3 ⭐️ the potential was there but it didn’t quiet reach the mark. Instead of T & Dominic sexing it out, it would have been more natural for them to eventually have the conversation prior to T hearing about it later. For her to be so hurt, and for him to love her as much as he said, tip toeing over it for so long was unrealistic.

This second-chance romance follows former tennis stars Teegan and Dominic, whose relationship ended years ago after an injury forced her to leave the sport. When they reunite at a charity tournament, Dominic seizes the opportunity to reconnect by suggesting they play doubles together.

While the premise is intriguing, the story struggles with repetitive conflicts and a lack of communication between the main characters. Teegan dwells on past betrayals, but the details of her supposed “outcast” status remain unclear. Despite rekindling a physical relationship, meaningful conversations about their past are delayed until the very end. Additionally, Teegan’s family dynamics, particularly her mother’s sudden shift in agency, feel inconsistent.

Though the book delivers a satisfying happily-ever-after, the pacing and unresolved tensions hinder its impact. More direct communication between the characters could have strengthened the story’s emotional depth.

BREAK POINT – Yahrah St. John
Six Gems, Book 6
Harlequin Afterglow
ISBN: 978-1335574923
February 25, 2025
Romantic Comedy

Phoenix, Arizona – Present Day

Teagan Williams was once a tennis player heralded as the next Serena Williams. She even was dating the top male tennis player in the world. But after a devastating injury, her career ended, as did her romance with Dominic Fletcher. Teagan has finally moved on and owns a real estate company, which, unfortunately, is experiencing some financial problems. She joins a country club to help create contacts and is asked to help lead a fundraiser that includes a tennis tournament. Unknown to Teagan, Dominic is asked to be the headliner. Coming face to face with her ex is something she wished wouldn’t happen.

Dominic didn’t know Teagan was part of the committee or he would have thought twice about doing the fundraiser. He is currently on an extended break from tennis and his family lives in the area, so the timing was good. Meeting Teagan again rekindles the attraction he has always felt for her. She isn’t aware that her father is the reason Dominic seemingly dumped her after the man told him to get lost. Add in her emotional state after her injury, he felt he had no choice. Will Teagan and Dominic get a second chance to get their romance right?

Teagan may feel like she’s reaching the breaking point in BREAK POINT, the sixth and final book in the Six Gems series about six friends. Her father is controlling, and he pushed her to work hard to achieve success in tennis. Unfortunately, a career-ending injury cut short her (and his) plans. He never liked Dominic, so it’s not surprising that he tried to keep him out of her life. It didn’t help that Teagan felt useless when she could no longer play tennis. It took a while, but she is now a business owner in real estate. After learning about Dominic’s involvement in the fundraiser, she feels backed against the wall. If she refuses to work with him, people will wonder if she still harbors ill feelings toward him. In fact, she is trying to protect her heart from breaking again while around him. It doesn’t matter, however, when their attraction sizzles once more, and it isn’t long before they’re hitting the sheets.

Dominic feels like he is at a crossroads in his life. He’s thirty-two and at the top of his game, but maybe it’s time to slow down. The more he’s around Teagan, the more he realizes that he never stopped loving her. The connection between them is as strong as before. Can he win her back into his life…permanently? Meanwhile, he’s dealing with some family drama. He vowed to take care of his mother and siblings, but it appears that his mother is taking advantage of his generosity. Will he rein in her spending and get everything he wants?

BREAK POINT is entertaining and a can’t-put-down tale about a couple reuniting for a good cause, but they soon discover they can’t live without each other. Will they find a future together? Find out the answer by buying a copy of BREAK POINT. A fitting end to the Six Gems series.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

2/5 Break point was not for me. Well I love a good sports romance, I hate The miscommunication trope. This book felt like 80% avoidable miscommunication and 20% good plot

