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Throughout her long career, professional tennis player Jay Pierce has been burned by both players and the press. She's learned the hard way that she can trust no one and nothing, especially her own judgment. So, when she starts one last career comeback, she knows the only hope she has to redeem her legacy is to go it alone. Sadie Larsen knows virtually nothing about the world of professional tennis when her daughter, Destiny, breaks onto the women's tour at the age of 17. She learned everything she needed to know about single parenting on her own, and she knows she can do the same now that the stakes are higher than ever--all she has to do is stay laser-focused on protecting her family of two. Neither Jay nor Sadie expects the path ahead to be easy. Each believes she's prepared to face every single challenge with the stony resolve of a woman who has been counted out and bet against her entire life. The only thing neither woman had counted on was each other. As Jay and Destiny fight their battles on the court, Sadie and Jay fight their attraction off it. Can they survive the crushing crucible of competition, press pressure, and parenting, or will love all really mean no one goes home a winner?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2018
60 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Spangler
33 books850 followersRachel Spangler never set out to be an award winning author. She was just so poor and so easily bored during her college years that she had to come up with creative ways to entertain herself, and her first novel, Learning Curve, was born out of one such attempt. She was sincerely surprised when it was accepted for publication and even more shocked when it won the Golden Crown Literary Award for Debut Author. She also won a Goldie for her second novel, Trails Merge. Since writing is more fun than a real job, and so much cheaper than therapy, Rachel continued to type away, leading to the publication of The Long Way Home and LoveLife. She plans to continue writing as long as anyone anywhere will keep reading.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 12, 2018
Jay Pierce is a veteran tennis player whose career was tainted by scandal. She’s trying to make a comeback while keeping a low profile. In her path to tennis glory she faces Destiny Larsen, a 17 year old prodigy looking to make a name for herself in the game. But more challenging than Destiny’s talent on the court and hostility off the court is Jay’s attraction for Sadie, Destiny’s mother. Will they get past the confrontations to their happily ever after?
This novel is as much a typical lesfic romance as an exploration of parental love.
The author is a tennis mom herself and the reader can see that much of what Sadie’s experiences as a tennis mom and as a mother is hers too. Sadie’s a half tennis mom, half mama bear character. Her daughter always comes first but not at any cost, she has a moral code that enforces in her daughter. As a result, this book shows a few bits of very wise parenting insight.
Jay is the typical stoic, dark character with a troubled past that is present in many lesfic books. She travels her journey to redemption without much conviction but is a lovable character. Her chemistry with Sadie is powerful and their intimate scenes are hot. Kudos to Ms. Spangler to present an interracial couple with very believable characters.
Destiny is finely portrayed as both a typical and non-typical teenager. As a professional tennis player, she has to deal with responsibilities and pressure that are not normally demanded from an adolescent. But, on the other hand, she is a typical teenager in all her rebellious, testy, immature ways. She’s not a likeable character but she’s very credible.
A couple of things made me drop a star on this rating. Jay’s relationship with Heather, who is an umpire, wouldn’t work in real life as there is a strict no fraternisation rule between umpires and players (I’ve learnt that from reading ‘Code of conduct’ by Cheyenne Blue). Most importantly, some scenes, specially inside a tennis court, were a bit far fetched for the realm of professional tennis at top tournaments. I understand why the author wrote them but they didn’t work for a tennis enthusiast like me. However, the positive sides of the story outweighed these details. It’s worth a read.
Overall, a story of romance and parental love with a view into professional tennis. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
This novel is as much a typical lesfic romance as an exploration of parental love.
The author is a tennis mom herself and the reader can see that much of what Sadie’s experiences as a tennis mom and as a mother is hers too. Sadie’s a half tennis mom, half mama bear character. Her daughter always comes first but not at any cost, she has a moral code that enforces in her daughter. As a result, this book shows a few bits of very wise parenting insight.
Jay is the typical stoic, dark character with a troubled past that is present in many lesfic books. She travels her journey to redemption without much conviction but is a lovable character. Her chemistry with Sadie is powerful and their intimate scenes are hot. Kudos to Ms. Spangler to present an interracial couple with very believable characters.
Destiny is finely portrayed as both a typical and non-typical teenager. As a professional tennis player, she has to deal with responsibilities and pressure that are not normally demanded from an adolescent. But, on the other hand, she is a typical teenager in all her rebellious, testy, immature ways. She’s not a likeable character but she’s very credible.
A couple of things made me drop a star on this rating. Jay’s relationship with Heather, who is an umpire, wouldn’t work in real life as there is a strict no fraternisation rule between umpires and players (I’ve learnt that from reading ‘Code of conduct’ by Cheyenne Blue). Most importantly, some scenes, specially inside a tennis court, were a bit far fetched for the realm of professional tennis at top tournaments. I understand why the author wrote them but they didn’t work for a tennis enthusiast like me. However, the positive sides of the story outweighed these details. It’s worth a read.
Overall, a story of romance and parental love with a view into professional tennis. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
December 29, 2018
Another superbly written novel by Spangler. Jay Pierce has come back from injury and is working her way up the tennis rankings slowly. It's difficult because the pay is low and the costs high, and she's not as young as she used to be. Sadie Larsen is having similar difficulties in helping her 17-year-old daughter, Destiny, work her way up the rankings. Sadie has devoted her life to her daughter since she was a teenager herself but meeting Jay makes her want something for herself. Jay has some bad press in her career and Destiny doesn't want to have anything to do with her even though her coach has a solution which would work for both of their finances.
I love reading novels where my point of view and feelings about the characters constantly shifts with each new piece of information. The characters are complex and just when I think I have the measure of one person something happens, or they do something, and I found myself realigning my thoughts. Jay and Sadie are fabulous characters but I wasn't a fan of Destiny's until I had to consider her opinion and it put a completely different spin on the big issue.
A good knowledge of tennis and its ceding system would help in the reading of this story but I think it's described clearly enough that one could still get the gist without being a fan.
There's is quite a bit of angst and tension. I was fully engaged throughout.
April 24, 2020
It’s sometimes good to take a break from ARCs and catch up with books that you really wanted to read but never had the time ! So many people have already reviewed this so I’m going to keep it short :)
This is a tennis sports themed romance but not between 2 players :) It’s a very smooth, very romantic and entertaining read .. there’s one character that probably is the reason why I didn’t give this a 5 star cuz I was so irritated with and obviously that would be Destiny (the daughter). I can NOT tolerate spoilt human beings and for me she was the perfect example of a spoilt brat!
This is a tennis sports themed romance but not between 2 players :) It’s a very smooth, very romantic and entertaining read .. there’s one character that probably is the reason why I didn’t give this a 5 star cuz I was so irritated with and obviously that would be Destiny (the daughter). I can NOT tolerate spoilt human beings and for me she was the perfect example of a spoilt brat!
October 4, 2018
This was an enjoyable read and an excellent view into the women's tennis world.
October 27, 2018
I do not like leaving review boxes empty, so let us toss a few words in here.
Spangler is one of those authors I kind of back into reading, though lately I've been buying and reading their works as they appear. A change that has occurred starting with 'Edge of Glory', so last three books I've bought and read with barely an idea what they might be about.
Right, so - this is an odd ball one in certain ways. While reading this book I kept thinking about a book I'd read by Robin Alexander, or was it more than just one of her books?, where there's this mother of an older teenager dates - and the kid is quite important to the story. One of the reasons I was thinking about this was the part wherein . . . well, to put it bluntly, the characters, the main dating ones and the secondary ones (mainly thinking of the teenagers) lived/breathed/felt alive; while here there is something like that going on but only for the two dating level adults. The kid? Just felt like they were there to move the story along, to be an excuse for certain things to happen. They didn't feel like their own character breathing and living and operating with free will and . . . whatever.
There's this 17 year old, see (and she might have been 16?), who ended up pregnant. The father of the child (and by 'child' I mean the baby in the 17 year old not the 17 year old herself) wants to do 'everything the correct way' - supporting as best as he can. He is a kid himself, so he does one of the few things that seem open to him - he joins the military. Then proposes some form of marriage (the book picks up more with the 17 year old rejecting him, so I'm not sure if he actually proposed marriage or not, though suspect/assume so; well, I think there were words indicating he did). The 17 year old is stubborn, and independent minded (in certain ways). It's her baby and she's going to raise the child herself with no one else getting in the way (or giving support).
The book then leaps 17 years forward in time and now Sadie Larsen watches as her daughter, Destiny Larsen, attempts to make it as a professional tennis player. That hadn't been her plan when she thought of what she'd be doing when her kid reached this age - thought more about getting ready for college, dropping them off, etc. etc. But no, ever since Destiny touched a racket she's shown massive natural talent. And so Sadie is now a 'tennis mom'. Watching as Destiny bluntly answers questions at a press conference right after losing. The coach gets up a few times, but Sadie holds him back. Which is my way of noting both that there's this coach involved, and that Sadie has some control in the situation. She's also one of the point of views in this book - Sadie I mean. Once that specific press conference is over, Destiny and mom make moves to leave, but now the coach is the one holding them back. He wants them to watch another press conference. One involve Jay Pierce.
Jay also lost, but she handles the press like a pro - managing them masterfully.
After the conference the coach attempts to talk with Jay, finally does, suggests, poorly, a proposal and Jay blows him off. Because of the past. Her past. His past. Their past.
At some point Sadie indicates to the coach that they have enough money to get to Europe to play the next match, but not enough to actually return home. Whereupon he lets Sadie in on a particular idea he had had - doubles play. He knows someone who is a natural at it and the field, currently, isn't that great. Destiny can get some relatively easy wins to regain her confidence, and the bank account can get fatter.
There are certain problems. Like how Destiny has never done that and refuses to do that. And the part where the coach had already asked the other person and they'd rejected him. But, eh, whatever, right?
Both Destiny and Jay continue going to tournments. Advancing a little way, or not, but basically continuing to lose. And the money they do make doesn't really cover anything.
Eventually . . . well, I forgot the part where the coach, before all this, tricked Jay into training with Destiny and only got her to stay . . . let's actually lay this out as it is important to many of Jay's decisions throughout the book.
Before doubles is mentioned, sometime after that press conference that was witnessed, Sadie, the coach, and Destiny are practicing. While doing so another person wanders up and gets set up on a different court. Sadie recognizes her from the press conference. Destiny wanders off to get water (actually she left before Jay arrived, which is important to the story-line). The three, coach Sadie and Jay, get to talking. Coach makes some comment about practicing. Jay is . . . intrigued by the look of Sadie and kind of falls into agreeing. Sadie, by the way, happens to be holding Detiny's tennis racket while this conversation is going on.
The coach hustles Sadie and Destiny out of their before Jay can get wise to just who is the actual player.
Now I mentioned all that because that plays out throughout the book. To get Jay to do something - dangle Sadie at her. More or less. Which is how, eventually, Jay and Destiny end up playing doubles together.
Somewhere along the line I should probably have mentioned something: Jay is either the same age as Sadie or a year older. So somewhere between 32 and 34 (if Sadie had been 16x2=32, etc. etc.).
I liked the book well enough. There were some good scenes. Jay's depressing to be around, but also intriguing. Sadie's fun to be around. Out of all the characters, Sadie's my favorite. Which isn't hard as there really are only two fully-formed characters in this book. With the Coach there to mumble and push things around; Destiny there to be 'teenage tennis player/daughter/stubborn serious woman'; and . . etc. etc.
Rating: hmm. I didn't put this on a rating shelf after I rated it, though I did give it 4 stars. Sooo . . . 3.87
October 27 2018
Spangler is one of those authors I kind of back into reading, though lately I've been buying and reading their works as they appear. A change that has occurred starting with 'Edge of Glory', so last three books I've bought and read with barely an idea what they might be about.
Right, so - this is an odd ball one in certain ways. While reading this book I kept thinking about a book I'd read by Robin Alexander, or was it more than just one of her books?, where there's this mother of an older teenager dates - and the kid is quite important to the story. One of the reasons I was thinking about this was the part wherein . . . well, to put it bluntly, the characters, the main dating ones and the secondary ones (mainly thinking of the teenagers) lived/breathed/felt alive; while here there is something like that going on but only for the two dating level adults. The kid? Just felt like they were there to move the story along, to be an excuse for certain things to happen. They didn't feel like their own character breathing and living and operating with free will and . . . whatever.
