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Battle for the Top
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Whether it’s on or off the tennis court, Knightley is always ready to battle for the top. An explosive confrontation with his nemesis Kingston leads them to take their rivalry to the next level off the court. Can two fierce adversaries turn passion into romance?
Knightley Neilson
Kingston Sabatino throws fuel on my fire like nothing else ever has. Our rivalry is all-consuming since I’m determined to dethrone him and reclaim my rightful place as the number one tennis player in the world. I will beat him, someday.
When I confront Kingston after another devastating loss, the line between my rage and obsession to win begins to blur as I discover there might be another way for me to come out on top. True, I’ve never been attracted to a man before, but the temptation to have him at my mercy matters more to me than his gender. I’m not just willing to make him mine; I want to claim him as mine in every way. Having him give in to me will ultimately be the sweetest victory.
Is it really possible for me to love a man like Kingston while still wanting to be the winner?
Kingston Sabatino
I’ll do anything to win Knightley’s heart. That includes becoming the best tennis player in the entire world and defeating him every time we meet. Next, I’ll issue a challenge I know he’ll never be able to resist, even though he’s straight: take his passionate rage out on me in the hottest way possible. That’s how I discover he kisses to win. And I’m not about to let him stop there.
Can I help him see past our rivalry to understand that we’re perfect for each other in every way? Tennis starts with “Love-all,” so let the game begin.
Battle for the Top is a standalone novella featuring a rivals to lovers, bisexual awakening, sports romance. Full of hot banter and sexy fun, this book ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers.
Whether it’s on or off the tennis court, Knightley is always ready to battle for the top. An explosive confrontation with his nemesis Kingston leads them to take their rivalry to the next level off the court. Can two fierce adversaries turn passion into romance?
Knightley Neilson
Kingston Sabatino throws fuel on my fire like nothing else ever has. Our rivalry is all-consuming since I’m determined to dethrone him and reclaim my rightful place as the number one tennis player in the world. I will beat him, someday.
When I confront Kingston after another devastating loss, the line between my rage and obsession to win begins to blur as I discover there might be another way for me to come out on top. True, I’ve never been attracted to a man before, but the temptation to have him at my mercy matters more to me than his gender. I’m not just willing to make him mine; I want to claim him as mine in every way. Having him give in to me will ultimately be the sweetest victory.
Is it really possible for me to love a man like Kingston while still wanting to be the winner?
Kingston Sabatino
I’ll do anything to win Knightley’s heart. That includes becoming the best tennis player in the entire world and defeating him every time we meet. Next, I’ll issue a challenge I know he’ll never be able to resist, even though he’s straight: take his passionate rage out on me in the hottest way possible. That’s how I discover he kisses to win. And I’m not about to let him stop there.
Can I help him see past our rivalry to understand that we’re perfect for each other in every way? Tennis starts with “Love-all,” so let the game begin.
Battle for the Top is a standalone novella featuring a rivals to lovers, bisexual awakening, sports romance. Full of hot banter and sexy fun, this book ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2021
76 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
December 8, 2021
This book is basically me embarrassingly grinning until the very end - 3.5 🌟
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These quotes speak for themselves ladies and gentlemen.
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These quotes speak for themselves ladies and gentlemen.
Our next kiss was even more intense now that I was able to caress him. For somebody so toned, he was soft and yielding under my touch. It drove me to rake my nails down his back to leave angry red lines of possession on my rival. I was the only one worthy of someone who could play at such a high caliber. That meant he was mine.
“You’re my only rival. For the last two years, all I’ve thought about is you, because no one else is worthy of me.”
“Being yours feels so good, Knight.”
“You’re all mine.”
I whimpered as my muscles tensed in anticipation of my climax. “Everything that I am is because of you. Nothing feels better than being yours, not even winning.”
March 25, 2022
That was like an unflattering version of a Wattpad story💀. At least Wattpad writers have nice story lines. Sometimes.
June 14, 2024
DNF @ 17%
This was so bad that it was partly funny and partly rage inducing. You know how porn movies get made fun of because the actors are professional sex-doers and not professional actors? How it's a given that there's corny, terrible dialog delivered by actors who are clearly just reciting lines from a page? How it's also a given that the so-called plot mostly consists of costumes, props and having the MCs try to act their way through the intro before they get to the sex? How the progress from nice-to-meet-you to we're-having-sex is absurdly quick? But the thing is - nobody cares because it's a porn video and not a romance movie. This book is marketed as being a romance novel and not erotica and that's why I have no hesitation about giving it a well deserved 1 star because this is nothing more than one of those terrible porn movies converted into written form while pretending to be a romance novel.
The writing is atrocious with terrible dialog, forced plot progressions and a childish writing style that makes it feel like it was written by a preteen. First of all - the MCs are called Knightley and Kingston, which is way too much. Individually the names are okay but they're too similar and the author even points out the Knight vs King connection, which is dumb. The author makes it seem like it's destiny that the Knight's tennis skills are inferior to the King's, but it's not destiny, it's just the author making a cringey choice and spending too much time patting themselves on the back for it. Another big sign that this was going to be terrible is that it's only 70 pages, yet the summary is a mini-essay where the author tries to make it seem like this book is the Most Epic Thing To Ever Exist.
