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Shoot Your Shot #1
Break a Sweat
When your biggest competition becomes the reason you spend so long in the shower...
Harvey
I'd been dealt a crap hand in life, so when I was awarded a scholarship to an expensive European tennis camp, I figured my dreams were coming true... right?
Wrong. Not only was I fighting to win the attention of a scout, but I was also fighting the thin line between love and hate--the culprit, obnoxious jock Jordan Walsh.
He was a grade A prick, and everyone hated him--except for me. I didn't know what it was, but the longer I spent around him, the more I wanted him.
Jordan
I'd been paying for tennis lessons and attending these fancy academies for years, and I still hadn't gone pro. Now, my parents are threatening to cut me off. With my training, I should have this in the bag... right?
Wrong. Newbie with luck on his side, Harvey Grant, is going to screw with my plans. Not only is he a charity case, but he's stirring something inside me I can't shake. It doesn't matter how hard I try; every jerk, jack, and toss leaves me wanting more.
With a history like mine, everyone is watching me, waiting for me to break. I need to get my emotions under control on and off the court--or risk losing it all.
BREAK A SWEAT is a standalone MM sports romance novel from the 'Shoot Your Shot' series. Read on and you'll find enemies-to-lovers in a gay-for-you bisexual awakening with a HEA.
Harvey
I'd been dealt a crap hand in life, so when I was awarded a scholarship to an expensive European tennis camp, I figured my dreams were coming true... right?
Wrong. Not only was I fighting to win the attention of a scout, but I was also fighting the thin line between love and hate--the culprit, obnoxious jock Jordan Walsh.
He was a grade A prick, and everyone hated him--except for me. I didn't know what it was, but the longer I spent around him, the more I wanted him.
Jordan
I'd been paying for tennis lessons and attending these fancy academies for years, and I still hadn't gone pro. Now, my parents are threatening to cut me off. With my training, I should have this in the bag... right?
Wrong. Newbie with luck on his side, Harvey Grant, is going to screw with my plans. Not only is he a charity case, but he's stirring something inside me I can't shake. It doesn't matter how hard I try; every jerk, jack, and toss leaves me wanting more.
With a history like mine, everyone is watching me, waiting for me to break. I need to get my emotions under control on and off the court--or risk losing it all.
BREAK A SWEAT is a standalone MM sports romance novel from the 'Shoot Your Shot' series. Read on and you'll find enemies-to-lovers in a gay-for-you bisexual awakening with a HEA.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2021
12 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Joe Satoria
74 books146 followersHeya! I'm Joe Satoria, I write sweet and spicy MM romances.
I mostly write Daddies and D/s dynamics in my pairings... some soft and sweet, other dark and dangerous.
As a queer person using he/they pronouns, I am an own voices author, which means you're reading through the eyes of lived experience... only the gay relationships part, definitely not the dangerous Daddies... oops!
Stay caught up with my and join my newsletter:
https://linktr.ee/joesatoria
I mostly write Daddies and D/s dynamics in my pairings... some soft and sweet, other dark and dangerous.
As a queer person using he/they pronouns, I am an own voices author, which means you're reading through the eyes of lived experience... only the gay relationships part, definitely not the dangerous Daddies... oops!
Stay caught up with my and join my newsletter:
https://linktr.ee/joesatoria
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 23, 2022
This one was hard to track down, especially on Amazon, but I found an online version, free on the net. And while it reads like a first novel, and begs for a copy-editor, I was invested from the outset in the story and the rivalry-turned-romance between tennis novices, Harvey and Jordan. The sexual tension between these rivals, forced to room together at a training camp, feels as palpable as the wall of heat that plasters Spain in summer.
The only false note involves a forfeiture, but it's a first novel, so . . . be forgiving.
The only false note involves a forfeiture, but it's a first novel, so . . . be forgiving.
January 8, 2021
Absolutely amazing book! I totally loved the dynamic between Harvey and Jordan. At first I thought I couldn’t like a character like Jordan but it seemed like all he need was a little Harvey in his life to make him a better person inside and out. Harvey is sweet and caring and you can’t help but love him right from the start. Their story definitely isn’t easy and I found myself thinking “will they actually get their happy ending?” Thankfully they do. And it one of the sweetest I’ve read in a really long time. I can’t wait to read more form this author in the future.
