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Love Match #1
Game, Set, Match
Off the court, tennis star Jason Cartwright's playboy image is taking a public beating. On the court, he's down forty-love. A knee injury is shutting down his game, and the paparazzi are splashing his love life on every magazine. A comeback is in order, but the makeover he needs to save his faltering career is in the hands of the woman he loved and left fifteen years ago.
While single-mom, Izzy Connors, sees people for who they really are through the lens of her camera, even without it, she knows Jason isn't the star he appears to be. Although his charm and good looks haven't dimmed since he broke her heart, all she sees is his wasted talent and playboy lifestyle.
Can Izzy put the past behind her and help Jason get his game, and his image, back on track? Or will the click of her camera shatter his world as well as his heart?
While single-mom, Izzy Connors, sees people for who they really are through the lens of her camera, even without it, she knows Jason isn't the star he appears to be. Although his charm and good looks haven't dimmed since he broke her heart, all she sees is his wasted talent and playboy lifestyle.
Can Izzy put the past behind her and help Jason get his game, and his image, back on track? Or will the click of her camera shatter his world as well as his heart?
354 pages, Paperback
First published August 12, 2010
1117 people are currently reading
4826 people want to read
About the author
Nana Malone
169 books3,037 followersWall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author, Nana Malone writes Sexy Feel-Good Romance and loves of all things romance and adventure.
That love started with a tattered romantic suspense she "borrowed" from her cousin. It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
That love started with a tattered romantic suspense she "borrowed" from her cousin. It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 455 reviews
June 26, 2013
NICE.
I've been wanting a romance novel with an interracial couple, and this was just perfect. Don't ask me why I've been searching for one... well, go ahead. It' the simple fact that I like white men, while I myself am mocha ;P. I guess I feel that if I can read a novel with a couple such as this and it turns out to be completely awesome, then there's hope for me yet!
Wonderful job, Nana.
I've been wanting a romance novel with an interracial couple, and this was just perfect. Don't ask me why I've been searching for one... well, go ahead. It' the simple fact that I like white men, while I myself am mocha ;P. I guess I feel that if I can read a novel with a couple such as this and it turns out to be completely awesome, then there's hope for me yet!
Wonderful job, Nana.
October 19, 2013
Ever read a book where you aren't all that sure you even WANT the heroine to have a happily ever after? Well, this is one of those for me.
Izzy has a lot of truly admirable qualities. She's also got a lot of truly annoying ones that would have me cursing her out if I was in her inner circle. I think the author was trying to convey some realities in terms of racism in current society, but honestly I think some of it came off as the lead being oversensitive and making snap judgements about the hero. The fact that she continued to hold a single "mistake" (from their college days when they weren't even a couple) against him 15 years after the fact came off petty. She throws it up into his face so much, it left me wondering HOW he could fall in love with this chick or why. Ya, he's a playboy sports celeb in recent years, but honestly he gives her every reason to at least believe he's genuinely interested in her and thinks of her as a long lost friend. Yet she treats this guy like something she found on the bottom of her shoe off and on. Its annoying.
Also, Izzy's apparent boyfriend/manager for the majority of the book kind of gets dropped off the face of the earth the last third of the story. She breaks up with him, he says he refuses to accept it, yet....goes away only to be referred to as having been present at a function later on.
Still, solid writing. No glaring grammatical errors and she does have some talent for turn of phrase so that earns it 3 stars from me.
Izzy has a lot of truly admirable qualities. She's also got a lot of truly annoying ones that would have me cursing her out if I was in her inner circle. I think the author was trying to convey some realities in terms of racism in current society, but honestly I think some of it came off as the lead being oversensitive and making snap judgements about the hero. The fact that she continued to hold a single "mistake" (from their college days when they weren't even a couple) against him 15 years after the fact came off petty. She throws it up into his face so much, it left me wondering HOW he could fall in love with this chick or why. Ya, he's a playboy sports celeb in recent years, but honestly he gives her every reason to at least believe he's genuinely interested in her and thinks of her as a long lost friend. Yet she treats this guy like something she found on the bottom of her shoe off and on. Its annoying.
Also, Izzy's apparent boyfriend/manager for the majority of the book kind of gets dropped off the face of the earth the last third of the story. She breaks up with him, he says he refuses to accept it, yet....goes away only to be referred to as having been present at a function later on.
Still, solid writing. No glaring grammatical errors and she does have some talent for turn of phrase so that earns it 3 stars from me.
June 27, 2013
I wanted to love this book. I was so excited to read about romance and tennis, but I felt the writing was just crude for the sake of being crude. After the male masturbation page it just continued downhill. I want to feel happy after reading a romance novel, not like I need to take a shower.
July 8, 2020
3.75 stars.
This was my first Nana Malone book. It was a cute, somewhat predictable read. What I loved about it was the heroine, a black woman, was fostering a white teen over the past ten years, and it really showed the struggle of her trying to adopt him. She was the only mother he knew, but because she wasn’t married, and didn’t have a huge income, it was a huge hurdle for her. There was steam, and I love a teenage friends to eventual lovers. Especially when there has been drama that hindered them getting together in their youth. I look forward to reading more of Nana’s books.
This was my first Nana Malone book. It was a cute, somewhat predictable read. What I loved about it was the heroine, a black woman, was fostering a white teen over the past ten years, and it really showed the struggle of her trying to adopt him. She was the only mother he knew, but because she wasn’t married, and didn’t have a huge income, it was a huge hurdle for her. There was steam, and I love a teenage friends to eventual lovers. Especially when there has been drama that hindered them getting together in their youth. I look forward to reading more of Nana’s books.
October 3, 2020
Nana Malone is one of my favorite romantic comedy writers. Her characters are well developed and her story keeps me turning pages. In this story we have a heroine who is a successful single mother with a great kid. She is a photographer and is hired to photograph a boy she crushed on in high school. Unfortunately high school is the same place he broke her heart. Present day heroine will not fall for his charm.
Our hero is a pro tennis player who has damaged his knee and must reconfigure his life. His managers want him to clean up his image and that is where the sweet girl from high school comes in.
Excellent story!
Our hero is a pro tennis player who has damaged his knee and must reconfigure his life. His managers want him to clean up his image and that is where the sweet girl from high school comes in.
Excellent story!
July 6, 2014
Game, Set, Match was a book I got on my Kindle because it came recommended when I purchased a different book and I was intrigued. The problem is I'm not sure that the author had any idea of who their audience was. The book was written on almost a YA level, but the content was I believe at points meant to be Fifty Shades worthy, while the storyline was somewhere between YA and adult. The characters kind of just ran around in circles and never really developed and the storyline itself was flimsy at best. Sure college students make a lot of dumb mistakes and custody battles happen all the time, but the whole storyline was very condescending and almost rude to many different people.
The love story itself had it's moments where I was pleased with what was happening, but overall the book was rather disappointing. A perk of it - it only took me about a day to read.. It was that odd book where you aren't really interested and it's not that good, yet you just keep reading, although I'm not sure if it was my need to finish books no matter what and I just wanted to be done or if it was because there was something underneath the bad layer that kept me hoping it would get better...
The love story itself had it's moments where I was pleased with what was happening, but overall the book was rather disappointing. A perk of it - it only took me about a day to read.. It was that odd book where you aren't really interested and it's not that good, yet you just keep reading, although I'm not sure if it was my need to finish books no matter what and I just wanted to be done or if it was because there was something underneath the bad layer that kept me hoping it would get better...
July 2, 2013
The sex scenes pretty much ruined this book for me. Considering how much I liked the characters and the story, it would have been a much stronger novel without the constant & overbearing sexual overtones. Luckily, not reading the stupid sex scenes doesn't affect the plot.
July 28, 2020
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
It’s an ok read supposed could be 4 star but too many plot twist - that unfortunately as reader don’t make me shock as you can already guess how it end
I know it’s suck but damn this book bring back some mtv memory while Netflix doesn’t exist yet
It’s an ok read supposed could be 4 star but too many plot twist - that unfortunately as reader don’t make me shock as you can already guess how it end
I know it’s suck but damn this book bring back some mtv memory while Netflix doesn’t exist yet
September 1, 2014
Read long ago, but keep forgetting to add/review.
Good writing, but a heroine that I literally wanted to slap the hell out of half the time.
The constant blame thrown at Jason for what happened DECADES ago when it was made clear that it wasn't really even his fault. Seriously, 20 years? You would think he knocked HER up and abandoned her. Not so, and the fact that she held him so accountable for things while letting her "friend" get away with all that ho did...just made me want to drop kick this woman. At the very least punch her in the throat. There is nothing worse than a woman who makes a man do time for shit that just should not be that serious any longer.
Still, again-solid writing and the hero was likeable if flawed. I kinda dig it when a man doesn't have to be glorified moral perfection to make me root for him. He was funny and real and once he chose to try, he went for it. Even when she didn't deserve him LOL.
Good writing, but a heroine that I literally wanted to slap the hell out of half the time.
The constant blame thrown at Jason for what happened DECADES ago when it was made clear that it wasn't really even his fault. Seriously, 20 years? You would think he knocked HER up and abandoned her. Not so, and the fact that she held him so accountable for things while letting her "friend" get away with all that ho did...just made me want to drop kick this woman. At the very least punch her in the throat. There is nothing worse than a woman who makes a man do time for shit that just should not be that serious any longer.
