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Love, Philly #2
The Tipoff
Liliana Carter always knew who she had to be, depending on whose eyes she was looking into.
Her mother – the dutiful daughter, the seamless distraction for her troubled brother.
Her patients – the top surgeon, the woman with all of the tools for repair.
Knight – the fiancé, the number one fan of the perfect man.
Ezra – the baby sister, the desperate savior.
That was the old Lily and there had been no sight of her in nearly a year.
Enter Knight West, home for the duration of his off-season, all too willing to make this city their court for a little one on one. There was just one she had to pick up the ball and meet him at half court. It was the only way he could shred her defense, play by play. Good thing, Liliana Carter never missed a tip-off.
Author's This book contains content that some readers may be sensitive to. That content includes but is not limited to loss of a loved one and drug abuse, including overdose.
Her mother – the dutiful daughter, the seamless distraction for her troubled brother.
Her patients – the top surgeon, the woman with all of the tools for repair.
Knight – the fiancé, the number one fan of the perfect man.
Ezra – the baby sister, the desperate savior.
That was the old Lily and there had been no sight of her in nearly a year.
Enter Knight West, home for the duration of his off-season, all too willing to make this city their court for a little one on one. There was just one she had to pick up the ball and meet him at half court. It was the only way he could shred her defense, play by play. Good thing, Liliana Carter never missed a tip-off.
Author's This book contains content that some readers may be sensitive to. That content includes but is not limited to loss of a loved one and drug abuse, including overdose.
378 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2021
50 people want to read
About the author
Sonia Esperanza
5 books24 followerssometimes i kill the writing and sometimes the writing kills me.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 18, 2021
4.5 stars
Sonia Esperanza is shaping up to be the Queen of Soft Romances and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
I was lucky enough to beta read this book and people, you need this book in your life! The hero is the epitome of big, hotshot basketball player who is absolutely whipped for the woman he is in love with and I loved every single moment of it. Lily, our heroine, is incredibly strong with a heart of gold. This book handles some very important topics and I loved the way the author balanced real life topics in a romance novel. If you like Kennedy Ryan's novels and the way she balances romance and literary fiction, then this novel (and series) is the one for you!
I want to say so much more but I'll wait till closer to release date to write my full review <3
Sonia Esperanza is shaping up to be the Queen of Soft Romances and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
I was lucky enough to beta read this book and people, you need this book in your life! The hero is the epitome of big, hotshot basketball player who is absolutely whipped for the woman he is in love with and I loved every single moment of it. Lily, our heroine, is incredibly strong with a heart of gold. This book handles some very important topics and I loved the way the author balanced real life topics in a romance novel. If you like Kennedy Ryan's novels and the way she balances romance and literary fiction, then this novel (and series) is the one for you!
I want to say so much more but I'll wait till closer to release date to write my full review <3
June 8, 2021
The Tipoff is a standalone and book #2 in the Love, Philly series. I haven't read Hijacked as yet, but after reading this amazing book I'm definitely planning to read it very soon. I'm speechless, I don't know where to begin. I'm so happy that The Tipoff was my first June read. Sonia Esperanza did a phenomenal job in executing this plot. Yes, there are some sensitive subjects mentioned in this book, and it might be unsettling for some readers to read. You can feel Lily's (heroine) sorrow, heartache and grief after losing her brother. Her daily stuggles to get through each the day. How she alienated herself from the people closest to her; closing herself off not allowing anyone in. Especially, the one person she needed the most her best friend, ex fiance Knight (hero). When Lily's brother Ezra died, she also lost a piece of herself. She changed to the point that she barely recognized herself.
In a way, Lily blamed herself for not saving her brother, and you could say that she was trying to redeem herself by throwing herself into her work, saving lives. And she was determined to make a change; Lily will not give up so easily. Lily lives accordingly to her new routine; she may seem to have everything in her life in order, but when Knight returns back home old wounds are reopened. Knight never wanted to give up on Lily in the first place, but now that he is back Knight is determined to win back Lily. And his love for Lily is indescribable. As I turned each page, my heart was breaking to witness Lily's and Knight's pain. There were some scenes that nearly made me tear up. It's an emotional, raw and intense read. I really enjoyed how the storyline unfolded. Throughout the book the characters and plot developed amazingly.
