Sports, cute girls, shared past, softball rivals, some
complexes, some grand gestures and great chemistry make this one a nice,
romantic read.
Gabriela (Gabby) Rosa Pino is Goode College’s star pitcher
and their MVP. She is a person who loves with her whole being and follows her
heart, which is why she gives up her summer study abroad seat in Buenos Aries
(though she wants to be a Latin American history professor) and goes to Avignon
in France with her girlfriend, Arden. Clearly, she is a deeply emotional
person. And the emotion she has for Brooke Trainor, the star hitter of an
opposing team is deeply and actively negative. Returning with a heartbreak (Arden
dumped her three days into their stay in Avignon) from France, Gabby is none
too pleased to see the new transfer to their softball team, viz. one Brooke
Trainor, who seems to be everywhere, seems to be seeking Gabby who makes no
bones about not wanting to have anything to do with Brooke. Gabby’s continuous
rudeness to Brooke stems not only from their rivalry on the pitch but goes back
longer to their teens.
Narrated from Gabby’s PoV means that we are privy to all her
thoughts and emotions, but Brooke is also excellently drawn. Both the ladies
are super cute and likeable. The chemistry between the two is like a constant huge
wave that is impossible to miss.
The ladies and their interactions are so well written that
we felt a multitude of emotions while reading – a protectiveness about Gabby’s
emotionality; irritation with Gabby’s initial bad behaviour with Brooke; an
affection for Brooke for her efforts with Gabby and for struggles she’d be
facing as a new transfer in the final year; an unnameable big emotion for their
past; anger at ghosting; understanding at the fear and confusion created by the
teenage years; heartache for dealing with a narcissistic (as in the psychological
disorder) parent; romantic willies at sweet text exchanges; complete awwww love
at the big gesture – so many emotions.
All those emotions evoked by a book clearly mean that this
is a very involving read. So, of course, recommended.
PS: We absolutely love the beautiful lady on the cover. Those eyes!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
