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vanillestokje's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookishraquel's review
4.0
Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️
What to Expect:
- Hockey Romance
- Best Friend's Brother
- Fake Dating
- Agent/Player
- Forced Proximity
- He Falls First
- No Third-Act Breakup
- Black Love
- Caribbean FMC/ Nigerian Canadian MMC
She's a Grinder was my first read by Tember Sapphire, and I loved it. I love sports romance books, and it's rare to find stories with diverse characters. Representation matters, and this book made my heart smile.
Catherine is the president of operations at a prominent sports agency in Canada. She hasn't visited her family in over ten years, which her Caribbean mother is unhappy about. As the eldest daughter, she is under constant pressure from her mother to settle down and start a family. Catherine values her independence, is career-oriented, and doesn't feel she needs a husband to live her best life. Her sister's wedding is coming up, and in anticipation of her mother bringing up Catherine's lack of dating, she plans to find a fate date to accompany her. Enter Tijjani Kyautu. He is a professional hockey player who happens to be her best friend's brother. In need of a new agent, Tijjani proposes he serves as Catherine's fake date in exchange for her assistance with his career.
I enjoyed Tijjani and Catherine together. They had great chemistry, and I loved their banter. Tijjani is great book boyfriend material. He was sweet, attentive, and exactly what Catherine needed. This story has well-developed characters, a great plot, swoony moments, and sizzling spice. I loved the inclusion of Caribbean and Nigerian cultural elements. She's a Grinder is an enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read more from Tember Sapphire.
Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️
What to Expect:
- Hockey Romance
- Best Friend's Brother
- Fake Dating
- Agent/Player
- Forced Proximity
- He Falls First
- No Third-Act Breakup
- Black Love
- Caribbean FMC/ Nigerian Canadian MMC
She's a Grinder was my first read by Tember Sapphire, and I loved it. I love sports romance books, and it's rare to find stories with diverse characters. Representation matters, and this book made my heart smile.
Catherine is the president of operations at a prominent sports agency in Canada. She hasn't visited her family in over ten years, which her Caribbean mother is unhappy about. As the eldest daughter, she is under constant pressure from her mother to settle down and start a family. Catherine values her independence, is career-oriented, and doesn't feel she needs a husband to live her best life. Her sister's wedding is coming up, and in anticipation of her mother bringing up Catherine's lack of dating, she plans to find a fate date to accompany her. Enter Tijjani Kyautu. He is a professional hockey player who happens to be her best friend's brother. In need of a new agent, Tijjani proposes he serves as Catherine's fake date in exchange for her assistance with his career.
I enjoyed Tijjani and Catherine together. They had great chemistry, and I loved their banter. Tijjani is great book boyfriend material. He was sweet, attentive, and exactly what Catherine needed. This story has well-developed characters, a great plot, swoony moments, and sizzling spice. I loved the inclusion of Caribbean and Nigerian cultural elements. She's a Grinder is an enjoyable read, and I can't wait to read more from Tember Sapphire.
caitlinsbookpile's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
She’s a Grinder is a hockey romance with a fake dating trope (and maybe something turning into more, you’ll have to read to find out) with her best friends brother. Catherine is a top agent for sports players and Tijjani is in need of a new agent due to unforeseen circumstances, Catherine is recommend by his best friend. This works perfectly as both are in a sticky situation and it serves the perfect chance for Tijjani’s little crush to become something more.
How do I explain how CUTE and SPICY this book is 😩 I loveee to see an independent girl going after her dreams but to also have the man beg for her, it had me kicking and swinging my feet.
We have it all hockey, best friends brother, fake dating, one bed(?!), he is literally on his knees for her and she is making him work.
Ok, so I read a lot European books and I think we all swoon over our Italian and Russian names BUT have we ever considered branching out and pushing the door open for other cultures because I want to hear Tijjani say Gimbiya forever, that’s the sweetest thing ever. Are you crazy.
I loved reading about a book with Nigerian and Caribbean culture, it was a new experience and I had a huge throwback to growing up with my sisters and her ex boyfriends cooking 🫠 you cannot beat Caribbean food.
This year has to be the year where we see more mainstream tropes with lesser used cultures - I want to see more POC writers, with these tropes and their cultures because whewwww was this something I needed without knowing it.
*Thank you, for the opportunity to ARC read this book! In exchange for an honest review *
How do I explain how CUTE and SPICY this book is 😩 I loveee to see an independent girl going after her dreams but to also have the man beg for her, it had me kicking and swinging my feet.
We have it all hockey, best friends brother, fake dating, one bed(?!), he is literally on his knees for her and she is making him work.
Ok, so I read a lot European books and I think we all swoon over our Italian and Russian names BUT have we ever considered branching out and pushing the door open for other cultures because I want to hear Tijjani say Gimbiya forever, that’s the sweetest thing ever. Are you crazy.