Sonia Esperanza's writing is outstanding, I loved how she incorporated the sporting terms in this book. How she highlighted a serious topic/issue that desperately needs to be addressed. And how deeply it affects everyone, families and communities. Sonia Esperanza has easily become one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to read more of her work. Overall, it's a fantastic read, I highly recommend it!
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest
In a way, Lily blamed herself for not saving her brother, and you could say that she was trying to redeem herself by throwing herself into her work, saving lives. And she was determined to make a change; Lily will not give up so easily. Lily lives accordingly to her new routine; she may seem to have everything in her life in order, but when Knight returns back home old wounds are reopened. Knight never wanted to give up on Lily in the first place, but now that he is back Knight is determined to win back Lily. And his love for Lily is indescribable. As I turned each page, my heart was breaking to witness Lily's and Knight's pain. There were some scenes that nearly made me tear up. It's an emotional, raw and intense read. I really enjoyed how the storyline unfolded. Throughout the book the characters and plot developed amazingly.
Sonia Esperanza's writing is outstanding, I loved how she incorporated the sporting terms in this book. How she highlighted a serious topic/issue that desperately needs to be addressed. And how deeply it affects everyone, families and communities. Sonia Esperanza has easily become one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to read more of her work. Overall, it's a fantastic read, I highly recommend it!
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest
June 15, 2021
Wow this book was just what I needed! So overloaded with emotion, perfect world-building, and a relationship that gives you all the feels--and tears, happy and sad lol!
I absolutely adored Lily! My heart hurt for her, but there was so much to learn from her as well! An amazing role model! Poor Lily has been through so much, but still manages to keep her head up. Her determination and drive are awe-inspiring, and teach you that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you have to keep going!
And here comes the moment where I gush about Knight West! I don't know how Sonia Esperanza does it, but she creates the best male leads, to the point where I wish they were real. Knight was literally the perfect blend of everything I love in a book boyfriend (and irl man haha), soft, kind, considerate, AND a little bit of an alpha male. I'm ruined for life you guys! And that name, gosh!
Despite the fact that this book delivers a swoony romance story, I also loved the message behind it. The importance of highlighting how drugs affect our lives, and can shift the lives of our loved ones too. Lily's goal to help other people from reaching the same fate as her brother was so pure and good.
I'm in love with these characters and this book is seriously one of my favorites. Sonia just has a way with words that speaks to me, and if there's one thing I adore the most in my books is real characters, with real stories, that touch your heart-strings. I can't recommend this book enough!
I absolutely adored Lily! My heart hurt for her, but there was so much to learn from her as well! An amazing role model! Poor Lily has been through so much, but still manages to keep her head up. Her determination and drive are awe-inspiring, and teach you that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you have to keep going!
And here comes the moment where I gush about Knight West! I don't know how Sonia Esperanza does it, but she creates the best male leads, to the point where I wish they were real. Knight was literally the perfect blend of everything I love in a book boyfriend (and irl man haha), soft, kind, considerate, AND a little bit of an alpha male. I'm ruined for life you guys! And that name, gosh!
Despite the fact that this book delivers a swoony romance story, I also loved the message behind it. The importance of highlighting how drugs affect our lives, and can shift the lives of our loved ones too. Lily's goal to help other people from reaching the same fate as her brother was so pure and good.
I'm in love with these characters and this book is seriously one of my favorites. Sonia just has a way with words that speaks to me, and if there's one thing I adore the most in my books is real characters, with real stories, that touch your heart-strings. I can't recommend this book enough!
June 3, 2021
When you are smiling at the beginning of a book of how sweet the characters are, you just know the book will break your heart! And then when it happens. Shit it hurts. You feel the pain that they feel. Not even close to how much but you feel it deep in your heart. And that's how I knew I was going to be in love this book and I am, completely.
You can just feel the love between Lily and Knight the moment you meet them. They immediately give that feeling that they are a couple meant to be and the perfect match for each other. And the way I felt it with every single moment after that is what makes it even more beautiful. I adore their bond and amazing chemistry so much!
