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Slammed
World No. 1 tennis star Elin Larsson is in hot pursuit of a record number of Grand Slam titles. But between pressing injuries and growing anxiety, it’s starting to feel like her heart isn’t in it.
Gorgeous rival player Toni Cortes Ruiz bursts onto the scene, chasing her first slam.
As their paths keep crossing in big matches, a growing attraction starts to burn between the competitive women.
Elin’s used to winning—but not when the woman she’s falling for is on the other side of the net.
As scandals, the media, and the world starts closing in on them, Elin and Toni need to decide whether they’re competitors or on the same side.
A sparkling lesbian tennis tale about rivals and romance and putting everything on the line.
100,000 words
Gorgeous rival player Toni Cortes Ruiz bursts onto the scene, chasing her first slam.
As their paths keep crossing in big matches, a growing attraction starts to burn between the competitive women.
Elin’s used to winning—but not when the woman she’s falling for is on the other side of the net.
As scandals, the media, and the world starts closing in on them, Elin and Toni need to decide whether they’re competitors or on the same side.
A sparkling lesbian tennis tale about rivals and romance and putting everything on the line.
100,000 words
290 pages, Paperback
First published September 20, 2019
45 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
October 3, 2019
4.25 Stars. I enjoyed this book a lot. It was one of the better books I have read about tennis that I can remember. It did not seem like Keeley just decided to one day write a book about tennis. Instead it feels like Keely is a real tennis fan and this was her tribute.
I want to make clear this is a SPORTS romance, not a romance that just happens to be between characters that are athletes. If you are a tennis fan this book is absolutely for you. If you are not much of a sports fan, you probably won’t enjoy it as much. I love sports romance but my one complaint is usually that there is not enough sport aspects for my personal tastes. I think authors worry about alienating non-sport fans. So for me a book so true to tennis was a real treat to read.
While the romance is not the biggest focus, I was happy with it. It’s not steamy or crazy chemistry filled, but it is really sweet and a feel good kind or romance. There is a mix of explicit and fade to black sex scenes. The characters are really cute together so it’s easy to hope for a HEA.
Besides being a sport-romance, this story is also about family and doing the right thing even when it is hard. I mentioned a feel good romance but feel good really does describe the whole of the book. This story is told in first person so you really get attached to the main character. I didn’t know what to think of her at first but I liked her more and more as the book went on and she’s a character that I won’t soon forget.
I did think there was a few times where a scene didn’t really feel needed or maybe it could have been cut shorter. This book isn’t overly long, it’s a good length, and I was very happy with the ending… there was just one or two parts that slowed down the flow a bit. But that really is it when it comes to complaints. This kind of book was right up my alley so not much for me to complain about at all.
I absolutely recommend this book to sports fans. This was written by someone that knows the sport of tennis and it felt authentic. It was a uplifting and feel good story and it’s one I would consider re-reading if I actually had the time.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
I want to make clear this is a SPORTS romance, not a romance that just happens to be between characters that are athletes. If you are a tennis fan this book is absolutely for you. If you are not much of a sports fan, you probably won’t enjoy it as much. I love sports romance but my one complaint is usually that there is not enough sport aspects for my personal tastes. I think authors worry about alienating non-sport fans. So for me a book so true to tennis was a real treat to read.
While the romance is not the biggest focus, I was happy with it. It’s not steamy or crazy chemistry filled, but it is really sweet and a feel good kind or romance. There is a mix of explicit and fade to black sex scenes. The characters are really cute together so it’s easy to hope for a HEA.
Besides being a sport-romance, this story is also about family and doing the right thing even when it is hard. I mentioned a feel good romance but feel good really does describe the whole of the book. This story is told in first person so you really get attached to the main character. I didn’t know what to think of her at first but I liked her more and more as the book went on and she’s a character that I won’t soon forget.
I did think there was a few times where a scene didn’t really feel needed or maybe it could have been cut shorter. This book isn’t overly long, it’s a good length, and I was very happy with the ending… there was just one or two parts that slowed down the flow a bit. But that really is it when it comes to complaints. This kind of book was right up my alley so not much for me to complain about at all.
I absolutely recommend this book to sports fans. This was written by someone that knows the sport of tennis and it felt authentic. It was a uplifting and feel good story and it’s one I would consider re-reading if I actually had the time.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
October 2, 2019
'ARC generously provided by Ylva-Publishing in exchange for an unbiased review'
**'Writers can't make anything up anymore.The world itself is a Satire.All you're doing is recording it..If it doesn't come bursting out of you, in spite of everything, don't write it..'
In 'SLAMMED' right from the first sentence and to the last, Ms.Keeley gives readers the many play-by-play action during lots of big tennis tournament matches involving players great and less ranked. Re:- Elin, Ms.Larsson to everyone else -- who position herself from the start by narrating her own journey to becoming one of the best players on the tennis courts while off them she's trying to find time for a relationship.
The context is also a behind-the-scene look at the many various comraderies and opponents playing among each other all year long on the tennis circuit.
Ms.Keeley do try portraying Elin as an athlete trying to achieve balance in her life because for someone with her stature who has always followed everything that her mother/coach has thrown at her like those crazy schedules of constantly training, traveling for tournaments and press junkets, finding this balance could not come easy. It's also an introspective of her life from tournament to tournament with a meandering storyline of her activities during a match; like on one hand having to deal with a testy ex, herself having personal problems of her own -- so after being emotionally hurt, this then gave her an insight into the type of love life that she wanted and an inner strength on whenever it came time to play matches against anyone she had no fear.
Furthermore, I do think 'SLAMMED' can be describe as fast-paced, entertaining and a gloriously wild story chock-full of amped-up female tennis players along with some fans but it still reads like some tennis memoir or more of a biography with the romance just barely making it -- it's a minor part in this storyline.
**'Writers can't make anything up anymore.The world itself is a Satire.All you're doing is recording it..If it doesn't come bursting out of you, in spite of everything, don't write it..'
In 'SLAMMED' right from the first sentence and to the last, Ms.Keeley gives readers the many play-by-play action during lots of big tennis tournament matches involving players great and less ranked. Re:- Elin, Ms.Larsson to everyone else -- who position herself from the start by narrating her own journey to becoming one of the best players on the tennis courts while off them she's trying to find time for a relationship.
The context is also a behind-the-scene look at the many various comraderies and opponents playing among each other all year long on the tennis circuit.
Ms.Keeley do try portraying Elin as an athlete trying to achieve balance in her life because for someone with her stature who has always followed everything that her mother/coach has thrown at her like those crazy schedules of constantly training, traveling for tournaments and press junkets, finding this balance could not come easy. It's also an introspective of her life from tournament to tournament with a meandering storyline of her activities during a match; like on one hand having to deal with a testy ex, herself having personal problems of her own -- so after being emotionally hurt, this then gave her an insight into the type of love life that she wanted and an inner strength on whenever it came time to play matches against anyone she had no fear.
Furthermore, I do think 'SLAMMED' can be describe as fast-paced, entertaining and a gloriously wild story chock-full of amped-up female tennis players along with some fans but it still reads like some tennis memoir or more of a biography with the romance just barely making it -- it's a minor part in this storyline.
September 5, 2020
Nicely done Lola Keeley, nicely done :)
I really enjoyed this book! It was like I was inside an unbelievable world of tennis! Matches, training, Physiotherapy, media, scandals and everything in between ! I thought the author was brilliant in making me feel part of this world as I felt I was watching a documentary on tennis!
Listen I will be honest, if you don’t like this sport as much as I do, you might not fall in love with this one! This is not your typical lesbian-romance.. I mean sure the characters were very likable, and there was a very sweet connection. I did feel the love and sacrifice but there was no fireworks there! Actually thinking about it now, there was just maybe one or two sex scenes! But the beauty of this book and how well it’s written made me completely not care about the fact that the romance was just a small part of the overall storyline!