January 31, 2021
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This one was tricky.
Overall, it's an entertaining story. An enemies-to-lovers with a bit of opposites attract and so on. It had little bit of different tropes and it could have been perfect for me if not because I didn't liked how many things went.
The pace felt off. Jordan felt off.
Harvey and Jordan become roommates and they don't get along. Actually, jordan doesn't get along with no one... I liked how little likeable he was (if this makes any sense XD) because I love when enemies to lovers are realistic, and Jordan having an attitude and not being nice to Harvey was promising.
But then something happened. And I still can't understand it.
Jordan's change of attitude is... Inexplicable. I didn't understand the shower scene (not going into details not to spoil anything), and neither how their relationship changed from that point on. Why?
This part was what made me not like this book as much as I could have. From the shower scent until... –I can't exactly pinpoint the exact point, but somewhere towards the end– everything felt weirdly wrong. Forced. Unrealistic.
It's easy to read, and I kept going just because, to see if thing got any better. I liked the epilogue, it was cute and made me laugh, but the overall story could have been better and the main issue for me was Jordan in general.
Also, I don't know why they "fell in love". Usually in this kind of enemies to lovers trope you see something that makes you understand why things change between them. I didn't see that. Apart from them training together and becoming somewhat friends –and I'm using the word friends loosely here– I've only seen physical attraction and curiosity in them.
So... Because of all these things I can't exactly say I liked it. But I didn't dislike it either. Just... I feel it's a pity.
Also, I can't help but remark that some editing should be done. There where many missing words and things like that. I'm not a native speaker, but I usually read in English, and I sometimes had a hard time understanding some phrases.
This one was tricky.
Overall, it's an entertaining story. An enemies-to-lovers with a bit of opposites attract and so on. It had little bit of different tropes and it could have been perfect for me if not because I didn't liked how many things went.
The pace felt off. Jordan felt off.
Harvey and Jordan become roommates and they don't get along. Actually, jordan doesn't get along with no one... I liked how little likeable he was (if this makes any sense XD) because I love when enemies to lovers are realistic, and Jordan having an attitude and not being nice to Harvey was promising.
But then something happened. And I still can't understand it.
Jordan's change of attitude is... Inexplicable. I didn't understand the shower scene (not going into details not to spoil anything), and neither how their relationship changed from that point on. Why?
This part was what made me not like this book as much as I could have. From the shower scent until... –I can't exactly pinpoint the exact point, but somewhere towards the end– everything felt weirdly wrong. Forced. Unrealistic.
It's easy to read, and I kept going just because, to see if thing got any better. I liked the epilogue, it was cute and made me laugh, but the overall story could have been better and the main issue for me was Jordan in general.
Also, I don't know why they "fell in love". Usually in this kind of enemies to lovers trope you see something that makes you understand why things change between them. I didn't see that. Apart from them training together and becoming somewhat friends –and I'm using the word friends loosely here– I've only seen physical attraction and curiosity in them.
So... Because of all these things I can't exactly say I liked it. But I didn't dislike it either. Just... I feel it's a pity.
Also, I can't help but remark that some editing should be done. There where many missing words and things like that. I'm not a native speaker, but I usually read in English, and I sometimes had a hard time understanding some phrases.
January 30, 2021
Amazon
If Jordan doesn't do well this time, he'll be out, thanks to rich, but demanding parents. So when he and an adorable sweetheart who's at the tennis camp on a scholarship, are thrown together, let's just say Jordan does not react well, nor does he treat Harvey well.
Harvey is over the moon to be here. Unfortunately, the gorgeous rich guy Jordan is making his life unbearable. Why does he have to be so mean, yet so attractive?
Enemies to lovers is probably my favorite trope, but only if I end up falling for both characters. Unfortunately, I couldn't stand Jordan. He didn't redeem himself until the very end, and it was far too late at that point. I did love Harvey, though, with his sweet, unentitled personality. I just wish he was given a partner equal to him.
ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for an honest review.