But never mind the names and the summary because it's the dialog and the plot that take the cake with this mess. From the very start, Knightley tells readers over and over again how much he hates Kingston and how ragey Kingston makes him. It was so OTT that Knightley came across like an enraged Hulk, constantly stomping around and mentally roaring about his hatred of Kingston. He came across like a two year old. Then you add on the unnatural, atrocious dialog. Knightley doesn't just think and act like a caveman but he talks like one too. And he's so over dramatic! The guy acts like Kingston having beaten him during the past two tennis championships (don't know what they're called - sorry, I don't know tennis) is the most enraging thing to ever happen to anybody in the history of humanity. Again - he came across like a little child who screams about how much he hates his mom when she doesn't let him eat ice cream for dinner.
And then we get to the absurd so-called plot! Knightley is doing his usual OTT Neanderthal routine while talking to Kingston, the latter randomly decides to come onto him and then BAAM! They're kissing and the sexy times start. At no point has Knightley expressed any attraction to Kingston or men in general (there's a reference to two past girlfriends but nothing about any attraction to men). In fact, Kingston makes him "burn with the incandescent rage of eight thousand exploding suns" (which is the very first line of the story). Listen, I love enemies to lovers romances but having somebody actually, legitimately hate somebody means he's not going to randomly fall into bed with him unless he's also been battling a strong sexual attraction towards him. Enemies to lovers is one of the most difficult romance progressions to pull off properly and the author's approach here lies on the complete opposite end of the spectrum of 'how to do enemies to lovers right'. When I compare this mess with books like Becca Steele's Savage Rivals (which is also an enemies to lovers sports romance), I can't believe the two books occupy the same niche in this genre. This is exactly the type of book that people outside of the genre point to when they laugh about how terrible romance novels are and why many gay men think the entire MM romance genre is offensive to gay men.
This was so bad that it was partly funny and partly rage inducing. You know how porn movies get made fun of because the actors are professional sex-doers and not professional actors? How it's a given that there's corny, terrible dialog delivered by actors who are clearly just reciting lines from a page? How it's also a given that the so-called plot mostly consists of costumes, props and having the MCs try to act their way through the intro before they get to the sex? How the progress from nice-to-meet-you to we're-having-sex is absurdly quick? But the thing is - nobody cares because it's a porn video and not a romance movie. This book is marketed as being a romance novel and not erotica and that's why I have no hesitation about giving it a well deserved 1 star because this is nothing more than one of those terrible porn movies converted into written form while pretending to be a romance novel.
The writing is atrocious with terrible dialog, forced plot progressions and a childish writing style that makes it feel like it was written by a preteen. First of all - the MCs are called Knightley and Kingston, which is way too much. Individually the names are okay but they're too similar and the author even points out the Knight vs King connection, which is dumb. The author makes it seem like it's destiny that the Knight's tennis skills are inferior to the King's, but it's not destiny, it's just the author making a cringey choice and spending too much time patting themselves on the back for it. Another big sign that this was going to be terrible is that it's only 70 pages, yet the summary is a mini-essay where the author tries to make it seem like this book is the Most Epic Thing To Ever Exist.
But never mind the names and the summary because it's the dialog and the plot that take the cake with this mess. From the very start, Knightley tells readers over and over again how much he hates Kingston and how ragey Kingston makes him. It was so OTT that Knightley came across like an enraged Hulk, constantly stomping around and mentally roaring about his hatred of Kingston. He came across like a two year old. Then you add on the unnatural, atrocious dialog. Knightley doesn't just think and act like a caveman but he talks like one too. And he's so over dramatic! The guy acts like Kingston having beaten him during the past two tennis championships (don't know what they're called - sorry, I don't know tennis) is the most enraging thing to ever happen to anybody in the history of humanity. Again - he came across like a little child who screams about how much he hates his mom when she doesn't let him eat ice cream for dinner.
And then we get to the absurd so-called plot! Knightley is doing his usual OTT Neanderthal routine while talking to Kingston, the latter randomly decides to come onto him and then BAAM! They're kissing and the sexy times start. At no point has Knightley expressed any attraction to Kingston or men in general (there's a reference to two past girlfriends but nothing about any attraction to men). In fact, Kingston makes him "burn with the incandescent rage of eight thousand exploding suns" (which is the very first line of the story). Listen, I love enemies to lovers romances but having somebody actually, legitimately hate somebody means he's not going to randomly fall into bed with him unless he's also been battling a strong sexual attraction towards him. Enemies to lovers is one of the most difficult romance progressions to pull off properly and the author's approach here lies on the complete opposite end of the spectrum of 'how to do enemies to lovers right'. When I compare this mess with books like Becca Steele's Savage Rivals (which is also an enemies to lovers sports romance), I can't believe the two books occupy the same niche in this genre. This is exactly the type of book that people outside of the genre point to when they laugh about how terrible romance novels are and why many gay men think the entire MM romance genre is offensive to gay men.
September 27, 2023
I started reading this short story and was not happy with Knight. Then I thought this is going to be nothing but one long sex scene. I ended the story with a big grin on my face.
October 19, 2023
This is the first book that I’ve read about two tennis players and it was neat to read about a different sport. This is a rivals to lovers story where their competitiveness leads to pent up sexual tension of course!
King and Knight were great characters. They were very hot together and I liked that they didn’t let their relationship affect their tennis and still played to win! It’s a short story so we don’t get to know them too well but it was great for a fun, sexy, romantic read!
King and Knight were great characters. They were very hot together and I liked that they didn’t let their relationship affect their tennis and still played to win! It’s a short story so we don’t get to know them too well but it was great for a fun, sexy, romantic read!
