What We’re Reading in August 2025
We’re coming to the end of tennis season, but we’re ending it on a high! Two up and coming tennis stars, a rivalry bound for the history books.
Sometimes finding your soulmate is *magical*, but in this case their fates are written in the stars, and like a cosmic joke, they just happen to be standing in the way of each others’ dreams.
Get your copy of Backhanded Compliments (Amazon) and read with us!
What Victoria Loved
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
Tennis + soulmates = LOVE! (And I don’t mean zero…)
Ah! Tennis girly here and proud of it. Growing up, my life revolved around the sport and I even completed a summer internship with the USTA, which culminated with two full weeks live at the US Open. So this book speaks directly to that die-hard fan girl!
The tennis commentary is so well written, you’ll feel as if you’re watching the match rather than reading about it. The tension is so taut that I felt my head spinning and swiveling as if watching the action— it’s not just the conversation of the rally, but the fiery dialogue and vivid description of body language that’ll have you at the edge of your seat to see who comes out victorious at every interaction.
I will admit I was thrown off by the soul marks — it was an unexpected twist of magical realism that hadn’t fully clicked for me when I read the synopsis. But it was a nice conduit for tension between Juliette and Luca, and a hot topic for a media storm.
Game, set… it’s a love match.
Set the mood. Stream the US Open Series and Championships.
What the Book Club Loved
Come back at the end of the month to see how the Book Club rates Backhanded Compliments!
FIREWORKS & STEAM: X/5
WRITING STYLE: X/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: X/5
THE LOVE STORY: X/5
“XX”
- READER
If You Loved Backhanded Compliments, You’ll Love These
RIVALS-TO-LOVERS IN A DIFFERENT SPORT: Everything for You (Bergman Brothers #5) by Chloe Liese (Amazon)
If you aren’t a fan of sports but you have seen Ted Lasso and loved it, look no further. Oh, and if you like this one, you’ll be glad to know the Bergman Brothers series is just as good!
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
OTHER COUNTRY CLUB SPORTS: In Good Company by Kat Singleton (Amazon)
In the mood for more drama? This ex’s brother billionaire romance set in the Hamptons might further whet your appetite. And if you need more, Kat Singleton has a few more reads (Black Ties & White Lies) highlighting that spicy trope.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 3/5
INKED MATES: A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L Jensen (Amazon)
A strong pivot towards romantasy. Transparently, not my favorite book (primarily because I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with the FMC), but if you’re looking for pre-destined MCs who band together to fight against the world, here’s an option!
VICTORIA’S RATING: 3/5
BY THE AUTHOR: This is Katie’s debut novel, but I’m already looking forward to the next!
Until the next chapter!
xo, Victoria
P.S. Craving more books featuring these sub-genres, tropes, and themes? Tap the links below.
