Doubles Love

by Ali Dean

Mackenzie Bell loves two tennis and the Kendrick family. She doesn’t want to be anything like her mother, who hops from one husband to the next. It’s one of many reasons why she’s never dated. The other reason? She’s in love with her best friend’s older brother, Jesse Kendrick.

Genres: Young Adult, Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, High School, Friends To Lovers, Novella

ebook

Published August 21, 2018

About the author

Ali is a USA Today Bestselling author of sports romance. She has always loved to read, especially when there's a happily ever after, but found that there weren't enough books out there featuring girl athletes. So, she decided to work on that. Like the heroines in her books, Ali is an athlete, with running and skiing her favorite sports these days. Ali hails from Vermont and now lives in her own happily-ever-after in Colorado with her husband, two sets of twins, and golden retriever Pancake. When she's not pursuing an outdoor adventure, Ali's less healthy passions include ice cream, coffee, and beer.

Get to know Ali Dean by following her on any of her social media and author links below.

www.alideanfiction.com
www.facebook.com/alideanfiction
www.twitter.com/alideanfiction
www.instagram.com/alideanfiction
www.bookbub.com/profile/ali-dean
www.pinterest.com/alidean750

Sign up for Ali's newsletter and receive free short stories as a welcome gift! https://www.subscribepage.com/alidean...

Reviews

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh... that was so cute and beautiful and heart warming! I’m in love with this story.

Jesse and Mac are so cute! They had me at the first few sentences.

”My eyes drift to Jesse of their own accord, and he nods at me, his arms crossed. He’s impressed with my playing, I can see it in the way he tries to hide his smile.”

I would totally read a full length book of their story!

”Mac. You are...”
Jesse’s voice drifts off, and he seems to lose his thoughts as he looks on the ground.
“I’m what?”
“There aren’t words. At least, I have none.”

Ah, c’mon? They are too cute!!!! I’m totally in love with this book. Loved every part of it. Ali Deans sure know how to do her job. I loved it! ❤️

[Amara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah.door.able!

I just love Ali Dean, I can't help myself. Her jock love stories just make me swoon. And I hate playing sports. Watching? Sign me up. Playing? Nope.

My only complaints are the abrupt ending, and the fact that I just wanted this to be longer.

Team Ryker forever.

[Kayla K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars*

When I requested Doubles Love on Netgalley, the adorable cover caught my eye, as did the synopsis.

I have to say, though, that unfortunately the inside didn't completely live up to what was on the outside of the book.

For a quick summary, this book is about high schooler Mackenzie, who thinks of her best friend's family as her own. She's never dated before, as her mother has had too many husbands to count, and she currently has a crush on her best friend's brother, Jesse, and doesn't want to ruin their friendship. As the two get to know each other, will enough sparks fly for Mackenzie to finally call someone her own?

So, yeah, this book just fell flat for me. I'm going to be completely honest and straight-forward here, but I don't intend to hurt anyone's feelings. In fact, that's the last thing I want.

Okay, so here goes: The plot was non-existent, the characters were bland, and it was just way too short for me (68 pages?!) to really feel anything from it.

Jesse and Mackenzie barely even got to know each other; Mackenzie just went up to him and kissed him at a party, and then a second later, POOF! They were dating. I personally think that's quite unrealistic, and that the author could've added some more sparks between the two, as I honestly did not feel any whatsoever.

The only thing about this book that really captured my attention was the writing style. I felt like the words flowed so nicely, and I would definitely consider reading more from Ali Dean. I'm sure that reading a full-length novel written by her will be great!

Even though this book didn't really do it for me, I think it will do wonders for others. If you don't normally read young adult contemporary or just want a SUPER quick, light read, then by all means, try it! You may fall in love. But if you are one to devour contemporaries, then you may want to skip this one.

[Layla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way alters my opinion of the work.

Doubles Love is short and sweet, and nothing short of angsty. I should mention that it's more of a novella than anything else. There's only so much plot/character development you can try to fit into 70 pages, but this is a start. For what's it worth, it had potential to be something else. The romance was predictable from the get-go, but the relationship between Mackenzie and her mother could have been explored further. I also would have liked to see the whole Olivia and Roger situation dealt with. There was no real resolution. One thing's for certain though... this story is not over yet. Is there more to come?

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Mark My Words Book Publicity for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book seems to meander about with nothing happening, the only interesting thing is the tennis.

-70 pages read
- 7/7 books read

= 105 house points

#HHCup #SHHCup

[Kate McMurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific, PG, young-adult, sports romance

This PG, young-adult, sports romance is set in South Carolina. Sixteen-year old Mackenzie Bell comes from a wealthy family. Her beautiful, 41-year-old mother, Delilah (who is aptly named), is a serial divorcee and country-clubbing socialite who has broken up multiple marriages in her pursuit of a string of wealthy husbands. In the process, she has had little use for her daughter except as a prop, whenever she chooses to play the part of a doting mother in an effort to snare her latest man. Currently, she is about to net husband number 5, and Mac is disgusted with her mother's amoral approach to relationships.

Mac was conceived when her mother cheated on her first husband, and it led to their divorce. Delilah has never told Mac who the man was. Fortunately for Mac, since her mother has never nurtured her, ever since she was a small child, she has considered her near neighbors, the Kendricks, to be her true family. They consist of loving and supportive parents who welcome Mac into their home to the point that she practically lives with them, Mac's best friend Emma who is Mac's age, and Emma's older brother, 17-year old Jesse.

Mac has been secretly in love with handsome, athletic, compassionate Jesse for years, but she believes she can't risk acting on the attraction because it would not only devastate her if it ended, but it might also endanger her relationship with the Kendrick family as a whole. For those reasons, she's done her best to never let Jesse know that she feels far more for him than simple friendship.

This is a novella, not a full novel, but even so, it has a complete and extremely well executed arc of the classic, "friends to romance" plot. Mac is the star tennis player on her high school's girl's tennis team, and Jesse is the star of the boy's tennis team. There are four types of scenes these two attractive and sympathetic protagonists have together that are emblematic of a deep and powerful, longtime friendship: their connection within the warm and caring family unit of the Kendricks; their one-on-one friendship in which he is, and always has been, very emotionally supportive of Mac; their pairing as a male/female doubles tennis duo for a sports competition, and ultimately, the two of them testing the waters to move into a committed romantic relationship.

I enjoyed every part of this well-written novella. Every aspect of an excellent, classic romance plot is here, and fans of romance will love that about it. In spite of the sexual part being G-rated, there is strong sexual chemistry between this couple, another crucial aspect of a memorable romance story.

If you are a fan of well-written, teen sports novels with a "girl power" focus, as I am, you will greatly enjoy this novella for that reason as well.

In short, for all the reasons above, I highly recommend this book to romance fans of all ages.

I have rated this novel as being PG because there is a lot of underage drinking, including drunkenness. But there is no sex, only kissing.

I rate this novella as follows:

Heroine: 5 stars
Romantic Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Girl-Power Sports Plot: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars

[♥ Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to follow

[Crisanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off very promisingly but ended abruptly.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet super short novella about MacKenzie Bell, a brilliant young tennis player about to enter a tournament.

I enjoyed the story, it was too short to get a real feel for how the series might develop.

I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Darneisha N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Doubles Love" is a captivating Young Adult (YA) sports romance novella that delves into the world of competitive tennis, exploring themes of ambition, teamwork, and the complexities of young love. The story follows the journey of two high school tennis players, Alex and Jordan, who are paired together as doubles partners for the season. Despite their initial differences and frequent clashes, they must learn to navigate their personal ambitions, intense training schedules, and the pressures of high school life, all while developing a deepening bond both on and off the court.

One of the strengths of "Doubles Love" is its authentic portrayal of the sports setting, which serves as a dynamic backdrop for the evolving romance. The author skillfully captures the intensity and excitement of tennis matches, making readers feel as if they are right there on the court with the characters. The detailed descriptions of training sessions, strategies, and matches enrich the narrative, offering a glimpse into the dedication and hard work required in competitive sports.

The characters of Alex and Jordan are well-developed, with each bringing their unique strengths, vulnerabilities, and personal growth to the story. Their relationship progresses realistically, with the initial rivalry and misunderstandings gradually giving way to mutual respect, admiration, and deeper feelings. This transition is handled with sensitivity and depth, making their connection believable and engaging.

"Doubles Love" also addresses important themes relevant to its YA audience, including self-discovery, teamwork, and the balance between personal goals and relationships. The novella does an excellent job of showing how sports can teach valuable life lessons, such as the importance of communication, perseverance, and trust, both in oneself and in others.

However, given its novella length, some readers might find the development of secondary characters and subplots to be somewhat limited. The focus remains tightly on Alex and Jordan's relationship and their tennis journey, which, while central to the story, leaves little room for exploring the wider world and interactions outside their immediate circle.

Overall, "Doubles Love" is a heartwarming and inspiring read that will appeal to fans of YA sports romances. Its engaging plot, relatable characters, and the exhilarating setting make it a memorable addition to the genre. Whether you're a tennis enthusiast or simply a lover of YA romance, this novella is sure to capture your heart and keep you rooting for Alex and Jordan both on and off the court.

[Michael Thal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mackenzie Bell is Hillcrest High’s top female tennis star. When matched up against Tabor Julian, one of the school’s best jocks, Mac wins.

At home, Mac isn’t such a star with her mother, Delilah, who tends to ignore her daughter for the affections of male suitors. When introduced to Roger Carmichael, Mac becomes livid, because this new boyfriend will soon become husband number five and he hasn’t even gotten a divorce from his wife.

To avoid the drama in her home, Mac escapes to neighbor and best friend Emma’s home. Emma’s brother, Jesse, a senior at Hillcrest, is also the school’s top male tennis player.

Jesse, Emma, and Mackenzie met when they were very young children. As the years passed, their friendship blossomed. Jesse and Mac always felt a strong attraction for each other, but Mac put up walls to avoid the eventual break-up and losing the only family she ever had.

Ali Dean develops very realistic characters in her novella, Doubles Love. The author probes deeply into the minds of her characters through superbly written dialogue and Mackenzie’s inner thoughts as the tennis star tells her story.

Readers of YA romance will enjoy this tender yarn of young love as it blooms into a tale they’ll long remember.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Review with spoilers)


Nice story. I love the book and I recommend it.


Mackenzie has grown through the story. She no longer seeks her mother's approval, she no longer needs it. She can stand up to her, tell her how she feels. She doesn't care what her mother thinks of her. It matters what she thinks of herself, and now she loves herself. She no longer needs to hide from anything, nor from her mother, nor from her feelings for Jesse. Now she is free.

I love Jesse. Yes, he goes out with a lot of girls, but none of them mattered as much to him as she did. He didn't think he could have her love. If he had talked to her earlier, things would have been different? Or would Mackenzie have rejected him?

I love Emma, the biggest fan of their relationship, and Lincoln, who is a nice guy. And Sally, who easily sees what they both feel.


"You are too nice sometimes. It's okay to tell a girl not to sit in your lap when you never asked her in the first place." I love this phrase. Not only girls can (and should) talk if they feel uncomfortable, boys can and should do It.


I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't imagine having a mother you are trying to endure because your mother has a penchant for collecting husbands. Mackenzie puts a lot of her energy into her tennis, which she is good at and she clings to her best friend's family. She is especially interested in her best friend's brother - how many of us have been there? - but it is too risky for her to consider acting on it because she needs the connection with his family. The really sweet movement of their relationship from friends to more was really nice. I am so glad that since they are both best in tennis on the respective boys and girls tennis teams and they team up to do doubles. I am also glad that given Mackenzie's aversion to her mother's ways that their relationship is advanced in a more romantic less sexy way. This was a complete story in a novella package. Great job!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melinda Howard · Rating 2 out of 5]

*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was really excited to receive this book but unfortunately I was disappointed by it. Due to the short length of the book (only 70 pages), not much character development happens and there isn't much of a plot. Also, I didn't like Mackenzie and Jesse was a jerk as he claimed to have loved Mackenzie since they met, (when they were young probably around 5-7 years old), yet he has a reputation for having a lot of girlfriends and the insinuation is made that he must sleep around a lot also. The book also seemed unfinished as the title alludes to the couple playing doubles on the tennis court as being a major occurance yet it happens just before the ending. Overall, this was a disappointing read that was only saved as the book was so short so it was bearable.