I loved how the supporting characters played a big part of this book though. Mainly the families of the MCs and I thought this was very well done by the author.
There’s also another part that I found very interesting which was the doping incident and how it was well played by the MC. To be honest the way she stood up for her “friends” was great!
The book could’ve been a bit shorter I have to admit, but yet it still didn’t bother me. Lola Keeley made it so interesting that even when it got a bit boring, I didn’t care and was still entertained!
My rating is a solid 4 and I would highly recommend this book if you love tennis, if you aren’t expecting steamy sex scenes and mad romance :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
I really enjoyed this book! It was like I was inside an unbelievable world of tennis! Matches, training, Physiotherapy, media, scandals and everything in between ! I thought the author was brilliant in making me feel part of this world as I felt I was watching a documentary on tennis!
Listen I will be honest, if you don’t like this sport as much as I do, you might not fall in love with this one! This is not your typical lesbian-romance.. I mean sure the characters were very likable, and there was a very sweet connection. I did feel the love and sacrifice but there was no fireworks there! Actually thinking about it now, there was just maybe one or two sex scenes! But the beauty of this book and how well it’s written made me completely not care about the fact that the romance was just a small part of the overall storyline!
I loved how the supporting characters played a big part of this book though. Mainly the families of the MCs and I thought this was very well done by the author.
There’s also another part that I found very interesting which was the doping incident and how it was well played by the MC. To be honest the way she stood up for her “friends” was great!
The book could’ve been a bit shorter I have to admit, but yet it still didn’t bother me. Lola Keeley made it so interesting that even when it got a bit boring, I didn’t care and was still entertained!
My rating is a solid 4 and I would highly recommend this book if you love tennis, if you aren’t expecting steamy sex scenes and mad romance :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
April 7, 2020
I never much enjoy the 'sports' part of sports-romance books but this was so much fun. Elin with her introverted personality was so very likable that if she were real I would even watch tennis for her. The romance was a cute slowburn but nothing so special.
July 20, 2024
You could say Slammed by Lola Keeley is a story about professional tennis player Elin Larsson chasing the all time Grand Slam record. It is definitely about trying to beat the record however it can be likened to the difference between an amateur weekend tennis player in comparison to a professional. The weekend warrior opens a new can of tennis balls and goes out to have fun and compete. Bragging rights or who buys the post match beers are the coveted honours. The professional, on the other hand, has a laser focus fixated on set goals and accomplishments. Every minute of every day is consumed to achieve their goal.
Lola Keeley has written the best realistic sport novel I have ever read. Her understanding of the psychology of professional athletes is uncanny. Elin Larsson as the number one tennis player in the world is as flawed and as exceptional as a lot of the great players of the past. We have inside access to Elin’s every thought, good, bad or funny. It is so believable you do not want to stop reading.
We also have Antonia Cortes Ruiz returning to the circuit after a major back injury sidelined her for an extended time period. Ms Keeley portrays the underlying fear that haunts all injured athletes as it whittles down their confidence and trust of what their body will be able to accomplish and at what cost.
Slammed is also about racial bias in the women’s tennis game. The ugliness of the real world does exist in the federations set up to protect the athletes. At times they are the athletes worse enemy.
This novel touches on so many other issues found in high pressure athletic cultures; mothers who are coaching their child, relationships under the spotlight, media’s role in athletes lives. It invests the time to explore the issues rather than using them as page fillers. Slammed is a first class novel from start to finish.
A very rare 5 ⭐️ rating.
Lola Keeley has written the best realistic sport novel I have ever read. Her understanding of the psychology of professional athletes is uncanny. Elin Larsson as the number one tennis player in the world is as flawed and as exceptional as a lot of the great players of the past. We have inside access to Elin’s every thought, good, bad or funny. It is so believable you do not want to stop reading.
We also have Antonia Cortes Ruiz returning to the circuit after a major back injury sidelined her for an extended time period. Ms Keeley portrays the underlying fear that haunts all injured athletes as it whittles down their confidence and trust of what their body will be able to accomplish and at what cost.
Slammed is also about racial bias in the women’s tennis game. The ugliness of the real world does exist in the federations set up to protect the athletes. At times they are the athletes worse enemy.
This novel touches on so many other issues found in high pressure athletic cultures; mothers who are coaching their child, relationships under the spotlight, media’s role in athletes lives. It invests the time to explore the issues rather than using them as page fillers. Slammed is a first class novel from start to finish.
A very rare 5 ⭐️ rating.
October 19, 2019
GAME. SET. MATCH!!
BRILLIANT portrayal of a proper tennis story in lesfic with a touch of romance!! Honestly, if you want to read about all the inner-workings of professional tennis, the behind-the-scenes practices, the matches, the player relationships, the competitiveness of the sport, and definitely the “big bad wolf” aka the World Tennis Aasociation,or rather, the Global Tennis Association, just to give it a fictional feel. But if you read it, it’s basically the real one (WTA), imo! And then, the whole intriguing, very real, issue of doping in tennis, was also featured, much to my delight! In true Keeley fashion, her thoroughly researched material about all things professional tennis, made this story all the more captivating and compelling to explore! The romance? Only an icing on the cake, really. I was engrossed in the intrigue of the MCs going through all the Masters and Grand Slams, tbh, not to mention, all the injuries, the gossips, the press, officials, other players, detailed play techniques, strategies, play-by-play strokes, hits, slices, smashes, point-by-point coverage! Sometimes, it read like I was watching it unfold on the telly! Very realistic, to say the least! Yeh, you’ve guessed it. I’m a big fan of tennis! :j
I HIGHLY recommend this book to all who love sports romance and particularly, those who love to read about the world of tennis, the competitons, the powers that be, the players, the coaches, the press, the personal shenanigans, in the professional circuit!
Well done, Ms. Keeley!
BRILLIANT portrayal of a proper tennis story in lesfic with a touch of romance!! Honestly, if you want to read about all the inner-workings of professional tennis, the behind-the-scenes practices, the matches, the player relationships, the competitiveness of the sport, and definitely the “big bad wolf” aka the World Tennis Aasociation,or rather, the Global Tennis Association, just to give it a fictional feel. But if you read it, it’s basically the real one (WTA), imo! And then, the whole intriguing, very real, issue of doping in tennis, was also featured, much to my delight! In true Keeley fashion, her thoroughly researched material about all things professional tennis, made this story all the more captivating and compelling to explore! The romance? Only an icing on the cake, really. I was engrossed in the intrigue of the MCs going through all the Masters and Grand Slams, tbh, not to mention, all the injuries, the gossips, the press, officials, other players, detailed play techniques, strategies, play-by-play strokes, hits, slices, smashes, point-by-point coverage! Sometimes, it read like I was watching it unfold on the telly! Very realistic, to say the least! Yeh, you’ve guessed it. I’m a big fan of tennis! :j
I HIGHLY recommend this book to all who love sports romance and particularly, those who love to read about the world of tennis, the competitons, the powers that be, the players, the coaches, the press, the personal shenanigans, in the professional circuit!
Well done, Ms. Keeley!
November 8, 2019
This was another fantastic book from Lola Keeley! I am just delighted with this one. She gives that perfect balance with a romance involving sport. You get that will they win the match and accomplish their dreams all wrapped up with a delightful love story.
Slammed is told from the point of view from our main character Elin Larrson. Elin is the tennis superstar of her time. She has won every major grand slam and is well on her way to breaking the all- time record. She is a face and name known across the world because of her success on the court. Elin comes off as cold, but she is just more of a loner who is more comfortable in the game than out of is. She has been so focused on tennis, she rarely she’s any type of life or relationship out of the sport. She is complex, driven but so kind and sweet once she drops her walls.
Toni Cortes Ruiz is Elin’s love interest. Toni has just come back on the tour after suffering a major injury that sidelined her for an extended amount of time. These two have a chance run-in the night before the Wimbledon final and become fast friends. Toni is everything Elin is not. She is a people person and a bit wilder and brasher than Elin. Their contrast draws you in as the reader and makes for an amazing slow-burn romance.
This one will make sports fans heart’s fil with delight, don’t feel jilted you romance lovers there is more than enough of that to keep you satisfied. I loved this book and just cannot say enough good things about Lola Keeley’s writing. She is an absolute superstar!
Slammed is told from the point of view from our main character Elin Larrson. Elin is the tennis superstar of her time. She has won every major grand slam and is well on her way to breaking the all- time record. She is a face and name known across the world because of her success on the court. Elin comes off as cold, but she is just more of a loner who is more comfortable in the game than out of is. She has been so focused on tennis, she rarely she’s any type of life or relationship out of the sport. She is complex, driven but so kind and sweet once she drops her walls.
Toni Cortes Ruiz is Elin’s love interest. Toni has just come back on the tour after suffering a major injury that sidelined her for an extended amount of time. These two have a chance run-in the night before the Wimbledon final and become fast friends. Toni is everything Elin is not. She is a people person and a bit wilder and brasher than Elin. Their contrast draws you in as the reader and makes for an amazing slow-burn romance.
This one will make sports fans heart’s fil with delight, don’t feel jilted you romance lovers there is more than enough of that to keep you satisfied. I loved this book and just cannot say enough good things about Lola Keeley’s writing. She is an absolute superstar!
October 25, 2019
Game! Set! Match, Lola Keeley!
Wow, what a great and powerful sports romance. It takes place in the world of professional tennis, where winning is everything. It gave me an inside look in this crazy world of uncountable hours of training, matches, media conferences, testing, winning, losing and what toll it takes on your body. But it touches also the themes of doping and the testing scheme by the tennis-association.
To like this book, I think you should be at least a little bit of a tennis fan. Because the biggest part of the story is about Elin Larsson, ranked number one in the world, her daily life as a pro and her big wish to break the record in winning grand slam trophies. And there are a few players who could get in her way to reach her goal. One of them is the young and very ambitioned Antonia Cortez Ruiz. After coming back from a bad injury she’s climbing the ranking rather fast. And she’s slowly sneaking into Elin’s heart. She is a sweetheart and one to keep. But is it really possible for two players to have a real relationship, whit both playing tennis at the top and sometimes against each other?
The romance takes a back seat, but it doesn’t matter. The romance is sweet and beautiful, without big drama and miscommunication, just some minor misunderstanding. Elin and Toni are competitive, honest and fair playing women, and they are very likable.
The story is told from Elin’s POV. She is the real MC. I loved to get to know her really good, she’s a wonderful woman with some flaws and she has a good character. Despite her money and status in the tennis world, she isn’t a diva. She is extremely invested in her career, but she also cares for the other players. She is friends with some of them. I loved her for standing up for her fellow competitors, to fight for justice. And Keeley made a good job to add some great supporting characters.
It was very exciting to see behind the scene into the top-level tennis world. And there is not much imagination needed, to know that the WTA is more or less working like the GTA in this book. Sadly most everywhere in professional sports is doping, racism and homophobia still a problem. It would be so much more fun to participate or watch sport without this shit.
Highly recommended to every sports fan out there.
My rating 4 stars
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
Wow, what a great and powerful sports romance. It takes place in the world of professional tennis, where winning is everything. It gave me an inside look in this crazy world of uncountable hours of training, matches, media conferences, testing, winning, losing and what toll it takes on your body. But it touches also the themes of doping and the testing scheme by the tennis-association.
To like this book, I think you should be at least a little bit of a tennis fan. Because the biggest part of the story is about Elin Larsson, ranked number one in the world, her daily life as a pro and her big wish to break the record in winning grand slam trophies. And there are a few players who could get in her way to reach her goal. One of them is the young and very ambitioned Antonia Cortez Ruiz. After coming back from a bad injury she’s climbing the ranking rather fast. And she’s slowly sneaking into Elin’s heart. She is a sweetheart and one to keep. But is it really possible for two players to have a real relationship, whit both playing tennis at the top and sometimes against each other?
The romance takes a back seat, but it doesn’t matter. The romance is sweet and beautiful, without big drama and miscommunication, just some minor misunderstanding. Elin and Toni are competitive, honest and fair playing women, and they are very likable.
The story is told from Elin’s POV. She is the real MC. I loved to get to know her really good, she’s a wonderful woman with some flaws and she has a good character. Despite her money and status in the tennis world, she isn’t a diva. She is extremely invested in her career, but she also cares for the other players. She is friends with some of them. I loved her for standing up for her fellow competitors, to fight for justice. And Keeley made a good job to add some great supporting characters.
It was very exciting to see behind the scene into the top-level tennis world. And there is not much imagination needed, to know that the WTA is more or less working like the GTA in this book. Sadly most everywhere in professional sports is doping, racism and homophobia still a problem. It would be so much more fun to participate or watch sport without this shit.
Highly recommended to every sports fan out there.
My rating 4 stars
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
January 7, 2024
Romance on the Court.
Listened to this on audible plus. This is a romance in the high-stakes world of professional tennis. I don't follow the tennis scene but I could still follow this story and I enjoyed it. The story revolves around Elin, the world's top tennis player and her pursuit of Grand Slam titles as well as some of the emotional struggles she face. I thought the story successfully captured the tension and competition of the tennis world and I appreciated the subplot that addressed the topic of racism in the sport.The central romance is between Elin and a more junior competitor named Tori, and I thought the sweet romance brought out a lot of tenderness to the narrative.
As usual, Lori Prince's narration helped to elevate the story, making it an even more enjoyable experience.
Listened to this on audible plus. This is a romance in the high-stakes world of professional tennis. I don't follow the tennis scene but I could still follow this story and I enjoyed it. The story revolves around Elin, the world's top tennis player and her pursuit of Grand Slam titles as well as some of the emotional struggles she face. I thought the story successfully captured the tension and competition of the tennis world and I appreciated the subplot that addressed the topic of racism in the sport.The central romance is between Elin and a more junior competitor named Tori, and I thought the sweet romance brought out a lot of tenderness to the narrative.
As usual, Lori Prince's narration helped to elevate the story, making it an even more enjoyable experience.
October 29, 2019
World No. 1 tennis star Elin Larsson is pursuing her dream to get the record of grand slam titles. She's very close to beat it but pressing injuries and her growing anxiety makes her think that maybe she's not cut out for tennis anymore. When she meets ascending player Toni Cortes Ruiz, there is an undenial attraction but media intrusion and scandals within the tennis association threaten to put an end to their tentative friendship and the possibility of even more...
This is a very good lesbian sports book with a side of an exciting romance. Lola Keeley is a talented lesfic author, I'm still in awe of her debut book 'The music and the mirror' in which she explores the world of ballet in a romance between an ice-queen choreographer and a talented ballerina. Here there is also an ice-queen, Eli Larsson, also known as the tennis Ice-Princess but as the story is told in first person from her solely point of view, the reader gets to see her reasons for being detached and cautious. It's easier to empathise with the character as she struggles to cope with pressure, anxiety, and injury.
'Slammed' gives an in-depth insight into the world of tennis. I don't think the reader needs to be a tennis fan to enjoy this book (though I am), but at least it'd help if they have an interest in the sport. I loved that there was not only a good description of the game of tennis but also of the other aspects of a sportsperson's life, like training and logistics. There is quite a bit of detail in describing all those aspects but these aren't boring facts as they are daily issues intertwined in the story. It is so well written that it's easy to see the pre-matches routines, the matches themselves, the press conferences, etc in the reader's mind eye. The matches' unpredictability, the looming injuries and the record to be beaten help to keep the interest in the story and turning pages.