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February 6, 2021
This was not the book for me. Harvey is supposed to be 19, but acts about 12. Jordan is a whiny spoiled brat who was impossible to feel anything but contempt for. It was very repetitive, at least in the early going. I got as far as the first tennis match, and I found the description of the match to be juvenile at best - lots of sounds (pop, whack) rather than descriptions of movements or any real knowledge of tennis. Seems the author didn’t do his research. I gave up at that point.
DNF at 24%
DNF at 24%
January 12, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for a fair review ...
I'm a sucker for enemies-to-lovers. I'm also a sucker for a bi-awakening/gay-for-you tale. I'm also decently into sports romance. "Break a Sweat" is all of these, but not quite enough of any.
The blurb is honestly a little confusing, but it boils down to: good guy Harvey and spoiled rich boy Jordan are attending the same elite tennis training camp. The camp is both character's last chance to break into professional tennis. Jordan has a reputation as a hothead and no one likes him. Harvey has a sick father at home and is trying his best to fulfill his dreams.
The major problem with the storytelling is that there's too much telling, and not enough showing. We are told that Jordan is hated. He's a bit of an ass to everyone, but not so much that he and Harvey ever get to a proper "enemies" standing. Harvey is honestly too nice and too unwilling to really pushback. Jordan says he isn't attracted to men, but he's the one to make all the moves for most of the book. A few times he hints at being attracted to another guy in the past, but that isn't explored, just put out there. There are some sports, but no true tension built in any of the matches where you're not sure how it's going to turn out.
The pacing does feel like a short story, in the way that both Harvey and Jordan's relationship develops and how conflicts crop up: a mix of juvenile misunderstandings and serious, real-world obstacles. All are solved with the same ease, so it's hard to feel the emotional weight when we should. Additionally, some things that should be given more page-time aren't. At one point, Jordan calls Harvey a gay slur, and they end up kissing MOMENTS later. They don't even really fight about it, and Jordan doesn't really apologize? It's wild.
There's potential here, as I stated in the beginning. I just don't quite think it gets there.
I'm a sucker for enemies-to-lovers. I'm also a sucker for a bi-awakening/gay-for-you tale. I'm also decently into sports romance. "Break a Sweat" is all of these, but not quite enough of any.
The blurb is honestly a little confusing, but it boils down to: good guy Harvey and spoiled rich boy Jordan are attending the same elite tennis training camp. The camp is both character's last chance to break into professional tennis. Jordan has a reputation as a hothead and no one likes him. Harvey has a sick father at home and is trying his best to fulfill his dreams.
The major problem with the storytelling is that there's too much telling, and not enough showing. We are told that Jordan is hated. He's a bit of an ass to everyone, but not so much that he and Harvey ever get to a proper "enemies" standing. Harvey is honestly too nice and too unwilling to really pushback. Jordan says he isn't attracted to men, but he's the one to make all the moves for most of the book. A few times he hints at being attracted to another guy in the past, but that isn't explored, just put out there. There are some sports, but no true tension built in any of the matches where you're not sure how it's going to turn out.
The pacing does feel like a short story, in the way that both Harvey and Jordan's relationship develops and how conflicts crop up: a mix of juvenile misunderstandings and serious, real-world obstacles. All are solved with the same ease, so it's hard to feel the emotional weight when we should. Additionally, some things that should be given more page-time aren't. At one point, Jordan calls Harvey a gay slur, and they end up kissing MOMENTS later. They don't even really fight about it, and Jordan doesn't really apologize? It's wild.
There's potential here, as I stated in the beginning. I just don't quite think it gets there.
January 14, 2021
Harvey & Jordan are at an exclusive tennis camp for the same reason: they both want a place in the tournament that could launch their careers.. Jordan has plenty of privilege but also feels plenty of pressure from parents who alternatively judge, manipulate, and ignore him. Harvey has a loving family, but his father’s illness and lack of resources means it’s hard for him to get the training and visibility he needs. Living together and training together leads to tolerance and then attraction, and eventually a HEA. It’s not a seamless journey by any means. They’re both young-- Harvey’s 19, Jordan’s 21-- and they have the weight of the world on their shoulders, albeit for different reasons, and each makes decisions that reflect that pressure. Jordan in particular can be hard to like at first-- he’s angry and lashes out quite a bit. If there’s a way for him to put his foot in his mouth, he’ll find it. Harvey can be easily led by peer pressure, and he lets Jordan down at least once by not standing up for him. Still, they work together, and Jordan gives Harvey confidence while Harvey gives Jordan a way to channel emotions other than anger. While many of their problems could have been solved with better communication-- who doesn’t exchange cell numbers or social media contact info in the 21st century??-- overall their story was enjoyable and I’m happy they managed to make it work.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 28, 2021
Well wow!
