❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃

Review: All-Star Love by Stephanie J. Scott

All-Star Love by Stephanie J. Scott combines tennis with reality TV in an engaging contemporary that is set in a tennis academy. With a school scandal, a fake relationship, and a clever main character, this one contains plenty of drama, all of which is amplified by the producers behind the school’s new reality show. I especially enjoyed the way the main character fights to control her own narrative behind the producers’ backs, and her own secret scheming is so entertaining to read about. This is a great book for those looking for something cute with a big helping of drama.

❀ Dramatic Plot Lines

After her uncle steals the Six Lakes Tennis Academy’s tuition money and runs off, Masie’s reputation–and the school’s reputation–are in shambles. However, when the school partners with a new reality show and brings in two new transfer students to participate, there is hope for Six Lakes to stay open and for the students to succeed professionally. Being a reality show, Masie is aware of the dramatic plot lines and misrepresentation The Academy has in store for her future, so she decides to take matters into her own hands by playing up the tension between her friends and fake dating one of the new students. As life at Six Lakes becomes even more chaotic, Masie must fight to save the school while staying true to what is real.

❀ Enjoyable Main Character

Masie is an enjoyable main character, and I liked her voice. She is determined to do the right thing by using the show as an opportunity to save the school and to help her best friend succeed in the world of tennis, and I admired the way she does whatever it takes to support Nia, even pretending to hate her. Throughout the book, several aspects of her life are tested, from her education to her friendships, but Masie stays strong and commits to achieving her goals regardless of backlash from those around her.

❀ Twist on Reality Show Concept

What I especially enjoyed about this book is the twist on the reality show concept. There are several books out there about the ways these programs twist reality, but what is interesting about this one is the way the characters embrace this and use it to their advantage. While the producers are clever and try their hardest to push their predetermined narratives, Masie teams up with Shane to control her own image and get what she wants from the show, and I loved the different layers of manipulation at play in the story. Reading about Masie’s own scheming brings a lot of drama to the book, and I found the behind-the-scenes aspects of the reality show well done.

❀ A Unique Novel

All-Star Love by Stephanie J. Scott is a unique novel about staying true to yourself in an environment where others have their own plans for your story. I loved the blend of tennis with reality TV, and the main character’s cleverness and compassion make her an interesting lead. The twist on the classic reality show concept is especially entertaining, making this a great read for those who are looking for a cute and dramatic read.

About Stephanie J. Scott

Stephanie J. Scott writes young adult and romance about characters who put their passions first. Her debut ALTERATIONS about a fashion-obsessed loner who reinvents herself was a Romance Writers of America RITA® award finalist. She enjoys dance fitness, everything cats, and has a slight obsession with Instagram. A Midwest girl at heart, she resides outside of Chicago with her tech-of-all-trades husband and fuzzy furbabies.

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About The Candid Cover

Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.