Still, again-solid writing and the hero was likeable if flawed. I kinda dig it when a man doesn't have to be glorified moral perfection to make me root for him. He was funny and real and once he chose to try, he went for it. Even when she didn't deserve him LOL.
May 15, 2013
I really enjoyed how this book was very different from most of the others out right now. Of course it had the things that make every book a good read... Sex, love, and drama, but I loved the fact that Nana Malone touched on the subject of interracial relationships and how some people are still so judge mental and ignorant about others. There were some parts of the story that were very predictable, but overall the book was well written and so funny. I loved how strong and independent Izzy was and I really loved how Jessica was the corky big mouthed best friend/ assistant who never held anything back. It was a breath of fresh air to read about characters that were not the typical bright eyed beauties. Nana did a great job keeping me laughing throughout the book and providing that happy ever after that every read loves to see in the end.
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March 15, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/15/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Off the court, tennis star Jason Cartwright's playboy image is taking a public beating. On the court, he's down forty-love. A knee injury is shutting down his game, and the paparazzi are splashing his love life on every magazine. A comeback is in order, but the makeover he needs to save his faltering career is in the hands of the woman he loved and left fifteen years ago.
While single-mom, Izzy Connors, sees people for who they really are through the lens of her camera, even without it, she knows Jason isn't the star he appears to be. Although his charm and good looks haven't dimmed since he broke her heart, all she sees is his wasted talent and playboy lifestyle.
Can Izzy put the past behind her and help Jason get his game, and his image, back on track? Or will the click of her camera shatter his world as well as his heart?
Blurb:
Off the court, tennis star Jason Cartwright's playboy image is taking a public beating. On the court, he's down forty-love. A knee injury is shutting down his game, and the paparazzi are splashing his love life on every magazine. A comeback is in order, but the makeover he needs to save his faltering career is in the hands of the woman he loved and left fifteen years ago.
While single-mom, Izzy Connors, sees people for who they really are through the lens of her camera, even without it, she knows Jason isn't the star he appears to be. Although his charm and good looks haven't dimmed since he broke her heart, all she sees is his wasted talent and playboy lifestyle.
Can Izzy put the past behind her and help Jason get his game, and his image, back on track? Or will the click of her camera shatter his world as well as his heart?
July 28, 2015
This book was just okay to me. The hero, Jason, the tennis pro, was a great guy. He started out being a bit of a player but his character developed well. He didn't deserve all the mistrust he got from Izzy, the heroine. That woman was a paranoid, uptight nag. I just didn't get all her issues.
Another problem for me was the cover. It looks like a Dr. Suess but I'd expect more whimsial content. It was humorous but had some big issues. The cover didn't reflect the mood of the book.
The author has talent and it was well-written. So I think it was okay.
Another problem for me was the cover. It looks like a Dr. Suess but I'd expect more whimsial content. It was humorous but had some big issues. The cover didn't reflect the mood of the book.
The author has talent and it was well-written. So I think it was okay.
July 9, 2013
Ugh. Wanted it to be great, neat plot idea and characters but you can see everything coming five chapters ahead and really this does not need to be 50 shades of tennis...
August 17, 2013
The book was a decent read. I didn't think it was as funny as it was portrayed in the reviews. I felt that Izzy was a little paranoid and annoying at times. She would jump to conclusions before necessary or change thought procsses which became confusing at times. I felt at times she treated Jason unfairly. At other times I thought Jason was misunderstood. I think the story was too drawn out and could have benefited from condensation of some of the storyline.
June 8, 2020
I wanted to love this book but unfortunately, this was nothing special. I'm sorry but I just didn't find it very interesting. At first I liked the FMC's relationship she had with her son but that was the only thing that I enjoyed. Other than that, I found it all a bit boring / uninteresting. This book has an interracial romance and I love that but the overall plot didn't hook me. The hero didn't stand out to me and I know it's a book I'll forget easily...
May 30, 2019
2.5 Stars.
I wanted to love this book. After all, it’s two things I love, sports romance and a black romance writer. But the thing is that this book just didn’t make a lot of sense. The basic premise was good but the execution was so confusing. The actions and decisions taken by the characters seemed senseless. I can’t understand why Izzy was fake dating Simon for so long or what the point of that was especially since Simon disappeared into dust towards the end of the book. I was completely confused by Jason’s injury and Izzy’s dismissal of whatever knee pain he was having and her ability to say he needed to push his knee some more. How could it be that Jason came back 6 months later but never heard about what happens to Izzy’s father and Izzy? Why wouldn’t he know why she didn’t want to play tennis anymore? Why did Jason never satisfactorily explain what exactly happened when he ghosted Izzy because the explanation he gave was stupid? I also never quite understood what happened between Jason and his former trainer- what “the betrayal” consisted of remained a mystery to the reader as much as it did to the press. I was baffled by Jason’s friendship with his rather racist manager. The conflicts in this book were the sort that could have been sorted out with a solid conversation and that’s my least favourite kind of conflict. There was a lot of assuming and jumping to conclusions. Overall, I think this book suffers from “too much going on” and that gave it a sort of ramshackle/inconsistent feel, like the author couldn’t keep track of all the storylines.