I’ve not always been a fan of enemies to lovers stories because often they consist of too much back and forth for me, however whilst there definitely was angst in this story it felt very authentic- and because of that I fell into the story from the very off.
Harvey is a very sweet character but is troubled at times from his happenings in his life, Jordan is I guess to begin with the agonist of the tale, and comes across spoilt and unlikeable in the very beginning but over time I however saw through the often unbreakable wall he had built around himself, and I actually felt very connected to his character- after all those that portray themselves in this manner usually are very vulnerable underneath it all.
It’s a sports based story which contains a good amount of sports action and competitiveness as one would expect and it gives this book an extra edge, bite and substance.
The guys here both have worries, concerns and at times are hardheaded and stubborn, and both definitely make mistakes along the way and at one part my heart broke for Jordan and another or two for Harvey!
The writing was really excellent, good pacing and a well rounded story that for sure takes you on a journey, and you certainly do wonder if the guys can resolve the clear differences between them and get the HEA that I so wanted for them both.
All in all a super enjoyable tale of opposites attracting with all the dilemmas it brings but, at its very heart lay two men who wanted and deserved love and happiness and fought for it-boy did they fight for it -the ending was delicious and satisfying in every way and I’m sat with a huge grin and a warm feeling in my heart ♥️
I’ve not always been a fan of enemies to lovers stories because often they consist of too much back and forth for me, however whilst there definitely was angst in this story it felt very authentic- and because of that I fell into the story from the very off.
Harvey is a very sweet character but is troubled at times from his happenings in his life, Jordan is I guess to begin with the agonist of the tale, and comes across spoilt and unlikeable in the very beginning but over time I however saw through the often unbreakable wall he had built around himself, and I actually felt very connected to his character- after all those that portray themselves in this manner usually are very vulnerable underneath it all.
It’s a sports based story which contains a good amount of sports action and competitiveness as one would expect and it gives this book an extra edge, bite and substance.
The guys here both have worries, concerns and at times are hardheaded and stubborn, and both definitely make mistakes along the way and at one part my heart broke for Jordan and another or two for Harvey!
The writing was really excellent, good pacing and a well rounded story that for sure takes you on a journey, and you certainly do wonder if the guys can resolve the clear differences between them and get the HEA that I so wanted for them both.
All in all a super enjoyable tale of opposites attracting with all the dilemmas it brings but, at its very heart lay two men who wanted and deserved love and happiness and fought for it-boy did they fight for it -the ending was delicious and satisfying in every way and I’m sat with a huge grin and a warm feeling in my heart ♥️
January 11, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. I received this book as an ARC to review and this is the first book I have read from this author. I didn't hate it, but I didn't really love it either. I had a hard time liking Jordan at all. He was a total dick and I have no idea what Harvey even saw in him. I mean the man called Harvey a fag and a perv more than once. It totally turned me off to him. I know he has family issues but his actions were really off putting to me. I just didn't feel he redeemed himself.
What I liked about the book was Harvey. He was devoted to his family and didn't take anything for granted. He made a genuine effort to be kind to everyone at the tennis camp. His friendship with Sasha was cute and it was fun seeing them gossip together and be each others cheerleader. I think because he was used to disappointment in his life was why he acted sort of like a doormat to Jordan at first. He did find his voice in the big moments though and I was proud of him for sticking up for himself.
The epilogue was also sweet. I love epilogues that give you an insight to the couple years down the line. It gives you that solid HEA factor instead of a HFN. I'd give this one about 2.75 stars. I really wanted to like it more. Maybe it was my mood because it looks like many others really loved it. It just didn't work out that way for me unfortunately. There was potential here so I may give this author another go in one of their other works.
