When the opportunity arises for journalist Tally McKenzie to meet tennis ace Cash Gallagher, she grabs it without hesitation. Desperate for a killer story to advance her career, she’ll have to betray her idol and her own morals into the bargain if she is to succeed.Renowned bad boy Cash wants one thing; to remain at the top of his game. He’s fought hard to get there, and he’s not about to lose … to lose his crown, especially over a woman.
When Cash divulges personal information, Tally seizes her chance and writes an explosive article. Incensed, Cash sets out to get his revenge. Except the darling of centre court gets more than he bargained for—a passionate affair with a woman he should detest.
But Cash is a man with secrets—secrets that could destroy his career. Dare he take the risk? Or is the cost too great, even for his perfect match.
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I can’t believe I’m still raving about this book even though I read it about 18 months again. I just had to reread it again over the weekend. Amazing series.
With the international tennis circuit “serving” as its glamorous backdrop, Winning Ace is the first instalment of the Winning Ace trilogy.
Firstly, can I say what a joy it was to read a novel written by someone who has a comprehensive grasp of the English language. I did not have to correct her grammar once whilst devouring this book.
Secondly, given that this is Tracie Delaney’s debut novel, I was delighted to discover the extent of her creative talent. Her plot construction is excellent, delivering well-rounded, robust characters surrounded by witty dialogue.
Her two main characters, Cash and Tally both experience their respective character arcs. Cash’s on the surface tennis persona is deliciously self-centred and arrogant and it is wonderful to see Tally’s quiet strength emerge into a force to be reckoned with.
“Breakpoint” career decisions, dangerous dark secrets and obsessive stalkers provide the content for a fast paced and often sparkling repartee which evolves between the two main characters. This helps to embed just how much of a suitable “match” these two characters are for one another. And let’s not forget about the electric, decadent, page turning chemistry that is palpable from page 1 and develops into almost a third leading character in its own right.
Tracie has also “lobbed” in some “backspin” by creating a villainess in the sultry Kinga (“40 – love” to Cash and Tally at this “point”). We clearly haven’t seen the last of her (which I am secretly thrilled about because she is so wickedly wrong on every level). There is also the mystery of Gracie to be resolved. Somewhere off page, the seeds have been planted for Cash’s parent(s) and Tally’s mother make an appearance and be the source of further conflict between our two protagonists.
Finally, Winning Ace made me late to sleep at night, early to wake in the morning, late to work the following day and eager to return to it. I was still carrying the story around with me 48 hours after finishing it, and I cant get excited about another book at the moment because I am curious to see where this story goes.
All in all, Tracie Delaney delivers a “championship” debut novel and I cannot wait for book two, Losing Game. Thank you for not making us wait for too long Tracie!
Game, Set & Match to Tracie Delaney!
This is a great story that quickly drew me in and left me wanting more. The characters are complex and are easily to relate with. I enjoyed getting to know them and follow along on their journey. There is a story arch that takes place over three books. I’m very curious to see what happens next.
This is book one in the Winning Ace series and definitely starts the series off on a winning note. The book is well written with strong, defined characters and a great storyline. This book features Cash who is a tennis star and gorgeous to boot and Tally who is an aspiring journalist. It’s her big break with her story about Cash. Media shy and with secrets he wants to conceal he decides to confront her . the story. Lots of twists, surprises, betrayal and suspense make for a great story. The chemistry between them is amazing and be forewarned there is a cliffhanger. I received an arc copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.
That’s exactly how I like my romances! Great plot, awesome writing that captures the reader’s attention without any overdramatic stuff for effects. There was some kind of drama or rather ups and downs but they were more or less the normal kind – as normal as it can get with a tennis star. Anyway, expect to be glued to the pages because this won’t let you off the hook so easily.
Cash and Tally were refreshing characters because they were everyday kind of people – as far as this was possible with him being a famous tennis player – but still, I loved it because he could afford a lot but worked hard and it was more believable and realistic than lots of those billionaire stories I’ve read. Or maybe it was just the writing that was so good, that it felt different and so much better. I wouldn’t have thought that such a ‘simple’ story could be so hooking and addictive. I seriously can’t wait for the next book.
The Story:
He’s mesmerized by her and he doesn’t know why because she isn’t even his type. He likes his women athletic and blonde but she is curvy and has a too big waist and breasts. But she’s a challenge he can’t find himself to pass up on.
She got the chance from her uncle to write an article about tennis star Cash Gallagher but with the press lanyard around her neck, there’s no chance he’ll open up to her as he can’t stand journalists, always seeking their next headlines. So, she does what she shouldn’t do in taking the lanyard off her neck and is in for a nice surprise when Cash takes notice of her.
Let the games begin.
Not only the new situation and foreign feelings because of her being a journalist and the fear she that she could write anything she finds out about him hangs like a shadow over their head, but there’s also his agent Kinga, which screams for trouble.
Thoughts:
Chase was the kind of guy chasing skirts although he didn’t really have to chase them as they already threw themselves at him in great numbers. He never saw himself settling down because he wasn’t the romantic and feely type. So, imagine his shock and surprise when a woman entered his very controlled and structured life and had him all kinds of confused and thinking about her in a way that’s so new and scary to him as he has never thought of any other woman this way before. She was constantly on his mind and concentrating got harder and harder for him especially when she wasn’t around. He did anything to get her because he believed that he could screw her out of his system to get a clear head for his next game. Though he got another think coming.
Tally was a hard-working woman who strived for a career in journalism but when unforeseeable things happened which confused her about the goals she had, her perspective on all that she thought she wanted to achieve got messed up.
I liked that Cash wasn’t untouchable and that he was human enough to have problems and secrets he wasn’t open to share.
It frustrated him the hell out how complicated and not at all pliable she was since he was so used to always be in control. I liked that he didn’t always force his will on her despite how hard it was for him and it was great to see that there were problems to solve and that Tally didn’t drop everything for him in an instant.
They sure had their problems and mostly because of his fame and his closed-offness regarding his family and stuff but it was perfectly written and made me eager to find out more.
Palpable sexual tension, confused feelings, secrets and jealousy ridden problems as well as lots of sweet moments dominate this story. It’s never boring so pick up this great read and enjoy.
Cash and Tally’s romance took me by surprise with how truly compelling it was. The author’s writing style and talent for story-telling pulled me in to the lives of these characters and I was riveted. Cash is arrogant, short tempered, and a playboy, and that suited him fine until Tally threw a wrench into the works. He also has secrets that very few people know about – secrets he won’t even divulge to Tally as the relationship develops. Tally is quite endearing with her insecurities with Cash and his high-profile lifestyle. The character development of this pair was a big part of what makes this tale so captivating as Cash learns to trust his feelings and Tally learns to be more assertive.
The blurb lets us know that this is a continuing story, so I knew that a cliffy was likely and it still got me! I was left with an, ‘Oh, no, it can’t end there!’. But, of course, it did and now I absolutely need to know what happens next for this couple – or are they a couple? Cash’s secrets are yet to be told and from the build-up, they must be big and Tally is stuck between following her heart or her head.
Cash Gallagher is a tennis pro who is used to getting whatever he wants. Including women, he’s never had to experience one telling him no or challenging him the way Tally does.
Tally McKenzie has idolized Cash since she was a kid following his tennis career. Her chance to finally come face to face with him results in her lying about who she is. However, when she publishes her “exclusive” with Cash Gallagher he comes knocking on her door to confront her.
Although Tally has lied to Cash and she has a profession he despises his feelings for her win out. Now he’s just got to work her out of his system so he can get back to being THE Cash Gallagher.
Although this was a good read, I just can’t get past not being able to connect with the characters.
I personally can’t stand heroines who are constantly questioning and doubting how the males feel about them. It gets old having to read constantly about the hero reassuring the heroine.
An emotional train ride through the tennis world. This writer has such a great mastery of designing characters that capture your attention and melt your heart. A definite must read.