June 30, 2021
Battle for the Top is a wonderfully written steamy short story about Knightley and Kingston, where tennis rivals become so much more. I love Kingston's reasoning for becoming a tennis champion. I also love his patience when it comes to Knightley. He'll wait for as long as he has to, but when the opportunity presented itself he took full advantage. I love the chemistry between Knightley and Kingston and I'm glad they never lost their competitive nature around each other. This is such an enjoyable story and should be enjoyed again and again. I definitely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
June 17, 2021
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! This newest release from Ariella Zoelle had everything that I crave...extreme heat, intense passion, and schmoopy swoon worthy moments! Knight and Kingston are tennis rivals that battle for dominance at every turn, and their competition doesn't necessarily end when they're off the courts. This was an invigorating and exciting read that had me completely involved from page 1! Super HOT!!
July 10, 2021
This is a short and cute story about two rival tennis players who bring their rivalry to bedroom :D
Turns out not everything is as it seems and their hate is not so much hate as obsession and lust. King's reasoning was very much in the obsessive stalker territory, but somehow it was more cute and romantic than creepy. It was a delightful short story.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
Turns out not everything is as it seems and their hate is not so much hate as obsession and lust. King's reasoning was very much in the obsessive stalker territory, but somehow it was more cute and romantic than creepy. It was a delightful short story.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
July 21, 2021
Fabulous quick read!
Kingston and Knightly are so much fun! Knightly is beyond egotistical and every thought in his head is about how he can win over his rival Kingston. Things heat up fast and seeing Knightly's transformation as they navigate an entirely different rivalry hits ya right in the feels.
Kingston knows his opponent well and uses that to his advantage as he ultimately gets exactly what he wants.
I highly recommend this book.
Kingston and Knightly are so much fun! Knightly is beyond egotistical and every thought in his head is about how he can win over his rival Kingston. Things heat up fast and seeing Knightly's transformation as they navigate an entirely different rivalry hits ya right in the feels.
Kingston knows his opponent well and uses that to his advantage as he ultimately gets exactly what he wants.
I highly recommend this book.
January 27, 2026
This is a tennis rivals to more sports romance, featuring Knightley and Kingston, and is a standalone novella.
Knightley’s obsession with reclaiming his stolen world number one title turns personal when his fierce rivalry with Kingston sparks an unexpected desire.
The Australian Open is on right now, so I had a desire to read a tennis book. This was a quick read with a great rivalry.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
Novella
MM sports romance
Tennis rivals
Secret crush
Obsession
Power play
Dominance
Competitive banter
Queer awakening
Spicy times
Admit feelings
Dates
Secret relationship
Coming out as couple
HEA
Knightley’s obsession with reclaiming his stolen world number one title turns personal when his fierce rivalry with Kingston sparks an unexpected desire.
The Australian Open is on right now, so I had a desire to read a tennis book. This was a quick read with a great rivalry.
Things to expect in this book are:
Standalone
Novella
MM sports romance
Tennis rivals
Secret crush
Obsession
Power play
Dominance
Competitive banter
Queer awakening
Spicy times
Admit feelings
Dates
Secret relationship
Coming out as couple
HEA
December 6, 2023
Cute enemies to lovers.
Marking this as read twice because the quick follow up, Ultimate Victory, isn't listed on GR- at least I didn't find it.
Marking this as read twice because the quick follow up, Ultimate Victory, isn't listed on GR- at least I didn't find it.
May 23, 2022
This is the full review but for more reviews and videos go here Reading Is My Drug
This story was so much fun to read. Mostly because it was devoid of all the annoying angst these romances tend to be filled with while also avoiding turning into a complete fluff fest because of the lack of angst. It just made sense.
The tension in the beginning was everything. Just so much fun. I smiled and laughed through the whole thing. Knight is everything. And even though the book starts off right at the height of his anger of being the number 2 tennis star for 2 years everything was clear enough for you to feel and understand the tension the two main cast members shared. The history, hilarity, and steam were all there.
King was almost as fun to read. He was way too chatty at the wrong moments however. It was fun in small bursts but it felt like the author was overselling his ability to read people. So sometimes it was more annoying than a fun anecdote. Otherwise, he was a character who knew what he wanted, knew how to get it and went at it with unwavering tenacity and succeeded. And, in that success still managed to piss Knight off ultimately beating him again. Knight’s insistence that he was still winning on some level was the biggest form of denial and oh so enjoyable.
The problem with things working out so well in the beginning is that I was worried about the rest of the story. Worried about forced arguments/fights for no reason. Worried about miscommunication that leads to those annoying temporary breakups. Worried there’d be some angst, mostly on Knight’s part dipping into self-doubt about if this was what he really wanted and if defeating King on the court was more important than the relationship and, even more problematic, the possibility of him continuously telling himself ‘but I’m straight’ to keep the annoying ‘he doesn’t like guys’ cliche plotline going. I read a lot of romance so I was very, very worried one of these and many other tropes would rear its ugly head.
Instead what we actually get is to watch the relationship develop naturally, interspersed with a few steamy scenes and it uses one point, that could’ve devolved into an argument or forced tension, as character development instead for both but mostly Knight as he realises something about himself at that moment. This story is what the books claiming to be low angst should be but never are because amping up the fluff content usually ends up slipping into some bit of forced drama, and minimal angst or the opposite which is not taking itself seriously enough so readers cant take it seriously either. This story was a nice, sweet, adultier version that started at the height of the tension and allowed readers to enjoy the growth after without the unnecessary drama/tension extras.
My only problem, other than King coming off a bit know-it-all-ish sometimes, was the ending. It just ended. It was unresolved. After all the beauty of dwelling in the after, the book has an ending that forgoes the after thus avoiding real closure for the story. It started with a press conference and this ending would definitely be press conference worthy. Addressing the public and then ending with them alone in their apartment would’ve resolved the book better. Even a step beyond this where reporters joke that even being lovers King still dominates him on the court and this one time had to be a fluke. It would’ve played so nicely off the point King made earlier about him needing to beat him more than once to prove his dominance. As it stands it’s definitely the type of unresolved ending I’m not a fan of.
Still, it avoided most of my hated tropes and usual romance cliche’s so it was a fun refreshing read in that sense. I really enjoyed it but were it not for King being slightly obnoxious and the cliche and unfulfilling last page/chapter this would’ve been an easy five stars but I definitely was bothered by it enough to be frustrated by an otherwise refreshingly different type of romance. So it was more of a questionable five stars lol. But five all the same.
This story was so much fun to read. Mostly because it was devoid of all the annoying angst these romances tend to be filled with while also avoiding turning into a complete fluff fest because of the lack of angst. It just made sense.
The tension in the beginning was everything. Just so much fun. I smiled and laughed through the whole thing. Knight is everything. And even though the book starts off right at the height of his anger of being the number 2 tennis star for 2 years everything was clear enough for you to feel and understand the tension the two main cast members shared. The history, hilarity, and steam were all there.
King was almost as fun to read. He was way too chatty at the wrong moments however. It was fun in small bursts but it felt like the author was overselling his ability to read people. So sometimes it was more annoying than a fun anecdote. Otherwise, he was a character who knew what he wanted, knew how to get it and went at it with unwavering tenacity and succeeded. And, in that success still managed to piss Knight off ultimately beating him again. Knight’s insistence that he was still winning on some level was the biggest form of denial and oh so enjoyable.
The problem with things working out so well in the beginning is that I was worried about the rest of the story. Worried about forced arguments/fights for no reason. Worried about miscommunication that leads to those annoying temporary breakups. Worried there’d be some angst, mostly on Knight’s part dipping into self-doubt about if this was what he really wanted and if defeating King on the court was more important than the relationship and, even more problematic, the possibility of him continuously telling himself ‘but I’m straight’ to keep the annoying ‘he doesn’t like guys’ cliche plotline going. I read a lot of romance so I was very, very worried one of these and many other tropes would rear its ugly head.
Instead what we actually get is to watch the relationship develop naturally, interspersed with a few steamy scenes and it uses one point, that could’ve devolved into an argument or forced tension, as character development instead for both but mostly Knight as he realises something about himself at that moment. This story is what the books claiming to be low angst should be but never are because amping up the fluff content usually ends up slipping into some bit of forced drama, and minimal angst or the opposite which is not taking itself seriously enough so readers cant take it seriously either. This story was a nice, sweet, adultier version that started at the height of the tension and allowed readers to enjoy the growth after without the unnecessary drama/tension extras.
My only problem, other than King coming off a bit know-it-all-ish sometimes, was the ending. It just ended. It was unresolved. After all the beauty of dwelling in the after, the book has an ending that forgoes the after thus avoiding real closure for the story. It started with a press conference and this ending would definitely be press conference worthy. Addressing the public and then ending with them alone in their apartment would’ve resolved the book better. Even a step beyond this where reporters joke that even being lovers King still dominates him on the court and this one time had to be a fluke. It would’ve played so nicely off the point King made earlier about him needing to beat him more than once to prove his dominance. As it stands it’s definitely the type of unresolved ending I’m not a fan of.
Still, it avoided most of my hated tropes and usual romance cliche’s so it was a fun refreshing read in that sense. I really enjoyed it but were it not for King being slightly obnoxious and the cliche and unfulfilling last page/chapter this would’ve been an easy five stars but I definitely was bothered by it enough to be frustrated by an otherwise refreshingly different type of romance. So it was more of a questionable five stars lol. But five all the same.
April 17, 2022
This was very short, a little too short. There could have been so much more character development. That was like an unflattering version of a Wattpad story💀. At least Wattpad writers have nice story lines. Sometimes.
September 26, 2023
The idea was interesting enough to finish it but the writing was just kind of bad? Also, they both got the feelings like way too fast
June 8, 2024
old post reposted
Working my way through the rest of Ariella Zoelle's works (these ones aren't in her Sunnyside universe). Next up is "Battle For The Top."
["Whether it’s on or off the tennis court, Knightley is always ready to battle for the top. An explosive confrontation with his nemesis Kingston leads them to take their rivalry to the next level off the court. Can two fierce adversaries turn passion into romance?
Knightley Neilson
Kingston Sabatino throws fuel on my fire like nothing else ever has. Our rivalry is all-consuming since I’m determined to dethrone him and reclaim my rightful place as the number one tennis player in the world. I will beat him, someday.
When I confront Kingston after another devastating loss, the line between my rage and obsession to win begins to blur as I discover there might be another way for me to come out on top. True, I’ve never been attracted to a man before, but the temptation to have him at my mercy matters more to me than his gender. I’m not just willing to make him mine; I want to claim him as mine in every way. Having him give in to me will ultimately be the sweetest victory.
Is it really possible for me to love a man like Kingston while still wanting to be the winner?
Kingston Sabatino
I’ll do anything to win Knightley’s heart. That includes becoming the best tennis player in the entire world and defeating him every time we meet. Next, I’ll issue a challenge I know he’ll never be able to resist, even though he’s straight: take his passionate rage out on me in the hottest way possible. That’s how I discover he kisses to win. And I’m not about to let him stop there.
Can I help him see past our rivalry to understand that we’re perfect for each other in every way? Tennis starts with “Love-all,” so let the game begin."]
This one was a mini roller coaster. Filled with angst (but like playful kind) and hatred and fired and provoking and heat. It also had a lot of fluff and confessions and sweet words and love. It was so much fun to watch their relationship grow (almost montage-style). And then the ending?! D: So good!!
#battleforthetop #ariellazoelle #sunnyside #sunnysideuniverse #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Working my way through the rest of Ariella Zoelle's works (these ones aren't in her Sunnyside universe). Next up is "Battle For The Top."
["Whether it’s on or off the tennis court, Knightley is always ready to battle for the top. An explosive confrontation with his nemesis Kingston leads them to take their rivalry to the next level off the court. Can two fierce adversaries turn passion into romance?
Knightley Neilson
Kingston Sabatino throws fuel on my fire like nothing else ever has. Our rivalry is all-consuming since I’m determined to dethrone him and reclaim my rightful place as the number one tennis player in the world. I will beat him, someday.
When I confront Kingston after another devastating loss, the line between my rage and obsession to win begins to blur as I discover there might be another way for me to come out on top. True, I’ve never been attracted to a man before, but the temptation to have him at my mercy matters more to me than his gender. I’m not just willing to make him mine; I want to claim him as mine in every way. Having him give in to me will ultimately be the sweetest victory.
Is it really possible for me to love a man like Kingston while still wanting to be the winner?
Kingston Sabatino
I’ll do anything to win Knightley’s heart. That includes becoming the best tennis player in the entire world and defeating him every time we meet. Next, I’ll issue a challenge I know he’ll never be able to resist, even though he’s straight: take his passionate rage out on me in the hottest way possible. That’s how I discover he kisses to win. And I’m not about to let him stop there.
Can I help him see past our rivalry to understand that we’re perfect for each other in every way? Tennis starts with “Love-all,” so let the game begin."]
This one was a mini roller coaster. Filled with angst (but like playful kind) and hatred and fired and provoking and heat. It also had a lot of fluff and confessions and sweet words and love. It was so much fun to watch their relationship grow (almost montage-style). And then the ending?! D: So good!!
#battleforthetop #ariellazoelle #sunnyside #sunnysideuniverse #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
June 24, 2021
Battle for the Top was a short and sweet romance between tennis players Kingston Sabatino and Knightley Neilson. Until Kingston came into the scene, Knightley was the best tennis player in the world. But from the moment they face off across the net, Knightley knows he's met his match.
After another match where Kingston bests him on the court, Knightley is pissed and it leads to a major confrontation and things take a turn that Knightley just wasn't expecting.
Kingston has been in love with Knight since the first time he ever saw him play. For years he trained to become a tennis player on the same level just so he could finally appear on Knight's radar. Since the first time King beat Knight, their rivalry has blazed with an all-consuming fire that isn't always left behind on the court.
When King takes their confrontation to a different level, Knight goes along with it because he needs to feel King at his mercy even if it's not on the court. Their explosive kiss leads to more and when Kingston finally reveals his feelings, it's like Knight's world is turned upside down and he starts to consider his own feelings in different light.
This book was short and sweet! It starts off with a bang and keeps up the momentum throughout. My only real complaint is that it wasn't longer. This book was just like a highlight reel of monumental events in their life after they finally acknowledge their feelings, and I would have really liked to see more.
I know this is a novella and is meant to be short, but it really does have the premise to be a longer story and getting to see more of King and Knight before their big confrontation would have made this story much more enjoyable!
Nevertheless, I really liked this one and would recommend it if you're looking for a short but fiery enemies to lover story with a really sweet HEA!
*I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.*
After another match where Kingston bests him on the court, Knightley is pissed and it leads to a major confrontation and things take a turn that Knightley just wasn't expecting.
Kingston has been in love with Knight since the first time he ever saw him play. For years he trained to become a tennis player on the same level just so he could finally appear on Knight's radar. Since the first time King beat Knight, their rivalry has blazed with an all-consuming fire that isn't always left behind on the court.
When King takes their confrontation to a different level, Knight goes along with it because he needs to feel King at his mercy even if it's not on the court. Their explosive kiss leads to more and when Kingston finally reveals his feelings, it's like Knight's world is turned upside down and he starts to consider his own feelings in different light.
This book was short and sweet! It starts off with a bang and keeps up the momentum throughout. My only real complaint is that it wasn't longer. This book was just like a highlight reel of monumental events in their life after they finally acknowledge their feelings, and I would have really liked to see more.
I know this is a novella and is meant to be short, but it really does have the premise to be a longer story and getting to see more of King and Knight before their big confrontation would have made this story much more enjoyable!
Nevertheless, I really liked this one and would recommend it if you're looking for a short but fiery enemies to lover story with a really sweet HEA!
*I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.*
June 28, 2021
Because I love sports romance so much, I particularly enjoy reading a book about a sport that is currently playing a big tournament/game. So the fact that Battle for the Top is ready to read with Wimbledon starting is so perfect! It is just the right-size story to give you a powerful hit of two hot tennis players that really know how to steam up the pages. However, even though the main characters are both tennis players, there is very little time spent on-the-page in actual tennis play making this book suitable for all readers and not just fans of sports romance. The story focuses on the couple and their journey, not the sport.
This book was so enjoyable for me not only because of its appropriate timing, but also because even though Knight and King start out as enemies/rivals, it isn't an angsty fest of misunderstandings. The moment when the tide turns is HOT, complete with more steam that continues between them. So if turning up the heat is what you're looking for, click away. And even though they are super competitive, they find time to have some swoony moments, as well.
