Thirty Love
A Novel
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5.0 • 3 Ratings
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- £10.99
Publisher Description
Things heat up on and off the court for two tennis rivals in this steamy debut gay sports rom-com, perfect for fans of TJ Alexander and Rachel Reid.
American tennis star Leo Chambers is determined to win the US Open by thirty, the age when many players feel retirement looming. He’s just a year away from that dreaded birthday, but he can’t find his focus—considering he hasn’t told anyone he’s gay, he’s clashing with his strict coach (who also happens to be his dad), and he still can’t figure out how to beat his longtime nemesis on tour, Gabe Montoya, who, well, hits different. Gabe is playing better than ever, and Leo can’t seem to escape him—and maybe he doesn’t want to escape him.
Leo’s other obstacle is Sascha Volkov, a Russian legend who has such a powerful influence on the tennis world, he would destroy Leo’s career if he found out that he’s gay.
No distractions, Leo reminds himself. But when Gabe makes a shocking announcement, Leo is thrown off his game—in more ways than one. Ready? Play.
Thirty Love is a must-read for fans of queer sports romances like Heated Rivalry.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
The thrill of competition takes on a whole new meaning in this sultry queer rom-com set in the pro tennis world. Firmly in the closet, Leo Chambers has a lifelong goal of winning the U.S. Open. But his most recent attempt was upended by his longtime nemesis, Gabe Montoya, who just became the only openly gay player on tour. When the relationship between the rivals takes on a different flavour—sweet, sticky, and complicated—careers and hearts are both on the line. Author Tom Vellner immerses their romance in the high-stakes professional tennis scene, using real settings and details to make the pressures feel extra intense. We loved Leo’s supportive team, especially his father, a former tennis pro battling multiple sclerosis. But what drives the story most is the irrepressible passion between Leo and Gabe. We loved the propulsive serve-and-volley rhythm of the action—on court and off.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Vellner scores big with his outstanding debut set in the fiercely competitive tennis world. Closeted Leo Chambers's hopes of winning his first U.S. Open are dashed by Gabe Montoya, who defeats him in a first-round match thanks to what Leo feels is a bad call, sparking an on-court altercation and a very public feud. After Leo's father and coach, Johnny, who has MS, has a stroke, Leo takes the rest of the season off to be with him. Leo comes back to the circuit right around the time that Gabe publicly comes out as gay. The rivals call a truce and, after a heartfelt apology, they start practicing together and even playing doubles matches. Attraction sparks on both sides, and their ensuing steamy secret relationship helps Leo find a new approach to the game, but he tries to remind himself that "there's no room for love, except on the scoreboard." Vellner creates as much tension during the breathlessly described tennis matches as in scenes where it seems the men might be caught stealing kisses in the locker room. Public pressure and newfound tension between Leo and Johnny adds to the drama. The emotions are heartfelt, and the characters leap of the page. This is an overhead smash.
