This book was okay, but not great. While I liked the main characters each on their own- especially how Zach used his art to heal after his brain injury, and Everleigh's love of numbers. However, their relationship felt rushed and the dialogue was pretty awful most of the time. I also did not understand how this was supposed to take place at some kind of intense taekwondo camp, yet all the coaches and Everleigh were drinking all the time? Also while I get Everleigh's uncle Collier taking over the business aspect of Baze Industries after her father died, but why was he living in her house??? She was a legal adult and that made no sense to me. It's not like she needed a guardian and she clearly had Martha there to help her.
There were some good steamy scenes and I like that this story felt different and fresh. I would read something else by Dawna Raver, but I do hope there is more relationship building and realistic dialogue.

this book made my heart stop in more ways than one, the way the chemistry burned between the two main characters made me get HOT. definitely recommend if you want a quick steamy read with great storyline

I wasn’t a fan of everything in this story. The romance, for instance, be it the bit in the past, the actual relationship and how it develops, or the reason why it’s threatened, nah, I didn’t buy it. Which isn’t great since it’s a romance novel. BUT other elements were compelling and kept me reading.

So Everleigh and Zach are supposed to have a strong connection since the first time they saw each other. Not even talked, just saw. From far away. And that’s supposed to be the beginning of their love. Hmm no? I felt it was just an easy way to avoid writing about the seduction and the budding relationship. Though, to be completely honest, Fate is a recurring pattern in this book, with a vague supernatural element.

The timeline was a bit fuzzy. I thought the order of the past events wasn’t clear until near the end, and the time passing while they are together wasn’t precised. Without a clear timeline, everything seemed muddy.

I enjoyed a lot of other elements though. Especially all the fuss about taekwondo. I love it when a sports romance actually displays some sports. I learned some about the martial art, the morals behind it, the rituals, etc.

I loved the way Zach’s graphic novel helped him deal with various real life problems. The link between an artist and their creation is in the background. It defines Zach a bit more, and it creates a cute plot point. It seemed convenient that, on top of being a great martial artist, Zach was also a talented artist, but that’s romance is for–writing the perfect book boyfriends, right?

The plotline about the other woman–what a character–was well done, offering a bit of suspense to keep the story going. It’s also a bit farfetched, but I liked it nonetheless.

My favorite part was Everleigh. The whole character. Her determination, her smarts, her athletic prowess, and finally, the way she takes back her father’s business, was highly compelling. I could excuse her crush-turned-full-on-love. Or some stupid decisions she makes. She was definitely the highlight of the story.

Quickie

- Series: Playing for love #2 (can be read as a standalone, but linked to another series by the same author)
- Hashtags: #sports romance #new adult romance #age gap #martial arts #artist
- Triggers: casual sexism, mention of a car accident with some graphic elements (not too much though)
- Main couple: Everleigh Baze & Zach Drake
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + I loved the way Everleigh takes over her father’s business, despite her young age
- – I felt the romance was rushed, like saying he remembered her from before was enough to explain his feelings, without knowing each other