
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

A fresh, sexy, steamy, heartfelt modern romance!!! Sara Rider has cemented herself as an author that we need to keep an eye out for. In Rider’s latest sports romance, Keeping Score, Rider immediately grabbed my attention when she wrote a story that had diversity. In today’s world, it is disheartening to see that so many authors doesn’t implement culture and other ethnic backgrounds in their stories. Yes, it is common for readers to read a story with the sexy blonde or brunette. And so when I read the blurb of Rider’s Keeping Score, it was refreshing to finally see that she wrote a love story between an Asian American and a Latino. This alone made this book stand out from other romance novels.

While this book incorporated diversity, Sara Rider also brought forth a sports romance love story that was raw, sweet, playful and emotional. Jamie Chen is a professional woman soccer player, who recently got chosen to be on the cover for a leading sports magazine. Her career should be at it’s peak since she landed this cover deal but Jamie is suffering from severe ankle pains that could destroy and kill her dreams of playing soccer professionally. So when her team’s pro sports physiotherapist, Alex Martinez continues to badgers Jamie on her ankle, Jamie is forced to listen to him. As much as she doesn’t want and tries to avoid Alex and his concerns, it soon forces Alex to do what is necessary for Jamie to listen before her condition gets worse. And in the backdrops of Jamie’s medical concern, Rider beautifully weaves a forbidden love story in the making.
Jamie and Alex are both sexual attracted to one another. They fight. They bicker. They banter. And yet, their chemistry is palpable and tangible. Soon Jamie and Alex find themselves carrying on a secret love affair. They are well aware that they cannot mix business with pleasure. But what happens when Alex knows that there is something seriously wrong with Jamie? Will Alex’s job be in jeopardy when the owner informs him that they want Jamie to be ready for the playoffs? And how will Jamie react when she discovers what is medically wrong with her? Will her dreams of playing professionally be over?
Keeping Score is one of those sports romance reads that takes you by surprise. This book was written in a fresh modern voice that highlights diversity, dreams, sacrifices, love, and new beginnings. So if you are looking for a story where the author did a terrific job in weaving heart and playfulness in such a palpable manner then this book is definitely for you.