Battle for the Top wrapped up some of my favorite things such as mixing two top tennis players who find other ways to be competitive..... off the court. Couple this with romantic moments and witty banter and I’m hooked! This is a perfect slice of tennis romance to pair with watching Wimbledon (or any other time you like). I actually hope to see even more of this couple in the future.
This book was so enjoyable for me not only because of its appropriate timing, but also because even though Knight and King start out as enemies/rivals, it isn't an angsty fest of misunderstandings. The moment when the tide turns is HOT, complete with more steam that continues between them. So if turning up the heat is what you're looking for, click away. And even though they are super competitive, they find time to have some swoony moments, as well.
Battle for the Top wrapped up some of my favorite things such as mixing two top tennis players who find other ways to be competitive..... off the court. Couple this with romantic moments and witty banter and I’m hooked! This is a perfect slice of tennis romance to pair with watching Wimbledon (or any other time you like). I actually hope to see even more of this couple in the future.
July 1, 2021
Let me say that I love Ariella Zoelle's writing and if this is what we have to expect from her, I can't wait to read more. King and Knight had that right amount of enemies to lovers that any reader with a love for the trope would want. Knight doesn't like King but King has been in love with Knight for years, Knight just didn't know it. Knight will do anything to always be on top and he will do anything to beat King on the court. When King shows up late for a press conference, it lights an even brighter fire in the fight between them. When Knight learns why King was late and what King is really feeling for him, the chemistry between them changes and boy does the fire turn into a full explosion. Knight learns the real reason why King does everything he can to win. He wants Knight's attention and he wants him to know his true feelings for him. When King learns the truth, there is no going back and they both learn the chemistry between them will continue to grow. Who knew love could grow from a healthy dose of competition??
I loved this story. The characters and the story were well developed. The only complaint I have is that it wasn't long enough. I wanted more. Thank you Ariella for the superb writing and for bringing us King and Knight's story.
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review as part of Gay Romance Reviews.
I loved this story. The characters and the story were well developed. The only complaint I have is that it wasn't long enough. I wanted more. Thank you Ariella for the superb writing and for bringing us King and Knight's story.
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review as part of Gay Romance Reviews.
June 24, 2021
This is a great new series from Ariella Zoelle! In one short story, they give the MC's a strong physical and emotional connection from something that starts as enemies, at least in Knightly's eyes, and leads to a real bond between them.
Knightly and Kingston are the top tennis players in the world and since Kingston came up the ranks, Knightly has not been able to beat him, something he rages about and is determined to change. However, Kingston changes something else for them and does it in the best way, showing Knightly what he could have it he saw what's been right in front of him this whole time.
I love that we have a new sports romance that is set in the world of tennis, not one of the more common ones. The competitive nature of the players and their professionalism shines through in how much they both want to win, regardless of their relationship. Knightly's revelations are heartfelt and are perfectly matched in Kingston's honesty about his hopes for the couple.
A brilliant story. It may be short but it packs a punch and is a fun read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Knightly and Kingston are the top tennis players in the world and since Kingston came up the ranks, Knightly has not been able to beat him, something he rages about and is determined to change. However, Kingston changes something else for them and does it in the best way, showing Knightly what he could have it he saw what's been right in front of him this whole time.
I love that we have a new sports romance that is set in the world of tennis, not one of the more common ones. The competitive nature of the players and their professionalism shines through in how much they both want to win, regardless of their relationship. Knightly's revelations are heartfelt and are perfectly matched in Kingston's honesty about his hopes for the couple.
A brilliant story. It may be short but it packs a punch and is a fun read.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
July 2, 2021
Tennis pros Knightley and Kingston have been top competitors for years, but little does Knightley know that for all of his fiery hatred of losing matches to his one and only true rival, Kingston burns just as hot for the man himself.
This rivals-to-lovers novella is more intense than I was expecting (in a good way), and I appreciate how it's dual POV so we get both MC's perspectives on each other and their rapidly evolving relationship. Knightley is an interesting character, a diehard competitor to the last, and that Kingston really sees, loves and appreciates all he is, is heartening.
There's no shortage of heated banter and steamy times here but I would've liked some more time spent just talking, too, particularly since this is a completely unexpected Bi-FY experience for Knightley. There's some self-analysis and personal growth, and I couldn't help but think how additional pages (novel vs. novella) could've turned this into a much deeper and emotionally affecting story. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
This rivals-to-lovers novella is more intense than I was expecting (in a good way), and I appreciate how it's dual POV so we get both MC's perspectives on each other and their rapidly evolving relationship. Knightley is an interesting character, a diehard competitor to the last, and that Kingston really sees, loves and appreciates all he is, is heartening.
There's no shortage of heated banter and steamy times here but I would've liked some more time spent just talking, too, particularly since this is a completely unexpected Bi-FY experience for Knightley. There's some self-analysis and personal growth, and I couldn't help but think how additional pages (novel vs. novella) could've turned this into a much deeper and emotionally affecting story. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)
June 28, 2021
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did.
Knightley and Kingston were good characters, but I didn't connect with them the way that I had hoped. The romance between them didn't feel as genuine as others that I've read. However, it was still a good story.
The writing was amazing and I think I see myself giving Ariella Zoelle another chance on a different book. Her writing was gripping and enthralling. The scenes between them, both boys grappling for control, was absolute fire. She didn't water down the book with too much angst or too much technical writing on tennis.
