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Friends of the Unexpected Royals #4
Set to Love
The hardest part of chasing an impossible dream isn't the hustle. It's knowing when to stop.
Between endless training sessions, a brutal losing streak, and double shifts at Mamma Lina’s, Katie Keller’s tennis career is hanging on by a thread. Her ranking is slipping, her savings are disappearing, and one more bad tournament could mean finally walking away from the sport she’s spent her life chasing.
Then she meets Max St. Millay.
A British theatre performer chasing an impossible dream of his own, Max understands exactly what it feels like to bet everything on a future that might never happen. What begins as an unexpected friendship soon becomes the bright spot neither of them knew they needed.
But Max’s tour can’t last forever. When a career-changing opportunity sends him back to London, Katie knows she has to focus on saving her own dream.
Then an unexpected chance to train with a new coach brings her to London—and straight back into Max’s life.
Now Max is on the verge of his West End breakthrough, Katie is finally climbing the rankings, and the friendship they tried to leave behind is becoming impossible to ignore.
The closer they get to the futures they’ve spent years fighting for, the harder it becomes to imagine those futures without each other.
Because sometimes the hardest dream to chase isn’t the one you’ve spent your whole life working toward.
It’s the one you never expected to find.
Set to Love is a sweet, closed-door contemporary romantic comedy featuring an underdog tennis player, a lovable theatre actor, friends-to-lovers, slow burn, found family, and no third-act breakup.
Between endless training sessions, a brutal losing streak, and double shifts at Mamma Lina’s, Katie Keller’s tennis career is hanging on by a thread. Her ranking is slipping, her savings are disappearing, and one more bad tournament could mean finally walking away from the sport she’s spent her life chasing.
Then she meets Max St. Millay.
A British theatre performer chasing an impossible dream of his own, Max understands exactly what it feels like to bet everything on a future that might never happen. What begins as an unexpected friendship soon becomes the bright spot neither of them knew they needed.
But Max’s tour can’t last forever. When a career-changing opportunity sends him back to London, Katie knows she has to focus on saving her own dream.
Then an unexpected chance to train with a new coach brings her to London—and straight back into Max’s life.
Now Max is on the verge of his West End breakthrough, Katie is finally climbing the rankings, and the friendship they tried to leave behind is becoming impossible to ignore.
The closer they get to the futures they’ve spent years fighting for, the harder it becomes to imagine those futures without each other.
Because sometimes the hardest dream to chase isn’t the one you’ve spent your whole life working toward.
It’s the one you never expected to find.
Set to Love is a sweet, closed-door contemporary romantic comedy featuring an underdog tennis player, a lovable theatre actor, friends-to-lovers, slow burn, found family, and no third-act breakup.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2026
About the author
Tomi Tabb
21 books54 followersTomi Tabb writes the kind of romance she loves to read: smart, sweet, and strictly closed-door. From the competitive world of professional sports to the hidden lives of modern royalty, her stories are filled with slow-burn chemistry, heartfelt banter, and happily-ever-afters without the spice.
When she isn’t dreaming up her next meet-cute, Tomi is pursuing her doctorate in History, proving that you can be both a serious scholar and a hopeless romantic. A California native, she lives with her family and one very spoiled cat who firmly believes she’s the real royal of the house.
Connect with Tomi:
https://linktr.ee/tomitabbauthor
When she isn’t dreaming up her next meet-cute, Tomi is pursuing her doctorate in History, proving that you can be both a serious scholar and a hopeless romantic. A California native, she lives with her family and one very spoiled cat who firmly believes she’s the real royal of the house.
Connect with Tomi:
https://linktr.ee/tomitabbauthor
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 15, 2026
4.5🌟 | 3🌶️
I have such a soft spot for romances where the couple becomes each other's safe place while chasing their own dreams.
Katie and Max’s friendship felt so easy and genuine, and watching their feelings develop made the slow burn worth it. I especially liked how they understood each other despite chasing completely different dreams.
Katie’s struggles with tennis, work, and figuring out her future made her feel refreshingly real. Watching her find confidence and start trusting herself more was just as satisfying as seeing Max pursue his theatre dreams. Their connection went beyond attraction, and I appreciated how they learned to support each other without having to sacrifice the futures they wanted.
The London setting, tennis and theatre elements, and found-family moments added so much charm, especially with familiar faces from the series popping up. I wouldn’t have minded a little more tension before everything was resolved, but I was happy with how their relationship developed.
This was such a sweet, engaging romance that reminded me why friends-to-lovers will always have a special place on my shelves!
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Tomi Tabb and Happily Ever Readers Services for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
I have such a soft spot for romances where the couple becomes each other's safe place while chasing their own dreams.
Katie and Max’s friendship felt so easy and genuine, and watching their feelings develop made the slow burn worth it. I especially liked how they understood each other despite chasing completely different dreams.
Katie’s struggles with tennis, work, and figuring out her future made her feel refreshingly real. Watching her find confidence and start trusting herself more was just as satisfying as seeing Max pursue his theatre dreams. Their connection went beyond attraction, and I appreciated how they learned to support each other without having to sacrifice the futures they wanted.
The London setting, tennis and theatre elements, and found-family moments added so much charm, especially with familiar faces from the series popping up. I wouldn’t have minded a little more tension before everything was resolved, but I was happy with how their relationship developed.
This was such a sweet, engaging romance that reminded me why friends-to-lovers will always have a special place on my shelves!
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Tomi Tabb and Happily Ever Readers Services for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set to Love was the perfect athlete x actor romance! Katie and Max found their person with each other, and it was impossible not to agree with them. I loved how they never compromised their personal goals, instead tried to resolve any conflict between them. I was really rooting for them, and I'm so glad they got their hea! (I recommend reading the bonus epilogue, I already miss the characters!) Katie's friends and family were awesome.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is part of the Friends of the Unexpected Royals series, but the books can be read as a standalone.
This is a cute slow burn romance where both of the main characters are athletes - Katie is a tennis player and Max is a dancer/actor.
I really liked this story. My attention was captured from the first chapter until the end. I've been reading a lot of sports romcoms lately, and it was a nice change to have one that focused on Tennis.
I enjoyed how the relationship progressed between Katie and Max. There was a quick connection, but there relationship needed some time, and some rough spots, before they decided they were falling in love. I felt like the characters were relatable since they each had things and insecurities that they were trying to work on. And while there could have been a 3rd act break up - and if we are being honest it came close - I appreciate that there wasn't one.
I also really enjoyed the side characters. This is my first read by Tomi Tabb, but I am excited to read the other books in this series and I am hopeful that there will be another book that will feature Zoe's story.
When you read this book, make sure to download and read the bonus epilogue as we get more of Katie and Max.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Distractions are only dangerous if you're scared of them."
"I never expected to meet you, Katie...And when I did, I thought...this is the girl. This is exactly who I've been looking for."
"If you're going to lose, do so because you went for it, not because you were to afraid to try."
"I've got you."
"Some people are only meant to find each other for a little while."
"Life is short..."
"The people who stop improving are usually the ones who think they've got nothing left to learn."
"I don't need you to be perfect..."
"...there's not much point in chasing success if you don't have anyone to come to afterward."
This is a cute slow burn romance where both of the main characters are athletes - Katie is a tennis player and Max is a dancer/actor.
I really liked this story. My attention was captured from the first chapter until the end. I've been reading a lot of sports romcoms lately, and it was a nice change to have one that focused on Tennis.
I enjoyed how the relationship progressed between Katie and Max. There was a quick connection, but there relationship needed some time, and some rough spots, before they decided they were falling in love. I felt like the characters were relatable since they each had things and insecurities that they were trying to work on. And while there could have been a 3rd act break up - and if we are being honest it came close - I appreciate that there wasn't one.
I also really enjoyed the side characters. This is my first read by Tomi Tabb, but I am excited to read the other books in this series and I am hopeful that there will be another book that will feature Zoe's story.
When you read this book, make sure to download and read the bonus epilogue as we get more of Katie and Max.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"Distractions are only dangerous if you're scared of them."
"I never expected to meet you, Katie...And when I did, I thought...this is the girl. This is exactly who I've been looking for."
"If you're going to lose, do so because you went for it, not because you were to afraid to try."
"I've got you."
"Some people are only meant to find each other for a little while."
"Life is short..."
"The people who stop improving are usually the ones who think they've got nothing left to learn."
"I don't need you to be perfect..."
"...there's not much point in chasing success if you don't have anyone to come to afterward."
October 11, 2026
Rating: 5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
I really do love friends to lovers romances so much and I loved that in this book we got that and we also got second chances too. I liked that in this book you saw two people who really care about each other but at the same time they're chasing their own dreams and sometimes the things you thought you needed might not be.
Katie Keller is trying really hard to keep her Tennis career alive, but she doesn't have enough hours in the day. With her losing streak, training, working doubles, and she is just exhausted. I loved getting to know her more throughout the story; she isn't a character that has it all put together. She feels like someone we all know or even can see ourselves in. I liked that when she had a chance to finally take her career in her own hands she does it, she jumps on that plane and goes to London to learn under the best. Even though things don't start off easily for her there, she starts to understand herself more and learns to listen to herself.
Max is a British theatre actor, who is out there chasing his own dream. I liked that it was easy for these characters to get to know each other and that they both could understand the struggles that they were going through. I loved that connection between them because it gave their relationship something deeper than just attraction.
Their friendship was one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved watching Katie and Max get to know each other. Their connection felt sweet and natural, and I found myself smiling at the thought of them realizing they might be becoming something more. And can we talk about the slow burn? I loved it! Another thing I appreciated was the found-family feeling throughout the story. The people around Katie and Max add warmth to their lives, and I enjoyed seeing characters from the other books as well in there, really does help to have it come all around with the found family.
I would like to thank Tomi Tabb for the opportunity to review this book.
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.
I really do love friends to lovers romances so much and I loved that in this book we got that and we also got second chances too. I liked that in this book you saw two people who really care about each other but at the same time they're chasing their own dreams and sometimes the things you thought you needed might not be.
Katie Keller is trying really hard to keep her Tennis career alive, but she doesn't have enough hours in the day. With her losing streak, training, working doubles, and she is just exhausted. I loved getting to know her more throughout the story; she isn't a character that has it all put together. She feels like someone we all know or even can see ourselves in. I liked that when she had a chance to finally take her career in her own hands she does it, she jumps on that plane and goes to London to learn under the best. Even though things don't start off easily for her there, she starts to understand herself more and learns to listen to herself.
Max is a British theatre actor, who is out there chasing his own dream. I liked that it was easy for these characters to get to know each other and that they both could understand the struggles that they were going through. I loved that connection between them because it gave their relationship something deeper than just attraction.
Their friendship was one of my favorite parts of the book. I loved watching Katie and Max get to know each other. Their connection felt sweet and natural, and I found myself smiling at the thought of them realizing they might be becoming something more. And can we talk about the slow burn? I loved it! Another thing I appreciated was the found-family feeling throughout the story. The people around Katie and Max add warmth to their lives, and I enjoyed seeing characters from the other books as well in there, really does help to have it come all around with the found family.
I would like to thank Tomi Tabb for the opportunity to review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A fascinating crossover story that is about an up and coming British actor, Max, who is performing in a production of Les Misérables, and a floundering tennis pro, Katie, who works at an Italian restaurant. The two meet at the restaurant because of some shenanigans by a quartet from the cast of Les Mis that Max was chaperoning. After Katie handles the restaurant problem, Max returns the next morning and gives her tickets for a performance for the show.
Thus the beginning of friendship. Unfortunately, a friendship with a looming end date due to Max's impending return to London. But in a twist of luck, Katie gets sponsored to go to London and train with a multi time Wimbledon winner. On a new continent, and in the same town, they finally have more time to get to know each other.