There's this 17 year old, see (and she might have been 16?), who ended up pregnant. The father of the child (and by 'child' I mean the baby in the 17 year old not the 17 year old herself) wants to do 'everything the correct way' - supporting as best as he can. He is a kid himself, so he does one of the few things that seem open to him - he joins the military. Then proposes some form of marriage (the book picks up more with the 17 year old rejecting him, so I'm not sure if he actually proposed marriage or not, though suspect/assume so; well, I think there were words indicating he did). The 17 year old is stubborn, and independent minded (in certain ways). It's her baby and she's going to raise the child herself with no one else getting in the way (or giving support).
The book then leaps 17 years forward in time and now Sadie Larsen watches as her daughter, Destiny Larsen, attempts to make it as a professional tennis player. That hadn't been her plan when she thought of what she'd be doing when her kid reached this age - thought more about getting ready for college, dropping them off, etc. etc. But no, ever since Destiny touched a racket she's shown massive natural talent. And so Sadie is now a 'tennis mom'. Watching as Destiny bluntly answers questions at a press conference right after losing. The coach gets up a few times, but Sadie holds him back. Which is my way of noting both that there's this coach involved, and that Sadie has some control in the situation. She's also one of the point of views in this book - Sadie I mean. Once that specific press conference is over, Destiny and mom make moves to leave, but now the coach is the one holding them back. He wants them to watch another press conference. One involve Jay Pierce.
Jay also lost, but she handles the press like a pro - managing them masterfully.
After the conference the coach attempts to talk with Jay, finally does, suggests, poorly, a proposal and Jay blows him off. Because of the past. Her past. His past. Their past.
At some point Sadie indicates to the coach that they have enough money to get to Europe to play the next match, but not enough to actually return home. Whereupon he lets Sadie in on a particular idea he had had - doubles play. He knows someone who is a natural at it and the field, currently, isn't that great. Destiny can get some relatively easy wins to regain her confidence, and the bank account can get fatter.
There are certain problems. Like how Destiny has never done that and refuses to do that. And the part where the coach had already asked the other person and they'd rejected him. But, eh, whatever, right?
Both Destiny and Jay continue going to tournments. Advancing a little way, or not, but basically continuing to lose. And the money they do make doesn't really cover anything.
Eventually . . . well, I forgot the part where the coach, before all this, tricked Jay into training with Destiny and only got her to stay . . . let's actually lay this out as it is important to many of Jay's decisions throughout the book.
Before doubles is mentioned, sometime after that press conference that was witnessed, Sadie, the coach, and Destiny are practicing. While doing so another person wanders up and gets set up on a different court. Sadie recognizes her from the press conference. Destiny wanders off to get water (actually she left before Jay arrived, which is important to the story-line). The three, coach Sadie and Jay, get to talking. Coach makes some comment about practicing. Jay is . . . intrigued by the look of Sadie and kind of falls into agreeing. Sadie, by the way, happens to be holding Detiny's tennis racket while this conversation is going on.
The coach hustles Sadie and Destiny out of their before Jay can get wise to just who is the actual player.
Now I mentioned all that because that plays out throughout the book. To get Jay to do something - dangle Sadie at her. More or less. Which is how, eventually, Jay and Destiny end up playing doubles together.
Somewhere along the line I should probably have mentioned something: Jay is either the same age as Sadie or a year older. So somewhere between 32 and 34 (if Sadie had been 16x2=32, etc. etc.).
I liked the book well enough. There were some good scenes. Jay's depressing to be around, but also intriguing. Sadie's fun to be around. Out of all the characters, Sadie's my favorite. Which isn't hard as there really are only two fully-formed characters in this book. With the Coach there to mumble and push things around; Destiny there to be 'teenage tennis player/daughter/stubborn serious woman'; and . . etc. etc.
Rating: hmm. I didn't put this on a rating shelf after I rated it, though I did give it 4 stars. Sooo . . . 3.87
October 27 2018
January 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
This story has everything it takes for a compelling sports novel: intensity and competition, paparazzi and misinterpretation, drama and victory, loss and envy, love and happiness. A compelling story in the professional tennis universe. Do professional player Jay, who is slowly fighting her way back up in the players ranking after mudslinging about her person and injuries, and woman of color Sadie, who accompanies her 17-year-old daughter as a single parent on the professional tour, have a chance for love and a happy ending? Or does the inexperienced, sometimes overbearing daughter torpedo the nascent relationship? Get involved in this exciting exchange of blows and see for yourself who ultimately stands on the court as the winner. I am a big sports fan and the story captivated me from the start.
This story has everything it takes for a compelling sports novel: intensity and competition, paparazzi and misinterpretation, drama and victory, loss and envy, love and happiness. A compelling story in the professional tennis universe. Do professional player Jay, who is slowly fighting her way back up in the players ranking after mudslinging about her person and injuries, and woman of color Sadie, who accompanies her 17-year-old daughter as a single parent on the professional tour, have a chance for love and a happy ending? Or does the inexperienced, sometimes overbearing daughter torpedo the nascent relationship? Get involved in this exciting exchange of blows and see for yourself who ultimately stands on the court as the winner. I am a big sports fan and the story captivated me from the start.
January 18, 2019
Another good read from Spangler. Not that into tennis but enough to understand the tour tournament order, which made the book more enjoyable. Liked how the characters came together and had time to establish a loving relationship. Nice cover too.
December 8, 2018
It is official Rachel Spangler is my favourite author...... She made me feel so many emotions in this book, joy, sadness,, anger..... I won't lie when I first read it I thought it was going to be boring and I was ready to put it down but kept on coz I trust Rachel and am so glad I did..... I honestly feel like her books have always been on point...... Fantastic book
September 27, 2018
4.25 stars – This is a great redemption/comeback story with an angst-wrapped sweet love chaser
The world of professional tennis can be a harsh place. Nobody knows that better than Jay Pierce, who was burned on and off the court at a young age. She learned her lessons well, if a tad late, and now she relies on no one but herself. It’s lonely, sure, but a lot safer. After suffering an injury she has one last chance to make a name for herself. Can she do it or is she too old for the sport known for young women?
