Lola Keeley has a hit on her hands with her newest novel Slammed. This is a story told in the first-person POV through the eyes of Elin Larsson, the number one women’s tennis player in the world. At the age of thirty-two, she has just about done it all in her sporting career. In fact lately she has been feeling that her heart is not really into competing, except for one goal she has yet to meet. She wants to beat the current record of winning grand slam titles. The record is twenty-two wins, and at the beginning of the story, Elin has twenty. With only three more slam title wins to beat the record, she is determined to continue at least that long. But there are many obstacles in her way, including a persistent injury, and all the talented competitors she has to face at each tournament. Then there is Antonia (Toni) Cortez Ruiz, a young and very talented tennis player moving quickly up the ranks. They keep meeting at different tournaments, and the attraction keeps getting stronger between them. But will any relationship they may have survive the competitiveness they both have for the game, especially if it interferes with Elin’s career goal?
I am so glad Ms. Keeley decided to let the reader see the story through the eyes of Elin. She did an excellent job writing in this POV, and made the story come alive. We also have a better understanding of Elin’s thoughts and feelings about all the people and action happening around her. It made the tale feel real to me. The plot line is riveting, especially the second half of the book, when the conflict of the story gets really exciting and complex. The romance between Elin and Toni is handled perfectly. It isn’t rushed and weaves its way beautifully through the story.
I loved this book. It is well-written and one that you should not pass up. I am very pleased I had the chance to read Slammed.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections 