Review: The Autumn Review for GAME SET MATCH
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 10, 2013
GAME. SET. MATCH. was exactly what I needed. I fell hard for the characters and became consumed by the story. As a former athlete, I remember what it's like to search for that win, the score, the ultimate victory. These girls and their guys, show determination, strength of character, and definitely resilience. I enjoyed getting to know each girl, but found myself getting attached to two in particular. So, I've decided to write my review in the same way the book was written. Each chapter is told from either, Penny, Indy, or Jasmine's POV, so I'll break down my thoughts in the same way.I'll start with Penny. Penny is the most successful player at the Academy at this point in the story. She's moving into pro-level status and is set on continuing to win. She trains hard and plays the game hard. I liked her almost immediately. What made me love her even more was seeing her more vulnerable side with fellow star, Alex. Alex is known as the bad boy in tennis, but he certainly is a great match for Penny. Alex is flirty, sexy, competitive, and made me laugh repeatedly. I liked getting the back story on how they met and what happened between them. Watching them develop a relationship was not only steamy at times, but also very sweet.Next up for me was Indy. Indy actually starts off the book. She's taken a break from tennis after her mom had passed away, but after watching Penny win a tournament, she feels like she's ready to get back on track. She's the new girl at the Academy and isn't really liked right away. Indy is seen as a threat. Despite some really shady moments, Indy continues to carry on and train hard. She really wants to go pro and is willing to work hard to get there. Along the way she meets Jack. Jack is Penny's older brother and Agent. Jack is a few years older than Indy, so even though they are attracted to each other, Jack is reluctant to get involved. I have to say...I adored Jack. I think he's my favorite guy so far. He's certainly guarded, but in those moments we see him...he left me flustered.Last up, Jasmine. Her parents are tennis legends, so she feels pressure to uphold the family tradition and be great. Honestly, I have some mixed feelings about Jas. She's the character I felt the least connected to. She was rude to Indy at first and that just made me mad right off the bat. She's also the snottiest of the three in my opinion. All that said...I did understand and appreciate the kind of pressure that she felt. Jas is completely dedicated to the sport, but questions whether or not she really has what it takes to go pro. I also felt a bit bad for her in regards to her love life. Poor Jas. She's in love with her best friend, who also happens to be Penny's other brother, Teddy. I adore Teddy, but he better get off the pot in the next book. I assume the next book will possibly show us more of their relationship OR friendship. I felt like their relationship was a bit unfinished, but I was ok with that knowing there would be another book.Overall, I really loved this book. I was so involved in the story, that I flew through it. I'd like to point out that I don't feel like you have to understand or even like tennis to appreciate this book-there is a romantic element to the story. I do happen to like tennis, so it certainly made the book more enjoyable for me. If you are a fan of NA Contemporary Romance or even Sport Romances, check this one out. I'm already anxious to see where Iacopelli  takes the series from here!