On the plus side, the author is a talented writer in terms of plotting a book and writing dialogue. I would read more by her because it is entirely possible this is one of her early books and she has greatly improved since then.
I wanted to love this book. After all, it’s two things I love, sports romance and a black romance writer. But the thing is that this book just didn’t make a lot of sense. The basic premise was good but the execution was so confusing. The actions and decisions taken by the characters seemed senseless. I can’t understand why Izzy was fake dating Simon for so long or what the point of that was especially since Simon disappeared into dust towards the end of the book. I was completely confused by Jason’s injury and Izzy’s dismissal of whatever knee pain he was having and her ability to say he needed to push his knee some more. How could it be that Jason came back 6 months later but never heard about what happens to Izzy’s father and Izzy? Why wouldn’t he know why she didn’t want to play tennis anymore? Why did Jason never satisfactorily explain what exactly happened when he ghosted Izzy because the explanation he gave was stupid? I also never quite understood what happened between Jason and his former trainer- what “the betrayal” consisted of remained a mystery to the reader as much as it did to the press. I was baffled by Jason’s friendship with his rather racist manager. The conflicts in this book were the sort that could have been sorted out with a solid conversation and that’s my least favourite kind of conflict. There was a lot of assuming and jumping to conclusions. Overall, I think this book suffers from “too much going on” and that gave it a sort of ramshackle/inconsistent feel, like the author couldn’t keep track of all the storylines.
On the plus side, the author is a talented writer in terms of plotting a book and writing dialogue. I would read more by her because it is entirely possible this is one of her early books and she has greatly improved since then.
July 14, 2016
Game, Set, Match is an estranged lovers story. Jason and Isabelle had a thing in the past, or almost became a thing except something came in the way that caused them to draw apart. Forward 10 years, Isabelle is in the middle of a custody battle with Sabrina over Nick. He is not her son but she wants to adopt him 'coz his real mom Sabrina is an addict. Isabelle runs a very prestigious photography company. At one sports event, she meets Jason who becomes a client for her.
This is also an interracial couple love story and one so hot it gave me flashbacks to Something New (2006) movie. I can totally see Simon Baker playing Jason and Sanaa Lathan as Isabelle.
However, my only tiny complaint was the writing was too dramatic. Maybe it's due to the subject of family, adoption and estranged lovers required it but the characters' monologues were very emotional as well. I don't like characters doing that too much.
Jessica and Aaron, Izzy and Jason respective friends/assistants, added a little bit of comedy. If only they stayed out of their boss' heads and hearts.
I am left not knowing what to think of Sabrina. She did wrong hitting her son and doing drugs and all that but I kinda was still thinking she's his biological mom and the good side of me wishes she'd straighten out once she gets involved in his life.
That's all what I thought of this book. Still a really cute and HOT romance story.
This is also an interracial couple love story and one so hot it gave me flashbacks to Something New (2006) movie. I can totally see Simon Baker playing Jason and Sanaa Lathan as Isabelle.
However, my only tiny complaint was the writing was too dramatic. Maybe it's due to the subject of family, adoption and estranged lovers required it but the characters' monologues were very emotional as well. I don't like characters doing that too much.
Jessica and Aaron, Izzy and Jason respective friends/assistants, added a little bit of comedy. If only they stayed out of their boss' heads and hearts.
I am left not knowing what to think of Sabrina. She did wrong hitting her son and doing drugs and all that but I kinda was still thinking she's his biological mom and the good side of me wishes she'd straighten out once she gets involved in his life.
That's all what I thought of this book. Still a really cute and HOT romance story.
March 8, 2016
Jason, the pro-tennis star, has a romance with Izzy, an up and coming artist. The story started out with a lot of promise but it ended just ok for me. I wanted so much from the book starting in the beginning, but a few things held it back. Jason started out being portrayed as a player. As the story developed he really wasn't. He was more a victim of the tabloids than anything. Izzy had some serious issues. Maybe it was because she was forced to be an adult too early in life, or maybe it was the pressure her father exerted for her to do well in tennis. She really was a contradiction. I liked how she took care of Nick and it showed how much she adored and loved him. I felt she put up with way too much crap from Sabrina. I also thought she had no faith in Jason, when she really should have. The one that shined was best-friend, Jessica! What a hoot!
There were a lot of issues that needed to be worked out, and Nana Malone did a pretty good job of delving into them. There may have been too many to tackle in one book to flow well. I liked the story well enough but I just didn't love it.
I listened to audiobook and the narrator spoke clear and concise. She portrayed each character as I saw them and I never was lost as to who was speaking. A joy to listen to!
3.5 stars/2.5 flames
There were a lot of issues that needed to be worked out, and Nana Malone did a pretty good job of delving into them. There may have been too many to tackle in one book to flow well. I liked the story well enough but I just didn't love it.
I listened to audiobook and the narrator spoke clear and concise. She portrayed each character as I saw them and I never was lost as to who was speaking. A joy to listen to!
3.5 stars/2.5 flames
December 9, 2015
I barely finished reading this book and the only reason I did was because I like to finish what I start. This story began with potential, but then just started dragging and dragging. The whole thing was entirely plot driven. The characters served the plot instead of the other way around. How else to explain how all these people would be connected in such a way? Much of it was implausible but, again, plot driven. Things that could have been resolved in a single conversation between the heroine, Izzy, and the hero, Jason, get dragged for pages and pages because it makes for easy conflict. Conflict for the sake of conflict is just lazy writing to me.
Izzy wasn't very likeable as a character. She was either letting everyone walk all over her (Sabrina) or teating Jason like crap for a myriad of reasons. The only saving grace was her relationship with her son Nick.
The ending was more of the same. After all the heated words, just a quick patch up and everything's good again with a nice little epilogue thrown in?
Overall just very disappointing.
Izzy wasn't very likeable as a character. She was either letting everyone walk all over her (Sabrina) or teating Jason like crap for a myriad of reasons. The only saving grace was her relationship with her son Nick.
The ending was more of the same. After all the heated words, just a quick patch up and everything's good again with a nice little epilogue thrown in?
Overall just very disappointing.
September 6, 2013
What a terrific book! The chemistry between Izzy and Jason was palpable from the moment they laid eyes on one another again, and their yummy love scenes are totally delicious! In the opposite sense, the non-chemistry between Izzy and Simon showed just how much she and Jason belonged together. Izzy's foster son Nick is a great character, dealing with the teenage angsty things like a pro. Not only does he have to defend bigots against his black mother raising a white young man, but also he must deal w/ his first foray into "liking" a girl as well as whether he loves the game of tennis enough to make it his top priority. Bar none, my favorite character was Izzy's assistant Jessica. Her comic relief was perfectly written and I really and truly want her for a BFF.
Looking fwd to reading more from the talented Ms. Malone!
Looking fwd to reading more from the talented Ms. Malone!
September 9, 2018
9/9/2018 - Sadly I had to take a star away from this story. I still really enjoyed the story but the narrator for the audiobook kind of missed up my love for the characters. Josh and Issy have a history that you could feel throughout the story but the secrets they kept were very overwhelming. I also felt like the dynamic peak just sort of fell off instead of resolving itself.
This specific video review will be included in the September 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
6/27/2014 - Loved this quick and easy read!!! Everything about this story worked and I didn't want to put it down. It was funny, sweet, sexy, romantic, and heart breaking. Nana Malone really Aced this one ;-)
This specific video review will be included in the September 2018 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
6/27/2014 - Loved this quick and easy read!!! Everything about this story worked and I didn't want to put it down. It was funny, sweet, sexy, romantic, and heart breaking. Nana Malone really Aced this one ;-)
April 3, 2016
This book was just "mhh" for me. I thought it a little crazy that after 15 years, Izzy was still secretly "pining" away and wounded by past events involving Jason. Izzy was an ok character, but I couldn't really vibe with her. I tend to like my female leads to be tough/strong women who are actually sensitive on the inside, only needing that special man to see inside them. Izzy had some good qualities, she wasn't necessarily weak, but still...mhh. I cannot even say that Jason overly impressed me, and I tend to love all over my male characters in books, but Jason was a take it or leave it type and I would be fine to leave him. I did actually like Jessica, Izzy's friend/assistant, though. She was funny to me. This was not a bad book, but you'd have to read to make that decision yourself.
January 3, 2015
"He braced her against a wall and adjusted her position so that his key directly positioned against her lock."
2/5 stars singlehandedly for the greatest sex metaphor ever. There's a story somewhere.
2/5 stars singlehandedly for the greatest sex metaphor ever. There's a story somewhere.
June 15, 2020
**audible review**
I think the story could be ok, but the narrator really ruined it for me.. the way she voiced the female lead was just.. grating!
