THE TIP-OFF (Smart Jocks #3) by REBECCA JENSHAK

‘One thing I hate more than gawking – the pity. As if my life were defined by my face. As if my life were defined by my face. As if I’m somehow less than because I’m not perfect. As if they’re better than me because they wear their scars on the inside.’

We absolutely love this college sports romance series. Every book so far has been a winner for us and we just knew Zeke and Gabby’s book was going to be super special! Whilst each book can be read as a standalone we highly recommend a series binge if you’ve not read any yet. This series is so good! The romances are slow burn and there’s the college sports theme. The humour, camaraderie and banter is spot on and the emotional angst is on point. Rebecca Jenshank wrote another blinder in The Tip-Off.

‘Is it possible to juggle the NBA and be in a relationship? Maybe. But is it really worth the risk to find out?’

Zeke is an enigma, a quiet but formidable presence. His entire focus is on the NBA, everything else takes a back seat, especially romantic relationships. As in, he refuses to have one. He wants nothing to get in the way of his chosen path. Despite this he has an amazing group of mates, a wonderful sense of loyalty as well as a strong protective nature. Zeke is a powerhouse and we’ve loved him since the first book. Gabby is re-entering life after hiding away at home and living college life vicariously through her best mate, Blair. After a horrific car crash left her scarred for life she’s finally ready to join Blair at college. Immediately welcomed into the group of jocks, she develops a growing attraction to Zeke. However, whilst Zeke shows his sweet and tender side towards Gabby, making her feel safe and cared for, he fights the natural attraction as he’s adamant that he will not fall in love, because you cannot have both love and a successful career in the NBA. Gabby being quite innocent and somewhat shy hates being a burden or an inconvenience but her zest for life was contagious, so Zeke doesn’t really stand a chance!

“You are beautiful. Not in spite of the scars, but because of them.”

Zeke and Gabby’s love story was so sweet and tender, yet funny and full of chemistry too. The slow burn was quite delicious and it felt true to the characters, right through till the end. Relationships built on mutual respect, friendship and of course an intense attraction is always going to be what true love is made of. It was so lovely to be back with the gang again as we really have taken them all into our hearts. The Tip-Off had real beauty in it too, with a wonderful message from both Zeke and Gabby, who in their own individual way were hiding from the parts of life that make it one crazy emotional ride. They both needed to learn from each other and realise that the real beauty can be found in love and living life to the full. We loved it, just wished there had been more ‘afters’ after the journey we’d been on.

‘I need her to remind me that life should be fun and a little crazy.’