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This was my first read by Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz and I must say I truly enjoyed this sports romance.
I’m a reader that’s big on chemistry between the characters in a story and Merit and Ira had that from the moment she bumped into him literally! Ira was truly what Merit needed and I loved how he was so patient and kind with her.
I loved how this story touched on so many themes such being a black woman in sports and how we of were not up to society’s standards of what a black athlete how it can be.
This truly was an enjoyable read and this won’t be my last reading from this author.
Thank you Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
I’m a reader that’s big on chemistry between the characters in a story and Merit and Ira had that from the moment she bumped into him literally! Ira was truly what Merit needed and I loved how he was so patient and kind with her.
I loved how this story touched on so many themes such being a black woman in sports and how we of were not up to society’s standards of what a black athlete how it can be.
This truly was an enjoyable read and this won’t be my last reading from this author.
Thank you Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Okay, so I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book, but these thoughts are my own. I literally JUST finished the book, and I really enjoyed it. This book had me kicking my feet in the air and giggling y'all.
First off, I love when an author makes the characters complex and relatable. Merit and Ira were exactly that. You can't teach slow burn. Authors can either write it, or they can't, and Ms. Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz can write it! From the banter to watching them slowly falling for each other, to the fights and communication styles, Merit and Ira have officially made it to my top ten couples. I loved how patient he was with her, but also how human they both were in their reactions and interactions. I'm trying to stay away from spoilers since this book isn't officially out yet, but just know that Merit was completely understandable, even as she was frustrating at first. But they both grew throughout the book, which I love seeing.
The side characters were also a joy. There was a point to them, which I appreciated. I don't really like when side characters or kids are shoehorned in there and they serve no real purpose. Thankfully this book wasn't like that. The world building was so cute; I loved their interactions with his family and their teammates.
Overall this book was solid, and I only put it down when I absolutely had to. I'll definitely be reading more from her.
Tropes (that I don't feel are spoilers):
Slow burn romance
Forced Proximity (because Ira was popping up everywhere she was lmao)
Sports Romance
He falls first
First off, I love when an author makes the characters complex and relatable. Merit and Ira were exactly that. You can't teach slow burn. Authors can either write it, or they can't, and Ms. Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz can write it! From the banter to watching them slowly falling for each other, to the fights and communication styles, Merit and Ira have officially made it to my top ten couples. I loved how patient he was with her, but also how human they both were in their reactions and interactions. I'm trying to stay away from spoilers since this book isn't officially out yet, but just know that Merit was completely understandable, even as she was frustrating at first. But they both grew throughout the book, which I love seeing.
The side characters were also a joy. There was a point to them, which I appreciated. I don't really like when side characters or kids are shoehorned in there and they serve no real purpose. Thankfully this book wasn't like that. The world building was so cute; I loved their interactions with his family and their teammates.
Overall this book was solid, and I only put it down when I absolutely had to. I'll definitely be reading more from her.
Tropes (that I don't feel are spoilers):
Slow burn romance
Forced Proximity (because Ira was popping up everywhere she was lmao)
Sports Romance
He falls first
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
Slow Burn Addict
As a slow burn addict, I don’t think I’ve read a book more perfect than this!
Merit and I are similar in many ways and to watch her blossom throughout this book, and to see the way Ira was head over heels for her made my heart swell. Ira is what I call the man of all men. His extravaganza lies in his words, his patience, and his thrill to be apart of Merit’s life.
This will definitely be a re-read for me! I’m still reeling as I type this review, wishing I had the physical copy in my possession. Adorabol (Ms. Dori) has earned a new fan.
As a slow burn addict, I don’t think I’ve read a book more perfect than this!
Merit and I are similar in many ways and to watch her blossom throughout this book, and to see the way Ira was head over heels for her made my heart swell. Ira is what I call the man of all men. His extravaganza lies in his words, his patience, and his thrill to be apart of Merit’s life.
This will definitely be a re-read for me! I’m still reeling as I type this review, wishing I had the physical copy in my possession. Adorabol (Ms. Dori) has earned a new fan.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
I am very happy and grateful I was able to read this book as an ARC reader.
It follows the lives of Ira King and Merit Jones. Ira tore his ACL a year ago and recovered successfully. He was now deciding what he wanted to do next in his career. Merit just recently tore her ACL and was in her comeback season. The two bond over this and their love for basketball. The question is will it become something more?
Overall this was a cute love story. It was slow in the beginning, but about 40% in, it starts to pick up. It was more sports heavy than I thought it was going to be, but I also didn’t mind it because I could keep up. Reading this, especially during the 2024 Olympics watching both men and women basketball teams win gold, I felt like I was at the game during every basketball game scene.
It follows the lives of Ira King and Merit Jones. Ira tore his ACL a year ago and recovered successfully. He was now deciding what he wanted to do next in his career. Merit just recently tore her ACL and was in her comeback season. The two bond over this and their love for basketball. The question is will it become something more?
Overall this was a cute love story. It was slow in the beginning, but about 40% in, it starts to pick up. It was more sports heavy than I thought it was going to be, but I also didn’t mind it because I could keep up. Reading this, especially during the 2024 Olympics watching both men and women basketball teams win gold, I felt like I was at the game during every basketball game scene.
emotional
funny
fast-paced
This was such a sweet story! Both Ira and I love Merit so much💕 This was a beautiful journey with ups and downs, but I adored every moment. I laughed and got misty-eyed. Perfectionnnn
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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