One of the things that made this book interesting (as well as a good story) was personal knowledge. As a musician who has performed in many musical theater productions, I was pleased to read an accurate account of this particular type of theater. Having a friend after college who was successful tennis competitor regionally, the tennis training seemed to match up with what I remember hearing about. I loved that the author obviously wrote what she knew about, and I'm willing to bet she had some personal restaurant knowledge as well. There's a reason for the adage of "Write what you know."
This is a series of some overlapping characters, and I loved having a feel for knowing those characters that I had already "met" in previous books. A great addition to the author's universe of loosely connected stories. So enjoyable!!
Thus the beginning of friendship. Unfortunately, a friendship with a looming end date due to Max's impending return to London. But in a twist of luck, Katie gets sponsored to go to London and train with a multi time Wimbledon winner. On a new continent, and in the same town, they finally have more time to get to know each other.
One of the things that made this book interesting (as well as a good story) was personal knowledge. As a musician who has performed in many musical theater productions, I was pleased to read an accurate account of this particular type of theater. Having a friend after college who was successful tennis competitor regionally, the tennis training seemed to match up with what I remember hearing about. I loved that the author obviously wrote what she knew about, and I'm willing to bet she had some personal restaurant knowledge as well. There's a reason for the adage of "Write what you know."
This is a series of some overlapping characters, and I loved having a feel for knowing those characters that I had already "met" in previous books. A great addition to the author's universe of loosely connected stories. So enjoyable!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Friends of the Unexpected Royals: Max & Katie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute read, with a little angst, a sweet friends-to-lovers slow burn, and two characters chasing impossible dreams in completely different worlds.
The meet-cute (or should I say not-so-cute meet-cute?) starts when Max steps in after an arrogant cast member treats Katie badly. From there, an unexpected friendship develops between Katie, who is struggling to break into professional tennis, and Max, a British theatre performer chasing his own West End dreams.
I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed. They understand each other because they're both experiencing the uncertainty, setbacks, and sacrifices that come with trying to make an impossible dream a reality.
Katie’s struggles with tennis were interesting. The constant training, losing streaks, financial pressure, and the question of when to finally give up made her journey feel realistic and emotional.
It was sweet, funny, and had that lovely found-family feeling. And while it says no no third-act breakup, I kind of felt that they were sort of on-off the entire time, so it’s hard to break up when you’re not really together….
My one wish? I really wanted Max’s POV! I would have loved to get inside his head and see what he was thinking as his feelings for Katie changed.
Overall, this was a cute, low-angst, closed-door romance with an underdog heroine, a sweet theatre actor, friends-to-lovers, and two people learning that sometimes that dreams may not be exactly what you were originally looking for….
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute read, with a little angst, a sweet friends-to-lovers slow burn, and two characters chasing impossible dreams in completely different worlds.
The meet-cute (or should I say not-so-cute meet-cute?) starts when Max steps in after an arrogant cast member treats Katie badly. From there, an unexpected friendship develops between Katie, who is struggling to break into professional tennis, and Max, a British theatre performer chasing his own West End dreams.
I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed. They understand each other because they're both experiencing the uncertainty, setbacks, and sacrifices that come with trying to make an impossible dream a reality.
Katie’s struggles with tennis were interesting. The constant training, losing streaks, financial pressure, and the question of when to finally give up made her journey feel realistic and emotional.
It was sweet, funny, and had that lovely found-family feeling. And while it says no no third-act breakup, I kind of felt that they were sort of on-off the entire time, so it’s hard to break up when you’re not really together….
My one wish? I really wanted Max’s POV! I would have loved to get inside his head and see what he was thinking as his feelings for Katie changed.
Overall, this was a cute, low-angst, closed-door romance with an underdog heroine, a sweet theatre actor, friends-to-lovers, and two people learning that sometimes that dreams may not be exactly what you were originally looking for….
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an arc of Set to Love in exchange for an honest review. As beautiful of a love story this is between Katie and Max, it is also about finding yourself, believing in oneself and all that you can accomplish with some trust and a wonderful support system.
This is the 4th book in a series, but I read it as a complete standalone and fully enjoyed the main and sub plots and all characters. Katie is a professional tennis player who is struggling on the court after an injury, and off the court as a over-worked waitress. Max is in theatre and during a stop in their traveling show, meets Katie one night in the restaurant when his castmates are acting rude and Max leaves quite the impression. Their courtship for the following 2 weeks was so sweet before Max is called back to London. As Katie struggles to find her groove on the court, her friends help her breakthrough and gets an offer to be coached in London. This move helps her grow as a person and player, her and Max take a hard look at their relationship and what it needs to flourish, and the open communication and appreciation and self-worth is beautiful to see.
This is such a lovely and refreshing sports romance read!
This is the 4th book in a series, but I read it as a complete standalone and fully enjoyed the main and sub plots and all characters. Katie is a professional tennis player who is struggling on the court after an injury, and off the court as a over-worked waitress. Max is in theatre and during a stop in their traveling show, meets Katie one night in the restaurant when his castmates are acting rude and Max leaves quite the impression. Their courtship for the following 2 weeks was so sweet before Max is called back to London. As Katie struggles to find her groove on the court, her friends help her breakthrough and gets an offer to be coached in London. This move helps her grow as a person and player, her and Max take a hard look at their relationship and what it needs to flourish, and the open communication and appreciation and self-worth is beautiful to see.
This is such a lovely and refreshing sports romance read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I did find this quite fast paced at the beginning, especially with how quickly everything was set up, but once I got into it I really enjoyed it. I loved Katie and Max together and really liked the progression of their relationship from friendship into something more. Their chemistry felt so easy and natural and they were just really easy to root for.
I also loved the dance and tennis combo and seeing both of them chasing completely different dreams while still understanding and supporting each other. I especially liked that in the end they were able to come together and compromise to find a way to make it work without either giving up their dreams. The found family side of the story was another thing I really enjoyed and I loved the group around them.
I’m not sure why, but I actually would have preferred the argument between Katie and Max to last a little longer 😂 It was resolved quite quickly and I think I just wanted a little bit more tension before they worked everything out. Overall, this was such a cute and easy read and I really liked where everything ended up for Katie and Max ❤️
🎾 Sports romance
❤️ Friends to lovers
🔥 Slow burn
✨ Chasing their dreams
🫶 Found family
🇬🇧 London setting
I did find this quite fast paced at the beginning, especially with how quickly everything was set up, but once I got into it I really enjoyed it. I loved Katie and Max together and really liked the progression of their relationship from friendship into something more. Their chemistry felt so easy and natural and they were just really easy to root for.
I also loved the dance and tennis combo and seeing both of them chasing completely different dreams while still understanding and supporting each other. I especially liked that in the end they were able to come together and compromise to find a way to make it work without either giving up their dreams. The found family side of the story was another thing I really enjoyed and I loved the group around them.
I’m not sure why, but I actually would have preferred the argument between Katie and Max to last a little longer 😂 It was resolved quite quickly and I think I just wanted a little bit more tension before they worked everything out. Overall, this was such a cute and easy read and I really liked where everything ended up for Katie and Max ❤️
🎾 Sports romance
❤️ Friends to lovers
🔥 Slow burn
✨ Chasing their dreams
🫶 Found family
🇬🇧 London setting
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set to Love is a lighthearted romance featuring a struggling tennis player and a theater actor featuring slow burn friends to lovers.
Katie is a struggling tennis player that also works as a waitress in an Italian restaurant in Orlando. Max is a performed from London, he is in Orlando for a short period of time while doing a show.
Their meet cute is sweet and unexpected. I love how Max returns to the restaurant in hopes to find his wallet but finds way more. I loved how their friendship develops and how they support each other. It was a very realistic story as how distance and life gets on the way of relationship, but I enjoy how they kept trying even when everything was moving them towards an end. They did need to communicate more and express their true feelings, but I enjoy how they solved their issues slowly allow time to heel for both. This is a sweet friends to lovers story with loads of found family.