And on the other end of the spectrum we have one of those young women. Newly brought up from the junior league, Destiny Larsen is also looking to make a name for herself. Seventeen years old, serious, and only interested in the game without the politics, she’s nearly the opposite of Jay in every way. Her only flaw is letting old circuit rumors color her opinion of a great player. With Destiny on her journey to greatness is her mom and biggest supporter, Sadie. Sadie is a single mom and proud black woman, and has never lived a day in her life for herself. Everything she’s had to give has been to Destiny.
When Destiny’s coach suggests that the young team up with Jay in the doubles tournaments as a way to bolster struggling funds for both athletes, they strike up an uneasy accord. At first glance the two tennis players were never going to work together. But once they work out an understanding that Sadie is off limits to Jay’s rumored “player” ways, they become one of the teams to beat on the doubles circuit. Unfortunately for all of them, pressures get hot on the pair about the same time emotion between Jay and Sadie begins to run deep. And when everything shakes out, you wonder who will do the right thing in the end.
I have to say that I absolutely loved Jay. She is a wounded spirt, the athletic androgynous comedian that I love to see in novels. And I also loved Sadie. Sadie is a tough character and I recognize parts of her in every strong woman I’ve known thorough life. (The mama bear is a real and fearsome creature) The only one I disliked through most of the tale was Destiny. I mean, logically I can see why she acted the way she did, and even agree with her motivation, but ugh I wanted to shake her. Perhaps if I were 10-20 years younger I would have sympathized with her more but alas she got my stink eye. The other side characters were lovable and/or well-meaning and did a good job of painting the picture of both Jay and Sadie. And even in the end, Destiny earned my forgiveness.
The book itself was a riveting read. I sped through it in less than a day and I regret nothing. There was quite a build of angst thorough the latter half but I simply HAD to see how it turned out. Rachel Spangler has a reputation for solid novels and I got the ending I wanted. At the same time I learned quite a bit about tennis. There were definitely no losers in this match. As always, Spangler’s work has left me satisfied, happy, and full.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
The world of professional tennis can be a harsh place. Nobody knows that better than Jay Pierce, who was burned on and off the court at a young age. She learned her lessons well, if a tad late, and now she relies on no one but herself. It’s lonely, sure, but a lot safer. After suffering an injury she has one last chance to make a name for herself. Can she do it or is she too old for the sport known for young women?
And on the other end of the spectrum we have one of those young women. Newly brought up from the junior league, Destiny Larsen is also looking to make a name for herself. Seventeen years old, serious, and only interested in the game without the politics, she’s nearly the opposite of Jay in every way. Her only flaw is letting old circuit rumors color her opinion of a great player. With Destiny on her journey to greatness is her mom and biggest supporter, Sadie. Sadie is a single mom and proud black woman, and has never lived a day in her life for herself. Everything she’s had to give has been to Destiny.
When Destiny’s coach suggests that the young team up with Jay in the doubles tournaments as a way to bolster struggling funds for both athletes, they strike up an uneasy accord. At first glance the two tennis players were never going to work together. But once they work out an understanding that Sadie is off limits to Jay’s rumored “player” ways, they become one of the teams to beat on the doubles circuit. Unfortunately for all of them, pressures get hot on the pair about the same time emotion between Jay and Sadie begins to run deep. And when everything shakes out, you wonder who will do the right thing in the end.
I have to say that I absolutely loved Jay. She is a wounded spirt, the athletic androgynous comedian that I love to see in novels. And I also loved Sadie. Sadie is a tough character and I recognize parts of her in every strong woman I’ve known thorough life. (The mama bear is a real and fearsome creature) The only one I disliked through most of the tale was Destiny. I mean, logically I can see why she acted the way she did, and even agree with her motivation, but ugh I wanted to shake her. Perhaps if I were 10-20 years younger I would have sympathized with her more but alas she got my stink eye. The other side characters were lovable and/or well-meaning and did a good job of painting the picture of both Jay and Sadie. And even in the end, Destiny earned my forgiveness.
The book itself was a riveting read. I sped through it in less than a day and I regret nothing. There was quite a build of angst thorough the latter half but I simply HAD to see how it turned out. Rachel Spangler has a reputation for solid novels and I got the ending I wanted. At the same time I learned quite a bit about tennis. There were definitely no losers in this match. As always, Spangler’s work has left me satisfied, happy, and full.
This ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2019
Intense moments
Full of angst. Couldn't get enough of it.
Sadie is a 30 something single mother of a 17 year old daughter, Destiny, who had just become a professional tennis player.
Jay is a 30 something professional tennis player who is trying to make a comeback after she was involved with a scandalous situation while playing when she was younger.
Hank, the coach, attempts to pair the two for a doubles team. Thinking they can both learn from each other to improve thier singles game.
Destiny has heard ALL about Jay's past and wants her to stay far away from her mom.
But Sadie is a headstrong, black, single mother who makes her own decisions.
A bunch of tears. Lump in throat. You know...
There was an awesome scene during a doubles match that was super intense. Then a very awkward dinner. Plenty of dramatic moment between the main characters.
Only giving a 4 star because I was pretty annoyed with Jay's press conference antics in the beginning. And also because I felt like the opposite main character should have initiated final redemption/resolution.
But this was entertaining. I didn't want to stop reading. And it did give me the feels plenty of times.
Full of angst. Couldn't get enough of it.
Sadie is a 30 something single mother of a 17 year old daughter, Destiny, who had just become a professional tennis player.
Jay is a 30 something professional tennis player who is trying to make a comeback after she was involved with a scandalous situation while playing when she was younger.
Hank, the coach, attempts to pair the two for a doubles team. Thinking they can both learn from each other to improve thier singles game.
Destiny has heard ALL about Jay's past and wants her to stay far away from her mom.
But Sadie is a headstrong, black, single mother who makes her own decisions.
A bunch of tears. Lump in throat. You know...
There was an awesome scene during a doubles match that was super intense. Then a very awkward dinner. Plenty of dramatic moment between the main characters.
Only giving a 4 star because I was pretty annoyed with Jay's press conference antics in the beginning. And also because I felt like the opposite main character should have initiated final redemption/resolution.
But this was entertaining. I didn't want to stop reading. And it did give me the feels plenty of times.
November 4, 2018
Honestly Rachel Spangler is becoming one of my favourite authors. Every book I've read since I discovered her books earlier this year has only been more and more impressive and more amazing. This book was everything! Fabulous (and gorgeous) characters, steamy romance, competitive sports (even if I'm not a tennis fan Rachel Spangler made it fun), and gorgeous family. Perfection. I can't wait to read whatever comes next from this author. I will definitely be buying this in paperback.
September 28, 2018
I absolutely ENJOYED Spangler’s “Love All“. Honestly, can’t say enough about her writing style and storytelling! I literally devoured it in no time at all, tbh!! Oh, the drama, the angst, the emotions, the heart-tugging moments, the humour, the dialogue… All of it! As usual, Spangler’s words and expressions will literally evoke all the feelings and emotions that your heart and mind can muster. Yet another utterly compelling story she’s brilliantly created, this time, in the world of professional tennis. Specifically, a behind-the-scenes story surrounding an up-and-coming teen tennis player who just turned pro at 17, her mum, and a veteran tennis singles and doubles pro who recently returned to the circuit after years of hiding from her past as a last-ditch attempt at a career comeback. Being a tennis fan meself, I was obviously very excited to uncover Spangler’s story angle surrounding the professional tennis circuit especially when it came to the off- and on-court relationships amongst players and their peers, their families. I’ve only read 2 other tennis-orientated lesfic books previously with different story angles which I totally enjoyed and loved. “Love All,” to my utter delight, delved into yet another different aspect of telling a love story set in the tennis circuit.
Full commentary here... Bugs' Own Words
Full commentary here... Bugs' Own Words
March 27, 2021
I loved this book so much that I ended up reading it till 5 o’clock this morning. Really wanted to finish it. At one...more points I was crying. Real tears falling on my pillow. The feelings and emotions of both Sadie and Jay were so palpable and raw. As were the inner struggles to be there for everyone and themselves. And the chemistry between Jay and Sadie was also palpable. I loved Sadie. The way she talked and reacted. The sexscenes weren’t the hottest I ever read, but they fit which made them hot. This was my second Rachel Spangler book and I loved them both, but this by far nr 1. More than 5 stars.
November 7, 2018
As one of the senior tennis players on the women’s tennis tour, former star Jay Pierce has lived through the ups and downs of life on the court, as well as surviving vicious personal slander and the worst of the paparazzi. Making a final comeback with her signature sarcastic wit and humour, she battles her demons and keeps her self shut-down in self-defence.
At the opposite end of the spectrum up and coming Destiny Larson breaks into the senior tour at 17, expecting to be a star and finding the competition much tougher in the bigger pond. Supporting her in every way is tennis mom Sadie Larsen, a woman who chose to be a single mother from the start, rejected settling for anything, and who will fight like a Grizzly for her daughter.
When Destiny’s coach throws them together to help both their tennis and their finances, sparks fly on and off the court between all three women; the bitter older player, the precocious and sometimes bratty teenager and the Mom trying to keep the peace, bring up a well-rounded human under the pressures of the tour and the woman who has never allowed herself to have a life.
This is Rachel Spangler’s best book yet. She continues to grow as a writer, to refine her craft, deepen her emotional pull and combine wit, humour, pathos and tension into a wonderful story about the growth of three women all wrapped into Spangler’s well-researched sports settings.
Jay is damaged goods but so easy to love as a character, she simply resonates as a deeply traumatised and hurt woman. Her tennis, her personal life, her mental health and her professional standing have never recovered from a spiteful incident that rocked the tennis world and essentially destroyed her career along with her self-belief. She fights on a daily basis to maintain some level of decorum in the face of unending attacks from the press and the drain that has on her emotionally and physically.
Destiny is a teenager thrust into the big stage; hating the limelight, impacted by the pressure, her game falters. A typical teen she must learn to play the ‘professional’ game, make nice in the post-match interviews, smile for the cameras, and realise that sponsorship and her professional standing depends on more than just her ability on court. She must also learn that a spiteful comment can have severe consequences and that, as a grown up, she must take responsibility for her childish actions.
Sadie is the rock, the mum we wish we had, but also an adorable woman inside and out. She is the foundation upon which her daughter’s life, character and career is built; she becomes the strength that supports their doubles partnership. But she must learn to let Destiny become a woman and, after 17 years of putting her daughter first, that she has a right to her own life, a life that includes standing up for, and with, the woman she loves.
The tension in this story is palpable. On the court, back stage, in private - between each of these women locked into a triangle of mutual need, want and pressure. To call a sports-based romance a page-turner might seem extreme, but the emotional anxiety makes it very hard to put this book down. Spangler has created a wonderful trio of characters, ably supported by a few key secondaries who also have lessons to learn, and she literally pulls you into their world. It is so real you feel like you are eavesdropping on the tour, not reading fiction. And the crescendo is nerve-wracking; having become so emotionally invested in the characters, the cliffhanger of who will hold up, who will do the right thing, who will step up... breath taking.
It is wonderful to see a romance writer hone her craft, work to grow and improve, and follow along on the coat-tails. This story showcases Spangler’s ability to develop the emotional intelligence of her characters, tackle multiple complex women and their individual needs, and merge the whole into a spell-binding story of personal achievement and growth. I literally couldn't put it down.
At the opposite end of the spectrum up and coming Destiny Larson breaks into the senior tour at 17, expecting to be a star and finding the competition much tougher in the bigger pond. Supporting her in every way is tennis mom Sadie Larsen, a woman who chose to be a single mother from the start, rejected settling for anything, and who will fight like a Grizzly for her daughter.
When Destiny’s coach throws them together to help both their tennis and their finances, sparks fly on and off the court between all three women; the bitter older player, the precocious and sometimes bratty teenager and the Mom trying to keep the peace, bring up a well-rounded human under the pressures of the tour and the woman who has never allowed herself to have a life.