The story itself was sweet, with a bit of angst.. I will read more Nana’s books, but not on audible.
I think the story could be ok, but the narrator really ruined it for me.. the way she voiced the female lead was just.. grating!
The story itself was sweet, with a bit of angst.. I will read more Nana’s books, but not on audible.
September 29, 2023
What an amazing story!!
This was an amazing story. Not just funny and romantic but it really gives you a look into the problems of adopting children of a different race. In this book the adoptive mom is black and her son is white. I found the authors take on interracial adoption on point!!
This was an amazing story. Not just funny and romantic but it really gives you a look into the problems of adopting children of a different race. In this book the adoptive mom is black and her son is white. I found the authors take on interracial adoption on point!!
March 7, 2023
Very abrupt ending I feel like. Still was very cute though!
June 12, 2025
"Game, Set, Match" tells the compelling story of Izzy Connors, a resilient single mother devoted to raising a child who isn't biologically hers. Her already complex life is further complicated by the unexpected return of Jason Cartwright, a renowned tennis player and, significantly, her former love. Their past ended on a sour note, and now they are forced to confront their unresolved feelings while navigating the intricacies of Izzy’s life and the demanding nature of Jason’s career. The core conflict of the narrative skillfully explores their past heartbreak, the inherent difficulties of rekindling a relationship under challenging circumstances, and the dramatic external pressures introduced by a cast of secondary characters.
I truly enjoyed immersing myself in this book! Izzy stands out as a fantastic heroine—her resilience, independence, and sheer relatability made her a character I immediately rooted for. I particularly admired her strength and how she navigated the multifaceted challenges of her life with such grace. Jason's character arc was equally well-executed; his journey of growth and learning from past mistakes felt authentic and satisfying. The author deserves commendation for tackling significant real-life issues such as single motherhood and interracial adoption with remarkable sensitivity and honesty, which undeniably added profound depth to the story. The witty banter exchanged between Izzy and Jason was a consistent highlight, providing moments of lightness and genuine connection. Furthermore, the secondary characters, especially the "toxic" ex-friend, injected a compelling dose of drama that kept the plot engaging. The only minor element that prevented me from assigning a perfect 5-star rating was that, at times, the drama felt a tad exaggerated, occasionally pushing the boundaries of believability.
I wholeheartedly recommend "Game, Set, Match." It is an ideal read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance featuring strong female leads, appreciates the complexities of second-chance romance tropes, and seeks stories that thoughtfully engage with real-life issues. If you are drawn to books rich with witty dialogue, a compelling touch of drama, and a genuinely heartwarming love story, you will very likely find immense enjoyment in this one.
My Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ Truly enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read this book again. Definitely recommendable.🎾💘
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!
I truly enjoyed immersing myself in this book! Izzy stands out as a fantastic heroine—her resilience, independence, and sheer relatability made her a character I immediately rooted for. I particularly admired her strength and how she navigated the multifaceted challenges of her life with such grace. Jason's character arc was equally well-executed; his journey of growth and learning from past mistakes felt authentic and satisfying. The author deserves commendation for tackling significant real-life issues such as single motherhood and interracial adoption with remarkable sensitivity and honesty, which undeniably added profound depth to the story. The witty banter exchanged between Izzy and Jason was a consistent highlight, providing moments of lightness and genuine connection. Furthermore, the secondary characters, especially the "toxic" ex-friend, injected a compelling dose of drama that kept the plot engaging. The only minor element that prevented me from assigning a perfect 5-star rating was that, at times, the drama felt a tad exaggerated, occasionally pushing the boundaries of believability.
I wholeheartedly recommend "Game, Set, Match." It is an ideal read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance featuring strong female leads, appreciates the complexities of second-chance romance tropes, and seeks stories that thoughtfully engage with real-life issues. If you are drawn to books rich with witty dialogue, a compelling touch of drama, and a genuinely heartwarming love story, you will very likely find immense enjoyment in this one.
My Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ Truly enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read this book again. Definitely recommendable.🎾💘
My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2016
Warning: This review/rating is based on my feelings, thoughts, likes and dislikes. You should read the book to form your own opinion/thoughts. Read on!
Rating: 3 Meh Stars
Cover: I like it
Cliffhanger: Nope, but my guess, the series continues
Triangle: Meh…there is another love interest, but is not really interested
“Casting Simon another glance, Izzy willed her lips into a smile and told herself love could grow on a person. Like a fungus.”
I started reading this book because I saw it made the list of romantic comedy novels somewhere and it was free. Let me just say that at the most I chuckled a few times. It kept me going, I wanted to know what happened.
Izzy was a bit annoying in her stubbornness, something that happened 14 or 15 years ago still ruled her decisions. He wasn't her anything besides a friend and a crush. They weren’t even dating, he had left to pursue his tennis career. It seemed too idiotic in my opinion. And then he lets someone blackmail him for that, I don't know, I just couldn't believe it. Why couldn't he just say, I came back, you were taken (or so he believed), so I drowned the pain the best way I knew...the end...sometimes I hate all that, "I am working on being honest", and then they aren't, ugh.
“Izzy, you chose to try a relationship with this guy, even against my better warnings. You chose to jump right in. You can’t pick and choose the parts you want. You gotta take it all, the good the bad and the ugly.”
The drama annoyed me so much that on the intimate parts, I just skimmed them. Maybe they were very good scenes, I just don’t know, I wasn’t interested in reading them.
Then, the bad guys just pulled away? That's how drug dealers work? Uh, let me answer that, nope, they don't! At least the author didn't provide any insight on how that was resolved, threats were made and they were just forgotten?
Also, the ending was very much rushed. It was all forgiven and forgotten in a matter of a few sentences. We had to suffer through insecurities and stubbornness from both of them and boom! All fixed people!
There were some things I did like, Izzy and her willingness to care and love for a boy that wasn't even hers. That puts all the other stuff in another galaxy. For that, I’ll bow before her. This is why she gets 3 Stars…
Rating: 3 Meh Stars
Cover: I like it
Cliffhanger: Nope, but my guess, the series continues
Triangle: Meh…there is another love interest, but is not really interested
“Casting Simon another glance, Izzy willed her lips into a smile and told herself love could grow on a person. Like a fungus.”
I started reading this book because I saw it made the list of romantic comedy novels somewhere and it was free. Let me just say that at the most I chuckled a few times. It kept me going, I wanted to know what happened.
Izzy was a bit annoying in her stubbornness, something that happened 14 or 15 years ago still ruled her decisions. He wasn't her anything besides a friend and a crush. They weren’t even dating, he had left to pursue his tennis career. It seemed too idiotic in my opinion. And then he lets someone blackmail him for that, I don't know, I just couldn't believe it. Why couldn't he just say, I came back, you were taken (or so he believed), so I drowned the pain the best way I knew...the end...sometimes I hate all that, "I am working on being honest", and then they aren't, ugh.
“Izzy, you chose to try a relationship with this guy, even against my better warnings. You chose to jump right in. You can’t pick and choose the parts you want. You gotta take it all, the good the bad and the ugly.”
The drama annoyed me so much that on the intimate parts, I just skimmed them. Maybe they were very good scenes, I just don’t know, I wasn’t interested in reading them.
Then, the bad guys just pulled away? That's how drug dealers work? Uh, let me answer that, nope, they don't! At least the author didn't provide any insight on how that was resolved, threats were made and they were just forgotten?
Also, the ending was very much rushed. It was all forgiven and forgotten in a matter of a few sentences. We had to suffer through insecurities and stubbornness from both of them and boom! All fixed people!
There were some things I did like, Izzy and her willingness to care and love for a boy that wasn't even hers. That puts all the other stuff in another galaxy. For that, I’ll bow before her. This is why she gets 3 Stars…
June 26, 2013
Fully getting into Wimbledon fever, even reading tennis themed books! Unfortunately though I don't think Game, Set, Match was for me.
Something which isn't explored in the synopsis of the novel is Izzy's custody and adoption battle over her son Nick, who is actually the biological son of her friend, Sabrina. This side plot to the main romance comes across as the main plot of the novel and I can't understand why it is so blatantly left out of the synopsis.
While I understand that romance novels need to have a bit of meat to them this plot line didn't appeal to me and, while easier said than done, I just really wanted Izzy to deal with Sabrina swiftly instead of pussy footing around for Nick's sake - clearly I'm not a patient person and would not handle this real life situation well at all.
Izzy initially comes across as the martyrish heroine, self-sacrificing foster mother to Nick with few flaws. Nick, although a minor character, feels much more substantial and realistic, I get the feeling Malone is all to familiar with teenage moods. As the plot progresses Izzy does get a bit more character and stamina but I think it may have come a little too late for me.
There were no laugh out loud moments for me in Game, Set, Match but it was an diverting read nonetheless. Well written the book was a bit predictable but nothing more than usual, the main thread of the story wasn't for me but I appreciated the complex real-life issues that Malone tackles within the book.
While I don't necessarily think there was anything wrong with the novel I just didn't enjoy it, I hope some of you still give it a go as Nana Malone looks to be a promising author and trying out a new author with a free book you've got nothing to lose (Game, Set, Match is currently free on Kindle here a bargain when the paperback is priced at £9!)
Full review, as usual, over at Rosie Reads Romance
Something which isn't explored in the synopsis of the novel is Izzy's custody and adoption battle over her son Nick, who is actually the biological son of her friend, Sabrina. This side plot to the main romance comes across as the main plot of the novel and I can't understand why it is so blatantly left out of the synopsis.
While I understand that romance novels need to have a bit of meat to them this plot line didn't appeal to me and, while easier said than done, I just really wanted Izzy to deal with Sabrina swiftly instead of pussy footing around for Nick's sake - clearly I'm not a patient person and would not handle this real life situation well at all.
Izzy initially comes across as the martyrish heroine, self-sacrificing foster mother to Nick with few flaws. Nick, although a minor character, feels much more substantial and realistic, I get the feeling Malone is all to familiar with teenage moods. As the plot progresses Izzy does get a bit more character and stamina but I think it may have come a little too late for me.
There were no laugh out loud moments for me in Game, Set, Match but it was an diverting read nonetheless. Well written the book was a bit predictable but nothing more than usual, the main thread of the story wasn't for me but I appreciated the complex real-life issues that Malone tackles within the book.
While I don't necessarily think there was anything wrong with the novel I just didn't enjoy it, I hope some of you still give it a go as Nana Malone looks to be a promising author and trying out a new author with a free book you've got nothing to lose (Game, Set, Match is currently free on Kindle here a bargain when the paperback is priced at £9!)
Full review, as usual, over at Rosie Reads Romance
July 1, 2014
I am honestly shocked that I ended up getting into this book. For one, I almost NEVER read slice of life romance-dramas, but this is the very first one I’ve popped open that is actually really good. I downloaded it on a whim for free and I was bored and it was late but then I stuck with it through the pretty average opening chapters and found a diamond in the rough.
What sets this novel apart from your typical romance fair is the fact that the entire main cast of characters all have the three essentials to a good story: (1) distinctive voices (2) clear personality types (3) defined desires. If you have all three of those things, you’re basically set, and then it helps that the humor is spot-on and there’s plenty of sexual tension to be had.
I liked Izzy. She was an actual person. She was layered. That may not sound like a big deal to you, but as an author, I can tell you I appreciate the hell out of her. She’s grounded. Every other romance book is about these high-flying, fashion-conscious, rich, spoiled, snooty little women who just happen to catch the eye of some perfect Christian Grey looking mother-trucker and none of them have any flaws and it’s just boring schlock. Carbon copied and pasted for the dumb masses. Not so with Izzy and Jason. They have history, and not the good kind. There’s actual pain and heartbreak in there, and it’s also nice that each character has a fatal flaw: Jason’s unreliable and Izzy’s so incredibly closed off that her son is the only one who can get anywhere near her heart. This is what makes a true conflict. It’s not all sexytime. That’s great writing.
However, I am afraid that Malone wasn’t able to stick the landing. The ending is quite rushed. I expected way more out of it, and it was also very predictable and cliché. Still, I’d say that it’s worth the ride regardless because there are so many great points it touches on before the jumbled up ending, especially with the custody rights over Nick and the bitchy real mother. Despite its faults, it’s definitely worth a read. It’s leagues better than most of the things in the same genre. Kudos to Ms. Malone.
What sets this novel apart from your typical romance fair is the fact that the entire main cast of characters all have the three essentials to a good story: (1) distinctive voices (2) clear personality types (3) defined desires. If you have all three of those things, you’re basically set, and then it helps that the humor is spot-on and there’s plenty of sexual tension to be had.
I liked Izzy. She was an actual person. She was layered. That may not sound like a big deal to you, but as an author, I can tell you I appreciate the hell out of her. She’s grounded. Every other romance book is about these high-flying, fashion-conscious, rich, spoiled, snooty little women who just happen to catch the eye of some perfect Christian Grey looking mother-trucker and none of them have any flaws and it’s just boring schlock. Carbon copied and pasted for the dumb masses. Not so with Izzy and Jason. They have history, and not the good kind. There’s actual pain and heartbreak in there, and it’s also nice that each character has a fatal flaw: Jason’s unreliable and Izzy’s so incredibly closed off that her son is the only one who can get anywhere near her heart. This is what makes a true conflict. It’s not all sexytime. That’s great writing.
However, I am afraid that Malone wasn’t able to stick the landing. The ending is quite rushed. I expected way more out of it, and it was also very predictable and cliché. Still, I’d say that it’s worth the ride regardless because there are so many great points it touches on before the jumbled up ending, especially with the custody rights over Nick and the bitchy real mother. Despite its faults, it’s definitely worth a read. It’s leagues better than most of the things in the same genre. Kudos to Ms. Malone.
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