Even though the romance is on the side of tennis, both main characters are lovable and their chemistry is hot. The novel goes beyond romance and deals with family issues, friendship, gender identity and living in the closet. I particularly enjoyed the subplot regarding corruption at the top of the tennis association and racism. The secondary characters help to bring the story to life and makes it even more enjoyable.
Overall, a very good lesbian sports book which deals with some very relevant issues and has an enjoyable romance on the side. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is a very good lesbian sports book with a side of an exciting romance. Lola Keeley is a talented lesfic author, I'm still in awe of her debut book 'The music and the mirror' in which she explores the world of ballet in a romance between an ice-queen choreographer and a talented ballerina. Here there is also an ice-queen, Eli Larsson, also known as the tennis Ice-Princess but as the story is told in first person from her solely point of view, the reader gets to see her reasons for being detached and cautious. It's easier to empathise with the character as she struggles to cope with pressure, anxiety, and injury.
'Slammed' gives an in-depth insight into the world of tennis. I don't think the reader needs to be a tennis fan to enjoy this book (though I am), but at least it'd help if they have an interest in the sport. I loved that there was not only a good description of the game of tennis but also of the other aspects of a sportsperson's life, like training and logistics. There is quite a bit of detail in describing all those aspects but these aren't boring facts as they are daily issues intertwined in the story. It is so well written that it's easy to see the pre-matches routines, the matches themselves, the press conferences, etc in the reader's mind eye. The matches' unpredictability, the looming injuries and the record to be beaten help to keep the interest in the story and turning pages.
Even though the romance is on the side of tennis, both main characters are lovable and their chemistry is hot. The novel goes beyond romance and deals with family issues, friendship, gender identity and living in the closet. I particularly enjoyed the subplot regarding corruption at the top of the tennis association and racism. The secondary characters help to bring the story to life and makes it even more enjoyable.
Overall, a very good lesbian sports book which deals with some very relevant issues and has an enjoyable romance on the side. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
December 13, 2019
I guess this just wasn't the book for me. While I very much enjoy this author and think she is a strong writer, the main component missing from this story for me was any solid connection b/w the two mains. It was initially based on a quick connection of one being attracted to the other, which is totally cool and does happen, you see looks across a room, not a personality, blah blah blah. But there wasn't much lead-up.... no time spent together.... to really stew up genuine sparks. Their relationship felt somewhat shallow. Their tennis schedules made for much time apart and when they did finally get together, it was just ok. After the one intimate scene, the rest were suggestions of sex then fade to black, which in this case dulled sparks even more.
Having Elin explain her anxiety and how to deal with it was interesting enough, as was Toni's idolatry of Elin, which wasn't overdone or creepy. I was intrigued by the drug testing angle and my imagination speculated on how it was going to be played out which excited me, but alas, no real drama, no big bang.
I found myself a little bored by the story to be honest, and I am someone who does like sports very much. I learned a helluva lot more than I did know about tennis though, so points for that!
Having Elin explain her anxiety and how to deal with it was interesting enough, as was Toni's idolatry of Elin, which wasn't overdone or creepy. I was intrigued by the drug testing angle and my imagination speculated on how it was going to be played out which excited me, but alas, no real drama, no big bang.
I found myself a little bored by the story to be honest, and I am someone who does like sports very much. I learned a helluva lot more than I did know about tennis though, so points for that!
October 13, 2019
Stretching limits to achieve goals.
Elin is the world number one women's tennis player. She has a team of people surrounding her to make sure she performs at the top of her game. Everything in her life has been about winning. She is on track to tie for the most slams and even has the possibility of breaking that record. But she is worn down and wanting to retire. She is mostly continuing on to please her mother, who is also her long time coach. Toni, falls into her life and perhaps gives her the nudge she needs to make some positive changes.
First of all, this is a tennis story with a side of romance. While the theme was always there and driving things along, there was a lot of time that that Elin and Toni spend apart. This is to be expected because the job requires so much travel. And although separated for a lot of it, I thought Keeley did a great job of keeping a connection going.
I think I will always have to mention Keeley's debut novel, The Music and the Mirror. It is one of my all time favorites. This book reminded me of that in a way. In that first book, the topic was ballet. And I was immersed in that world even though I knew nothing of it. Same here with tennis. I really felt like I was a part of Elin's team and going through all of the mechanics of being a professional competitive athlete. I'm not sure how much of the behind the scenes was accurate, but it certainly felt real.
So much was going on in the story. Family drama, gay challenges, trans acceptance, racism, doping, anxiety, health, etc. And yet it never felt overwhelming. It was completely natural and flowed very well.
I liked the slow build of relationship between Elin and Toni. There was interest, then uncertainty, some flirting, and growing feelings. There was a bit of drama stemming from miscommunication, but it didn't last long. I would say there was very little angst in this book. Which makes it such a surprise as to me liking it so much. I usually require a good deal of emo with my romance. But it probably is just proof how strong this was in terms of the story.
Also, it wouldn't be me if I didn't comment on how I enjoyed the light intimate scenes and the creative ways Keeley would allude to sex without being explicit.
Overall, this is a story is about Elin finding a way to break the slam record. Overcoming obstacles impeding the way to her goals. And finding things along the way to help her achieve them.
I recommend this to people who love sports, tennis, family drama, exes, romance, travel, and adult beverages.
I received an ARC from YLVA publishing for an honest review.
Elin is the world number one women's tennis player. She has a team of people surrounding her to make sure she performs at the top of her game. Everything in her life has been about winning. She is on track to tie for the most slams and even has the possibility of breaking that record. But she is worn down and wanting to retire. She is mostly continuing on to please her mother, who is also her long time coach. Toni, falls into her life and perhaps gives her the nudge she needs to make some positive changes.
First of all, this is a tennis story with a side of romance. While the theme was always there and driving things along, there was a lot of time that that Elin and Toni spend apart. This is to be expected because the job requires so much travel. And although separated for a lot of it, I thought Keeley did a great job of keeping a connection going.
I think I will always have to mention Keeley's debut novel, The Music and the Mirror. It is one of my all time favorites. This book reminded me of that in a way. In that first book, the topic was ballet. And I was immersed in that world even though I knew nothing of it. Same here with tennis. I really felt like I was a part of Elin's team and going through all of the mechanics of being a professional competitive athlete. I'm not sure how much of the behind the scenes was accurate, but it certainly felt real.
So much was going on in the story. Family drama, gay challenges, trans acceptance, racism, doping, anxiety, health, etc. And yet it never felt overwhelming. It was completely natural and flowed very well.
I liked the slow build of relationship between Elin and Toni. There was interest, then uncertainty, some flirting, and growing feelings. There was a bit of drama stemming from miscommunication, but it didn't last long. I would say there was very little angst in this book. Which makes it such a surprise as to me liking it so much. I usually require a good deal of emo with my romance. But it probably is just proof how strong this was in terms of the story.
Also, it wouldn't be me if I didn't comment on how I enjoyed the light intimate scenes and the creative ways Keeley would allude to sex without being explicit.
Overall, this is a story is about Elin finding a way to break the slam record. Overcoming obstacles impeding the way to her goals. And finding things along the way to help her achieve them.
I recommend this to people who love sports, tennis, family drama, exes, romance, travel, and adult beverages.
I received an ARC from YLVA publishing for an honest review.
February 24, 2020
Not a huge follower of tennis but know enough to understand the game. And I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It’s a slow-burn romance with MCs who are the opposite of each other; Elin Larsson, an introvert, reclusive hotshot world number 1 tennis player & Antonia Cortes Ruiz, an extrovert, up and coming tennis player. The narratives is more on the sports itself (breaking records, doping, discrimination and the likes) and not so much on the romance. If you are fan of sports romance, you’ll likely enjoy this though don’t expect too much on the romance side or any sexy steamy scenes - there are sexy scene but nothing to blush about 🙂
October 24, 2019
This is a tricky one to rate for me... I love tennis. I mean I could live breathe eat tennis, and for a lot of teen years, I did just that. I played the junior circuit and at one point was even ranked in the top 500.