What I liked about the book was Harvey. He was devoted to his family and didn't take anything for granted. He made a genuine effort to be kind to everyone at the tennis camp. His friendship with Sasha was cute and it was fun seeing them gossip together and be each others cheerleader. I think because he was used to disappointment in his life was why he acted sort of like a doormat to Jordan at first. He did find his voice in the big moments though and I was proud of him for sticking up for himself.
The epilogue was also sweet. I love epilogues that give you an insight to the couple years down the line. It gives you that solid HEA factor instead of a HFN. I'd give this one about 2.75 stars. I really wanted to like it more. Maybe it was my mood because it looks like many others really loved it. It just didn't work out that way for me unfortunately. There was potential here so I may give this author another go in one of their other works.
January 7, 2021
A steamy and action packed sport romance
I was hooked on from the first line of the blurb (A sports romance with enemies-to-lovers trope, sign me the heck up !).
Grumpy Jordan ends up being paired with a sunshine and 'eyes full of hope' Harvey at a competitive tennis camp and the duo who start off on the wrong foot, soon strike up a deal to train and push each other. As growing feelings and the endorphin filled atmosphere making it impossible to not give into their attraction for each other. As the MCs try to balance the competitive style of the game, their own family issues and their sizzling chemistry, the stakes are at an all time high.
Both the characters were very well written and I liked the author's sense of humour and hints or references to some tennis players. As a fan of the sport, I think the author has done an excellent job of writing the adrenaline high and the dynamics of the sport. Considering this is the author's debut novel, very well done. I also loved the epilogue. It truly made me squeal and smile.
Highly recommend to those looking for a well-written sports romance with lots of steam and action.
I was hooked on from the first line of the blurb (A sports romance with enemies-to-lovers trope, sign me the heck up !).
Grumpy Jordan ends up being paired with a sunshine and 'eyes full of hope' Harvey at a competitive tennis camp and the duo who start off on the wrong foot, soon strike up a deal to train and push each other. As growing feelings and the endorphin filled atmosphere making it impossible to not give into their attraction for each other. As the MCs try to balance the competitive style of the game, their own family issues and their sizzling chemistry, the stakes are at an all time high.
Both the characters were very well written and I liked the author's sense of humour and hints or references to some tennis players. As a fan of the sport, I think the author has done an excellent job of writing the adrenaline high and the dynamics of the sport. Considering this is the author's debut novel, very well done. I also loved the epilogue. It truly made me squeal and smile.
Highly recommend to those looking for a well-written sports romance with lots of steam and action.
January 8, 2021
I am not someone who will normally pick-up sports titles, but this is one that I knew I needed to read from Joe Satoria. Break a Sweat if a full-length enemy to lovers that I knew I needed to get my hands on and I was not disappointed. Harvey is trying his last shot at trying to make his dreams come true by being invited to an elusive tennis camp. But to find the love hate relationship of Jordan Walsh. While Jordan is trying to attend this camp to be able to go pro before his parents cut him off for good. Jordan is used to having a suite of his own and not having to share anything. When he is paired with the newbie Jordan is thrown for a loop in a new level of competitive that neither one of them has known before.
The way that these two fight and then come together a fun game of give and take. Can these two make things work. Everything makes you want to hate Jordan for being the arrogant prick that he is. But is there something deeper that is pushing him to be the best. But the ending does redeem itself.
When are we getting another book Joe? I am quickly becoming addicted to your characters.
The way that these two fight and then come together a fun game of give and take. Can these two make things work. Everything makes you want to hate Jordan for being the arrogant prick that he is. But is there something deeper that is pushing him to be the best. But the ending does redeem itself.
When are we getting another book Joe? I am quickly becoming addicted to your characters.
January 8, 2021
4.25 Stars
This is a love story, but this isn’t a ‘hearts and flowers’ love story. This story is raw, messy, and real, but so is life. So is love.
For a lot of the book, Jordan is the camp bully, essentially. He’s easy to hate, because of the things he says and does. He has spent years on his ‘reputation.’ He is not an easy character to empathize with.....at first. Once the cracks in his armor show, I didn’t know whether I wanted to kick him in the shins, or give him a big, mom hug. Harvey, on the other hand, was easy to like. Harvey also had the ability to see past the anger Jordan hid behind, and see the man he really was. Their friendship grew slowly, and it was heartwarming to watch. Neither of them could have predicted how a two week tennis camp was going to end up affecting their lives.