Lily is such a sweety! She goes through a lot and deserves literally everything. She was hurting and grieving every day and yet she started to fight for others, to try and make a difference and continues to do so. The way she cares about the world is truly inspiring. Knight is a softy who will do anything for his family and the ones he loves. He is the most loyal ever and always has your back. I love how he goes and fights for Lily no matter how much she tries to push him away. The way he loves her is like she's his entire world. It was not me crying here because Knight is the absolute sweetest to Lily... and just gah they are so freaking precious, I can't!
This story really shows how you have to fight for happiness and love. How it doesn't just drop on your lap. You have to go through everything to find your way into the happiness. The road isn't easy but there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. And even though the pain will always linger there, it will be a little bit easier. The exploration of grief is outstanding and the sibling bonds absolutely amazing. And wow the writing is incredibly beautiful.
The Tipoff is like a hug, the kind that squeezes you tight. It might hurt but it also wraps you up with warmth and gives you this feeling of peace. And that's what I got from this book in the most beautiful of ways and I adore it with the entirety of my heart!
"Because you are home, Knight. You are mine."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
You can just feel the love between Lily and Knight the moment you meet them. They immediately give that feeling that they are a couple meant to be and the perfect match for each other. And the way I felt it with every single moment after that is what makes it even more beautiful. I adore their bond and amazing chemistry so much!
Lily is such a sweety! She goes through a lot and deserves literally everything. She was hurting and grieving every day and yet she started to fight for others, to try and make a difference and continues to do so. The way she cares about the world is truly inspiring. Knight is a softy who will do anything for his family and the ones he loves. He is the most loyal ever and always has your back. I love how he goes and fights for Lily no matter how much she tries to push him away. The way he loves her is like she's his entire world. It was not me crying here because Knight is the absolute sweetest to Lily... and just gah they are so freaking precious, I can't!
This story really shows how you have to fight for happiness and love. How it doesn't just drop on your lap. You have to go through everything to find your way into the happiness. The road isn't easy but there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. And even though the pain will always linger there, it will be a little bit easier. The exploration of grief is outstanding and the sibling bonds absolutely amazing. And wow the writing is incredibly beautiful.
The Tipoff is like a hug, the kind that squeezes you tight. It might hurt but it also wraps you up with warmth and gives you this feeling of peace. And that's what I got from this book in the most beautiful of ways and I adore it with the entirety of my heart!
"Because you are home, Knight. You are mine."
*I received this ARC from the author but the thoughts are completely my own.*
June 9, 2021
➳ Rate: 5/ 5 stars
Ahh I anticipated this book so much, having no clue what it was about or who even the characters were but I loved Sonia’s first book SO much, I just wanted more from her. And The Tipoff did not disappoint!
Ohmygosh these characters had my heart. The first chapter had me tearing up because it was tragic and emotional and affected everyone in the story. It’s crazy how one event can alter so many lives.
Everything about this story was angsty. I loved it but most of all I just loved the two many characters so much; the love they share was absolutely incredible. My heart. It was one of those love stories that makes you believe in true love and soulmates. Just so freaking sweet and beautiful. I can’t get over these two.
If you love friends to lovers, angst, books centered on basketball and a guy with a plan to get his girl back, you need to read this RIGHT NOW! So so good!! We also get a few cameos with Hector and I missed him sm.
I cannot wait for more books from Ms. Sonia. She’s an incredible writer and the relationships she writes are some of the swooniest ever, I’m so here for it. And our heroine had such an emotional yet in incredible journey, what she did was beyond fantastic and it meant so much to her. I was so proud of her in the end goodness.
And I cannot not mention the side characters! They were incredible too and I hope they too get their own books because damn I need! There better be an MM book in Sonia’s future release plans!
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at for only 0,99$ right now!: Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Tiktok
Ahh I anticipated this book so much, having no clue what it was about or who even the characters were but I loved Sonia’s first book SO much, I just wanted more from her. And The Tipoff did not disappoint!
Ohmygosh these characters had my heart. The first chapter had me tearing up because it was tragic and emotional and affected everyone in the story. It’s crazy how one event can alter so many lives.
Everything about this story was angsty. I loved it but most of all I just loved the two many characters so much; the love they share was absolutely incredible. My heart. It was one of those love stories that makes you believe in true love and soulmates. Just so freaking sweet and beautiful. I can’t get over these two.