[Tami Laplante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young adult story of Mackenzie who is a tennis prodigy at her high school. Despite her accomplishments, her mother couldn't care less. He mother is always looking for the next rich husband. Mac spends most of her time at her friend's Emma's house. Emma's family seems more like a family than her own. Only problem is, she has a crush on Emma's older brother Jesse. Not wanting to risk her friendship with Emma or Emma's family, Mac has learned to deal with her crush. Drama and some angst are in this clean short story. You easily get drawn into this teenage angst.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MaLoBe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and romantic - friends to lovers

This is another great story from this author. This time short as it was previously part of an anthology but as previous novels I have a pleasure read perfectly thought through and very well written. I hope maybe this could evolve to some kind of series. Would be a really good start. But back to the subject it is sweet, very romantic and heartwarming. A little bit bitter as when I read about relationship mother daughter or thereof lack of it. But not everything in life is perfect. I enjoyed this story very much.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I looked forward to this book but it left me wanting. It just didn’t live up to what I expect from this author. I think part of the problem is that the story was too short. This story should have been a novel and not a novella. There was not enough character development to draw you in and keep you there. It felt slow in parts and very rushed in others. This storyline is about Mackenzie Bell and she is a very sweet character but has a a list of things she must overcome so with only 62 pages the story left me feeling disappointed.

[Mary Mutisya-Astin · Rating 5 out of 5]

High School Love and Tennis!

This is a short but great story of Mac and her secret crush on her best friend’s brother, Jesse. Jesse being super popular and the number one tennis player on their high school team, Mac has loved him from afar for many years. But as Mac’s popularity grows and other guys become a issue, Jesse is suddenly front and centre in her life. Could he possible feel the same way?

Loved this story. I am a big fan of the Pepper Jones series and it was great to read a love story centred around tennis.

I voluntarily read this book for an honest review.

[MoonGarden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as expected

When I first offer to review this book it was listed in the category "sweet romance", but I think this book walks a little too close to the line.

There is strong language that usually garners a film an R rating, underage drinking (so much drinking, getting drunk daily. Do teenagers really DO that?), and strong implication of the teenagers in this story having sex, often. It's "off stage", but still not what I expect in a "Sweet Romance".

The story itself was cute, but in my opinion would have been better without focusing so much on drinking.

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ★

OH MY!! this book was the perfect thing to get me out of my reading slump. it was short but it was still packed with everything a 5/5 book would have. i felt connected with the characters like i knew them personally, i felt like i was actually there, i felt it all omg. with most books under 100 pages, you start to lose the details, but this book had it all. i don’t even watch/understand tennis but i understood every tennis part of the book. there was genuinely nothing wrong with this book it is pretty much PERFECT!!

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written by Ali Dean; she has done an great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.

The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind. Their attitudes toward the events that are happening makes the story even richer.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Elysian Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read from this author and I am so glad I took a chance. This story was so well done; heartwarming, endaring, fun, smart and realistic. The characters were ones I could relate to and understand and their decisions in life very humble. I enjoyed the dialogue and how the characters developed. This was more then a sports romance, it was a story about life. I received an ARC via Hidden Gems and I am leaving an honest review.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute read. Very short. Mac and Jesse have been in love with each other for years. Everyone knew it but they fought it for a long time until finally Jesse says something and they start dating. Mac's mom is a piece of work. Didn't like her. They ended up beast teammates in tennis. Great ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a quick and entertaining read. As with most short stories, the character development wasn't very much present, but enough to get the sense of the h&H. There were no surprises. I gave the book four stars on its cutesy entertainment factor and how well it was written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She loves tennis and she will not be like her mother going from one man to another. Although she is still in love with her best friend brother. Can they make a match made in heaven? See what will happen between them

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ugh so cute
didn’t realize it’d be this short >:((
i really wanted more ughhh
love both of the main characters - guys like Jessie are almost never the main interest in books because they’re too nice or whatever but i loved it he was the perfect mix

when mac had a flashback to when they first met as kids i swooned

loved mac so much
felt like i’d do what she did too

[Andrea Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet

Ali Dean did it again. This is such a sweet short story and I am glad I read it. Mac and Jesse are like family but have always held more in their hearts for each other. Mac has always thought of Jesse and Emma’s families as a safe haven; her family, but nothing could have prepared her for Jesse to finally come clean about his feelings.

[Miss E R Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely short read. This is the first book I have read from this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

YA novella that left me wishing it was longer because it was just so sweet and adorable! I really recommend this book for a quick read without drama.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.