But if I can't connect to the characters, I have a hard time enjoying the book as a whole. I did have a slight emotional connection to the final scenes of the book, but not nearly enough to bond with any of the characters in a real way.
All in all, it was a good quick read and I look forward to reading others by this author.
** arc provided by gay romance reviews and this is my honest opinion. **
Knightley and Kingston were good characters, but I didn't connect with them the way that I had hoped. The romance between them didn't feel as genuine as others that I've read. However, it was still a good story.
The writing was amazing and I think I see myself giving Ariella Zoelle another chance on a different book. Her writing was gripping and enthralling. The scenes between them, both boys grappling for control, was absolute fire. She didn't water down the book with too much angst or too much technical writing on tennis.
But if I can't connect to the characters, I have a hard time enjoying the book as a whole. I did have a slight emotional connection to the final scenes of the book, but not nearly enough to bond with any of the characters in a real way.
All in all, it was a good quick read and I look forward to reading others by this author.
** arc provided by gay romance reviews and this is my honest opinion. **
June 28, 2021
King and Knight
WOW! I have to say this is different than Ariella's normal writing style but I enjoyed it. This book is shorter than her other books which means things happen faster, boy do they ever! At first I was afraid I could not like Knight due to his self importance and unyielding competitiveness with any and everything. However, thanks to King he starts opening up to a softer side. The only person that witnesses this is King behind closed doors because on the court he is still going to demand that he is the dominant one. King is a bit mischievous and lighthearted but a force to be reckoned with on the court. He also happens to be in love with his only true rival. How they get together the first time is brilliant on the part of King I must say. The banter between the two even in the intimate moments is snarky and fun as well as serious and loving. The ending and bonus scene are both sweet and true to how these two handle everything, with competition. If you want a quick fun read this is it.
WOW! I have to say this is different than Ariella's normal writing style but I enjoyed it. This book is shorter than her other books which means things happen faster, boy do they ever! At first I was afraid I could not like Knight due to his self importance and unyielding competitiveness with any and everything. However, thanks to King he starts opening up to a softer side. The only person that witnesses this is King behind closed doors because on the court he is still going to demand that he is the dominant one. King is a bit mischievous and lighthearted but a force to be reckoned with on the court. He also happens to be in love with his only true rival. How they get together the first time is brilliant on the part of King I must say. The banter between the two even in the intimate moments is snarky and fun as well as serious and loving. The ending and bonus scene are both sweet and true to how these two handle everything, with competition. If you want a quick fun read this is it.
July 1, 2021
So, this is a tennis book with a chess slant in the names used for the main characters and moves made. I think that maybe I missed something because I found this book to be lacking in any real story depth although there was plenty of other deep stuff!
A GFY/bi awakening, and a hot angry admission leads to some explosive scenes that were of top quality. However, great s3x scenes do make up for the lack of quality characters and story. I’m often saying to author friends that I want more s3x scenes in books but in this case, I wanted a longer book with a better story and contextual s3x scenes.
Because of the lack of story, it just seemed to move from page to page, scene to scene, with no real direction. The tenuous story that was there wasn’t particularly believable when I found it!
The base line is that it’s ok but not great, but as I always say you should read it to make up your own mind. xx
I received a copy of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews and provide my honest review voluntarily.
A GFY/bi awakening, and a hot angry admission leads to some explosive scenes that were of top quality. However, great s3x scenes do make up for the lack of quality characters and story. I’m often saying to author friends that I want more s3x scenes in books but in this case, I wanted a longer book with a better story and contextual s3x scenes.
Because of the lack of story, it just seemed to move from page to page, scene to scene, with no real direction. The tenuous story that was there wasn’t particularly believable when I found it!
The base line is that it’s ok but not great, but as I always say you should read it to make up your own mind. xx
I received a copy of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews and provide my honest review voluntarily.
July 3, 2021
Knightley and Kingston are the two top tennis players in the world, and Knight is sick of losing to King because, for the last two years, he has been losing. And after being the world champ, it’s killing him. Meanwhile, King has been playing the long game. For the past five years, he’s been playing an epic game of foreplay. He can see what the world can’t in Knight, that he’s not the Iceman he’s been dubbed, and that he needs someone to challenge him. And that person is King.
For such a short story, this sure was explosive. Knight is just as competitive off the court as he is on the court. And turns out he’s truly met his match in King, and it was fantastic. I wish this was longer because their chemistry was off the charts and made for an awesome read.
Battle for the Top really is a battle between the characters, and the ending is well worth it. This deserves all the stars, and I’m going to read more books by Ariella Zoelle.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
For such a short story, this sure was explosive. Knight is just as competitive off the court as he is on the court. And turns out he’s truly met his match in King, and it was fantastic. I wish this was longer because their chemistry was off the charts and made for an awesome read.
Battle for the Top really is a battle between the characters, and the ending is well worth it. This deserves all the stars, and I’m going to read more books by Ariella Zoelle.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
July 11, 2021
So good!
This is the first book I’ve read by Ariella Zoelle and I loved it. It’s a pretty short novella but it didn’t feel that short to me while I read it. The blurb sets the stage for the book perfectly so give it a look-see.
I loved the dynamic between Knight and King. It’s said that there is a fine line between love and hate and these two prove that to be very true. The story is HOT and fast paced – just like a good tennis match.
If you haven’t already subscribed to Ariella’s newsletter you need to do it so you can get the bonus chapter that takes place after the end of the book. The story had a satisfying ending but the bonus chapter made it even better. I’m sure I’ll be reading more books from this author.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com (posting on July 14, 2021)***
This is the first book I’ve read by Ariella Zoelle and I loved it. It’s a pretty short novella but it didn’t feel that short to me while I read it. The blurb sets the stage for the book perfectly so give it a look-see.
I loved the dynamic between Knight and King. It’s said that there is a fine line between love and hate and these two prove that to be very true. The story is HOT and fast paced – just like a good tennis match.
If you haven’t already subscribed to Ariella’s newsletter you need to do it so you can get the bonus chapter that takes place after the end of the book. The story had a satisfying ending but the bonus chapter made it even better. I’m sure I’ll be reading more books from this author.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com (posting on July 14, 2021)***
July 14, 2021
Normally I am not a big tennis fan, but I am a fan of Ariella Zoelle's books. From the first chapter where Knight lost to King in a major tournament, I thought, great, another boring book about tennis. But shortly after that, things heated up pretty quickly and then it was on! King was a worthy opponent on and off the court for Knight. Knight hated King, or thought he did. I started reading and couldn't put this book down, it had me smiling that much and happy that both of them could be so truthful to each other. Tennis is mentioned in this book, but it's not about tennis. It is about loving someone so much, that you make yourself worthy of their attention, fully, until they realize that you are all they think about and want to be with. Love conquers all! I loved Battle for the Top. When it ended, I had a smile on my face and could go to bed dreaming of love. Enjoy!
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.
June 27, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This short novella was incredibly steamy and set a great premise with the two main characters, Kingston and Knightley, battling for the top spots at various tennis championships. Things moved quickly, starting from the point where Knightley has lost (once again) to Kingston and is boiling with anger about it. I think the blurb really painted a clear picture of what was to happen in the book and, in the short time I got to know them, King and Knight were great to read about. My only wish is that this was a longer read! I felt like, with more time, their story could really have been developed and we'd get to see more about where to two might end up in the future.
Overall, if you're looking for a short MM romance with some great chemistry and steamy scenes, this book is the one you want.
This short novella was incredibly steamy and set a great premise with the two main characters, Kingston and Knightley, battling for the top spots at various tennis championships. Things moved quickly, starting from the point where Knightley has lost (once again) to Kingston and is boiling with anger about it. I think the blurb really painted a clear picture of what was to happen in the book and, in the short time I got to know them, King and Knight were great to read about. My only wish is that this was a longer read! I felt like, with more time, their story could really have been developed and we'd get to see more about where to two might end up in the future.
Overall, if you're looking for a short MM romance with some great chemistry and steamy scenes, this book is the one you want.
June 28, 2021
4 Stars
Who knew tennis could be so hot? Battle for the Top by Ariella Zoelle definitely fits the bill. It is an opponent-to-lovers story with extra high heat, instalove, and is very swoon-worthy.
Characters Kingston and Knightley battle for top spot in the tennis world. Things happen a little differently in the bedroom, but that's half the fun. The dedication Kingston has to become as good as Knight, just to be "worthy" of him, is truly sweet. Their banter is what made this book so enjoyable for me.
There were a lot of steamy scenes which had me reaching for a fan. There was very little angst and what conflict exists gets resolved quickly. This was a quick, fiery, and entertaining read.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Who knew tennis could be so hot? Battle for the Top by Ariella Zoelle definitely fits the bill. It is an opponent-to-lovers story with extra high heat, instalove, and is very swoon-worthy.
Characters Kingston and Knightley battle for top spot in the tennis world. Things happen a little differently in the bedroom, but that's half the fun. The dedication Kingston has to become as good as Knight, just to be "worthy" of him, is truly sweet. Their banter is what made this book so enjoyable for me.
There were a lot of steamy scenes which had me reaching for a fan. There was very little angst and what conflict exists gets resolved quickly. This was a quick, fiery, and entertaining read.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 18, 2021
Short and sweet sports romance!
I loved this super sweet and fun sports romance novella! Sports romance is one of my favorite genres and I absolutely loved Battle to the Top. Knight and King were such competitive and fun characters. I love that they were able to build a relationship while keeping their highly competitive natures on the court. Since this is a novella, the story does feel a little bit fast (but that's to be expected) but I really think this would make an awesome expanded stand-alone or even the start to a sports romance series! The epilogue was my favorite chapter and I am so glad they both found happiness together on and off the court in the end! Great little novella by a fantastic author! I received an ARC for an honest and fair review.
I loved this super sweet and fun sports romance novella! Sports romance is one of my favorite genres and I absolutely loved Battle to the Top. Knight and King were such competitive and fun characters. I love that they were able to build a relationship while keeping their highly competitive natures on the court. Since this is a novella, the story does feel a little bit fast (but that's to be expected) but I really think this would make an awesome expanded stand-alone or even the start to a sports romance series! The epilogue was my favorite chapter and I am so glad they both found happiness together on and off the court in the end! Great little novella by a fantastic author! I received an ARC for an honest and fair review.
June 22, 2021
I absolutely love Ariella Zoelle's books! Now I have another new story to love. This one is a very quick yet oh so steamy read that will actually make you want more of the interaction between Knightly and Kingston. These two are tennis rivals, really the only ones who challenge each other on the court. What Knightly fails to realize is that his complete hatred of his opponent really masks something even stronger. Kingston proves to him that there really is a very fine line between love and hate; and passion on the tennis court can turn into some pretty heated moments in bed. Kingston has actually been using tennis as foreplay, knowing that beating him on the court is the only way to get Knightly's attention. And boy does he ever capture it! I need a cold drink and a fan now.
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