Reviews

Book: Drop Shot Author: Vai Denton Expected Release Date: October 9, 2025 ARC Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Tropes: Sports Romance Tennis Grumpy × Sunshine “It’s Always Been You” Soulmates Slow Burn Found Family Self-Reflection Happily Ever After [Drop Shot / Noun: A soft, unexpected shot that lands just over the net, catching the opponent completely off guard.] Review: Drop Shot is a heartfelt slow-burn tennis romance that serves up witty banter, found family vibes, and moments so sweet they’ll melt your heart (and maybe your teeth). It’s a story about love, loss, healing, and learning that sometimes it’s okay to lean on someone else. [⚠️ Trigger Warning: The book touches on themes of losing a parent, abandonment issues, and toxic, alcoholic parents.] Delilah Anderson is not just a star on the tennis court, she’s the sunshine of the Morozov Tennis Academy and the sweetheart of the sport. Kind, warm, and fiercely determined, she’s adored by fans and players alike. But while she’s an incredible talent, she hasn’t yet secured a title. So when her doubles partner leaves, she’s thrown for a loop at being paired with none other than Matteo Corsi. Matteo is the complete opposite of Delilah; brooding, guarded, and brutally focused. With three Grand Slam wins under his belt, he’s a powerhouse and one of the sport’s most feared competitors. He’s the misunderstood “villain” aka "Malignant Narcissist" of tennis, cold and ruthless on the court, but when his partner gets injured, he seizes the chance to team up with the one woman he’s been quietly obsessed with for years. Watching these two grow together was like seeing two flowers bloom side by side. Their characters might be worlds apart, but beneath the trophies and expectations, they share the same battles: abandonment, hyper-independence, and the fear of being let down. Delilah insists on carrying everything alone, but Matteo makes it his mission to prove she doesn’t have to, and when it comes to showing her loyalty, he doesn’t miss a shot. The chemistry isn’t wild flames, but more of a slow, steady burn that builds beautifully with every scene. The banter, the vulnerability, and the push-and-pull it all makes their story feel achingly real. As an eldest daughter myself, I related deeply to Delilah’s need to manage everything alone, which made the story hit even harder. And with tennis as the backdrop? It felt refreshing, unique, and absolutely addictive. If you love sports romance with a grumpy × sunshine pairing, slow-burn tension, found families, and heartfelt depth, Drop Shot deserves a spot on your October 9th TBR. A huge thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read this beautiful book early! 🫶🏻