I enjoyed the storyline and characters in this book. It was easy to read, and perfect for an afternoon book break. This was a great debut novel for Joe Satoria. I can feel the potential in his words, and cannot wait to read more from him.
***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
This is a love story, but this isn’t a ‘hearts and flowers’ love story. This story is raw, messy, and real, but so is life. So is love.
For a lot of the book, Jordan is the camp bully, essentially. He’s easy to hate, because of the things he says and does. He has spent years on his ‘reputation.’ He is not an easy character to empathize with.....at first. Once the cracks in his armor show, I didn’t know whether I wanted to kick him in the shins, or give him a big, mom hug. Harvey, on the other hand, was easy to like. Harvey also had the ability to see past the anger Jordan hid behind, and see the man he really was. Their friendship grew slowly, and it was heartwarming to watch. Neither of them could have predicted how a two week tennis camp was going to end up affecting their lives.
I enjoyed the storyline and characters in this book. It was easy to read, and perfect for an afternoon book break. This was a great debut novel for Joe Satoria. I can feel the potential in his words, and cannot wait to read more from him.
***I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews. My review reflects my own thoughts and opinions***
January 8, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. This was a bi-awakening, forced proximity, sports romance that was able to redeem a very unlikeable character and had an extremely loveable character coming together. I love a great redeeming story and this did not disappoint. Both MCs need to win this tournament for different reasons, and both deserve to win. I was really happy with how this played out and thought the story flowed really well. It was full of angsty goodness that made sense as one MC was out and the other was just figuring out that perhaps his feelings were not so friendly, but more. The entire book I adored Harvey. His character was endearing and just so sweet and wanted so much to be there for his family. Jordan was not so lucky with his family in that they were not supportive at all. The way Harvey and Jordan is separated made sense even though it was heartbreaking. And then they get their HEA and such a sweet epilogue, which totally made the book!! I laughed, cried and swooned in this book. Definitely recommend. Lost a star solely for grammatical errors taking me away from the story a few time. Solid, 4 star read!!
ARC provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2021
From being rivals and roommates to training partners and lovers, Harvey and Jordan's love story is at times messy, confused, intense and imperfect, and it's a page-turner. While at a training camp, the amateur tennis players develop a tentative friendship - and complicated feelings - and become each other's biggest competition and distraction while vying for the same coveted invitational spot.
For as sweet, unassuming and endearing as Harvey is, Jordan is equally snobby, entitled, and standoffish. Jordan definitely has his faults and issues, and he goes too far in words and behavior several times (a couple are honestly quite cringeworthy), but he also undergoes considerable personal growth and discovery in his relationship with Harvey. The hot-and-cold nature of their relationship did give me slight whiplash and Jordan nearly drove me to fling my Kindle across the room at one point, but overall their HEA love story is worth the rocky journey to get there.
I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
For as sweet, unassuming and endearing as Harvey is, Jordan is equally snobby, entitled, and standoffish. Jordan definitely has his faults and issues, and he goes too far in words and behavior several times (a couple are honestly quite cringeworthy), but he also undergoes considerable personal growth and discovery in his relationship with Harvey. The hot-and-cold nature of their relationship did give me slight whiplash and Jordan nearly drove me to fling my Kindle across the room at one point, but overall their HEA love story is worth the rocky journey to get there.
I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
January 7, 2021
Break a Sweat is an enjoyable tennis romance. I was excited to jump into this Joe Satoria book. And I wasn't disappointed.
Oh man, I love a good sports romance. Add in a roommates factor, enemies to lovers, and some great sports tension, and yay!
Harvey and Jordan's developing relationship is interesting. There's some hatred, some competition, and plenty of heat. And in the end, this is a short term forced proximity arrangement, with the two men living far apart.
Both men are a product of their family issues, which are well explored. The characters are likeable and well developed. The writing is sooth, solid, and full of solid characters.
Break a Sweat is a delightful read. Joe Satoria had me thrilled just to be able to read a tennis romance, as they are few and far between. And by the end, I was in love with these men and their story.
