The Unforgiving Minute

April 23, 2013 by Whit!!!!!!!!!

Title : The Unforgiving Minute

Author : Sarah Granger

Publisher : Dreamspinner Press (BUY HERE)

Genre : M/M, Contemporary

Length : 236 pages (e-book)

Published : April 26, 2013

Blurb:

Ryan Betancourt has got it made: he’s reached the top tier of the tennis world thanks to a wild-card entry to the US Open. Ryan is meeting players he has idolized for years, including his teenage crush, Josh Andrews. But he isn’t ready for the politics and manipulation that come with life at the top.

Josh Andrews is closeted, private, and difficult to get to know. He’s been playing tennis since he could walk, won his first tournament at five, and was sent to Spain at thirteen to attend a tennis academy. Before a knee injury forced him into a year off, he was ranked the number one player in the world. Now he’s back—and intent on winning.

Josh and Ryan first meet at a tournament in Brisbane. Ryan excitedly greets Josh only to be ignored. Crushed, he realizes the golden boy of tennis isn’t all he seems. Only in the team-building environment of training for the Davis Cup does Josh open up enough for them to grow closer. Their developing relationship is everything Ryan ever wanted, and he is blissfully happy. But inevitably they have to play against each other, and everything changes.

Review:

I’ll admit to knowing very little about tennis except that it looks like a blast to play. So pardon me if I sound like I need to read “Tennis for Dummies Speak” during this review. Rest assured the author knew her stuff and it all seemed researched thoroughly. My love of all things sports led me to snatch this book up when given the chance to review it and I’m so glad I did!

Ryan is in his first year on tour with the big boys after years of playing in the minors, whatever that is for tennis. I warned you! He is steadily moving up and his passion and pure enjoyment for the game is making him a fan favorite. Ryan is a down to earth guy who loves people so the tour is lonely for him. He hasn’t made big money from being a professional tennis player yet and is thrilled with all the upscale things the tours have to offer. Ryan is also totally star struck to be meeting and playing the tennis stars he’s been idolising from afar but none more than Josh Andrews. Josh Andrews is practically a god in Ryan’s mind so he’s a little upset when his first few meetings leave him thinking Josh may be a cold prima donna. The rumors and opinions of his fellow athletes don’t discourage that perception.

When an injury gives Ryan a chance to join the US team he jumps at it. Also on the team is Josh Andrews who seems like a totally different person than he was on the tour. The two get along well and they spend most of their time together while training and competing with the team. Ryan likes Josh, as more than just a friend but he’s seen no hints to suggest Josh likes men until one night Josh knocks on his hotel room door and things change.

I really, really liked this book. The tennis matches had me on edge and anticipating what was going to happen next. The imagery was wonderful. Best thing about this book was the humor. It was witty and understated. I’m pretty sure I was smiling for most of the book. The transition from friends to lover was nice. The sex hot! All the characters were great. There were a couple of those beloved painful parts that give you that slight pain in your chest and tears in your eyes but just enough to let you know you’re affected by the story.

I can’t imagine anyone not loving Ryan. He was such a nice guy and loved that he got to play tennis for a living. He was honest about what he wanted from Josh and open with his feelings for the most part. He was also maneuvered a bit and it showed his vulnerable side but in no way came off as stupid. The story is told from the POV of Ryan and I loved being in his head.

Josh’s situation was the opposite of Ryan’s in that he was wealthy and successful but he was guarded and resigned to his responsibilities and secret life. He never came off as not appreciating what he had or deserving it because he put in the work. Being a star athlete at such a young age played its part in molding Josh but ultimately finding love with Ryan made his life complete.

I highly recommend this book. I didn’t want to put it down and haven’t picked up a book since because I’m enjoying just a little longer with Josh and Ryan.

Rated 4.5 stars by Whit