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Break Point is the sixth and final book of the Six Gems series by Yahrah St. John. This book works as a standalone, although there are subtle allusions to prior books, particularly through the inclusion of the “Six Gems” friend group, as well as their partners, and the friendship aspect has always been a high point of the series for me.
The romance itself felt rather weak, in comparison to the other books. I did find the characters fairly engaging, particularly Teagan as she works to rebuild her tennis career after a catastrophic loss. And Dominic isn’t bad either, as he’s equally dedicated to tennis and has his own motivations for pursuing success. And they do have solid chemistry, which is at odds with what happened in their past. But I also feel like this was one of those books where, while I understand how the hurt can impact a person, it also had an impact on their internal monologues, and resulted in a story that I soon found rather frustrating and tedious. However, it also balances out, as this book is category-length, so it ended up averaging out to be a quick-ish read.
While I didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped, I am clearly in the minority here, as there are other, much more glowing reviews. I’d recommend checking those out prior to picking this up, and imagine you’ll enjoy it more if you enjoy somewhat angsty second chance romances between Black characters.

With enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and a touch of miscommunication, this book took a little time to pick up, but once they reunited, I was hooked. Their banter on the court was electric, and I loved how they challenged each other.

After being forced to retire after an injury, Teagan romantic life and career crumble.
After over a decade apart Teagan and Dominic are forced back into each other's space. Teagan bitter for the life she had to give up does not take the reintroduction of Dominic into her life kindly.

Teagan and Dominic may have had an explosive ending, one thing they did not lack was sexual tension. This leads to the duo having a sexual relationship without resolving past issues.

This book contains
-best friend girl group - GEMS
-lovers to enemies to lovers
-second chance romance
-miscommunication

I would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't get frustrated with a miscommunication trope.

The premise of this book sounded interesting; however, the book did not quite hit the mark for me. Teegan and Dominic has a past when they were both tennis stars but due to an injury she suffered she is forced to leave the game behind and lost him in the process. Now years later they meet again after he volunteers to play in a charity tournament that she is on the committee of and then he suggests they play a doubles match in hopes of spending more time with her and rekindling that flame.

While I understood that she was upset about what transpired in the past and her feelings were conflicted, I felt like that part of the book just dragged on and became very repetitive. Also, as much as the past situation was brought up in the book, I still didn't feel like I got a clear picture as to why the media would turn on her and she was "outcast" in a sense. After she talked to her friends about how she felt and he spoke to his brother and his agent/friend about how he felt about the past, I wanted them to talk to each other about it and they never did until the end of the book. They jumped into a sexual relationship with each other thinking that would be just what they would have but then feelings start to rise back up but she mainly tried to push it down. Even when he felt more for her than she was admitting she felt for him, he still didn't voice that to her either. I wanted more communication between the two of them.

Her parents situation with her was odd too. I get the father being strict with her and the sport of tennis but I didn't get the hold he had over the mother all these years and then all of a sudden she finds her voice and he goes along with it, it didn't seem to go with how his character was portrayed throughout the book. I was happy that she the found out the truth and was able to get to her HEA but I think it could have flowed better without all the repetitions of the past. thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The sixth and final Gems book featuring strong Black women finding love in middle age is a second chance sports romance between a former tennis star turned real estate agent and her ex, a current pro tennis player who wants another shot. Heartfelt, emotional and full of drama, this was a fun read. It does have a bit of an eye-rolling third act break up that made me want to shake the MCs and yell at them to just COMMUNICATE but aside from that it was a satisfying end to a series about female friendship and found family. Recommended for fans of authors like Karmen Lee or other second chance tennis sports romance books like Clean point by Meg Jones. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Pub Date 25 Feb 2025
I received a digital ARC of this book from Afterglow Books by Harlequin Romance via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review..

I really enjoyed this second chance sports romance. This is the final installment of the Six Gems Series by Yahrah St. John yet my second read.

The situation between the main characters, Teagan and Dominic, is an example of how the lack of communication and misunderstandings can ruin a relationship unnecessarily. Watching them rekindle and find love again was entertaining. The story had just the right amount of spice, humor and charm.

I would definitely recommend reading this book.

3.75/4 stars rounded up
3/5 spice


Good plot, loved the tennis second chance romance aspect. I found their inner thoughts about one another very repetitive.

MMC seemed very immature to me and to be frank very human man. So if that’s your thing this depicts reality of messiness of relationships pretty well. But I prefer my fictional men to be written by a woman as the saying goes. Not telling FMC what her dad said honestly seems wild to me. FMC was more tolerable but at times was hard to root for her too. I will say I appreciated MMC’s persistence.

Really love the Gems - friend group. We all need friends to catch us on our BS and hold us accountable.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

Enemies to lovers, second chance romance, miscommunication. I found this book a little slow to start but after a few chapters when they meet again I was swept up into it. I loved their banter on the court and how they were able to rile each other up. This was my first 6 Gems book but I will be reading the rest. I need all their stories!!

"Break Point" by Yahrah St. John is a captivating romance novel that skillfully combines passion, drama, and personal growth. The story centers around Camille Ashland, a successful yet emotionally guarded tennis champion, and Chase Moretti, a charming sports agent with a past that haunts him. Together, they navigate the complexities of love, trust, and redemption in a narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The novel opens with Camille at the peak of her career, having just secured another Grand Slam title. However, her personal life is far from perfect. Haunted by past betrayals and heartache, Camille has built emotional walls to protect herself from further pain. She is fiercely independent, driven, and reluctant to let anyone get too close. Her focus is solely on her career, leaving little room for anything else.

Enter Chase Moretti, a renowned sports agent known for his charm and tenacity. Chase has his own demons to contend with, including a complicated relationship with his family and a past that he’d rather forget. When he sets his sights on representing Camille, sparks fly. Their initial interactions are filled with tension and mutual attraction, setting the stage for a dynamic and compelling romance.

St. John excels at creating complex and relatable characters. Camille is a strong, multifaceted heroine whose journey is both inspiring and poignant. Her struggles with vulnerability and trust are portrayed with depth and sensitivity, making her a character that readers can empathize with. Chase, on the other hand, is the quintessential romantic hero with a modern twist. His charm and persistence are balanced by his own insecurities and the baggage he carries from his past.

The chemistry between Camille and Chase is electric. St. John masterfully builds their relationship, allowing it to evolve naturally over the course of the novel. The slow burn of their romance, filled with moments of tension, passion, and tenderness, is both realistic and satisfying. Their interactions are charged with emotional intensity, making their journey towards love and trust deeply engaging.

One of the standout aspects of "Break Point" is St. John’s portrayal of the world of professional tennis. The novel provides an inside look into the pressures and challenges faced by elite athletes, from the grueling training schedules to the intense media scrutiny. This backdrop adds a layer of authenticity to the story and highlights Camille’s dedication and resilience. St. John’s detailed descriptions of tennis matches and the competitive atmosphere bring the sport to life, making it an integral part of the narrative.

"Break Point" also delves into themes of redemption and second chances. Both Camille and Chase must confront their pasts and the mistakes they’ve made in order to move forward. Their individual journeys of healing and growth are intertwined with their developing relationship, creating a rich and emotionally resonant story. St. John’s handling of these themes is nuanced and thoughtful, offering readers a profound exploration of forgiveness and the power of love to heal.

The supporting characters in the novel add depth and texture to the story. From Camille’s supportive coach to Chase’s complicated family, each character plays a significant role in the protagonists’ lives and their journey towards happiness. These secondary characters are well-drawn and contribute to the overall richness of the narrative.

St. John’s writing is both engaging and polished. Her prose is crisp and evocative, capturing the emotional nuances of the characters and the intensity of their experiences. The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with a perfect balance of introspective moments and action-driven scenes. The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities, adding authenticity to their interactions.

"Break Point" by Yahrah St. John is a beautifully crafted romance novel that offers a compelling blend of passion, drama, and personal growth. With its well-developed characters, authentic portrayal of the world of professional tennis, and thoughtful exploration of themes of love and redemption, it is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. St. John has created a story that is both entertaining and deeply moving, making "Break Point" a standout addition to her body of work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Breakp Point by Yahrah St. John is a feel-good, enemies to lovers, second-chance romance that delivers everything you want in a contemporary love story. Teagan, a real estate entrepreneur and former tennis star, and Dominic, a champion professional tennis player, reunite two decades after a devastating breakup. Their paths cross at a country club charity tennis tournament, sparking both unresolved tension and undeniable chemistry.

This story beautifully blends themes of redemption, accountability, and forgiveness. I enjoyed watching Teagan and Dominic confront their past mistakes, miscommunications, and heartbreak while navigating their undeniable connection in the present. The layers of their story—familial bonds, career struggles, powerful friendships, and personal growth—add depth to their journey.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is wonderfully executed, with a perfect balance of fiery banter and heartfelt moments. The slow build to their off-the-charts steamy romance kept me hooked and rooting for this couple every step of the way.

If you’re a fan of love stories about finding your way back to the one who got away, Break Point is a must-read. I look forward to reading more from this author! Special thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin, and the author for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

What a fun read! If I didn’t start it in the middle of the holidays, this would’ve been posted the day after I started it! I love a good athlete romance, and this is amazing. Dominic is almost unrealistically perfect, but I was eating it up! These two are so cute together, I love their story. I wish we could have gotten more of younger Dom and Teagan. And bonus points for making it easy for those of us who have never followed tennis closely.

Another great example of St. John’s fantastic storytelling! I’ve only read a few of her books now, but I’m going to go back and read the first few of The Six Gems series in the new year, plus check out some of the other series. They’re so good!

I really enjoyed the story of Teagan and Dominic, and how they reunite at her new job when he’s invited by friends to play in a charity tournament there. She’s just trying to get by and forget her tennis past and the man who destroyed her heart when he chose the sport over her…

When everyone convinces her to play with him in the tournament (ignoring her career ending injury, of course… she had medical clearance to do it), she has a second chance at both the sport and man she lost.

A beautiful second chance romance, in two ways! I definitely recommend this one - tennis doesn’t show up in too many romance novels and it really should get more time in the spotlight. Plus, St. John is a fantastic author, so all of you out there reading this will definitely want to pick it up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin, for the early reader copy - this is my honest feedback.

"Please what? Don't care about you? Don't want you? I can't do any of those things and I'm tired of pretending otherwise or making up excuses to be near you."

Thank you to Netgalley and Afterglow books for access to this eARC.

This book follows Teagan, an ex-star tennis player whose career, and relationship, ended because of an injury and the aftermath. She put away her racket, and then started her life over. But when a career opportunity comes along and leads to her playing in a country club's tennis tournament, she has to face her past. And her ex. Dominic has given up everything. HIs relationship with Teagan being the main thing. However, when they run into each other again, sparks fly and they have to work out their differences on and off the court.

I enjoyed this book. It wasn't anything spectacular, but I thought it was pretty good. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books in the series since they are very interconnected. I also think the relationship could have been flushed out more, it just felt rushed and like they were relying on their history, but we didn't get to read any of that history.

Teagan Williams knows how to take a loss—especially a big one. After the spectacular collapse of her tennis career and her romantic relationship (note to self: betrayal does not go with tennis whites), she put down her racket, picked herself up and started her life over.

But now Teagan’s been asked to compete in her country club’s tournament. And she’s considering it. Because what’s the worst that could happen? Her ex. The spotlight-stealing almost love of her life. That’s what could happen.

I love sports romances, and tennis romances are hard to find. I was thrilled to get a copy of this! I love the witty banter between Teagan and Dominic, Dominic's devotion to his family, and Teagan's thoughts were so entertaining! Break Point knocked it out of the park for me! 4.5⭐

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

Break Point is the last of the six Gems series. Each book can be read as a stand alone. Reading Teagan and Dominic's story was extremely enjoyable. I loved how being professional tennis players and what happens when you can't play anymore is a big part of the story. Teagan and Dominic have to face the issue very differently because of what has happened to them since they were last together twelve years ago. Seeing them overcome obstacles and deal with family, friends and acquaintances made for a fun read. I highly recommend this book.

I devoured this book in two days, it was just that dang good. I loved that the sport theme around this wasn’t one you typically read about. This book was emotional, funny, and spicy. The sisterhood that Teagan has with the GEMS was so beautiful and uplifting. The author did a great job touching on relatable topics and dynamics that most of us have faced. This was a beautifully written story and I can’t wait to go back and read the other books in the series .