Marquis is no stranger to setbacks. He finally turns things around with a new coaching position, when he encounters a parent with troubles of her own. Nya tries to keep her distance, but Marquis is inescapably drawn into her dilemma. When his involvement lands him in hot water, Nya finds herself at odds with the whole community. Marquis must fight to restore his name and convince a disappointed school that Nya is worth the trouble.
Keith Thomas Walker, known as the Master of Romantic Suspense and Urban Fiction, is the author of more than a dozen novels, including Fixin’ Tyrone, Dripping Chocolate and The Realest Ever. Keith enjoys reading, poetry and music of all genres. Originally from Fort Worth, Keith is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. Visit him at www.keithwalkerbooks.com.
I liked that this story was about a girls basketball 🏀 team. I didn't like Marquis children's mother. I felt this story needed more romace, chemistry, & more basketball 🏀 scenes.
I was excited to see a new release from Keith Thomas Walker. He is one of only 2 male authors that I read in this genre. Although he writes from both the male and female perspective, I feel we get more insight into the inner workings of the mind of a man and I find it refreshing.
One on One is the story of a former NFL star, Marquis, whose career ended much too quickly and is now back living in his hometown in Overbrook Meadows. He gets a job teaching science at the high school and reluctantly accepts the position of coaching the girl's basketball team.
My husband coaches girl's basketball so either Keith Walker coaches it himself or he had a very good consultant for this story. I could literally relate to every story detail surrounding Marquis' ordeals with the team. Some of it which is truly hilarious.
Nya is the mother of Lisa, the star player of the team. Marquis is instantly attracted to her. Nya finds Marquis attractive as well but she ignores him because she's heard some shady things about his past and she believes he's still a rich playboy. There is also the fact that he's 8 years younger than her.
When they finally try to get together, they not only have to contend with the fact that she's a parent and he's the teacher and coach of her daughter, but Nya's ex-boyfriend presents a major roadblock that could cost Marquis everything he has worked hard to rebuild.
This was a lighthearted story that focused more on Marquis trying to get his life together again and his coaching the team. I would have liked to see more of the romance between him and Nya but it was still a great story that I think everyone could relate to.
As always, Keith Walker's books are real and focus on real-life situations and people. Although I love to read about overly handsome billionaires on occasion, I find it much more relatable to read about the stories that could easily apply to any of the men I know personally.
Marquis is handsome and sweet and easy to love. Nya is strong and beautiful and needs someone to love her and care for her properly. Although she has her reservations in the beginning she finds that Marquis is much more mature than his age would suggest. These are two people you want to see succeed in love and life and I hope we haven't seen the last of them.
I enjoyed reading this book but there has got to be more!
I simply loved Marquis and the Grizzlies , I feel there was definitely a love story here but it was a love of hard work, of not giving up and becoming a real team. I was invested from the beginning KTW wrote a very compelling story about underdogs becoming champions and I felt white he coached the team, the team was teaching him too. I watched Marquis grow up in this book , and through his journey I watched him make good and bad decisions. Now the story between Marquis and Nya I am still not sure about , I'm not sure if it had to come to fruition for this to be a good book, the possibilities and repercussions definitely added to the story . There was a beginning of a romance in this book, but the true love story was about the team learning to love and be proud of themselves and of their coach realizing girls can play ball with the right motivation , which he gave them , but the the team also motivated him to be a better coach to try harder and to set a good example for them.
As a fan of Keith Thomas Walker's work I always expect great story lines from him and he doesn't disappoint with this one. I wanted a little more of the steamy romance between Marquis & Nya but understand it would have taken away from the underlying message of the story, it came just not as quick as I will have liked, all in all great book!
Marquis was a pro athlete that had to retire way too soon. He relies on his college education to get a job as a coach and teacher. I enjoyed the relationship of Marquis and his players. Marquis ended up falling in love with one of his players' mom & he didn't give up on her until she gave them a chance. I really enjoyed this book!
This is another great read from Keith Thomas Walker. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I felt like the ending was rushed. Also, Lisa seemed a little bit childish too me instead of an 18 year old. Other than that, it was a very good story.
Some times in life we make mistakes which Marquis did but was given a second chance. This second chance led him to a positive relationship with Nya. Not all second chances turn out well but this one did for both Marquis and Nya.
I think this may be my favorite Keith Thomas Walker book but since I've only scratched the surface with this prolific and talented writer I can't be certain. The slow burn in this story was what I found most enjoyable and interesting. Marquis Berry was a terrific and imperfect hero in that his numerous challenges were not insurmountable but they were consistent because he could not take his mind off the heroine Nya. I love hearing strong male voices and POV in romance novels and Mr. Walker does not disappoint with Marquis Berry. Nya Edmonds was also a very likable character with a strong presence in the novel. Even when we weren't hearing her inner thoughts we knew what they were and that's a neat trick in any story. I particularly loved the relationship between Nya and her daughter Lisa. The honest back and forth between them was touching and reminiscent of conversations I've had with my own daughter. In fact, both protagonists were so relatable, I felt for them deeply when they were in situations that were unpleasant and no fault of their own. I cannot lie I was disappointed when this story ended and wanted more. I'm greedy like that with an excellent book I feel an emotional connection to; although it's very hard to see how this book could have been improved on by adding to it.
One on One, met and exceeded my expectations!!! Marques, personality was unexpectedly refreshing for someone with his NFL background. Paula, the ex-wife actually made me angry at the level of greed she displayed and her unwillingness to compromise until she had other financial backings. I had more compassion for Darly, and Lisa's relationship due to the uncomfortable situation Nya, placed them in. Nya, should have never put Marquis,her daughter's TEACHER/COACH in her domestic situation with Daryl. All of her requests should have went in through the front office. I loved how supportive Marquis, brother was and the GREAT advice he gave about not dating a parent of a student you're teaching.
Congrats to Keith Thomas Walker on this story in the Finley High Series. Marquis, Omar, Nya, Daryl, and Lisa head a cast of characters who are strong, genuine, flawed and likeable. This story has so many facets that all work together to produce a story that includes romance, drama and triumph. I recommend One on One. Keith Thomas Walker has done it again!
Marquis decides to take a basketball coaching job as a means to an end after quitting pro football. Little does he know it's a girls team. He begins to enjoy teaching biology and coaching the girls team. Little does he know he starts to develop feelings for the parent of his star player. Come along on the ride of Marquis and Nyah it's worth the time.
Another great read by Keith Thomas Walker. I liked the story, even with the periods where the story stalled a bit. This was not the typical faster paced story. Overall a good read nonetheless.
Wonderful story! Loved the development of each character. Great read for older teens/young adults. Many social topics offered. Good book to use for discussions on social issues.