This is the 4th book on a series of interconnected standalones. I did read the previous one of the series but this could be read as as standalone.;
Thank you Happily Ever Readers, Tomi Tabb and NetGalley for the ARC
Katie is a struggling tennis player that also works as a waitress in an Italian restaurant in Orlando. Max is a performed from London, he is in Orlando for a short period of time while doing a show.
Their meet cute is sweet and unexpected. I love how Max returns to the restaurant in hopes to find his wallet but finds way more. I loved how their friendship develops and how they support each other. It was a very realistic story as how distance and life gets on the way of relationship, but I enjoy how they kept trying even when everything was moving them towards an end. They did need to communicate more and express their true feelings, but I enjoy how they solved their issues slowly allow time to heel for both. This is a sweet friends to lovers story with loads of found family.
This is the 4th book on a series of interconnected standalones. I did read the previous one of the series but this could be read as as standalone.;
Thank you Happily Ever Readers, Tomi Tabb and NetGalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Katie's tennis career hung by a thread, her ranking slipping, savings disappearing, double shifts at Mamma Lina's barely keeping her afloat, and then Max walked into that restaurant chaos one night and gave her exactly the bright spot she didn't know she needed. Watching their friendship bloom over those two weeks before his return to London had me so invested in whether they'd find their way back to each other. When Katie's opportunity to train with a new coach sent her straight to London and right back into Max's orbit, I loved how the story refused to let either of them sacrifice their own dreams for the other. They talked through every hard conversation with such refreshing maturity instead of falling into silent treatment or manufactured drama, and watching Max climb toward his West End breakthrough while Katie fought her way up the rankings felt so earned. Seeing familiar faces from the author's wider universe pop up added such warmth. A genuinely sweet, grounded sports romance with real heart.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went in without having read the earlier books in this series and it worked perfectly fine as a standalone. Katie and Max’s friends-to-lovers slow burn was just so easy and natural, two people chasing completely different dreams (tennis and West End theatre) who end up being exactly what the other needed. I loved watching Katie fight for her ranking while juggling the financial pressure and the double shifts, her struggle felt so real and earned rather than just a backdrop for the romance.
What really won me over was how they handled the distance once Max went back to London and Katie’s coaching opportunity sent her there too. No manufactured drama, no silent treatment, just two people talking through the hard stuff and figuring out how to support each other’s dreams instead of sacrificing them. The found family around them added so much warmth, and the London setting was a nice bonus.
I wanted a bit more friction before they worked things out, still, such a sweet, grounded sports romance with real heart.
What really won me over was how they handled the distance once Max went back to London and Katie’s coaching opportunity sent her there too. No manufactured drama, no silent treatment, just two people talking through the hard stuff and figuring out how to support each other’s dreams instead of sacrificing them. The found family around them added so much warmth, and the London setting was a nice bonus.
I wanted a bit more friction before they worked things out, still, such a sweet, grounded sports romance with real heart.
October 14, 2026
I received an eARC from the author and here's my thoughts.
I loved the setting of this book. The characters were well placed and portrayed.
Both MCs were into arts; Katie was into tennis and Max was into theatre and dancing. It was a love at first sight for them but a slow burn. The way they were able to take their relationship to new levels in just two weeks was incredible. But don't worry the story wasn't rushed-in my opinion.
She is trying to hold herself and her career which is slowly crumbling and he is the shoulder she needs to keep her going. He encourages her to pursue her dreams all the while chasing his too.
But her best friend and workmates play a big role in helping her to see what she wants and push her towards her goals which include travelling across the world to chase her dream of becoming a tennis pro.
I would totally recommend this book to anyone interested in
💖Slow burns
💖Sports romances
💖Friends to lovers
💖Chasing your dream
Thanks so much Tomi for this great read.
I loved the setting of this book. The characters were well placed and portrayed.
Both MCs were into arts; Katie was into tennis and Max was into theatre and dancing. It was a love at first sight for them but a slow burn. The way they were able to take their relationship to new levels in just two weeks was incredible. But don't worry the story wasn't rushed-in my opinion.
She is trying to hold herself and her career which is slowly crumbling and he is the shoulder she needs to keep her going. He encourages her to pursue her dreams all the while chasing his too.
But her best friend and workmates play a big role in helping her to see what she wants and push her towards her goals which include travelling across the world to chase her dream of becoming a tennis pro.
I would totally recommend this book to anyone interested in
💖Slow burns
💖Sports romances
💖Friends to lovers
💖Chasing your dream
Thanks so much Tomi for this great read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the overarching message of working hard to achieve your dreams. Katie has sacrificed a lot to play tennis; at one point she nearly gave up. But her friend, Theo, believes in her and finds some great opportunities for her to continue her tennis career.
My favorite characters in the book were Katie’s friends, Zoe and Theo. Zoe was a true friend who was there for emotional support, as well as helping her whenever she needed it. Theo was like a brother to her in being a part of her rising tennis career by showing up for her matches and finding coaches and financial support. Even though Max is the man that Katie falls in love with, I believe Theo was more of a support than he was for her.
Tidbits and Tropes:
sports romance
theater
found family
third act break-up
This complimentary copy was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, the opinions stated are my own.
My favorite characters in the book were Katie’s friends, Zoe and Theo. Zoe was a true friend who was there for emotional support, as well as helping her whenever she needed it. Theo was like a brother to her in being a part of her rising tennis career by showing up for her matches and finding coaches and financial support. Even though Max is the man that Katie falls in love with, I believe Theo was more of a support than he was for her.
Tidbits and Tropes:
sports romance
theater
found family
third act break-up
This complimentary copy was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, the opinions stated are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set to Love by Tomi Tabb delivers a charming, feel-good romance! I love the friends-to-lovers storyline and the way Katie and Max’s lives come together through their shared experiences, dreams, and unexpected opportunities. With Katie pursuing her tennis ambitions and Max building his acting career, their journey reminds us that love doesn’t always happen according to our plans. One of the things I enjoy most about this kind of romance is watching friendship gradually develop into something deeper. The combination of tennis, musical theater, and a potential romance across the miles added a fun and unique touch to the story. Overall, Set to Love was a wholesome love story with a slow-burn relationship, and characters pursuing their passions while discovering love along the way.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
Review of advance copy received from Author
What worked for me most about this book was how mature the romance felt. Katie and Max don't fall into the usual pattern of unnecessary misunderstandings or manufactured drama. Instead, their relationship is built slowly and deliberately, with a foundation of friendship.
Katie and Max are both at uncertain points in their lives, chasing dreams that seem increasingly out of reach. That shared understanding creates a connection from the start.
Another highlight was the lack of a third-act breakup. The conflict comes from real-life challenges rather than relationship sabotage, and I appreciated that the author trusted the strength of the characters and their bond instead of relying on a last-minute breakup for drama.
A friends-to-lovers romance about ambition, resilience, and finding someone who understands the weight of your dreams.
Katie and Max are both at uncertain points in their lives, chasing dreams that seem increasingly out of reach. That shared understanding creates a connection from the start.
Another highlight was the lack of a third-act breakup. The conflict comes from real-life challenges rather than relationship sabotage, and I appreciated that the author trusted the strength of the characters and their bond instead of relying on a last-minute breakup for drama.
A friends-to-lovers romance about ambition, resilience, and finding someone who understands the weight of your dreams.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful story that grabbed me from the beginning, starting at the awkward meet-cute. Max is an actor in a live performance of Les Mis who lives in London but was in the US for the show. Katie is a struggling tennis pro, who is working part time in a restaurant. After meeting at the restaurant, the friendship begins but they only have 2 weeks, the chemistry is instant, the conversation was wonderful. But he lives in London, her in Florida. But as her tennis career is struggling, she gets a break with a new coach, and he is in London, so she decided to move there. Their feelings are strong as ever, but can they make it work with both their careers taking off? Read on to find a sweet, heartfelt story with situations that feel real as they find their HEA.