I loved reading about a book with Nigerian and Caribbean culture, it was a new experience and I had a huge throwback to growing up with my sisters and her ex boyfriends cooking 🫠 you cannot beat Caribbean food.
This year has to be the year where we see more mainstream tropes with lesser used cultures - I want to see more POC writers, with these tropes and their cultures because whewwww was this something I needed without knowing it.
*Thank you, for the opportunity to ARC read this book! In exchange for an honest review *
coffeeandlostinabook's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is a great intro book to sports romance. Catherine is a strong FMC who is career-driven and independent. She is proud that she doesn't need a man to make her feel complete. Relationships are not on her mind because she knows exactly what she wants and knows her goals. She doesn't want any distractions. She's the president of PR of her company and strives to be the best.
Tijjani is such a sweet golden retriever MMC. He's a hockey player who is looking for a new agent when is sister recommends her best friend. He's the oldest child who feels the pressure from his parents to get an education and settle down. He's always had a bit of a crush on his sister's best friend, Catherine, so when the opportunity opens up he jumps at it.
When Catherine needs a date for her sister's wedding, she drops a hint to Tijjani while discussing his new agent contract. Tijjani comes up with a plan to help her quiet her parents desire of her getting married too. He does everything as he can to make this perfect for Catherine and wants to spend as much time as possible to get to know her better and if Catherine develops feelings for him even better.
Tijjani swoons her over and over again. He listens to even her smallest interests and fulfills them. How can you not love that? The chemistry between them is insane and no matter how much Catherine resists Tijjani makes it harder and harder for her to resist.
The whole story is really cute and sweet. The characters are likeable and even relatable if you're the oldest. The book is spicy and adventurous. I also love how Tijjani never gave up all while giving Catherine the space and time that she needed. Another plus was that I loved how Temple added native language into her story. It adds a little something special to the story.
Tijjani is such a sweet golden retriever MMC. He's a hockey player who is looking for a new agent when is sister recommends her best friend. He's the oldest child who feels the pressure from his parents to get an education and settle down. He's always had a bit of a crush on his sister's best friend, Catherine, so when the opportunity opens up he jumps at it.
When Catherine needs a date for her sister's wedding, she drops a hint to Tijjani while discussing his new agent contract. Tijjani comes up with a plan to help her quiet her parents desire of her getting married too. He does everything as he can to make this perfect for Catherine and wants to spend as much time as possible to get to know her better and if Catherine develops feelings for him even better.
Tijjani swoons her over and over again. He listens to even her smallest interests and fulfills them. How can you not love that? The chemistry between them is insane and no matter how much Catherine resists Tijjani makes it harder and harder for her to resist.
The whole story is really cute and sweet. The characters are likeable and even relatable if you're the oldest. The book is spicy and adventurous. I also love how Tijjani never gave up all while giving Catherine the space and time that she needed. Another plus was that I loved how Temple added native language into her story. It adds a little something special to the story.
s_marsh21's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book had such a wonderful Flavor!! I love all the food, family and characters and the way the added to the story. The FMC is determined to make her own way in the world without a man and the MMC is just as determined to show her how much of an assets he can be. They work really hard on their relationship and communicate really well. If you hate books where they don’t open up to each other and just have a conversation- you will like this book. Fun sports themes and hot dates too!
tamitam55's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Wonderful hockey romance with a kick ass heroine and a hot AF hockey god... I mean, man. This book was so full of a rich culture. Kudos Ms. Sapphire, kudos.
kenna25's review
4.0
I loved getting to see Catherine break her walls down throughout the story. Tijjiani did not give up on Catherine. He knew what he wanted and he fought for her. Catherine is a strong woman and he does not try to change her and doesn’t want her to sacrifice anything for him. These two have great banter and chemistry! I love how the author represents different cultures and instead of just kinda brushing over their cultures she brings in their different food and phrases.
honeydipped229's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a great first book for an introduction to sports romance. This book had a little be of everything reverse grumpy/sunshine, best friend's brother, fake dating, and some decent spice. I absolutely loved Tijjani! He's caring, protective and very adventurous both outside and inside the bedroom. Their relationship brought Catherine out of her self imposed shell.
rainydaybookaddict's review
5.0
Swoon-Check, Strong FMC-Check, Absolutely lovable MMC- Check, Spice- Double Check. This story has everything the pace is perfect. The connection with the characters has a natural flow due to him being her best friend’s brother.
Catherine the FMC is a strong independent woman she is career driven and is mature enough to know that with her focus on her career a relationship is not in the cards at this time. She also knows what she wants and what she deserves and won’t take anything less. Cath is also the oldest of her family and with that comes with it’s own pressures mainly to settle down and get married like her youngest sister. Which leads to her to look for a fake date for the wedding.
Tijjani the MMC is such a golden retriever so what happens to him in the beginning absolutely breaks your heart the more you learn about him and fall in love with him. He plays hockey and needs to find a new agent due to the circumstances. He also is the oldest child of his family and feels the pressures because he chose to go straight to the NHL instead of college so the scandal has his parents putting more pressure about his career. His sister Mjayy recommends he talks with Cath due to her being president of Hockey Operations at one of the top sport agencies.
Now Tijjani has always had a crush on Cath so when the opportunity arrives for the fake dating at her sisters wedding he jumps at the chance and goes all in. When I say all in I mean all in not only is it the sweetest but it is realistic the things he does for her. The chemistry between them is off the charts from the beginning she does try to resist but he makes it really hard. This was a great story I cannot wait to read more from Tember.
~~What to Expect~~
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Fake Dating
🏒Best Friend’s Brother
🏒One Bed
🏒Player X Agent
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒He Falls First
🏒Public Play
🏒No Third Act Break-Up
~~Quotes~~
💙If beauty were time, you’d be an eternity. P.S. Lucky for me, time stands still when I’m with you.
💙She’s my present and my future and I’m not going anywhere. Be sure to quote me on that.
Catherine the FMC is a strong independent woman she is career driven and is mature enough to know that with her focus on her career a relationship is not in the cards at this time. She also knows what she wants and what she deserves and won’t take anything less. Cath is also the oldest of her family and with that comes with it’s own pressures mainly to settle down and get married like her youngest sister. Which leads to her to look for a fake date for the wedding.
Tijjani the MMC is such a golden retriever so what happens to him in the beginning absolutely breaks your heart the more you learn about him and fall in love with him. He plays hockey and needs to find a new agent due to the circumstances. He also is the oldest child of his family and feels the pressures because he chose to go straight to the NHL instead of college so the scandal has his parents putting more pressure about his career. His sister Mjayy recommends he talks with Cath due to her being president of Hockey Operations at one of the top sport agencies.
Now Tijjani has always had a crush on Cath so when the opportunity arrives for the fake dating at her sisters wedding he jumps at the chance and goes all in. When I say all in I mean all in not only is it the sweetest but it is realistic the things he does for her. The chemistry between them is off the charts from the beginning she does try to resist but he makes it really hard. This was a great story I cannot wait to read more from Tember.
~~What to Expect~~
🏒Hockey Romance
🏒Fake Dating
🏒Best Friend’s Brother
🏒One Bed
🏒Player X Agent
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒He Falls First
🏒Public Play
🏒No Third Act Break-Up
~~Quotes~~
💙If beauty were time, you’d be an eternity. P.S. Lucky for me, time stands still when I’m with you.
💙She’s my present and my future and I’m not going anywhere. Be sure to quote me on that.
brittanysuereads's review
4.25
”She’s my present and my future and I’m not going anywhere.”
Another hit from Tember Sapphire! Stand alone series are quickly becoming my favorite. I always get excited when characters from previous stories make an appearance while I’m enjoying a complete different characters story. As the first born this story was extremely relatable, which created a deeper emotional connection to the story as I was able to truly empathize and understand the pressure felt by the FMC & MMC from their parents. Major kudos to the author for effectively portraying such a realistic and relatable struggle with the characters. I loved the main characters and their relationship. Catherine is an intelligent, powerful, career-driven, FMC that craves professionalism, organization and control. Tijjani is a passionate, attentive, pro hockey playing MMC that will steal your heart and dirty talk your pants off. Their relationship is perfection; the way in which he supports and cares for her, giving her the space to be herself but also encouraging her to let loose and take a chance on life is swoon worthy. I also enjoyed the impact Tijjani made on Catherine and how it / he encouraged her character growth, which was beautiful, empowering, and inspiring
One thing I didn’t like was the giant unprompted timeline jump, I felt like maybe I missed some important details and it took me a minute to figure out where we were and what was going on. Also, this is a me thing, but the majority of the time, after the dialogue was initiated by a character there was no additional cues throughout the dialogue to verify who was talking. This typically is fine and easy to follow if there’s just a couple lines going back and forth between characters. However, there were some lengthy scenes of dialogue that due to my ADHD and lack of cues I found it hard to follow, unsure of who was talking and had to go back to re-read multiple times in order to comprehend. Again, a me thing, but a fellow neurodivergent might like to know.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you fake dating, public, hockey 🏒 romance, as well as, a strong, independent, Caribbean FMC with a determined, supportive, Nigerian MMC - then I would recommend this book to you.
*Thank you, Tember Sapphire and Happily Booked PR, for a complimentary e-copy, I’m voluntarily leaving a review.