If you love friends to lovers, angst, books centered on basketball and a guy with a plan to get his girl back, you need to read this RIGHT NOW! So so good!! We also get a few cameos with Hector and I missed him sm.
I cannot wait for more books from Ms. Sonia. She’s an incredible writer and the relationships she writes are some of the swooniest ever, I’m so here for it. And our heroine had such an emotional yet in incredible journey, what she did was beyond fantastic and it meant so much to her. I was so proud of her in the end goodness.
And I cannot not mention the side characters! They were incredible too and I hope they too get their own books because damn I need! There better be an MM book in Sonia’s future release plans!
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at for only 0,99$ right now!: Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Tiktok
June 27, 2021
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for a 100% HONEST review*
The Tipoff is the second novel in Sonia Esperanza's Love: Philly series and I have to start by saying this was such a refreshing read, and Sonia's writing is simply beautiful - I fell in love with every page. My heart was so invested in this story as not only did it explore the romance between these childhood sweethearts, but it is about so much more than that.
I really commend Esperanza for being so honest and vulnerable in her storytelling as she explores themes of grief, drug abuse/addiction and the effects this has on individuals, families, and communities. These raw and intense themes bring such a depth into the story as it highlights important issues in society which need to be addressed which I value so much in a novel.
Knight and Lily were characters I instantly connected to and really empathised with their stories. They have gone through so much throughout their lives, both together and individually, and to see the development of their inextricable relationship was so delightful to see. They really do compliment each other so well and bring out the best in each other which I loved to see play out!
Lily Carter is such a strong and passionate character who I admire deeply and is such a shining light through the darkness. Despite the loss of her brother, she has strived to help the vulnerable in the community through her campaigning, and to me has grown to be a true inspiration in my life. Knight West is one mesmerising male lead! He is filled with such kindness, love and understanding for those who he loves, especially Lily, and it is so heart-warming to see how highly he regards her throughout everything they have been through together. He is such a rock for Lily and his whole family for that matter, I really love this in a male lead and Sonia wrote Knight so perfectly.
Overall, The Tipoff was such a wonderful read which really took me by surprise. It was a heartbreakingly beautiful second-chance romance which has the perfect amount of angst and passion, as well as shedding light on the awareness of drug abuse. Sonia is an author who has such a way with words, and this novel is pure fact of this! I would highly recommend this to be your next read!
The Tipoff is the second novel in Sonia Esperanza's Love: Philly series and I have to start by saying this was such a refreshing read, and Sonia's writing is simply beautiful - I fell in love with every page. My heart was so invested in this story as not only did it explore the romance between these childhood sweethearts, but it is about so much more than that.
I really commend Esperanza for being so honest and vulnerable in her storytelling as she explores themes of grief, drug abuse/addiction and the effects this has on individuals, families, and communities. These raw and intense themes bring such a depth into the story as it highlights important issues in society which need to be addressed which I value so much in a novel.
Knight and Lily were characters I instantly connected to and really empathised with their stories. They have gone through so much throughout their lives, both together and individually, and to see the development of their inextricable relationship was so delightful to see. They really do compliment each other so well and bring out the best in each other which I loved to see play out!
Lily Carter is such a strong and passionate character who I admire deeply and is such a shining light through the darkness. Despite the loss of her brother, she has strived to help the vulnerable in the community through her campaigning, and to me has grown to be a true inspiration in my life. Knight West is one mesmerising male lead! He is filled with such kindness, love and understanding for those who he loves, especially Lily, and it is so heart-warming to see how highly he regards her throughout everything they have been through together. He is such a rock for Lily and his whole family for that matter, I really love this in a male lead and Sonia wrote Knight so perfectly.
Overall, The Tipoff was such a wonderful read which really took me by surprise. It was a heartbreakingly beautiful second-chance romance which has the perfect amount of angst and passion, as well as shedding light on the awareness of drug abuse. Sonia is an author who has such a way with words, and this novel is pure fact of this! I would highly recommend this to be your next read!
October 21, 2022
“Liliana Carter was the universe; she was the sole reason my axis rotated.”
April 28, 2022
she was depressing and heartbreaking but i love her anyway. 💕💕
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews