What do you think?
Rate this book
Game, Set, Match: Escape to the Spanish sunshine in this laugh-out-loud and feel-good romcom
LOVE DOESN'T ALWAYS PLAY BY THE RULES . . .
Hannah has been married to Graham since they were eighteen - a union of desperation to escape their strict families. He's the only man she's ever kissed and honestly, she's not sure he's any good at it. But fourteen years of washing his underwear is more than enough to kill the romance.
Well, that and the fact that he's got a work colleague pregnant.
Hannah's new-found freedom is an opportunity to finally put herself first, and a trip to Spain sounds like the perfect start. Yes, it might be with three near strangers, but it's also a chance to play tennis every day under the Spanish sun, before heading off on a solo road trip and starting the next phase of her life.
Then Hannah meets Rob, who has kissed ALL the women and is 100% not her type. And besides, she's really not looking for love right now. But if there's one thing Hannah knows about tennis, it's that sometimes taking a risk can pay off - and when you fault on your first serve, you get a second chance.
Escape to the Spanish hills in this completely gorgeous and delicious romantic comedy that will have you snorting with laughter. If you love Catherine Walsh, Laura Jane Williams and Sophie Ranald, you won't want to miss this!
Find out why readers LOVE Heidi Stephens . . .
'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ One of my favourite reads!'
'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ The perfect read!'
'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ I ABSOLUTELY loved this book! It made me laugh and cry'
'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Brilliant! Just brilliant! Consumed it in a day as I just couldn't put it down'
'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ I read it in one sitting'
'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ A gorgeous, romantic book'
'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ A five-star read that will make you fall in love again'
'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ A brilliant array of characters [and] a wicked sense of humour . . . Heidi Stephens understood the assignment and delivered'
'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ If you're a fan of romcom, this one is for you'
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2023
1 person is currently reading
64 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 19, 2023
the one where every guy seem to be misogynistic and sexist except for the love interest who is very much against playing a game of bingo where the tennis coaches are trying to get with any women in sight??
genuinely felt like I aged 40 years reading this
genuinely felt like I aged 40 years reading this
June 16, 2023
‘So what would you prefer? To sit on the edge of life and feel nothing? Or throw yourself onto the dancefloor and see where the night takes you? In the end we only regret the chances we don’t take.’
Heidi Stephens' 'Game, Set, Match' is the story of starting over and the growth we experience letting go of people and situations that don't serve us.
After Hannah ditches her husband of 14 years for impregnating one of his mistresses, she finds life taking her in new directions, all the way to Spain on a women's tennis trip and to see her father who she hadn't seen since she was young.
There she meets coach Rob whom she is immediately attracted to. When Hannah accidentally gets Rob fired, she invites him to join her on her road trip before she heads home.
Hannah was raised in an evangelist church. And while she has long left it, including marrying at 18 to gain Independence, its residual influence lingers. Hannah doesn't swear, is a dutiful daughter to her overbearing mother, and doesn't like to stand out or speak her mind. Which is why I especially cheered when she finally spoke her mind to her family.
I really loved the dynamic between Rob and Hannah. It's refreshing to read a story where both communicate honestly about their feelings for one another. And while they both had a different view of relationships - Rob preferred flings, while Hannah does not do flings, they still respected their friendship to not jeopardise that.
This book was slow for me at first, but then it really hit it strides for me in the last half. Then I could really appreciate the subtleties of this book, along with the lovely, swoony, slow-burn romance between Rob and Hannah.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the ARC.
Heidi Stephens' 'Game, Set, Match' is the story of starting over and the growth we experience letting go of people and situations that don't serve us.
After Hannah ditches her husband of 14 years for impregnating one of his mistresses, she finds life taking her in new directions, all the way to Spain on a women's tennis trip and to see her father who she hadn't seen since she was young.
There she meets coach Rob whom she is immediately attracted to. When Hannah accidentally gets Rob fired, she invites him to join her on her road trip before she heads home.
Hannah was raised in an evangelist church. And while she has long left it, including marrying at 18 to gain Independence, its residual influence lingers. Hannah doesn't swear, is a dutiful daughter to her overbearing mother, and doesn't like to stand out or speak her mind. Which is why I especially cheered when she finally spoke her mind to her family.
I really loved the dynamic between Rob and Hannah. It's refreshing to read a story where both communicate honestly about their feelings for one another. And while they both had a different view of relationships - Rob preferred flings, while Hannah does not do flings, they still respected their friendship to not jeopardise that.
This book was slow for me at first, but then it really hit it strides for me in the last half. Then I could really appreciate the subtleties of this book, along with the lovely, swoony, slow-burn romance between Rob and Hannah.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 20, 2023
Thank you Heidi Stephens, I’ve been having a massive struggle with my current painting and listening to the fabulous, swoon worthy, summery rom-com that is Game, Set, Match helped me keep going! It is a tale of resilience, second chances, and the power of taking risks with a drop dead gorgeous hero and lovably innocent heroine who have you rooting for them from the off. The Wimbledon of romantic escapism that I can’t recommend enough.
The story follows strait laced Hannah as she reaches a turning point in her safe and boring life, leaving her husband of 14 years to go on a journey of self-discovery. Her journey begins with a group of girlfriends and a tennis trip to Spain where she meets devastatingly attractive tennis coach Rob- a self-confessed commitment phobe- Hannah’s polar opposite. Their attraction is instant and earth moving but with the pair both on a self-imposed relationship break seemingly hopeless. This is the slowest of slow burn romances that had me snorting with laughter and getting a serious case of the warm and fuzzies in equal measure. The supporting cast are a colourful bunch who positively leap off the page and add depth and flow to the storyline.
Overall Game, Set, Match is a delightful and addictive read that ventures beyond pure romance exploring that the complexities of love, marriage, and self-discovery. The relatable characters, engaging storyline, and beautiful setting ensure you are captivated from beginning to end and I loved every second! If you enjoy reading Sophie Ranald, Maxine Morrey, Portia Macintosh then you will adore Heidi Stephens.
The story follows strait laced Hannah as she reaches a turning point in her safe and boring life, leaving her husband of 14 years to go on a journey of self-discovery. Her journey begins with a group of girlfriends and a tennis trip to Spain where she meets devastatingly attractive tennis coach Rob- a self-confessed commitment phobe- Hannah’s polar opposite. Their attraction is instant and earth moving but with the pair both on a self-imposed relationship break seemingly hopeless. This is the slowest of slow burn romances that had me snorting with laughter and getting a serious case of the warm and fuzzies in equal measure. The supporting cast are a colourful bunch who positively leap off the page and add depth and flow to the storyline.
Overall Game, Set, Match is a delightful and addictive read that ventures beyond pure romance exploring that the complexities of love, marriage, and self-discovery. The relatable characters, engaging storyline, and beautiful setting ensure you are captivated from beginning to end and I loved every second! If you enjoy reading Sophie Ranald, Maxine Morrey, Portia Macintosh then you will adore Heidi Stephens.
July 5, 2024
What a fabulous mix of tennis and armchair travel to Spain, complete with some clear sexual chemistry between our leads.
Hannah is an interesting woman, especially with regards her upbringing and definitely the best thing she has done in her life is demand a divorce from her husband and then agree to take a trip to Spain with some new friends, to play a lot of tennis.
Rob is a new tennis coach at Club Colina, and he seemed like a really nice guy, compared to the utterly painful to read about other coaches who have a bingo card of women to tick off for the season!
Rob and Hannah hit it off instantly but Hannah really isn't sure what she is feeling, and Rob isn't looking for anything serious. And then after Hannah's week of Tennis coaching she intends to go off on a road trip and it is one that changes her a lot, and one that was brilliant to read.
Although there is tennis present in the book, if you don't know the sport that well, don't worry, it's not too top heavy, and doesn't require much knowledge of the scoring system of anything to enjoy what is going on. As a sports lover though it was, what drew me to the book and why I decided to read it while it was Wimbledon season!
I loved delving into Hannah's family, and getting to know her new friends. Also really enjoyed getting to know Rob and all sides of his personality.
It was a highly enjoyable story that I couldn't get enough of. This is the second book I've read from this author and I really do need to read more.
Thank you to Headline Accent and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Hannah is an interesting woman, especially with regards her upbringing and definitely the best thing she has done in her life is demand a divorce from her husband and then agree to take a trip to Spain with some new friends, to play a lot of tennis.
Rob is a new tennis coach at Club Colina, and he seemed like a really nice guy, compared to the utterly painful to read about other coaches who have a bingo card of women to tick off for the season!
Rob and Hannah hit it off instantly but Hannah really isn't sure what she is feeling, and Rob isn't looking for anything serious. And then after Hannah's week of Tennis coaching she intends to go off on a road trip and it is one that changes her a lot, and one that was brilliant to read.
Although there is tennis present in the book, if you don't know the sport that well, don't worry, it's not too top heavy, and doesn't require much knowledge of the scoring system of anything to enjoy what is going on. As a sports lover though it was, what drew me to the book and why I decided to read it while it was Wimbledon season!
I loved delving into Hannah's family, and getting to know her new friends. Also really enjoyed getting to know Rob and all sides of his personality.
It was a highly enjoyable story that I couldn't get enough of. This is the second book I've read from this author and I really do need to read more.
Thank you to Headline Accent and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 23, 2023
Want a cute holiday read this summer? Then this is definitely one for you!
Game, Set, Match is a fantastic read for anyone looking for the slowest of slow burns and a gorgeous trip around the Spanish sun!
Hannah is longing for a new life after a stale and confined relationship of 14 years and she definitely got it! I loved that this book was filled with a woman who wants to live her single like and see where a change of scenery can take her.
I didn’t enjoy the side characters, I did find them quite insufferable and I didn’t particularly enjoy their interactions. However, I LOVED the interactions with Rob and Hannah. They have such beautiful chemistry and I was excited every time I saw Ron’s name pop up. It was refreshing reading about these two characters when all the other ones were bland and judgemental.
This is a slow slow burn of a book and I love that trope, however it is a closed door romance, so to my fellow spicy readers this will not be one for you if you are specifically looking for that release. I enjoyed it, a little spice would have been nice but overall I loved seeing Hannah’s journey on how she found herself and had some fun! The tennis element was interesting, great for the plot line and a nice twist on engagement for the characters.
Not my favourite from Heidi but definitely worth a read if you’re looking for a light hearted, gorgeous romance, summer read that doesn’t take itself too seriously!
Game, Set, Match is a fantastic read for anyone looking for the slowest of slow burns and a gorgeous trip around the Spanish sun!
Hannah is longing for a new life after a stale and confined relationship of 14 years and she definitely got it! I loved that this book was filled with a woman who wants to live her single like and see where a change of scenery can take her.
I didn’t enjoy the side characters, I did find them quite insufferable and I didn’t particularly enjoy their interactions. However, I LOVED the interactions with Rob and Hannah. They have such beautiful chemistry and I was excited every time I saw Ron’s name pop up. It was refreshing reading about these two characters when all the other ones were bland and judgemental.
This is a slow slow burn of a book and I love that trope, however it is a closed door romance, so to my fellow spicy readers this will not be one for you if you are specifically looking for that release. I enjoyed it, a little spice would have been nice but overall I loved seeing Hannah’s journey on how she found herself and had some fun! The tennis element was interesting, great for the plot line and a nice twist on engagement for the characters.
Not my favourite from Heidi but definitely worth a read if you’re looking for a light hearted, gorgeous romance, summer read that doesn’t take itself too seriously!
April 21, 2023
I'm not a big romance fan generally, but sometimes one's just in the mood for a quality romcom. I know Heidi Stephens from the Guardian, and I liked the tennis element, so this looked worth a try.
Hannah has split up with her husband of fourteen years, feeling mainly relief, and takes time out to head off to Spain on a tennis holiday with a new group of friends. (Hannah, unlike me, is a pretty red-hot tennis player.) Rob, one of the summer coaches with a history as a bit of a player, and not just of tennis, has sworn off relationships for the time being, but there's a definite spark between them...
So far so not that original, but this was a really fun read, and thankfully light on those plot-device-misunderstandings which could so easily be cleared up if people would only communicate with each other. Hannah and Rob manage to communicate like adults, for the most part, which is refreshing, and every time I saw a plot-device-misunderstanding looming, it was averted.
There's a road trip through Spain, a homeless dog, some family drama and lots of tennis. Oh, and a reverse airport dash. I liked the main characters, and the others were fun too, especially the group of women friends - Jess, Trish and Gaynor.
Light, refreshing and very enjoyable. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
May 21, 2023
I was so happy when I spotted new Heidi Stephens' on NetGalley and I hoped for another sunny, brilliantly funny novel from her.
Unfortunately, what I've got was completely lukewarm. Completely. The characters were all either unbelieveble and unlikeable or totally stereotyped, with the tennis trainers being on compltely another level of sexist and misogynistics. Their list was not funny, it was tragic. I usually don't go deep into "ism" - sexism, misogynism etc but this time I find this side of the plot completely out of order. The situations were so adjusted and adapted to the characters, so that they could show them in the better and worse light, because the characters were written like that: either completely perfect or complete bastards, so that the story could roll on, without a bigger idea. They were also lacking in chemistry, felt so forced as characters and the best were Jess, Trish and Gaynor.
The plot is easy but I had a feeling that nothing was mapped out in advance, that everything is just put together, somehow, just to remind of a story.
A lot of things were talked about in this book, some in more unrealistic way than the others. I'm sorry that this time this story didn't work for me, it lacked in this "something" on almost all levels.
Unfortunately, what I've got was completely lukewarm. Completely. The characters were all either unbelieveble and unlikeable or totally stereotyped, with the tennis trainers being on compltely another level of sexist and misogynistics. Their list was not funny, it was tragic. I usually don't go deep into "ism" - sexism, misogynism etc but this time I find this side of the plot completely out of order. The situations were so adjusted and adapted to the characters, so that they could show them in the better and worse light, because the characters were written like that: either completely perfect or complete bastards, so that the story could roll on, without a bigger idea. They were also lacking in chemistry, felt so forced as characters and the best were Jess, Trish and Gaynor.
The plot is easy but I had a feeling that nothing was mapped out in advance, that everything is just put together, somehow, just to remind of a story.
A lot of things were talked about in this book, some in more unrealistic way than the others. I'm sorry that this time this story didn't work for me, it lacked in this "something" on almost all levels.
May 6, 2023
This is a great story of how you should love yourself as much as anyone else. Hannah has a past like many of us do, she was raised in a deeply religious family and that’s not always easy, so I could understand why she married Graham and stuck through it, as its what is expected of you, but as she gets to know the truth I liked that and I like how she started to stand up for herself, it’s a romance in some ways as we get to meet and fall head over heals over the delicious Tennis coach Rob, but there is also a journey of self-discovery as well. If you go into this expecting a heart pounding romance then you won’t get it, but if you want a really good life affirming story that will remind you that you can do anything if you try then this is perfect for you. This would make a really good story to sit in the sunshine with, or a pick me up after too many cocktails. Honestly getting to know Hannah and her quirks, as she gains her freedom and independence was great, most of us do this when we are a lot younger, but it just goes to show no matter your age you can still find your independence.
October 27, 2023
This was an enjoyable and feel good slow burn. The setting makes this an ideal summer read.
Hannah was a very relatable character and the way she was written you feel connected to her and want the best for her new start.
Rob was such a gentleman and I really liked him.
Luke was a brilliant side character and scrumpy the dog was a great addition.
As the story went on there were moments of drama which were brilliant and they really had me hooked.
This is one of the first sports romances I have read and I’m never usually that bothered about sport but I found that the tennis parts were written well and were making me interested in the sport.
Overall I really enjoyed this and will definitely be looking to pick up more from this author.
Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for the eArc and #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review and thank you to Headline for asking me to take part in the blog tour.
Hannah was a very relatable character and the way she was written you feel connected to her and want the best for her new start.
Rob was such a gentleman and I really liked him.
Luke was a brilliant side character and scrumpy the dog was a great addition.
As the story went on there were moments of drama which were brilliant and they really had me hooked.
This is one of the first sports romances I have read and I’m never usually that bothered about sport but I found that the tennis parts were written well and were making me interested in the sport.
Overall I really enjoyed this and will definitely be looking to pick up more from this author.
Thank you to Headline and NetGalley for the eArc and #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review and thank you to Headline for asking me to take part in the blog tour.
June 25, 2023
Hannah is ready for a new adventure after discovering her husband has been having an affair, and Rob is ready for a summer of coaching tennis at a fancy resort on the coast of Spain. When these two meet at the resort, their connection is immediate and undeniable.
Overall, I thought this story was really cute! I loved the themes of female friendships and family and true independence. The setting was absolutely beautiful, and the adventurous nature of the story made it very exciting overall.
I struggled to follow the story at points as it seemed to jump suddenly between different times and locations, sometimes even mid-dialogue. I thought the author did a great job building the relationship and tension between Hannah and Rob, but I felt the build up lasted longer than was really necessary or realistic.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Overall, I thought this story was really cute! I loved the themes of female friendships and family and true independence. The setting was absolutely beautiful, and the adventurous nature of the story made it very exciting overall.
I struggled to follow the story at points as it seemed to jump suddenly between different times and locations, sometimes even mid-dialogue. I thought the author did a great job building the relationship and tension between Hannah and Rob, but I felt the build up lasted longer than was really necessary or realistic.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
June 13, 2023
A fun romance between a tennis coach and a tennis player who is starting her life over.
Hannah has just quit her marriage after 14 years, mainly because he cheated on her, but also because he's not for her. She gets asked to join some ladies going to a tennis camp in Spain and off she goes with a makeover and a new wardrobe.
Rob is working for the summer at tennis camp and is a massive playboy, but can Hannah change his ways.
I do love a starting over story, so this had all the makings of a book right up my street and for the most part it really was. I liked Hannahs story, her crazy family and her new friendship group.
For me the romance element was almost secondary, I was fully wanting Hannah to fall on her feet.
A sweet book with hints of steam here and there.
Hannah has just quit her marriage after 14 years, mainly because he cheated on her, but also because he's not for her. She gets asked to join some ladies going to a tennis camp in Spain and off she goes with a makeover and a new wardrobe.
Rob is working for the summer at tennis camp and is a massive playboy, but can Hannah change his ways.
I do love a starting over story, so this had all the makings of a book right up my street and for the most part it really was. I liked Hannahs story, her crazy family and her new friendship group.
For me the romance element was almost secondary, I was fully wanting Hannah to fall on her feet.
A sweet book with hints of steam here and there.
May 16, 2023
This story underwhelmed me. I didn't find too many scenes that had me amused, let alone LOL. I found the book very slow moving and that things happened very sporatic, and not always in a way that made sense or seem realistic. The characters were ok, but being good at tennis isn't a personality trait, and they lacked chemistry. The ending still had some treads left hanging in regards to their life together/forward plans. Overall, I found this story kind of boring. *I recieved an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 26, 2023
This was a fun, summer fuelled read that kept me entertained and laughing. There is a lot more to this plot than I initially thought as well, I liked the variety and there is definitely more of a story than I was initially expecting. The group of friends are likeable and it was entertaining getting to know them and learning about their lives. This book is all about a summer of love and tennis and it will definitely put a smile on your face.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy.
Read
April 11, 2025This was not good but it was predictable and sometimes you need to chew through a book really fast to cleanse your palate. Like the book equivalent of eating ginger between courses at omakase.
BROOOO she’s hot but she doesn’t know it BROOOOOO and she’s NATURALLY hot too she doesn’t wear too much makeup or shave too much but all the men find her hot anyway BROOOOOOOOOOO and her body is HOT without her TRYING AND she’s SPONTANEOUS and EASY GOING and not UPTIGHT or FRIGID or DESPERATE or SLUTTY like them other girls (who are bitches!!!). jesus christ shut the fuck up !!!
BROOOO she’s hot but she doesn’t know it BROOOOOO and she’s NATURALLY hot too she doesn’t wear too much makeup or shave too much but all the men find her hot anyway BROOOOOOOOOOO and her body is HOT without her TRYING AND she’s SPONTANEOUS and EASY GOING and not UPTIGHT or FRIGID or DESPERATE or SLUTTY like them other girls (who are bitches!!!). jesus christ shut the fuck up !!!
June 6, 2023
This book made me laugh out loud SO much! I loved every page of this book and the characters. I ended up reading it every spare minute I had because I couldn’t wait to see how the story would develop.
I loved the female main character and seeing her develop throughout the book, making friends and finding love.
My first book by Heidi Stephens and I have definitely found a new favourite author, I’m now adding all other books to my TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my arc.
I loved the female main character and seeing her develop throughout the book, making friends and finding love.
My first book by Heidi Stephens and I have definitely found a new favourite author, I’m now adding all other books to my TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my arc.
June 21, 2023
I thought that this was a really enjoyable story
The book had a well developed storyline that kept me engaged
The story is a slow burn romance and a will they, won’t they kind of read
It has well developed characters that were honest and likeable
A holiday fling that turns in to something else…
It is 4 stars from me for his one – highly recommended!
The book had a well developed storyline that kept me engaged
The story is a slow burn romance and a will they, won’t they kind of read
It has well developed characters that were honest and likeable
A holiday fling that turns in to something else…
It is 4 stars from me for his one – highly recommended!
July 8, 2023
Loved this book from beginning. The banter between the characters is funny and relatable.
Really liked watching Hannah grow and move on.
Rob was just lush 😍
I would have preferred a bit of a longer ending, however, I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Really liked watching Hannah grow and move on.
Rob was just lush 😍
I would have preferred a bit of a longer ending, however, I will definitely be reading more from this author.
July 15, 2023
Read this from start to finish this afternoon. Absolutely wonderful escapism on a rainy day. Love all Heidi’s books as her expressions and turns of phrases are so funny, it’s like having Heidi’s actual voice in my head. Hannah was a delightful romantic lead ♥️
August 12, 2023
Such a good read. Very much true to life you could imagine relationships playing out exactly as it did in the story. Good humour used throughout as well. I could not put it down.
December 12, 2024
5/10; i liked this book but also didnt; i thought some times the character and plot fell flat but it also felt like a pretty fast read bc so much happens; i did enjoy the ending but wouldnt recommend
June 22, 2023
Game, Set, Match is a super fun romance book which is perfect to pick up this summer!
I really liked Hannah and her story of starting over after spending 14 years in an unhappy relationship. I loved watching her take control of her life and grow as character. She's funny, relatable and you cannot help but root for her.
I really liked the slow burn of this romance but the thing I loved the most is that there was absolutely no miscommunication between Hannah and Rob. They're both very honest with each other and when it seemed like it was going to happen they communicated like adults! I cannot tell you how happy this made me!
Overall this was a enjoyable romance that I ended up reading in one day! As I said before this is the perfect summer read so go pick it up and allow yourself to be transported to Spain!
I really liked Hannah and her story of starting over after spending 14 years in an unhappy relationship. I loved watching her take control of her life and grow as character. She's funny, relatable and you cannot help but root for her.
I really liked the slow burn of this romance but the thing I loved the most is that there was absolutely no miscommunication between Hannah and Rob. They're both very honest with each other and when it seemed like it was going to happen they communicated like adults! I cannot tell you how happy this made me!
Overall this was a enjoyable romance that I ended up reading in one day! As I said before this is the perfect summer read so go pick it up and allow yourself to be transported to Spain!
October 15, 2023
Thank you to Headline Eternal for the gifted copy and NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! Game Set Match follows recent divorcee Hannah who sets off on an adventure abroad to put herself first for once and enjoy a long-awaited holiday in the Spanish sun playing tennis. Enter Rob, dreamy and charming, but her tennis coach and a known player - will she take a risk on love?
This book started off really strongly, with Hannah leaving behind her dull, man-child of a husband (not to mention a serial-adulterer!) for a week playing tennis in sunny Spain followed by a solo trip around the country. I loved her new-found independence and determination to now live life solely on her terms. Hannah is really funny and I loved her one-liners, it was great to see her begin to grow into her own person away from her intensely religious childhood and dreary marriage. I thought the exploration of the church upbringing and Hannah’s different relationships with her family was really interesting. You could see how it shaped her and why she now wanted to take more chances and be spontaneous with life.
However it began to feel quite stilted and stop-start as the plot developed; it seemed more like a compilation of scenes the author wanted to write about, rather than a naturally flowing timeline of events. There were often chapters where an event very clearly only happened so that the next event could happen, which had a tendency to take me out of the story.
I would have loved to see more of the book take place over the week Hannah was at the hotel playing tennis with Trish, Gaynor, and Jess. I really enjoyed the female friendships and seeing Hannah opening up to them, so much so that I actually think it would have been great for their group holiday and Hannah’s new-found independence take prevalence over the romance storyline. Especially since Hannah had literally just ended a 14-year marriage, I would have loved to see her take a break from men and ‘find herself’ and explore personal growth, instead of fall for the first guy she sees in Spain.
That being said, I really did like reading about Hannah and Rob navigate their feelings whilst staying true to what they wanted at heart, though it did lack some chemistry and tension for my personal preference. Those who enjoy more slow burn romances and ‘traditional’ views will love this though! Not to mention the introduction of the adorable Scrumpy - books with dogs in are always better in my opinion!
The only other thing I noticed was how strongly stereotyped each of the characters were, almost unnecessarily so. There was no need for Rob to be so consistently labelled as a player, a womaniser; there was even a line from Hannah about how she had only shared her bed with one man and she pondered if Rob could even remember how many women he’d shared a bed with… I felt the player stereotype didn’t really fit the rest of Rob’s character to be honest, which was a shame because other than that I really liked him.
Overall, a fun romcom holiday read that touched on female friendships and familial relationships quite nicely without it being too heavy or sad, fitting the tone of the book well.
This book started off really strongly, with Hannah leaving behind her dull, man-child of a husband (not to mention a serial-adulterer!) for a week playing tennis in sunny Spain followed by a solo trip around the country. I loved her new-found independence and determination to now live life solely on her terms. Hannah is really funny and I loved her one-liners, it was great to see her begin to grow into her own person away from her intensely religious childhood and dreary marriage. I thought the exploration of the church upbringing and Hannah’s different relationships with her family was really interesting. You could see how it shaped her and why she now wanted to take more chances and be spontaneous with life.
However it began to feel quite stilted and stop-start as the plot developed; it seemed more like a compilation of scenes the author wanted to write about, rather than a naturally flowing timeline of events. There were often chapters where an event very clearly only happened so that the next event could happen, which had a tendency to take me out of the story.
I would have loved to see more of the book take place over the week Hannah was at the hotel playing tennis with Trish, Gaynor, and Jess. I really enjoyed the female friendships and seeing Hannah opening up to them, so much so that I actually think it would have been great for their group holiday and Hannah’s new-found independence take prevalence over the romance storyline. Especially since Hannah had literally just ended a 14-year marriage, I would have loved to see her take a break from men and ‘find herself’ and explore personal growth, instead of fall for the first guy she sees in Spain.
That being said, I really did like reading about Hannah and Rob navigate their feelings whilst staying true to what they wanted at heart, though it did lack some chemistry and tension for my personal preference. Those who enjoy more slow burn romances and ‘traditional’ views will love this though! Not to mention the introduction of the adorable Scrumpy - books with dogs in are always better in my opinion!
The only other thing I noticed was how strongly stereotyped each of the characters were, almost unnecessarily so. There was no need for Rob to be so consistently labelled as a player, a womaniser; there was even a line from Hannah about how she had only shared her bed with one man and she pondered if Rob could even remember how many women he’d shared a bed with… I felt the player stereotype didn’t really fit the rest of Rob’s character to be honest, which was a shame because other than that I really liked him.
Overall, a fun romcom holiday read that touched on female friendships and familial relationships quite nicely without it being too heavy or sad, fitting the tone of the book well.
June 24, 2023
After Hannah discovers her husband Graham has got his assistant pregnant she calls a halt to their fourteen-year marriage, has a make-over and flies to Spain with some new friends for a week of tennis school, after which she intends to drive around Spain, perhaps visiting her father. Having been raised in a repressive religious group Hannah is more restrained and less worldly than her thirty-two years would suggest.
Rob has always been the black sheep of the family, a dyslexic he struggles to match up to his parents and siblings who are all wealthy professionals. He has given up his job to spend the summer as a tennis professional in a smart club in Spain before taking up a tennis coaching job in Bristol. Despite his parents' blissfully happy marriage, Rob has never really felt the urge to settle down, in fact he's quite the player although he would say he never leads women on. But all that must take a backseat while he's in Spain, fraternising with the guests is a sackable offence and he isn't interested in taking part in the sexual bingo game the other professionals have got going.
Hannah and Rob are drawn to each other despite themselves, but the timing is wrong. Also Hannah is nothing but commitment and Rob is anything but. When a spiteful colleague gets Rob fired, Hannah spontaneously invites him to join her Spanish road trip which involves a stray dog, a tennis competition, a family reunion, and a few surprises along the way.
This was pleasant enough (indeed 100% PG) but it didn't really feel like the plot had been properly mapped out in advance. The book felt like a series of scenes strung together, as if the author had said well I need X to happen so I'll make my characters do Y. Characters pop in and out randomly and a lot happens in what feels like ten days. Also, Hannah had broken away from the church and been married for fourteen years (albeit to another former member of the same church) but remained very timid, rarely drinking, never swearing, wearing loose drab clothing etc. Then as soon as she kicks her husband out she's suddenly completely different (other than the swearing), it feels like too much of a change in such a short period of time.
Overall, it dragged a bit for me and smacked a bit of the 'Miss Jones you look so beautiful without your glasses' cliché.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Rob has always been the black sheep of the family, a dyslexic he struggles to match up to his parents and siblings who are all wealthy professionals. He has given up his job to spend the summer as a tennis professional in a smart club in Spain before taking up a tennis coaching job in Bristol. Despite his parents' blissfully happy marriage, Rob has never really felt the urge to settle down, in fact he's quite the player although he would say he never leads women on. But all that must take a backseat while he's in Spain, fraternising with the guests is a sackable offence and he isn't interested in taking part in the sexual bingo game the other professionals have got going.
Hannah and Rob are drawn to each other despite themselves, but the timing is wrong. Also Hannah is nothing but commitment and Rob is anything but. When a spiteful colleague gets Rob fired, Hannah spontaneously invites him to join her Spanish road trip which involves a stray dog, a tennis competition, a family reunion, and a few surprises along the way.
This was pleasant enough (indeed 100% PG) but it didn't really feel like the plot had been properly mapped out in advance. The book felt like a series of scenes strung together, as if the author had said well I need X to happen so I'll make my characters do Y. Characters pop in and out randomly and a lot happens in what feels like ten days. Also, Hannah had broken away from the church and been married for fourteen years (albeit to another former member of the same church) but remained very timid, rarely drinking, never swearing, wearing loose drab clothing etc. Then as soon as she kicks her husband out she's suddenly completely different (other than the swearing), it feels like too much of a change in such a short period of time.
Overall, it dragged a bit for me and smacked a bit of the 'Miss Jones you look so beautiful without your glasses' cliché.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
April 27, 2023
This was a cute romcom with great main characters and side characters with a lot of personality. I enjoyed getting to watch Hannah grow to be the person she was meant to be. I appreciated that the focus of this book was not solely on what she had lost but on all of the things she was now able to gain by being her true self. I smiled and laughed quite a few times. Overall an enjoyable summer read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews