Title: The Tip-Off
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

I knew that Zeke and Gabby were going to end up together from their first meeting in The Assist. They had immediate chemistry, and Jenshak made no secret of how they are likely to end up as a couple. Yet, even knowing that they were going to end up together, I enjoyed the journey. Also, the discoveries of the people’s personalities and strength along the way. A nice, easy adventure that left me smiling.

I honestly thought that there would be more about Gabby’s scarring. I mean, it’s obviously mentioned, but in reality, her character journey was more about what it means to experience college. The misconceptions, enjoyments and milestones that are associated. I love that Gabby’s idea of what she wants to experience is kind of off-kilter, and involves her doing some pretty random things. All of which Zeke just goes along with. None of which were things that I experienced at my university… but it’s interesting how the American collegiate system can be seen through others’ eyes (I’m Australian, I have no idea how it works in America).

As is typical, it takes Zeke takes a little bit to actually realise he has feelings for Gabby. The lust and the attraction is there from the very beginning – for both of them. But actually realising that you have emotions for someone and acting on them, it takes just a little while. In fact, it does take a bit for both of them to recognise that what they have is real. Introducing that nice conflict that made me want to rush to the end. When they realise that preconceived notions aren’t always correct. And if it’s the right person, then they’ll fit into your plans.

So far, this is the only one of this series to end with any ideas of matrimony. It makes sense, Zeke and Gabby are definitely the most mature couple of the series. And their journey is about the idea that permanency and falling in love can happen to anyone at anytime. Regardless of whether or not you think that it’s the “right time”.

Image source: Amazon

Title: The Catch
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2020

I knew Vanessa and Mario had a simple origin story compared to the others. But it was still incredibly sweet. And I seriously enjoyed reading it. As I’ve been slowly making my way through the series, I’ve wanted to get to know the original couple just that little bit more. And, finally I signed up for this free novella. And I was NOT disappointed.

I love that throughout this story, Mario works hard at earning Vanessa’s trust. Not by doing anything over the top and insane, but by charging through all of her time objections and just spending time with her. He doesn’t push Vanessa, just let’s her come around to him in her own time.

The Meet Cute of Mario and Vanessa was also brilliant. I love how it’s just a simple misunderstanding that is quite memorable. It also perfectly sets up the tone for the rest of the story… both Vanessa and Mario have memorable first impressions and work hard at finding space in their lives for one another.

Not only is this a fun novella, it provides hints to Blair’s challenges. It’s a great introduction to the series with a lot of tantalising hints about the basketball boys. Definitely a great romance series all about smart jocks.

Image source: Instagram

Title: The Fadeaway
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

There is a whole lot to unpack within this very sweet college romance. A little bit like there was a lot to unpack in The Assist. It’s, at it’s core a jock / sports romance. And ultimately an easy read. But Jenshak manages to throw in some pretty hefty thoughts and conversations about society and the ways our judgements and preconceived notions influence us. It gave me an extra layer to this incredibly fun story.

Katrina’s battles with being a single mum, and a teenage mum are pretty intense. It’s hard enough being a mother, but becoming one young and then doing it all alone? Difficult doesn’t begin to describe it. Although she has an amazing support system in her friends, she is always constantly uncomfortable with the judgement of others, and admittedly, she also tends to harshly judge herself. The juggling act that she constantly must balance is also pretty intense, but Jenshak does a great job of highlighting the difficulties, whilst also showing that there are no regrets – because sometimes being a parent is really awesome.

Joel on the other hand is a bit of a man child. As his history starts to be revealed, you can understand that some of his actions aren’t actually that ridiculous. But it takes a little while to get to that. Mostly, he flirts that line of being too immature to actually like, and seriously likeable in his kind and giving moments. Once you find out his full back story though, you realise that all of his decisions are just because of his own burdens and past. And that he’s, ultimately, a really lovely guy.

I loved how The Fadeaway is both an incredibly easy read, but it was also one that left me thinking about it long after I turned that final page. The characters go through a lot of growth throughout this story, and it reminds us of all of the things that are going on below the surface. Plus, it’s just fun reading about two people who are totally meant to be together, finally, finding a way to make it work.

Image source: Amazon

Title: The Assist
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Smart Jocks #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

The Assist is a very cute college romance. It’s an easy read, new adult romance. The fact that it also features a jock and an overly bubbly sorority girl just made it that much cuter. Plus, I love that Blair, whilst being a sorority girl is surrounded by positive female relationships. A lot of the stories I read feature not-so-healthy female relationships, ones that I’m annoyingly familiar with, but want to see less of, lets normalise the female relationships in this story – the ones that are supportive and have your back no matter what.

I love how from the very first moment, Blair is able to completely put her foot in it. She makes assumption after assumption and just… speaks before she thinks things through. Yet, somehow, that blundering assuming thing that she does is really quite endearing and cute. Rather than coming of as judgy and entitled, she comes across as a little bit oblivious and kind of sweet. She also has the loyalty towards Gabby, and I love how the prologue introduces their friendship, while the rest of the story continues it on. It also helps to set up how she’s going to fit into the world in later books…

The Assist highlights the horrors of sexual harassment. It starts out as a challenge to overcome, and difficulty in Blair’s way. But, as a nice dark counterpoint to the niceness of the romance it works really well. Blair’s plight shows just how horrifying sexual harassment and online harassment can truly be. And also the long-term ramifications and impacts which can occur. The abusive ex in Blair’s history is horrible, and I love that whilst he does actually get his poetic justice, there are still many lingering effects on Blair’s life. Sometimes it’s just a little too hard to put the genie back in the bottle.

As a counterpoint to Blair, Wes is kind of an absolute idiot. He is confident in his role in the college and has a brilliant statistical mind. Yet, he also is completely unable to look on the bright side of things. He’s also so oblivious to the ramifications of his actions to Blair that it’s almost painful. However, for all of his self-centred idiotry, he does eventually get his shit together. And I love how he is able to figure out a new future and find a way to move on from his dickishness. Definitely a fun completion to this story and one that I will probably read again in the future.

Image source: Kobo