angie’s bff and baby did she have some mess going on too. I won’t spoil it but definitely pick this book up!! It’s worth the read!
I don’t think Jalen ever saw Angie as equal. He definitely has her on a pedestal, his trophy wife. He smothers and love bombs disguised as protection and providing. And Angie, I just wanted to shake her sometimes like girl stand up!
I do think they genuinely loved each other; their foundation was not as strong as they thought. There were things that each made adamant they either wanted or didn’t want. One thinking they can sway and change their mind later. Which for me was red flags and yet they got married anyway. It definitely got messy AF. They were heavily influenced by their friends be intentional or not and outside influences.
I’m a heavy believer in getting to know yourself before getting married. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. And I’m highly invested in Vashti’s story. She’s Angie’s bff and baby did she have some mess going on too. I won’t spoil it but definitely pick this book up!! It’s worth the read!
July 23, 2026
Miss Desire literally took me through it! I was anxious and didn’t want to stop reading because I needed to know what was going to happen next!
This definitely isn’t your typical romance novel, this novel is about a couple that is toxic, complex, and immature… both have trauma but are trying to work through it because their love for one another is so intense.
Many would say Jalen and Angie are trauma bonded, but I feel like there was true love there, they just had to go through certain stuff to grow and evolve, individually and together!
Their love was messy and was tested on all fronts, via friends, financially, emotionally, and mentally… but I was always rooting for them.
This book is definitely not a typical romance because it’s more than that… it’s about boundaries within friendships and relationships, right and wrong, ego, karma, healing, and spirituality. It’s also about loyalty, forgiveness, and real love!
Born Winner is raw and very relatable.
This definitely isn’t your typical romance novel, this novel is about a couple that is toxic, complex, and immature… both have trauma but are trying to work through it because their love for one another is so intense.
Many would say Jalen and Angie are trauma bonded, but I feel like there was true love there, they just had to go through certain stuff to grow and evolve, individually and together!
Their love was messy and was tested on all fronts, via friends, financially, emotionally, and mentally… but I was always rooting for them.
This book is definitely not a typical romance because it’s more than that… it’s about boundaries within friendships and relationships, right and wrong, ego, karma, healing, and spirituality. It’s also about loyalty, forgiveness, and real love!
Born Winner is raw and very relatable.
July 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW
“I love you more today, than I did yesterday.” This was the mantra that I feel like kept Jalen and Angie together.
This young couple faced many many trials and tribulations including outside forces (friends, family, work stress, secrets) and still did their best to stay together.
“Born Winner” is so realistic and tells the RAW story of a new marriage while trying to balance the cares of this world.
We see the good, the bad and the ugly all while seeing the real. Miss Desire really portrayed how marriage looks and is perceived to both married and single people.
The characters were realistic. This is NOT a fairy tale. This story had me reflecting on the first 2 years of my marriage and how it really is difficult but with prayer, faith and encouragement- you can make it.
If you enjoy THICK books and Philly, this is the story for you. Thank you Miss Desire for the ARC copy and Congratulations on your debut novel.
“I love you more today, than I did yesterday.” This was the mantra that I feel like kept Jalen and Angie together.
This young couple faced many many trials and tribulations including outside forces (friends, family, work stress, secrets) and still did their best to stay together.
“Born Winner” is so realistic and tells the RAW story of a new marriage while trying to balance the cares of this world.
We see the good, the bad and the ugly all while seeing the real. Miss Desire really portrayed how marriage looks and is perceived to both married and single people.
The characters were realistic. This is NOT a fairy tale. This story had me reflecting on the first 2 years of my marriage and how it really is difficult but with prayer, faith and encouragement- you can make it.
If you enjoy THICK books and Philly, this is the story for you. Thank you Miss Desire for the ARC copy and Congratulations on your debut novel.
August 4, 2026
That ending had me STRESSED! 😩
This was such a good read! I normally don't like books with a lot of descriptive scenes because they can drag, but Miss Desire did it perfectly. The descriptions actually made me feel like I was right there with the characters, watching everything unfold. I could picture every scene so clearly.
Jalen got on my nerves BAD in the beginning, and I kept wishing Angie would stand on business a little more. I was cheering when she finally left him in that house! 😂 Damien had me fooled at first because I thought he was fine af but once his personality really came out... whew, he turned into a whole cornball.
Now I'm just hoping my girl Vash gets the happily ever after she deserves because babyyyy... that ending had my blood pressure through the roof! 😩 I need the next book ASAP! Definitely a 5-star read.
This was such a good read! I normally don't like books with a lot of descriptive scenes because they can drag, but Miss Desire did it perfectly. The descriptions actually made me feel like I was right there with the characters, watching everything unfold. I could picture every scene so clearly.
Jalen got on my nerves BAD in the beginning, and I kept wishing Angie would stand on business a little more. I was cheering when she finally left him in that house! 😂 Damien had me fooled at first because I thought he was fine af but once his personality really came out... whew, he turned into a whole cornball.
Now I'm just hoping my girl Vash gets the happily ever after she deserves because babyyyy... that ending had my blood pressure through the roof! 😩 I need the next book ASAP! Definitely a 5-star read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Born Winner is not your average love story or sports romance. It is about two people in love and their love for sports. Angie and Jalen are newlyweds. They are in love and Jalen will do anything to make/keep Angie happy. Although Jalen is a little controlling, he really wants the best for Angie. Their marriage wasn’t perfect, but I loved the fact that it was real. They had real problems and loved hard. Even when outside influences try to wiggle their way in, their love still stands. Now I have to shoutout Vashti, Angie’s friend. She may be a little immature in her decisions, but she will do anything for Angie. I loved them together. This was a great story and I recommend you read it to learn more about Jalen and Angie’s imperfect love!!!
July 24, 2026
I really love this book because one she is a thick one and I really got to see what New York slang is and how much a married couple ride for each other. Jalen and Angie I love this couple even though at times she made me made because she was given it to Damien that really wanted her but she always stay true to her husband Jalen .He is very protective of his wife and don’t want no many coming within 20 miles of her. Vashti her friend somthing else because she was a great grinder but at times she made me question her. I really love how she show the ups and downs of married couple and how they move thought the good and bad times . Miss dire u did you thug with this book can’t wait to read more book in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Born Winner was such an amazing read! It gives you the perfect insight into what Philly is really like while delivering a story that feels authentic and engaging. I loved how it explored the realities of marriage and friendships, showing both the highs and the challenges.
This isn’t your typical sports romance—it brings a fresh perspective while still delivering plenty of drama. If you’re looking for a book that has a little bit of everything—romance, friendship, real-life struggles, and drama—then this is definitely one to add to your TBR!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This isn’t your typical sports romance—it brings a fresh perspective while still delivering plenty of drama. If you’re looking for a book that has a little bit of everything—romance, friendship, real-life struggles, and drama—then this is definitely one to add to your TBR!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a good book!!! I was an arc reader and have read a good amount of sports romances but there are not any quite like this one. Born Winner is very original and fresh! I like how the author wrote about a former D1 athlete rather than a pro athlete. Another thing I really like is that this novel takes place in Philly. As a Philly native, I have to say I haven't found many books that really show up and represent. This book is about friendship, finding yourself, and there is ALOT of romance in the book. I can tell the author really worked hard on this book. Add this book to the top of your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh. My. Gosh. Where do I begin? So, I was asked to be an ARC reader for this book and I'm honestly so happy I did. I recommend this book if you're into sports and romance because it is a beautiful amalgamation of both. There is definitely drama and intensity but it's in unexpected ways. The mother-in-law and the wife get along, which I feel like is so rare. My favorite characters were Vashti, Angie, and Noble because they seem like real people. I read this book in one sitting because it's just THAT good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The book truly offers a unique and relevant perspective on relationships for men and women, single, or married. It was easy to read with Philly slang and compelling from chapter to chapter. It's long! So I congratulate the author for writing something that requires time to read with lots of depth. Thank you for the advance copy!
Born Winner is a timely read. The principles of the story address relationship challenges of today.
Born Winner is a timely read. The principles of the story address relationship challenges of today.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man, Angie & Jalen had me on a rollercoaster. I might still have whiplash. They definitely loved each other, but both of them had some things they needed to work through. Jalen a lil unhinged, and Angie let folks get in her head way too easy. Umm don’t even get me started on the friends because they brought nothing but drama and chaos. I was hollering at everybody at some point. This is not your average sports romance, but one thing for sure… you’re gonna be entertained.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jalen and Angie
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. This definitely wasn't a typical sports romance. There hints of sports references and one of the characters was currently playing basketball but the main characters are not currently athletes. Jalen and Angie, college sweethearts break up over Jalen's injury. Years later they reconnect and get married. There were some cracks in their foundation and with that came some out side influences. Jalen wanted the world for his wife but he didn't "truly" see her. Angie thinking the grass was greener on the other side quickly came to realize that although not perfect it was the relationship people to their whole lives wanting.
I'm more curious about Vashti as in the second part we learn more about her and why she is that way.
I enjoyed this book although I felt the length was too long. The second part really caught my interest and is what kept me reading until the end. Will be on the lookout for the second part.
Thank you to the author for the advance reader copy. This definitely wasn't a typical sports romance. There hints of sports references and one of the characters was currently playing basketball but the main characters are not currently athletes. Jalen and Angie, college sweethearts break up over Jalen's injury. Years later they reconnect and get married. There were some cracks in their foundation and with that came some out side influences. Jalen wanted the world for his wife but he didn't "truly" see her. Angie thinking the grass was greener on the other side quickly came to realize that although not perfect it was the relationship people to their whole lives wanting.
I'm more curious about Vashti as in the second part we learn more about her and why she is that way.
I enjoyed this book although I felt the length was too long. The second part really caught my interest and is what kept me reading until the end. Will be on the lookout for the second part.
July 27, 2026
I really liked this story. It's a story about REAL love...not what we are told when we are young. The love between these two characters is RAW and AUTHENTIC. It shows the WORK needed to keep everything alive. How communication comes a long way in a relationship. I love the aspects of sports, because I'm a sports girlie, BUT, this is not a sports romance, but everything was woven together beautifully.
For a debut....this one is a WINNER 😉
For a debut....this one is a WINNER 😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐✨ Marriage, Mess, and Plenty of Drama
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This definitely isn't your typical sports romance, so go into it with the right expectations. If you're expecting a story centered around basketball, you'll probably be surprised. The sports element is there, but it's mostly off the court. This story is really about marriage, trust, outside influences, and the mess that can happen when communication starts to break down.
I honestly felt like Jalen and Angie were more obsessed with each other—or even trauma bonded—than true soulmates. They loved each other deeply, but both had a lot of growing up to do. Neither of them was perfect, yet they seemed convinced they were exactly what the other needed, even when their actions suggested otherwise. Jalen and Angie frustrated me more than once, but that also made them feel real. The supporting characters brought plenty of drama, and while some eventually redeemed themselves, others continued to disappoint until the very end. The writing kept me invested, and I appreciated that the author wasn't afraid to explore difficult relationship issues instead of giving readers a picture-perfect romance. There were emotional moments, chemistry, and enough twists to keep me turning the pages.
For this to be the author's debut novel, she really hit it out of the park. The ending left me wanting to see where these characters go next, and I'm interested to see how the series continues.
If you're looking for a romance that's heavier on real-life relationship struggles than basketball, Born Winner is worth checking out.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This definitely isn't your typical sports romance, so go into it with the right expectations. If you're expecting a story centered around basketball, you'll probably be surprised. The sports element is there, but it's mostly off the court. This story is really about marriage, trust, outside influences, and the mess that can happen when communication starts to break down.
I honestly felt like Jalen and Angie were more obsessed with each other—or even trauma bonded—than true soulmates. They loved each other deeply, but both had a lot of growing up to do. Neither of them was perfect, yet they seemed convinced they were exactly what the other needed, even when their actions suggested otherwise. Jalen and Angie frustrated me more than once, but that also made them feel real. The supporting characters brought plenty of drama, and while some eventually redeemed themselves, others continued to disappoint until the very end. The writing kept me invested, and I appreciated that the author wasn't afraid to explore difficult relationship issues instead of giving readers a picture-perfect romance. There were emotional moments, chemistry, and enough twists to keep me turning the pages.
For this to be the author's debut novel, she really hit it out of the park. The ending left me wanting to see where these characters go next, and I'm interested to see how the series continues.
If you're looking for a romance that's heavier on real-life relationship struggles than basketball, Born Winner is worth checking out.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very good read!
Born Winner is hands down one of the BEST books I’ve read in a long time. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
Miss Desire did an incredible job developing every character. She gave so much depth and backstory that even when certain characters frustrated me, I couldn’t stay mad because I understood why they were the way they were.
From the very first chapter to the last page, I was completely invested. The ending was bittersweet, but knowing there’s another installment coming made it worth every emotional moment.
And Jalen? Whew… if you love a possessive, protective husband who loves his wife loudly and unapologetically, you’re going to EAT this book up.
Don’t hesitate to grab this one when it drops. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Born Winner is hands down one of the BEST books I’ve read in a long time. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
Miss Desire did an incredible job developing every character. She gave so much depth and backstory that even when certain characters frustrated me, I couldn’t stay mad because I understood why they were the way they were.
From the very first chapter to the last page, I was completely invested. The ending was bittersweet, but knowing there’s another installment coming made it worth every emotional moment.
And Jalen? Whew… if you love a possessive, protective husband who loves his wife loudly and unapologetically, you’re going to EAT this book up.
Don’t hesitate to grab this one when it drops. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a married woman I don't get to read many books with a married couple throughout the story and I loved this. It's really one of those stories I think people can learn from especially young/new couples with other influences contributing to their relationship. Also I've never felt so engrossed in Philly culture as I did in this book, it's nice to have so many new refreshing feelings from one book. As a debut novel it's really interesting and kept me reading I'm sure there's some style things that can change but the storytelling is solid ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This definitely wasn't your typical sports romance. Jalen and Angie definitely had me side eyeing them both a few times lol. I will say this was a pallet cleanser for sure, and I'm not from Philly, but I loved reading about Philly and reading the different slang that was in the book. The side characters definitely didn't disappoint me and I'll be reading again once it officially comes out. Miss Desire did her thing and she's got a bright future
⭐: 4.6
🌶️: 2.5
⭐: 4.6
🌶️: 2.5
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Reader Copy. Thank you to the author!!!!
This was a really good book.
For it to be a debut novel- it was great!
I loved the originality of this story and how LOVE was not "romanticized".
It was explored in its rawest form.
For me, I viewed this as a book that had sports and romance heavily involved but not really as a sports romance novel.
I felt it had more layers and depth than that.
For me, It read like a "coming of age" story.
Not in the traditional "childhood to adulthood" transition.
No.
But, the transition from the adulthood you'd envisioned to the actually adulthood you actively have.
This married couple is in their late 20's.
College sweethearts who broke up and then reunited during this "transition period" where the life they'd separately imagined (careers) was not the reality.
Neither did the emotional work to establish themselves independently outside of their failed hopes and dreams.
Their love while genuine, is tainted for this reason.
For me, this was not a story where I was rooting for anyone.
No one was bae or best friend-
I was emotionally engaged in everyone's journey.
Hoping they would gain the emotional maturity to find themselves and their voice while watching mistake after mistake.
But for me, that was a relatable journey. I enjoyed the "outside looking in" perspective.
