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snaze6's review against another edition
5.0
An incredible and emotional story. This book brings together a gifted professional athlete with a man with a phenomenal gift for noticing patterns and knowing how to use the knowledge to change the world one problem at a time.
Both Gemma and Andre have been different almost their entire lives, and have dealt with a deep emotional loneliness. Together they bring each other a sense of peace, perspective and joy.
This book includes a romance that develops between Gemma and Andre, but even more it is the development of their emotional bond that is so beautiful. I loved the message the author conveyed “Love is magical” and the quotes at the start of each chapter from some of amazing people.
I loved the writing style of the author and definitely plan to check out other books by him.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both Gemma and Andre have been different almost their entire lives, and have dealt with a deep emotional loneliness. Together they bring each other a sense of peace, perspective and joy.
This book includes a romance that develops between Gemma and Andre, but even more it is the development of their emotional bond that is so beautiful. I loved the message the author conveyed “Love is magical” and the quotes at the start of each chapter from some of amazing people.
I loved the writing style of the author and definitely plan to check out other books by him.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
phillygirljl's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked Game of Love because it was interesting and engaging. I was actually surprised by how much I liked it. I'm not big into tennis, but I signed up for a review copy because the story itself seemed interesting and I was intrigued enough to want to read it. Although it's a typical opposites attract tale, author Ara Grigorian kept the plot fresh and had well developed characters.
Despite not really having an interest in tennis itself, I enjoyed the athletic aspect of the story. Gemma is a driven woman, choosing to focus on tennis, to the exclusion of other pursuits. I thought this was admirable and I appreciated what she was giving up in order to succeed. However, it was nice to see her be able to relax around Andre and be herself, without all the pressure to be the best.
Ara Grigorian did a great job of portraying what it is like to be a celebrity and all that comes along with it. The average person might think it's cool to be well known and have people always wanting to meet you and get your autograph (among other things), but it reality it is very intrusive on a celebrity's personal life and it's hard to live like that - always looking over your shoulder and having to censor every little thing you do or say because it might show up on the internet the next day.
Game of Love combines sports and romance in a entertaining novel that I recommend to anyone who likes a good love story full of passion.
Despite not really having an interest in tennis itself, I enjoyed the athletic aspect of the story. Gemma is a driven woman, choosing to focus on tennis, to the exclusion of other pursuits. I thought this was admirable and I appreciated what she was giving up in order to succeed. However, it was nice to see her be able to relax around Andre and be herself, without all the pressure to be the best.
Ara Grigorian did a great job of portraying what it is like to be a celebrity and all that comes along with it. The average person might think it's cool to be well known and have people always wanting to meet you and get your autograph (among other things), but it reality it is very intrusive on a celebrity's personal life and it's hard to live like that - always looking over your shoulder and having to censor every little thing you do or say because it might show up on the internet the next day.
Game of Love combines sports and romance in a entertaining novel that I recommend to anyone who likes a good love story full of passion.
rodeorocks13's review against another edition
5.0
I received a copy through Goodreads First Reads.
The game of love is the perfect mix of sports and romance. You don't have to know anything about tennis to enjoy the story. The author gives definitions for the terms before they are places in the book and does it in away that works with the novel. Most of the story take place off of the court but keeps enough tennis to keep it interesting.
You see many sides to Gemma and at times she annoyed me but it added to the story instead of taking away. The characters have a realistic feel to them like they could be people that actually exist in the world, not just in fiction. A lot of romance style novels make the characters feel to perfect to be real but Ara Grigorian weaves in enough human flaws to change that.
The game of love is the type of story that invites you in and makes you want to stay all the way until the end.
The game of love is the perfect mix of sports and romance. You don't have to know anything about tennis to enjoy the story. The author gives definitions for the terms before they are places in the book and does it in away that works with the novel. Most of the story take place off of the court but keeps enough tennis to keep it interesting.
You see many sides to Gemma and at times she annoyed me but it added to the story instead of taking away. The characters have a realistic feel to them like they could be people that actually exist in the world, not just in fiction. A lot of romance style novels make the characters feel to perfect to be real but Ara Grigorian weaves in enough human flaws to change that.
