The Tip-Off

Ok so Rebecca was a new to me author three days ago. I kept seeing her books and thinking they sounded like my kind of stories but I never got around to them. Then I grabbed The Assist on KU and binged the entire series.

The tip off has been my absolute favorite. I knew I was going to love Zeke, he had the whole dark and brooding thing going and I was a little in love with him from the start. I loved that he gave his all to making his dream come true.

But I loved him even more once he started to let his guard down a little and let Gabby in. Because damn he did sweet so well. And watching him come out of his shell to get her to step out of hiding was awesome. It just made me love him even more.

Gabby was great. Knowing what had happened to her from the very start of the first book I wasn’t sure how Rebecca was going to drag her out of her self imposed exile. Especially with Zeke who was in his own. So seeing her overcome her fears really made me feel even closer to her as a character.

This whole story and the two proceeding it have been such a perfect series I am dying to see what we are going to get with Nathan. Although I have a feeling it may be a bit heartbreaking I can’t wait.

Ah Zeke, I have been waiting and waiting for your story and man were you worth the wait. This quiet, strong, commanding man who has been in the background of the first 2 stories in the series, makes his debut in bold fashion. Taking his story and running it to its full potential hitting all the mystery and backstory we were looking for from him.

Zeke aka Z, is a good friend to you if you’re lucky enough to get on his good side. He is loyal, forgiving, noble and more. Living in the “white house” with his basketball family has been everything he’s looked for and needed. And now with the NBA draft looming he has to stay focused. Too bad the best bud to his best bud is causing all kinds of distractions in his life. Gabby is incredible and she doesn’t even know it. She can be all sorts of dangerous in his life, if he lets her in.

Gabby loves living the college life so far. After her accident she never imagined she could rejoin society and flourish like she has been so far. Being with Blair and all her friends definitely makes it easier but she is trying to come out of her shell. She has made herself a bucket list of things to do before she starts her senior year of college. She wants to feel like a normal college student vs someone that has navigated college courses online while they hid from the world in their childhood bedroom.

Zeke notices Gabby from their first interaction, and it isn’t because of the scars she tries desperately to hide from everyone. She is vivacious, commanding, confident and of course beautiful. He finds himself drawn to her but being awkward himself he doesn’t know quite what else to do. When his friends decide to throw a prom for Gabby and Katrina, who didn’t get to go to their own proms, he goes as Gabby’s date. He does it as a favor but finds he isn’t having a bad time.

Gabby isn’t ready for anyone’s pity, let alone from the hottest guy on the basketball team. She is supremely attracted to Zeke but he isn’t giving her any signs past the friend zone. She decides to make the best of her time with the guys and hangs out with Zeke and Nathan while the rest of the gang is on vacation. She and Zeke grow closer but she doesn’t think anything will bump her out of the friend zone she seems to be stuck in.

Gabby and Zeke make a perfect couple in that she has hidden from the world in her room and he has hidden in plain sight for years. Gabby brings herself back into the world in grand fashion but she hides herself still by being boisterous and going into scenarios that might not be the best choice. Zeke hides by not engaging with people as much as he should but he stays focused on his dreams thinking he can’t have both in his life without sacrifice.

Together they navigate this new normal where they come out of their shells together and pull strength from each other. The way they relate to their lives and lives together by making new music play lists is a sweet way to relate to each other. While it took me a little to get used to Zeke having such a “voice”, since he was so quiet and in the background so far, I loved his story, history and future.

The Tip Off is the 3rd book in the Smart Jocks series and it has been a great ride so far. Looking forward to more stories coming from the group, and to catch up on previous couples (maybe a wedding or 4 hint hint). I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy without expectation. 5 stars for the latest entry in Valley basketball world, Zeke and Gabby left me with all the feels, as I knew they would.

Sol and Us

PT-BR/EN

The Tip-Off conta a doce história de amor de Gabby e Zeke. Eles foram feitos um para o outro, e sua química fofa é gritante.
O que eubmais gosto em Smart Jocks é que os atletas são estudantes atletas estereotipados, eles são originais e têm personalidades únicas.
The Tip-Off é focado no present e, de novo, eu não teria me importado de saber mais sobre o passado deles. Mas isto não quer dizer que eu não gostei do livro, significa que eu bastante dos personagens e me interessei por eles.
A Gabby é determinada, ela se agarrou aos seus sonhos. Não posso falar muito por cause de spoilers, mas eu amei a atitude dela no final do livro.
Espero que gostem também. Boa leitura.

The Tip-Off tell Gabby and Zeke’s sweet love story. They were made for each other, and their cute chemistry is blatant.
What I like most about Smart Jocks is that the jocks are not the stereotypical college athletes, they are original and have unique personalities.
The Tip-Off is focused on present and, again, I wouldn’t mind knowing a bit more about their past. But it doesn’t mean I didn’t like the book, it means I liked the characters a lot and was interested in them.
Gabby is decisive, she held tight to her dreams. I can’t say much because of spoilers, but I loved her attitude at the end of the book.
I hope you like it, too. Good reading.

Seriously adored this book!!! I binged it one late night session staying up til almost 3am to get my hard fought HEA. My favourite of the series so far – soooooo good!

Zeke has been a favourite since book one. I’m a sucker for the quiet, determined guy. I don’t need my heroes to be alpha in an obvious way – I’m much more intrigued by the hard working, seemingly closed off characters. It didn’t hurt he was all kinds of delicious. And Gabby – well she’s my kind of romance heroine. Not your cookie cutter perfect bombshell – she’s a real woman, with scars – both physical and mental. Together they were just what the other one needed!

I loved the slow burn feel of this one, the banter and friendship was so genuine I found myself smiling for a lot of the book. The heat level is lower than I usually read but it didn’t matter. This book was sweet enough that I was hooked anyway & there was no doubting their chemistry at all! Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a college sports romance with some heart.

This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed it. Zeke and Gabby’s story have goals and personal things they are dealing with no plans for more especially with mr. basketball star. Little did they expect that what they need was to be around each other in any way they can. College life for Zeke is coming to a close and the NBA draft is just around the corner. His life is basketball and he needs no distractions while Gabby is wanting to live the college life.

Their banter and their playlist will have you LOL with hopes that something more can grow. With the limited time before Zeke is out of school will risking for more be possible?

This series had me fiending for a book centered around Zeke! He was such a quiet and reserved character in the previous novels and I couldn’t wait to see him come out of his shell and share his personality with the world.

Basketball was his sole focus. He had one goal in mind and that was to get to the NBA with no distractions, especially not of the female nature. He spent his college years to himself, hiding up in his room with his headphones on and avoiding most social opportunities. But not even Zeke could hide away from the charm and charisma of Gabby.

Gabby hid within herself for years, afraid of people’s ridicule and judgement about her appearance. Her life was essentially put on hold while she recovered and tried to navigate her new normal. She was marred with scars and no longer saw her true beauty. She missed all of the important experiences of high school and the first 3 years of college. But she didn’t want to hide anymore. She was ready to experience life outside of her home town. With her BFF Blair by her side, she was ready to conquer the college world and finish out her senior year as “normal” as possible. One thing she hadn’t put on her list of wild and crazy collegiate experiences was falling for Zeke Sweets.

This book had so much emotion and heart. Both main characters were unique in their own way. Both had skeletons in their closet, some more apparent than others. The bond they created over their differences and similarities made for an amazing friendship that blossomed into so much more. I loved seeing the softer side of Zeke. Coming out of his hardened shell and experiencing life with spunky little Gabby by his side was incredible. I adored how the story navigated the relationship between these two. It was the best kind of slow burn that really left you satisfied and hopeful.

Zeke and Gaby’s story was everything. It’s fun, cute, sweet, so enjoyable that I couldn’t bring myself to put it down until until I finish it. I love it so much!

The chemistry between them is amazing, that magnetic pull they have toward your each other and the easy way they

Zeke!… Forget about Wes and Joel, if you think they were great, they can’t compare with him. He’s fantastic and I’m so in love with him. He’s so focus on his goal that he forgets everything else around him but Gabby was just what you he needed to make him see he can still have fun and other things without loosing his focus. And as for Gabby she’s Incredible, she’s strong, quirky, an awesome friend, and she has also become my favourite.

It truly was a great book, now I’ll wait for the audiobook version so I can revisit again this wonderful characters. And finally but I’m not less important, I can’t believe wait for Nathan story!!!

4.5 Stars!
Gabby is a 21 yr. old junior in college who has just moved to Valley to attend Valley U. Due to circumstances she’s been a bit sheltered the last few years, so she’s thrilled to now be at Valley University where she can be with her best friend Blair, and have the true college experience she’s been missing out on. She’s even created a college bucket list to guide her way.

Zeke Sweets is graduating in less than two months. He’s so close to all his dreams coming true, and having everything he’s ever wanted. He’s the basketball star at Valley U, and is about to be drafted into the NBA. He’s worked toward this his entire life, and has to focus on his goals, and can’t afford to have any distractions. Then a beautiful girl named Gabby becomes a regular face at the house since her best friend’s are dating jocks. When everyone leaves for spring break they end up being the only two in their friend group on campus.

Zeke is well liked by everyone, but good at keeping people at arm’s length. Then he begins spending time with Gabby, and she gets under his skin. He wants her, but he can’t let himself have her. Their lives are going in different directions, and anything between them could only be temporary, but he can’t deny the connection they share. Soon he’s crazy about her, and in over his head. With an expiration date looming will what’s supposed to be casual fun end in heartbreak?

The Tip-Off by Rebecca Jenshak is the third book in the Smart Jocks series, and can be read as a standalone. It’s a fantastic sports romance with plenty of heart and heat, where the best laid plans can change, and love doesn’t care if the timing is right. This is a new to me author I’m so happy I’ve discovered, and I can’t wait to read more of her books! I’m so excited for Nathan’s story up next!

My two favorite things, books and basketball! What a great read. I’ve waited for this one. I couldn’t wait for Gabby to get her story and Zeke, well it’s hot in here.

These two are absolutely wonderful. She’s funny, sweet and beautiful. He likes to stay to himself and chasing a dream and I love seeing him get it and so much more.

I have fallen in love with this series and can not get enough. So excited to see where we go next with Nathan. Love it!

Zeke Sweets is sweet! Loved this slow-burn romance.

“Wow. The force of a thousand suns. All that intensity focused on me. I was not prepared for it.”

Gabby has hidden herself away for years after an accident that left her scarred for life. Now, she’s finally at university and she plans to do ALL the things during her senior year. She has a bucket list and needs help, and somehow or other, the quiet, serious, Zeke Sweets is helping her tick things off her list.

“I don’t know what it is about her, but when she’s in the room, my palms tingle with anticipation like I’m about to walk out on the floor before a game.”

Zeke is on the cusp of NBA stardom. He’s wholly focused on his future career, which leaves little room for anything else, including relationships. However, there’s something about Gabby and her innocent pleasure in the silly things that hook him in, no matter how hard he fights it. She makes him question whether it’s possible to have a successful career and love, at the same time.

“She’s so f*cking beautiful and innocent and I want to ruin her and worship her all at the same time.”

These two were simply adorable! Gabby is by turns confident and outgoing, but also horribly self-conscious of her physical scars. I thought she was absolutely charming in her joy of the things on her bucket list, and the way she wanted to grab life by the horns. Zeke is strong and quiet but so thoughtful, supportive and indulgent. Their relationship was a slow burn build from friendship to lovers. I loved their connection and how well they gelled together. They were beautiful!
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