October 15, 2026
Set to Love is a delightful, friends to more, feel good romance. I love how hard both Katie and Max worked at their passions. They meet over Katie's job at the Italian restaurant but her tennis is struggling. Max seems posed on the brink of a successful musical theater career. I really loved that there were no contrived misunderstandings nor a third act breakup. Katie and Max became friends, supported each other and eventually both end up in London which allows their friendship to become more. I loved Katie's found restaurant family and how they supported her. I vote for this to become a Hallmark movie. I just really enjoyed being in Max and Katie's worlds. Thank you Ms. Tabb for suck an uplifting romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this story a lot. My attention was engaged by the struggles of the characters as they worked to attain their dreams. Although Katie was looking to become a tennis pro and Max was working to land a lead role in a musical, I was amazed by how both dreams had a lot of similar elements as far as physical fitness. I was entranced by Katie's and Max's dance on the path of love which had its own obstacles. I was given an advanced reader's copy of the book. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this book.
September 17, 2026
Thank you to Tomi Tabb for my complimentary eARC of Set to Love.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a refreshing read!
Set to Love has grownup problems with grownup solutions. Well, Katie and Max are young adults, but they seem wise beyond their years. They each have their own set of dreams and they are not willing to put them on the back burner for love. I was so invested in each of their lives that my heart was breaking.
When reality set in, Katie and Max did not resort to temper tantrums or the silent treatment. They called upon some good old fashioned common sense and talked through their problems.
Set to Love is book 4 of the Friends of the Unexpected Royals, but it may be read as a stand alone. Some past characters are mentioned, but nothing that would cause confusion.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a refreshing read!
Set to Love has grownup problems with grownup solutions. Well, Katie and Max are young adults, but they seem wise beyond their years. They each have their own set of dreams and they are not willing to put them on the back burner for love. I was so invested in each of their lives that my heart was breaking.
When reality set in, Katie and Max did not resort to temper tantrums or the silent treatment. They called upon some good old fashioned common sense and talked through their problems.
Set to Love is book 4 of the Friends of the Unexpected Royals, but it may be read as a stand alone. Some past characters are mentioned, but nothing that would cause confusion.
September 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
I LOVED this book. I’ve never read anything from this author before, but I will definitely be checking out the rest of her work. This was such a fun read, even without any knowledge of the other books in the series. I found myself reading with the biggest smile on my face throughout the whole book. Something I found really refreshing about this book was Katie’s ability to stand up for herself and having a strong sense of self all on her own. I don’t know anything about tennis or theatre but I still enjoyed every part of this book.
I LOVED this book. I’ve never read anything from this author before, but I will definitely be checking out the rest of her work. This was such a fun read, even without any knowledge of the other books in the series. I found myself reading with the biggest smile on my face throughout the whole book. Something I found really refreshing about this book was Katie’s ability to stand up for herself and having a strong sense of self all on her own. I don’t know anything about tennis or theatre but I still enjoyed every part of this book.
October 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! Katie and Max were perfect for each other. Both professionals and understanding the time and dedication it takes to be the best in their own careers. I enjoyed that this story was more like real life, where not everything just falls into place, but that relationships take two people willing to work at communication to make things work. The side characters really added to the story. It was a bonus to see that Theo made significant appearance in this book.
October 14, 2026
Even after finishing this book I am still stuck on what an incredible connection Max and Katie had so quickly. I loved their support and encouragement of one another. My heart absolutely broke when I thought they might actually push each other away. And Katie’s friends are completely incredible. Those people are in her corner and have her back 100%. This was my first book by Tomi Tabb, but I can’t wait to read more.
October 11, 2026
‼️ARC REVIEW‼️
I wanted to like this book, but the male main character just irritated me the whole time. It made it really hard to root for their relationship when it just felt like an inconvenience to him.
I wanted to like this book, but the male main character just irritated me the whole time. It made it really hard to root for their relationship when it just felt like an inconvenience to him.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Super cute! I enjoyed this read a lot. Really liked the two characters and their story together.
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