This is Rachel Spangler’s best book yet. She continues to grow as a writer, to refine her craft, deepen her emotional pull and combine wit, humour, pathos and tension into a wonderful story about the growth of three women all wrapped into Spangler’s well-researched sports settings.
Jay is damaged goods but so easy to love as a character, she simply resonates as a deeply traumatised and hurt woman. Her tennis, her personal life, her mental health and her professional standing have never recovered from a spiteful incident that rocked the tennis world and essentially destroyed her career along with her self-belief. She fights on a daily basis to maintain some level of decorum in the face of unending attacks from the press and the drain that has on her emotionally and physically.
Destiny is a teenager thrust into the big stage; hating the limelight, impacted by the pressure, her game falters. A typical teen she must learn to play the ‘professional’ game, make nice in the post-match interviews, smile for the cameras, and realise that sponsorship and her professional standing depends on more than just her ability on court. She must also learn that a spiteful comment can have severe consequences and that, as a grown up, she must take responsibility for her childish actions.
Sadie is the rock, the mum we wish we had, but also an adorable woman inside and out. She is the foundation upon which her daughter’s life, character and career is built; she becomes the strength that supports their doubles partnership. But she must learn to let Destiny become a woman and, after 17 years of putting her daughter first, that she has a right to her own life, a life that includes standing up for, and with, the woman she loves.
The tension in this story is palpable. On the court, back stage, in private - between each of these women locked into a triangle of mutual need, want and pressure. To call a sports-based romance a page-turner might seem extreme, but the emotional anxiety makes it very hard to put this book down. Spangler has created a wonderful trio of characters, ably supported by a few key secondaries who also have lessons to learn, and she literally pulls you into their world. It is so real you feel like you are eavesdropping on the tour, not reading fiction. And the crescendo is nerve-wracking; having become so emotionally invested in the characters, the cliffhanger of who will hold up, who will do the right thing, who will step up... breath taking.
It is wonderful to see a romance writer hone her craft, work to grow and improve, and follow along on the coat-tails. This story showcases Spangler’s ability to develop the emotional intelligence of her characters, tackle multiple complex women and their individual needs, and merge the whole into a spell-binding story of personal achievement and growth. I literally couldn't put it down.
November 26, 2018
Firstly, and I think most importantly, I want to just say that in my estimation this is the best book Rachel Spangler has written to date.
Sadie has been everything for her daughter, Destiny since the day she was born. Everything Sadie does she does it for Destiny. Destiny is 17 years old and playing professional tennis around the world. She’s not quite at her best yet but working hard to become a professional tennis star. Her coach thinks it would be good for her training, and her wallet, to play doubles with Jay Pierce, Tennis star and well-known figure in the media. Jay wants to stay away from the doubles platform after her disastrous past but she also needs the money to fund her comeback, plus if by playing doubles with Destiny gets her closer to Sadie… No harm right?
I connected with this book in quite a few ways. The biggest is probably with Sadie and the way she feels about her daughter Destiny. It really mirrored my thoughts and feelings as a mum and it made me really relate to Sadie’s thoughts and feelings about almost every issue and every lovely moment she shared with her daughter, Destiny. The second thing that made me really connect was the tennis. I am a massive tennis fan so if you’re going to write a book about any sport and the author picks Tennis, I am going to be there reading it with bells on. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not too top heavy on the sport but it was enough for me to get my tennis fix.
Rachel Spangler has written an epic tale of two women falling in love while navigating family, old news and the ever-pressing paparazzi and she wrote it all beautifully.
The tension between Sadie and Jay was anything but mild and deliciously sexy. I was engaged in the story from the get go, the twist and turns kept me up all night and I was barracking for Sadie and Jay from the first time they met. Jay in particular is a beautiful soul with a jaded past and she just wants love, while keeping anyone around her from the harm she feels she’s created for herself. By the end of the book I had a solid crush on her and her beautiful soul.
Destiny was another story. She clearly loves her mum and just wants her to get nothing but the best and as I am a daughter of a single mum, I kind of got it. No one is ever going to be good enough and Rachel Spangler wrote that part so well. There were times Destiny frustrated me so much with her games but honestly, by the end of the book she was one of my favourite characters and her part was integral to the story. ��Sadie was definitely my favourite character, I just got her and when the book ended she was the character I missed the most.
The heat between Jay and Sadie was combustible and as the tension rose, so did the chemistry. I reckon the chemistry between Jay and Sadie was one of the best I have read recently. It was palpable and honestly, it was a big reason I stayed up through the night to finish it.
Unequivocally 5 stars
Sadie has been everything for her daughter, Destiny since the day she was born. Everything Sadie does she does it for Destiny. Destiny is 17 years old and playing professional tennis around the world. She’s not quite at her best yet but working hard to become a professional tennis star. Her coach thinks it would be good for her training, and her wallet, to play doubles with Jay Pierce, Tennis star and well-known figure in the media. Jay wants to stay away from the doubles platform after her disastrous past but she also needs the money to fund her comeback, plus if by playing doubles with Destiny gets her closer to Sadie… No harm right?
I connected with this book in quite a few ways. The biggest is probably with Sadie and the way she feels about her daughter Destiny. It really mirrored my thoughts and feelings as a mum and it made me really relate to Sadie’s thoughts and feelings about almost every issue and every lovely moment she shared with her daughter, Destiny. The second thing that made me really connect was the tennis. I am a massive tennis fan so if you’re going to write a book about any sport and the author picks Tennis, I am going to be there reading it with bells on. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not too top heavy on the sport but it was enough for me to get my tennis fix.
Rachel Spangler has written an epic tale of two women falling in love while navigating family, old news and the ever-pressing paparazzi and she wrote it all beautifully.
The tension between Sadie and Jay was anything but mild and deliciously sexy. I was engaged in the story from the get go, the twist and turns kept me up all night and I was barracking for Sadie and Jay from the first time they met. Jay in particular is a beautiful soul with a jaded past and she just wants love, while keeping anyone around her from the harm she feels she’s created for herself. By the end of the book I had a solid crush on her and her beautiful soul.
Destiny was another story. She clearly loves her mum and just wants her to get nothing but the best and as I am a daughter of a single mum, I kind of got it. No one is ever going to be good enough and Rachel Spangler wrote that part so well. There were times Destiny frustrated me so much with her games but honestly, by the end of the book she was one of my favourite characters and her part was integral to the story. ��Sadie was definitely my favourite character, I just got her and when the book ended she was the character I missed the most.
The heat between Jay and Sadie was combustible and as the tension rose, so did the chemistry. I reckon the chemistry between Jay and Sadie was one of the best I have read recently. It was palpable and honestly, it was a big reason I stayed up through the night to finish it.
Unequivocally 5 stars
October 27, 2018
This book is unavailable on KU/Scribd.
Kindle price is USD6.
Ms.Spangler returned with another Sports Romance, leaving behind the Winter Olympics- snowboards/skies and ventured to the world of WTA/Grand Slams. The plot twist? Only one h played the game. The hs were joined by Destiny and Hank, both played major roles in their promising couplehood.
Jay loved tennis, she could have left the tour after the scandal that robbed off her starling reputation and damaged her career yet she kept going, tournament by tournament. She believed that she still got something to give.
Sadie was not a typical sports' mom, even though she was a kid herself when she got Destiny. Their mother - daughter relationship was something like "You and I With/Against The World". Starting the tour at the Aussie Open, finding a love prospect was unexpected but wholeheartedly welcomed.
Jay and Sadie - They were the missing pieces in early others lives and the journey to complete the puzzle was not rushed HO.W.E.V.E.R. the dramas that followed were tedious and cruel.
I loved the tennis world portrayed by Ms.Spangler, minus the press and poor sportsmanship by the Wimbledon crowd. Sadie and Jay's journey kicked off at the Aussie Open, flourished at Rolland Garros, hit several brick walls at Wimbledon and reached the soulmate peak at Flushing Meadows. As Frank Sinatra said- "If I/They can make it there, I'll/They'll make it anywhere"
The mentioning of several WTA tournaments was a good move too.
A special shout out to Peggy, a friend to Jay- on and off the courts.
I highly recommend Edge Of Glory and Perfect Pairing by the same author. They are not sunny side up reads but they'll satisfy your romance hunger.
Kindle price is USD6.
Ms.Spangler returned with another Sports Romance, leaving behind the Winter Olympics- snowboards/skies and ventured to the world of WTA/Grand Slams. The plot twist? Only one h played the game. The hs were joined by Destiny and Hank, both played major roles in their promising couplehood.
Jay loved tennis, she could have left the tour after the scandal that robbed off her starling reputation and damaged her career yet she kept going, tournament by tournament. She believed that she still got something to give.
Sadie was not a typical sports' mom, even though she was a kid herself when she got Destiny. Their mother - daughter relationship was something like "You and I With/Against The World". Starting the tour at the Aussie Open, finding a love prospect was unexpected but wholeheartedly welcomed.
Jay and Sadie - They were the missing pieces in early others lives and the journey to complete the puzzle was not rushed HO.W.E.V.E.R. the dramas that followed were tedious and cruel.
I loved the tennis world portrayed by Ms.Spangler, minus the press and poor sportsmanship by the Wimbledon crowd. Sadie and Jay's journey kicked off at the Aussie Open, flourished at Rolland Garros, hit several brick walls at Wimbledon and reached the soulmate peak at Flushing Meadows. As Frank Sinatra said- "If I/They can make it there, I'll/They'll make it anywhere"
The mentioning of several WTA tournaments was a good move too.
A special shout out to Peggy, a friend to Jay- on and off the courts.
I highly recommend Edge Of Glory and Perfect Pairing by the same author. They are not sunny side up reads but they'll satisfy your romance hunger.
January 20, 2019
This book has it all. The characters have depth and go on a serious emotional journey, the plotting is tight, the pacing is bang on, and the romance is beautiful with a perfect happily ever after.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/love...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/love...
February 18, 2020
3.5 rounded to 4. I love Spangler’s books, she’s definitely in my personal top lesfic authors. This book was amazing, 4+ stars until it hit the 75% mark. Then, all the angst made it a bit too melodramatic for me. It was also tough to overcome how annoyed I’d gotten at Destiny, to the point it contaminated how I felt about Sadie too. Maybe if Destiny had been a bit more fleshed out as a character, or I’d seen more of her relationship with Jay to understand her motivations, but by the end she was just an immature brat that got on my nerves and I could never totally regroup after that.
I do love the combo lesbians + tennis. Slammed by Lola Keeley is still my favorite but this one was definitely worth the read :)
I do love the combo lesbians + tennis. Slammed by Lola Keeley is still my favorite but this one was definitely worth the read :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2019
Spangler is just really good at writing novels with sport involved. You wouldn't even think it could be entertaining reading about it. It actually is.
With exactly the right amount of drama and romance I loved it.
With exactly the right amount of drama and romance I loved it.
October 30, 2018
A good read. The daughter annoyed me, though.
June 24, 2024
Another great sports romance from Rachel Spangler. This one is 3.5 rounded up. There was a section in the middle that dragged for me but then it really picked up and there was so much momentum through to the end- which was also exciting because I wasn’t sure how the author would get us there but it worked! I would have liked a little more of Sadie’s background, but enjoyed the full (heart-breaking) picture we got of Jay. And I also liked Destiny, she kept surprising me. A great one for tennis fans.
Short summary: Jay is on a rebound tour that’s not going as well as she hoped. Getting roped in to doubles, especially with such a young partner, is not her idea of a good time. Until she meets the player’s mom. But those feelings would complicate her winning streak, and then there’s her checkered history with the press, and her tennis partner to consider and, and, and…
Short summary: Jay is on a rebound tour that’s not going as well as she hoped. Getting roped in to doubles, especially with such a young partner, is not her idea of a good time. Until she meets the player’s mom. But those feelings would complicate her winning streak, and then there’s her checkered history with the press, and her tennis partner to consider and, and, and…
December 28, 2022
I love tennis! I love this book! I love Jay and feel for her what shes gone through, and Sadie is a strong single mother who does everything for her daughter Destiny. Then their lives entwine. You will find this book enthralling and you won't be able to put it down. I give it 5 stars!
March 11, 2019
It's a very sweet story place in the world of pro tennis. The competitiveness I expected, but not the monetary view which is eye opening.
This story is a very feel good Spangler.
Most of the characters are way too good to be true.
The media as a group clearly picked up the bad character card. And the teen is... well... a teen.
I recommand it if you just want to disconnect and end up soapy smily.
This story is a very feel good Spangler.
Most of the characters are way too good to be true.
The media as a group clearly picked up the bad character card. And the teen is... well... a teen.
I recommand it if you just want to disconnect and end up soapy smily.
August 2, 2019
I've been on a Rachel Spangler kick, having never read any of her books before last month. Love All is my third book of hers in a matter of weeks, and I think it's time I took a bit of a break.
The book is very readable, and I was engaged and wanted to know how everything would play out, even though I could predict everything that happened in this story. I was mentally checking off plot boxes as I read, and that's okay. I'm not docking stars for predictability or cliches. I enjoyed the time I did spend with this book, and that's its own success.
But the characters were all so one-dimensional and I felt like Spangler wanted me to like them because she kept trying to tell me they were likable without showing me why they're likable, and, in fact, demonstrating the exact opposite.
The ending seemed to be cobbled together to bring its final, happily-ever-after conclusion, but nothing made sense or felt earned. Also, Destiny is a spoiled brat and a terrible person.
The book is very readable, and I was engaged and wanted to know how everything would play out, even though I could predict everything that happened in this story. I was mentally checking off plot boxes as I read, and that's okay. I'm not docking stars for predictability or cliches. I enjoyed the time I did spend with this book, and that's its own success.
But the characters were all so one-dimensional and I felt like Spangler wanted me to like them because she kept trying to tell me they were likable without showing me why they're likable, and, in fact, demonstrating the exact opposite.
The ending seemed to be cobbled together to bring its final, happily-ever-after conclusion, but nothing made sense or felt earned. Also, Destiny is a spoiled brat and a terrible person.
September 24, 2018
What the h@ll was that?
I literally couldn't wait to read Spangler's new book because I really like her writing style. In fact the problem is not that, it's that all the main characters were like pulled out from a really bad telenovela .
Where do I start, Destiny was a HORRIBLE character and the attempted redemption by the end of the book felt weak after how unbelievable awful she behaved since the beginning. It's actually impossible to believe that a 17 years old professional tennis player could behave like that in the court or during a press conference. I understand that it's fiction but this book felt like a wattpad story created by a teenage writer.
The author also probably thinks that the crowd of a tennis court is behaving like they are in an illegal fight club.
The romance was lacking as most of the time Sadie and Jay felt more like pathetic puppets that had to put up with Destiny's tantrums and keep their relationship a secret, afraid of her reaction .
I literally couldn't wait to read Spangler's new book because I really like her writing style. In fact the problem is not that, it's that all the main characters were like pulled out from a really bad telenovela .
Where do I start, Destiny was a HORRIBLE character and the attempted redemption by the end of the book felt weak after how unbelievable awful she behaved since the beginning. It's actually impossible to believe that a 17 years old professional tennis player could behave like that in the court or during a press conference. I understand that it's fiction but this book felt like a wattpad story created by a teenage writer.
The author also probably thinks that the crowd of a tennis court is behaving like they are in an illegal fight club.
The romance was lacking as most of the time Sadie and Jay felt more like pathetic puppets that had to put up with Destiny's tantrums and keep their relationship a secret, afraid of her reaction .
May 18, 2020
This is so my sort of book - totally loved and lived it. Pure and absolute class. Read it if lesbian literature is your thing! Thanks Rachel, you might get the impression I liked this one!
December 11, 2019
Absolutely Amazing.
November 18, 2018
I didn’t have any expectations when I picked this book to read. I mainly picked it because it was at the local library. I have read a few other Spangler books with my favorite being Edge of Glory. This book wasn’t my favorite by this author but it still was a really good read. The book flows well and the dialogue is good. I enjoyed the main characters and the supporting characters as well. The supporing characters are just as important as the main characters.
I am a big tennis fan and this book seemed real to me. If you have watch tennis or any sport you can see how the media portrays athletes. Sometimes they are proven guilty before knowing the whole story. I guess you can say this just happens in life to anyone. I can’t go into any more detail without giving to much away.
The moment Sadie and Jay see each other you notice the attraction. This helps to make the romance seem possible. I really like how Sadie’s daughter is portrayed in this book. She is 17 and still behaves like one even though she is a professional athlete. Her love for her mother makes her want to protect her from Jay because she feels she isnt a good person. There were only only a couple of things that bugged me. Jay is really to hard on herself and keeps dwelling on the past a bit much. It just think it was drawn out longer than a reader needs. Lastly, because of what I just mentioned it makes the book a little longeer than it should.
Love All is a solid read. I am glad I took the opportunity to read it.
I am a big tennis fan and this book seemed real to me. If you have watch tennis or any sport you can see how the media portrays athletes. Sometimes they are proven guilty before knowing the whole story. I guess you can say this just happens in life to anyone. I can’t go into any more detail without giving to much away.
The moment Sadie and Jay see each other you notice the attraction. This helps to make the romance seem possible. I really like how Sadie’s daughter is portrayed in this book. She is 17 and still behaves like one even though she is a professional athlete. Her love for her mother makes her want to protect her from Jay because she feels she isnt a good person. There were only only a couple of things that bugged me. Jay is really to hard on herself and keeps dwelling on the past a bit much. It just think it was drawn out longer than a reader needs. Lastly, because of what I just mentioned it makes the book a little longeer than it should.
Love All is a solid read. I am glad I took the opportunity to read it.
January 15, 2020
This read is about an up and coming tennis player, her tennis mom, the tennis player's mentor, and a scandal. Jay Pierce, fighting to return from injury and the continual emotional toll of a decade old scandal. Sadie Larsen, tennis mom, puts her daughter above everything else even personal relationships. Being a tennis mom can be a lonely and challenging responsibility. Destiny Larsen, daughter, tennis player working to be a star on the tennis circuit. Jays wants love but she does not think she deserves it. Sadie has always put her daughter first and wonders if she can have love and a relationship too, especially after meeting Jay. As the three women interact, angst is woven throughout the read as they work to accomplish their goal.
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