The game of love is the type of story that invites you in and makes you want to stay all the way until the end.
tashalane's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like I was headed into a slump that us until I read this book. I am back. This book was good. I really enjoyed it. A more in depth review to come.
storieswithsoul's review against another edition
5.0
I devoured this book. It's amazing, I loved it! Right from the very beginning the story just pulled me in and I simply couldn't get enough of it. It reminded me of Jane Austen's work. Don't get me wrong though, this story is in no way resembles any of hers. I'm only comparing in terms of how much I enjoyed it. There are many things I liked. First of all I loved how some of my favourite quotes found their way into it and some how became an integral part of the story. I loved its steady pace, nothing was rushed or dragged out. Every part, every chapter, every sentence seemed to matter. In my book that's the best thing, very few authors can pull it off this perfectly. Then there are the characters, each and everyone of them is well-developed, even supporting characters are good. Both main characters are given great background stories. It's very important because it helps reader to connect with them. And I connected with both Gemma and Andre.
Gemma is a celebrity, she is always in public's eye. There is no part of her life she can hide or keep quiet. Apparently that's necessary if she wants to be a good tennis player, it comes with the territory. It doesn't mean that she likes it or craves the fame in anyway. She just wants to win Grand Slam, for her as well as for her father. The only problem is that no matter how hard she tries she still manages screwing things up.... Until she meets Andre and the game becomes even more interesting, stakes are higher than ever, winning or losing may mean everything.
Andre is a problem solver. He doesn't play games, not his style. But for Gemma he is willing to go along. Because she is worth it. But what happens when things get a little more messy than they would've anticipated? Would they be able to fight against all odds and come up victorious or would this be the end of their budding love?
Be ready for a thrilling story, this book has it all, mystery, romance, politics, betrayal, loyalty, and most importantly players who know how to win. All in all this has been a perfect read for me. I enjoyed reading it a lot and would definitely recommend to all romance lovers. In fact even if romance isn't your preferred genre you should still give it a try, you might change your mind. ;)
P.S. I can't thank the author enough for providing me an opportunity to read it. It has been such a pleasure!
Gemma is a celebrity, she is always in public's eye. There is no part of her life she can hide or keep quiet. Apparently that's necessary if she wants to be a good tennis player, it comes with the territory. It doesn't mean that she likes it or craves the fame in anyway. She just wants to win Grand Slam, for her as well as for her father. The only problem is that no matter how hard she tries she still manages screwing things up.... Until she meets Andre and the game becomes even more interesting, stakes are higher than ever, winning or losing may mean everything.
Andre is a problem solver. He doesn't play games, not his style. But for Gemma he is willing to go along. Because she is worth it. But what happens when things get a little more messy than they would've anticipated? Would they be able to fight against all odds and come up victorious or would this be the end of their budding love?
Be ready for a thrilling story, this book has it all, mystery, romance, politics, betrayal, loyalty, and most importantly players who know how to win. All in all this has been a perfect read for me. I enjoyed reading it a lot and would definitely recommend to all romance lovers. In fact even if romance isn't your preferred genre you should still give it a try, you might change your mind. ;)
P.S. I can't thank the author enough for providing me an opportunity to read it. It has been such a pleasure!
alexandraflorence's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, this does not affect the content of my review or my opinion of the book in any way.
I am by no means a huge tennis buff, I watch Wimbledon every year, and I'm not just talking about the tournament. The film of the same name is a firm favourite of mine. In fact I watch it every year without fail.
As such a huge fan of the film, I kind of hoped the book Game of Love would make me feel like Wimbledon did.
Can you tell it didn't?
It's not that I didn't like Game of Love, more that I didn't like Gemma. As she's one of the two narratives we follow that's a bit of a big deal.
I wanted so much to like Game of Love, I really did. But Gemma was just too annoying, self-absorbed and the amount of times she didn't spot the obvious was just too much. I said self-absorbed in that little list because all she thinks about is herself. What she wants from the relationship. Whether or not she wants to keep it private. There is no consulting with Andre about how he feels about it all, oh no, it's all about Queen Gemma.
Another thing I didn't like about Gemma, that she time and again didn't spot the glaringly obvious. I think anyone with a brain could figure out who was behind the constant paparazzi attention. Andre's phone hacking-thingy was really not needed.
So Andre has some weird-ass job that I still don't understand, although it lead to him doing some cool stuff with the police and high up government security departments. I would have much rather read more of Andre's life and work stuff than Gemma moaning about missing Andre. And being mad that he had to work. Gosh darnit, how very dare he.
The general story line in Game of Love was okay. It neither wowed nor insulted me. The main issue I had, if you couldn't already tell, was Gemma.
I am by no means a huge tennis buff, I watch Wimbledon every year, and I'm not just talking about the tournament. The film of the same name is a firm favourite of mine. In fact I watch it every year without fail.
As such a huge fan of the film, I kind of hoped the book Game of Love would make me feel like Wimbledon did.
Can you tell it didn't?
It's not that I didn't like Game of Love, more that I didn't like Gemma. As she's one of the two narratives we follow that's a bit of a big deal.
I wanted so much to like Game of Love, I really did. But Gemma was just too annoying, self-absorbed and the amount of times she didn't spot the obvious was just too much. I said self-absorbed in that little list because all she thinks about is herself. What she wants from the relationship. Whether or not she wants to keep it private. There is no consulting with Andre about how he feels about it all, oh no, it's all about Queen Gemma.
Another thing I didn't like about Gemma, that she time and again didn't spot the glaringly obvious. I think anyone with a brain could figure out who was behind the constant paparazzi attention. Andre's phone hacking-thingy was really not needed.
So Andre has some weird-ass job that I still don't understand, although it lead to him doing some cool stuff with the police and high up government security departments. I would have much rather read more of Andre's life and work stuff than Gemma moaning about missing Andre. And being mad that he had to work. Gosh darnit, how very dare he.
The general story line in Game of Love was okay. It neither wowed nor insulted me. The main issue I had, if you couldn't already tell, was Gemma.
aflv_reads's review against another edition
5.0
What a breathtaking, earth shattering debut by Ara Grigorian!
I have so many things to say, but first I’d like make a personal note to the author, who is also very charming in real life!
Ara, I read in your bio that you are coming from an entirely different background. We are quite similar in this; you have an Engineering degree and I have a Computer Science, but our love for writing has surpassed these details. So, as a person who understands your place and as a reader/reviewer, I can honestly say that you were born to do this. Writing is your path and I feel honoured having been able to see you from your beginning.
Now, that being said, let’s go to the novel itself.
I have read so many books, some good, some great, some really amazing. So, nowadays I crave for something more; for something that will capture my heart and my mind, something truly and irrevocably worth reading.
Game of Love is out of this world. It’s a beautiful story, with original, extraordinary characters that will make everything and everyone else fade away in the background.
The author and his team could have made it sexier, with more steamy scenes and I LOVE that they didn’t. I loved the fact that the story was what mattered, and nothing more. I loved their approach and their successful work at making this a quality book.
Everything about this novel is original and it sets it apart from any other novel. I had read only one other novel about tennis, and I loved that one, too. It seems that so far, the tennis novels are really good - EXTRAORDINARILY GOOD-. So, after that other novel, I decided I wanted to read some more and here it is; Game of Love.
It has so many details about tennis that even I learnt a couple of things! I loved that the author wanted to be accurate and hence, gave a fascinating story revolving around tennis.
One other thing I loved -yes, I am aware I have been using that word repeatedly, but i can’t help it- is the characters themselves. Gemma & Andre, oh I love you so much! They are both so strong, so determined, so beautiful people...But, besides them, I felt that every other character fit perfectly in the story and everyone contributed something special to it. The ‘cast’ seemed so effortless, that it just added to this already remarkable novel.
There are so many books and so many authors out there, and you may not know what to buy etc..
Game of Love is extraordinary!
I ADORED THIS NOVEL!!
It is a fantastic book with a captivating story and amazing characters.
It is worth every penny.
If you love books, this is a MUST READ.
Game of Love receives 5 Amazing Stars!!!
I have so many things to say, but first I’d like make a personal note to the author, who is also very charming in real life!
Ara, I read in your bio that you are coming from an entirely different background. We are quite similar in this; you have an Engineering degree and I have a Computer Science, but our love for writing has surpassed these details. So, as a person who understands your place and as a reader/reviewer, I can honestly say that you were born to do this. Writing is your path and I feel honoured having been able to see you from your beginning.
Now, that being said, let’s go to the novel itself.
I have read so many books, some good, some great, some really amazing. So, nowadays I crave for something more; for something that will capture my heart and my mind, something truly and irrevocably worth reading.
Game of Love is out of this world. It’s a beautiful story, with original, extraordinary characters that will make everything and everyone else fade away in the background.
The author and his team could have made it sexier, with more steamy scenes and I LOVE that they didn’t. I loved the fact that the story was what mattered, and nothing more. I loved their approach and their successful work at making this a quality book.
Everything about this novel is original and it sets it apart from any other novel. I had read only one other novel about tennis, and I loved that one, too. It seems that so far, the tennis novels are really good - EXTRAORDINARILY GOOD-. So, after that other novel, I decided I wanted to read some more and here it is; Game of Love.
It has so many details about tennis that even I learnt a couple of things! I loved that the author wanted to be accurate and hence, gave a fascinating story revolving around tennis.
One other thing I loved -yes, I am aware I have been using that word repeatedly, but i can’t help it- is the characters themselves. Gemma & Andre, oh I love you so much! They are both so strong, so determined, so beautiful people...But, besides them, I felt that every other character fit perfectly in the story and everyone contributed something special to it. The ‘cast’ seemed so effortless, that it just added to this already remarkable novel.
There are so many books and so many authors out there, and you may not know what to buy etc..
Game of Love is extraordinary!
I ADORED THIS NOVEL!!
It is a fantastic book with a captivating story and amazing characters.
It is worth every penny.
If you love books, this is a MUST READ.
Game of Love receives 5 Amazing Stars!!!
rkj's review against another edition
5.0
A darn good read from cover to cover. Bake a batch of cupcakes, brew a thermos of coffee and get stuck in. Game of Love is a rare page turner, a roller coaster ride with loveable characters to cheer on. Highly recommend it.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
5.0
Game of Love by Ara Grigorian is a 2015 Curiosity Quills publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
When I noticed this book was listed in both Contemporary romance and New Adult, I almost passed on it because, for too many reasons to list here, I am really burned out on New Adult at the moment. However, I have reviewed books for Curiosity Quills in the past and have been impressed with their quality of books, so I decided to give this one the benefit of the doubt.
Well, as it turns out not all New Adult books are created equal....
Gemma is a star Tennis pro struggling with life in the fast lane of fame and fortune. She is determined to make her late father proud and reach her ultimate personal goal of winning a grand slam at Wimbledon. But, some personal and embarrassing setbacks is making it hard for Gemma to focus, especially when everyone wants a piece of her.
The tabloids can't get enough, always speculating on her love life, her manager only sees her as a cash cow, and her best friend and assistant often gets pressured by both sides. Her life is lived out in front of the camera's eye, but it's all staged. No one seems to know the real Gemma, nor do they seem to care.
“It is dangerous to let the public behind the scenes. They are easily disillusioned and they are angry with you, for it was the illusion they loved.” ( W. Somerset Maugham)
But, when Gemma has a chance meeting with whiz kid, Andre, a young man on the verge of financial security once he completes his current project, the two realize they have a lot in common. The difference is, Andre doesn't have to live his life in the public eye and Gemma does. That doesn't mean he is under any less pressure to do things he is uncomfortable doing, or that he doesn't have people surrounding him who only have their own best interest at heart, because he is.
However, Andre can't wrap his head around Gemma's lifestyle and her intense need to keep their relationship a secret. But, Andre is beginning to lose patience with Gemma and before it's all said and done, she will have to make a choice. Will she chose tennis, endorsements, movie deals, with all the trappings of fame and money? or will she chose love and a slower paced lifestyle with Andre?
The author did a fantastic job of depicting the life of a young tennis star. Not only is there pressure to win, but, shady and seedy people surround them often putting them into adult situations they are too young to handle or turning them into a celebrity instead of letting them focus on being an athlete. Gemma was pulled in all sorts of directions and no one ever came to her rescue or really cared what was best for her personally, until Andre came into her life. But, by that time, Gemma was so jaded and paranoid, she couldn't stop living in the loop she was so accustomed to.
Andre was my kind of book hero. He too had money, success, and was driven, he was pressured and overworked, taken advantage of, just like Gemma, but he did have a stabilizing influence in his life once, who taught him that not everything worthwhile in life can be bought and paid for. So, Andre is able to see things in a way Gemma is not. I loved how Andre was a super intelligent guy, not some muscle bound alpha male, but sexy in his own way. Yet, he pulls out all the stops, isn't shy with the grand gestures, which makes him the perfect leading man.
Gemma admires Andre for who he is on the inside as he becomes the only rock she has to lean on, the only person she can put all her trust in. The battle is not an easily fought one, especially for Gemma, who still has a lot of growing up to do before she realizes how important Andre is to her and can begin to put things in their proper perspective.
The characters are well drawn, the pace is even, and the author kept me interested and engaged in the story. Even though the characters are young and they do act their age, which will make them relatable to the NA audience, they are not the self absorbed, extremely immature characters I see so often in this genre, but they are very easy to care for, to become angry on their behalf, worry about, and at times become frustrated with. Also, the dialogue is believable, and thankfully free of too many “colorful metaphors” , and the sexual content is handled very tastefully, which is a refreshing change of pace.
As a big fan of quotes, I enjoyed the ones the author used to kick off each chapter. The book is very classy, well written, thought provoking and entertaining. Very well done!
When I noticed this book was listed in both Contemporary romance and New Adult, I almost passed on it because, for too many reasons to list here, I am really burned out on New Adult at the moment. However, I have reviewed books for Curiosity Quills in the past and have been impressed with their quality of books, so I decided to give this one the benefit of the doubt.
Well, as it turns out not all New Adult books are created equal....
Gemma is a star Tennis pro struggling with life in the fast lane of fame and fortune. She is determined to make her late father proud and reach her ultimate personal goal of winning a grand slam at Wimbledon. But, some personal and embarrassing setbacks is making it hard for Gemma to focus, especially when everyone wants a piece of her.
The tabloids can't get enough, always speculating on her love life, her manager only sees her as a cash cow, and her best friend and assistant often gets pressured by both sides. Her life is lived out in front of the camera's eye, but it's all staged. No one seems to know the real Gemma, nor do they seem to care.
“It is dangerous to let the public behind the scenes. They are easily disillusioned and they are angry with you, for it was the illusion they loved.” ( W. Somerset Maugham)
But, when Gemma has a chance meeting with whiz kid, Andre, a young man on the verge of financial security once he completes his current project, the two realize they have a lot in common. The difference is, Andre doesn't have to live his life in the public eye and Gemma does. That doesn't mean he is under any less pressure to do things he is uncomfortable doing, or that he doesn't have people surrounding him who only have their own best interest at heart, because he is.
However, Andre can't wrap his head around Gemma's lifestyle and her intense need to keep their relationship a secret. But, Andre is beginning to lose patience with Gemma and before it's all said and done, she will have to make a choice. Will she chose tennis, endorsements, movie deals, with all the trappings of fame and money? or will she chose love and a slower paced lifestyle with Andre?
The author did a fantastic job of depicting the life of a young tennis star. Not only is there pressure to win, but, shady and seedy people surround them often putting them into adult situations they are too young to handle or turning them into a celebrity instead of letting them focus on being an athlete. Gemma was pulled in all sorts of directions and no one ever came to her rescue or really cared what was best for her personally, until Andre came into her life. But, by that time, Gemma was so jaded and paranoid, she couldn't stop living in the loop she was so accustomed to.
Andre was my kind of book hero. He too had money, success, and was driven, he was pressured and overworked, taken advantage of, just like Gemma, but he did have a stabilizing influence in his life once, who taught him that not everything worthwhile in life can be bought and paid for. So, Andre is able to see things in a way Gemma is not. I loved how Andre was a super intelligent guy, not some muscle bound alpha male, but sexy in his own way. Yet, he pulls out all the stops, isn't shy with the grand gestures, which makes him the perfect leading man.
Gemma admires Andre for who he is on the inside as he becomes the only rock she has to lean on, the only person she can put all her trust in. The battle is not an easily fought one, especially for Gemma, who still has a lot of growing up to do before she realizes how important Andre is to her and can begin to put things in their proper perspective.
The characters are well drawn, the pace is even, and the author kept me interested and engaged in the story. Even though the characters are young and they do act their age, which will make them relatable to the NA audience, they are not the self absorbed, extremely immature characters I see so often in this genre, but they are very easy to care for, to become angry on their behalf, worry about, and at times become frustrated with. Also, the dialogue is believable, and thankfully free of too many “colorful metaphors” , and the sexual content is handled very tastefully, which is a refreshing change of pace.
As a big fan of quotes, I enjoyed the ones the author used to kick off each chapter. The book is very classy, well written, thought provoking and entertaining. Very well done!
leeaeverett's review against another edition
4.0
I haven't read many sports-themed novels, but I really enjoyed this one. I liked the layering of complexity between the two main characters; they both had character growth and story arcs individual to themselves, as well as their shared plot. It wasn't as spicy as some new adult books can be, but still an enticing read!