So, reading a book about that life almost felt like I was reminiscing, as opposed to just reading another book.
Now here's where it gets tricky. It was too close to the tennis of my teen years, and not an accurate representation of the game or players today. That's what I felt anyway.
Had this book been set in the 90's, I would definitely have rated it differently. But as it stands, it felt a little antiquated.
Don't get me wrong - I love Steffi Graf as much as the next person. And my favourite women's tennis era was definitely the time that she was playing.
Toni, very strangely, gave me both Gigi Fernandez and Gabriella sabatini vibes. Which, again, while I loved those players, the whole thing felt like it was set in a different decade. The young Canadian - that scene - again straight out of the 99 French open final Steffi against a young Martina hingis where Martina behaved like a bit of a brat, even though, again, I love hingis too!
So, anyway, without rambling further, I liked this book a lot, but I do feel it was set in the wrong decade.
4.2 stars
So, reading a book about that life almost felt like I was reminiscing, as opposed to just reading another book.
Now here's where it gets tricky. It was too close to the tennis of my teen years, and not an accurate representation of the game or players today. That's what I felt anyway.
Had this book been set in the 90's, I would definitely have rated it differently. But as it stands, it felt a little antiquated.
Don't get me wrong - I love Steffi Graf as much as the next person. And my favourite women's tennis era was definitely the time that she was playing.
Toni, very strangely, gave me both Gigi Fernandez and Gabriella sabatini vibes. Which, again, while I loved those players, the whole thing felt like it was set in a different decade. The young Canadian - that scene - again straight out of the 99 French open final Steffi against a young Martina hingis where Martina behaved like a bit of a brat, even though, again, I love hingis too!
So, anyway, without rambling further, I liked this book a lot, but I do feel it was set in the wrong decade.
4.2 stars
November 22, 2019
ARC provided by Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little worried about this one, I loved Music and the Mirror but wasn’t blown away by Major Surgery. Not being a huge tennis fan, I was also worried I wouldn’t enjoy the sports side of it that much.
Turns out I didn’t have to worry on any accounts. While there is a lot of tennis and/or discussion of tennis, I found pretty much all of it interesting. This features MC Elin, a Swedish tennis player who is top of the women’s field and going for the grand slam record. She takes a side trip to a bar before a major game and meets Toni, another lower ranked player from Mexico. This sparks a friendship turned relationship between the pair, but since this is told in first person, we really only see Elin’s perspective of what happens, Toni isn’t anywhere near as fleshed out.
The two do have great chemistry and it’s a nice romance, though tennis plays a bigger part than the romance itself. There’s also some other interesting secondary characters in Elin’s family and some of the other tennis players, especially Celeste, Elin’s ex. I thought she was going to be either a bitch or sketchy but she was lovely which was a nice surprise. Elin’s sister Alice is trans, but one of the few flaws in the book was that much of her story was only hinted at, I would have liked more detail and depth there.
There’s also some sports politics and a bit of a scandal thrown in, as well as a few ups and downs in the romance department and Elin’s path to glory. I also liked that though her mother was her coach/manager, she was not the domineering character I had first thought her to be. Most all of the characters had layers. I might have enjoyed it more had both mains been given equal POV time, but it’s a minor quibble, Elin’s pretty damn interesting as the main POV.
If you love sports books, then this should be a hit for you, but even non-tennis fans should like it. I know I did. 4 stars.
I was a little worried about this one, I loved Music and the Mirror but wasn’t blown away by Major Surgery. Not being a huge tennis fan, I was also worried I wouldn’t enjoy the sports side of it that much.
Turns out I didn’t have to worry on any accounts. While there is a lot of tennis and/or discussion of tennis, I found pretty much all of it interesting. This features MC Elin, a Swedish tennis player who is top of the women’s field and going for the grand slam record. She takes a side trip to a bar before a major game and meets Toni, another lower ranked player from Mexico. This sparks a friendship turned relationship between the pair, but since this is told in first person, we really only see Elin’s perspective of what happens, Toni isn’t anywhere near as fleshed out.
The two do have great chemistry and it’s a nice romance, though tennis plays a bigger part than the romance itself. There’s also some other interesting secondary characters in Elin’s family and some of the other tennis players, especially Celeste, Elin’s ex. I thought she was going to be either a bitch or sketchy but she was lovely which was a nice surprise. Elin’s sister Alice is trans, but one of the few flaws in the book was that much of her story was only hinted at, I would have liked more detail and depth there.
There’s also some sports politics and a bit of a scandal thrown in, as well as a few ups and downs in the romance department and Elin’s path to glory. I also liked that though her mother was her coach/manager, she was not the domineering character I had first thought her to be. Most all of the characters had layers. I might have enjoyed it more had both mains been given equal POV time, but it’s a minor quibble, Elin’s pretty damn interesting as the main POV.
If you love sports books, then this should be a hit for you, but even non-tennis fans should like it. I know I did. 4 stars.
October 16, 2019
First: Like with the Jae book, The Roommate Arrangement, I reviewed earlier today, I did not receive Slammed through an ARC program or otherwise be ‘given’ this book. I bought it from the website when it became available.
Second: Unlike with the Jae book, I did not buy this early because I’d read the author before and rather enjoyed reading their works. In fact, I’d never previously read a book by this author (though I’d read a short story by them).
Why’d I decide to read this book out of all of them available? I had been interested in the author previously, from seeing positive reviews for her work, and this specific book involved tennis. Well, involves professional athletes. I’m not exactly sure what it is about that topic, but I rather enjoy reading sports books. I do watch sports, in person and by way of television, but . . . I’m not sure what word or phrase to put after that word. Hmm. I was quite happy to watch the Mystics, my local team, win the WNBA championship the other day, and was quite happy to watch the Nationals, another local team, win the MLB National League last night (and even enjoyed watching the Redskins finally win a game this season, and randomly catching the most recent Capitals game and watch them win as well). But. I only really closely watched the Mystics game. Nationals was on in background, and I paid attention but by no means closely, I only actually watched a tiny fraction of the Capitals game, and I wasn’t even in the same room for most of the Redskins game.
I do enjoy reading sports themed books, though, and I am disappointed when I do not ‘see’ the action in the book. If it’s just ‘here’s character A, they are a professional athlete, during the course of the book a season will occur, zero percent of whatever activity they are involved in will be ‘shown’ in the book’ then I probably be super annoyed.
I’ve read books wherein I ‘felt’ like I was strapped into the car, driving it in a huge race, or closely watching someone charge around on some playing field (be it football, basketball, baseball, etc.) as if they were inches from me; and I’ve read sports books wherein action is mentioned and conveyed but in a way that can seem as if a super exciting event is occurring – over there, on the other side of a fence, and I can only see paint dry and not feel, hear, or be involved in the action.
For better or worse, this book was a lot better at conveying that ‘athlete performing professionally in an activity’ than in a ‘two women develop a relationship’. And still, there were times that the action was conveyed in an ‘I knew I’d win, and I did’ way. Eh. Right, so, I’m wandering around not conveying anything about the book, and what little I am is probably misdirecting people.
Elin Larsson is a 32/33 year old number one tennis star. She’s healthy, fit, and relatively easily defeats her opponents on the tennis court. Off the court she’s taken care of by a bunch of people who clean her houses, stuff it with food, cloth her, etc. etc. She’s also rotten at that ‘dating’ thing, has social anxiety, and may or may not have an ice queen image (since things are from her point of view, the idea is more conveyed in ‘people might see me that way’ kind, similarly I’ve no real idea what she looks like other than pale and blond, as she’s mostly just aware she’s physically fit, blonde, and pale (and has the impression she’s not really model level attractive)). Oh, and she’s Swedish, has a transgender sister who, oddly enough, is a dick to her (the sister is a dick to Elin), and a mother that seemed as if she’d fall into the overbearing mother/coach mode, but never crossed a line I was sort of expecting would get crossed. Before turning to the other main character: Elin is, over the course of the book, getting closer and closer to matching, and possibly beating the total number of slam wins in women’s tennis.
The other main character, though not one with a point of view so she’s kind of rarely seen (or at least less seen than a two person POV book would normally have it), is another tennis player. 26 going on 27. And meet by Elin at a bar – which is important to note because Elin didn’t actually realize Toni Cortes Ruiz was a fellow tennis player. There are reasons for that – for one, while there are players and ex-players Elin knows, she isn’t that great with remembering everyone she comes across, tennis player or not (there’s more than one scene wherein she questions if she might have a facial recognition disorder). Plus Toni has been out of tennis for a year or so due to a back injury (and lack of funding). Plus 2, while Toni was inching her way up before the injury, and some were even talking about her competing for grand slam wins, after the injury she has trouble finding sponsors, and is on the edge of being in the 100s and/or being unranked/unseeded. She’s ‘back’ now, though, and trying to both move up the rank board and win some trophies. Since I pointed out that Elin is pale, blonde, and Swedish, I’ll note that Toni is darker skinned, x, and Mexican (I assume her hair color was mentioned at some point, I just don’t recall the description). Oh, and Toni is an extrovert and had/has a party girl reputation.
The majority of the book, it seemed, involved Toni and Elin edging ever closer to being . . . friends. Also, there was this longish period of time Elin assumed that Toni was dating her coach, a man named, I think, Tavi, while still flirting with her and lusting after her.
Overall I was thinking of giving this a 3 something rating, but the sports action, especially the closing part, kept me up at around a 4 something rating. Part of the ‘issue’ I had with the book was the 1 person POV, especially as . . . [thinking] it showed Elin to be both likeable and . . . frustratingly naïve for someone who is, presumably at the age of 33, an adult. For someone with an icy self-image, she was quick to let her emotions rule her life; and quick to ‘assume’ things. Sometimes correctly (like with Mira), sometimes incorrectly (like most things about Toni).
Toni? Well, she seemed likable enough, but I didn’t really ‘see’ her. I know/learned that she hated the fiery stereotype that came from being her (not bluntly stated, so I’m not going to assume anything); and that she can/could/and did get fiery at times.
There was sex. I do not recall if it was graphic.
There was sports action. It was both graphic and non-graphic (the times balls are bouncing and zooming around, versus those times Elin mentioned ‘she advanced that week’).
Rating: 4.27
October 16, 2019
Second: Unlike with the Jae book, I did not buy this early because I’d read the author before and rather enjoyed reading their works. In fact, I’d never previously read a book by this author (though I’d read a short story by them).
Why’d I decide to read this book out of all of them available? I had been interested in the author previously, from seeing positive reviews for her work, and this specific book involved tennis. Well, involves professional athletes. I’m not exactly sure what it is about that topic, but I rather enjoy reading sports books. I do watch sports, in person and by way of television, but . . . I’m not sure what word or phrase to put after that word. Hmm. I was quite happy to watch the Mystics, my local team, win the WNBA championship the other day, and was quite happy to watch the Nationals, another local team, win the MLB National League last night (and even enjoyed watching the Redskins finally win a game this season, and randomly catching the most recent Capitals game and watch them win as well). But. I only really closely watched the Mystics game. Nationals was on in background, and I paid attention but by no means closely, I only actually watched a tiny fraction of the Capitals game, and I wasn’t even in the same room for most of the Redskins game.
I do enjoy reading sports themed books, though, and I am disappointed when I do not ‘see’ the action in the book. If it’s just ‘here’s character A, they are a professional athlete, during the course of the book a season will occur, zero percent of whatever activity they are involved in will be ‘shown’ in the book’ then I probably be super annoyed.
I’ve read books wherein I ‘felt’ like I was strapped into the car, driving it in a huge race, or closely watching someone charge around on some playing field (be it football, basketball, baseball, etc.) as if they were inches from me; and I’ve read sports books wherein action is mentioned and conveyed but in a way that can seem as if a super exciting event is occurring – over there, on the other side of a fence, and I can only see paint dry and not feel, hear, or be involved in the action.
For better or worse, this book was a lot better at conveying that ‘athlete performing professionally in an activity’ than in a ‘two women develop a relationship’. And still, there were times that the action was conveyed in an ‘I knew I’d win, and I did’ way. Eh. Right, so, I’m wandering around not conveying anything about the book, and what little I am is probably misdirecting people.
Elin Larsson is a 32/33 year old number one tennis star. She’s healthy, fit, and relatively easily defeats her opponents on the tennis court. Off the court she’s taken care of by a bunch of people who clean her houses, stuff it with food, cloth her, etc. etc. She’s also rotten at that ‘dating’ thing, has social anxiety, and may or may not have an ice queen image (since things are from her point of view, the idea is more conveyed in ‘people might see me that way’ kind, similarly I’ve no real idea what she looks like other than pale and blond, as she’s mostly just aware she’s physically fit, blonde, and pale (and has the impression she’s not really model level attractive)). Oh, and she’s Swedish, has a transgender sister who, oddly enough, is a dick to her (the sister is a dick to Elin), and a mother that seemed as if she’d fall into the overbearing mother/coach mode, but never crossed a line I was sort of expecting would get crossed. Before turning to the other main character: Elin is, over the course of the book, getting closer and closer to matching, and possibly beating the total number of slam wins in women’s tennis.
The other main character, though not one with a point of view so she’s kind of rarely seen (or at least less seen than a two person POV book would normally have it), is another tennis player. 26 going on 27. And meet by Elin at a bar – which is important to note because Elin didn’t actually realize Toni Cortes Ruiz was a fellow tennis player. There are reasons for that – for one, while there are players and ex-players Elin knows, she isn’t that great with remembering everyone she comes across, tennis player or not (there’s more than one scene wherein she questions if she might have a facial recognition disorder). Plus Toni has been out of tennis for a year or so due to a back injury (and lack of funding). Plus 2, while Toni was inching her way up before the injury, and some were even talking about her competing for grand slam wins, after the injury she has trouble finding sponsors, and is on the edge of being in the 100s and/or being unranked/unseeded. She’s ‘back’ now, though, and trying to both move up the rank board and win some trophies. Since I pointed out that Elin is pale, blonde, and Swedish, I’ll note that Toni is darker skinned, x, and Mexican (I assume her hair color was mentioned at some point, I just don’t recall the description). Oh, and Toni is an extrovert and had/has a party girl reputation.
The majority of the book, it seemed, involved Toni and Elin edging ever closer to being . . . friends. Also, there was this longish period of time Elin assumed that Toni was dating her coach, a man named, I think, Tavi, while still flirting with her and lusting after her.
Overall I was thinking of giving this a 3 something rating, but the sports action, especially the closing part, kept me up at around a 4 something rating. Part of the ‘issue’ I had with the book was the 1 person POV, especially as . . . [thinking] it showed Elin to be both likeable and . . . frustratingly naïve for someone who is, presumably at the age of 33, an adult. For someone with an icy self-image, she was quick to let her emotions rule her life; and quick to ‘assume’ things. Sometimes correctly (like with Mira), sometimes incorrectly (like most things about Toni).
Toni? Well, she seemed likable enough, but I didn’t really ‘see’ her. I know/learned that she hated the fiery stereotype that came from being her (not bluntly stated, so I’m not going to assume anything); and that she can/could/and did get fiery at times.
There was sex. I do not recall if it was graphic.
There was sports action. It was both graphic and non-graphic (the times balls are bouncing and zooming around, versus those times Elin mentioned ‘she advanced that week’).
Rating: 4.27
October 16, 2019
October 19, 2019
Lola Keeley has a hit on her hands with her newest novel Slammed. This is a story told in the first-person POV through the eyes of Elin Larsson, the number one women’s tennis player in the world. At the age of thirty-two, she has just about done it all in her sporting career. In fact lately she has been feeling that her heart is not really into competing, except for one goal she has yet to meet. She wants to beat the current record of winning grand slam titles. The record is twenty-two wins, and at the beginning of the story, Elin has twenty. With only three more slam title wins to beat the record, she is determined to continue at least that long. But there are many obstacles in her way, including a persistent injury, and all the talented competitors she has to face at each tournament.
Then there is Antonia (Toni) Cortez Ruiz, a young and very talented tennis player moving quickly up the ranks. They keep meeting at different tournaments, and the attraction keeps getting stronger between them. But will any relationship they may have survive the competitiveness they both have for the game, especially if it interferes with Elin’s career goal?
I am so glad Ms. Keeley decided to let the reader see the story through the eyes of Elin. She did an excellent job writing in this POV, and made the story come alive. We also have a better understanding of Elin’s thoughts and feelings about all the people and action happening around her. It made the tale feel real to me. The plot line is riveting, especially the second half of the book, when the conflict of the story gets really exciting and complex. The romance between Elin and Toni is handled perfectly. It isn’t rushed and weaves its way beautifully through the story.
I loved this book. It is well-written and one that you should not pass up. I am very pleased I had the chance to read Slammed.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
Then there is Antonia (Toni) Cortez Ruiz, a young and very talented tennis player moving quickly up the ranks. They keep meeting at different tournaments, and the attraction keeps getting stronger between them. But will any relationship they may have survive the competitiveness they both have for the game, especially if it interferes with Elin’s career goal?
I am so glad Ms. Keeley decided to let the reader see the story through the eyes of Elin. She did an excellent job writing in this POV, and made the story come alive. We also have a better understanding of Elin’s thoughts and feelings about all the people and action happening around her. It made the tale feel real to me. The plot line is riveting, especially the second half of the book, when the conflict of the story gets really exciting and complex. The romance between Elin and Toni is handled perfectly. It isn’t rushed and weaves its way beautifully through the story.
I loved this book. It is well-written and one that you should not pass up. I am very pleased I had the chance to read Slammed.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
March 21, 2024
3.25 ⭐️ I listened to the audiobook and it was 11 hours long. It took me a long time to get into it. At first Lori Prince’s voiced bugged the hell out of me but then when Toni becomes a big part of the story I liked her Spanish accent.
I expected more tennis talk and strategy and more on the players thought during the matches. That only really happened at the end of the book. There was very little angst in the story and it had a nice HEA.
I expected more tennis talk and strategy and more on the players thought during the matches. That only really happened at the end of the book. There was very little angst in the story and it had a nice HEA.
May 18, 2020
This is the story of Elin Larsson, the world's #1 player at the top of her game, who is starting to lose the drive that she needs to maintain it. She's got a big goal she wants to meet before retirement, though, and is trying to hold on long enough to get there. She didn't expect to meet and fall for the beautiful Toni Ruiz, a younger up-and-coming player on the tour. While that complicates things in some ways, it also makes her realize what she wants over the long term. This is a friends to lovers slow burn romance that has diverse MCs and supporting characters, which is always appreciated. Keeley's first book The Music & The Mirror was absolutely terrific and featured an ice queen to rival all ice queens. Compared to Victoria in Mirror, Elin is a kitten, but has had to maintain a certain emotional distance to be able to hold on to her top spot. She's also publicly closeted. But Toni makes her want to embrace and be more open about who she is. As a big fan of tennis, it was very easy to get caught up in this book. But even if you aren't, there's nothing too technical to bog down the story for anyone not to be able to understand and appreciate what's happening. This is the kind of story you wish for in a sports romance. True to the highs and lows of the game including a look at the cost of giving yourself over to a sport, yet with the hope that somehow personal happiness and love can also be had. I read this book in one sitting. Great way to spend the day. Really enjoyed it!
July 29, 2024
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
Sapphic, rivals to lovers sports romance.
Heavy on the sports.
If you love tennis and enjoy light romances, this read is for you.
I’m not a sports girl, so I came for the rivalry tension that I unfortunately didn’t find.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Sapphic, rivals to lovers sports romance.
Heavy on the sports.
If you love tennis and enjoy light romances, this read is for you.
I’m not a sports girl, so I came for the rivalry tension that I unfortunately didn’t find.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
April 18, 2020
I must say that I have found the storyline very interesting. I love tennis, and obviously Lola Keeley does it too. And it shows. All in all this was a very enjoyable reading.
February 23, 2020
Really enjoyed this - has been on my "to read" list a long time and totally worth the wait. Loved it!
October 10, 2019
I've heard great things about Ms. Keeley's books, so when an advance copy of Slammed was dangled in front of me I snapped it up immediately. Based on how much I enjoyed this book, her two previous books are moving up to the top of my ever-expanding TBR list.
I will admit when I saw the cover and read the blurb I was a bit daunted. I know next to nothing about tennis and the last sports romance I read didn't wow me. I was concerned that I may not enjoy the book as much because of the setting.
Even without having a strong understanding of competitive tennis, I was quickly caught up in the story and with the character of Elin Larsson. Keeley wove enough information and context seamlessly into the story and never resorted to info dumps to fill in the reader who may not have any knowledge of the sport or the behind the scenes politicking. Even the matches were perfectly balanced - enough action and suspense in the ones that Keeley included to push the narrative forward but she didn't overwork it or include a blow by blow of every match. Things were so well balanced and got me so invested that the last few matches had me holding my breath as to who would win.
There is romance, but I'm not sure if I would classify the book as a pure romance - it was really more of glimpse into a year of Elin's career, friends, family and relationships. There are a number of subplots (personal and professional) but rather than driving the story, they are driving Elin as she is at a bit of crossroads of coming close to accomplishing her personal goal of beating the record of winning 22 Slams but also trying to come to terms with whether she wants to continue playing and who she will be once she does retire.
Told in first person POV, this is truly Elin's story and I really adored her. She's a wonderful mix of confidence and uncertainty. She has a level of ego when it comes to the game, but she's an introvert by nature and isn't comfortable with the press and attention. Her idea of being a bad girl is sneaking out for a single drink in a bar, trying avoid attention by fans or the press. She's completely driven and focused when it comes to tennis - when she's on the court, everything is reduced to her, her opponent and the game and her confidence in her skill and abilities is well justified. Her personal relationships with friends and family are more of a challenge due to her natural reticence and she is faced with making decisions and choices. Despite her innate Swedish reserve, there's a strong sense of connection, warmth and good-natured humour in her relationships.
The romance is definitely a slow burn. Elin has game - on the court but not necessarily when it comes to relationships. A good portion of the book has her forging a tentative friendship with Tori - a player who has recently returned from a serious injury and is slowly re-building her ranking. For someone who can size up and demolish an opponent in a match, Elin's wonderfully shy, unsure and much too polite to make the first move. This isn't a burning or all-consuming romance - it's tentative at first as Elin is attracted to Tori, but is not particularly adept at reading signals. The relationship grows organically and the build up is realistic and believable as both Elin and Tori spend more time apart than together. Through it all they are both still focused on their careers and the game and a remarkable respect for one another - neither wanting the other to compromise when it comes to rankings or play.
Slammed is a longer than normal lesfic novel so this one took me a bit longer to read; but, the pacing and the writing never made me lose interest or want to skip forward. I was completely invested in Elin and the story and I was happy every time I glanced at the corner of my e-reader and would see that there was lots more to come.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for sports fans and non-sports fans.
