The new year began with a delightful dive into a sports romance that delivered on many fronts. The story introduces us to Evie, a lovable and resilient FMC. Despite enduring a tragic event and facing an unwelcoming new environment fueled by misunderstandings, Evie manages to maintain her strength and composure—even if she sometimes has to fake it. Her character shines through in her maturity, her ability to stand up for herself despite fear, and her upfront nature, even when it doesn't put her in the best light. Evie truly embodies a strong female main character, and I found her journey inspiring and engaging.
Then there’s Carter. His initial treatment of Evie left me reeling—hot one moment, cold the next. However, once he realized the error of his assumptions, Carter made sincere efforts to right his wrongs. What stood out most about him was his unwavering love and trust in Evie. He respected her boundaries and wishes, proving himself to be a man deeply in love. Carter’s dedication and his willingness to stand up for Evie were admirable and added depth to his character.
As for the side characters, they were a mixed bag. Jack, the funny and fiercely loyal best friend, was a highlight. His humor and protectiveness toward Evie made him an endearing character. Grayson, on the other hand, felt less compelling. He fit the trope of the guy angling for more than friendship, only to act hurt when rebuffed. While this dynamic can sometimes add tension, Evie’s clear communication about wanting only friendship made his persistence less sympathetic. Then there’s Katherine, the quintessential delusional ex-girlfriend. Her antics were entertaining, albeit predictable.
While the story had much to offer, there were missed opportunities in its subplots that left me wanting more. For instance:
Carter’s Home Life: The strained relationships with his stepmom and stepsister were touched on but never fully explored. It seemed like Carter wanted to connect with his stepsister, but the lack of detail about their dynamic was a missed opportunity.
Evie and the Senator: The connection between Evie and the senator was apparent early on, but when Evie discovers the truth, it’s barely addressed. A single page of explanation felt insufficient for such a significant plot point.
Katherine and Her Mother: After their threats and eventual exposure, their downfall was relegated to a brief mention in the epilogue. How did the senator approach them? How did it all go down?These questions begged for more attention.
The ending, while satisfying in its resolution, felt rushed. Major revelations and conflicts were tied up neatly but lacked the depth and detail they deserved. The build-up warranted a more thorough exploration of the fallout and resolutions.
Despite all of what felt was lacking, the story’s strengths—particularly the chemistry between the main characters made it an enjoyable read. The FMC and MMC had a connection that leapt off the page, and their journey together kept me hooked.
In conclusion, this sports romance delivered a compelling story with strong leads and plenty of chemistry. While the rushed ending and underdeveloped subplots held it back from being truly exceptional, it’s a book I would recommend to fans of the genre. It’s a great start to the reading year.