Code of Conduct by Cheyenne Blue

Code of Conduct by Cheyenne Blue

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received an ARC of this book from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

This, my second full length work I’ve read by this author, is a sports story. Mixed in are several other things, like family, aging, and, most importantly, romance.

Genevieve ‘Viva’ Jones is a thirty-two year old professional tennis star from Australia. She’s spent most of her life, all of her adult life, living, and breathing, and consumed with tennis. Certain issues turn up, though, that causes her problems. Namely: professional athletes age rapidly, or, more exact, the ability for their bodies to remain at peak physical performance tends to rapidly lesson as they age. Or, more specifically in this case, Viva has a tendon issue in one of her arms which makes it very painful for her to continue being a professional tennis star. Or continue performing on the top tier, at least.

That’s not exactly how the book opens, though. No, the book opens roughly 2 years earlier with Viva playing in the US Open. Attempting to once again win that specific tournament. But a line judge makes certain calls, good or bad calls, which lead to Viva getting distracted and losing.

Then the book jumps to two years later with Viva diving back to her parents’ pub in Queensland Australia. Along the way she spots a car by the side of the road (actually, partially in the road), and a woman waving. Being that it’s dangerous to leave someone just stuck there like that, Viva stops to help. Gives a lift to her parents’ pub. Strange things happen in life, eh? That stranded woman is none other than that line judge who Viva blames for her losing the US Open. Gabriela . . . um, hmm, the book description doesn’t give her last name.

Gabriela Mendaro is a silver badge umpire. Second highest level umpire. She’s 37 (if I recall correctly), Spanish, and quite determined to follow the rules and regulations of her profession (which includes not getting involved with tennis players), and get to the next level, the gold badge level.

Both characters have point of views in this book.

The book follows Viva as she attempts to figure out if her career is over due to injury; while at the same time following the potential romance involving Gabriela and Viva. Though no romance can occur while Viva is still a player, an active player (to the extent that Gabriela sleeps outside and gets eaten by mosquitos instead of sleeping in Viva’s room on a cot).

One thing leads to another, and Viva finally accepts what several doctors tell her. She’s done. She has to retire. Which she tells Gabriela. So, with a great deal of reluctance on Gabriela’s part, they date.

Oopsie – Viva hadn’t told her agent about her retirement, the agent, informed by other means, sets up a ‘farewell tour’ kind of deal; Viva thinks hard about it and . . . .

The following, what, 75%? of the book follows Viva as she attempts to play in a few more tournaments, while still lusting after Gabriela; and follows Gabriela as she suffers from having been with Viva (professionally suffers), and suffers emotionally from not being with her now.

Main characters: Gabriela and Viva.

Side characters: Viva’s parents (Lindy and . . . whatever the father’s name was) & brother (Jack). Viva’s doubles partner (Michi). Derek (I’m not 100% certain I have his name right), her coach. Viva’s agent also has a few important scenes, but I forget her name now.

Long and short: I rather enjoyed this book and am quite happy I read it.

The romance story line was good and solid – I especially like the part where both parties realize that they might have something special, but don’t immediately assume love. The sports story-line was fun to see unfold.

Rating: 4.5

June 8 2018




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