I highly recommend this read for those who love reading about: the challenges in love; figuring out life FOR REAL in your late 20's; don't mind following a book series.
End of my SPOILER FREE REVIEW....
-----
POTENTIAL SPOILERS AFTER THIS POINT...
My respectful critique of the story:
I feel like I can't trust the characters.
As an avid reader, noting the "verbal/nonverbal" cues the author gives us for characters' personalties is major.
When I feel like there is an abrupt shift in how characters are portrayed- I am looking for the plot twists or going back to see if I missed any subtle clues the author gave.
When I don't find those clues or it is not a major plot twist, then it makes me question what I "think I know" with the story.
For a few of our characters, I felt like there were these abrupt shifts that took me out of the story.
One storyline I didn't prefer but respected was the Damien ending.
I prefer when the love interest just gracefully "bows out". I definitely wasn't expecting the dramatic shift in his behavior.
The other storyline that I just don't know if the author can write us out of is Vashti. The reason why she was being blackmailed, the accident, and the consequences...
She is my favorite out of the story- I love her! But with the above, it's hard for me to root for her now.
I say all of this not knowing their completed story which I will definitely follow up on reading.
So, I will respect the process and trust the author to write the story truest to them.
This was a really good book.
For it to be a debut novel- it was great!
I loved the originality of this story and how LOVE was not "romanticized".
It was explored in its rawest form.
For me, I viewed this as a book that had sports and romance heavily involved but not really as a sports romance novel.
I felt it had more layers and depth than that.
For me, It read like a "coming of age" story.
Not in the traditional "childhood to adulthood" transition.
No.
But, the transition from the adulthood you'd envisioned to the actually adulthood you actively have.
This married couple is in their late 20's.
College sweethearts who broke up and then reunited during this "transition period" where the life they'd separately imagined (careers) was not the reality.
Neither did the emotional work to establish themselves independently outside of their failed hopes and dreams.
Their love while genuine, is tainted for this reason.
For me, this was not a story where I was rooting for anyone.
No one was bae or best friend-
I was emotionally engaged in everyone's journey.
Hoping they would gain the emotional maturity to find themselves and their voice while watching mistake after mistake.
But for me, that was a relatable journey. I enjoyed the "outside looking in" perspective.
I highly recommend this read for those who love reading about: the challenges in love; figuring out life FOR REAL in your late 20's; don't mind following a book series.
End of my SPOILER FREE REVIEW....
-----
POTENTIAL SPOILERS AFTER THIS POINT...
My respectful critique of the story:
I feel like I can't trust the characters.
As an avid reader, noting the "verbal/nonverbal" cues the author gives us for characters' personalties is major.
When I feel like there is an abrupt shift in how characters are portrayed- I am looking for the plot twists or going back to see if I missed any subtle clues the author gave.
When I don't find those clues or it is not a major plot twist, then it makes me question what I "think I know" with the story.
For a few of our characters, I felt like there were these abrupt shifts that took me out of the story.
One storyline I didn't prefer but respected was the Damien ending.
I prefer when the love interest just gracefully "bows out". I definitely wasn't expecting the dramatic shift in his behavior.
The other storyline that I just don't know if the author can write us out of is Vashti. The reason why she was being blackmailed, the accident, and the consequences...
She is my favorite out of the story- I love her! But with the above, it's hard for me to root for her now.
I say all of this not knowing their completed story which I will definitely follow up on reading.
So, I will respect the process and trust the author to write the story truest to them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So many twists
Wow, I thought this was going to be a cute sports romance book. There were so many twist and turns, I didn't know how it was going to end. It just goes to show you that a lot goes into a having a healthy marriage. Not o my do you need open communication but you also have to watch who you have in your ear because they don't always have the best intentions.
Wow, I thought this was going to be a cute sports romance book. There were so many twist and turns, I didn't know how it was going to end. It just goes to show you that a lot goes into a having a healthy marriage. Not o my do you need open communication but you also have to watch who you have in your ear because they don't always have the best intentions.
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