Recommended
Thank you to the author for an advance copy for review.
I will admit when I saw the cover and read the blurb I was a bit daunted. I know next to nothing about tennis and the last sports romance I read didn't wow me. I was concerned that I may not enjoy the book as much because of the setting.
Even without having a strong understanding of competitive tennis, I was quickly caught up in the story and with the character of Elin Larsson. Keeley wove enough information and context seamlessly into the story and never resorted to info dumps to fill in the reader who may not have any knowledge of the sport or the behind the scenes politicking. Even the matches were perfectly balanced - enough action and suspense in the ones that Keeley included to push the narrative forward but she didn't overwork it or include a blow by blow of every match. Things were so well balanced and got me so invested that the last few matches had me holding my breath as to who would win.
There is romance, but I'm not sure if I would classify the book as a pure romance - it was really more of glimpse into a year of Elin's career, friends, family and relationships. There are a number of subplots (personal and professional) but rather than driving the story, they are driving Elin as she is at a bit of crossroads of coming close to accomplishing her personal goal of beating the record of winning 22 Slams but also trying to come to terms with whether she wants to continue playing and who she will be once she does retire.
Told in first person POV, this is truly Elin's story and I really adored her. She's a wonderful mix of confidence and uncertainty. She has a level of ego when it comes to the game, but she's an introvert by nature and isn't comfortable with the press and attention. Her idea of being a bad girl is sneaking out for a single drink in a bar, trying avoid attention by fans or the press. She's completely driven and focused when it comes to tennis - when she's on the court, everything is reduced to her, her opponent and the game and her confidence in her skill and abilities is well justified. Her personal relationships with friends and family are more of a challenge due to her natural reticence and she is faced with making decisions and choices. Despite her innate Swedish reserve, there's a strong sense of connection, warmth and good-natured humour in her relationships.
The romance is definitely a slow burn. Elin has game - on the court but not necessarily when it comes to relationships. A good portion of the book has her forging a tentative friendship with Tori - a player who has recently returned from a serious injury and is slowly re-building her ranking. For someone who can size up and demolish an opponent in a match, Elin's wonderfully shy, unsure and much too polite to make the first move. This isn't a burning or all-consuming romance - it's tentative at first as Elin is attracted to Tori, but is not particularly adept at reading signals. The relationship grows organically and the build up is realistic and believable as both Elin and Tori spend more time apart than together. Through it all they are both still focused on their careers and the game and a remarkable respect for one another - neither wanting the other to compromise when it comes to rankings or play.
Slammed is a longer than normal lesfic novel so this one took me a bit longer to read; but, the pacing and the writing never made me lose interest or want to skip forward. I was completely invested in Elin and the story and I was happy every time I glanced at the corner of my e-reader and would see that there was lots more to come.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it for sports fans and non-sports fans.
Recommended
Thank you to the author for an advance copy for review.
December 19, 2022
Maybe it was because I am a huge tennis fan that I enjoyed this book immensely although in addition to tennis, there is also a beautiful romance throughout history, but it is definitely a story about the world of tennis with a side romance
Being narrated from Elin's point of view, the other half of the couple, Toni, is a bit in the background, but it doesn't really matter much, because Elin is the real protagonist.
I loved everything that has surrounded the story as well as the story itself. The atmosphere of the tournaments, the relationship between players, press, players' teams, all very realistic and credible.
I also liked Elin's personality and commitment very much, she's not shown as a conceited diva, she is respectful and kind even to those who do not deserve it at all. And the fierce and passion of Toni, half Spanish half Mexican, how great we are Latinas. And it also seemed great to me how the players respect each other and behave better than the rest of the parts that involve the world of tennis.
I think some of you will not find this book as interesting as me, if you do not like or know tennis, some parts may bore you or you do not understand them, but I think the story is complete and good enough to catch anyone's attention.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA for my honest review
Being narrated from Elin's point of view, the other half of the couple, Toni, is a bit in the background, but it doesn't really matter much, because Elin is the real protagonist.
I loved everything that has surrounded the story as well as the story itself. The atmosphere of the tournaments, the relationship between players, press, players' teams, all very realistic and credible.
I also liked Elin's personality and commitment very much, she's not shown as a conceited diva, she is respectful and kind even to those who do not deserve it at all. And the fierce and passion of Toni, half Spanish half Mexican, how great we are Latinas. And it also seemed great to me how the players respect each other and behave better than the rest of the parts that involve the world of tennis.
I think some of you will not find this book as interesting as me, if you do not like or know tennis, some parts may bore you or you do not understand them, but I think the story is complete and good enough to catch anyone's attention.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA for my honest review
November 5, 2019
I’m not a fan of this sport but I’m a sucker for a good sports romance f/f book and this didn’t disappoint. The fact that the love interest was a Mexican pro tennis player was a bonus, even if that description about molletes left me doubting the research.
Read any of the other reviews, it’s a good book and everyone gave a good description/review of why you should read it. I just wanted to say I liked it a lot.
Read any of the other reviews, it’s a good book and everyone gave a good description/review of why you should read it. I just wanted to say I liked it a lot.
July 5, 2020
When you're catching up on all of the books that have come out in the last couple of years whilst you've had a reading break, it's easy to stay on a roll of great books and this is most definitely one of them.
A fantastic lesbian sports romance, full of complicated (in all the best ways) and enjoyable characters.
The tennis in the book doesn't play second fiddle to the romance and you can tell the author genuinely loves and watches tennis. The terminology and action scenes are spot on. The lesser storyline threaded through the book has merit and is an enjoyable factor.
I loved the romance between the MCs, the hesitance at first, followed by the passion and the impact on their lives. The angst mainly comes from influences outside their relationship, which I always enjoy in a book, life isn't always easy so a well thought out journey like this one helps make the book.
If you love sports and romance, read this book. Even if you don't love sports, read it anyway, you'll still enjoy it.
A fantastic lesbian sports romance, full of complicated (in all the best ways) and enjoyable characters.
The tennis in the book doesn't play second fiddle to the romance and you can tell the author genuinely loves and watches tennis. The terminology and action scenes are spot on. The lesser storyline threaded through the book has merit and is an enjoyable factor.
I loved the romance between the MCs, the hesitance at first, followed by the passion and the impact on their lives. The angst mainly comes from influences outside their relationship, which I always enjoy in a book, life isn't always easy so a well thought out journey like this one helps make the book.
If you love sports and romance, read this book. Even if you don't love sports, read it anyway, you'll still enjoy it.
March 12, 2024
My brother is a pretty big fan of tennis. For a while, he kept our family apprised of all things Nadal or Federer, and watching Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka has been quite enjoyable!! So naturally, I loved this book!! The focus on tennis was fun, and the romance was so sweet!! I loved Elon and Toni together—their attraction was palpable from the beginning, that bar in London.
What really struck me about this was the relationship dynamic between the players. That is one thing I forget about professional athletes, but it makes so much sense that your friends are the same people you compete against. And even if not friends, then colleagues at least. I mean, the amount of time they spend around one another in a professional environment seems like it would require, at least, some level of familiarity?
What really struck me about this was the relationship dynamic between the players. That is one thing I forget about professional athletes, but it makes so much sense that your friends are the same people you compete against. And even if not friends, then colleagues at least. I mean, the amount of time they spend around one another in a professional environment seems like it would require, at least, some level of familiarity?
August 29, 2024
Loved this! Love in the tennis world, written believably and with feeling. I became really invested in the leads as I listened to Lori Prince bring them and the story to life superbly.
I would have liked a little more spice, personally. But that's just me. What's here is wonderful :)
I would have liked a little more spice, personally. But that's just me. What's here is wonderful :)
February 2, 2021
A tennis-based sports romance from the author of The Music and the Mirror
Read the review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
March 16, 2024
I feel like I watched a sports movie while listening to this. In a good way.
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