Oh man, I love a good sports romance. Add in a roommates factor, enemies to lovers, and some great sports tension, and yay!
Harvey and Jordan's developing relationship is interesting. There's some hatred, some competition, and plenty of heat. And in the end, this is a short term forced proximity arrangement, with the two men living far apart.
Both men are a product of their family issues, which are well explored. The characters are likeable and well developed. The writing is sooth, solid, and full of solid characters.
Break a Sweat is a delightful read. Joe Satoria had me thrilled just to be able to read a tennis romance, as they are few and far between. And by the end, I was in love with these men and their story.
January 15, 2021
This checks so many favorite boxes for me: enemies to lovers, class differences, gay for you, family disfunction, grump/sunshine, slow burn and all of them were beautifully integrated into the story of Harvey and Jordan at a tennis camp competing for recognition and a chance at the big time pro circuit. I loved how the author let us see Jordan through a dual lens, both as the arrogant jerk everyone else saw but at the same time through Harvey's eyes where we begin to see what he is really like deep down and why Harvey is attracted to him. Their relationship develops in a totally believable and satisfying way and I loved both these characters. They felt like real people. Even if you don't usually care for sports romances, this one is definitely worth a read to watch the author expertly juggle all the tropes and develop beautiful characters.
February 19, 2021
Harvey is a poor, aspiring tennis star whose ill father is constantly on his mind. He won a scholarship to a prestigious two week long tennis camp. Winning the competition at the end of the camp will score him an invite to a tennis competition that could propel him to stardom. Standing in his way is Jordan who is also an aspiring tennis star, but is running out of time to hit it big. Harvey and Jordan have to share a room at the camp and things definitely start off on the wrong foot. There is undeniable chemistry between the two and things definitely start heating up by the end of camp. Harvey and Jordan realize it's more than just a fling but the pressure to win could separate them forever. The story really sucked me in, and before I knew it I was reading the epilogue. There is lots of tennis action and a little twist or two to keep you on the edge of your seat.
January 7, 2021
Harvey and Grant have very much a love/hate relationship. Thrown together at a tennis camp, they are rivals yet find themselves working together to make each other better. Family issues create a serious conflict between these two boys as does their physical attraction. Harvey is such a sweetheart and doesn't want to like Jordan, but the heart wants what it wants. Jordan is a hot headed jerk that doesn't know how to deal with all the stresses in his life, but he knows that Harvey calms him down. Can these two opposites, attract?? And if they do....what happens when camp is over? An enjoyable sports romance.
January 8, 2021
This is the first book Ive read from this author.
I wasnt sure I would be able to finish but I pushed through, I wont say I loved it.
Jordan and Harvey both seemed to have a lot of internal monologue. However, at times I had to reread parts over and over to understand it as they seemed to argue with themselves, and not really finish sentences in the arguement.
Jordan went from being a straight guy to hit on Harvey with no confusion. He seemed to want Harvey more than Harvey wanted him.
Harvey being the other main character, jist seemed to follow Jordans lead in everything like he had no real thoughts of his own.
Story is readable in my opinion.
I wasnt sure I would be able to finish but I pushed through, I wont say I loved it.
Jordan and Harvey both seemed to have a lot of internal monologue. However, at times I had to reread parts over and over to understand it as they seemed to argue with themselves, and not really finish sentences in the arguement.
Jordan went from being a straight guy to hit on Harvey with no confusion. He seemed to want Harvey more than Harvey wanted him.
Harvey being the other main character, jist seemed to follow Jordans lead in everything like he had no real thoughts of his own.
Story is readable in my opinion.
January 8, 2021
I just loved Harvey, he was so sweet and down to earth. It took a bit to get past Jordan's tude, but I did manage. Of course given Jordan and Harvey's upbringings, we can see their differences. Jordan of course had such a high sense of entitlement that made him seem like such an meanie. Harvey was so sweet and I really hated when he got hurt. The greatest thing that happened was Jordan came back and fought for his and Harvey's HEA. He had come back prepared to win his heart back. This is the first book I have read by this author and I really did enjoy it.
I received an ARC from the GRR team and read it for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the GRR team and read it for an honest review.
January 8, 2021
The Prince and the Pauper of the tennis world
This is a very well written book. My first by this author, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it since I’m not much into tennis. But I gave it a shot and I am glad I did. The relationship between Jordan and Harvey is rocky at the start but it makes their HEA all the more worth it. I love that there is such a difference in their dynamics and still they make it work in the end. This review is an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an advanced readers copy of the book.
This is a very well written book. My first by this author, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it since I’m not much into tennis. But I gave it a shot and I am glad I did. The relationship between Jordan and Harvey is rocky at the start but it makes their HEA all the more worth it. I love that there is such a difference in their dynamics and still they make it work in the end. This review is an honest and unbiased reflection of my thoughts after reading an advanced readers copy of the book.
January 19, 2021
Playing His Best Game
Harvey loved playing tennis and was thrilled to have won a scholarship to an expensive European tennis camp, he saw it as his one and only chance of having a career playing the sport he loved!
Jordan was at the tennis camp for the last time and if he didn't win his parents were no longer prepared to support his dream anymore and they were going to cut him off financially.. He must win or it was all over!!
This is a story full of angst, enemy turned lover, and young men determined to be the best at the sport they love.
Harvey loved playing tennis and was thrilled to have won a scholarship to an expensive European tennis camp, he saw it as his one and only chance of having a career playing the sport he loved!
Jordan was at the tennis camp for the last time and if he didn't win his parents were no longer prepared to support his dream anymore and they were going to cut him off financially.. He must win or it was all over!!
This is a story full of angst, enemy turned lover, and young men determined to be the best at the sport they love.
February 14, 2021
I decided to give this new to me author a chance regardless of the bad reviews because it sounded just down my alley. This book had a lot of my favorite tropes, GFY, enemies to lovers, sports, it checked all
my boxes. However the execution was not good. First, I’ll say I usually love asshole MCs, but they have to be realistic, Jordan wasn’t. Second, my favorite things are GFY, however this lacked the slow burn awakening of a good GFY, the attraction came out of nowhere. So yeah, didn’t work for me.
my boxes. However the execution was not good. First, I’ll say I usually love asshole MCs, but they have to be realistic, Jordan wasn’t. Second, my favorite things are GFY, however this lacked the slow burn awakening of a good GFY, the attraction came out of nowhere. So yeah, didn’t work for me.
January 11, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this story. This was my first time reading the author. Harvey seemed like a sweetie pie and Jordan was a jerk. I had a hard time warming up to Jordan at all. I honestly struggled to read the story because of the portrayal of Jordan and how he treated Harvey. He was a bully and Jordan took it until he finally spoke up and I cheered him for it. The story line was a good one though, real life issues. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
January 17, 2021
This was a steamy enemies to lovers contemporary, sports romance!
This is a first time picking up a book by this author and I'm absolutely a fan now.
The writing was engaging and entertaining and the characters were likeable, relatable and well fleshed out.
The setting of the story was authentic and original.
The chemistry between the characters was hot and palpable
Overall an enjoyable read!
This is a first time picking up a book by this author and I'm absolutely a fan now.
The writing was engaging and entertaining and the characters were likeable, relatable and well fleshed out.
The setting of the story was authentic and original.
The chemistry between the characters was hot and palpable
Overall an enjoyable read!
January 8, 2021
Two guys with from completely different lifestyles, but trying for the same thing. Both had their flaws, as did parts of the book, but it was still a good read. Would have liked a little more detail about the Nico situation, but that wasn't really of any true relevance to the story, I'm just nosy and wanted the 411 on that drama. Lol. Check the book out, it might be worth it to you.
January 7, 2021
I enjoyed reading their story and how their relationship build but somehow I felt something missing, sure this book has many flaws here and there but the ending was good enough for me to give it 4 stars.
August 2, 2021
It felt a bit rushed at the end and maybe in some parts. But overall it was a good book! It shows character development and you find yourself rooting way more for Jordan in the end. A quick read that I enjoyed!
January 18, 2021
Amazing read!
What a amazing and cute little story about to men competing for an invite and fall in love with each other!
What a amazing and cute little story about to men competing for an invite and fall in love with each other!
January 19, 2021
A first book, the writing is a little bit irregular.not sure about this one.😒
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