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A review by ggbookrecclub
Wicked Serve by Grace Reilly
emotional
funny
fast-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
5.0
Stop everything! Izzy’s story is my favorite Beyond the Play book. No Question. Wicked Serve is everything you want from a college sports romance. We’ve got an expirationship turned secret relationship with a seriously hot hockey player. Then there’s the whole broody brother’s rival turned his teammate thing. And a whole lot of family drama-but not with the Callahans, because they’re basically perfect.
Pre reading Wicked Serve I was hesitant about Izzy’s book. Sometimes the final book in a series can feel like an obligation and with books 1-3 being so great, it was a lot for Wicked Serve to live up to. I love how each of these siblings are their own person going through their own struggles. On the outside, Izzy appears to be a spoiled college student. With a retired NFL dad, doting mother, one brother in the NFL, one pivoting from sports to cooking because he’s got too many talents, and another headed to the NHL post college, it would appear that Izzy’s life is easy. But don’t think this is your typical poor little rich girl story. Izzy’s got some serious grit. Her volleyball coach is really hard on her. And not in the way that coaches can be tough, but in the “what is your deal?” kind of way. It just seems like some people are determined to “teach her a lesson.” But what is there to teach a girl who works hard, loves her family, shows up for the team, and brings the sunshine with her wherever she goes? But being removed from her setter position doesn’t make Izzy quit. It makes her work harder. Adding in extra workouts, staying in rather than partying with the other girls on the team, etc. If Izzy wants something, she’s going to find a way to make it happen.
This book travels through every emotion. Izzy and Nick hooking up in the library? Hot. Nick’s dad? Made me cry. Cute moments in between? Kick your feet good. The epilogue? Also made me cry, but like, in a good way. These two are so freaking cute, I’d take a dozen more epilogues.
If you’ve made it this far in my review, I know you’re already planning on reading this book. How could you not? Go ahead, click download and don't just leave it on your TBR. To reward your good behavior here’s a list of my favorite micro tropes:
-He calls her a cute Russian nickname but doesn’t tell her what it means
-He has a mysterious face scar
-He holds onto a photo after he promised to delete it
-He took a deal that crushed his dreams but brought him closer to his dream girl
-He remembers little details and surprises Izzy with the most meaningful moments
-He stands up to her brothers and tells them they’re hurting her feelings
-No third act break up, but like an important pause
-He takes her seriously when it seems like no one else does
-They crash a wedding
Pre reading Wicked Serve I was hesitant about Izzy’s book. Sometimes the final book in a series can feel like an obligation and with books 1-3 being so great, it was a lot for Wicked Serve to live up to. I love how each of these siblings are their own person going through their own struggles. On the outside, Izzy appears to be a spoiled college student. With a retired NFL dad, doting mother, one brother in the NFL, one pivoting from sports to cooking because he’s got too many talents, and another headed to the NHL post college, it would appear that Izzy’s life is easy. But don’t think this is your typical poor little rich girl story. Izzy’s got some serious grit. Her volleyball coach is really hard on her. And not in the way that coaches can be tough, but in the “what is your deal?” kind of way. It just seems like some people are determined to “teach her a lesson.” But what is there to teach a girl who works hard, loves her family, shows up for the team, and brings the sunshine with her wherever she goes? But being removed from her setter position doesn’t make Izzy quit. It makes her work harder. Adding in extra workouts, staying in rather than partying with the other girls on the team, etc. If Izzy wants something, she’s going to find a way to make it happen.
This book travels through every emotion. Izzy and Nick hooking up in the library? Hot. Nick’s dad? Made me cry. Cute moments in between? Kick your feet good. The epilogue? Also made me cry, but like, in a good way. These two are so freaking cute, I’d take a dozen more epilogues.
If you’ve made it this far in my review, I know you’re already planning on reading this book. How could you not? Go ahead, click download and don't just leave it on your TBR. To reward your good behavior here’s a list of my favorite micro tropes:
-He calls her a cute Russian nickname but doesn’t tell her what it means
-He has a mysterious face scar
-He holds onto a photo after he promised to delete it
-He took a deal that crushed his dreams but brought him closer to his dream girl
-He remembers little details and surprises Izzy with the most meaningful moments
-He stands up to her brothers and tells them they’re hurting her feelings
-No third act break up, but like an important pause
-He takes her seriously when it seems like no one else does
-They crash a wedding
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse